GayRealEstate USA

LGBT Zipcodes -- A Closer Look -- Alabama

By Jeff Adolph

Record Sales

Birmingham, Alabama, one of GayRealEstate USA's gayest American zipcodes, is home to a housing development that many refer to as the 'hottest' selling new home community in the area.

Ross Bridge is diverse, with a huge selection of homes built by the finest builders know of today, and all are reasonably priced considering the spectacular amenities and lifestyle that accompany the homes.

The community has homes priced from the mid $200,000's to over $1 million, and Ross Bridge has some of the best amenities, such as Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, Ross Park, pool and clubhouse with magnificent walking trails. The community also has a beautiful center with entertainment, shopping, restaurants and services. In fact, this community is a fully serviced American resort town that is perfect for families, single couples or those considering retirement.

For more information please visit: http://www.rossbridge.com

Main Story Source: PRWeb (2008) Ross Bridge Sells 500 Homes in 31 Months; available on-line at www.prweb.com

Picture Source: www.rossbridge.com

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By Jeff Adolph

Record Sales

Birmingham, Alabama, one of GayRealEstate USA's gayest American zipcodes, is home to a housing development that many refer to as the 'hottest' selling new home community in the area.

Ross Bridge is diverse, with a huge selection of homes built by the finest builders know of today, and all are reasonably priced considering the spectacular amenities and lifestyle that accompany the homes.

The community has homes priced from the mid $200,000's to over $1 million, and Ross Bridge has some of the best amenities, such as Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, Ross Park, pool and clubhouse with magnificent walking trails. The community also has a beautiful center with entertainment, shopping, restaurants and services. In fact, this community is a fully serviced American resort town that is perfect for families, single couples or those considering retirement.

For more information please visit: http://www.rossbridge.com

Main Story Source: PRWeb (2008) Ross Bridge Sells 500 Homes in 31 Months; available on-line at www.prweb.com

Picture Source: www.rossbridge.com

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LGBT Zipcodes -- A Closer Look -- Memphis, Tennessee & Birmingham, Alabama

By Jeff Adolph

Park Side Living

With environmental issues on everyones agenda, Smart Growth America, a national green space coalition is looking to develop more parkland's like New York's 843 acre Central Park.

"We grew so rapidly in the '80s & '90s in the rate we were consuming land, people did become alarmed, says David Goldberg, spokesman for Smart Growth America. This desire for parkland and capitalizing on natural assets is really taking hold."

The bonuses associated with park side real estate are:

1. Increased property value and demand;
2. Parkland's ease environmental concerns; and
3. Greenbelts provide an attractive and healthy environment.

Parks that are in progress in LGBT areas are:

Tennessee -- 4,500 acre Shelby Farms in Memphis, which is said to be a representation of a park in the 21st Century. The former prison farm will comprise of approximately 2,250 acres of parks and three residential areas.

Alabama -- U.S Steel sold a 1,100 acre site at Red Mountain in Birmingham for $7 million to park developers when it was estimated to be worth $16 million. the park will have 18 miles of trails and fishing ponds. 

Main Story Source: Nasser, Haya El (2008) Huge Parks Follow Demand for More Green Space; available online at www.usatoday.com

Picture Source: Microsoft Online

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LGBT Zipcodes -- A Closer Look -- Birmingham, Alabama

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Residential Real Estate

Birmingham developers are focusing on lakeside development during 2008 it seems, and these are making excellent holiday, retirement or investment prospects for those who are looking for luxury living.

According to the National Realtors Association almost a third of homes purchased today are for vacation or investment purposes.

The first development will be situated on Lake Martin and is expected to cost in excess of US$24 million. This lake front development will be located near Alexander City and expected to cater to affluent buyers with homes priced at over US$750,000 each.

The second lakeside development i situated at Lake Tuscaloosa and is expected to cost in excess of US$34 million. This development will consist of 55 cottage styled residences and is located on prime waterfront land near the University of Alabama. 

Alabama Realty Facts & Figures: The first quarter of 2008 has seen an increase in housing affordability within this state with an index increase of almost 10%. Additionally, home sales in this state have jumped by 11% during March of 2008 --

Main Story Source: Cooper, Lauren (2008) Lake Martin to get More Upscale Homes; available online at www.bizjournals.com and Hawk, Matt (2008) Lake Side Luxury; available online at http://www.tuscaloosanews.com 

Picture Source: www.bizjournals.com and www.tuscaloosanews.com

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By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Residential Real Estate

Birmingham developers are focusing on lakeside development during 2008 it seems, and these are making excellent holiday, retirement or investment prospects for those who are looking for luxury living.

