Locale Reports - Advice: How Relocation Specialists Use This Info
Scroll down for detailed advice on using these facts to your advantage and how to work more effectively with a real estate or relocation professional...or download a copy of the report tips:
How to get the most out of MyDreamLocale.com reports
Comparison Reports: a summary of real estate, school and demographics for multiple
communities, Zip Codes, or neighborhoods in select cities. Compare the places you’re interested in:
compare cities or do a cost of living comparison.
In Depth Reports: in-depth demographic statistics and housing cost of living data by community, Zip Code area, or neighborhoods in select cities. The report contains real estate info, population demographics, education statistics, and ethnic heritage information.
Looking for the best neighborhood? You can get reports on neighborhoods in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Philadelphia.
How to use the info in the Comparison Report like a relocation professional.
This report provides overview information for multiple areas on two
key elements of your search:
Residential real estate and
The people who live in the area
The most important components in assessing real estate are:
What is available in your price range
Is the type of residence you want available in a prospective area
What are the factors that could impact future real estate values in the area
Real Estate Overview
Median Value
The Median Value is based on owner reported data from the US Census, adjusted for
average changes in residential real estate values between the 2000 Census and the
current year. The Median Value is provided to give you a benchmark of affordability.
In other words, your target purchase price should be near the median value.
If the Median Value is much lower than your target purchase price,
you are less likely to find neighborhoods that are appealing to you.
If the Median Value is much higher than your target purchase price,
you are less likely to find residences that are appealing to you.
This value is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in
the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties
currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Value – Change since 1990
The percentage change since 1990 is based on owner reported data
from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports. The value reported for 2000 is adjusted for
average changes in residential real estate values between 2000 and the current year.
This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction
of price change in the area. In other words, have real estate values gone up or down,
and if so, by a little or a lot. As with the Median Value, this is not meant to inform
you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the
asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Cost/square foot
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. You can use
the Median Cost/sq. ft. to get an idea of how much floor space you will likely get in an
area for your target purchase price. Here’s an example:
If your target purchase price is $175,000 and the median cost/sq. ft.
is $125, then it’s likely that you will be seeing residences of about 1,400 sq. ft. in
your price range.
The Median Cost/square foot is provided to give you a general indication
of unit costs for residential real estate in an area. Consult with a Realtor(R) or
investigate the asking pricing and corresponding floor space of properties currently for
sale to determine current unit cost levels.
Median Size
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. The Median Size
is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find residences
that meet your size requirements. If the Median Size for the area is much lower than you
require, you might consider other areas that have newer residences—more recently
built residences typically offering more living space.
Please note that because of limitations in Census data, all residences
of approximately 2,000 square feet or greater are categorized together.
Median Age
The Median Age is based on owner reported data from the 2000 US Census. The Median Age
is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find residences
and neighborhoods that offer the characteristics you want. In many cases, residences and
neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time
the area was developed.
Residential Price Distribution
The Residential Price Distribution provides an overview of residential real estate values
for 1990 and 2000, based on owner reported data from the Census. Allows you to assess the
potential for price appreciation (for example, is your target purchase price near the top
of the range of values for an area). Gives you insight into the change in prices from 1990
to 2000, such as whether prices increased across all ranges or only in specific price categories.
Age Ranges for Residential Properties
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by year built. Allows you to assess
whether the residences in the area will offer the characteristics you want. In many cases,
residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles
prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Type of Residences Available
Provides a distribution of residential types for 1990 and 2000. Allows you to assess the
availability of the types of residential real estate appealing to you. Gives you insight
into the evolution of the area from 1990 to 2000, such as whether the distribution of
residential types has remained constant or new construction has been concentrated in one
category. The bar graph provides relative quantities of residences of each type: single
unit detached (individual houses), single unit attached (town homes), small, medium and
large multiple unit dwellings, and other (mobile homes, RVs, and boats). Actual quantities
of residences (based on 2000 data) are displayed above the graph.
Wealth/Economic Recap
Median Income
The median income for residents of the area reported in the 2000 Census and adjusted to
the current year based on the cumulative national average increase. Provides a general
indication of the income level for the area.
