11-06-2015, 05:25 PM
(11-06-2015, 04:23 PM)Andy Wrote:(11-06-2015, 02:31 PM)MidTowner Wrote: Out of curiosity, what do you specifically see happening in these neighbourhoods? I know that Cedar Hill is known regionally as being a lower-income area, but I would say both of those areas have a real mix of people, and in both (it seems to me) there are some affluent people already. I wouldn't characterize either neighbourhood as particularly poor, particularly dangerous, particularly rundown. What would "gentrification" in those areas seem like to you?
Cedar hill has a lot of social services in the area. I think having the men's hostel and these services have led to the housing values being cheap for their proximity to downtown. It's got a bad rap, I agree. It's not completely rundown or shady, but a lot of the rental properties aren't completing taken care of. I was trying to convince my wife to buy a house in that area, but it just doesn't feel safe to walk around at night. I think this is bound to change because of the location to downtown. Also Victoria park is within walking distance.
I have walked a lot trough Cedar Hill (only in daytime, mind you!) and I find the neighbourhood to be generally quite tidy and well-maintained. A few mid-rise apartment blocks and House of Friendship on Charles, sure, but I would say 80% or more of the houses are tidy (if not expensive) and well-maintained. If I were looking for a house near downtown, Cedar Hill would certainly make the list for me.