The complexion of a city is definetly impacted, sometimes positively but often a lot gets lost. And, often, if it is just being noticed you have already missed your opportunity. As for Canal St. Martin, I think there are still some opportunities available and most of the changes have been very positive.

You're right, Al! But I have a rule of thumb. Look for areas that are considered "iffy." If they're being developed (gentrified), more than likely the houses/apartments are being done over by homosexuals who have good taste and money. The Marais is a prime example.

There are a couple of areas right outside of Paris (on the RER line) where "yuppies" are buying. Prices are soaring. There are trends. You just have to look for them.

I suspect St. Germain would say that when there's a big influx of capital on the part of developers.......the complexion of a city is impacted.

You hit the nail right on the head for this whole thread. That's why some of us are millionaires and others in lesser catagories. I'll bet there are plenty of predictions of spots to come that never come to pass. I would also say that making a discovery that takes years to come to fruition is not a discovery at all.

The article, or one exactly like it, was written years ago. It was in the NY Times Sunday Magazine and I always use it as a reference for walks around the Canal. Nevertheless, every time I walk around the Canal I notice more apartment buildings being remodeled or renovated.

I agree, the canal Saint Martin has been "in" for years, nothing new at all. That article should have been written five years ago.

Sam: You live here some of the time. The Canal St. Martin is NOT a new discovery. I have three friends who bought lofts 6-7 years ago, renovated them, sold them and made a killing and are now back on the Left Bank.
Transportation to and from the 10th isn't as easy as from other parts of the city.

Is it just me or does the NY Times travel section seem to be falling further and further behind the curve? We heard Canal St. Martin was the new trandy spot when we were looking for our place almost 5 years ago.

It seems more and more when I read the Times travel articles on places I know, they aren't very revealing. Makes me hesitate to really focus on their articles on places I haven't been.

Here is an article on the next "in" spot in Paris:

http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/10/09/travel/09surf.html

Here's an article from today's New York Times on Paris apartments:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/23/garden/2...?pagewanted=all

The article mentions some Americans who have bought apartments in Paris, noting that they are cheaper than comparible places in New York or London, even after the hefty run-up in prices over the last 3-4 years.

It also mentions several firms that assist Americans in the acquisition process. I don't know any of these firms, but if they do what the article states well, they would be well worth the fee of 2.5% of purchase price mentioned.