Go beyond questions like "is this a good school district?" or "is this a good neighborhood?" Use MyDreamLocale.com to make an informed decision and be happy where you live.
We help you find the best place to live. Whether you're moving locally or across the U.S. we have tools and information to help you.
As with any important decision, you want unbiased advice. In this case on where to live. Locale Insight matches places for you. Tell us where you're moving, your price range, and pick a community to match (from almost 25,000 places across the U.S.). The Locale Insight data model will automatically find the best communities in your destination area. Unbiased advice on where to look for a new home or residence.
How does Locale Insight work? Sophisticated data modeling to match you with the best places.
Through years of research & analysis, we have identified specific pieces of data about communities that paint a very thorough picture of what the community is like-- and allow us to compare it to any other community in the US for level of similarity.
While our comparison is based largely on Census data, through statistical methods, we combine different data elements to create the unique attributes used in the Locale Insight community search engine. For example, the number of people working in a particular occupation is a data element, but the distribution of all occupations is an attribute composed of many data elements.
When you select a community, and ask us to find others like it in your destination area, we compare it to all communities in the destination area. From that comparison we can automatically determine which places are relatively more similar to your ideal and rank them for you. By using a relative comparison, we can automatically adjust for regional differences across the U.S.
What you get are recommended communities most likely to appeal to you, a greater sense of control over your relocation, and the information you need to work more effectively with your real estate or relocation professional.
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Copyright © 2007 Community Insight LLC. All Rights Reserved
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Relocating in the Information Age - Part 2: Using data to compare potential communities and find the best one for you
How to use the Comparison Report from MyDreamLocale.com
This report provides overview information for multiple areas on three key elements of your search:
1. Residential real estate
2. Schools & Test Scores
3. The people who live in the area
The most important components in assessing real estate are:
* What is available in your price range
* Is the type of residence you want available in a prospective area
* What are the factors that could impact future real estate values in the area
Real Estate Overview
Median Value
The Median Value is based on owner reported data from the US Census, adjusted for average changes in residential real estate values between the 2000 Census and the current year. The Median Value is provided to give you a benchmark of affordability. In other words, your target purchase price should be near the median value.
If the Median Value is much lower than your target purchase price, you are less likely to find neighborhoods that are appealing to you.
If the Median Value is much higher than your target purchase price, you are less likely to find residences that are appealing to you.
This value is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Value – Change since 1990
The percentage change since 1990 is based on owner reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports. The value reported for 2000 is adjusted for average changes in residential real estate values between 2000 and the current year.
This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of price change in the area. In other words, have real estate values gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
As with the Median Value, this is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Cost/square foot
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. You can use the Median Cost/sq. ft. to get an idea of how much floor space you will likely get in an area for your target purchase price. Here’s an example:
If your target purchase price is $175,000 and the median cost/sq. ft. is $125, then it’s likely that you will be seeing residences of about 1,400 sq. ft. in your price range.
The Median Cost/square foot is provided to give you a general indication of unit costs for residential real estate in an area. Consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking pricing and corresponding floor space of properties currently for sale to determine current unit cost levels.
Median Size
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. The Median Size is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find residences that meet your size requirements.
If the Median Size for the area is much lower than you require, you might consider other areas that have newer residences—more recently built residences typically offering more living space.
Please note that because of limitations in Census data, all residences of approximately 2,000 square feet or greater are categorized together.
Median Age
The Median Age is based on owner reported data from the 2000 US Census. The Median Age is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find residences and neighborhoods that offer the characteristics you want.
In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Residential Price Distribution
The Residential Price Distribution provides an overview of residential real estate values for 1990 and 2000, based on owner reported data from the Census. Allows you to assess the potential for price appreciation (for example, is your target purchase price near the top of the range of values for an area).
Gives you insight into the change in prices from 1990 to 2000, such as whether prices increased across all ranges or only in specific price categories.
Age Ranges for Residential Properties
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by year built. Allows you to assess whether the residences in the area will offer the characteristics you want. In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Type of Residences Available
Provides a distribution of residential types for 1990 and 2000. Allows you to assess the availability of the types of residential real estate appealing to you.
