The Best Cities for Families To Live In 2019

If you’re planning to raise a family or you already have a family of your own, it makes sense to put a lot of care into choosing the perfect place to live. What are the best cities for families to live in 2019?

 

In order to find the perfect place to live, you need to consider a number of factors. It’s not only about the cost of living, but also safety, the number of events and activities, and the general feeling of the community. It can be hard to pin all of these things down to create one list, but we’ve finally compiled the best cities for families to live in 2019. Let’s get started so you can find your next dream home for your family!

 

 

1. Ann Arbor, Michigan

One of the best cities for families to live has been topping the city charts for years. Ann Arbor is one of the best places to live in Michigan, let alone the country, with a warm suburban feel.

 

Despite the lack of big city living, there’s so much to do here. With restaurants, shops, and parks, this is a lively place to call home. In addition, the public schools in Ann Arbor are rated highly, allowing families a lot of options when it comes to sending their kids to school. There’s so much to love about Ann Arbor!

 

2. Berkeley, California

Home to the University of California Berkeley, this city is so much more than a college town. With both an urban and suburban feel, there’s a lot of variety in home options here.

 

Because of the college town, this is an area that’s brimming with life and opportunity, perfect for young adults just starting to settle down. While the cost of living is higher here, as it is in all of California, but it’s known as the healthiest city to live in America. With so many parks, outdoor activities, and things to do, there’s never a dull moment in Berkeley.

 

3. Bellevue, Washington

Located just a short drive from Seattle, Bellevue offers all of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest in an urban setting. On the shore of Lake Washington, this is the “small town” of Seattle, home to a number of thriving companies and cultural events.

 

In addition, Bellevue schools are known as some of the best in the country. There are even two major colleges, Bellevue College and the City University of Seattle. If you’ve wanted to call the Pacific Northwest home for your family, Bellevue might be right for you.

 

4. Winter Park, Florida

As the name implies, Winter Park was previously the go-to spot for the northern elite to vacation in the colder months. Now, Winter Park is an oasis right outside of Orlando. Close enough to the theme parks but far enough to steer clear of most tourists, there’s so much to love about Winter Park.

 

With highly-rated public schools, a thriving economy, and a range of housing options, it might be time to sell your home and head south to Winter Park. Come see for yourself why so many local residents consider this the best-kept secret of Orlando!

 

5. Boulder, Colorado

If the mountains are calling your family, look no further than Boulder, Colorado. Known as one of the best cities for families to live, there’s a lot to love about Boulder. With a suburban feel, there’s so much to do here from restaurants to local events.

 

Like Berkeley, this is also one of the healthiest cities in America, and it’s easy to see why. With so many gorgeous hiking trails and things to do outdoors, it’s no wonder that so many families are adventurous.

 

Find Your Next Family Home

As a family, you need to consider the best place to call home. It might be in the sunny city of Winter Park, Florida or in the lush nature of Bellevue, Washington. No matter which of these family cities pique your interest, you can feel confident you’re making the right choice.

 

It’s time to start packing your bags. Your moving day might be closer than you think. If you’re planning to settle down soon, keep these cities at the forefront of your mind.

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What Are the Best U.S. Cities for College Graduates?

After you graduate from college, one of the first major decisions you need to make is where you want to live. It’s important to take your time to consider all your options and choose the city that meets your needs.

 

Not only do you need to consider your career opportunities, but you also should consider living expenses and real estate prices. Choosing the right place to call home can help you find the perfect job while offering low living costs and great amenities.

 

Let’s take a look at which cities are the best for college graduates in the United States, and how you can find the right place to live.

 

Best U.S. Cities for College Graduates

 

While the right city for you depends on your specific circumstances, these three cities offer great career opportunities, high quality of life, and affordable living expenses. If you’re a recent college graduate, these cities should be on your radar when looking for a place for you to call home.

 

Madison, Wisconsin

 

Madison, Wisconsin is home to the great University of Wisconsin. As such, this college town is full of great amenities and career options while offering low living costs.

