SouthPark

(Including Foxcroft Morrocroft, and Barclay Downs)

It doesn’t get much better than here, with great schools, large lots, and plenty of amenities. Values here have been steadily rising, and they should continue to do so. And nearby custom communities like Heydon Hall (average sales price: north of $1 million) and the Conservatory ($800,000-plus) are propelling the area to new heights.

PROS Everything. Foxcroft is hottest, with an average sale price of $1.6 million in 2007, an appreciation of 106 percent from five years ago. Real estate analyst Chuck Graham, principal of Newton Graham Consultants, calls it “about perfect, an A-plus plus.”

CONS People are in danger of being priced out of this area as teardowns multiply. For longer-term homeowners, taxes could become a problem with the next revaluation. Three years ago, people were worried about traffic as SouthPark mall expanded, but so far that hasn’t been a big problem. But as density increases, it could become one.

VERDICT If you can afford it, do it.

RISK 1