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Apache is functioning normally

Are you one of Beyonce’s Single Ladies? Member of the Lonely Heart’s Club? Whether you celebrate your singleton status or just can’t find a decent date, having a bigger pool of eligible candidates to draw from certainly helps your chances. Apartment Guide has dug deep into the data to help uncover the cities where you can find the most single folks in the United States and how the data differs between men and women in that metro area. If you’re single and looking for your next move, here’s where to start.

U.S. Cities With the Greatest Percentage of Single Men

U.S. Cities with the Greatest Percentage of Single Women

This data is sourced from Maponics based on self-reporting households. Single households are defined as households with no children under the age of 18 in which the head of the household is unmarried. Household is defined by the US Census Bureau as one or more people who occupy a housing unit.

When it comes to finding single men, it would appear that heading out west is the way to go. Six of the top 10 cities with the greatest percentage of single men are in California; more specifically around Los Angeles. It seems that L.A. isn’t just great for movie stars and fancy cars, it’s also great for finding single guys!

Great spots for finding single ladies, on the other hand, seem to be sprinkled around the entire country. The Midwest claims the top two spots, with Gary, IN and Detroit, MI coming in strong with slightly over 22% of self-reporting households claiming to be single women. That’s a pretty packed ladies night.

So why does it seem that the percentage rates of single women households are significantly higher than the men? It would appear it comes down to population. According to US Census Bureau demographic information of the United States in 2014, there were about 125.9 million adult women as compared to 119.4 million adult men. That’s a difference of 6.5 million.

Are you currently single and looking for love? Would you ever consider moving to widen your dating pool? Let us know below!

Apache is functioning normally

Keeping a dog in an apartment is much easier with a dog park right next door.

As much as we love our pets, it can be hard to be a dog owner living in an apartment. There isn’t as much space and you likely don’t have a private backyard where they can run and go to the bathroom.

Plus, some breeds simply aren’t suited for apartment living. That means that most apartment-dwelling dog owners need to use neighborhood or community dog parks. But this isn’t always the most convenient option. Maybe the nearest dog park isn’t within walking distance, meaning you need to drive there. Maybe your dog is still learning social skills and you still aren’t comfortable taking them to a large dog park.

The solution could be found in choosing an apartment complex that has its own dog park on the property. Exclusively available for the use of four-legged residents and their human companions, apartment dog parks have many benefits for apartment dog owners from their proximity to your home to reduced attendance. Plus, dog parks are amenities commonly found at higher-end luxury apartment buildings, meaning that there are likely tons of other desirable perks and amenities for you to enjoy.

13 reasons to look at apartments with dog parks

Every dog has its day, or at least it will once it lives in an apartment with its own dog park. Here are 13 benefits to dog owners and their canine roommates of choosing apartments with dog parks.

1. Your dog can get more frequent exercise

If you have a dog park in your apartment complex, you don’t have to drive or walk long distances to reach a nearby park. It’s easier to fit in multiple visits per day, giving your dog more opportunities to stretch their legs, run around and get some fresh air and exercise. Your dog will be happier and healthier for it.

2. Get in your daily steps

It’s not just your dog who can get in some exercise during dog park visits. It also gives you a chance to get in more daily steps while walking to, from and around the dog park. If your dog likes to run around, you can even get in some light jogs and cardio during dog park playtime. Having an on-site dog park gives you a chance to fit some easy exercise and stretching into your day as well.

3. It’s easier and more convenient

In general, having a dog park close at hand is more convenient for everyone. If you work from home, it’s easier to fit dog park visits into your schedule when it only takes a few minutes to get there. Instead of needing to plan outings around your work schedule, you can quickly run your dog down to the park to use the bathroom and exercise before a meeting starts. If it’s late at night and your dog needs to go out before bed, you don’t need to get dressed again and walk around the neighborhood. Early mornings are also better when the dog park is a few minutes away.

It’s also easier for pet sitters. If you don’t work from home and someone needs to let your dog out during the day, they don’t even need to take the dog off-site.

4. Meet and connect with other dog owners in your apartment complex

Apartment dog parks are also great places to socialize and meet your other neighbors who are dog owners. If you’re new to the complex and want to introduce yourself, saying “hi” and chatting at the dog park is a casual, easy way to get to know other dog owners in the complex. You can also meet and welcome new residents to the complex.