According to the National Realtors Association almost a third of homes purchased today are for vacation or investment purposes.

The first development will be situated on Lake Martin and is expected to cost in excess of US$24 million. This lake front development will be located near Alexander City and expected to cater to affluent buyers with homes priced at over US$750,000 each.

The second lakeside development i situated at Lake Tuscaloosa and is expected to cost in excess of US$34 million. This development will consist of 55 cottage styled residences and is located on prime waterfront land near the University of Alabama. 

Alabama Realty Facts & Figures: The first quarter of 2008 has seen an increase in housing affordability within this state with an index increase of almost 10%. Additionally, home sales in this state have jumped by 11% during March of 2008 --

Main Story Source: Cooper, Lauren (2008) Lake Martin to get More Upscale Homes; available online at www.bizjournals.com and Hawk, Matt (2008) Lake Side Luxury; available online at http://www.tuscaloosanews.com 

Picture Source: www.bizjournals.com and www.tuscaloosanews.com

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Around the Nation: Residential Real Estate Update - Alabama

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state Update

This is the first of many articles that will focus on a state-by-state update of the current real estate conditions and trends for residential buyers and sellers.

It is hoped that by knowing your local and national market you and your loved ones will be able to make sound real estate investments and choices, as well as understand how current conditions are effecting homes prices and re-sale values in each state and across the nation.

Overall, these articles will offer you insight and a positive outlook on your real estate investments now and in the future.

Alabama

Madison, Alabama -- Madison County

The current market in this locality is said to have buyer and sellers on equal standing with property values increasing in value. At the date of publication, the average price for homes in this area was around the $175,000 mark, which is an increase of 5-10% over last years prices.

Sellers are getting 95-100% of their asking price with homes sitting on the market for approximately 60-90 days. The area of greatest activity is single-family homes with multiple offers being placed.

Huntsville, Alabama -- Madison County

Huntsville has appreciated in value by up to 5% when compared to last years prices, with sales values in the area remaining stable. The average home price is hovering around the $170,000 - $180,000 mark, and the time spent on the market is approximately 70 days.

The area of greatest activity is repeat buyers suggesting that investment opportunities are to be had in this region. This may be attributed to recent job growth in the area. Buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price and there is a good supply of all homes within all price ranges.

LGBT Regional Facts: Alabama has an estimated population of 4,447,100 and is the 23rd largest state in America. There are approximately 8,109 same-sex couples residing in this state making up .36% of the population. Therefore, Alabama ranks as the 30th most gayest state in the nation. The gayest zip codes in Alabama by population are 35222, 35205, 35212, 35207 -- Birmingham. -- gaypopulation.org

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Around the State; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: iz.carnegiemnh.org and ourfamilyadventure.com

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Have Your Say On the LGBT Political Front - August 19th 2007

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

In a national first, the Democrats are challenging the Republicans by staging a debate that is dedicated to the LGBT community and will answer many of the issues facing Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual's and the Transgendered across the nation.

The leading candidates for the Democratic  nomination for presidency will actively involve themselves in this debate on August the 9th, which is being telecast by LOGO, a gay cable network. Alternatively, you may view proceedings on http://www.logoonline.com/ if you are unable to access the network.

Participants in the debate will include Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (pictured above), with the moderators being singer Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign's president.

If you would like to actively participate by lodging questions for the candidates to answer you may do so by logging on to LOGOonline.com as well as on HRC.org.

Source: Demorcrats to Hold Gay Debate (2007) available online at www.wweek.com

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Fortuitous Alabama

By Jeff Adolph

State Update

Alabama it seems is constantly the target of many a negative article of late, with the state seeming to either rank last in anything favorable or first in anything that is not. Therefore, as far as self-esteem goes this part of the United States has one of the lowest in the nation, and this is never a good thing.

However, my philosophy is that no one state could possibly have so little going for it, in fact, when we really get down to business and look at some statistical data relating to the state we discover that the opposite is true, that Alabama has much to cheer about all of which is extremely positive.

Statistically speaking, Alabama has:

1. Low state and local taxes - in fact, Alabama ranks the lowest in the US  in this regard.
2. On the home appreciation front - Alabama saw a 8.1% rise in 2006, which was 2.23% higher than the national average of 5.87%.
3. Alabama is in the top 10 American states to have a high number of older and retiring gay couples within its population meaning it lends itself to diversity as well as offers security.
4. The Southern Business and Development Magazine has named Alabama state of the year for four consecutive years.
5. The unemployment rate of Alabama is the 9th lowest in the United States at 3.3%.

