The Most Expensive Cities To Live In

We’ve all come to learn that some cities are simply more expensive than others. From high costs of living to skyrocketing rent prices, how exactly do people live in these places?

 

With those high prices come some sweet perks. Expensive cities might have a high price tag, but they’re also packed with things to do, places to eat, cultural events, and job opportunities. Because of all these things, more young people are flocking to these cities than ever before.

 

If you’ve ever wondered at the most expensive cities to live in are, you’re about to find out. Let’s take a look at the cities with the highest costs of living, housing prices, and so on. Then, you can decide for yourself if they’re worth it.

 

Why Are People Moving to Expensive Cities?

What is causing people to live in expensive cities in the first place? If you’re thinking of selling your home and moving to an expensive city, what’s in it for you?

 

While in the past people were more likely to move to suburbs and work in cities, this is no longer the case. Simply put, people are tired of the long commutes and lack of job opportunities in rural areas. Now, they’re moving to cities for all of the following benefits:

 

• Variety of employment opportunities
• Culture, sports, dining, and entertainment nearby
• Shorter (or no) commute time
• Greater public transportation and less need for a car

 

However, all of these people moving to cities has done a number of the price. It can be expensive to live even in a mid-size city, let alone some of the largest in the United States. Now let’s take a look at the most expensive cities to live in the United States.

 

 

1. New York, New York

It should come as no surprise that New York City tops this list. New York is a notoriously expensive place to visit, let alone live. That being said, there’s an endless list of things to do here and places to explore. It’s one of the cultural hubs of the world, after all!

 

New York City’s cost of living is a shocking 120% higher than the national average. If you want to purchase a home here, the average price rests around $501,000. Even the small things cost more here, from groceries to public transportation. That being said, if you’re willing to make it work, New York is a one-of-a-kind place to call home.

 

Average rent cost: $3,320
Average home cost: $501,000
Recommended yearly income: $50,000+

 

2. San Francisco, California

If you’re California Dreaming, you might want to think twice about San Fransico. As one of the tech capitals of the world, it’s earned a reputation as one of the priciest places to live in the United States. With homes inside the city costing over $800,000, this isn’t the place for young professionals looking to save money.

 

However, if you can call San Francisco or it’s outer suburbs home, you’ll be in for a treat. With all of the beauty of northern California at your fingertips and a lot to do, not to mention the healthy, outdoor lifestyle, this is a great place to call home.

 

Average rent cost: $3,700
Average home cost: $800,000+
Recommended yearly income: $43,000+

 

 

3. Honolulu, Hawaii

Say aloha to the third city on our list! Hawaii might be known for its white-sand beaches and laid back lifestyle, but that comes at a premium in Honolulu. Residents pay more for just about everything. Believe it or not, groceries cost 55% more here than anywhere else in the United States and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Living on a tropical island has its perks and its drawbacks. Being so far from the mainland makes everything cost more. It makes sense since these goods need to be transported quite a long way! This premium cost is even known as the “paradise” tax amongst locals because the view is so gorgeous it makes sense they’ll need to pay extra for it!

 

Average rent cost: $2,113
Average home cost: $656,400+
Recommended yearly income: $60,000+

 

4. Washington, D.C.

Being at the center of our country in the nation’s capital is a luxury and one that will cost you big time. Home to numerous federal agencies, startups, nonprofits, and federal jobs, there is a lot of competition for not much space here. All of these things contribute to rising costs.

 

The majority of people who work in Washington, D.C. actually commute from nearby Maryland or Virginia. This is probably a good thing since it’s costly to live here! But if you want to be close to the action, you can expect to pay around $83,000+ a year in expenses to live well.

 

Average rent cost: $2,220
Average home cost: $443,000+
Recommended yearly income: $50,000+

 

5. Miami, Florida

Year-round sunshine in the country’s southernmost state doesn’t come cheap. Miami has made a name for itself as an exciting hub or art, culture, and entertainment. All of this fun comes at a high cost!

 

With a high population of wealthy foreigners, international financial institutions, and the busiest cruise port in the world, it’s no wonder Miami is high on this list of expensive places to live in. While you’ll find so much to do and love about Miami (not to mention the beach), you’ll need an income of around $77,000 to live well in this city.

 

Average rent cost: $1,680
Average home cost: $350,000+
Recommended yearly income: $48,000+

 

Where Will You Call Home?

Can you see why so many people choose to call these expensive cities home? With so much to do and explore, it’s up to you to decide if the price tag is worth it.

 

For many, job opportunities and entertainment are worth the high cost. If you’re thinking of selling your home to move to one of these expensive cities to live in, now is your chance.

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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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