With its abundant attractions and diverse landscapes, Florida offers something for everyone. From its white sand beaches, bustling cities, and amazing outdoor activities to its natural wildlife, it’s no wonder so many people choose to call this state home. If you’re considering buying a house in Florida, you might be wondering what types of homes you’re likely to find.
Don’t worry, Redfin is here to help. We’ve collected 11 common Florida style homes, whether you want to rent a home in Venice or buy a condo in Orlando. While home styles vary from city to city, here are some of the most popular home styles in Florida you’re likely to find. Let’s dive in.
1) Key West
Key West style homes are particular to the Key West region of Florida, meaning it’s a unique home style you’re likely not going to find outside of the area. These homes often have a conch-style architecture, characterized by their steep metal roofs and pastel-colored exteriors. You’ll typically find large porches or verandas, as well as shutters or louvered windows, helping provide ventilation and shield from the Florida sun. Additionally, some homes may be elevated off the ground to help protect your home from flood damage.
2) Art Deco
Art Deco homes are known for their striking visual appearance and luxurious design elements. With bold geometric shapes, like zig zag or chevron patterns, and symmetrical designs, materials such as marble, chrome, or glass, Art Deco houses are one-of-a-kind. The exteriors often have a sleek and streamlined look, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. You’ll find bold and vibrant colors such as black, gold, and deep jewel tones throughout the homes, creating a dramatic look. These Florida style homes also may have decorative details like sunburst motifs or stylized floral designs.
3) Contemporary
Contemporary homes typically feature clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on open spaces and natural light. They often have a neutral color palette and incorporate a mix of materials such as glass, steel, and concrete. Contemporary homes also prioritize energy efficient features like solar panels and high-efficiency appliances. Finally, they may feature smart home technology, such as automated lighting and temperature controls.
4) Craftsman
Craftsman style homes in Florida are characterized by their low-pitched roofs and front porches with tapered columns or pedestals. The exterior often features natural materials such as wood siding or stucco, and details like decorative brackets, beams, and rafters. Inside, you’ll find an open floor plan with built-in cabinetry, fireplace, and natural wood finishes such as oak or maple. Craftsman homes typically have large windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5) Mediterranean
Mediterranean houses take inspiration from the historic architecture located in Mediterranean countries, specifically Spain and Italy. In Florida, many of these homes have a Spanish influence, reminiscent of seaside villas. With their red-tiled roofs, stucco exteriors, metalwork, exposed wooden beams, and blend of indoor-outdoor living it’s no surprise these homes are abundant in Florida.
6) Modern farmhouse
Farmhouses are popular across the country, but in Florida, modern farmhouses are more popular. Modern farmhouses usually feature a combination of classic and contemporary elements. The exterior may include white-painted wood siding and a black or metal roof, along with plenty of windows to let in natural light. Another hallmark of the modern farmhouse aesthetic is the traditional covered front porch. Inside, the farmhouse style is combined with modern elements such as clean lines, reclaimed wood, and metals, creating a unique blend of old and new design elements.
7) New construction
New construction homes often feature modern designs with clean lines and open floor plans. They typically incorporate energy-efficient features and smart home systems. Many of these Florida-style homes also have outdoor living spaces, such as patios and screened-in lanais, to take advantage of the warm weather and tropical views. Additionally, Florida’s new construction homes may feature hurricane-resistant materials and other building techniques to help withstand Florida’s weather conditions.
8) Ranch
Ranch-style homes are popular for their single-story layout, open floor plan, and indoor-outdoor living spaces. They’re designed with a low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and large windows to maximize natural light and ventilation. The homes often feature a U- or L-shaped design that creates a private outdoor space, such as a courtyard or pool area. Some of these Florida homes may have a screened-in porch or lanai. Ranch homes are also known for their stucco or brick exteriors, and may incorporate Mediterranean or Spanish architectural elements for an added Floridian touch.
9) Resort-style
Resort-style homes capture the essence of a luxurious vacation without leaving the comfort of your home. You’ll find large open living spaces that blend with outdoor areas like patios, verandas, and courtyards. With a focus on outdoor entertaining and relaxation, resort-style homes in Florida typically have swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits for gatherings.
The homes’ architecture are inspired by tropical and Mediterranean styles with features like expansive windows, high ceilings, and spacious bedrooms with private balconies. The lush landscaping provides a sense of privacy and tranquility that makes everyday living feel like a tropical getaway.
10) Spanish
Spanish-style homes in Florida are known for their distinctive features, including stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and arched doorways and windows. You’ll often find a courtyard or patio, providing a year-round outdoor living space. Spanish-style homes may also include decorative tile work, wrought-iron accents, and ornate carvings or moldings. The interior often boasts open floor plans, high ceilings, and a blend of modern and traditional finishes.
11) Victorian
Victorian style homes in Florida include a wide range of architectural styles, namely, Queen Anne, Second Empire, and Gothic Revival. Queen Anne Victorian homes have colorful exteriors and ornate details. Second Empire Victorians feature Mansard roofs, diamond-shaped dormer windows, and decorative millwork. Lastly, Gothic Revival Victorian houses have pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs, and highly decorative trims.
Kat Von D, the tattoo maven and beauty entrepreneur, is certainly creative.
Case in point: Her enormous home, which was recently sold for $7,750,000, is a mashup of 1890s ornate style with a good dose of modern goth, complete with a blood-red pool.
While the sale price is impressive, the splendid home was asking for $15 million when it came on the market last year (and topped the Realtor.com® most popular homes list). Still, Von D came out ahead on the home, which she purchased in 2016 for $6.5 million.
The storied estate served as a filming location for the 2003 movie “Cheaper by the Dozen,” and Von D added some cinematic touches while she lived there, including the very red pool.
The 12,500-square-foot mansion has eight bedrooms and 7.5 baths. There’s also a carriage house with two bedrooms and a bath.
Built in 1896
(Realtor.com)
Aerial view
(Realtor.com)
Entryway
(Realtor.com)
Golden scrollwork
(Realtor.com)
Kitchen
(Realtor.com)
This Victorian-era gem sits pretty amid rows of clipped hedges and swirly landscaping. Inside, it’s replete with dark wood paneling and floors, fairy-tale-like turrets, intricate scrollwork, leaded stained-glass windows, and elegant chandeliers.
A cavernous entryway leads to the main rooms, which include a living space, den/library, and sitting area.
The updated kitchen fits in nicely with the home’s original era, and a little chef’s garden is just steps from the cooking area. A hidden bar sits behind a secret door that opens outside to that scarlet pool and spa.
Upstairs you’ll find an automated theater with surround sound, an actual stage with footlights, and a handy bar in an adjacent turreted room.
The house also has modern mechanicals, including new HVAC, roof, plumbing, and electrical equipment. And there’s also a security system and a backup generator in case of power outages.
Formal dining room
(Realtor.com)
Dark and moody bathroom
(Realtor.com)
An unusual pool
(Realtor.com)
Von D is also a musician, producing her debut album, “Love Made Me Do It,” in 2021. That same year, she announced that she planned to leave California. According to recent reports, she shut down her L.A. tattoo studio, picked up stakes, and moved with her family to Indiana, where she had already purchased a home in 2020.
Multi-family homes can be a great way for novice real estate investors to get started buying properties that will generate passive income. However, these properties, which contain multiple units for more than one household, have some challenges that single-family homes don’t have. If you’re considering buying a multi-family home, here’s what you need to know before jumping in.
What is a multi-family home?
A multi-family home is a single building that’s divided to accommodate more than one family living separately. They can range from a duplex, which has two dwellings within a single building, to homes or small apartment buildings with up to four individual units. (Buildings with more than four units are typically considered commercial properties.)
The owner of a multi-family home can either live in one of the units and rent out the others, or live elsewhere and rent them all out. The rules for financing a multi-family property are different depending on whether the owner will live there or not: If you don’t plan to live in your property, you’re considered an investor. You may be able to use the projected rental income from the property to help you qualify for a mortgage, and you may also qualify for a higher loan amount.
“When you’re looking at a single-family home, you’re thinking about your own needs only,” says Charlotte Winckowski, a Realtor with iKey Realty in Toledo, Ohio. “When you’re looking at a multi-family home, you have to think of it more as a business: What will the needs of your tenants be? What kinds of income will it produce, and what will your expenses be?”
