If I had the money -- a common murmur with me nowadays, but whatever -- I'd look to buy properties on Locust or Walnut between 40 and 50. The change in the neighborhoods is startling -- try, as an experiment, walking north from Baltimore and 45th to, say, Saad's on Walnut and 45th. A lot of the current development is missing these areas. But the properties are as nice as anything else in the neighborhood (particularily Locust St.) and I have a sense that the prices are reasonable.

In particular, I would look at Multi-Unit properties -- I think an influx of people will be coming and a decent multi-unit property in a good location would be a smart investment, as Malloy said. Assuming you're fine with the inevitable hassles of being a landlord.

As for the lunatic who spent almost a million on the house at 41st and Pine, I'm gonna check it out today when I'm out and about, but I seriously doubt that a fair value was paid here. Especially if they have to put another hundred grand into it. Prices *are* generally inflated in this area, especially from 30th to 40th, and when the real estate bubble inevitably pops these folks are going to have a hard time.

It doesn't surprise me that it was a realtor who bought it, only they'd be gullible enough.

tmcgee