Get the Skinny on Your Zip Code

One question buyers, especially out of town ones, always ask when we're out looking at property is, "Is this a good area?"

Very fair question. Too bad I can't answer it.

Due to fair housing laws, not to mention general liability issues, agents really can't tell you if neighborhoods are "good" or "bad." Now, you can usually look around and see if you're in Dumpsville or not - cars up on blocks in the front yard, weeds everywhere, the garbage man is too scared to come and get the trash (don't laugh, I've seen it).

But what about if there are no obvious signs?

Try Zip Skinny, a site that provides US Census and data information by zip code. Basic information on a zip includes education levels, marital status, household income, and occupations of the residents. Zip Skinny will also:

• compare info on different zip codes
  
• provide information on schools


• show you a map marking the geographic center of the zip code
  

I looked up my zip, 37919, and found out that over 50% of the residents have at least a BA degree, almost 1/2 have lived in their home for 5 or more years, the median age of residents is 36.8 years, and only 2.1% are unemployed.

Check it out and let me know what you find out about your zip.