How to analyze and grade the neighborhood?

[Jim Elston]

First off I am just getting started in the world of REI. I have to admit I am fascinated by it and my curiosity is coming up with more questions than I have knowledge or answers for.

I see many posts in the forums that mention the neighborhoods people are invested or looking to invest in rated on a graded scale..... this neighborhood is a "B' for example.

How does everyone analyze and what data points are commonly used to come up with and then assign this "grade"??