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With more pet ownership happening across the country, finding the best cities for pets could help you live more comfortably. The best cities for pets provide pet-friendly apartments, as well as plenty of amenities, such as off-leash parks, hiking spots, veterinary hospitals and doggie daycares.
In our search for the best cities for pets, we analyzed the percentage of apartments in our database that were pet-friendly and allowed dogs or cats.
We also looked at the average cost of veterinarian services in large metro areas with populations above 100,000 and the number of pet-related businesses and parks per capita. Then, we ranked them accordingly.
Here are the best cities for pets in the U.S.
Just north of Miami, Davie is a town with plenty of scenic parks. Head over to Happy Tails Dog Park, the city’s pristine dog park, where your dog can socialize and run obstacle courses. The park has three different play areas and doggie water fountains.
There’s also Central Broward Park, which features 110 acres of fields and playgrounds, Vista View Park, a hilly green space to spend the day hiking and Peace Mound Park, which has an ancient burial site.
Located in Broward County, Davie is known for its colleges, universities and technical colleges. It’s home to plenty of family-friendly activities, such as hanging at the Flamingo Garden and Everglades Holiday Park.
Fast-growing city Vacaville in Northern California, just 55 miles outside of San Francisco and because it’s not in the heart of the city, it’s a lot more affordable, too.
Vacaville is a great place to get on your bike and take your dog on a run through Alamo Creek Bike Trail or Lagoon Valley Park, a green, fenced off area for off-leash dogs to run around.
Besides sprawling, recreational areas and charming parks, you can also spend the afternoon checking out some of the local wineries.
Vacaville even has its own little museum, honoring the local heritage. It’s an ideal place away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough if you ever need to access a bigger city (only 35 miles from Sacramento).
Naperville is a suburb of Chicago — it sits just 35 miles west of the Windy City and is home to paths and bridges that hug the DuPage River. Just like Vacaville, Naperville is far enough from the concrete jungle of Chicago so residents can enjoy the more scenic vibe of public art, colorful local shops, cafes and restaurants.
Grab the leash and take your dog on a stroll through Naperville Riverwalk, which has a two-mile path that opens up to the heart of the city. It’s picturesque with lots of green space, shopping and places to eat or get takeout along the way.
When it comes to outdoor activities, you really can’t find a better place than Colorado. Arvada, which is near Denver, offers a unique, small-town feel with a retro vibe. The city has a historic shopping district called Olde Town and offers plenty of parks, trails (it has 125 miles of hiking and biking!) and lakes where you can see the mountains and bald eagles.
You can hike Mesa Trail and see views of the Flatirons or check out Eldorado Canyon State Park to climb amid sandstone cliffs. Because of its close proximity to nature, low crime rate and educated workforce, Arvada is a popular place to live. It encompasses the top 20 of Colorado’s wealthiest ZIP Codes.
While summers are hot, the rest of the year in Scottsdale is relatively mild, which makes it a comfortable place to live with your pet and get outside. Just outside of Arizona’s capital Phoenix, Scottsdale is well-known for incredible views of rock formations at Camelback Mountain and Hole in the Rock, a geological cluster with big open spaces.
Scottsdale even has a number of popular pet-friendly hotels (for some cool, indoor time for those scorching summers) and is generally welcoming of pets in public places, such as its posh Scottsdale Fashion Square and local wineries.
In eastern Texas, Tyler is known for its rose gardens and even has a museum dedicated to remembering the rich history of the town’s annual Texas Rose Festival.
Tyler is the kind of place where you can visit popular attractions, such as the Tyler Azalea trail and any of their lakes, such as Lake Tyler and East Lake Tyler.
The city’s location and access to nature make it a great place for pets. The Sunrise Paw Park is a massive dog park — four acres, to be exact. The park, just northwest of Old Jackson Highway, has separate fenced off sections for small and large dogs to play and socialize.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains is Boulder, CO. The city offers the best of both worlds, with the intricate rock formations of the Flatirons just west and the convenience of Pearl Street’s downtown’s shops, cafes and restaurants.
You can take your furry best friend just about anywhere in Boulder, including hiking trails and picnics with some spectacular scenery.
A dog-friendly must-do hike is the Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail, which is a beginner-level, 3.7-mile hike that will take about three hours. It’s an incredible way to spend the day, especially in the spring.
Ann Arbor is near the Huron River and nicknamed “Tree Town” because of its abundance of green space — even their downtown is filled with trees. Known as one of the best places to live in Michigan, Ann Arbor is a welcoming place for young professionals, families and their pets.
A popular destination for dog-lovers is Swift Run Dog Park, which is an outdoor grassy area with 10 acres of freedom for Fido to get some exercise and be off-leash.
Stroll through the coffee shops and historic downtown area that’s lined with vintage clothing shops, independent bookstores and historic theaters. Ann Arbor is also home to the University of Michigan, and its creative, youthful vibe makes it feel like a typical university town.
For being such an old city, founded in 1670, Charleston is surprisingly pet-friendly, with tons to do and see with Fido, including James Island County Park. This play haven features a dog beach, four acres of grass, a cleaning station and a fenced play area for small dogs.
Besides dog parks, beaches and trails, Charleston exudes an old, historic charm. The port city has cobblestone streets, especially in the French Quarter and Battery districts.