 

Madison is one of the fastest-growing tech markets in the country, boasts very low unemployment rates, and ranks highly in categories like social life and entertainment.

 

While the city’s booming job market has increased rental and home prices, these prices are still relatively low compared to many major cities. The average rent for a studio in Madison, for example, is $859 per month and $1,029 for a one-bedroom.

 

Seattle, Washington

 

Seattle, Washington has no shortage of job opportunities, particularly for college graduates looking for jobs in tech. With major employers like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks, Seattle offers one of the most attractive job markets in the country for college graduates.

 

The biggest downside of living in Seattle as a college graduate is the higher cost of living. The average studio costs $1,570 per month, while the median home price is over $700,000. Other expenses like transportation and groceries also tend to cost more than other cities in the U.S.

 

While living expenses might be higher in Seattle, many college graduates will find that the booming job market and great social scene make the Emerald City a great place to call home.

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota is a fairly affordable city, making it a great choice for college graduates. The average rent for a studio apartment in Minneapolis is $807 per month, while the median home price is about $270,000.

 

Like Madison, Minneapolis is a college town as it is home to the University of Minnesota. This means that college graduates will be able to live and work amongst their peers without being subjected to high living costs.

 

While the weather can be harsh during the winter, Minneapolis is a fantastic city that offers affordable prices, great amenities, and plenty of job and education opportunities.

 

Together, these three cities all offer nearly endless opportunities for college graduates. Remember to look for areas that offer career opportunities in your field, have reasonable living expenses, and have stable real estate markets so that you can buy and sell your home with ease.

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How To Use Your Basement Space and Create Value with Your Basement

Is your basement working for your home? There are a lot of ways to use your basement space and create value with your basement. While the basement might be an easy area of your home to forget, there is endless potential waiting just to be explored.

 

Whether you plan to sell your home in the near future or you just want more usable space, transforming your basement can do wonders for your home value. Not only can you add living space, but you can create optimal storage solutions that make your home more usable. In this guide, we’ll talk about how to use your basement space to create real value.

 

 

Why Use Your Basement Space?

First, let’s talk about why you might use your basement space as a way to create value. There are a number of other home renovations you might consider first, and those might even be more glamorous at face value. Who doesn’t love a kitchen makeover or an upgraded bathroom?

 

In reality, your basement deserves more attention. You can transform your underground space into an additional bedroom, rental property, or even just a nice place to store those seasonal decorations. Ultimately, it’s a way to make your home more valuable and usable.

 

Most importantly, a finished basement will bring you an average return of around 75%. That’s a big improvement! Now let’s discuss actual ways to use your basement space to create value.

 

1. Build a Bedroom

If you finish your basement with proper insulation and utilities, it can actually become an extra bedroom. This is a great place for guests to stay or even just to expand your family.

 

In most areas, your room needs to have at least two exits in order to be considered a bedroom, as well as a closet. Usually adding an exit means building a window or widening a window, but this can add significant value to your property.

 

2. Income Property

Another exciting way to use your basement to add value is to turn it into an income property. Whether you create a rental unit for long-term renters or list your space on a vacation website like Airbnb, there is some serious potential here.

 

Of course, always check with your county’s laws before building income property in your basement. There are safety and parking codes you’ll need to make sure you meet.

 

Having a rental space is not only a great source of income, but it can be appealing to prospective buyers when you’re trying to sell your home. A tenant on-property will help pay a portion (or all!) of your mortgage or a new buyer’s mortgage. Extra cash flow is always a good thing.

 

3. Recreation Space

Another way to use your finished basement is for extra recreation space. Finished basements don’t always count as additional square footage on your home, but they’re still really appealing to potential buyers.

 

Having usable space for recreation or even an office will make the home more usable. This is especially true for families with kids or who welcome a lot of guests into the home.

 

4. Storage Space

Last but not least, a finished basement makes great storage space. Even if you don’t have the time or the money to invest a lot of effort into making the space livable, you can still make it functional.