Gives you insight into the evolution of the area from 1990 to 2000, such as whether the distribution of residential types has remained constant or new construction has been concentrated in one category.
The bar graph provides relative quantities of residences of each type: single unit detached (individual houses), single unit attached (town homes), small, medium and large multiple unit dwellings, and other (mobile homes, RVs, and boats). Actual quantities of residences (based on 2000 data) are displayed above the graph.
Wealth/Economic Recap
Median Income
The median income for residents of the area reported in the 2000 Census and adjusted to the current year based on the cumulative national average increase. Provides a general indication of the income level for the area.
Median Income – Change since 1990
The change in Median Income since 1990 is based on data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, adjusted for average changes in income between the 2000 Census and the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of income change in the area.
In other words, have personal incomes gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Median Real Estate Taxes
This is based on owner reported data from the 2000 Census. It is not adjusted to estimate current year amounts.
Provides a general indication of the real estate taxes for an area. Actual property tax assessments are reported in listing data when a residence is offered for sale.
Median Property Tax Rate
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. Provides a general indication of the real estate tax level for an area. Actual property tax assessments are reported in listing data when a residence is offered for sale.
Population
Total Population
The number of people in the area counted in the 2000 US Census. This information is not adjusted to the current year.
Total Population – Change since 1990
This is based on reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, but is not adjusted to estimate the population for the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of population change in the area. In other words, has the population gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Education
(Summary of Education levels)
The High School Graduates category includes everyone who graduated from High School regardless of whether they are also counted as Bachelor’s degree holders.
Households
(Distribution of Family and Single Households)
Provides insight on opportunities to socialize with people in the area who are in the same household category.
Single: Single households are those with one person in the household.
Family: Family households includes a householder and one or more other people living in the same household who are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Multiple person households consisting of unrelated people are not included.
Occupation
(Summary of Occupational Categories)
Occupations are group based on standard classifications used by the US Census.
Examples of occupational sub-categories included are:
Category: Professional/Executive Subcategories: Management, business, and financial operations; Computer and math; Architecture; Engineering; Sciences; Legal; Education; Arts; Healthcare.
Category: Sales/Service Subcategories: Sales; Healthcare support; Protective services (police, fire, etc.); Food preparation; Building Maintenance and care; Personal care.
Category: Blue Collar Subcategories: Farming, fishing, and forestry; Construction; Installation, maintenance, and repair; Production and transportation.
People Moving into the Community
New to area 1995-2000. Moved into area from within the US between 1995 and 2000 (all US territories—including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam—are considered part of the US).
Emigrated to the US from another country between 1995 and 2000.
Age Distribution
Provides an overview of the proportion of people at different life stages: Children 0-19, Adults 20-29, 30-55, 55+.
Offers insight on opportunities to socialize with people in the area that are in a similar age range.
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Copyright © 2007 Community Insight LLC All rights reserved.
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How to use the In Depth Report from MyDreamLocale.com
This report provides in-depth information for a single area on four key elements of your search:
1. Residential real estate
2. Schools & Test Scores
3. The demographics of people who live in the area
4. The culture of the area
The most important components in assessing real estate are:
* What is available in your price range
* Is the type of residence you want available in a prospective area
* What are the factors that could impact future real estate values in the area
Real Estate Overview
Median Value
The Median Value is based on owner reported data from the US Census, adjusted for average changes in residential real estate values between the 2000 Census and the current year.
The Median Value is provided to give you a benchmark of affordability. In other words, your target purchase price should be near the median value.
If the Median Value is much lower than your target purchase price, you are less likely to find neighborhoods that are appealing to you.
If the Median Value is much higher than your target purchase price, you are less likely to find residences that are appealing to you.
This value is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Value – Change since 1990
The percentage change since 1990 is based on owner reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports. The value reported for 2000 is adjusted for average changes in residential real estate values between 2000 and the current year.
This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of price change in the area.
In other words, have real estate values gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot. As with the Median Value, this is not meant to inform you of actual current prices in the area—consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking price of properties currently for sale to determine current price levels.
Median Cost/square foot
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. You can use the Median Cost/sq. ft. in two ways.
Median Cost/square foot Example: To determine how much floor space you will likely get in this area for your target purchase price.
