Georgia is known for many things, from its bustling cities and beautiful nature to its rich history and charming beaches. With magnificent waves and sandy coves, boating and kayaking, sightseeing and fishing, these idyllic Georgia beach towns are some of the best you’ll find. Whether you’re moving to the state or hoping to live by the coast, there are countless coastal towns to check out in Georgia.
But if you’re not sure what beach towns in Georgia to check out, we’ve got you covered. To help you find the right area, Redfin has put together a list of 6 of the best coastal towns in Georgia, from Brunswick to Tybee Island. Let’s explore some of the state’s top beach cities, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.
#1: Brunswick
Median home price: $185,000 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,261 Brunswick, GA homes for sale Brunswick, GA apartments for rent
About 3,700 people live in this coastal Georgia town, making it a quiet reprieve from city life. There are plenty of waterfront spots to explore while in Brunswick such as Marshes of Glynn and Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Living in Brunswick, you can also explore downtown Brunswick, check out the Victorian-era historic district and Lover’s Oak tree, and hike along the Earth Day Nature Trail.
#2: Darien
Median home price: $246,000 Darien, GA homes for sale Darien, GA apartments for rent
Another one of Georgia’s great beach towns to consider buying a home in is Darien, home to 22,000 people. You’ll find lots of beachfront parks, oceanfront lookouts, and picturesque views of the water throughout town. Some popular things to do in Darien include grabbing a meal at a waterfront restaurant, touring the Fort King George State Historic Site, and checking out the shops and sites downtown.
#3: Jekyll Island
Median home price: $630,000 Jekyll Island, GA homes for sale Jekyll Island, GA apartments for rent
Jekyll Island, located just off the coast of Brunswick, has just about 870 residents. There are plenty of beaches to explore on a warm Georgia day including the iconic Driftwood Beach and St. Andrews Beach. Make sure to take a fishing charter or kayak tour, visit some of the many historic sites including the Wanderer Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hike along one of the nature trails if you move to Jekyll Island.
#4: St. Marys
Median home price: $323,950 St. Marys, GA homes for sale St. Marys, GA apartments for rent
There are plenty of places to spend a day by the water in and around St. Marys. With roughly 7,500 residents in St. Marys, make sure to visit one of the many riverfront parks, enjoy a day at St. Marys Aquatic Center, and take a ferry along the river.
#5: St. Simons
Median home price: $547,000 St. Simons, GA homes for sale St. Simons, GA apartments for rent
The quaint beach town of St. Simons has about 17,300 residents, making it another great place to add to your list. You’ll find stunning beaches such as East Beach and St. Simons Public Beach. Living in St. Simons, you can tour the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum, golf at one of the courses, or grab a meal at a local spot.
#6: Tybee Island
Median home price: $650,000 Tybee Island, GA homes for sale Tybee Island, GA apartments for rent
Home to roughly 3,100 people, Tybee Island is a great beach town to consider moving to. Some beaches you can visit include Inlet Ave Beach, Mid Beach, North Beach, and Tybee Beach. Make sure to check out the Fisherman’s Walk Pier and the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion, visit one of the museums, and check out the local restaurants downtown.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Georgia. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
Nestled in the heart of Michigan, Grand Rapids has earned its reputation as a vibrant destination with many offerings. The city provides residents with a diverse array of attractions, including vibrant arts, renowned museums, flourishing craft beer, and outdoor recreation. Moving to Grand Rapids means immersing yourself in its rich history, exploring its iconic landmarks, and indulging in the distinct flavors that have put it on the map. So whether you’re searching for apartments in Grand Rapids or homes for sale, Redfin created this guide to get you started and embrace all that this exciting city has to offer.
What is Grand Rapids known for?
1. Affordable cost of living
Grand Rapids is known for its affordable housing costs, making it an attractive place for individuals and families seeking to stay within budget. The median sale price is $290,000, which is 13% lower than the national median. Even renting is affordable; the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,409, perfect for those wanting an apartment downtown.
The cost of living in Grand Rapids is generally lower than in many other major cities, allowing residents to enjoy a higher quality of life and more disposable income, while benefiting from the amenities and opportunities the city offers.
2. Amazing craft beer
The thriving beer scene is evident, earning its reputation as Beer City, USA. The city is home to numerous craft breweries and brewpubs, offering various flavorful and innovative beers, making it a must-visit destination for beer lovers.
“While more than 50 Grand Rapids breweries call the Beer City Ale Trail home, one of my favorites is Mitten Brewing Company,” says Piper, a travel blogger from Follow the Piper. “Housed in a former firehouse, this baseball-themed microbrewery offers beer flights, and you can also enjoy a pizza flight.”
Constance, a travel blogger from The Adventures of Panda Bear, shares, “Famous for its beers, Founders Brewing Company not only has an amazing Centennial IPA but also a delicious beer cheese dip served with baked crostini and tortilla chips. Hopcat has an extensive selection of beers with 49 taps and a 250-bottle list, so you’ll find something that strikes your fancy; don’t forget to grab their infamous Cosmik fries to go along with that beer. Grand Rapids is the perfect destination to get your foodie and brews on.”
3. Pet-friendly establishments
Grand Rapids is pet-friendly, with numerous parks and trails that welcome four-legged companions and provide designated off-leash areas. The city also hosts pet-friendly events like the annual “Bark in the Park.” It has several pet-friendly restaurants and accommodations, ensuring that pets can enjoy the city alongside their owners.
“You can take your four-legged friends to these patio-perfect places: Zivio, Tupelo Honey, Maru Sushi, Bobcat Bonnies, Linear, Atwater Brewery, and Garage Bar. If you want to let your dog have some social playtime, check out The Pack Indoor Dog Park, Restaurant, and Bar,” shares Sarah Marilyn from Grand Rapids Bucket List.
4. Renowned arts and culture
The city boasts a vibrant performing arts scene, with various theaters and venues that showcase diverse productions, including Broadway shows, ballet, opera, and symphony performances.