Go for a stroll down the promenade and Waterfront Park for a relaxing view of the Charleston Harbor. There are also tons of local shopping venues, theaters, museums, cafes and gardens.
The No. 1 city for Fido is in Greeley, a city in northern Colorado, about an hour away from Denver. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to do with your pet, from spending the afternoon at Poudre River Trail or taking advantage of the green space at Rover’s Run Dog Park.
Greeley is a central hub for community events and unlike its more expensive counterparts in Denver and Boulder, it’s considered a hidden gem due to its affordability in housing.
Greeley is a thriving cultural area, known for its art, entertainment and food-driven events, such as their summer-long Friday Fest and OktoBREWfest in the fall.
Greeley also landed in the No. 35 spot in a well-being index report, which measures community social and health data across populations.
If you want to know what other cities made the list beyond the top 10, here are the top 50 best cities for pets.
Here’s what you need to know in order to find the best find a pet-friendly apartment for your needs.
Newer apartment buildings come with all sorts of amenities, beyond a pool and fitness center. Pet-friendly apartments will have on-site dog parks, washing stations and even pet daycare.
You may have heard why it’s important to get renters insurance. Consider buying it for the year if you’re ready to move to a new apartment with your pet. It could show your new landlord that you’re responsible and are covered in case your pet causes any damage to the unit.
Depending on the type of coverage and policy you choose, renters insurance may include:
Ask your former landlord to write a letter of recommendation, highlighting your dog’s behavior and the condition of your previous apartment. You may want to include other types of documentation when talking to your landlord, such as:
This topic will inevitably come up when you look for a pet-friendly apartment. Most apartment buildings will require a pet deposit, which is generally a few hundred dollars.
When you find the right place to live, be sure to take photos of your apartment before you move in. This could serve a few purposes for you, including proof that your pet didn’t ruin the unit.
You could show these photos to future landlords to state your case that your dog is well behaved. It could also help you get your security deposit back.
To determine the best cities for pets, we looked at all cities with at least 100,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 estimates and then ranked each city by the following factors:
Pet-friendliness (50%)
Veterinarian costs (20%)
Pet businesses per capita (30%)
Each of these factors was weighted differently, and the cities with the best overall score were determined to be the best cities for pets.
Source: rent.com
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is a collective of high-end properties that meet high standards for service and style. There are more than 500 boutique hotels in 90 countries that make the grade.
SLH will not become one of the many Hilton Honors brands, but the strategic partnership between the two unlocks the door to significantly more luxury properties than are currently in the Hilton portfolio.
For now, the details of using Hilton elite status benefits and credit card perks at SLH properties are still being ironed out, but Hilton members will soon be able to earn and redeem points at the participating luxury hotels.
As Hilton Honors ramps up its partnership, World of Hyatt will end its connection with SLH. This comes on the heels of Hyatt’s new acquisition of travel club platform Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which gives World of Hyatt members plenty of opportunity to earn and redeem points at more than 1,500 luxury properties. Hilton will have an exclusive partnership with SLH.
To book these new hotel options, Hilton Honors members can use any of Hilton’s traditional reservations channels to book a stay at participating SLH hotels. This includes earning and redeeming points, which multiply when you use a Hilton Honors co-branded credit card.
Hilton Honors is also a transfer partner of AmEx Membership Rewards. No matter which credit card you use, these are some of the exciting SLH options that may participate in the Hilton Honors partnership.
Along the famous Gran Via, this hotel is close to popular shopping, theaters, nightlife, dining and tourist attractions like the Prado and Retiro Park.
Be sure to visit the one of the rooftop restaurants and bar for cocktails and tapas before heading out to a night on the town.
Want to sleep in a castle? Hilton Honors points could be your chance. The 19th century Inverlochy Castle is in the Scottish Highlands where guests can slumber like royalty.
Other activities include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, golf and even a ride on the Hogwarts Express train of Harry Potter fame.
Hugging the Adriatic Sea, this year-round hotel provides excellent views of the city’s famous Old Town (which was used for filming King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones”) and the popular island of Lokrum across the bay.
Instead of a traditional sandy beach, guests have a stone-lined deck from which they can take a dip in the water or lay back in the sun. There is a heated indoor pool and spa when the weather is not ideal for sitting by the sea.
Facing Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, this hotel looks like part of a fairytale. Not only is there a convenient rooftop pool and sun deck available for guests, but anyone that stays here enjoys free access to Tivoli Gardens when it is open.
Hemingways Nairobi is a solid option for visitors either before or after a safari trip because of its location near Nairobi National Park. It has its own gardens offering tranquility from the city of Nairobi, one of East Africa’s bustling downtowns.
An outdoor swimming pool, massive guest rooms and plenty of green space are all less than 30 minutes from the city-center Wilson Airport, where many safari flights depart.
Along the East Sea, this resort is similar to a Hawaiian getaway with beautiful sea views and two sparkling swimming pools.
The Vietnamese restaurant serves traditional regional recipes from around the country, and don’t miss the evening sundowner music and dance performances.
This small, family-owned resort five minutes from Ubud is surrounded by rice fields and lush foliage ideal for guests looking for a wellness vacation, especially one focused on meditation and self-improvement.