Median Income – Change since 1990
The change in Median Income since 1990 is based on data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census
reports, adjusted for average changes in income between the 2000 Census and the current
year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and
direction of income change in the area. In other words, have personal incomes gone up
or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Median Real Estate Taxes
This is based on owner reported data from the 2000 Census. It is not adjusted to estimate
current year amounts. Provides a general indication of the real estate taxes for an area.
Actual property tax assessments are reported in listing data when a residence is offered for sale.
Median Property Tax Rate
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. Provides a
general indication of the real estate tax level for an area. Actual property tax
assessments are reported in listing data when a residence is offered for sale.
Population
Total Population
The number of people in the area counted in the 2000 US Census.
This information is not adjusted to the current year.
Total Population – Change since 1990
This is based on reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, but is not
adjusted to estimate the population for the current year. This value is provided to
give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of population change in
the area. In other words, has the population gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Education
(Summary of Education levels) The High School Graduates category includes everyone
who graduated from High School regardless of whether they are also counted as
Bachelor’s degree holders.
Households
(Distribution of Family and Single Households) Provides insight on opportunities to
socialize with people in the area who are in the same household category. Single:
Single households are those with one person in the household. Family: Family households
includes a householder and one or more other people living in the same household who are
related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Multiple person households
consisting of unrelated people are not included.
Occupation
(Summary of Occupational Categories) Occupations are group based on standard
classifications used by the US Census. Examples of occupational sub-categories included are:
Category: Professional/Executive Sample subcategories: Management, business, and
financial operations; Computer and math; Architecture; Engineering; Sciences; Legal;
Education; Arts; Healthcare.
Category: Sales/Service Sample subcategories: Sales; Healthcare support; Protective
services (police, fire, etc.); Food preparation; Building Maintenance and care;
Personal care.
Category: Blue Collar Sample subcategories: Farming, fishing, and forestry;
Construction; Installation, maintenance, and repair; Production and transportation.
People Moving into the Community
New to area 1995-2000. Moved into area from within the US between 1995 and 2000
(all US territories—including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam—are
considered part of the US). Emigrated to the US from another country between 1995 and 2000.
Age Distribution
Provides an overview of the proportion of people at different life stages:
Children 0-19, Adults 20-29, 30-55, 55+. Offers insight on opportunities to
socialize with people in the area that are in a similar age range.
How to use the info in the In Depth Report like a relocation professional.
This report provides overview information for multiple areas
on two key elements of your search:
Residential real estate
The people who live in the area
The most important components in assessing real estate are:
What is available in your price range
Is the type of residence you want available in a prospective area
What are the factors that could impact future real estate values in the area
Real Estate Overview
Median Value
The Median Value is based on owner reported data from the US Census, adjusted for
average changes in residential real estate values between the 2000 Census and the
current year. The Median Value is provided to give you a benchmark of affordability.
In other words, your target purchase price should be near the median value. If the
Median Value is much lower than your target purchase price, you are less likely to
find neighborhoods that are appealing to you. If the Median Value is much higher than
your target purchase price, you are less likely to find residences that are appealing
to you. This value is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—
consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for
sale to determine current price levels.
Median Value – Change since 1990
The percentage change since 1990 is based on owner reported data from the 1990 and
2000 US Census reports. The value reported for 2000 is adjusted for average changes
in residential real estate values between 2000 and the current year. This value is
provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of price
change in the area. In other words, have real estate values gone up or down, and if
so, by a little or a lot. As with the Median Value, this is not meant to inform you
of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the
asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Cost/square foot
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. You can
use the Median Cost/sq. ft. in two ways. Median Cost/square foot Example:
To determine how much floor space you will likely get in this
area for your target purchase price. If your target purchase price is $175,000
and the median cost/sq. ft. is $125. Then it is likely that you will be seeing
residences of about 1,400 sq. ft. in your price range. To help validate the asking
price of any residence you are considering purchasing. If the median cost/sq. ft.
is $150, and you are looking at a residence with 1,800 sq. ft with an asking price
of $320,000. Then, you should investigate whether the $178 cost/sq. ft. is justified.
The Median Cost/square foot is provided to give you a general
indication of unit costs for residential real estate in the area. Consult with a
Realtor(R) or investigate the asking pricing and corresponding floor space of
properties currently for sale to determine current unit cost levels.