If your target purchase price is $175,000 and the median cost/sq. ft. is $125. Then it is likely that you will be seeing residences of about 1,400 sq. ft. in your price range.
To help validate the asking price of any residence you are considering purchasing.
If the median cost/sq. ft. is $150, and you are looking at a residence with 1,800 sq. ft with an asking price of $320,000. Then, you should investigate whether the $178 cost/sq. ft. is justified.
The Median Cost/square foot is provided to give you a general indication of unit costs for residential real estate in the area. Consult with a Realtor(R) or investigate the asking pricing and corresponding floor space of properties currently for sale to determine current unit cost levels.
Median Size
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. The Median Size is provided to give you a general indication of whether you are likely to find residences that meet your size requirements.
If the Median Size for the area is much lower than you require, you might consider other areas that have newer residences—more recently built residences typically offering more living space.
Please note that because of limitations in Census data, all residences of approximately 2,000 square feet or greater are categorized together.
Median Age
The Median Age is based on owner reported data from the 2000 US Census. The Median Age is provided to give you a general indication of whether you’re likely to find residences and neighborhoods that offer the characteristics you want.
In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Residential Price Distribution
The Residential Price Distribution provides an overview of residential real estate values for 1990 and 2000, based on owner reported data from the Census. Allows you to assess the economic diversity of the community (residences in all price ranges, or concentrated in a few price ranges).
Gives you insight into the change in prices from 1990 to 2000, such as whether prices increased across all ranges or only in specific price categories. The bar graph provides the relative quantities of residences in each price band, while the actual quantities are displayed above the graph:
If the actual quantity is small, you may have to wait to find a desirable residence in that area, or focus your search somewhere else. In general, less than 1% of residences in an area will likely be for sale in any particular month—of course, specific circumstances in a particular area could be very different.
Type of Residences Available
Provides a distribution of residential types for 1990 and 2000. Allows you to assess the availability of the types of residential real estate appealing to you.
Gives you insight into the evolution of the area from 1990 to 2000, such as whether the distribution of residential types has remained constant or new construction has been concentrated in one category.
The bar graph provides relative quantities of residences of each type: single unit detached (individual houses), single unit attached (town homes), small, medium and large multiple unit dwellings, and other (mobile homes, RVs, and boats). Actual quantities of residences (based on 2000 data) are displayed above the graph.
Premium Real Estate
Provides a distribution of residences valued at over $500,000. If you are in the market for premium residential real estate, this allows you to determine availability in the area.
Residential Real Estate Status
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by occupant status. Allows you to identify areas with a concentration of rental properties if you are seeking investment properties and to identify areas with high vacancy rates that may merit further investigation before purchasing.
Age Ranges for Residential Properties
Provides a distribution of residential real estate by year built. Allows you to assess whether the residences in the area will offer the characteristics you want. In many cases, residences and neighborhoods reflect the architectural and community planning styles prevalent at the time the area was developed.
Wealth / Economic Recap
Median Income
The median income for residents of the area reported in the 2000 Census and adjusted to the current year based on the cumulative national average increase. Provides a general indication of the income level for the area.
Median Income – Change since 1990
The change in Median Income since 1990 is based on data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, adjusted for average changes in income between the 2000 Census and the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of income change in the area.
In other words, have personal incomes gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Poverty Rate
The portion of households in the area with incomes below the poverty level as established by the federal government’s official poverty definition. Provides an additional general indication of the income level for the area.
Median Property Tax Rate
This is determined by applying a proprietary calculation to Census data. Provides a general indication of the real estate tax level for the area. Actual property tax assessments are reported in listing data when a residence is offered for sale.
Size/Population Density
Total Population
The number of people in the area counted in the 2000 US Census. This information is not adjusted to the current year.
Total Population – Change since 1990
This is based on reported data from the 1990 and 2000 US Census reports, but is not adjusted to estimate the population for the current year. This value is provided to give you a general indication of the magnitude and direction of population change in the area.
In other words, has the population gone up or down, and if so, by a little or a lot.
Population Density
The number of people per square mile, categorized into High, Medium, and Low. The categories provide a general indication of potential congestion in the area.
