Don't buy it. It's beyond your control. There's plenty of great inventory out there
search all Fullerton homes below

http://www.homebuyershope.com/custom1.shtml

There are nice looking homes in the crappiest of neighborhoods.... all that HELOC money that was once flowing so freely and the speculators out there flipping contributed to signficantly greater improvements than normal. So, you can't judge an area solely on the fact that there are some nicer looking homes alongside some real dumps.

you pretty much got the answer yourself. to figure out the area just look at the neighbors. if most of them are unkept then don't buy there.

I grew up in Fullerton and my parents still live there off of Chapman and Raymond. I am not a real estate agent and will give you an honest answer. I do not think you should buy a home in the area that you described unless it is a very unique situation. I am looking for property myself, and my boundaries in Fullerton are that the home must be above Chapman Ave. No exceptions. I have seen a lot of changes in Fullerton over the years - the renovation of downtown in particular, and the development off of bastanchury, etc. - but one thing that seems to be constant is that certain areas, like the one you are considering, have not improved. The schools stink (and are in some case, dangerous), there is often no pride of ownership (grafitti, untended lawns, etc.), etc. I am also going to be honest and say that there is a big demographic difference in this area of Fullerton with a lot of mexican immigrants and thus there is a different standard of living. The real estate agents can't tell you that, but it's the truth.
Anyway, that's my honest two cents. Fullerton is a wonderful community. I went to Troy H.S. and it prepared me superbly for going to UC Berkeley, so if you can get into that school district your children (or resale value) will benefit. Don't send your kids to ladera vista jr. high if you can help it. If you want more honest info, I'd be happy to provide it if you respond in this thread.

Johann,

I closed a house there in Fullerton last week. The property is located in Courtney Ave. Very nice area. My buyers are very happy with the neigborhood. I have a house I'm trying to sell in Ash, very nice and stable area, not very close to the major street. This may be the area you're looking for.
Let me know,

Charita King 562-276-8681

Hi Johann,
In general, you are more likely to find neighborhoods of older homes on the upswing N. of Commonwealth. I am attaching the Fullerton Police Dept. link for crime statistics for your review. Even looking at that can be confusing. We live and work in Fullerton and are very familiar with the neighborhoods. If you would like a tour of the area to get yourself acquainted with the neighborhoods, we'd be happy to arange that for you. Do you have school age children? It's a great public school system and community to live in. Ken and Jacqueline

Johann,

The answers below are correct and helpful. I would also recommend driving to the local middle and high schools and getting there just before school lets out. I always suggest this to my clients if they are interested in communities.

Best regards,

Robert M. van der Goes
(714) 305-2050

Hi Johann,

Yes, you have a mixed bag in this area of Fullerton and can understand your concern. Please check with the city's crime statistics particularly in this area and then make a decision. As you said, most of the buyers in this area are looking for a great value and GREAT schools, so with the negative comes a lot of positive aspects. Think about it, sleep over it and give me a call.
All the best to you,
Laarni

Johann,

You just about answered your own question. Look for a neignborhood that the homes were recently remodeled, painted, landscaping, etc. What we like to call "Pride in your neighborhood." Stay away from busy streets, commercial areas, graffiti, and areas where the neighborhood has just given up.

If you need assistance with your search please call or email me. I just finished a remodel of a home at 1461 W. Ash, Fullerton not too long ago which I purchased as a fixer. Take a look at this neighborhood so that you can see the turnaround.

Joe Homs
Realty Partners
949-625-4533