Multi-family vs. single-family homes
While you can rent out some or all of a single-family home, multi-family homes have other distinct characteristics. Some started out as large single-family homes that an owner or developer decided to divide into multiple units. Each unit in a multi-family home has its own address, its own kitchen and bathrooms and typically its own entrance. However, those living in multi-family homes may have less privacy than those living in single-family homes because of shared walls.
Types of multi-family homes
There are various kinds of multi-family homes to consider, with different offerings in terms of layout and living space. Each type of house has its own pros and cons, as well.
Duplex/Triplex
The term duplex refers to two units or homes that are connected either via a common wall, ceiling or floor. A triplex has three. Each home in a duplex or triplex has its own entrance. The units may also have separate yards and garages.
Condo
A condo is typically an individually owned unit within a community or building made up of other individually owned units. In most cases, condo owners are required to pay monthly fees to a homeowners association. These fees cover the costs of upkeep for any amenities that may be included, and in some cases they cover insurance for the building or community, as well.
Townhome
Similar to duplexes, townhouses or townhomes are homes that are attached to one another via a common wall. Typically they have two or three stories. They are more spacious than apartments and generally involve far less maintenance and upkeep than a single-family home.
Semi-detached house
Like townhomes, semi-detached homes include a shared wall with another home. However, semi-detached houses are typically bigger than townhomes. These types of homes can be more affordable than a freestanding single-family home. They may also offer less costly maintenance, as the owners of semi-detached homes may share upkeep expenses.
Pros and cons of multi-family homes
Pros
The rental income a multi-family property earns can help offset the cost of your mortgage and other expenses, providing you with an income stream. “For some owners, the rent is enough that they don’t have a house payment at all,” says Paul Wyman, managing broker of the Wyman Group in Kokomo, Indiana. “They’re able to use income from other units to cover their mortgage and insurance, and that frees them up to use their cash for other things.”
You’ll be able to tackle repairs and maintenance more easily. If you live in or close to your rental property, you are less likely to miss major issues and will be able to respond faster when problems arise.
You can write off much of your home maintenance as a business expense and prorate part of your mortgage interest payments.
These properties can be an ideal option for multi-generational families who want to be close but retain their privacy. (They also help you keep such options open in the future.)
If you start out living in one unit but ultimately move out, you can still keep it as an income-producing investment, earning even more once you start renting it out.
Cons
Since you’re buying more than one unit, it may cost more upfront to purchase a multi-family home than it would to buy a single-family home.
Being a landlord is a time commitment, and living in the immediate vicinity of your tenants means you may get knocks on your door at any time. You’ll also need to be comfortable negotiating lease terms and screening your tenants, not to mention dealing with them in a business-like way when the rent is overdue, there are issues with noise or there’s damage to the property.
If your units go vacant or a tenant is late with the rent, you’re still responsible for paying your mortgage. You also have to cover the cost of (quickly) repairing problems, like a leaky roof or clogged toilet. “Even if you don’t have a housing payment every month, there is still financial risk in multi-family homes,” Wyman says.
You’ll need a substantial emergency fund. The more units you have, the less impact an individual unit will have on your overall cash flow, but landlords should have plenty of money set aside to cover unexpected repairs and rent on vacant units.
It can be complicated to sell a multi-family property that has tenants in place, since you’ll need to coordinate showings and appraisals — and keep the tenants apprised of the process.
Maximizing returns on a multi-family home
In most cases, a multi-family home will also serve as an investment property for the owner. In order to maximize your investment, it’s important to understand the costs associated with the property, including not only your mortgage, property taxes and homeowners insurance, but also other expenses, such as utilities, real estate agent fees, advertising (to attract tenants) and legal fees.
“An evaluation of the property should include an inspection by a licensed inspector and market research to include a market lease-rate analysis along with current market rental conditions,” Wyman says.
Who are multi-family homes best for?
Purchasing multi-family real estate is best for those who are interested in getting into real estate investing to generate wealth and are comfortable with the added responsibility and time commitment that comes with being a landlord. These types of homes can allow you to live rent free, if you occupy one of the units and the rent from the other units generates enough income to cover your monthly expenses. Once the mortgage is covered, the rent from multi-family homes can become a passive stream of income.
They can also be a smart choice for multi-generational families interested in buying a property together while having their own dedicated space. Typically including anywhere from two to four units, multi-family homes allow extended families to live under the same roof while still enjoying the benefits of having the privacy of individual units.
How to find a multi-family home
Like single-family homes, multi-family properties are listed for sale on real estate search websites, where you can typically filter the results of your search based on the type of property you’re seeking.
A real estate agent, either with a residential or commercial specialty, may be able to help you find investment opportunities in your area, as well, and could even know of some opportunities that have not been advertised online.
As with any house hunt, do your homework to see what multi-family home prices are like in your market and what you might expect to pay.
Find other housing types
Apartment
Apartments are suited for anyone looking to stay in a prime location for a cheaper price near shopping, restaurant and entertainment centers, often at a more affordable cost than buying a condo or single-family home.
Condominium
Condos appeal to those looking for a lower-maintenance living, home with a sense of security, opportunities to be social with neighbors, among other factors.
Townhouse
Townhouses are a particularly good option or first-time homebuyers or other budget-minded home buyers who want more space than typically afforded in a condo.
Modular home
Modular homes are enticing to empty-nesters looking to downsize, couples looking for backyard units like tiny homes or families looking to upgrade their dated properties in nice but expensive neighborhoods.
Single-family home
Single-family homes are best for families who prefer a huge yard and plenty of room to spread out. Others still prefer a low-maintenance condo or townhome that includes benefits like landscaping, snow removal and exterior maintenance.
Multi-family home
Multi-family homes are best for those who are interested in getting into real estate investing and are comfortable with the added responsibility and time commitment that comes with being a landlord.
Bungalow home
At between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet, bungalows are a great option for young families looking for a starter home or retirees hoping to downsize in a home without stairs, or single homeowners who want the single-family home lifestyle without managing a huge property.
Co-op
Co-ops are most often found in major cities, and they can be good for those looking for security or neighbors who largely adhere to the building’s rules and policies.
Patio home
Typically capped at one-and-a-half stories and part of a larger association, patio homes are best for homeowners who don’t want to deal with stairs or maintenance.
Ranch home
Ranch homes are ideal for anyone who prefers single-story living. Singles, couples and families with children can find something to love about a ranch home.
Studies show that landscaping can add 12 to 15 percent to the value of your home. All you need is a green thumb to put some extra green in your pocket.
Landscaping is more than flowers and shrubs. Upgrades can involve things like patios and decks, flowerbeds, barbecue pits, watering systems, and plants of all sorts. As you enter into a landscaping project, you have plenty of choices about what kinds of upgrades to make.
The trick is to make improvements that prospective buyers want. If you do, then your property value will rise.
What Do the Experts Say?
Though experts agree that landscaping improvements usually raise a property’s value, it can be difficult to predict exactly what kind of gains you’ll see in individual circumstances. Estimates vary by home and note that the lasting effect of landscaping requires ongoing maintenance.
Virginia Tech horticulturist Alex Niemiera concluded that landscaping can add 12.7 percent to the value of a home — in his research six years ago. That translates into an extra $16,500 to $38,100 in value on a $300,000 home. In extreme cases, property values can more than double, and conversely, they can actually decrease if the landscaping contains undesired features that the local market doesn’t support.
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends that homeowners invest 10 percent of the home’s value in landscaping. Landscape architecture goes beyond plantings, or softscaping, to include structural features like lighting, fences, garden paths, fire pits, swimming pools, and ponds.
Outdoor rooms, terraces, and decks are also high-yield structural or hardscaping investments. A landscape architect can work with the client to generate a detailed plan. Typically, the homeowner then hires a general contractor, landscape contractor, or subcontractor to perform the installation.
Landscaping on the Cheap
Of course, it’s quite easy to spend more on installation and ongoing maintenance than the landscaping benefits the value of your home.
A professional landscaper might seem like an extravagance, but they can help you gain equity in your home and save money by recommending features and plantings that will appeal to buyers and are cheap to maintain.
For example, perennials and bulbs can add color and style to your property all year long. Other cost-effective improvements include aesthetically pleasing architectural improvements, such as stone walkways and terracing that require little or no maintenance.
Another important factor to consider is the contractors who do your landscaping upgrades. Many companies vie for this kind of business, and choosing the right contractor can make a lot of difference.
