While home values are falling and their price tags along with them, recession proof real estate areas do exist. Instead of flat housing prices, these properties seem to maintain their value, continuing to sell close to full value despite the economic downturn in the housing market. It's interesting to note that these recession proof real estate areas have been determined prior to the switchover from a seller's market to a buyer's market.

For very specific reasons, certain homes will continue to hold their value despite the recession. One of the most important of these reasons is the location of the home. It is the location of the home that cannot be matched rather than the home itself. Certain areas of the country are more popular than others and will sell accordingly. Likewise, real estate in other areas simply won't sell no matter how low the asking price falls. While the adage, “if you've seen one, you've seen ‘em all” can be said about many different types of homes, it cannot be said about the location of the private homes.

The location of a home determines many factors including the views, the neighborhood, the schools, and the entertainment venues. People need to find a place to live that is going to offer them their most important criterion for selecting a home. In fact, some studies have indicated that home values vary greatly from one neighborhood to another. Recession-proof homes are those that people always want to live in because of their location.

Although not as important as the neighborhood to some prospective homebuyers, the school district and crime statistics influence the ability of a home to withstand tough times when it comes to resale value.

Then, there are age-specific considerations that help to create a recession-proof real estate area in the private sector. Senior citizens like to live in close proximity to physicians, hospitals, and dentists. Families prefer areas with parks, pools, playgrounds, or libraries nearby. Religious people enjoy being able to walk to church or the synagogue, especially during a recession. Commuters like to live in an area that offers a short walk to the bus or train. It's all a matter of perspective.

Then, there are the matters of infrastructure to consider. Many would-be homeowners prefer neighborhoods with sidewalks, city sewer and water services, street maintenance crews, and more. People simply want to live in an area with less maintenance on their behalf. It's important for them to know that a particular location also brings with it a few amenities that will make living there easier.

Since the value of a larger home will increase the value of a smaller home on the same block in general, those homeowners looking to sell homes in the middle range of property values on their street typically fare better during times of recession. Likewise, single family homes will hold their value longer than almost any other type of home during a recession. Perhaps this is due to the fact that a larger number of townhomes, etc might be available.

Homes with the broadest appeal are going to provide the greatest likelihood of remaining one of the recession proof real estate areas in a particular sector of the city, town, or neighborhood. If a home is going to appeal to a wider number of prospective homeowners, then it is more likely to sell more quickly.