David Sparks, a local commercial photographer, shares, “Grand Rapids has all the amenities of a major city, yet has the space to breathe and get away at the same time. Regarding concert performances, venues like the Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, and GLC Live at 20 Monroe host world-class touring artists. And if Grand Rapids isn’t hosting your favorite band, Chicago and Detroit have you covered, which are less than a 3-hour road trip away.”
5. Delicious cuisine
Grand Rapids offers a fantastic food scene with many dining options ranging from upscale restaurants to local eateries and food trucks. The city is known for its farm-to-table approach, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant craft beer culture, making it a haven for food enthusiasts.
“You must try the rooftop at Hotel Mertens, says Kelly Braman, a lifestyle photographer. Order the oysters and champagne, and remember dessert: chocolate pot de crème. I also love the little cafes where you can grab, go, or sit. Take a peek at gourmet bread and pastries at Wealthy Street Bakery.”
Carla Ludwig from Hope for Single Moms, a faith-based non-profit moving single mom families from poverty to prosperity, shares, “Grand Rapids has been known as Beer City, USA. However, if you’re a foodie, Grand Rapids probably is ranked pretty high for the food. My husband and I are frequent visitors of Bowdie’s Chophouse.”
6. Furniture manufacturing
With a longstanding reputation as a hub for furniture manufacturing, Grand Rapids’ nickname is “Furniture City.” The city’s history in the industry dates back to the 19th century, when it became a center for fine furniture craftsmanship. Grand Rapids was home to numerous renowned furniture companies, producing high-quality and beautifully crafted pieces.
Although the industry has evolved and faced challenges over the years, the legacy of furniture manufacturing remains strong in the city, with some companies continuing to produce furniture while others have transitioned to different aspects of the industry, such as design, distribution, and retail.
7. Beautiful scenery
Nestled along the picturesque Grand River, the city offers scenic waterfront views. Grand Rapids is surrounded by lush green landscapes, parks, and nature trails that showcase the region’s natural splendor, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the outdoors. From the serene Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park to the tranquil beauty of Millennium Park, Grand Rapids offers a wealth of stunning scenery that showcases the harmony between urban development and the natural world.
8. Renowned museums
Its rich museum scene has made Grand Rapids renowned, providing diverse cultural and educational encounters. The city boasts notable institutions, like the Grand Rapids Art Museum, housing a remarkable assortment of contemporary and historical artworks. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum offers a captivating insight into American history and politics connected to the 38th President. Additionally, the Grand Rapids Public Museum offers interactive exhibits exploring science, history, and culture.
9. Professional sports teams
Prepare to cheer on your favorite sports, as the city is home to many teams. You’ll find the Grand Rapids Griffins, an American Hockey League team known for its thrilling hockey games that draw in passionate fans. Furthermore, the Grand Rapids Drive, an NBA G League affiliated basketball team, showcases thrilling talent and supports emerging players. These professional sports teams contribute to the city’s lively sporting culture and offer thrilling entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
10. Grand River
Grand Rapids got its name from the Grand River, which flows through the city and holds a special place historically. The Grand River has recreational pursuits, such as kayaking, allowing nature lovers to engage with the outdoors. The scenic waterfront, adorned with parks, trails and trails offers residents peaceful spots to stroll and appreciate the beauty. Moreover, the Grand River sets the stage for year-round events and festivals, adding to the city’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Real estate transactions topped $13 billion in value in the first half of this year, with a plurality of the sales concentrated within the top income bracket encompassing the luxury market, data provided by Realtors Association of Jamaica shows.
However, the data, which spanned four income groupings, also shows that once combined, the majority of the sales are within the middle- to high-income block.
In that regard, the data comports with information from members of the banking sector, several of which have said that for them, the demand for home loans is manifested mostly in the middle tier of the market.
But while the banks have said business is fairly robust notwithstanding the uptick in mortgage rates, the data from the RAJ Multiple Listing Service indicates that residential real estate transactions are on the decline.
For all of 2022, the Realtors Association reported that there were 1,608 transactions worth nearly $108 billion spanning the four categories of residential real estate. But that is down from 1,858 transactions valued at $211 billion the previous year.
According to real estate brokers and financiers of home purchases, the current functional definition of middle-income residences relates to homes priced within the $15 million to $25 million range, while high-income residences are priced at $25 million to $45 million.
Most of the demand was said by different banks to be coming from young professionals.
The Realtors Association’s listing service captured 287 real estate transactions from January to June of this year, valued at $13.27 billion.
Broken down into four categories, the most lucrative side of the market and the area with the highest demand related to the most expensive homes.
In the under-$15 million category, RAJ reported that there were 76 transactions valued at $731 million at half-year 2023; in the middle income or $15 million to $25 million band, there were 68 deals valued at $5.2 billion; for those in the $25 million to $35 million range, there were 49 transactions valued at nearly $1.44 billion; while at the top end of the spectrum, for residences costing over $35 million, there were 94 transactions valued at $5.89 billion.
CIBC First Caribbean Jamaica, which once operated a building society but merged it into its wider operations years ago, said the bank has seen a 28 per cent increase in the number of applications for mortgages in the first five months of 2023, relative to last year, and consequently, it has been distributing more home loans in line with demand.
“Approval percentages for the corresponding periods during 2022 and 2023 were 73.33 per cent and 82.46 per cent, respectively,” CIBC FirstCaribbean said regarding the performance of the mortgage market.
And that is within a context where financing charges are 0.5 percentage point higher than last year, the bank said. The loan applications it received mostly related to apartments and single-home properties.
The most recent data published by the Bank of Jamaica, BOJ, shows that after a yearlong period of steady then incrementally small movements, mortgage loan rates have spiked to a three-year high, at 7.76 per cent as of May. That is up 56 basis points since January when mortgage loans were priced at an average of 7.2 per cent.
JMMB Bank says most of the demand for its home loans relates to properties falling within a band of $14 million to $35 million.
“This segment largely consists of young professionals who are first time homeowners taking advantage of the increased NHT loan ceiling which stood at $6.5 million since 2019 and is set to increase to $7.5 million, per single applicant in July 2023,” JMMB Bank’s General Manager of Bank Client Partnership Moya Leiba-Barnes, told the Financial Gleaner back in June. The NHT has since announced the increase in the loan ceiling, effective July 1.