For more statistical enlightenment on the state of Alabama or any other state for that matter, please visit http://www.statemaster.com, and remember it is always better to think of your glass as half full rather than half empty because we all enjoy a glass of our favorite at some time or another.

Source and Images: http://www.statemaster.com (2007); and www.lib.utexas.edu and www.voiceofusa.com

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© 2006+ Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

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By Jeff Adolph

State Update

Alabama it seems is constantly the target of many a negative article of late, with the state seeming to either rank last in anything favorable or first in anything that is not. Therefore, as far as self-esteem goes this part of the United States has one of the lowest in the nation, and this is never a good thing.

However, my philosophy is that no one state could possibly have so little going for it, in fact, when we really get down to business and look at some statistical data relating to the state we discover that the opposite is true, that Alabama has much to cheer about all of which is extremely positive.

Statistically speaking, Alabama has:

1. Low state and local taxes - in fact, Alabama ranks the lowest in the US  in this regard.
2. On the home appreciation front - Alabama saw a 8.1% rise in 2006, which was 2.23% higher than the national average of 5.87%.
3. Alabama is in the top 10 American states to have a high number of older and retiring gay couples within its population meaning it lends itself to diversity as well as offers security.
4. The Southern Business and Development Magazine has named Alabama state of the year for four consecutive years.
5. The unemployment rate of Alabama is the 9th lowest in the United States at 3.3%.

For more statistical enlightenment on the state of Alabama or any other state for that matter, please visit http://www.statemaster.com, and remember it is always better to think of your glass as half full rather than half empty because we all enjoy a glass of our favorite at some time or another.

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By Jeff Adolph

Real Growth

Northport is growing faster than the area can contend with as a sea of roof-tops stretch out as far as the eye can see, school’s become overcrowded, utilities struggle to cope and the city’s resources are depleted.

In fact, some eight subdivisions are being built as we speak, which are expected to contain some 2,000 homes in the area. Presently, the population is just over the 14,000 mark and expected to reach over 26,000 by the year 2015.

Engineer Richard Powell said, ‘I’ve been here eleven years and the growth then wasn’t anything like it is now.’

A local real estate agent added, ‘On average there are about 1500 homes for sale each month in Tuscaloosa County and of those homes about 500 are new construction.’

To help ease the burden city planning is constructing new roads along with several schools, additional resources and larger utility complexes.

As Powell added, ‘the opening of Rose Boulevard last year has already helped ease some of the congestion.’

John Merrill the County School System said, ‘ the County Board Of Education will soon begin construction on a new Northport Elementary School, with a middle school planned for the future.’

The area’s growth is attributed to the peaceful ambience of the locality and its close proximity to Tuscaloosa, which is attracting a diversity of population from the young to the old, and the straight to the gay.

While Northport seems congested at present the city’s planners are taking it all in their stride and growing with population.

Source: Seabol, L (2006) As Population Rises, Northport Prepares for Growing Pains: available online at http://www.tuscaloosanews.com

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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA

With Growth Comes Congestion

By Jeff Adolph

Real Growth

Northport is growing faster than the area can contend with as a sea of roof-tops stretch out as far as the eye can see, school’s become overcrowded, utilities struggle to cope and the city’s resources are depleted.

In fact, some eight subdivisions are being built as we speak, which are expected to contain some 2,000 homes in the area. Presently, the population is just over the 14,000 mark and expected to reach over 26,000 by the year 2015.

Engineer Richard Powell said, ‘I’ve been here eleven years and the growth then wasn’t anything like it is now.’

A local real estate agent added, ‘On average there are about 1500 homes for sale each month in Tuscaloosa County and of those homes about 500 are new construction.’

To help ease the burden city planning is constructing new roads along with several schools, additional resources and larger utility complexes.

As Powell added, ‘the opening of Rose Boulevard last year has already helped ease some of the congestion.’

John Merrill the County School System said, ‘ the County Board Of Education will soon begin construction on a new Northport Elementary School, with a middle school planned for the future.’

The area’s growth is attributed to the peaceful ambience of the locality and its close proximity to Tuscaloosa, which is attracting a diversity of population from the young to the old, and the straight to the gay.

While Northport seems congested at present the city’s planners are taking it all in their stride and growing with population.

Source: Seabol, L (2006) As Population Rises, Northport Prepares for Growing Pains: available online at http://www.tuscaloosanews.com

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Do you feel population growth is a good or bad thing and why?

Click on Comments below to share your ideas…

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© 2006 Jeff Adolph GayRealEstate USA