Dan Klocke and family in front of his fixed-up, four-bedroom home in Phoenix. Photo by Dan Klocke.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Dan Klocke is a man of change, which is why he purchased a home in historic downtown Phoenix. "It was a dump," admits the father of four. He put his fix-it skills to work on the duplex, which he has largely renovated himself, cutting housing costs in an area where the median condo/co-op price is $182,500. "We finished up the bedrooms and now we are doing the kitchen," says the 38-year-old. "There are still a couple rooms to go. Bless my wife for being patient."

Perhaps she distracts herself by gazing at the city skyline, which is just outside their door, or snacking at one of the many new local restaurants they enjoy. "These neighborhoods are coming on strongly," says Klocke, looking to the future. "It's home and it's a great investment at the same time."

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