Find a contractor with whom you are comfortable, who is honest and patient, and who can show you a good track record. Lastly, pay attention to the details. A subtle, small change, such as curving the edges of your flowerbeds, can by itself increase your home value by 1 percent.
How Does Curb Appeal Impacts Home Value?
Appealing landscaping can measurably increase the appraised value of your property.
“If a landscaping change is positive, it can often enhance price and reduce a home’s time on the market,” says Appraisal Institute President Richard L. Borges.
“But if the change is negative, it can lower the price and lengthen the time a home remains for sale.”
Curb appeal is essential when selling a home, Borges says, noting it’s the homeowner’s opportunity to make a great first impression. A home with lackluster landscaping or an exterior in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint will likely be unappealing to prospective buyers and ultimately could affect the home’s potential resale value, he said.
Borges says homeowners should ask themselves the following questions when it comes to the quality of their home’s green space:
Is the landscaping attractive enough to make the prospective buyer walk through the front door? Keep the design contemporary and in line with comparable properties in the area.
Could the landscaping provide cost savings? Landscaping that requires little or no water to maintain could be desirable depending on the geographic area.
Is the landscaping energy-efficient for the home overall? For example, it’s a good idea to plant trees in a place where they block the sun in locations with year-round hot climates.
Are the trees planted at a safe distance from the home and are they healthy and well maintained? Weak, old or damaged trees planted too close to a home or building could pose dangers to the home’s structure and will need to be removed. Consumers should also be sure that mulching or beds don’t get too close to wood around foundations to avoid wood-destroying organisms.
Home renovation guru Bob Vila counsels that perhaps the biggest mistake homeowners make is a piecemeal approach to landscaping.
“Homeowners begin projects, start to clear areas, put in a mix of plants, and proceed without a plan. The result is a hodgepodge of plantings and gardens that give the property a disorganized feel. An implemented professional landscape design provides a polished look. Following a professionally prepared plan will lead the homeowner to a beautiful property while remaining within a pre-established budget.”
Vila cautions homeowners to remember that everything doesn’t have to happen at once. Consider a five-year plan that has plantings maturing at varying rates and adds various features each year.
This way you can remain within your budget—time-wise and cost-wise—while still progressing toward a complete landscape renovation.
Earlier today I provided a statistical snapshot of minimum wage earners. The numbers indicate that in the United States:
Most minimum wage earners are young.
Most minimum wage earners work in food service.
Most minimum wage earners have never attended college.
Statistics are one thing, but real-life is another. There are still millions of older college-educated Americans who earn minimum wage in jobs outside the food service industry. Many of these people want to escape their situation, but don’t know how.
More than pinching pennies Over the weekend, Trent at The Simple Dollar shared ten steps to financial success for a minimum wage earner. His advice is excellent, but emphasizes frugality and cutting costs. I want to look at another approach to escaping minimum wage — earning more money.
Here’s what one minimum wage earner once wrote at Get Rich Slowly:
There are definitely [minimum wage earners] who casually spend beyond their means without regard to or serious consideration of consequences. There are also those who are living frugally yet are squeezed financially, perhaps by high rents and utilities (the homeownership rate of the working poor is close to zero), falling real wages, or health and medical expenses…I make minimum wage and have student loan debt. I can’t think of any spending I can cut out without feeling deprived.
The fundamental law of money still applies to those who make minimum wage: to gain wealth, you must spend less than you earn. But it’s more difficult for a person making minimum wage to spend less than she earns. Even after cutting luxuries — cable television, eating out, etc. — there are certain minimum costs associated with living in our culture. If you’re in a situation where you’ve reduced expenses as far as they will go, it’s time to focus on the other component of the wealth equation: increasing your income.
Breaking free from minimum wage A minimum wage job can seem like a prison — you can’t imagine you’ll ever break free. You can’t imagine you’ll ever earn more money. However, opportunities do exist. Here are several approaches to escaping the shackles of a low-wage job:
Work two jobs. If debt or living expenses are keeping you down, take a second job. This may not help you escape from minimum wage in the short-term, but it will alleviate some of the financial pressure you’re facing, which will eventually allow you to focus on long-terms solutions.
Seek a promotion. Find a way to advance in your current job. What would it take for you to move into some sort of management position? What about moving to another department where the pay is better? Be the sort of employee that managers can’t live without: show up on time, be efficient, do quality work. Watch for advancement opportunities with your current employer.
Change companies. If there’s no path to higher income at your current job, what about a similar job with another company? Not all employers have the same pay structure. Scout the competition, and see if they can offer a better opportunity.
Change professions. You may need to leave your current field altogether. If you’re working at the counter in a convenience store, you’re better off taking another line of work. What sorts of jobs are you qualified for? “None,” you might say, but many employers need unskilled laborers. An unskilled laborer who shows up for work on time, is agreeable, and makes an effort will usually be earning more than minimum wage in just a few months.
Steer clear of corporate giants. As a small business owner, I’m biased against big corporations. Publicly held companies have huge motivations to keep worker wages and benefits low. It’s true that your top-end advancement may be limited with a small business, but they’re generally more flexible than corporate giants. Many small business owners go out of their way to look out for their best employees.
Educate yourself. Finally — and most importantly — do what you can to increase your education and marketability. Make yourself appealing to employers. Develop skills that they can use.
In fact, education is so vital to escaping minimum wage that it deserves a closer look.
The importance of education Education makes a huge difference in your earning potential. The median income for a U.S. male who dropped out of high school is $18,990. The median income for a high school graduate is $28,763. The median income for a man with even some college is $35,073. Education opens doors. And it’s not just about the piece of paper — if you take practical classes, you can learn skills that will have a direct effect on how much you can earn.
I am a huge fan of community colleges. They’re an excellent place to pick up additional training. What can you learn at a community college? Here are a handful of the programs that my local community college offers:
Alcohol and drug counseling
Automotive service and repair
Business administration
Computer programming
Construction
Dental hygiene
Electrical trades
Graphic design
Landscaping
Real estate
And much, much more
Make no mistake: these classes will not get you a top-paying job in the field. They will, however, help you land entry-level positions, positions that will pay more than the minimum wage, positions that will help you find a career path with advancement opportunities. It might take you a couple years to reach this point, but you can reach it. How do I know? Because I did it myself.
In 1998, I was fed up with working for the box factory. I decided to become a computer programmer. While still working full-time, I began to take classes at the local community college. Most of the time I could only afford one class per term, but sometimes I squeezed in two. Within eighteen months I had developed the skills to be hired as an entry-level computer programmer. My pay was $25 an hour, which was at the low end of the spectrum for that kind of job (but appropriate for the skill-set I had acquired).
If you decide to use education to break free from minimum wage, be sure to choose practical classes in order to increase your earning potential. A philosophy class might sound cool, but it’s not going to get you a job. Nor will creative writing.
Don’t forget that school is an excellent place to make contacts with people who might serve as references for future job applications. Most community college instructors have connections in their fields. Make a good impression, and follow through with class requirements. Meet deadlines. Take pride in your work. People will notice.
Ask yourself the hard questions If you’re in a minimum wage job and would like to escape, it’s important to ask yourself why you’re in a minimum wage job. Are the reasons obvious? Is it because you’re young? If you’re just out of school, minimum wage is a rite of passage. It’s something most people experience. Keep moving in the right direction and you will leave it behind.
Are you in a minimum wage job because you lack education? Make education a priority. Pick a career that interests you and is in demand. Obtain the skills necessary to enter the field.
But if you don’t know why you’re in a minimum wage job, or if your answer is that your boss, co-workers, or life won’t give you a break, then you may need to look inward. I had a friend who was trapped in a low-paying job that he hated. He had a long list of external forces that kept him stuck there (and in the crummy jobs he’d had before). He couldn’t understand why he wasn’t able to break free. To everyone around him, the reasons were obvious, but he didn’t want to hear them. He’s still trapped in a low-paying job.
Final thoughts Perhaps I’m naive, but I believe most minimum wage earners can find a path out of their plight. In most instances, hard work, patience, and education can counter the forces of history and bad luck.
I’d love to hear how former minimum wage earners managed to graduate to higher incomes. (Or how they didn’t, if that’s the case.) If I collect enough stories, I’ll post them in a separate entry. If you’d like to share your story, please drop me a line, or post it in this forum thread.