Median Size
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. The Median
Size is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find
residences that meet your size requirements. If the Median Size for the area is much
lower than you require, you might consider other areas that have newer residences—
more recently built residences typically offering more living space.
Please note that because of limitations in Census data, all residences
of approximately 2,000 square feet or greater are categorized together.
Median Age
The Median Age is based on owner reported data from the 2000 US Census. The Median
Age is provided to give you a general indication of whether you’re likely to find
residences and neighborhoods that offer the characteristics you want. In many cases,
residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles
prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Residential Price Distribution
The Residential Price Distribution provides an overview of residential real estate
values for 1990 and 2000, based on owner reported data from the Census. Allows you
to assess the economic diversity of the community (residences in all price ranges,
or concentrated in a few price ranges). Gives you insight into the change in prices
from 1990 to 2000, such as whether prices increased across all ranges or only in
specific price categories. The bar graph provides the relative quantities of residences
in each price band, while the actual quantities are displayed above the graph:
If the actual quantity is small, you may have to wait to find a desirable residence
in that area, or focus your search somewhere else. In general, less than 1% of
residences in an area will likely be for sale in any particular month—of
course, specific circumstances in a particular area could be very different.
Type of Residences Available
Provides a distribution of residential types for 1990 and 2000. Allows you to assess
the availability of the types of residential real estate appealing to you. Gives you
insight into the evolution of the area from 1990 to 2000, such as whether the
distribution of residential types has remained constant or new construction has been
concentrated in one category. The bar graph provides relative quantities of residences
of each type: single unit detached (individual houses), single unit attached (town homes),
small, medium and large multiple unit dwellings, and other (mobile homes, RVs, and boats).
Actual quantities of residences (based on 2000 data) are displayed above the graph.
Premium Real Estate
Provides a distribution of residences valued at over $500,000. If you are in the
market for premium residential real estate, this allows you to determine
availability in the area.
Residential Real Estate Status
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by occupant status. Allows you
to identify areas with a concentration of rental properties if you are seeking
investment properties and to identify areas with high vacancy rates that may
merit further investigation before purchasing.
Age Ranges for Residential Properties
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by year built. Allows you to
assess whether the residences in the area will offer the characteristics you want.
In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and
community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Wealth / Economic Recap
Median Income
The median income for residents of the area reported in the 2000 Census and
adjusted to the current year based on the cumulative national average increase.
Provides a general indication of the income level for the area.
Median Income – Change since 1990
The change in Median Income since 1990 is based on data from the 1990 and 2000
US Census reports, adjusted for average changes in income between the 2000 Census
and the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication
of the magnitude and direction of income change in the area. In other words,
have personal incomes gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Poverty Rate
The portion of households in the area with incomes below the poverty level as
established by the federal government’s official poverty definition.
Provides an additional general indication of the income level for the area.
Median Property Tax Rate
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data.
Provides a general indication of the real estate tax level for the area.
Actual property tax assessments are reported in listing data when a
residence is offered for sale.
Size/Population Density
Total Population
The number of people in the area counted in the 2000 US Census.
This information is not adjusted to the current year.
Total Population – Change since 1990
This is based on reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports,
but is not adjusted to estimate the population for the current year. This value
is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of
population change in the area. In other words, has the population gone up or down,
and if so, by a little or a lot.
Population Density
The number of people per square mile, categorized into High, Medium, and Low.
The categories provide a general indication of potential congestion in the area.
Urbanization Level
The proportion of people living within urbanized areas (e.g., cities) or urban
clusters (i.e., a concentration of people living in a small area), categorized
into High, Moderate, and Low.
Assess the community environment using Population Density and
Urbanization Level together:
Population Density High
Urbanization Level High: Large city environment
Urbanization Level Moderate: Small or medium sized city
Urbanization Level Low: Large suburban community (occurs mostly in Zip Code areas)
Population Density Medium
Urbanization Level High: Suburban environment concentrated in small area
Urbanization Level Moderate: Suburban environment spread over large area
Urbanization Level Low: Suburban environment spread over large area (occurs mostly in Zip Code areas)
Population Density Low
Urbanization Level High: Most/all people living in a town/village situated in a rural area
Urbanization Level Moderate: Mix of people living in a town/village setting and living remotely
Urbanization Level Low: Rural environment without a population center (town/village)
Education
(Summary of Education levels) The High School Graduates category includes everyone
who graduated from High School regardless of whether they are also counted as college
degree holders. Bachelor and Graduate degree holders are counted uniquely, meaning
that the percentage of Bachelor degree holders does not include those who have a
Graduate degree even though Graduate degree holders necessarily have a Bachelor’s
degree as well.
