Amarillo Neighborhood Questions... (West: rentals, buying a house, neighborhoods)

[mdmagana]

Hi! I currently live in Albuquerque. I'm thinking of buying a house in Amarillo to use a rental for a couple of years, and then possibly to live in myself later on once I'm ready to leave New Mexico.

I've been looking at a neighborhood in Amarillo immediately south of the mall. I believe neighborhood is called Puckett or Puckett West? Specifically the neighborhood I'm looking is directly south of the mall, east of Soncy Rd, and north of W 34th. It seems like a like a pretty decent area and the homes are in my price range. I really like that it's so close to restaurants and shopping.

I would really, really appreciate any input or thoughts that anyone familiar with the area might have. Is the area nice? Stable? Going downhill? Improving? Etc. Being from out of state and not knowing anyone in the area makes it really tough for me to judge. Also, does anyone have a ballpark "guesstimates" as to what homes in this area could rent for?

Thanks so much for any help and information!

[losttechnician]

Can't give you more than hearsay info. The wife's cousin used to own a home (and live in it) in that very neighborhood, selling it several years ago to move out of the city. She claims the neighborhood was heading downhill, but it looks the same to me now as it did when she lived there. Matter of fact, was talking about this very subject today while driving past it.

Not much help there, I know.

[budrn]

I've lived here all my life. This is indeed Puckett West. The homes were built in the 70's and 80's primarily. As newer neighborhoods have come along the neighborhood has aged with some homes now being rentals. As anywhere, upkeep depends on the owners. I would say this is still a desirable place to live, not at all rough, and generally well kept. Most homes are 1500-2000 sq. ft. and I would expect rentals in the $1100-$1400 range. Traffic on the main arteries surrounding the area can be difficult.

[mdmagana]

Originally Posted by budrn

I've lived here all my life. This is indeed Puckett West. The homes were built in the 70's and 80's primarily. As newer neighborhoods have come along the neighborhood has aged with some homes now being rentals. As anywhere, upkeep depends on the owners. I would say this is still a desirable place to live, not at all rough, and generally well kept. Most homes are 1500-2000 sq. ft. and I would expect rentals in the $1100-$1400 range. Traffic on the main arteries surrounding the area can be difficult.

Thank you very much for your input!