A C-suite exec from one of the world’s largest gaming giants is floating his contemporary home on the market — with a $5,798,250 price tag. Or a $23k/month rent, whichever comes first.
Marcus Sanford, Deputy CFO Planning & Analytics at Activision Blizzard, arguably the biggest gaming company in the world whose annual revenue reportedly amounted to $7.53 billion in 2022 alone, has just listed his Los Angeles home, giving gaming fans everywhere a peek inside the life of a Blizzard executive.
For those less familiar with the gaming scene, Santa Monica, Calif.-based Activision Blizzard, is best known for creating some of the biggest videogame franchises out there, including World of Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Overwatch, and Hearthstone (which yours truly has been playing since it first launched its beta version back in 2013).
And spearheading the efforts to deliver these immensely popular video games to fans all over the world comes with benefits, as we’re about to see.
Photo credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The Agency
Inside the spectacular home of an Activision Blizzard executive
CFO Marcus Sanford’s house is a custom-crafted, modern abode set in the heart of Melrose Village, the popular Los Angeles neighborhood that runs along Melrose Avenue between Fairfax Avenue and Highland Avenue.
But location is by no means the only thing that makes this property stand out.
The distinctly contemporary home has 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and one half-bath spread across 3,813 square feet of meticulously appointed living space.
Photo credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The Agency
Its interiors ooze modern luxury without sacrificing on warmth, relying heavily on wood and natural elements to set the tone for each space.
Stand-out features include white oak hardwood floors, a skylight shining down upon a stunning 20-year-old ficus bonsai, and wide glass windows that embrace abundant sunshine.
Photo credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The Agency
The luxurious kitchen is every culinary expert’s dream, equipped with the finest appliances (Miele), as well as marble countertops, an espresso machine, two ovens, a chef’s six-burner stovetop, a wine chiller, and even a designer pantry.
It’s also set right next to the sliding glass doors that open to the outdoor spaces — making summer BBQ prep or alfresco dining a breeze.
Photo credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The Agency
Rounding up the long list of amenities, the Activision Blizzard CFO’s home comes with four sleek fireplaces placed throughout the public and private rooms, a wine cellar, and an additional den or media room.
SEE ALSO: Inside a rare Disney World estate with themed ‘Star Wars’, ‘Frozen’ rooms
Though it’s worth mentioning that the property also features a Tesla charger and Control 4 system that manages indoor and landscaping lighting, indoor & rooftop music, TVs, blinds and doors, intercom and gates.
Photo credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The Agency
Per the listing, the four ensuite bedrooms feature spacious closets and privacy, and the expansive primary suite boasts a spa-like custom bath with a soaking tub, dual waterfall shower, and double vanity.
Photo credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The Agency
The primary suite also opens onto a private patio with its own fireplace.
Outdoor spaces reign supreme, with an expansive rooftop deck as the crown jewel
Impressive as the home might be, it was its outdoor spaces that caught our eye.
From its verdant, atrium garden entry to its carefully manicured backyard, the property’s outdoor areas bear the signature of Sirak Studio, the lauded Los Angeles-based design studio helmed by Adam Sirak.
Photo credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The Agency
But the property’s standout feature is its expansive 868-square-foot rooftop deck, complete with its own kitchen, bar, and outdoor living room.
Fully finished in solid teak decking with an open-front gas fireplace, the generously sized rooftop deck includes custom teak coffee tables accented with Italian silver travertine, outdoor fabrics by Kelly Wearstler, and lounge chairs by Holly Hunt.
Photo credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The AgencyPhoto credit: Nils Timm courtesy of The Agency
The house is listed with Farah Levi and Mauricio Umansky of The Agency with a $5,798,250 price tag but is also offered as a rental for $23,000/mo.
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Grab a little green space at your own Portland apartment.
Portland is full of so much natural beauty and is a truly great place to live. While what you can see from the amenity-filled rooftops of each apartment building is important, there are other features to consider when apartment hunting.
Whether a massive fitness center tops your list, or you need a place that’s pet-friendly, make sure to take some time to explore the outdoor space before settling on a Portland apartment. From manicured gardens to landscaped courtyards, these areas can make a big difference.
To get a running start on the prettiest courtyards and gardens in Portland, start with this list. We’ve curated some of your best options right here.
Source: Rent. / Tupelo Alley
Creating an inviting entry into the community, Tupelo Alley does landscaping right. Neatly cropped shrubs sit in elevated beds off the ground and add a layer of texture and depth to the outdoor space here.
Set within the trendy Northeast Portland neighborhood, living here puts you close to coffee shops, popular restaurants and boutiques. There are also plenty of breweries and even botanical gardens to explore. Quirky and hip, with a monthly street fair, this is a piece of Portland where there’s always something fun happening.
Source: Rent. / Waterhouse Place
More than just a basic garden or courtyard, prepare for some ‘wow’ from the greenery at Waterhouse Place. Landscaping is everywhere, with clipped grass, blooming flowers and leafy trees. A nice mix of natural elements gives the green space depth and creates a tranquil escape. Well-established walking paths make it easy to explore everything the grounds here have to offer.
Located just a few miles away in Beaverton, you’ll find a little suburbia mixed with the eclectic charm of a bustling Main Street. What stands out most, though, are the city’s 100+ parks that encompass over 1,000 acres. There are 30 miles of hiking trails combined and a 25-mile network of bike paths all within the area. This puts a park within a half mile of every home in the neighborhood. That’s not even to mention the beaches, ski slopes and forests that border the area.
Source: Rent. / Mercato Grove
When it’s hard to relax, you need a dedicated spot. Swing into the garden patio at Mercato Grove, and all your cares will melt away. Sit on the rocks beside the gently rippling zen pool, or just enjoy the peace of the greenery that surrounds you. This is the garden where de-stressing is the standard.
Less than 10 miles outside of Portland, this Lake Oswego community is a great suburban retreat. With a 405-acre lake at its center, much of the area’s recreational activities have something to do with water. There are also plenty of shops full of trendy items, uniquely Portland restaurants and off-the-wall boutiques.
Source: Rent. / Asa Flats & Lofts
A sweet little courtyard that’s perfect for taking a seat and enjoying some downtime is what you’ll find at Asa Flats and Lofts. Long flower beds hold a variety of plant life, while tall trees fill in the corners of the space. Ample seating, either on a couch or at a four-top table, makes it easy to gather with friends to hang out.
For the best in urban living in Portland, the Pearl neighborhood is where you want to be. Here you’ll find the StreetCar just outside, so getting around is a breeze. The community is also surrounded by popular restaurants, shops, art galleries, breweries and entertainment venues, so there’s no shortage of fun when it comes to filling a night out on the town.
Source: Rent. / Harrison Square
Not exactly a courtyard, but the central walkway through Harrison Square has some potential. This is thanks to the lush greenery and soaring canopies that fill the nicely landscaped space. Pass by big flowering bundles and nice greenery as you walk along this lawn-like space going to and from your apartment. This courtyard setting even offers enough room to bring out a blanket and picnic.
You’ll find this Portsmouth community in a prime location. Sitting on Portland’s peninsula, you’re within blocks of the Willamette River and Smith Lake. There are also plenty of beautiful parks with picnic and play areas, sports fields and tennis courts. McCoy Park also features an interactive fountain and a variety of public art pieces. Even the benches are sculpted to look like fish and woodland creatures.
Source: Rent. / Center Plaza
Carefully shaped bushes, rows of vivid flowers and tall, vibrant trees make up the courtyard-like area at Center Plaza. With a sidewalk winding through the area, this space creates one border for this Beaverton community. Classic lampposts even make it a usable space as the sun sets.
Considered a more relaxed neighborhood, Central Beaverton is home to the local Farmers Market. This is a great place to enjoy the outdoors while picking up fresh flowers, produce, bread and more. You’re also close to the Town Square where you’ll find great shopping. In addition, local parks provide picnic tables, a splash fountain and even a boardwalk stretching across nearby wetlands.
Source: Rent. / The Alexander Apartments
Giving you natural beauty in an urban setting, The Alexander Apartments offers residents access to this great, organic garden. Raised beds house all kinds of herbs and vegetables, growing tall and strong.
You’ll find gardens like this one throughout the Buckman neighborhood. They help provide ingredients for many of the local restaurants in this modern-historic part of town. Many of these eateries are within walking distance. Eclectic coffee shops and cool entertainment venues also populate this part of Portland.
