Most would agree that Mililani is a charming suburb for a diverse group of Hawaii residents in Central Oahu. The area’s planned communities, good schools and well-kept recreational centers attract families and young couples. There are also several convenientlylocated shopping centers and other local businesses to meet the daily needs of residents.

Mililani is also near Schofield Barracks and Hickam Air Force Base, making it a high-demand neighborhood for military personnel who want to enjoy life outside of the base.

Home values in the area have enjoyed upward appreciation over the last decade— with singlefamily home prices jumping from $261,000 in 1998 to $630,000 in 2007. Even as sales continue to decline in 2008, Mililani is one area that will likely stay stable.

Inventory in Mililani is not as tight as it is in other neighborhoods, thanks to both Mililani Town and Mauka areas. And, says Prudential Locations Realtor and Partner Linda McCabe, buyers often choose Mililani over neighborhoods farther west because of its more established feel and closer proximity to town. Often, says McCabe, a Mililani resident herself, the commute feels much shorter thanks to the H2 turnoff that lets Mililani residents avoid bottlenecked traffic farther out on the H1.

Renovated homes will be the best sellers, and buyers will have a bit of negotiating room as many sellers in this area bought years ago and have enough equity to be slightly more flexible.