Occupation
(Summary of Occupational Categories) Occupations are group based on standard
classifications used by the US Census. Examples of occupational sub-categories included are:
Category: Professional/Executive Sample subcategories: Management, business,
and financial operations; Computer and math; Architecture; Engineering; Sciences;
Legal; Education; Arts; Healthcare.
Category: Service Sample subcategories: Healthcare support; Protective services
(police, fire, etc.); Food preparation; Building Maintenance and care; Personal care.
Category: Sales Sample subcategories: Sales; Office and administrative support.
Category: Blue Collar Sample subcategories: Farming, fishing, and forestry;
Construction; Installation, maintenance, and repair; Production and transportation.
Households
(Distribution of Family and Single Households) Provides insight on opportunities to
socialize with people in the area who are in the same household category. Single: Single
households are those with one person in the household. Family: Family households includes
a householder and one or more other people living in the same household who are related to
the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Multiple person households consisting of
unrelated people are not included.
People Moving into the Community
Provides insight into migration patterns for the 5 years prior to the last census
(1995-2000). Lived in same residence: did not move between 1995 and 2000. Lived in
same state: moved between 1995 and 2000, but within the same state. Relocated within US:
moved between 1995 and 2000, but lived in the US in 1995. Immigrated to US: moved to the
US from another country between 1995 and 2000 (all US territories—including Puerto Rico,
the US Virgin Islands, and Guam—are considered part of the US).
Age Distribution
Provides an overview of the proportion of people at different life stages.
Children: 0-9, 10-19. Adults: 20-29, 30-55, 55+. Offers insight on opportunities
to socialize with people in the area that are in a similar age range.
Ethnic & Cultural Review
Top 5 Heritage groups (racial, ethnic, cultural)
Top 5 Countries of orign (for people who immigrated)
Top 5 Languages spoken (primary language in household)
Find the Best State to Live
You can narrow down your search using the Comparison Report from MyDreamLocale.com. Decide on the best state to live by reviewing real estate, school data, and demographic statistics on 4 or 8 locales.
Best State to Live … Cities Compare … Cost of Living … City Reports … Demographics Statistics
See How Cities Compare
You can focus your search using the Comparison Report from MyDreamLocale.com. Compare the best cities to live in and review real estate, school data, and demographic statistics for each.
Demographics Statistics … Best State to Live … Cities Compare … Cost of Living … City Reports
Cost of Living
MyDreamLocale.com helps you compare cost of living by providing real estate and demographic statisitcs on housing costs and income levels. The Comparison Report allows you to select 4 or 8 places, Zip Codes or neighborhoods for comparison.
City Reports … Demographics Statistics … Best State to Live … Cities Compare … Cost of Living
City Reports
If you have already begun your search, you may be now looking for city reports on top places to live. The Comparison Report helps you by making it easier to review 4 or 8 locales at once.
Cost of Living … City Reports … Demographics Statistics … Best State to Live … Cities Compare
Demographic Statistics
MyDreamLocale.com helps you find the best place to live by providing relocation information and demographic statisitcs on locales across the US. The In Depth Report allows you to research places, Zip Codes or neighborhoods for insight into which is best for you.
Cities Compare … Cost of Living … City Reports … Demographics Statistics … Best State to Live
MyDreamLocale.com is your source for US demographic statistics and relocating advice. Anywhere in the U.S., whether it’s North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, or Hawaii — you can find the facts you want here.
For Boston, San Francisco, New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles, you can also get neighborhood demographic statistics.
If you are just getting started and want us to match the best places for you, use the Locale Insight SM automated relocation advisor. In 3 steps you can discover the best locations for you.
How to Find Best Places with Locale Insight:
Tell us where you are moving
Indicate your price range
Select a place to match
Locale Insight will automatically compare all communities in the metro area and rank them by how similar they are to your ideal place based on important housing and people characteristics.
Shopping Cart
Home
Locale Reports->