Source: Rent. / Powell Gardens
Living up to its name, with a massive courtyard area, Powell Gardens leaves no space without a touch of greenery. Bird baths and benches sit throughout the region, with large round bushes and wide-stretching trees. It’s an environment that immediately softens the rough edges of one’s day, providing a soothing space to sit or walk through, all while just steps from your front door.
A bit boho and trendy, the Richmond neighborhood is a mix of high-end restaurants and food carts. You’ll find cocktail and wine bars among vintage boutiques. There’s also a popular independent theater that shows films and hosts a variety of community events. If you’re looking for a lively part of Portland, this is the spot for you.
Source: Rent. / North Hollow
For a more modern take on an apartment courtyard, check out North Hollow. There’s not a lot of greenery here, but the sleek look of the funky furniture creates a very inviting and sophisticated space. Planter boxes fill out the borders, but the main attraction is the large fireplace ensconced in metallic silver and black matte.
You’ll find this community in Goose Hollow, Portland’s oldest neighborhood. It’s within walking distance of Downtown, so you can’t beat the location. Full of hilly streets, this area offers up amazing views. One of the local gems, Washington Park, contains 80 miles of hiking trails, 10,000 rose bushes in the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. From here, you can get a panoramic view of Downtown Portland. Now who wouldn’t want that?
Source: Rent. / Hassalo on Eighth
There are actually multiple courtyards within Hassalo on Eighth. Some are for gaming, like this great green space. Pops of bright orange draw the eye to the cornhole lawn as well as the covered seating area behind it. Mature trees maintain the natural barrier from one side of the buildings to help you focus on being outdoors.
Another courtyard within this Northwest Portland community is where everyone goes when it’s time to dine alfresco. Two gas grills and a prep area sit alongside a long dining table. More stonework than green space, the path here leads to a little bit of manicured grass and a row of cropped ground cover, so there’s always greenery nearby.
Find your personal garden oasis in Portland
Good luck in your quest to find the perfect Portland apartment for you. Remember to keep track of the amenities you want, and those you can’t live without.
And, don’t forget to pay attention to what the outdoor space looks like in your favorite places. You wouldn’t want to miss out on having one of the best gardens in Portland in your next home.
On April 1st, I got an unpleasant surprise, and it wasn’t an April Fools joke or gag. I found out that one of our renters didn’t have enough money to pay all of his rent.
Since nothing like this has ever happened before, I was definitely caught off guard. Still, it wasn’t the end of the world. Since I pay all of our mortgages ahead of schedule, waiting a few weeks for payment wasn’t going to affect my bottom line. And after talking with my tenant, I agreed to accept partial rent on the 1st and the rest of the money on the 17th of April.
I usually wouldn’t make such a big exception. However, this particular tenant is a responsible man who treats our property with incredible respect and care, even going as far as fertilizing and edging the lawn. Since he and his wife have lived in my property for four years and never paid late, I was more than willing to break the rules just this once without giving them any grief. No big deal.
But once our tenant left, my usually frugal husband, Greg, had an idea that shocked me. “We should just let him mow our grass this summer and forget about the $400 he owes.” Our renter did work in landscaping, after all, and he had expressed interest in mowing our yard in the past. However, I wasn’t fully sold on the idea.
We aren’t saving extremists by any means, but we’ve always been the kind of people who do everything ourselves. We clean our own house, do our own yard work, and manage our own rental properties. Greg does our taxes and accounting and I even color my own hair. We rarely farm out any of our responsibilities, and we have saved a lot of money by choosing to be self-sufficient. In fact, that is basically how we dug ourselves out of debt. Some of our first steps toward a healthier financial situation included cutting out unnecessary services and becoming more self-reliant. Since adopting a frugal lifestyle is what got us where we are today, I was extremely hesitant to hire out any of our responsibilities. It seemed like a giant failure on our part and I felt like we were taking a step in the wrong direction.
An unsustainable future
Still, trying to do everything ourselves can sometimes take its toll. A few weeks ago, Kristin Wong wrote a post about being a workaholic, and I could definitely relate. Greg and I both work full-time and have various side hustles and freelance writing gigs. We also have two small children that require a lot of energy and care. For the past year, we have easily worked 55-65 hours or more per week, in addition to doing all of our household chores and being parents. It’s been great for our pocketbook, but it has been extremely hard to maintain a high level of productivity at work and keep everything else running smoothly.
Occasionally, something has had to give. And to the likely disdain of our neighbors, that something has usually been our yard. Last year, we were unable to find time to mow on several occasions, and the result was that our home stuck out terribly on our quiet street of beautifully manicured lawns. Whenever that happened, we were stressed out and overwhelmed until we finally found time to get the job done.
Is a reasonable amount of lifestyle inflation okay?
Considering the circumstances, paying someone to mow our grass started to sound amazing. But, would that really be a responsible decision? Or would we just be giving in to the chief sin of frugality: lifestyle inflation? My husband assured me that this arrangement would work out great for everyone involved. Our tenant wouldn’t owe us the rest of his rent for the month, and in turn, we would have an entire warm season free from yard work. He reasoned that we just cannot keep working so hard without burning out. And, as usual, he had a point.
“It’s time to stop trying to do everything ourselves. We need to find a way to have more free time or we will eventually go crazy.”
He spoke the truth. Aside from vacation, we haven’t had much free time in the past few years. We had been working so hard, had paid off all of our debts, and were able to secure various streams of income. However, we were running short on time to get anything else done. And while working hard wasn’t a problem in itself, the hours we were putting in meant that our other responsibilities were often neglected. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to get carried away by our new penchant for lifestyle inflation. It was important to determine what we really wanted to hire someone to do, and what we would continue to do ourselves.
My husband made another thoughtful suggestion, “let’s just do the math and see if it really makes sense.” So we did. Our tenant currently owed us $400, and we figured that we probably mowed our grass fifteen times last year. That works out to about $25 per mow. And since it typically takes either of us about two hours to get our yard mowed, we would only be paying $12.50 per hour to buy our time back. Looking at the numbers from that perspective made me feel completely different. Was it worth it to pay someone $12.50 an hour to complete a task that we could rarely find time to do? Without a doubt.
We decided to call our tenant and see if he would agree to our suggested arrangement. He was thrilled to have the opportunity, and I was relieved that we would have summer free of yard work after all. And even though my husband suggested that we also hire someone to clean our house, I’m still mulling that suggestion over. I’m just not willing to make several changes at once, and I don’t want to end up paying someone to do everything.
A healthy dose of lifestyle inflation
Even though I was feeling like a failure for not being able to do everything, I am learning to accept that fact that it may make sense to occasionally hire help. And the truth is, I used to clean houses in my early twenties, and the people I cleaned for weren’t lazy at all. They were busy. They knew that their time had become worth more than what they were paying me to clean their home, and I now realize that they were wise to delegate those responsibilities.
In the end, we decided to do what felt right. And since we are finally debt free and starting to earn more, it was time to start reevaluating the way we have been living. Time is our most precious asset, and we needed to spend more time living instead of always cramming in as much productivity as possible. It’s become against my nature to pay for services, but I’m coming around, slowly but surely. And this summer, when my kids are playing in the dirt and I’m enjoying the last hours of the evening, I’ll probably wonder if the money was worth it. I can only hope that the answer is yes.
Do you do everything yourself? Or do you hire out certain responsibilities? What factors do you take into consideration when making those decisions?
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Frugal green living is important for everyone because environmental issues affect all of us, not just the people who can afford to be eco-conscious.
Plus the concept of frugal green means you are saving money! And that is always helpful.
This is why I created this blog, to help people save money, find financial freedom, and have choices in life.
Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and the planet.
But how do you save money while also making a difference? It’s possible!
This is why choosing to be frugal green is so important!
These are all frugal ways that I have personally done or heard of other people doing as well. They are tried-and-true methods of living a more frugal life, and I hope that you will find them helpful. Plus help the environment at the same time.
This is a win-win situation.
Have you ever wondered how to be environmentally friendly?
Do you want to save money and the environment at the same time?
This article has 91+ frugal green living tips that will help! Let me know which ones are your favorites!
How to save money and be frugal green?
There are many ways to be frugal green and save money while helping the environment.
Plus in the long run living green costs less.
