- The Cost of Living in Colorado
U.S. Census Bureau data shows Colorado’s population grew by 1.4% from 2017 to 2018, which is the seventh highest rate in the nation. That growth probably isn’t surprising to anyone who’s visited or seen pictures of Colorado: It’s a beautiful… read more…
- The Top 10 Cities with the Largest Rent Increases
Rent increases have become a fact of life in many of America’s largest cities. The question is no longer whether or not rent will increase, but by how much. There are numerous potential causes for this state of affairs, including population growth, housing shortages and increasing incomes. Yet none of it changes the fact that… read more…
- How Much Gingerbread House Can You Afford?
There are big decisions you’ll have to make in life, like whether to rent or buy a house. Then there are small decisions, like whether to make a gingerbread house. If you’re determined to get festive this season, a gingerbread house… read more…
- The Most Fitness-Friendly Cities for 2016
According to a survey by Nielson, the top two New Year’s resolutions in 2015 were both fitness-related. The number one resolution, claimed by 37% of survey respondents, was “stay fit and healthy,” followed by “lose weight” with 32%. This is SmartAsset’s second annual study of the Most Fitness-Friendly Cities in America. Read the 2017 version here.… read more…
- What Is the True Cost of Living in Texas?
Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. by area. It offers a varied landscape, both in terms of terrain and cost of living. To get a sense of the overall cost of living in The Lone Star State, you… read more…
- The Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in 2015
Research has found that city-dwellers can benefit mentally and physically from as few as five minutes in a forest or a green space. Yet, in many urban parts of the United States, access to such areas is limited. Residents who want to escape the roar of traffic and the oppressive gray of concrete high-rises do… read more…
- What Is the True Cost of Living in Alaska?
Alaska, also known as the Last Frontier, is on many Americans’ travel bucket lists. If you visit Alaska and fall in love with it, you may decide you want to move there. While Alaska famously offers an annual check to… read more…
- The Pros and Cons of Pocket Listings
Putting a house on the market can be just as stressful as going through the process of buying a home. You probably want to sell your home quickly, and at the highest possible price. Sellers often host open houses and list… read more…
- What Is the Cost of Living in California?
California is a state of extremes. It’s home to some of America’s richest and poorest cities and counties. That means there’s no single cost of living in California. Still, there are some things that apply to locations across the state,… read more…
- The Best Places to Be a Teacher in 2015
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of K-12 teachers in the U.S. grew by just half a percent between 2013 and 2014, a fraction of the overall rate of jobs growth across all occupations (1.9%). Likewise, income growth for teachers was below average. There are a number of reasons teachers have faced… read more…
- The Safest Cities in America in 2015
Safety first, right? Whether you’re thinking about relocating for your career, looking for a good neighborhood in which to buy a home or trying to decide where you want to attend college, safety is always a top consideration. It’s pretty safe to say that no one wants to live in a place where they feel… read more…
- The Cost of Living in Hawaii
Who wouldn’t want to live in the paradise that is Hawaii? People who don’t like a high cost of living, for one. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Hawaii’s cost of living is the highest of any… read more…
- What Is a Seller Concession?
It’s amazing how many things can go wrong when you’re trying to buy a home. First, you might struggle to get preapproved for a mortgage or to pay for a down payment. And then when you’re nearing the closing table, a… read more…
- What Is the True Cost of Living in Phoenix?
Considering a move to Phoenix? You’re probably wondering whether you can afford to settle there. Our guide to the cost of living in Phoenix highlights low housing costs, low rent rates and low income taxes in the city. Additionally, Phoenix… read more…
- The Best Cities for Conferences in 2015
Conferences play an important role in many fields and industries, with topics ranging from the general (World Business Forum) to the strange (Merfest) to the just plain fun (FinCon). They are a great opportunity for professionals, academics or hobbyists to meet others in their field, learn about the latest developments and generally geek out. They are… read more…
- The Cost of Living in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, offers both colonial charm and modern attractions. As far as cost of living goes, Philadelphia isn’t as expensive as bigger cities like New York or San Francisco. There are also relative bargains to be… read more…
- The Best Places to Be a Nurse in 2015
Since 2009, the number of nurses in the United States has grown by almost 7%. Thanks to an aging population, the job growth for nurses is expected to continue apace in the near future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected total job growth for registered nurses would be 19.4% between 2012 and 2022. That places… read more…
- The Average Rent: What You Should Know
Many Americans are wrestling with the decision of whether to rent or buy. But what do you do if your lack of savings puts buying out of reach? You continue renting, but you’re vulnerable to rising average rents, which crossed $2,000… read more…
- The True Cost of Living in Dallas
When you think of Dallas, perhaps you think of Dallas Cowboys football, or maybe you’re reminded of the soap opera that shares its name, which ran for 14 seasons. If you’re thinking of moving to Dallas, you should know the… read more…
- What a Roommate Saves You in 50 U.S. Cities – 2015 Edition
For renters, it’s a dilemma as old as time: should I spend more to live alone or should I save money by living with a roommate? Living alone has its perks. You never have to wait for the bathroom, dishes don’t mysteriously stack up in the sink and you can watch whatever you want on… read more…
- What’s the Cost of Living in Miami?
The population in the 2010s in Miami grew quite substantially, over 15% from the begging of the decade, and there are more than 6.2 million in the area today. If you’re moving to Miami, you should have a good idea… read more…
- The Best Places to Trick-or-Treat in 2015
What’s the trick-or-treating like in your hometown? Do your neighbors hand out King Size Snickers – or carrot sticks? How are the costumes? Are the houses close together or do you have to walk a mile just to ring a doorbell? And what about the weather? What are the odds it will rain this year?… read more…
- 3 Things to Know About Crowdfunding a Mortgage Downpayment
Crowdfunding has shaken up the way people borrow and lend money. Aside from impacting the banking industry, the crowdfunding effect is also touching real estate. It’s now possible to invest in real estate through crowdfunding platforms or even raise enough money to… read more…
- The Best College Towns to Live In – 2015 Edition
There’s something magical about a college town. From the leafy green spaces of campus to the nearby strip of cafes, bookstores and bars, college towns at their best are charming yet vibrant places to live. They attract artists and philosophers, spurring creativity on and off campus. This is SmartAsset’s second annual study of the best college… read more…
- The Cost of Living in Boston
A stroll through the streets of Boston is a stroll through American history, and you can enjoy walking on cobblestone streets where the Founding Fathers once stepped. You can also take advantage of Boston’s world-class universities and hospitals, and watch its wildly… read more…