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.
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Latest Articles
How to Choose a Neighborhood That Fits Your Lifestyle: A Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right neighborhood is a critical step in home-buying or renting, impacting your daily life and well-being. This guide provides a structured approach to identify key factors for your long-term happiness and financial goals.
Apr 7, 2026 · 9 min read
Austin's Housing Boom: How a 30% Supply Surge Is Reversing Rental Growth
The latest housing market trends in Austin reveal a dramatic reversal, as a 30% surge in housing supply from 2015 to 2024 has caused a decade of runaway rental growth to grind to a halt.
Apr 5, 2026 · 7 min read
How Local Property Taxes Work: An Assessment and Calculation Guide
Understand the complex process behind your annual property tax bill. This guide explains how local governments assess property value, calculate tax rates, and collect payments.
Apr 5, 2026 · 9 min read
How to Create and Manage a Historic Preservation District: A Complete Guide
Historic preservation districts help communities maintain their unique character and protect architectural heritage. Understanding how these districts are established and managed is crucial for homeowners and developers.
Apr 4, 2026 · 7 min read
How Community Land Trusts Work: A Complete Guide to Affordable Homeownership
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) offer a unique path to affordable homeownership by allowing you to purchase a house without buying the land it sits on. This nonprofit model helps reduce costs and preserves housing affordability for future generations.
Apr 3, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Understand Local Zoning Laws: A Complete Guide
Local zoning laws are the invisible framework shaping our cities, dictating everything from building height to home-based businesses. This guide explains what they are, outlines the process, and highlights common mistakes to avoid.
Apr 3, 2026 · 8 min read
Front Range Passenger Rail Identifies Top Fort Collins Station Choice
The Front Range Passenger Rail District has identified Drake Station as the preferred site for its Fort Collins station, a crucial step towards launching starter service by 2029. This development marks a tangible move forward for regional travel.
Apr 3, 2026 · 5 min read
The Remote Work Shift: What It Means for Our City's Rental Market
The widespread adoption of remote work has fundamentally realigned where we live, work, and pay for housing, profoundly impacting our city's rental market. This shift is driving new migration patterns, volatile rental prices, and a structural change in real estate development.
Apr 3, 2026 · 9 min read
Top 5 Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods for First-Time Homebuyers in Oakmont
Looking for your first home in Oakmont? This guide ranks the top 5 neighborhoods based on affordability, growth potential, and community amenities, helping you navigate the market with confidence.
Apr 2, 2026 · 7 min read
Property Deed vs. Title: A Homeowner's Guide to Understanding Ownership
Understand the fundamental difference between a property deed and a title. This guide explains what each term means and why it's crucial for protecting your homeownership rights.
Apr 2, 2026 · 7 min read
To Neglect Our Libraries Is to Neglect Our Future: A Case for Investment
Public libraries are not relics but essential infrastructure for education, community development, and digital equity. Increased investment in these institutions is a fundamental necessity for a thriving community.
Apr 1, 2026 · 5 min read
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes: A Homeowner's Guide
Understanding how to appeal property taxes is crucial for homeowners facing high bills. This guide provides a step-by-step process to challenge your property's assessed value effectively.
Apr 1, 2026 · 8 min read
How Remote Work Affects Housing Demand and Property Values Across Markets
The rise of remote work is fundamentally rebalancing real estate markets. A reported 5% home value drop in Dallas-Fort Worth and a residential building boom in Pittsburgh reveal how this trend is depressing commercial demand while shifting housing growth to new areas.
Apr 1, 2026 · 6 min read
Midwest Housing Market Trends: A Deep Dive into Our Region's Affordability
The Midwest housing market offers a striking contrast to national trends, defined by stability, accessibility, and manageable growth. This region presents unique opportunities for buyers and sellers seeking affordability.
Mar 30, 2026 · 7 min read
Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Maple Creek for Families with Young Children
Looking for the best neighborhoods in Maple Creek for families with young children? This guide breaks down the top five picks, evaluating them on school quality, parks, safety, and local amenities.
Mar 30, 2026 · 7 min read
What Is Gentrification? A Guide to Its Causes, Effects, and Solutions in Urban Areas
Gentrification is a complex process of neighborhood change, bringing both new investment and significant challenges for long-term residents. This guide explores its causes, effects, and potential solutions in urban areas.
Mar 30, 2026 · 11 min read
The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Our City for Young Professionals in 2026
This guide ranks the top 7 neighborhoods in our city for young professionals in 2026, evaluating them on affordability, commute, and lifestyle. Find your ideal spot for career growth and urban living.
Mar 30, 2026 · 7 min read
How Property Taxes Are Calculated in Our City — A Complete Guide to the Appeal Process
Understanding your property tax assessment can be complex, but homeowners have a clear path to appeal if they believe their valuation is incorrect. This guide breaks down the calculation and appeal process.
Mar 30, 2026 · 9 min read
New Surveys Rank Charlotte's Top-Rated Neighborhoods, Citing Brookhill and Dilworth
New survey results from multiple organizations identify Charlotte's top-rated neighborhoods, with Brookhill and Dilworth leading the lists. These rankings offer a comprehensive snapshot of resident priorities and market health.
Mar 30, 2026 · 7 min read