Its 40 private villas offer oversized infinity pools, and local experiences include everything from a walk through the rice paddies to Balinese dance lessons and temple offerings.
This luxury resort overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Virginia countryside boasts renovated interiors, a new spa and a Jean-Georges’ restaurant.
History buffs will appreciate its proximity to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
In the Hamptons on Long Island, this boutique hotel provides respite from the bustle of New York City and puts visitors within reach of the Atlantic Ocean.
A beach buggy takes guests to the shore during the summer, but back at the property, there is a lot to do, too. This includes popcorn and s’mores by the fire pit, afternoon tea and cookies, biking around the area, golf, baking classes and wine tastings.
The accommodations are made up of rooms, suites and private cottages.
Hilton Honors members have another option for earning and redeeming points now that there is an exclusive partnership between Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. As long as you make a reservation through a Hilton channel, SLH hotels now offer Hilton Honors members access to more than 500 boutique hotels around the world.
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Source: nerdwallet.com
Refinancing activity rebounded for the week ending February 2 after declining the previous week, as mortgage rates stabilize in the under-7 percent level, contributing to a rise in home loans application, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said on Wednesday.
The Refinance Index jumped 12 percent from the week before February and also rose by a percent compared to one year ago, according to MBA. Meanwhile, mortgage applications jumped by nearly 4 percent in the same time span.
The average cost of a 30-year fixed rate mortgage for a loan of $766,550 ticked up slightly to 6.80 percent compared to 6.78 the previous week.
“Mortgage rates have stayed close to where they started the year, despite swings in Treasury yields because of slowing inflation offset by stronger than expected readings on the job market,” Joel Kan, MBA’s deputy chief economist, said in a statement shared with Newsweek. “Rates at these levels have not prompted much of a reaction in the refinance market, as most homeowners have mortgages with much lower rates.”
Mortgage rates peaked at about 8 percent in the fall of 2023, making the cost of a home loan the highest it had been since the turn of the century. The elevated rate environment discouraged both buyers and sellers to step into the housing market who were reluctant to incur higher monthly payments of their housing loan.
Part of the reason rates jumped so high was due to the Federal Reserve’s hiking of its funds rate to battle soaring inflation. The rise in prices is cooling giving confidence that policymakers will slash rates but a strong jobs market is creating uncertainty on how quickly those cuts will happen.
But to begin the year, there is evidence that buyers are showing interest in dipping into the housing market, according to real estate platform Redfin, as rates have fallen over the last few weeks.
Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index, which tracks requests for tours, went up 6 percent for the week ending January 28, the platform said. Real estate agents say, however, that that increase in interest has yet to translate to a substantial jump in sales.
MBA experts are seeing a similar bubbling up of buyer interest.
“Purchase activity has been strong to start 2024 compared to the final quarter of 2023. However, activity is still weaker than a year ago because of low housing supply,” MBA’s Kan said.
Supply of homes is a huge challenge for the housing market. Housing economists have told Newsweek in the past that the market is 4 million homes short of demand, contributing to a jump in prices.
Some economists suggest that as mortgage rates fall, the used homes market may pick-up as sellers would begin to come out of the sidelines and finally put their homes in the market.
“Once they start moving, and I suspect we’ll see more and more of those folks moving in the coming year, they’ll have to become somewhat aggressive on pricing, they’re going to have to lower their price,” Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, told Newsweek last week.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Source: newsweek.com
Due to a robust economy, a vibrant music scene, plenty of corporate headquarters, cutting-edge medical centers and lots of higher education institutions, Nashville is a popular place for transplants.
Nashville offers cosmopolitan sophistication paired with southern charm. A diverse city, this is a place of great community spirit, where newcomers can expect to be welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re looking for a suburban, family-forward vibe or a hip, professional singles playground, Nashville’s got it all in spades with panache and charm to boot.
Here are the 10 best neighborhoods in Nashville for you to call home.
In the summertime, the sidewalks in the quaint area labeled 12 South are full of single hipsters and young families with strollers. Bar hopping is big here, but so is playing at the playground in Sevier Park. Regardless of your preferred recreational activities, everyone eventually ends up at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams to close out the evening.
Bellevue is booming these days, going from a sleepy suburb to a trendy hub for shopping and dining. It’s a place where recently relocated single professionals and established families with kids mingle happily. You’ll find a ton of community-based activities, festivals and markets, as well as lots of support for local businesses.
More than 60 percent of Bellevue is green space protected by the Land Trust for Tennessee and Nature Conservancy. As a result, the areas’ lucky residents enjoy beautiful spaces for hiking, canoeing, trail riding and communing with the great outdoors.
With Sylvan Park on one side and The Nations neighborhood on the other, Charlotte Pike is sitting pretty as one of Nashville’s up-and-coming places to settle in. It’s a walkable area with residential streets surrounding the main drag, where you’ll find awesome breweries, cool coffee joints and fun shopping.
The beautiful, green community of Donelson – Hermitage – Old Hickory is one of Nashville’s rising hipster meccas. The Hip Donelson Farmers Market has become a popular draw for the area, as has the “hip eats” initiative, showcasing some unique, locally-owned institutions like Homegrown Tap Room and Marketplace, McNamara’s Irish Pub and Phat Bites.
