So, you're thinking about investing in commercial real estate—and strip shopping centers are on your radar? Great! Let’s talk.

Strip malls (also called neighborhood or community centers) don’t get the flashy headlines like massive shopping malls, but they are everywhere. Seriously—while there are only 685 super-regional malls in the U.S., there are over 66,000 strip shopping centers.

Why? Because they serve the everyday needs of everyday people—within 3 to 5 miles of where they live and work. And for smart investors like you, that presents both opportunity and stability.

Let’s walk through the pros, the cons, and what really matters if you’re considering this asset class.

First, What Is a Strip Shopping Center?

Typically, these are open-air clusters of 3 to 12 retail businesses (sometimes more), all facing the same parking lot. They’re usually L-shaped or straight, with each store having its own entrance. No giant food courts, no escalators—just convenience and accessibility.

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