Neighborhood Classification Question

[James F.]

Are neighborhood classifications (A, B, C, etc) universal or subjective? In other words, can different entities classify the same neighborhood differently? I’m new to investing and want to know if I can trust someone’s classification of any given neighborhood or should I be skeptical of someone trying to falsely represent a neighborhood?

[Jill F.]

Subjective. Properties and neighborhoods can be graded. In large commercial properties there are some general guides for the classes of properties. I think neighborhood grades are more subjective and depend on what is available in the area. For SFR and small multifamily, it seems like individual investors develop their own criteria for grading both properties and neighborhoods (at least I do)
Here is an example of grading commercial properties
https://www.squarefoot.com/blo...

Here is a super nice map grading Cleveland neighborhoods by @James Wise
https://www.biggerpockets.com/...