Its affordability, abundant green spaces, active city centers and quiet neighborhoods make this place an area on the rise for families and singles alike.
The neighborhood is also home to Nashville’s famous Grand Ole Opry.
Just a few blocks north of Downtown, Germantown is a great mix of family-friendly and urban chic. With award-winning restaurants and bars, it’s perfect for a night out. With the Nashville Farmers’ Market a short walk away, it’s also ideal for a day spent shopping and picnicking at the beautiful Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
If you’re looking for an affluent neighborhood with upscale shopping galore, Green Hills is the place for you. Posh shops like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo inhabit the Mall at Green Hills. World-class dining is within walking distance of its luxury high-rise apartment buildings.
You’ll pay a pretty penny for all that glamour. It’s seen steadily increasing rent prices for years. But you’ll also see plenty of celebs mingling in its gorgeous bars and restaurants.
Midtown is practically a part of the Vanderbilt University campus and medical center. On any given day, the sidewalks see a diverse rush of students, visiting academics, business executives and lots of healthcare professionals.
You’ll see plenty of Vandy students letting off some steam at some of the many bars crowding the city blocks, but Midtown has its share of family-friendly side streets, as well. Because it’s so walkable to Downtown and Music Row, there’s an abundant selection of hotels and fine dining in the area for tourists to enjoy.
On the other side of Vanderbilt, you’ll find Music Row. If music is what draws you to Nashville then you may seriously want to consider moving to this beautiful neighborhood. You’ll have to look closely to spot the most historic recording studios here. Most are tucked in unassumingly between the residential homes along the tree-lined streets.
Some of the world’s most famous feet have walked the shady sidewalks of Music Row, including (but not limited to) Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan … we could really go on and on.
The sidewalks in SoBro are packed with locals coming and going to work and with tourists taking in the sights and sounds of Downtown Nashville (SoBro literally begins on Broadway, Downtown’s main drag.). There are a ton of gorgeous restaurants to visit, and the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Center is just a short block or two from it all.
Sylvan Park is a tight-knit community that’s family-friendly and full of charming locally-owned shops and restaurants. Spend a sunny afternoon at Richland Park or the McCabe Golf Course, then catch dinner and an adult beverage at Chaatable or M.L. Rose.
If you’re having a tough time deciding which Nashville neighborhood is right for you, take heart. Any native Nashvillian will be more than happy to give you the rundown on our great communities. We’ll also be glad to answer any questions you might have.
(For example, “Why is there a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park?” The answer: It’s because Nashville’s the Athens of the South, complete with a Greek-revival-style state capitol building.)
Interested? There’s tons more neat stuff where that came from, so come for a visit to Nashville and see for yourself. We’ll keep the music live, the craft beer cold and the biscuits warm for you.
Source: rent.com
Nestled in the heart of wine country, Santa Rosa, CA is a charming city with a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. From exploring the stunning vineyards and wineries to hiking in the nearby redwood forests, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. The vibrant downtown area offers a diverse culinary scene, art galleries, and boutique shops, making it a perfect place for foodies and art enthusiasts.
Whether you’re searching for apartments in Santa Rosa, homes for sale, or are already a local, this Redfin article will be your guide. Here is Redfin’s list of the top 10 things to do in Santa Rosa, for both newcomers and long-time locals alike.
Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve located in Santa Rosa. Visitors can embark on a safari adventure and see over 900 animals from 90 different species, including giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs. It’s a unique opportunity to experience an African safari right in the heart of California.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is dedicated to the life and work of the creator of the Peanuts comic strip. Visitors can view original Peanuts artwork, learn about the history of the comic strip, and even try their hand at drawing their favorite characters. It’s a must-visit for fans of Charlie Brown and the gang.
Spring Lake Regional Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Visitors can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore the lake. With beautiful scenery and plenty of recreational opportunities, it’s a great place to spend a day outdoors.
Luther Burbank was a renowned horticulturist, and his former home and gardens are now a historic landmark. Visitors can tour the house and explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, which feature a wide variety of plant species. It’s a peaceful and educational attraction for nature lovers.
Santa Rosa is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley wine region, known for its world-class wineries. Visitors can take a wine tasting tour and sample a variety of local wines, including pinot noir and chardonnay. It’s a great way to experience the region’s wine culture.
The Railroad Square Historic District is a charming area filled with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Visitors can stroll through the streets and admire the architecture, or stop in at one of the many unique boutiques and eateries. It’s a great place to soak up the city’s history and culture.
Santa Rosa’s proximity to wine country makes it the perfect place to take a hot air balloon ride. Visitors can soar above the vineyards and enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling hills and valleys. It’s a memorable way to experience the beauty of the region.
The Pacific Coast Air Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing vintage aircraft. Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of planes and learn about the history of aviation in the region. It’s a fascinating attraction for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
The Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival is an annual event that celebrates the city’s horticultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy a colorful parade featuring floats adorned with beautiful roses, as well as live music, food vendors, and activities. It’s a fun and festive experience for the whole community.
The Sonoma County Museum showcases the art, history, and culture of the region. Visitors can view a variety of exhibits, including contemporary art, historical artifacts, and interactive displays. It’s a great way to learn about the diverse heritage of Santa Rosa and its surrounding areas.
