I don’t think that values are going to skyrocket like they did a few years ago in Decatur… at least not for a decade or two. However, I think our “intrinsic value” will at least keep home prices relatively stable.

What results is a steady decline in values and the neighborhood until it gets torn down or gentrified. In order to be gentrified it needs to have some kind of intrinsic and/or geographic value to attract pioneers. Inman Park has seen this full cycle.

This dynamic was masked during the past couple of decades of easy money, but will be back in play for the foreseeable future.

The good news is that Decatur’s single family homes have basically been around for generations, and completed the bottoming-out process years and years ago. Decatur is a good housing investment, especially relative to the suburban market, due to location, scarcity, and intrinsic/distinctive value.