Urbanization Level
The proportion of people living within urbanized areas (e.g., cities) or urban clusters (i.e., a concentration of people living in a small area), categorized into High, Moderate, and Low.
Assess the community environment using Population Density and Urbanization Level together:
Population Density High, Urbanization Level High: Large city environment
Population Density Medium, Urbanization Level High: Suburban environment concentrated in small area
Population Density Low, Urbanization Level High: Most/all people living in a town/village situated in a rural area
Population Density High, Urbanization Level Moderate: Small or medium sized city
Population Density Medium, Urbanization Level Moderate: Suburban environment spread over large area
Population Density Low, Urbanization Level Moderate: Mix of people living in a town/village setting and living remotely
Population Density High, Urbanization Level Low: Large suburban community (occurs mostly in Zip Code areas)
Population Density Medium, Urbanization Level Low: Suburban environment spread over large area (occurs mostly in Zip Code areas)
Population Density Low, Urbanization Level Low: Rural environment without a population center (town/village)
Education
(Summary of Education levels)
The High School Graduates category includes everyone who graduated from High School regardless of whether they are also counted as college degree holders.
Bachelor and Graduate degree holders are counted uniquely, meaning that the percentage of Bachelor degree holders does not include those who have a Graduate degree even though Graduate degree holders necessarily have a Bachelor’s degree as well.
Occupation
(Summary of Occupational Categories)
Occupations are group based on standard classifications used by the US Census.
Examples of occupational sub-categories included are:
Category: Professional/Executive Subcategories: Management, business, and financial operations; Computer and math; Architecture; Engineering; Sciences; Legal; Education; Arts; Healthcare.
Category: Service Subcategories: Healthcare support; Protective services (police, fire, etc.); Food preparation; Building Maintenance and care; Personal care.
Category: Sales Subcategories: Sales; Office and administrative support.
Category: Blue Collar Subcategories: Farming, fishing, and forestry; Construction; Installation, maintenance, and repair; Production and transportation.
Households
(Distribution of Family and Single Households)
Provides insight on opportunities to socialize with people in the area who are in the same household category.
Single: Single households are those with one person in the household.
Family: Family households includes a householder and one or more other people living in the same household who are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. Multiple person households consisting of unrelated people are not included.
People Moving into the Community
Provides insight into migration patterns for the 5 years prior to the last census (1995-2000).
Lived in same residence: did not move between 1995 and 2000.
Lived in same state: moved between 1995 and 2000, but within the same state.
Relocated within US: moved between 1995 and 2000, but lived in the US in 1995.
Immigrated to US: moved to the US from another country between 1995 and 2000 (all US territories—including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam—are considered part of the US).
Age Distribution
Provides an overview of the proportion of people at different life stages.
Children: 0-9, 10-19.
Adults: 20-29, 30-55, 55+.
Offers insight on opportunities to socialize with people in the area that are in a similar age range.
Ethnic & Cultural Review
Top 5 Heritage groups (racial, ethnic, cultural)
Top 5 Countries of orign (for people who immigrated)
Top 5 Languages spoken (primary language in household)
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Copyright © 2007 Community Insight LLC All rights reserved.
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My Dream Locale: I always dreamed of living in a small town with tree-lined streets where people know your name when you stop into a local business. For you, it may be a city or a farm. Yes, many of us dream of living in some exotic location, but since few of us can afford that, we’ll stay in the realm of the possible.
We’ve created a process to compare places and developed reports to help you find your dream locale. The process, called Local Insight, is simple. For example, say you were moving from the Chicago area to Tampa, FL. Pick a community you know and like in the Chicago area and we’ll rank communities in the Tampa area by how similar they are to the community you like.
We help you find the needle in the haystack. And it only takes minutes. Try describing to real estate agent what you want in a community, then drive around to see if they guessed right—it will take a lot longer than a few minutes. Plus, you can use the recommendations to identify real estate or relocation professionals that know the areas that should be appealing to you.
In addition, you’ll get reports for each community that give you in-depth info on real estate, people, and culture in those communities. This will help you work more effectively with your real estate professional—because you are fully informed.
Post a comment and tell me about your dream locale—and let us help you Find Your Place in the World.
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