Source: redfin.com
The Adirondack Mountains are a gorgeous outdoor wonderland, attracting tourists from all over the world. The park covers 20% of New York state (3x larger than Yellowstone!). Perhaps the “ADK’s” most extraordinary natural resources are the 46 “High Peaks” in the park’s northeast corner.
Friend-of-the-blog/pod Tyler led me on one of my first High Peak adventures (hey Tyler, thanks for reading!). We conquered the Dix Range, summiting four peaks in one day, trudging ~15 miles through the mountainous woods over 11 hours
It was a draining day. I drank more water than expected and chafed in…uncomfortable…ways. I ate dinner for two that night and slept like a baby and learned many applicable lessons for my next hike.
For example, during our rest breaks at the summits, I observed the other hikers around us. What were they doing that I wasn’t? Some were fit and lean, others a bit overweight. Some had expensive gear, others had gym shorts and sneakers. The pros drank from Nalgene bottles and ate rehydrated meals. The amateurs had Poland Spring bottles and Nutrigrain bars.
All shapes and sizes. There was a broad spectrum between the expertly prepared and the woefully inexperienced. Yet all of these hikers had reached the top. And hopefully they all got back to the bottom, too.
More preparedness requires more research, more time, and more money. But it provides a higher probability of summiting the mountain(s), a more straightforward path, and the mental confidence of knowing you’re prepared.
Less preparedness is easier upfront. But is it easy in the long run? Likely not. “A stitch, in time, saves nine,” as Ben Franklin said. This idea rhymes with the concept of, “Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life.”
Where do you want to fall on the spectrum of preparedness? That’s totally your call. There is no correct answer in general, but only a correct answer for you.
You’ll hopefully reach “the summit” either way. But your preparedness provides flexibility in how easy or hard that journey will be.
In my experience running The Best Interest and working professionally in financial planning, retirement preparedness works the same way. I received a perfect example last week via email from a blog reader, Jon…
Hi Jesse, my wife and I are 56 and 58 years old, respectively, and on the verge of retirement, I hope. We have about $2M in Traditional accounts, $510K in Roth accounts, and $430K in taxable accounts. 95% of that money is invested in diversified stocks. We’ll both receive significant Social Security benefits (north of $3K/month each at age 67). We live within our means…last year our total outflow of money was just shy of $90,000. Do you think we’re ready to retire? Can we chat with you about retirement readiness?
Jon (and Eva)
Some quick math: Jon and Eva have $2.9M in assets to support an $90,000 annual lifestyle. They’re at less than a 3% annual withdrawal rate, and we haven’t even accounted for their Social Security income. They are more than set!
Do Jon and Eva need professional help? I don’t see how.
Could Jon and Eva benefit from professional help? I’m positive.
It’s like my adventure in the Dix Range. I conquered the mountains! I didn’t need to be more prepared. But I could have (and should have) done many things differently to make my day more manageable and eliminate the probability of failure.
Many of us don’t need intervention. But it would undoubtedly help.
I find it hard to imagine a scenario where Jon and Eva live a failed financial retirement, regardless of professional advice. They’re on course to “summit the mountain.” Still, many critical financial questions come to my mind:
I’m sure Jon and Eva have answers. However, my experience with similar families is that their answers are rarely optimized. While it’s terrific that they’re better off than most, there’s still room for optimization – and therefore, room for dollars saved and dollars earned.
If they were hikers, they’d be in peak physical shape (peak?!) with plenty of water. I can’t see them failing to get up the mountain. But did they bring a map and compass, just in case? Are they aware those cotton underpants are going to get very uncomfortable? Or that the trailhead parking lot is “by reservation only?”
They’ll reach the summit regardless. But their day will be more annoying than it needed to be. Who wants that?!
Just as I wrote earlier, I’m asking Jon and Eva,
“Where do you want to fall on the spectrum of preparedness? That’s totally your call. There is no right answer in general, but only a right answer for you.”
Based only on Jon’s short email, I have plenty of questions for them. They could use a sanity check (or more) for retirement preparedness.
But preparedness costs money, time, energy, etc. Do they want to incur those costs to get more prepared? Will they see enough benefit from those costs, or are they beyond the point of diminishing returns?
Perhaps they’re ready to hit the trail as is. They’ll reach their retirement goals regardless. But they might have more annoying financial moments than needed. Who wants that?!
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, join 7500+ subscribers who read my 2-minute weekly email, where I send you links to the smartest financial content I find online every week.
-Jesse
Want to learn more about The Best Interest’s back story? Read here.
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Source: bestinterest.blog
You’ll immediately feel at home when moving to one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Neighbors will hold doors open, let you cut in line and say, “Thank you.” A lot.
People here will also politely tell you that the Twin Cities consist of Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with dozens of suburbs, if you mistakenly call Minneapolis the Twin Cities.
They’ll also give you plenty of advice when looking for a great neighborhood for you to hang your (hopefully) Vikings hat.
Here’s a look at some of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis.
Named after Marge Armatage, the first woman elected to a Minneapolis public office after winning her race for the Board of Park Commissioners in 1921, the neighborhood in southwest Minneapolis honored her by naming a park after her. With walking paths, ice rinks and more, the park is a key attraction in the neighborhood.
