Notes
About the project
The idea of analyzing NYC borough real estate first came to me during my Data Visualization class with Michelle McKinsey. In that course, we explored the unique differences across the five boroughs, diving into datasets to uncover patterns and trends. I was amazed at how much Tableau could do—it wasn’t just about creating charts but telling a story through data. I spent time figuring out which visualizations worked best for different insights, like using bar charts to compare property types or line graphs to show housing price trends over time. It was about finding the right balance between making the data clear and making it impactful for the audience. That experience sparked my interest in NYC’s real estate market and inspired me to dig deeper. This capstone project is a natural extension of that work, allowing me to use those skills to take a closer look at housing trends, neighborhood changes, and the social and economic forces shaping the city.
The technical foundation for this project was built in courses with Professors Howard Everson and Timothy Shortell, where I honed my ability to aggregate, clean, and analyze data. From ensuring data accuracy to identifying meaningful patterns, their guidance helped me approach complex datasets with confidence. I also learned to leverage Python for data manipulation and advanced analysis, greatly enhancing my problem-solving capabilities. Most importantly, they emphasized the importance of framing the right research questions and critically evaluating whether the data available could provide meaningful answers. These lessons, combined with the technical skills I developed, have been invaluable in refining my analytical approach and problem-solving capabilities.
The course was incredibly beneficial, playing a significant role in shaping this capstone project. With a design background, I have always been drawn to creating compelling visual narratives that leave a lasting impression., but the courses I learned and the exceptional I’ve met in Graduate Center really helped me strengthen my analytical skills and focus on accuracy. This balance between creativity and precision has been invaluable in crafting data-driven insights for this project and will remain a cornerstone of my approach in future endeavors.