Partnership agreements
“In response to the demand in this segment, JMMB Bank has forged several partnership agreements with developers, some of whom have received financing for their construction projects through JMMB Bank, in keeping with its end-to-end financing of real estate projects,” said Leiba-Barnes.
In May, JMMB Bank adjusted all its variable interest rate loans, including residential mortgages, by up to 1.75 per cent for retail clients, in response to the series of interest rate hikes that the central bank had executed for more than a year. The central bank’s policy rate has rested at 7.0 per cent since last November, but it is coming from a historic low of 0.5 per cent nearly two years ago when the BOJ shifted towards monetary tightening as a check on inflation.
Financing for majority mid-income properties is reflective of recent trends. The central bank, in a review of the mortgage market published in the latest BOJ Financial Stability Report, said acquisition of houses and apartments were mainly financed by banking institutions, inclusive of banks and mortgage banks, and spanned properties priced mainly in the range of $15 million to $30 million, during the period April 2019 to March 2021.
There were also outlier purchases of properties in excess of $60 million, which were spread across all institutions, “suggesting low concentration in high-value real estate,” the central bank stated.
Across all price ranges, the greater share of loan funding was for the purchase of houses, inclusive of apartments priced mainly at $15 million to $30 million, and scheme residences priced below $15 million.
“This was consistent with the affordable housing solutions established in the parish of St Catherine and indicative of joint financing arrangements with other institutions namely the National Housing Trust,” the central bank said.
It added that notwithstanding the spike in mortgage activity, the banks appeared to have a fairly good handle on managing the risk. Since mid-2020, the central bank said that asset quality improved sharply relative to the overall loan portfolio of banking institutions while credit quality was high, with the level of ‘performing’ mortgage loans at March 2022 estimated at 93 per cent of mortgage portfolios.
Local renters take pride in calling St. Louis home thanks to a diverse selection of neighborhoods, easy commutes around the city and plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy. There are more than 100 parks designed to invite residents outdoors and sports teams with winning records to get behind. This is St. Louis.
With so much to offer, there’s almost too much in St. Louis to really discover all the best spots yourself. That’s why our experts are weighing in. They know The Gateway City inside and out and are passing along their favorite spots to you.
1. Forest Park
Who doesn’t want a way to enjoy the outdoors in St. Louis and get access to fun activities for free? Nobody! Forest Park provides the best of both. Basically creating its own neighborhood, this is one of the country’s greatest urban parks. Within its 1,300 acres, you’ll find five major cultural institutions in addition to nature preserves, a lake and more.
“I love that our fabulous zoo and museum are all free, and the park has great little walking paths,” share Julia Noack of Julia Noack Photography. Forest Park is her favorite summer destination in St. Louis.
In addition to the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum, Forest Park is also home to the Missouri History Museum, the MUNY and the St. Louis Science Center.
2. The Grove
Stretching almost a mile long, The Grove is home to over fifty businesses including places to drink, eat, dance and shop. There’s even a tattoo parlor or two. Among all there is to enjoy here, one place stands out as the favorite for Sydney from Perennial Artisan Ales. The whole crew likes Grace Meat + Three the best.
“The amazing food is what brought us in, but the hospitality and atmosphere make us feel home. Fried chicken with a Grace Hominy Lager is the fave around here,” says Sydney.
3. The rest of Midtown
According to Tori Wright of Victorious STL Photography, the Midtown neighborhood of St. Louis is where it’s at. As the city’s geographic center, the area packs in a lot to do and see. It’s also the location of St. Louis University, so it draws a large number of college students to entertain.
For Wright, her Midtown hidden gems include catching a show at the Fabulous Fox, sipping coffee at the High Low Coffee Shop, watching the sunset on the rooftop at the Angad Arts Hotel and finally having a delicious meal at the food hall inside City Foundry.
4. The International Photography Hall of Fame
“When I have a day off,” shares Kristi Foster of Kristi Foster Photography, “I love going downtown to the International Photography Hall of Fame. There I can rejuvenate my creative side!” This impressive museum in Grand Center honors individuals who’ve made a significant contribution to the world of photography. It also preserves historic photographs and cameras for visitors to check out.
A walk through the International Photography Hall of Fame means going on a journey through hundreds of years of photography. Not a trip you can embark on in many other places.
5. Lemp Mansion
Source: facebook.com/TheLempMansion/
Both a restaurant and an inn, Lemp Mansion is a definite stop for all locals in St. Louis. According to the entire team at Hammond’s Books, “you can’t say you’ve been in St. Louis if you haven’t been there.”
Situated in the historic neighborhood of Benton Park, try and grab a dinner reservation on Sundays for their all-you-care-to-eat chicken dinner, served family-style. If you want to stay a night, Lemp Mansion has four different suites to pick from. The venue also hosts special events and does its own ghost tour.
6. Cherokee Street
Source: facebook.com/cherokeestreetofficial
Yes, an entire street can be a hidden gem within a city, mostly because you may not even realize how much Cherokee Street has to offer. Randy Vines from STL Style loves it because it’s an, “unfiltered, creative, unapologetically raw South Side corridor full of immigrants and artists and dreamers and makers that packs a bigger cultural punch than any other street in the city.”
Vines claims this street actually has it all, from “tamales to tattoos to open mics to impromptu parades.” He appreciates everything that operates within this space without pretense, calling it an area, “defined by both tradition and experimentation…a perfect blend of urban life.”
Crossing through multiple St. Louis neighborhoods, you’ll find bits of Cherokee Street in or beside many popular spots, including:
7. The Japanese Garden
A part of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this particular spot is a favorite for Lauren Throrp of Bonboni Mercantile Co. This 14-acre garden is one of the largest Japanese gardens in North America and perfectly highlights cultural influences through botanicals.
The Japanese Garden includes waterfalls, bridges, a lake and expansive lawns that foster a feeling of openness
8. Tower Grove Park
Whether it’s to picnic, take a stroll or visit the farmer’s market, Tower Grove Park is another hidden gem in that it has so much more going on than meets the eye. Mary Henesey, Co-Owner and Buyer of Urban Matter calls the park an “incredible space,” and tries to regularly visit the farmers market either on Tuesday afternoons or Saturday mornings.
