Population Growth in Cleveland and Pittsburgh

[David Olson]

So I have a question I would like to ask regarding population growth and it's impact on the Cleveland and Pittsburgh markets for 2-4 unit properties. According to USA.com, both of these cities have had a well below avg growth rate vs the national avg of 11.61%. Only a few suburbs within a 15 mile radius even meet or exceed the national avg of 11.61%. Has anyone seen a decline in the rental markets or found it hard to keep units fully occupied in these areas? 

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Population Growth Rate Rank of City within 15 miles of Cleveland, OH with population more than 2,000

Population Growth Rate Rank of City within 15 miles of Pittsburgh, PA with population more than 2,000

[Anthony Angotti]

@David Olson depends on the submarket of Pittsburgh, but I have good luck as long as my units are clean and well maintained. There are lots of old houses so it's not hard to stand out in most neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. My effective vacancy rate on my own rentals is 2-4% because I start marketing properties before the current tenants leave. I invest in Brookline, Beechview, and Dormont. C-B+ type neighborhoods.