 

Installing lighting, cabinets, shelving, and other storage options will help your basement become an easy place to store items that aren’t currently needed in your home. It’s inexpensive to transform your basement into a storage space, so don’t overlook this option if you’re on a tight budget.

 

It’s Time to Use Your Basement

Let’s all agree that it’s time to make more out of the space we have. If you have an unfinished basement, now is the time to put it to work for you. Creating a finished, functional basement is more than an investment. It’s a way to transform your home.

 

Don’t let any space in your home sit unused. You have a lot of options just below your feet; now it’s time to make sure your basement works for you!

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How Removing Clutter Helps You Sell Your Home Faster

If you’re trying to sell your home, there are a number of steps you can take to sell your home faster and for a greater value. One such step is to declutter your home.

 

When your home is cluttered, it creates the illusion that your home is smaller than it really is. In addition, it may make it look like you have not taken care of your home, which can drive away potential buyers.

 

When buyers are viewing your home, it’s important that they are able to envision your home as theirs. This can be incredibly difficult to do when the home is full of clutter and personal items.

 

If you want to maximize your home’s value and sell it as quickly as possible, it’s important to cut clutter and improve your home’s overall appearance.

 

How Decluttering Can Help You Sell Your Home Quickly

 

Decluttering can be the difference-maker when selling your home. Removing clutter can increase your home’s sale value and help you sell it in a shorter timeframe.

 

Consider these reasons as to how decluttering can help you sell your home quickly.

 

Maximize Space

 

One of the primary reasons to remove clutter is to make it clear how much space your home offers. When your closets, attic, garage, and other areas are packed full of junk and personal items, buyers may be concerned that your home doesn’t offer enough storage space.

 

While your home doesn’t have to be completely empty, it’s important that you get rid of all unnecessary items and neatly arrange your remaining items to ensure that buyers realize your home’s full potential.

 

Appeal to More Buyers

 

As mentioned, buyers need to be able to envision your home as theirs. They should be able to imagine how their personal items and decor preferences would look in your space.

 

If your home is full of personal items, bold decorations, and unique pieces of furniture, it can be difficult for buyers to imagine themselves living there. As a result, they may decide to pass on your home and continue their search.  Decluttering is an easy and effective solution to this problem.

 

Leave a Good Impression

 

Lastly, a cluttered home can give off the impression that your home has not been taken care of. If you can’t bother to clean your home before a showing, what other problems may be hidden beneath the clutter?

 

For obvious reasons, buyers will be less inclined to buy a home that might require major repairs and renovations. Even if your house is in great condition, clutter can give off the wrong impression. Taking the steps to declutter and clean your home will help buyers feel more confident that your home has been well taken care of and is in good condition.

Like most sellers, you probably want to get your home off the market as quickly as possible. By taking the necessary steps to remove clutter and clean your home, you can sell your home faster and for a greater value.

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How to Remodel Your Attic to Give It Value

If you’re like many homeowners, your attic is probably just a convenient spot to store old boxes, random items, and holiday decor. It makes sense that this out-of-site spot would become the go-to storage solution for modern homes. That being said, you can actually remodel your attic to give it value with a bit of TLC.

 

Turning your underused space into either a finished storage area or a living area in its own right can transform your property. Whether you’re hoping to sell your home fast or make greater use of the space you have, you should consider remodeling your attic to give it value.

 

 

Renovation Options for Your Attic

What in particular can you do with your attic? When it comes to planning a remodel, it will all depend on your budget. The goal is to make sure your space is usable and accessible, whether it’s going to become a spare bedroom or additional storage space.

 

Too many people keep their attics unfinished, and this means they usually lack proper insulation and ventilation. Not only does this finishing your attic decrease your utility bill spending, but it will also add more square footage to your home.

