Good news, gang. Today we discovered Trulia Trends, a blog bringing humor and insight to the normally dull world of real estate.
As we’ve written before, we were inspired to write this blog by the example of OKTrends, the now defunct blog of OKCupid that used their data to write fascinating posts on the world of sex and dating.
We don’t have millions of users answering intimate questions about their love life. Instead, we’ve made do with data about used cars and bikes. Trulia Trends has admirably followed OKCupid’s example with real estate data. For that, we salute them, and present a few great posts. Enjoy!
1) Looking for Love in all the Right Places
In honor of Valentine’s day, Trulia analyzed 2010 census data to discover which zip codes have the most lopsided ratios of single men to single women (and vice-versa), thus offering the best odds of meeting someone special. Interestingly, they also found large disparities in the singles ratio between neighborhoods. Meaning? If you’re looking for love (or something a bit less out of a romantic comedy), choose the right neighborhood before you hit the bars.
2) Real Estate Lab Listing Words: The Good, Bad, and Hyperlocal
An analysis of the phrases most commonly found in the most expensive real estate listings (think “parlor floor” or “magnificent estate”) and the cheapest listings (how would you respond to the phrase “mold-like substance”?). They also cover the phrases “10x more likely to appear in listings in a particular metro area than nationally.” The results? In San Francisco, predictably, “Whole Foods.” In West Palm Beach, (unpredictably?), “roman tub.”
Why is all of West Palm Beach obsessed with having one of these in their house?
3) Why Do People Leave California?
Trulia makes the case that it’s the housing market, stupid.
4) Not All Neighborhoods are Created Equal (SF Edition)
Do you aspire, like Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby, to live alongside the rich, comforted by the “consoling proximity of millionaires”? Even if you don’t, this post on which pricy neighborhoods also have real estate at modest rates is worth a read.
A “reasonably” priced apartment near Billionaire’s Row in San Francisco.
5) It’s Peak Season for Housing Somewhere
Ever wondered when it will be easiest to find an open apartment? We have. Trulia investigates and finds the peak market for apartment hunting in each state is surprisingly weather-driven.
This post was written by Alex Mayyasi. Follow him on Twitter here or Google.