When you own a house, your landlord can't terminate your lease and make you leave. Most residential leases are for a 1-year term so you always have that concern.

What you are finding is indicative of the situation in 40204. Paristown, Shnitzelburg and Germantown represent the best "value" if buying. But, as has been mentioned by Getslow and FKY, people live in the Highlands for the experience more than the size of th home, or the newness. It's not for everyone, but for those of us who do choose it, it's irreplacable. I've lived in St. Matthews, Clifton, Old Louisville and Hikes Point. All are nice areas with their own pluses. But nothing touches the experience of living in the Highlands, IMO, although Clifton and Old Louisville have progressed more than any other areas, in my opinion. I did absolutely love living in Clifton and Old Louisville. But living in the Highlands is the ULTIMATE experience for me. And it's one of the things holding me back from moving to Evansville. I am reluctant to give up everything I love about living here and can't find anything even close to comparable in Evansville. Possibly downtown in the historic area. But haven't quite gotten the right "feel" when I look.

Yeah, I figured with that area the situation could change in just a few blocks. Plus I'm not positive when looking at listings what is considered the Highlands and what isn't. Again, I just don't know enough about the area.