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Aaron Blake

Real Estate Contributor

Aaron Blake is a seasoned real estate analyst with over a decade of experience covering urban development and housing market trends. Before joining City & Local, he contributed to several regional publications, earning accolades for his data-driven reporting on gentrification and affordable housing initiatives. Aaron holds a Master's degree in Urban Planning and is passionate about helping readers understand the complexities of the local real estate landscape. His work aims to provide clear, actionable insights for both homeowners and prospective buyers.

Expertise

real estate market analysisurban planninghousing trendsmortgage ratesproperty valuationlocal economic indicators

Coverage Areas

Real Estate
Neighborhoods
Housing Market Trends

Latest Articles

The exterior of the Lucky Strike Wrigleyville building, a popular entertainment venue near Wrigley Field, now permanently closed.
Real Estate

Lucky Strike Wrigleyville Permanently Closes Its Doors

Despite its prime location just steps from Wrigley Field, the sprawling Lucky Strike bowling alley, arcade, and sports entertainment venue permanently closed its doors on May 29, 2026.

May 30, 2026 · 2 min read

31st Street Beach with a subtle, unnatural sheen on the water under an overcast sky, symbolizing potential water quality concerns.
Real Estate

31st Street Beach swim advisory issued due to high bacteria

Just a day after a swim advisory was issued for 31st Street Beach due to high E.

May 30, 2026 · 3 min read

A happy family enjoying a sunny day in a beautiful, safe neighborhood park with modern amenities and welcoming homes.
Neighborhoods

Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Our City

While Maplewood consistently tops lists for its 9/10 school ratings, its property values have stagnated for three years due to limited park expansion and an aging community center.

May 29, 2026 · 5 min read

A diverse community interacting within a modern mixed-use development, highlighting the blend of residential, commercial, and green spaces.
Neighborhoods

Mixed-use developments boost urban areas, but affordability remains a challenge

One community faces a critical void in essential services.

May 29, 2026 · 3 min read

How H. Recinos Roofing Contractors Handles Emergency Storm Damage Repair in NJ
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How H. Recinos Roofing Contractors Handles Emergency Storm Damage Repair in NJ

After a storm, homeowners in North and Central New Jersey facing roof damage need reliable emergency repair. H. Recinos Roofing Contractors offers owner-supervised, local service, standing out from opportunistic "storm chasers" by ensuring quick, quality repairs and accountability.

May 28, 2026 · 7 min read

How Gresham Roofing and Construction Solves Persistent Roof Leaks for Vancouver, WA Homeowners
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How Gresham Roofing and Construction Solves Persistent Roof Leaks for Vancouver, WA Homeowners

Gresham Roofing and Construction specializes in solving persistent roof leaks for Vancouver, WA homeowners, addressing the unique challenges of the Pacific Northwest climate. They are a third-generation family business known for durable repairs and comprehensive services, including dry rot repair.

May 28, 2026 · 6 min read

The Insider's Guide to Idaho Dog Hiking with Zen Pet Care Services' Group Adventures
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The Insider's Guide to Idaho Dog Hiking with Zen Pet Care Services' Group Adventures

Zen Pet Care Services in Boise transforms pet exercise into a structured wellness program, offering expert-led adventures like trail running and group hikes to combat pet obesity. This service goes beyond casual dog walking to deliver measurable health outcomes for pets.

May 28, 2026 · 7 min read

A 'For Sale' sign in front of a Moscow, Idaho home, with a dramatic sky reflecting the city's housing market challenges and affordability crisis.
Real Estate

Moscow Idaho Housing Market Sees Prices Surge Amid Affordability Crisis

The average listing price in the Moscow, ID metro area surged by over $76,000 in just one month, from March to April 2026, reaching nearly $690,000, according to Fred data .

May 27, 2026 · 3 min read

How Aisle + Away Travel Co.’s Planning Packages Eliminate Overwhelm for Your Dream Caribbean Wedding
Local GuidesSponsored

How Aisle + Away Travel Co.’s Planning Packages Eliminate Overwhelm for Your Dream Caribbean Wedding

Aisle + Away Travel Co. specializes in eliminating overwhelm for couples planning Caribbean and Mexico destination weddings. They offer expert planning services that go beyond traditional travel agents, acting as personal advocates and project managers to orchestrate polished, personalized events.