 

Here are 3 options for how to renovate your attic to add value:

 

• Accessible storage – The first option is also the least expensive. Adding proper insulation and ventilation will help make your attic more usable. From there, create accessible storage. By installing shelving, drawers, and other storage solutions, you can make it easier to keep your attic organized and accessible.
• Cedar closet – Another option is to remodel your attic is to build a cedar closet. This is when you build a closet in the attic with cedar lining, helping to keep your clothes smell fresh and clean even when put away for the season. This adds big value to any home!
• Finished room – Last but not least, you can build a finished room in your attic. This can serve as an additional bedroom, office, play area, or anything else you can think of. The key here is to make sure your space is properly insulated so it’s comfortable year-round.

 

How to Get Started Remodeling Your Attic

If you’ve decided to continue with your remodel based on one of the ideas above, you’ll need to follow the right attic remodeling steps to make sure you’re getting the process done right. When in doubt, consult a contractor as well as your city’s unique building codes.

 

• Inspect your attic space – First, you need to have your attic inspected by a professional to make sure it’s up to code. Usually, you need to have at least two ways out of the space (staircase and window) and a 7-foot ceiling.
• Flooring – Next, you’ll need to install flooring to add greater usability to your space.
• Insulate – Because your attic is directly below the roof, it’s the first part of your home to lose heat and cool air. Properly insulating it with R-30 insulation in the ceiling and R-13 in the walls will help keep your attic cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• Build storage – Depending on your goals for the room, it’s now time to make it functional. You’ll need to decide what to do with the corners of the room which are usually very low to the ground. You can install shelving, storage systems, or any other built-in that makes sense for your space.

 

Remodel Your Attic Confidently

A relatively inexpensive way to increase your home’s value is to remodel your attic. Adding livable or usable space to this upper area of your home can really unlock hidden potential.

 

Say goodbye to stuffing unwanted boxes and out-of-season clothes in your home’s closets or under beds. You have a whole new world to explore right about your living area. Remodel your attic to add value to your home that you can enjoy for years to come.

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Buying and Maintaining an Energy-Efficient Pool

Owning a home with a pool is a very attractive luxury, especially for homeowners in warmer states like Florida or California. Not only does owning a pool enhance your experience as a homeowner, but it also adds value to your property in case you decide to sell your home.

 

If you have decided to buy a pool for your home, it’s important to consider ways to make your pool more energy-efficient. An energy-efficient pool can help you save time, money, and contribute to a healthy environment. Fortunately, it’s much easier than you probably think to build and maintain an energy-efficient pool.

 

Let’s take a look at what you should know about buying and maintaining an energy-efficient pool.

 

Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Pool

 

Energy-efficient pools offer many benefits to homeowners. Primarily, environmentally-friendly pools allow homeowners to save money and reduce environmental waste.

 

Save Money

 

Energy-efficient technology and pool appliances often pay for themselves in a fairly short amount of time. These appliances can greatly reduce your monthly electricity bill, leading to significant savings over time.

 

By choosing the right equipment, maintaining your pool properly to prevent damage, and by responsibly managing your usage, you can drastically decrease the costs of owning and maintaining your pool.

 

Reduce Waste

 

Aside from the cost benefits, an energy-efficient pool can help reduce waste and contribute to a healthy environment.

 

With equipment such as pool covers and efficient pool heaters, you can reduce your energy usage and reduce heat and water loss. In this day and age, it’s important to do what you can to reduce your impact on the environment.

 

How to Create an Energy-Efficient Pool

 

There are a number of things you can do to create and maintain an energy-efficient pool. With the proper equipment and responsible pool maintenance, you can easily achieve the benefits listed above.

 

Solar Pool Heater

 

Many homeowners heat their pool via natural gas heaters or their current electric provider. However, solar panels can heat your pool effectively while reducing your energy consumption.

 

While solar panels designed to power your home can be costly, solar pool heaters are often very affordable. Solar pool heaters are available at many pool stores and are often offered at low prices to encourage homeowners to adopt environmentally-friendly practices.