When she wants to grab a bite and enjoy it within the park, Henesey prefers to stop at Navin’s and get a barbecue order to go.
Other popular spots in St. Louis
The fun in St. Louis is definitely not limited, even when talking to the local experts. In fact, it’s hard to limit the go-to list in any way. Some other places in the more popular neighborhoods, including Tower Grove South, Central West End, Botanical Heights, and more cover all types of activities.
For fun:
For a cup of coffee:
For a good meal or a good cocktail:
For shopping:
Seek out your favorite hidden gems in St. Louis
This list is just the start of all the special places to be found for those who call St. Louis home. This is a city that’s so much more than that famous arch So, get out there, find your favorite neighborhood and look closely at what other locals are missing. You may be the next person to discover a real hidden gem in this fantastic city.
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.
Compass CEO Robert Reffkin revealed on CNBC how volatile mortgage rates are sidelining homesellers and why a boost in existing-home inventory could happen as early as December.
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Volatile mortgage rate increases have brought the housing market to a creep, as would-be homesellers desperately hold onto the savings they secured during 2020 and 2021’s historic interest rate drop. Since the federal government averted a disastrous June 2 debt default, rates have retreated to the mid-six-percent range — a drop that’s resulted in three consecutive weeks of increasing homebuyer mortgage demand.
So, what will it take to bring homesellers out of hiding and bring the housing market back to life? A five-percent mortgage rate, according to Compass CEO Robert Reffkin.
Robert Reffkin
“Across the board, there are more buyers than sellers,” Reffkin said during a CNBC appearance on Wednesday. “Buyers that have accepted six or seven percentage mortgage rates as a new normal. The issue that we have is there’s just not enough inventory, and that’s because 30 percent of homeowners are locked into mortgage rates at 3 percent or below, and 70 percent of homeowners are locked in a 4 percent or below.”
“We need to have an unlock [of] inventory. It’s probably going to happen when mortgage rates get to 5 to 5.5 percent in a sustainable level,” he added. “At that point, I would expect there to be a flood of inventory in the market. And we’ll feel like the pandemic craze all over again.”
Reffkin said some homebuyers are already bringing their rates down to the five-percent range through buydowns. There are two common ways to complete a buydown: paying a one-time discount point fee at closing to bring the rate down for the lifetime of the loan or using funds escrowed by the seller to temporarily drop the rate for the beginning of the loan.
“There are definitely incentives and buydowns bringing mortgage rates down by two points in a number of our markets,” he said.
While some homebuyers are waiting for the existing-home market to recover, Reffkin said a greater segment of homebuyers are simply turning their attention to the new-home market, which experienced a 20 percent year-over-year increase in May sales.
“[It’s a] great time to be a homebuilder because they’re benefiting from the price increases that are a result of low inventory,” he said. “Homebuilders are meeting [buyer] demand. Last month, we saw the largest amount of housing starts since 2016, and that’s because homebuilders, their sentiment index improved for the first time in over a year.”
Reffkin said it’ll likely be another year before rates drop to the five-percent range; however, the market could still experience a boost in existing-home inventory earlier as homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages reevaluate the value of their current loans.
“The topic around adjustable rates, which I think people don’t fully appreciate, is that around 30 percent of the people that are locked in at three or four percent mortgage rates had adjustable rate mortgages that are five years, seven years or 10 years,” he said. “So the value of a 5-percent ARM they got in 2022, in six months is not that valuable anymore.”
The lock-in effect is the financial disincentive for existing homeowners to give up the low rate on their existing mortgage.
“You only have another year or year and a half” before ARM borrowers don’t feel locked in by the rate on their existing mortgage, he added. “So I think there’s going to be some new inventory entering the market, even if rates don’t come down because of those ARMs that are getting less value over time.”
Watch the full interview below:
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Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct that Reffkin said around 30 percent of the people that are “locked in” to mortgages at lower rates have ARM loans, rather than 30 percent were “wanting” mortgages at lower rates.
Referred to as Knoll House, the most expensive home listing in Pasadena—a picturesque city 11 miles northeast of downtown L.A.—hopes to attract a lover of art or automobiles eager to showcase a collection.
That’s because the property—two structures totaling 32,644 square feet of living space—includes a 20,000-square-foot art gallery (with enough room to display cars), along with an 11,000-square-foot, 16-room home original to the estate. It sits on a 2.3-acre landscaped and gated lot.
In addition to seven bedrooms and 21 baths, the perk-packed property comes with a Tiki bar, home theater, and wine cellar. Plus, the outdoor area includes a pool, multiple living and dining areas, fireplaces, and a kitchen with a pizza oven and bar.
George Penner with deasypennerpodley real estate is handling the $38.5 million listing.
Historic home
The house was built in 1916 based on designs by architect Myron Hunt. It was initially known as the Samuel C. Fertig House.
Then, in 1973, the home underwent an expansion led by architect Gordon B. Kaufmann and renamed Knoll House by then-owner Virginia Steele Scott.
Art lover’s amenity
Scott left behind a grand statement to the art world.
“Scott [was] a prominent American art collector and donated her collection to the Huntington Library,” Penner says.
Before that, the artwork had its own place on the property.
“She had a gallery space built by Ladd & Kelsey, the same architectural firm that did the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena.”
The 21,000-square-foot art gallery spans three levels, providing enough room to also showcase a car collection. Elevators and underground access from the main house seamlessly connect the two structures. There’s enough parking for guests thanks to a motor court and a five-car garage.
Another highlight of this property is a Tiki lounge. The sellers added the lounge after they picked up this property in 2013 for $7.5 million. The lounge decor and furnishings are included in the sale.
“Our client utilized the foremost Tiki-bar fabricator and all the furnishings and décor have been sourced from different Tiki bars or museums with artifacts,” Penner says.
From its inception, the building was designed to house more than just art. The art gallery building includes a 46-seat home theater, a poker room, two commercial elevators, and a conference center.