We will cover ideas for your kitchen, car, shopping and so much more. There are many other ways to be frugal green, so find what works best for you and make a difference!
These are ways to live more sustainably while saving money.
Importance of Sustainability and the Environment
You can save money and help the environment without making any major changes to your lifestyle.
Some easy ways to do this include, but are not limited to, changing your habits at home, buying used instead of new, and being more conscious about how you use energy.
Every day you can make the decision to choose to be a thrifty person.
Top 10 Best Frugal Green Living Tips
In order to save money and be more environmentally friendly, try some of these tips:
1. Reduce your use of plastics. This means bringing your own bags to the grocery store, refusing straws when you order drinks, and not using disposable utensils or plates.
2. Make Recycling a Priority. Recycling is important, and everyone should do their part to make it a part of their everyday routine. It’s not just for plastics and paper- there are many different things that can be recycled. By taking small steps like bringing a reusable coffee mug, we can all make a big difference in the long run.
3. Ride a bike or walk instead of driving. Not only is this better for the environment, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise.
4. Do the “green thing” and buy things secondhand! When you’re considering your lifestyle choices, buying things secondhand is a great way to do the “green thing.” You can save money and help reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
5. Only buy what you need. Many times we buy things out of convenience or wants. Truly evaluate whether the purchase is necessary or if you can save money by buying used.
6. Compost as much as possible. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also helps create nutrient-rich soil for plants.
7. Consider your carbon footprint. Americans use a tremendous amount of resources and impact the planet in many ways. We consume a lot of energy, materials, and water. Our lifestyles have a big environmental impact. There are many ways to be frugal and environmentally conscious, including recycling and reducing food waste.
8. Cut Out Paper and Plastic Waste. One way to be more frugal and green is to reduce the amount of paper and plastic waste you produce. Technology has greatly improved in many ways to cut down on plastic and paper consumption, so take advantage.
9. Think Before You Throw Away and Buy New. We are way too quick to toss things and replace them without even thinking. Next time before you throw it into the landfill, think about how you can reuse, repurpose, or give away the item.
10. Upcycle. The concept of upcycling has gained popularity in the past years. It is a simple way of taking something ugly and worn down, putting some TLC into it, and making it into something beautiful.
Related Reading: Top 10 Influential Frugal Living Tips with a Big Impact
Being frugal and being environmentally conscious may not always go hand in hand.
In some cases, you may have to make a choice between buying an eco-friendly item that is more expensive or sticking with a cheaper, non-sustainable option.
However, many of the aims of frugal families link to eco-friendly living.
Below are simple sustainable products to consider buying instead of their wasteful counterpart.
Reusable food bags are a great way to reduce your environmental impact while also saving money.
There are a variety of different types of food grade eco-friendly bags on the market today. They are made of safe, eco-friendly materials that will not harm the environment and they are lead-free, chloride-free, and BPA free.
Bamboo straws are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws.
They are compostable, meaning they will never pollute the environment or harm animals. Bamboo straws are odorless and tasteless, so you can use them with any drink. Reusable bamboo straws make a great addition to your everyday kitchen supplies.
These dish cloths are also super absorbent and work better than microfiber cloths and paper towels for cleaning.
They are made from cellulose, which is a soft material that is gentle on your hands. They can be used for a variety of tasks, such as dishwashing, wiping down counters, and polishing furniture. And they are durable enough to be reused multiple times.
A reusable K-cup is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying your favorite cup of joe.
Works perfectly in our house! Not only do they help you save money in the long run, but they also allow you to customize your coffee experience like never before. Plus, using a reusable k-cup is an easy way to reduce waste and help preserve our planet.
Frugal Green in the Kitchen & Table
There are a number of ways to save money and be frugal green in your kitchen.
Use a Reusable Coffee Mug. So simple and easy to do. Pick your favorite up here.
Skip plastic straws. This is a simple thing to do for the environment. Buy reusable straws. And don’t forget the cleaning brush (hint… the cleaning brush will save you from throwing away your reusable straws.)
Skip the Paper Plates and Plastic Utensils. You will be shocked to see the waste this creates. Invest in quality dishes you like and don’t be afraid to wash them up.
Invest in a Water Filter. If you’re looking for ways to improve your diet and save money, consider investing in a water filter. We upgraded to an under-the-sink mount water filter and it was the BEST choice ever! This is the exact one we bought.
Cook at Home. Making your own meals can save you a lot of money in the long run. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save by cooking simple meals yourself.
Grow a Kitchen Garden. One way to reduce your food costs is to grow some of your own fruits and vegetables. You can start with a kitchen garden, which is a small plot of land near your house where you can plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs. if you don’t have space, check out these Aerogardens.
Stop Using Plastic Wrap. To reduce your reliance on plastic wrap is to invest in some beeswax food wraps. These work just as well as plastic wrap, but because they’re made of natural materials, you can reuse them over and over again!
Air dry dishes. This is because air-drying dishes use less energy than running a dishwasher and takes up less time.
Stick With Instant Pot. When you’re cooking, try to use a microwave or pressure cooker instead of your oven. Ovens produce a lot of heat and use up a lot of energy, so using these other appliances will help conserve resources. This is the Instant Pot/Air Fryer Combo I love (and use ALL.THE.TIME)!
Frugal Green Cooking & Menu Plan
This may not seem as environmentally conscious as other areas, however, it will help your wallet more.
Buy produce at the local market. Fruits and vegetables tend to be cheaper at the market than they are at the grocery store, so this is a great way to save some cash while also doing your part for the environment. Plus you save on the costs of trucking in the produce and support local.
Join a CSA. These community-supported agricultures have become popular ways for consumers to buy local and seasonal food directly from the farm. You normally have a dollar amount buy-in or a certain number of hours worked for food.
Enjoy Organic Foods. Organic foods may be worth the extra cost – organic food has a higher nutritional value than conventional food, plus it’s better for the environment because it doesn’t require pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Go Meatless. Americans, on average, eat twice the recommended amount of meat. Meat production is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Consider your carbon footprint when making dietary decisions.
Shop Grocery Weekly Ads. Start by looking out for food sales at the grocery store. This can help you save money while also being more mindful of the environmental impact your food choices have.
Meal Plan. One great way to save money on groceries is to plan your meals ahead of time. This allows you to be more strategic in your shopping and can help you avoid buying items that you don’t need.
Use Leftovers. When you’re cooking a meal, always cook a little more than you need. This way, you’ll have leftovers that can be used to make another meal or stored in a glass jar for later use.
Pantry Challenge Time! One way to save money on your groceries is to consider doing a pantry cleanse. This means eating all the foods in your pantry that are sitting there. Then, only buy groceries that you know you’ll use. This can help you avoid overspending and wasting food.
Skip Pre-Made or Boxed Mixes. Making your own is a more affordable option, as pre-made or boxed mixes can be expensive. There are many recipes online that are healthy and affordable, and by planning ahead you can save time and money.
Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store. A lot of people want to save money and be more environmentally friendly, but don’t know where to start. One way to do both is to try to stick to the perimeter of the grocery store. This means avoiding the center aisles, where most processed foods and extra packaging are found.
Buy Generic Brands. Generic brands are less expensive than their name-brand counterparts. This is because generic brands do not have the same marketing and advertising costs as name-brand products. Many times the quality is the same or better!
Key Frugal Green Ideas While Shopping
These are environmentally friendly ways to improve your shopping habits. Many people may call this frugal minimalism.
Donate First. It’s easy to just dispose of something when it’s no longer needed, but sometimes that thing could be reused or recycled. For example, if you have an old TV that isn’t being used, try selling it or donating it before throwing it away. There are a lot of people who might need your old TV, and you can get some money for it if you sell it.
Buy Refurbished. On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a new TV, think about buying one that is refurbished instead of buying a brand-new one. Refurbished electronics often come with the same warranty as new ones and cost way less than buying a brand-new model.
Try Fixing First. Just because something is broken doesn’t mean you have to throw it away! Many times, things can be fixed very easily and cheaply. If your electronic device is leaking toxic chemicals, however, you should definitely not try to fix it yourself–take it to a professional recycler instead.
Reuse your own grocery bags. This will save both money and the environment, as disposable grocery bags often end up in landfills. Also, many stores are now charging for grocery bags, so save a few bucks at the store.
Do not buy new books. You can borrow books from the library or from friends, or you can buy them used. Buying new books wastes resources, and it’s often cheaper to buy them used.
