In recent months, developers in many large cities have been focused on recreating neighborhoods, frequently described as transitional-neighborhoods. This has become a heavily debated topic in many US cities. Sometimes it’s hard for people to imagine a run-down, boarded up part of town as a place to live, however the commercial developers have already done their research and are two steps ahead of the general public.  The overall demand to live within the city limits, and be near work and entertainment have been key factors in the development process. Developers focus on creating a good mix of retail and condo projects in neighborhoods that border popular business districts. We can look at Dallas for an example. As recent as 8 years ago the neighborhoods that directly bordered Downtown in every direction and Downtown itself were not considered popular residential areas. The development of dallas lofts in Deep Ellum, high-end condos and apartments in Uptown and high rises near the American Airlines Center in Victory Park, completely changed the face of these neighborhoods.

Some people have a hard time imagining themselves in an area that at one time wasn’t the least bit popular, however it could make a great investment opportunity. With the aid of social media and online marketing it is now quicker and easier than ever to give a neighborhood a new feel and look. It’s often hard, unless you’ve successfully used social media yourself, to understand the impact it can have on a local community. First, developers hire marketing companies to create user-friendly, interactive websites that pinpoint all the best “features” of the neighborhood. Just a plan for new shopping, upscale living, and night life is enough for a good marketing company to create a great image for an area. Since transitional neighborhoods typically border areas that are already well established, they can advertise a lower cost of living and convenience to bordering neighborhoods. This is similar to the trend in suburban living. People are willing to give up the ideal location to get more for their money, as long as they’re still “close enough” to the popular area. It’s just the “close enough” that’s changing.

Another tactic that can have a huge impact on the development of a transitional neighborhood is hosting local side-walk events such as art shows, concerts, and flea markets.  Bringing a sense of community to an area is one of the best ways to help the area overcome it’s “transitional” image.  This process can be simplified with the proper use of Social Media. In the years before social media became widely accepted, it was much harder, and more costly to advertise for local events. Back then, you could only spend so much time and money sending out ineffective fliers and mailers. Now marketers have the ability to contact thousands of people at the click of a mouse with Facebook and Twitter campaigns. With the proper use of social media, coupled with a well planned mixed-use development, it’s now faster than ever to recreate the local perception of an area.

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