So, who will be in the market for this beautiful property?
“We’re specifically targeting that avid collector. They may be a collector of fine paintings or even a car collector,” Penner says. But someone with deep pockets who loves to entertain may also be tempted.
“The current owner utilizes that space as an event space for philanthropic events,” he adds. “It can host hundreds of people.”
The decline of Fort Morgan didn’t happen suddenly. There wasn’t a giant factory that closed or a natural disaster that devastated the small, farming town on the plains in the northeastern corridor of Colorado.
Instead, Fort Morgan’s story is a familiar one playing out across rural America: children moving away to find better jobs in the cities and big-box stores and online shopping leading to empty storefronts on Main Street. But this isn’t how the story ends for Fort Morgan, about an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Denver.
HGTV is turning its star power on Fort Morgan with the Season 2 premiere of “Home Town Takeover.” The show will feature its biggest name stars, including Ben and Erin Napier of “Home Town” and Dave and Jenny Marrs of “Fixer to Fabulous,” as they take on revitalization projects around town. The six-episode series is to premiere on Sunday.
The popular network has a strong track record of transforming struggling, down-on-their-luck, small towns and cities into popular tourist and real estate destinations. Several of these communities have credited the shows built around them for their turnarounds. Can HGTV and its talent re-create the magic in Fort Morgan—and perhaps inspire other struggling towns to invest in their own revitalizations?
“At the end of the day, millions of people are going to see this show,” Jenny Marrs tells Realtor.com®. “They’re going to be inspired either to go and visit Fort Morgan, which would be amazing and help the town as far as tourism, but also just be inspired to maybe do the same thing in their own town.”
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Watch: Exclusive: Is HGTV’s ‘Renovation 911’ the Most Dramatic Home Improvement Show Yet?
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Over the four months of filming for the show, the teams completed 18 projects. They included fixing up homes of local heroes, businesses such as the town’s bowling alley, and community spaces such as the downtown business district and a local park.
“Our town could use a jump-start,” says local artist Ann Iungerich. “The last 10 to 15 years, it’s gone through a slump. We could use a boost to get us back on track.”
Helping out on the projects were guest stars Jonathan Knight, star of HGTV’s “Farmhouse Fixer” and former vocalist for New Kids on the Block; rapper Lil Jon, who also has a show, “Lil Jon Wants To Do What?”; and Ty Pennington of “Rock the Block,” among others.
“These towns each have a special story,” says Jenny Marrs. She was most impressed by the people she met in Fort Morgan and how they rallied together to improve their community. “People stop, they say hello, they wave at you when you drive by, they know your name at the grocery stores. These sort of simple things can be really powerful.
“Families have lived in these small towns for generations. This is their family legacy and history,” she continues. “They shouldn’t have to move if we can help make the town viable again.”
The HGTV effect on real estate markets
The Texas city of Waco is perhaps the best example of the power of HGTV and its charismatic stars.
“Fixer Upper” premiered in 2013 and launched Chip and Joanna Gaines into the stratosphere. The couple built an empire off of that show, with a furniture line at Target, eight bestselling books between them, and even their own network, called Magnolia. But their greatest accomplishment might have been transforming the public image of Waco.
Before the popularity brought by the Gaineses, the city had been best known for a deadly standoff in 1993 between federal agents and a religious cult run by David Koresh. Now, tourists flock to the city to shop at the Gaineses’ stores and eat at their restaurant, Magnolia Table.
Average home prices in McLennan County, which includes Waco, surged almost 52.1% from 2015 to 2019, according to data previously provided by local real estate broker Camille Johnson. (“Fixer Upper” ran from 2013 to 2018 on HGTV. It was rebooted as “Fixer Upper: Welcome Home” on the Magnolia network in 2021.)
Before “Home Town” began filming in Laurel, MS, Mayor Johnny Magee flew out to Waco. He wanted to see the impact that “Fixer Upper” had on the struggling city.
“What we saw were tourists everywhere, and people were claiming that the same could happen in Laurel. We were doubtful,” says Magee. He didn’t realize how popular the show starring the Napiers would be when it premiered in January 2016.
Today, Laurel is booming. Its hotels and restaurants are full, home sales have risen as more people have moved here, and the town’s tax base has increased.
Home list prices surged in Laurel, shooting up 84.1% from July 2016 through July 2022, according to Realtor.com data. That’s compared with a 71.9% increase nationally and 60.8% in Mississippi over the same period.
“I am a native Laurelite who is amazed about what has happened since Ben and Erin Napier have begun the ‘Home Town’ show in Laurel. When the show began, downtown was like a ghost town,” says Magee. “What we have experienced has blown the minds of everyone who knew Laurel pre-‘Home Town.’”
Bentonville, AR, where “Fixer to Fabulous” is filmed, is a bit of an exception as it’s a city of more than 55,000 residents. It’s also the birthplace and headquarters of Walmart.
However, the Marrses have seen tourism tick up as a result of their show. There are now golf cart tours of the homes that have appeared on “Fixer to Fabulous.”
“It’s a powerful thing,” Dave Marrs says of the HGTV effect on Bentonville.
But there are a few downsides.
Home prices can rise as a result of being in the spotlight, say the Marrses. The number of properties for rent and sale is likely to drop even further as out-of-towners move in. That’s likely to make it harder for locals to find places. And those who grew up in the community might find themselves competing with deep-pocketed investors and retirees.
When home prices increase, property taxes can also rise. That was a substantial problem that homeowners in Waco experienced.
Fort Morgan’s already benefiting from ‘Home Town Takeover’
Since the news broke in July that the new season of “Home Town Takeover” would be filmed in Fort Morgan, commercial properties downtown have been selling quicker, says Brian Urdiales, a Fort Morgan councilman and Compass real estate broker.
“It isn’t typical to see three commercial properties on Main Street go onto the market and then close in a short time,” he says. “It would be great to see all the foot traffic and people on Main Street like when I grew up.”
Tourists have also begun to trickle in, says artist Iungerich, 61, a lifelong resident of the town. She submitted the town’s original application to be on the show when it launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020. And she created an art installation that will be featured on the show: a 5-foot-tall bowling ball, a 9.5-foot-tall pin, and a crown, all placed in front of the local bowling alley.