 

These heating systems are a great alternative to traditional methods of pool heating.

 

Heat Pump Pool Heater

 

Heat pump pool heaters don’t generate heat themselves. Instead, they take in outside air, heat it via a compressor, then transfer that heat into your pool’s water.

 

Heat pump systems are typically more efficient than most pool heating systems and can be better than solar heating systems for homes in areas that don’t receive as much sunlight as other areas.

 

Use Environmentally-Friendly Cleaning Products

 

When it comes to maintenance, it’s important to use environmentally-friendly cleaning products and equipment. While traditional products are effective in cleaning and chlorinating pools, they can be very damaging to the environment, which can also have an impact on your energy usage.

 

Many chemicals require you to leave your pool’s pump on throughout the night in order to effectively disperse and process the chemicals. This can drastically increase your energy usage, even if you don’t realize it.

 

By using environmentally-friendly cleaning agents, you can reduce your environmental impact and save money on energy costs.

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How To Pick The Perfect Color for Painting The Outside of Your Home

Painting the outside of your house is a big part of your curb appeal. In fact, the color you paid your exterior could also affect how fast you sell your house.

 

Unlike the colors inside your home, the colors you paint the exterior of your property will affect the entire street. In addition, you’ll also need to consider your roofing, hardscaping, and landscaping.

 

Because you need to pick the perfect color for painting the outside of your home, this guide will help you choose the best color scheme to fit your home’s surroundings and your personal style.

 

 

1. Consider the Visual Effect

When thinking about your home’s curb appeal, think about what effect you want your home to have on your street. If your street is already full of light-colored homes, you might want to pick a bold or dark color to stand out.

 

Similarly, if your home is amidst a cluster of large trees, a lighter color could help your home stay noticeable. Thinking about the way you want your home to appear from the street is a great way to guide your search for the perfect exterior color.

 

2. Understand the Psychology of Color

Another important thing to consider is the psychology of color. As humans, color can evoke feelings. Color is frequently used in marketing campaigns to help send a message to consumers, but you can learn a few things about color that will help you choose the right palette for your home exterior as well.

 

Here’s a cheat sheet to understanding the psychology behind some of your favorite colors:

• Red – Excitement and energy
• Orange – Confidence and cheerful
• Yellow – Warmth and clarity
• Green – Healthy and growth
• Blue – Dependable and strong
• Grey – Balanced and calm
• White – Traditional or pure

 

Now that you know how these colors can affect mood and perception, you can use this knowledge to strengthen your own decision.

 

3. Plan Around Existing Elements

If you have existing elements of your home that are hard to change, you should plan around those first when it comes to your exterior color. Unless you’re fully renovating your home, things like shingles and tiles on your roof, driveways, and stonework will all be expensive to change.

 

Ensuring that these things match your color palette will help you take your exterior paint colors further. If your existing elements have warm undertones, look for similar colors for your exterior paint, and vice versa.

 

4. Pay Tribute to Your Architectural Style

What style is your home? Knowing your home’s architectural style will help you make sure you’re keeping in touch with your home’s existing features. Choosing the wrong paint could unintentionally date your home, making it harder to sell.

 

How do you know what colors are historically accurate? Check with paint manufacturers to see if they have any collections which are historically accurate. This is a great way to keep with your architecture style and era without compromising on quality.

 

5. Don’t Rely on Paint Chips

Finally, don’t rely on paint chips online when it comes to choosing the paint colors for the outside of your home. Just like the colors inside your home, the shade can vary from the way it looks on your paint chip and the way it looks on your walls.

 

Always buy a small quart of paint and test it on an area of your home that’s hard to see. You can then check on your color throughout different times of day to make sure you’re really happy with it.

 

What Colors Did You Choose?

Now you’re ready to choose the perfect color for painting the outside of your home. Make sure this is a choice that not only looks great at the store but also with your home’s particular style and features.

 

You can use paint to sell the interior of your home and the exterior of your home. It’s all about knowing a few things about color and style.

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