Generally speaking, people do not just walk away from property unless they have a very good reason, and that reason is generally that they can not afford to pay the mortgage or taxes any longer.  But someone owns the property and that is probably the bank who is commencing foreclosure proceedings.  But regardless you can not just pick a property and move in. You would be trespassing.  Becoming a squatter has many legal ramifications.  Additionally, the house is generally without heat or electricity and can be very dangerous to be in, especially in the Winter.  Consider other options, maybe possibly purchasing one of the houses to help clean up the neighborhood.