The recent trickle of tourists is certainly something new for Fort Morgan, founded after an eponymously named military post opened in the mid-19th century along the South Platte River.
Today, the fort no longer remains and Fort Morgan is primarily a farming and ranching community of about 11,500 residents. There is a large Cargill beef processing plant, a mozzarella cheese processing facility, and a historic sugar factory.
The old railroad depot is boarded up, but folks can still catch an Amtrak train to Denver or into Nebraska. There are some restaurants, and the movie theater has recently been remodeled.
Fort Morgan has “the blue-collar jobs. They have the farming. They just didn’t have the draw to keep people there,” Dave Marrs tells Realtor.com. “So a lot of our focus was ‘Hey, you’re working here, stay here. Spend time here, spend money here so the town can develop even more.’”
Despite the town’s struggles, Fort Morgan’s real estate market has remained appealing to buyers priced out of more expensive parts of the state. During the pandemic, many Denver-area buyers came to Fort Morgan seeking more affordable properties, more space, and a more rural lifestyle. Homes sold briskly in a single weekend, often for over the asking price.
The real estate market has since come back down as higher mortgage interest rates are forcing many would-be buyers to the sidelines. Home list prices are mostly back to pre-pandemic levels, at a median of $330,550 in March, according to Realtor.com data.
Homes in Fort Morgan are still attracting buyers, especially as prices are about half of Denver’s median price tag of $663,000 and roughly $100,000 less than the national median of $424,500 in March.
“Our market’s always been pretty strong,” says Urdiales. He’s still seeing bidding wars, investors making all-cash offers, and first-time buyers jumping into the fray. “People are still buying.”
And the international exposure the town is about to receive is expected to be positive for the real estate market, especially as many viewers are working remotely and can live just about anywhere.
“It brings this aura of glamour to the small-town lifestyle,” says Jeff Engelstad, a real estate professor at the University of Denver. “You get on a million people’s radar, and you’re going to land a few of them.”
Home prices surge in Wetumpka after ‘Home Town Takeover’
Perhaps the best blueprint of what’s in store for Fort Morgan might be what happened in Wetumpka, AL. The small town was featured in the first season of “Home Town Takeover,” which premiered in May 2021.
As HGTV broadcast this small town into living rooms all over the world, the real estate market caught fire. Prices rose and homes flew off the market. Homes for rent or sale were scarce.
Home list prices in Wetumpka grew 42.3% from January 2021 through January 2023, according to Realtor.com data.
While some of that is due to the hot housing market during the pandemic, Wetumpka saw much larger run-ups in prices than the state or rest of the country. Over the same period, prices rose 26% in Alabama and 23.9% nationally.
The market has since slowed along with the rest of the nation, but some homes are still receiving multiple offers, says Wetumpka real estate broker Beverly Wright, of Re/Max Cornerstone Realty.
“It’s pretty crazy,” says Shellie Whitfield, executive director of the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re still building housing, and once the shovel’s in the ground, they’re sold.”
When she moved to Wetumpka in summer 2017, about 40% of the stores downtown were boarded up. Now, only two storefronts are empty and busloads of tourists visit the town’s new bookstore, ice cream parlor, pet store, and even a high-end olive oil and vinegar store.
“They sped us up about 15 years. It’s been really great,” says Whitfield. “They just catapulted us just far beyond anything anyone could have imagined.”
Whitfield is confident the show will have a similar effect on Fort Morgan.
“They definitely will see some impact because there is such a strong following for the show,” says Whitfield.
The Marrses want viewers to be inspired to take action to turn their own towns around.
“I hope that people watch this show and say we can do that,” Jenny Marrs says. “It’s a spark that gets the fire started.”
With its seaside towns and Colonial history, Rhode Island is one of the many picturesque New England states filled with beaches galore. White sands, sparkling blue waters, kayaking and boating, sightseeing and whale watching, these stunning beach towns in Rhode Island are some of the best you’ll find. Whether you’re looking to move to Rhode Island or want to relocate to a quaint coastal city, there are plenty of options to check out in the state.
But if you’re not sure where to start on your hunt for the best Rhode Island beach town, we’re here to help. From Bristol to Newport, Redfin has compiled a list of 10 of the top beach towns in Rhode Island. Let’s explore some of the state’s beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.
#1: Bristol
Median home price: $450,250 Bristol, RI homes for sale Bristol, RI apartments for rent
Starting off is Bristol, home to roughly 22,100 people. There are plenty of beaches to explore while in Bristol such as Bristol Town Beach, Juniper Trail Beach, and Walley Street Beach. Living in Bristol, you can also explore Colt State Park, visit one of the many museums like Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum or Herreshoff Marine Museum, and stroll through Bristol’s downtown.
#2: Charlestown
Median home price: $412,500 Charlestown, RI homes for sale Charlestown, RI apartments for rent
Another one of Rhode Island’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Charlestown. Even with just about 1,400 people residents, there are plenty of beaches to visit like Charlestown Beach, East Beach, Elbow Beach, and West Beach. Make sure to also check out the natural areas like Burlingame State Park and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.
#3: Jamestown
Median home price: $2,017,500 Jamestown, RI homes for sale Jamestown, RI apartments for rent
Jamestown has just about 5,400 residents and there are lots of beaches to explore on a warm Rhode Island day like Mackerel Cove Beach and Sunset Beach. If you find yourself moving to Jamestown, make sure to check out Beaver State Park, hike at Parker Farm, and explore downtown Jamestown.
#4: Little Compton
Median home price: $1,160,000 Little Compton, RI homes for sale Little Compton, RI apartments for rent
With beautiful beaches like Lloyd’s Beach, South Shore Beach, and Tappens Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day in Little Compton. There are roughly 3,500 residents in Little Compton, making this a quaint area to live. Make sure to also visit the Sakonnet Garden during the summer months if you decide on moving to Little Compton.
