Real Estate in the Lealman Neighborhood in Pinellas County, Florida

The neighborhood "Lealman" is an un-annexed area in Pinellas County Florida. I will be disclosing my opinions about the real estate market here (which is not good), the annexation issues (which are not good), and the crime situation (which is not good).

The real estate market here in Lealman is probably in the same situation as the rest of the country. I purchased my house in 2006 and have seen its value go down about 20% from the purchase price. At the time I moved into the house I started to notice some improvements in this low income, blue collar neighborhood. A new park was being built close to my house, I was getting "community association" literature in the mail every now and then. Houses were being flipped around me and their looks were improving dramatically. The house next to me won "community" house of the month.

I was optimistic. However, as the real estate market turned for the worse, it seemed the neighborhood conditions went with it. Houses are now abandoned. People who cannot afford their homes are renting them out. The renters have no pride in the home since it is not there and since Lealman already lacks a lot of city codes, people are parking their cars, boats, and whatever else, on a regular basis, hindering the appearance of the neighborhood. With the economy being as bad as it is, tax cuts are being put in place across the state and I am noticing the effects on a local level. I'm reading the articles about the increase in drug traffic, prostitution and crime. A once promising neighborhood appears to be turning for the worse.

There appear to be some things going on that I hope will put the neighborhood back on track. A new neighborhood of what appears to be over 100 town homes are being build right in the middle of the district. Perhaps this will bring some businesses, and new tax money. Who knows? A new school is being built in the neighborhood. In Pinellas County, you can pick the school you want to go to. Perhaps going to a new school might be incentive to move to the area. I doubt it, but you never know.

Why shouldn't this area be annexed?