May 26, 2026 · 7 min read

Why Sophisticated Real Estate Agents Are Switching to BergenRealEstate.com
Real EstateSponsored

Why Sophisticated Real Estate Agents Are Switching to BergenRealEstate.com

In Bergen County's competitive real estate market, sophisticated agents are increasingly switching from national platforms to BergenRealEstate.com. This local platform offers real-time data, deep local expertise, and higher-quality leads, addressing the critical need for speed and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

May 26, 2026 · 5 min read

5 Telltale Signs You Need Window Repair from Cunningham Windows in Maryville (Expert Checklist)
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5 Telltale Signs You Need Window Repair from Cunningham Windows in Maryville (Expert Checklist)

A common home improvement myth suggests window failure always means replacement, but for East Tennessee homeowners, professional repair can save money and preserve home character. Recognizing early signs like drafts or fogged panes is crucial to address issues before they lead to higher bills or damage.

May 25, 2026 · 8 min read

Kaytranada and Monica performing on stage at the Forever Mine Festival, with a large, enthusiastic crowd enjoying the R&B and house music.
Real Estate

Kaytranada and Monica Close Forever Mine Fest with R&B and House

Before performing her headlining set at the inaugural Forever Mine festival, R&B icon Monica shared with the crowd that doctors could do nothing further for her gravely ill father.

May 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Thousands of fans enjoying a Y2K R&B music festival in Union Park, Chicago, under colorful stage lights.
Real Estate

Forever Mine Fest Chicago Brings Y2K R&B Legends to Union Park

Nearly 20,000 fans flocked to Union Park over Memorial Day weekend for the inaugural Forever Mine Festival, proving a massive appetite for 2000s R&B and house music.

May 25, 2026 · 2 min read

More Than a Store: How Loving Stitches Quilt Shop Became Eastern NC's Quilting Community Hub
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More Than a Store: How Loving Stitches Quilt Shop Became Eastern NC's Quilting Community Hub

Loving Stitches Quilt Shop in Fayetteville, NC, has grown from a simple retailer into a central community hub for quilters, offering hands-on guidance and a supportive environment. It provides essential classes and materials that online options cannot fully replace, fostering a thriving local crafting ecosystem.

May 25, 2026 · 5 min read

How Pipe Dreams Farm Helps Families Start Horse Riding Lessons in Rio Oso
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How Pipe Dreams Farm Helps Families Start Horse Riding Lessons in Rio Oso

Pipe Dreams Farm in Rio Oso, California, offers a supportive environment for families seeking horseback riding lessons, training, and other equestrian services. It provides a practical starting point for new riders to learn at a steady pace and build confidence outdoors.

May 25, 2026 · 5 min read

A single American Robin perched on a branch in a Chicago park, symbolizing the decline in bird populations and its impact on the urban ecosystem.
Real Estate

Robin decline impacts Chicago's ecosystem & human well-being

In 2024, the relative abundance of robins in Illinois plummeted to its lowest point since 1984, according to the Chicago Sun-Times and wbez .

May 23, 2026 · 2 min read

The Ultimate Homeowner's Guide to Siding and Roofing with Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island in Warwick, RI
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The Ultimate Homeowner's Guide to Siding and Roofing with Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island in Warwick, RI

Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island offers Warwick homeowners a new standard in roofing and siding, combining local expertise with advanced technology to protect against challenging New England weather. They are certified as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and a CertainTeed 5-star siding contractor, ensuring superior materials and installation.

May 21, 2026 · 7 min read

5 Essential Community Support Programs at The Findley Foundation to Help Rebuild Your Life
CommunitySponsored

5 Essential Community Support Programs at The Findley Foundation to Help Rebuild Your Life

The Findley Foundation in Milwaukee offers an integrated approach to healthcare by addressing underlying social determinants of health. It provides essential services under one roof, treating the whole person rather than isolated ailments through its five core community programs.

May 21, 2026 · 6 min read

How Rich & Grace Orban Simplify The Home Selling Process for Busy Professionals (2026 Guide)
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How Rich & Grace Orban Simplify The Home Selling Process for Busy Professionals (2026 Guide)

Selling a home can be a daunting task, especially for busy professionals with demanding careers. Rich & Grace Orban of Red 1 Realty LLC offer a structured approach designed to simplify the home selling process for clients in Northeast Georgia.

May 21, 2026 · 6 min read

Is Paragraph 2's NRA Instructor Workshop in California the Right Choice for You in 2026?
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Is Paragraph 2's NRA Instructor Workshop in California the Right Choice for You in 2026?

This article explores the path to becoming an NRA-certified firearm instructor in California, emphasizing the importance of choosing a reputable workshop provider like Paragraph 2. It outlines the key steps, from meeting prerequisites to passing qualification exams, to achieve national recognition.

May 20, 2026 · 5 min read