Census Tract

Census Tract 78.09 In the middle of the Pacific Ocean lays the biggest chain of islands, the Hawaiian Islands, and on the Island of Oahu within census tract number 78.07 (figure 1) is my home. This tract is in the southern part of the island and its east boundary is Aiea. This tract is also between two main roads: on the north there is the H-1 freeway, and from the south Moanalua Rd., which is also bordered with Pearl Ridge Shopping Center. This tract, even though it may not seem like it, is somehow in the middle of the island. It is located off the freeway which makes it convenient to reach other parts of the island. It is about a fifteen minute drive to down town, Waikiki, Kaneohe (east side), and Waipahu. A 25-30 minute drive will bring
This tract is no exception, there are high rise buildings but at the same time there are also low rise units. This tract is a combination of high rise building (like the one I live in) and some town houses on the other side of the road. This gives people the ability to live in an urban area with the opportunity to choose to live in a smaller more affordable apartment, or in a bigger more suburban style home, all within the city. 87.7% of the units are in 20 or more units structure, 5.1 in 5-9 units per structure, and 4% 3-4 units in a structure. Most of the units were built more than thirty years ago. 59.3% were built in the seventies and the majority of the rest in the eighties. The data may indicate that the buildings in the area are quite old, but have been well taken care of. As part of the board of directors of my building, I know that the residents and the association are doing a good job to maintain our property, and make it look as new and as attractive as they can. The outside of the units in the tract are always clean and painted. Each association has its own landscaping that contributes to the warm friendly environment of the neighborhood. At Christmas time, the entire track is glowing with Christmas lights and colorful
Census Bureau, the average gross rent is between $500-$1500 when the majority 50.7% falls in $750-&999 ranges. This may have been accurate for 2000, but it is undoubtedly not the price range today in 2009. A two bedroom one bathroom apartment in my building can start from $1400 a month. Other data that in my opinion does not match today is the occupants per room. In 2000, both renters and owner occupied units was mostly between 0.5-1 per room. With increasing rent and decreasing resources, like the situation in the past year, people cannot afford to splurge and enjoy the connivance of each having his/her own room. More and more I hear about families moving in together, young couples seeking for a roommate to help with the monthly payment, and single parents looking for one bedroom for them and their