Thoughts on Pine Bluff, AR? Budding market or lost cause?

[Sam Katz]

Often touted as one of the worst places to live in the United States, Pine Bluff, AR seems to be undergoing a bit of a renaissance.

Does anyone with intimate knowledge of this market care to comment? KPI's and economic indicators are tough to go by as much of the growth is speculative / based in initiatives. Thus, looking for some insight beyond the numbers - i.e., from someone with an ear to the ground.

Thank you in advance, and look forward to discussing with you all!

Cheers,

Sam

[Reg H.]

@Sam Katz Pine Bluff is trying to undergo a bit of a renaissance, however, it remains to be seen what the end result will be. There is HBCU and a junior college in the city. However there is not a vibrant industry to keep graduates in the city. Many residents have left the city during the past 20+ years too. The one thing that won’t change is people will ALWAYS need a place to stay. There are signs of hope, fairly new city, growth within the local poultry plant, a drive to revitalize downtown are indicators things could change for the better. My spouse and I have bought several houses, rehabbed them completely and worked with a local PM company for tenants. There are definitely pockets of town that are undesirable as there is in EVERY city. You WILL NOT experience tremendous margin growth in flipping but there are many opportunities for buy and hold investors. Beware of unscrupulous Contractors. There are some that will bait you in and try to churn every dime out of you without providing the level of service you require. I say proceed with caution. Get all expectations in writing. Begin with the end in mind in mind and you will be fine.