How can you tell that an area is starting to improve or that its slowly becoming a more affluent community? Some people joke that when you see a Starbucks and a Borders go in, that's when you know that everything is picking up. Specifically, I am referring to the area around Cliveden, West Johnson Street, G-Town Avenue (where it intersects Johnson Street), etc. That area seems to still be in flux. Its nice on the westside of G-Town Ave but crossing over to the eastside is like walking into an entirely different community.

Does anyone here know if more business are looking to move into the area? What about realtors checking out more property in the area?

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“Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on.”
- Henry Rollins

Look for dumpsters, which either indicate teardowns or, more likely, renovations / major repairs. Also, look for an inconsistency in the condition of the properties, with some being in remarkably good shape with recently done quality work, and others looking as if they haven't seen a drop of paint in 30 years. Flowers and trees are also a sure sign. The fancy chain stores only show up much later in the process and are more of a reaction to than a cause of the process.

Keep in mind that you are looking at a snapshot and trying to discern a trend, a process. It is useful if you study it over time and can note trend lines, but even snapshots can give you some temporal clues.

Billy's right.

Restaurants are often more of a development leader in a commercial corridors of gentrifying communities; think McMenimans, or any number of places in the CC and near neighborhoods. You will see start-up independent coffee shops (Infusion) before you see a national retailer. The Johnson/Gtwon section will neve attract a national retailer; not enough drive by or foot traffic. The commercial development has been slowly sneaking down Gtown avenue. Johnson street is probably the next spot for an enterprising local with a business idea.

Well, I sure hope so. It would be awesome to be on the ground floor of an improving community for once in my life.

__________________
“Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on.”
- Henry Rollins