A friendly area, Armatage is great for families and couples. Close to the Southdale shopping center, as well as local coffee houses such as Sparrow Coffee, it’s easy to feel at home and part of the neighborhood.
Located in northeast Minneapolis, Audubon Park honors famed naturalist John James Audubon. Featuring an urban feel of about 5,000 residents, the neighborhood is home to Audubon Park, offering a natural getaway with walking trails among tall trees. As part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, the trail runs through the area near Deming Heights Park.
The iconic Hollywood Theater called the area home during its heyday and locals seek to revitalize the nearly 90-year-old Art Deco building.
Locals enjoy grabbing a meal or takeout from the Holy Land Bakery, Grocery and Deli, where you can enjoy Mediterranean items. Spyhouse Coffee is a great spot to grab a cup of locally roast brew.
With the downtown skyline in the background, the Bryn Mawr neighborhood is home to Theodore Wirth Park, the largest park in Minneapolis. You’ll find an 18-hole golf course, a disc course and ample trails perfect for cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing during the winter. The area is also part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.
While a quiet, quaint neighborhood with friendly residents, Bryn Mawr has easy access to downtown Minneapolis, as well as shopping and dining, such as Cockadoodledo Gifts, offering a mix of vintage and contemporary items. Cuppa Java is an excellent spot for a warm drink and a quick bite.
Bordering three lakes, the Cedar Isles-Dean neighborhood is one of the more affluent areas of Minneapolis, with most residents earning more than $100,000. The neighborhood takes its name from two of its lakes, Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles, and the Dean Parkway, which runs through the middle of the district.
The third lake, Bde Maka Ska (Dakota for Lake White Earth), is the largest body of water in Minneapolis. You’ll often find sailboats among the kayaks, canoes and motorboats patrolling the waters during summer.
Architecture enthusiasts will want to drive by the Freida and Henry J. Neils House, named for its original owners and a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The L-shaped one-story house was built in Wright’s Usonian style, a name he gave the design he considered defining the United States.
The population of about 3,000 residents can enjoy shopping at outlets, such as Greenway Lakes Commons and Cedar Commons.
With the Mississippi River as one of its borders, Downtown East is a fantastic neighborhood to call home. With the Mill City Museum and the nearby Stone Arch Bridge as attractions, you can also catch concerts and shows at the Guthrie Theater. The Minnesota Vikings play at U.S. Bank Stadium, which is in the heart of the neighborhood. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy checking out older buildings, such as City Hall.
A popular neighborhood for younger professionals, Downtown East is home to Day Block Brewing Company, a popular watering hole and restaurant. Locals also enjoy dining at Sawatdee, a neighborhood favorite since the mid-1980s.
With nearly 5,800 residents, Downtown West is the heartbeat of downtown, home to several corporations. Nicollet Mall runs about 12 blocks long on the neighborhood’s northwest side and includes several restaurants, such as The News Room. A popular attraction along Nicollet near 7th Street is the statue of Mary Tyler Moore. Erected in 2002 to celebrate the star of the hit show based in Minneapolis, it’s a great spot for selfies.
The Walker Art Center borders the neighborhood on the north end. With its contemporary art pieces and its famous sculpture garden — starring the often-photographed Spoonbridge (Spoon with a cherry) — the art center is a fun place to visit and enjoy a walk.
Downtown West is a great neighborhood for singles and young couples. Situated near Loring Park, Downtown West is a politically liberal and LGBT-friendly area.
Once a farm community, King Field has grown into a neighborhood popular with young professionals and couples. With farmers markets and unique dining experiences, such as Cuban at Victor’s 1959 Café or Filipino at Apoy, the area is sure to challenge your palate. King Field features ample free parking at several establishments, as well as free bus rides along Nicollet Mall. You can visit with friends over coffee at Five Watt Coffee.
History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts love calling the Linden Hills neighborhood home. Between museums, such as the Minnesota Streetcar Museum and Bakken Museum, you can learn about the area’s history. Living along Bde Maka Ska, the largest lake in Minneapolis and part of the Chain of Lakes, outdoor activity is almost unlimited, with three miles of trails and plenty of water activities, such as swimming and boating.
A neighborhood popular with families, couples and young professionals, it’s easy to find outstanding dining options, such as Martina, with its Italian cuisine, and Old Southern BBQ. Locals also enjoy unique shopping opportunities, including Wild Rumpus, a book store with a unique story.
Loring Park has long been a gathering spot for Minneapolis residents. Home to major celebrations, including the Gay Pride Festival and the Loring Park Art Fair, the area is one of the most beautiful in the Twin Cities. With the country’s first basilica — Basilica of St. Mary — you can take in its Beaux-Arts architecture and ornamental art inside the church.
For more than 80 years, the Walker Art Center has provided a taste of art and culture to the neighborhood, with several exhibits inside the building and amazing sculptures outside in the sculpture garden. You’ll find the world-famous Spoonbridge (spoon and cherry) in the heart of the garden.
With unique restaurants, such as Lotus Restaurant — offering its take on Vietnamese cuisine — and Café Lurcat, bringing a nouveau twist to American fare.