#5: Middletown
Median home price: $612,500 Middletown, RI homes for sale Middletown, RI apartments for rent
The charming coastal town of Middletown has about 16,100 residents, making it a great place to consider moving to. You’ll find beautiful beaches such as Atlantic Beach, Peabody’s Beach, Pebble Beach, Second Beach, Surfer’s End, and Third Beach. Living in Middletown, you can explore the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, check out the shops and restaurants, and golf at one of the courses.
#6: Narragansett
Median home price: $839,500 Narragansett, RI homes for sale Narragansett, RI apartments for rent
The town of Narragansett has about 15,500 residents and is a great spot to consider buying a home in. Some beaches you can visit are Bonnet Shores Beach, Kelly Beach, Narragansett Town Beach, Roger Wheeler State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, and Scarborough South State Beach. Make sure to visit the Point Judith Lighthouse, hike along the Blackpoint Trailhead, and check out the local shops and restaurants if you move to Narragansett.
#7: New Shoreham
Median home price: $1,550,000 New Shoreham, RI homes for sale New Shoreham, RI apartments for rent
With a population of about 1,000, New Shoreham, located on Block Island, is an awesome coastal area to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore – Black Rock Beach, Crescent Beach, Frederick J. Benson Town Beach, Mansion Beach, Scott Beach, and Vaill Beach. If you’re going to call this area home, plan time to visit the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Sacred Labyrinth, hike the Clay Head Nature Trail, and explore downtown New Shoreham.
#8: Newport
Median home price: $660,000 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,800 Newport, RI homes for sale Newport, RI apartments for rent
In Newport, you’ll find stunning beaches such as Bailey Beach, Belmont Beach, Easton Beach, and Gooseberry Beach, perfect for a picnic. Make sure to check out the Ocean Drive Historic District, explore Fort Adams State Park, and visit the many museums and historical landmarks in the city once living in Newport.
#9: Warren
Median home price: $507,350 Warren, RI homes for sale Warren, RI apartments for rent
Close to 10,600 people live in Warren where you’ll find beaches like Warren Town Beach. Some other fun activities to do in Warren include strolling through downtown, grabbing a bite at one of the local spots, and exploring Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge.
#10: Westerly
Median home price: $451,000 Westerly, RI homes for sale Westerly, RI apartments for rent
This coastal town has a population of 17,800 and there are lots of beaches to spend time outside at. In Westerly, you can visit East Beach, Dunes Park Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, and Westerly Town Beach. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend in Westerly, like visiting Napatree Point Conservation Area and the nearby Watch Hill Lighthouse, exploring the shops and parks in downtown Westerly, and spending the day checking out Woody Hill Management Area.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Rhode Island. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
Mortgage rates slid for a third week, down a scant two basis points a full week following the Federal Open Market Committee pause on short-term rates.
The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey found the 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.67% for the period ended June 22, compared to 6.69% for the prior week and 5.81% for the same time last year.
The 15-year FRM had a steeper week-to-week drop, 7 basis points to 6.03% from 6.1%. For the same week in 2022, it was 4.92%.
“Potential homebuyers have been watching rates closely and are waiting to come off the sidelines,” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac chief economist, said in a press release. Last week, Freddie Mac projected rates remaining above 6% for the rest of the year.
The benchmark 10-year Treasury bounced up and down during the week. It closed at 3.73% on June 15, but rose to 3.77% the next day. The next trading day was June 20 (because of Juneteenth), the yield slipped back to 3.73%.
At 11:30 a.m. eastern time on June 22, the yield was back up to 3.78%, up 6 basis points on the day from the previous close of 3.72%.
Zillow’s rate tracker put the 30-year FRM at 6.45% on Thursday morning, up 4 basis points from the prior day, but down from 6.47% one week ago. The prior week’s average was 6.45%.
“Mortgage rates edged down only slightly this week as investors considered somewhat contradictory reports on inflation and await new data,” said Orphe Divounguy, senior macroeconomist at Zillow Home Loans, in a statement issued Wednesday night.
While the Consumer Price Index remains elevated, the Producer Price Index declined in May.
“In addition, housing data, especially the sustained rebound in homebuilder activity, indicates housing inflation will continue to decline and drag core inflation down with it,” Divounguy said.
The economy is showing signs of cooling, although Fed Chairman Jerome Powell made it clear future rate decisions will be data dependent.
“Bond yields — and the mortgage rates that tend to follow them — depend on current and expected inflation as well as the economic outlook and the path of interest rates,” Divounguy said. “Cooling inflation and a general economic slowdown would put downward pressure on long-term interest rates like the 10-year Treasury yield and in turn, mortgage rates.”
Going forward, the mortgage market will be hindered as “inventory challenges persist as the number of existing homes for sale remains very low,” Freddie Mac’s Khater said. “Though, a recent rebound in single-family housing starts is an encouraging development that will hopefully extend through the summer.”
Although First American’s Chief Economist noted the lock-in effect from high mortgage rates still is in place and that will hold back existing home sales, there are other reasons for sellers to act. For example, some people that have a mortgage may decide to act because of lifestyle reasons.
Fleming also cited 2021 research that said 42% own their home free and clear.
“Finally, existing homeowners are sitting on near historic levels of equity,” he said. “For some of those equity-rich homeowners, moving and taking on a higher interest rate may not hinder their decision to sell.”
Still, the “new normal” for existing home sales will be well below the activity during the pandemic, Fleming said.
In the early aughts, director Peter Jackson adapted J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy epic, “The Lord of the Rings,” into an acclaimed film series. The high-fantasy saga followed Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring’s quest to destroy the One Ring. In the mid-2010s, “The Hobbit” film series took viewers back to before the events of the first trilogy, showing how the One Ring came into the possession of Bilbo Baggins.
Now, fans can once again return to Middle-earth with the highly-anticipated premiere of “The Rings of Power.” Released on Sept. 2, 2022, on Amazon Prime, it takes place during the Second Age of Middle-Earth, thousands of years before “The Hobbit.” The series shows viewers how the Rings of Power and the Dark Lord Sauron came about, among other plotlines.
