Outskirt areas like Harvest and New Market

[David Vander Pol]

Hello,

I wanted to get fellow BP'rs input on some of the more outer rim areas of HSV, like Harvest and New Market, for long term buy&hold, SFH rentals. I know there's been newer dev in these areas, but they're also 15 or so miles out of town. Here in Calif that's not a big deal for a commute into work, but not sure how far of a stretch that is for residents in HSV.

• Do any of you have rentals in these outskirt areas?

• If so, how do they perform?

• Is this still considered HSV proper, where residents don't mind (or even enjoy) living out there and commuting into work?

• Should I be wary of being that far out of town?

• Anything else I should consider?

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all!

-Dave

[Michael Weir]

I own 3 SFH rental properties (own 4 overall) in the Harvest Area. I like the area for a number of reasons:

  - I live in Madison and it is easy for me to get to.

  - Better Schools than some of the Huntsville Schools

  - Lower Crime than some of the areas in Huntsville

I paid between 57k - 70k for my properties and put about another 5k rehabbing them. I currently rent them out between 900 - 950.  You can find better price-to-rent ratios in certain parts of Huntsville. So far tenants have been alright. Only real complaint is that on average they are late 3-6 times a year. 

Harvest is definitely not considered "Huntsville" proper in the sense that you would tell someone that you lived in Huntsville when you lived in Harvest. However, the commute is only about 25 - 30 minutes to research park or Redstone Arsenal (The main centers of employment). Harvest is close to two major roads (255 and 53) that take you right to Research park and the Arsenal. Both flow relatively well during rush hour. I have a number of colleagues who live in Harvest and do not mind the commute. I would not worry about being that far out of town. Also Mazda is opening a plant right next to Harvest.

I do not the know the New Market market very well. If you are looking in New Market I would recommend that you look in Owens Cross Road. Similar distant out, little better schools, a little more desirable area in my opinion.

The only thing you should consider is that the Harvest market has been hot. I have not been seeing the deals that I saw in the past.