Only a few minutes west of downtown, the Lowry Hill neighborhood is the perfect spot for young professionals, couples and families. With local parks offering walking paths, areas to relax and spend time outdoors, the area started as a rural community. Today, the nearby Walker Art Center hosts the annual Rock the Garden Festival.
Whether they prefer pancakes for breakfast or a burger for dinner, The Lowry is a popular choice for locals. Enjoy local craft beer at Sisyphus Brewing, where they also host weekly stand-up comedy shows.
There’s seemingly a little of everything in the Lyn Lake neighborhood of Minneapolis. The community’s hot spots meet at the intersection of Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue. With a plethora of dining establishments, such as World Street Kitchen, which grew from a food truck and features almost everything from Asian and Mediterranean to Caribbean, the neighborhood is a great place to sample amazing menus.
An area popular with young professionals, couples and singles, Lyn Lake offers unique neighborhood gems, such as Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater, where you can bowl 10 frames or catch a show. Up-Down Minneapolis features 50 vintage arcade games from the 1980s-90s, as well as a variety of beer on tap for a fun-filled trip down memory lane.
A family-friendly neighborhood, Lynnhurst features plenty of fun activities for all ages. Centrally located in Minneapolis, residents have easy access to public parks and trails, such as Minnehaha Creek Park, home to canoeing, hiking and picnicking. The Lynnhurst Recreation Center offers youth activities, sports leagues and an ice skating rink.
Lake Harriet Pizza is a popular choice for pizza night, as the eatery creates craft pizzas for takeout or delivery. Couples enjoy dining at Broders’ Pasta Bar, as well as a twist on Mexican cuisine at Colita, where you can sample lamb barbacoa tacos.
Named for nearby Lake Nokomis, this neighborhood is perfect for outdoor activities. Anchoring one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis, Minnehaha Falls is a major attraction in Nokomis. While you can canoe Minnehaha Creek, you’ll want to hike the trail that takes you within a few feet of the 53-foot-tall waterfall.
With trails that offer fun winter sports, such as cross country skiing or snow-shoeing, the area is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Longfellow Gardens also offers an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with a walk through the botanical garden.
Popular with locals and tourists, Matt’s Bar and Grill is the home of the Jucy Lucy since 1954, two burgers cooked around a small block of cheese that melts as they cook. It’s best to let the Jucy Lucy sit for a few minutes, so you don’t burn your mouth with the first bite as the cheese oozes out.
Considered one of the most “hipster” neighborhoods in the city, North Loop has grown from an old, dilapidated warehouse district to a vibrant art and entertainment area, home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and retail outlets.
From eateries, such as Parlour and North Loop Galley, to bars, including Kieran’s Irish Pub, and shops such as Statement Boutique and Grethen House, North Loop is an exciting neighborhood for young professionals, couples and singles looking to live in a thriving area.
Sports fans will enjoy catching a Twins baseball game at Target Field or Timberwolves and Lynx hoops at Target Center.
A neighborhood that mixes the old with the new, Northeast Minneapolis is an art lover’s dream community. For more than 25 years, nearly 1,000 artists have gathered for one of the largest outdoor art studio tours in the country, as Art-a-Whirl calls Northeast Minneapolis home. With the neighborhood’s European-style cobblestone streets, the area is one of the most walkable in the Twin Cities.
Outdoor enthusiasts love visiting Boom Island Park, with hiking and biking trails, as well as picnicking spots. Once used as a logging station, the park is a favorite with locals, offering great views of the area.
As Northeast Minneapolis has developed, the area has become home to some of the most popular restaurants in the area, including Hai Hai, which features Southeast Asian cuisine, and Betty Danger’s Country Club, known for its outdoor Ferris wheel. The neighborhood is also home to outstanding craft breweries, such as Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative.
With restaurants, such as Young Man and its Asian menu highlighting Hawaiian, Indonesian and Japanese cuisine, Southwest Minneapolis is an active, vibrant community open to a variety of backgrounds.
A popular area with young professionals, couples and single people, Southwest Minneapolis invites residents to check out unique attractions, such as Game Show Battle Rooms, which matches teams in a classic game show escape rooms. Lake Harriet is a popular spot with boating, swimming and winter sports.
Within walking distance of the University of Minnesota, St. Anthony West is also close to downtown Minneapolis, which professionals and retirees both find inviting. Located in one of the oldest and best neighborhoods in Minneapolis, St. Anthony West is home to Boom Island Park, a popular spot for hiking and biking.
Residents enjoy catching a light, relaxing dinner at Aster Café, with its menu featuring beet salad, shawarma bowl and brisket tacos. Before or after catching a movie at the historic St. Anthony Main Theatre, grab a bite and a glass of wine at Pracna on Main, one of the city’s oldest restaurants.
Offering an eclectic array of attractions and restaurants, who doesn’t want to live in the Uptown neighborhood? With Uptown Theatre and bars, such as The Fremont, the area attracts young professionals and college students, creating one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis.
At the same time, older couples and retirees enjoy the area and its easy access to parks and lakes, such as Bde Maka Ska and Cedar Lake, but also the restaurants, including Barbette and dishes, such as sweet potato risotto.
With its namesake park as the neighborhood anchor, Waite Park is definitely a residential neighborhood. Most restaurants and shopping opportunities are in neighboring districts, such as Audubon Park and Northeast Minneapolis. The area is an excellent residential area for families, couples, and young professionals, who enjoy a quiet lifestyle, with plenty of walking and biking opportunities.