One of the best parts of seeing Tolkien’s work brought to life on the silver screen (and now at-home TV) is the locations and settings. The films and TV show have been famously filmed in New Zealand, set against the country’s stunning natural landscapes. If you can’t hop on a plane to New Zealand to visit the “Lord of the Rings” locations in person, these cities around the U.S. feel like places right out of Middle-Earth.
For this list, we used some locations from the original films and others from the new series. We chose these cities based on their appearance or resemblance to their Middle-earth counterparts. Mild spoilers ahead.
Misty Mountains, Rocky Mountains. Potato, po-tah-to. If one would like to live in a place that feels like the enchanted, Elven refuge of Rivendell, look no further than Aspen. Depictions of Rivendell show towering mountains, lush forests and a thriving yet peaceful city dwarfed by the majesty of nature. Aspen is similarly a mere speck against the giant Colorado Rockies. While waterfalls flow through the Elven city, you’ll need to head into the surrounding valleys and peaks to find them in Aspen, though.
Both are sanctuaries from the outside world, places to rest and be at one with nature. In addition to their abundant outdoorsy pursuits, you’ll also find abundant dining, gracious hosts and robust arts and crafts scenes, as well.
2. Missoula, MT, is the Shire and Hobbiton
One of the most beloved places in Middle-Earth is the bucolic green hills and cozy hillside homes of the Shire. As we all know, it’s the home of the Hobbits. With mountains on the horizon, it’s a place of peace and prosperity where families live happily. The Hobbit residents spend time outdoors enjoying their unspoiled natural surroundings. Its real-world counterpart is definitely Missoula.
Surrounded by rolling green hills with a mountainous backdrop, Missoula bears a striking resemblance to the Shire. The city itself is also dotted with trees and lush greenery. Locals love Missoula for its laidback, relaxed quality of life, which Hobbits also prized. But it’s also a very outdoorsy, vibrant town with great dining and higher education. One doesn’t need to look far to find a lovely hike, walk or activity. It also has a very close-knit community. Sounds very Shire-like to us.
“The Rings of Power” introduces viewers to the Southlands. This idyllic region features green hills, plains and forests set against snowcapped mountains. This realm of Men calls to mind the mountainous landscapes around the rugged, outdoorsy town of Jackson Hole. The wooden barns and historic settler buildings of the area also have a similar look to the Southland villages.
But, those who have read Tolkien’s books know that the Southlands will one day become Mordor. Yep, the dark, lifeless plain and evil lands of Lord Sauron in the original films. The series will likely show how this comes to pass. But Jackson Hole could one day share a similar fate thanks to the nearby Yellowstone Caldera supervolcano.
If you haven’t read “The Silmarillion,” Eregion will likely be new to you. During “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” the cities of Eregion were ancient ruins. But, in the “Rings of Power,” Eregion is a prosperous, thriving Elven kingdom. A sweeping aerial shot in the second episode shows a forested city full of grand towers, nestled against a body of water. Immense, green mountains surround the city. This brings to mind Anchorage’s scenic location.
Not only that, but Eregion is close to the Dwarven city of Khazad-dûm and the Mines of Moria. The show hints that Eregion will be the location of the mighty forge that created the “Rings of Power.” Building such a forge requires the crude natural resources, craftsmanship and extractive skills of the Dwarf kingdom. Alaska is also a place of extreme natural beauty, mined for its natural resources.
It may lack the dramatic mountain backing of Minas Tirith. But the gleaming white and grey towers and spires of the City that Never Sleeps mimic the grandeur and colossal scale of Gondor’s capital city. From the multi-tiered building levels to the crowing spire of the Empire State Building, these two great cities look very similar. But, they’re also alike in terms of their importance in their respective realms.
As Gondor was the main realm of Men in Middle-earth, so is New York City, one of modern man’s great centers of living. It’s here that business, art, culture, politics and key historical events all converge, as in Minas Tirith.
Who can forget the enchanting, moss-laden Fangorn Forest? It was here that Merry and Pippin first encountered the Ents in “The Twin Towers?” Located at the base of the southeastern Misty Mountains, this deep, dark woodland is the last remnant of a sweeping forest dating from the First Age of Middle-earth.
With its lush, dense city parks like Forest Park and Washington Park, Portland captures that same, magical feeling. Portland is often hailed as one of the greenest cities in the U.S. Along with its many parks, Portland’s eccentric and fantastical districts boast their own urban forest. So, even if you’re not hiking in Forest Park, you still feel surrounded by nature. Not only that, but Portland locals love the great outdoors. It’s common to spend most of your time outside, and locals also respect nature. The city’s famously weird atmosphere also dovetails with LOTR’s fantasy genre.
And, with Bigfoot said to roam the forests and mountains of the Pacific Northwest, who’s to say there isn’t an Ent or two out there, as well?
With its stately trees, undulating forested mountains and tranquil aura, the Blue Ridge Mountains of the southeastern United States feel similar to Lothlórien. This realm of sky-scraping trees and mystical cities is the fairest of all the Elven realms. Anyone who explores the Blue Ridge Mountains can’t deny its majesty and beauty.
For many reasons, the mountain city of Asheville in the heart of North Carolina‘s Blue Ridge Mountains feels like it would fit right into place in Lothlórien. Its historic and stately architecture, like the Biltmore Estate, and wealth of architectural styles from Gothic to Beaux Arts reflect the elegant dwellings of the Elves. Asheville is renowned for its arts scene and makers culture, and the Elves of LOTR are master craftsmen, as well. Finally, the beautiful outdoors in and outside the city feel like the timeless forests of Tolkien’s fantasy realm.
Why watch Middle Earth when you could live in it?
It’s all well and good to watch the films and TV shows or read the books and imagine yourself living in Middle-Earth. But, in these “Lord of the Rings” cities and regions, it’s like you’re actually there. So, why not go on an adventure and try living in a new city that feels like something out of a fantasy world?
Zoe Baillargeon is an award-winning writer and journalist based in Portland, Oregon, where she covers a variety of beats including travel, food and drink, lifestyle and culture for outlets like Apartment Guide, Rent., AFAR.com, Fodor’s, The Manual, Matador Network and more. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, reading and spoiling her cat.