Use the Library. The library has a wealth of books, movies, and music that you can borrow for free. Plus you can find access to tons of digital resources as well.
Shop Second-Hand Stores for your needs. These are great places to find clothes, furniture, and other household items at a fraction of the price.
Stop buying the paper version of the newspaper. Instead, get the daily news online for free. Not only will you save a few bucks each month, but you’ll also help reduce deforestation.
Shop at Sustainable Businesses. Thankfully, many companies focus on being sustainable businesses by making changes from production, to packing to shipping. As a whole, the industry could do better to create less waste. One sustainable company is the Everyone Store.
Think Twice on Gifts. Really consider what someone would want for a gift. Too many times we opt for quick and cheap gifts that are materialistic in nature and never be used. So, consider some of these money gift ideas instead.
Frugal Green Cleaning Products that Are Eco Friendly
You may not be environmentally aware of the hazards of using most cleaning products. In fact, you should check your normal cleaning products with EWG’s database and their standards.
DIY Baking Soda & Vinegar. Using green cleaning products is usually more expensive than traditional ones. Baking soda and vinegar are easy-to-find, cost-effective alternatives to environmentally unfriendly cleaners.
Use Microfiber Cloths. Personally, this is my favorite way to cut the expansive (and not-good-for-you) cleaning products. These microfiber cloths are just as effective at cleaning and will save you money in the long run.
Skip the Disposable Rags. Use up-cycled rags from old clothes to pick up spills.
Stop Using Air Fresheners. Reduce or eliminate the use of air fresheners, which release harmful chemicals into the air. Plus they are super costly!
Frugal Green & Energy Use in the Laundry Room
Use Detergent Powder. Washing your clothes in a washing powder uses less water than liquid tabs, which come in more plastic packaging. Also, the powder is a much better environmental solution and better for your body. This is the detergent powder we use and love (and those I recommended it to love it as well)!
Sniff Test. Implement the sniff test and only wash clothes when they fail the sniff test. Beware of this recommendation with teenagers!
Line Dry Clothes. Additionally, line drying clothes throughout the year can save a ton on your energy bill! Plus your clothes do not wear as quickly.
Watch Your Hot, Wash in Cold. One easy way to save money on your household bills is to reduce the amount of hot water you use. Heating water takes up a large percentage of the energy used in households, so by washing your clothes in cold water, you can cut down on your energy usage significantly.
Frugal Green in the Bathroom & Morning Routine
Use Less Shampoo or Soap. In order to save money on your grocery bill, you can use less shampoo than is recommended. If everyone did this, it would result in significant monetary and plastic savings.
Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. It is important to turn the tap off while brushing teeth in order to conserve water. Many people forget to do this, and as a result, millions of gallons of water are wasted every year.
If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If the toilet water is yellow, it’s ok to let it mellow. You don’t have to flush to turn it off every time. Thanks to auto-flush toilets in most places this is very common for people to forget to flush at home.
Take Cooler Showers. This may not be everyone’s favorite. But take a cool shower rather than a piping hot shower. Most of the energy used is the hot water heater warming up the water.
Use Every Last Drop! There are a few ways to get the most out of your products and conserve them- one way is to leave bottles upside down for a couple of hours after you’ve used them so that you can get the last bit of product out. You can also roll up toothpaste tubes to get the remaining paste out. Here is a great product to help you squeeze every expensive ounce out.
Related Reading: Billionaire Morning Routine: How To Achieve Success In Life
Green Lot with Frugal Green Landscaping
Xeroscape Your Lawn. Lawns are often seen as a status symbol, but they’re actually quite expensive and environmentally damaging. They require large amounts of water, fertilizer, and pesticides to maintain, which can leach into the groundwater and pollute the environment.
Change Mowing Schedule. Additionally, lawn mowing emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Water Less Often. While this sounds great in theory, you may not be able to fully switch to xeriscaping your yard. If you can’t switch, then check out this Rachio to lessen your dependence on water.
Frugal Green Home Ownership
There are many ways to save money and be more environmentally conscious at the same time when owning a home.
Your home is probably one of your biggest expenses, so it’s important to take measures to conserve energy and save money. Plus there are many ways to reduce the amount of energy your home consumes!
Home Improvement Math. When considering whether or not to make an improvement to your home in order to reduce your carbon footprint, always do the math to see if the improvement will actually pay for itself. Sometimes it will and sometimes it won’t so be sure to weigh all of the options before making a decision.
Downsize Your Home. If you live in a large house, consider moving into a smaller one. This will help you save on your energy bill and make your home more efficient.
Install low-flow fixtures. One way is to install low-flow fixtures, such as showerheads and faucets. This will reduce your energy use and, in turn, your monthly bills. You can also save water by taking shorter showers.
Hang UV Blocking Curtains. By stopping the sun from heating up your house with curtains during the day, you can save on cooling costs in the summer. Using UV blocking curtains is something we did and notice a significant difference in the summer and winter.
Run Appliances with Full Loads Only. Wait until you have a full load of dishes or laundry before running the dishwasher or washing machine. You would be surprised at the amount of energy and water it takes to run those appliances.
Be Reasonable with Air Conditioning Temperature. In the summer, don’t crank up the air conditioning to save on your energy bill. You can also set your thermostat a couple of degrees higher in the summer to save money. Also, you may want to start cooling your house earlier in the day to prevent your AC unit from working overtime and consuming more energy.
Program Your Winter Heating Temperature. In the UK, A/C is not as common as it is in other countries. Central heating is used more often and is set to a lower room temperature for the summer and a higher room temperature for the winter. This is because people want to save on their energy bills.
Open Windows to Cool House. When the weather is nice, open your windows to allow for natural cooling. This is a simple and cheap way to cool your house. Especially after a nice cool thunderstorm.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances. Energy-efficient models might be more expensive in the short term, but they will save you money in the long run and help reduce your environmental impact. However, these products should only be bought when the older model is worn out–don’t replace something just because it’s energy-efficient!
Replace Windows. On the one hand, it’s a great idea to replace your windows with more energy-efficient models if you’re staying in your home for many years. However, if you plan on moving within a few years, it might not be worth the investment. You’ll need to weigh the cost of the windows against how much money you’ll save on your monthly energy bill.
Get a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money on your energy bill. You can set them to turn off or down when you’re not at home, or during times of the day when you don’t need as much heating or cooling.
Look for Energy Leakage. The typical older home has enough energy leakage that it’s the equivalent of leaving your front door open all year long. You can combat this by installing weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows and adding insulation to your attic. Most utility companies offer an energy audit.
Weatherize your Home. Weatherizing your home is a great way to improve energy efficiency and save money on your energy bills. There are many things you can do this and varies on the area of the world you live in.
Sustainable Frugal Green Transportation
Ditch the Car Completely. One of the biggest expenses for many people is their car. Whether you’re paying for car payments, insurance, gas, or maintenance, it can be a lot of money. You can eliminate this expense by ditching the keys and taking public transportation. Not only will you save money on your monthly expenses, but you’ll also help the environment!
Buy Hybrid Cars. Hybrids cars are expensive but they could help you save money on fuel in the long run – hybrids tend to have lower emissions than conventional cars. So, it might be time to say bye to that beater car.
Drive Less and Play Your Route. Driving less is the biggest way to reduce fuel-guzzling trips. Take it a step further with UPS research on their strategic delivery methods and focus on making only right-hand turns.
Carpool Whenever Possible. carpooling is a much more green choice than driving alone.
Look Into Car Sharing. When you only need a car occasionally, or for short trips, it might be more convenient and affordable to use a car-sharing service. Car-sharing services offer the opportunity to have access to wheels when you need them, and they’re flexible and convenient for short trips.
Invest in Electric Scooter. This mode of transportation is the uber-popular. You don’t need cash for gas, money for registration fees, and completely reliable to get around quickly. Check out the best electric scooters on the market.
Ride a Bike. A commuter bike is much cheaper than a car. Plus you get the added benefits of exercise and no carbon waste. Or upgrade to an E-bike.
Telecommute. If you can do your work remotely, then telecommute more often than not. This will save on transportation costs as well as pollution.
Walk More Often. Plan your day around being able to walk places that take under 30 minutes to get there. Then, it is better to walk than drive. Plus you can hit your 10000 steps quicker. It is a triple for the win – health benefits, free exercise, and fresh air!