With a diverse population, the Whittier neighborhood has been known through the years for an eclectic feel. The area’s art scene is strong, with the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Walker Art Center near the neighborhood. The Hennepin History Museum offers a look at the county’s past.
Popular with young professionals and couples, Nicollet Avenue offers several choices for dining, with restaurants such as Icehouse, which features American fare, along with drinks and music, and Quang, which offers a Vietnamese menu.
As you plan your move to Minnesota’s largest city, look for the neighborhood that appeals to you the most. Is it being close to work? Or, maybe you prefer sports, arts or being outdoors. Whatever your interest, Minneapolis has the perfect home for you.
Source: rent.com
The Adirondack Mountains are a gorgeous outdoor wonderland, attracting tourists from all over the world. The park covers 20% of New York state (3x larger than Yellowstone!). Perhaps the “ADK’s” most extraordinary natural resources are the 46 “High Peaks” in the park’s northeast corner.
Friend-of-the-blog/pod Tyler led me on one of my first High Peak adventures (hey Tyler, thanks for reading!). We conquered the Dix Range, summiting four peaks in one day, trudging ~15 miles through the mountainous woods over 11 hours
It was a draining day. I drank more water than expected and chafed in…uncomfortable…ways. I ate dinner for two that night and slept like a baby and learned many applicable lessons for my next hike.
For example, during our rest breaks at the summits, I observed the other hikers around us. What were they doing that I wasn’t? Some were fit and lean, others a bit overweight. Some had expensive gear, others had gym shorts and sneakers. The pros drank from Nalgene bottles and ate rehydrated meals. The amateurs had Poland Spring bottles and Nutrigrain bars.
All shapes and sizes. There was a broad spectrum between the expertly prepared and the woefully inexperienced. Yet all of these hikers had reached the top. And hopefully they all got back to the bottom, too.
More preparedness requires more research, more time, and more money. But it provides a higher probability of summiting the mountain(s), a more straightforward path, and the mental confidence of knowing you’re prepared.
Less preparedness is easier upfront. But is it easy in the long run? Likely not. “A stitch, in time, saves nine,” as Ben Franklin said. This idea rhymes with the concept of, “Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life.”
Where do you want to fall on the spectrum of preparedness? That’s totally your call. There is no correct answer in general, but only a correct answer for you.
You’ll hopefully reach “the summit” either way. But your preparedness provides flexibility in how easy or hard that journey will be.
In my experience running The Best Interest and working professionally in financial planning, retirement preparedness works the same way. I received a perfect example last week via email from a blog reader, Jon…
Hi Jesse, my wife and I are 56 and 58 years old, respectively, and on the verge of retirement, I hope. We have about $2M in Traditional accounts, $510K in Roth accounts, and $430K in taxable accounts. 95% of that money is invested in diversified stocks. We’ll both receive significant Social Security benefits (north of $3K/month each at age 67). We live within our means…last year our total outflow of money was just shy of $90,000. Do you think we’re ready to retire? Can we chat with you about retirement readiness?
Jon (and Eva)
Some quick math: Jon and Eva have $2.9M in assets to support an $90,000 annual lifestyle. They’re at less than a 3% annual withdrawal rate, and we haven’t even accounted for their Social Security income. They are more than set!
Do Jon and Eva need professional help? I don’t see how.
Could Jon and Eva benefit from professional help? I’m positive.
It’s like my adventure in the Dix Range. I conquered the mountains! I didn’t need to be more prepared. But I could have (and should have) done many things differently to make my day more manageable and eliminate the probability of failure.
Many of us don’t need intervention. But it would undoubtedly help.
I find it hard to imagine a scenario where Jon and Eva live a failed financial retirement, regardless of professional advice. They’re on course to “summit the mountain.” Still, many critical financial questions come to my mind:
I’m sure Jon and Eva have answers. However, my experience with similar families is that their answers are rarely optimized. While it’s terrific that they’re better off than most, there’s still room for optimization – and therefore, room for dollars saved and dollars earned.
If they were hikers, they’d be in peak physical shape (peak?!) with plenty of water. I can’t see them failing to get up the mountain. But did they bring a map and compass, just in case? Are they aware those cotton underpants are going to get very uncomfortable? Or that the trailhead parking lot is “by reservation only?”
They’ll reach the summit regardless. But their day will be more annoying than it needed to be. Who wants that?!
Just as I wrote earlier, I’m asking Jon and Eva,
“Where do you want to fall on the spectrum of preparedness? That’s totally your call. There is no right answer in general, but only a right answer for you.”
Based only on Jon’s short email, I have plenty of questions for them. They could use a sanity check (or more) for retirement preparedness.
But preparedness costs money, time, energy, etc. Do they want to incur those costs to get more prepared? Will they see enough benefit from those costs, or are they beyond the point of diminishing returns?
Perhaps they’re ready to hit the trail as is. They’ll reach their retirement goals regardless. But they might have more annoying financial moments than needed. Who wants that?!
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, join 7500+ subscribers who read my 2-minute weekly email, where I send you links to the smartest financial content I find online every week.
-Jesse
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Source: bestinterest.blog