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Updated about 8 years ago on . Most recent reply
Voting Chicago or Cleveland
Hi Guys, I am wondering, if you have to decide on investing between two cities, which one would YOU choose... Chicago or Cleveland?
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![Ben Leybovich's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/115170/1621417601-avatar-justaskbenwhy.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/cover=128x128&v=2)
Just wondering - do you want to make money, or not? haha
I talked to a friend literally 3 days ago. He said living in Chicago is becoming affordable. Apparently, since he's been in office Rahm Emanuel, in his infinite wisdom, has hiked taxes to a tune of 80%. At the same time, price inflation is here, according to my friend. Population decline of 6%-8% since 2,000, depending on how you count, is part and parcel with the above-mentioned. Last I checked, when playing REI it helps when A: there are people, and B: they can afford ****...
Cleveland is even worse at 16% population decline since 2,000. Think about this - 16 out of 100 people have chosen to get the hell out in the last 15 years, while you're thinking about going in...cause property is cheap hahaha
You can play in these markets, but you can't afford management, meaning you MUST BE LOCAL. If you are - OK. But, I would look at B Class property in either Columbus OH, or Indianapolis IN. Those are the only two markets in the midwest that I can recommend, and you still have to be very, very careful.
Good Luck!