Don’t Run Your Engine Unnecessarily. Leaving your engine running unnecessarily while stationary can waste fuel and cause environmental damage. Make sure to turn your engine off when you’re not moving to save money and help the planet!
Drive More Efficient. When it comes to saving fuel, one of the best ways is to drive more slowly and efficiently. This will help you save petrol or diesel and reduce your carbon footprint. For example, slowly put your foot on the accelerate to maintain a speed.
Frugal Green Budgeting Per Month
Choose To Save Rather Than Spend. Every tie you actively choose to save your money rather than spend it. You help the environmental impact. We have plenty of popular money saving challenges to help you save more money today.
Pay Bills Online. When you pay bills online, you can save a lot of time, space, and money. You can also save paper by paying your bills online–instead of receiving paper statements in the mail, you can access them online.
Find Free Things to Do. This one is a win-win for frugality environmentalism. Focus on finding activities from this list of things to do with no money. Many of them are already frugal green wins.
Opt for Paperless. And finally, if you pay your bills online, you may automatically receive discounts on some of your monthly bills! Many companies now charge a $2-5 paper statement to be mailed.
Focus on Financial Independence. This may seem like a crazy idea, but it is true. The more you save, the faster you reach financial independence. In fact, this is with the Frugalwoods decided to be frugal in the first place.
Follow Simple Frugal Living Green Ideas – Way to Go Green
Reduce, reuse, recycle. This old mantra is more important than ever in today’s world. By recycling everything you can, you can help conserve resources and keep waste out of landfills.
Your Mindset is Everything. Just like with anything, if you decide to commit yourselves to become environmentally aware, then you are likely to succeed. You don’t have to become extremely frugal overnight. You just have to remember that mindset is everything in this process.
Turn off electronics when not in use. This includes televisions, computers, and other appliances. By turning them off, you’re conserving energy (and saving money). Plus some older appliances might be fire hazards if left plugged in.
Stop Junk Mail. One way to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive is to go through your postal mail and ask to be removed from lists you’re not interested in. This can be done by contacting the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) or specific companies that send you unsolicited mail.
Grab a Sweatershirt or Blanket when Cold. Instead of automatically adjusting the programmable thermostat higher, you can also save by wearing a sweater or using a blanket. Maybe turn on the fireplace before putting the heating on.
Invest in Renewable Energy. In today’s world, it is more important than ever to invest in renewable energy. There are many reasons for this:
First and foremost, using renewable energy helps to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to climate change.
Renewable energy also creates jobs and supports local businesses.
And finally, investing in renewables reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, helping to fight climate change.
In the long run, renewable energy can save you money and reduce emissions by providing power more reliably, often more cheaply than a traditional power source.
Are You Ready Live Life Frugal Green?
Living a more frugal lifestyle is good for the environment because it costs less.
It doesn’t take much to make small changes in your life that will have a big impact on the planet. For example, consume less and you’ll be doing the most earth-friendly thing you can do.
There are dozens of ways to save money and be more environmentally conscious which we covered in this post.
Being frugal and being green often go hand in hand.
However, most people lose steam after just a couple of weeks. So, do not attempt to do each frugal green living habit.
Pick your top 3 with the biggest impact.
Add one another 1-3 frugal living tips every month or so.
Over time, you will be surprised to see how easy it is to live frugal green, while also helping you to save money while also protecting the environment.
You can be the frugal green girl or gal with a few of these simple habits. Or choose to follow a frugal blog or frugal forum.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Even if you don’t tune in to reality TV, you’ve likely caught wind of the drama that’s been circling the hit Bravo show “Vanderpump Rules” and the cheating scandal that has come to be known as “Scandoval” (a portmanteau of “scandal” and “Sandoval”).
For the uninitiated, the reality TV juggernaut premiered in 2013 and originally followed the lives of the staff of SUR restaurant, a West Hollywood, CA, staple owned by Lisa Vanderpump, formerly of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
“Vanderpump Rules” is currently in its 10th season and experiencing a spike in ratings due to news that longtime cast members Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix had split after 10 years because of an affair between Sandoval and his co-star Raquel Leviss.
In March, the cheating scandal permeated every corner of the internet—from the typical gossip sites to even the New York Times. Since then, Sandoval has confirmed stepping out on Madix and evidence suggests that Sandoval and Leviss are still close.
So if it seems like everyone has been talking about the “Scandoval,” it’s not just you.
Which ‘Vanderpump Rules’ cast members currently own homes?
Some of the biggest questions to come out of the controversy have to do with Sandoval and Madix’s living situation and, specifically, the Valley Village, CA, house they bought together in 2019. Are they both still living in the house? Who legally owns the property? Is the home up for sale?
This shake-up in the Vanderpump universe—as well as news that two cast members recently became new homeowners—prompted us to focus the lens on Southern California and take a deep dive into the homes of Bravo’s most bankable stars.
Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s house
The home that Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval own.
(Realtor.com)
In 2019, Sandoval and Madix were the first of three “Vanderpump Rules” couples to make the move outside of West Hollywood and purchase real estate in the San Fernando Valley. The trio of couples—including Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright and ex-spouses Tom Schwartz and Katie Maloney—fell for near-identical modern farmhouse mansions that were within a stone’s throw of one another.
Sandoval and Madix purchased this 4,400-square-foot home for $2.08 million. The massive interior includes a chef’s kitchen with two dishwashers, a butler’s pantry, and a wine refrigerator—the perfect setup for mixologists Sandoval and Madix, who also have their own food and beverage ventures.
Property records show the homeowners are “Ariana Madix and Thomas Sandoval,” so even in the midst of the cheating scandal, they have maintained their residence. For the time being, the house is off the market. But who knows what the fallout will be after the current season of their reality show concludes.
Living room
(Realtor.com)
Kitchen
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Backyard
(Realtor.com)
Bedroom
(Realtor.com)
James Kennedy’s house
Front
(Realtor.com)
James Kennedy is another “Vanderpump Rules” star who calls the valley home.
The reality TV star and DJ recently purchased a remodeled three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in the heart of Burbank, CA, for $1.35 million.
The modest suburban spread was designed with comfort and style in mind and includes a stylish kitchen, a primary suite with double vanity, a pool, and a covered barbecue area in the backyard.
James Kennedy’s kitchen
(Realtor.com)
Dining and living area
(Realtor.com)
En suite bathroom
(Realtor.com)
Backyard with pool
(Realtor.com)
Lala Kent’s house
Lala Kent’s house
(Realtor.com)
Love her or hate her, there’s no denying that Lala Kent had a rocky couple of years due to her breakup with her partner, disgraced Hollywood producer Randall Emmett. But a bright spot came this year for Kent when she purchased an oasis in the desert: this 2,300-square-foot home in Palm Springs, CA.
The $1.35 million, three-bedroom pad is set on a golf course and offers jaw-dropping views of the mountains in the backyard. It’s well-equipped for the hot weather with a pool and covered lanai.
Kent’s new home is also next door—yes, next door—to “Vanderpump Rules” co-star and best friend Scheana Shay.
Living room
(Realtor.com)
Kitchen
(Realtor.com)
Bedroom
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Patio
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Backyard with golf course views
(Realtor.com)
Scheana Shay’s house
While the rest of her “Vanderpump Rules” cast mates were buying in the valley in 2019, Shay set her sights southeast and scooped up a house for $725,000 in Palm Springs. The home has proven to be a good investment—Shay’s friend and cast mate Kent paid nearly double for a similar three-bedroom next door.
The 1,900-square-foot desert dwelling is filled with modern design touches like an electric fireplace, “sliding walls of glass,” a saltwater pool and spa, and a large fire pit.
Shay shares the home with her husband, Brock Davies, and daughter, Summer Moon.
Lisa Vanderpump, restaurateur, philanthropist, and matriarch of the “Vanderpump Rules” empire, has lived in a hilltop estate, dubbed Villa Rosa, since 2011. She and her husband, Ken Todd, purchased the 8,800-square-foot home, which has been heavily featured on TV, for $10.2 million.
The five-bed Beverly Hills mansion is known for its lush landscaping, opulent interior design, and plenty of space for Vanderpump’s menagerie, including five rescue dogs, two miniature horses (including Velvet, a new pony who makes a cameo on this week’s episode of “Vanderpump Rules”), one retired racehorse, swans, peacocks, fish, and various other pets.