To determine what will sell, and therefore what kinds of housing to create, Thomas has developed a profile of the buyer. It's a lifestyle choice. There are few children now, but there are parks and play areas on the drawing boards and plans to bring schools closer to the neighborhood, indicating the need for a diversity of housing to permit movement within the neighborhood. The latter are young couples buying their first loft because they want to walk downtown. People don't mind being closer to street level, with all the hustle and bustle and the noise of the streetcar going by.
Real estate follows art.
If you see galleries opening in an area, then it's time to invest.