Having aimlessly driven through lots of economically challenged areas in varying MSAs, the businesses present give the most consistent confirmation of an area's

Having aimlessly driven through lots of economically challenged areas in varying MSAs, the businesses present give the most consistent confirmation of an area's status. Unfortunately, many of the businesses are vice targeted and/or highly exploitative in nature. CSL Plasma, generic tobacco/liquor/vape/lotto shops, payday loans, Metro/Boost (just their marketing strategy), and greasy box restaurants are the typical signs of lower commercial rents. This also means that larger national brands may avoid the area because the census data doesn't line up with their ideal demographics, so you end up with way more diversity in mom and pop restaurants and random niche hobby stores.