Not only can you make new friends this way, but knowing who among your neighbors are dog lovers can come in handy. If you’re going on a trip and need someone to watch your dog, you can simply ask trusted neighbors instead of needing to find someone new. If you’re away for work during the day, you can also ask work-from-home neighbors if they’re willing to help out with getting your dog their daily bathroom runs.

5. Your dog can make friends as well

It’s not just you who can make new friends and acquaintances while hanging out at your apartment dog park. Your dog can also make friends and become playmates with other resident pooches.

Larger neighborhood and community dog parks usually attract a bigger crowd, but a small apartment dog park that only caters to a particular complex will have a smaller pool of dog visitors. That way, your dog is more likely to bond with other dogs that they see more frequently and become friends.

6. Extra safety and security

Apartment dog parks are also generally safer for both dogs and their owners. At larger neighborhood dog parks where everyone is welcome, there may be run-ins with aggressive or untrained dogs. At a smaller apartment dog park, you’re more likely to know all the dogs there and whether or not they’re well-behaved or can become aggressive.

Having a dog park just steps from your apartment is also safer for humans too. For early morning or late nights, you don’t need to walk around a dark neighborhood or an empty dog park where there’s no one else around in case something happens. If your dog park is on your apartment complex’s grounds, it’s in a secure, safe area that likely also has better lighting.

7. Keeps messes to a minimum

The whole reason to take your dogs to a dog park is so they can have a good time, but sometimes they get messy in the process. Maybe they roll around in the mud or get covered in dust. If you need to drive to your nearest dog park, that return trip will get dirt, mud and other messes around your vehicle.

While your dog can still get dirty at an apartment dog park, at least your nice, clean car doesn’t have to pay the price. Plus, your apartment is right there for a fast clean-up.

8. Let your dog run free

Apartment dog parks may be one of the few places where you can let your dog off-leash for some untethered fun and exercise. Not all dog parks allow this because of the risk of violent or aggressive encounters. But in quiet apartment dog parks, you can usually give your dog free rein to run around and have fun.

Plus, you can quickly leash them back up if someone else comes to use the dog park that isn’t comfortable with off-leash dogs. Since you’re more likely to know all the other residents who use the dog park, that also means you can preemptively avoid encounters with aggressive or reactive dogs.

9. The apartment may have other pet amenities like dog washes

If your apartment complex has pet-friendly amenities like a dog park, they definitely cater to and understand the needs of pet owners. That means there’s a good chance they have other pet-friendly amenities like dog washing stations or dog spas like these dog-friendly apartments in Los Angeles.

No more getting your bathroom all dirty giving your dog a bath or hauling them to the pet groomers. You can take care of it yourself at your apartment’s on-site dog-washing spa.

10. Some dog parks may come with agility equipment

Offering chances for more enrichment play or learning new tricks, some apartment dog parks also come with agility equipment. These can help your dog keep their health and agility up, train for competitions or just have a good time.

11. Your dog will be less restless

Taking your dog out more frequently during the day means they’ll be less restless back at the apartment. Instead of hassling you to play or give them attention, they’ll relax or take a nap.

If you work from home or have lots of chores, it’s easier to work through your to-do list without a dog in the way. You’ll be more productive or can simply unwind and relax as well.

12. Better behavior both in and out of the apartment

Not only will having closer access to a dog park make your dog less restless, but they’ll be less disruptive. Dogs who are stuck indoors all day can bark, be noisy or make messes around the apartment.

This isn’t just disruptive to you, but can also impact your neighbors. A barking dog can lead to noise complaints and issues with your neighbors and building management. Making sure your dog gets plenty of fresh air and exercise at a dog park that’s close and accessible can help avoid these issues.

13. Living in a pet-friendly community

Living in an apartment complex that has its own dog park means that the overall community is pet-friendly, and there are many benefits of living in a pet-friendly apartment building. Firstly, it can be hard to find pet-friendly apartments sometimes. Even if you do live in an apartment that allows dogs, your neighbors might not, which can create conflict.

In an apartment complex that caters to pet owners with amenities like dog parks, odds are that many of the residents love and have their own furry best friends. You’re living in a community of understanding, like-minded people who share a common interest and passion, which makes for a more comfortable, happy living situation.

Find the perfect apartment for you and your furry best friend

From its convenience to helping you and your pooch make new friends, living in an apartment with a dog park offers numerous benefits for both you and your dog.

To find apartments with dog parks in a dog-friendly city, use the Pet Policy tools on Rent.com to look for apartment complexes that allow dogs. This will filter results to only dog-friendly apartments, which you can then browse to find complexes that come with pet amenities like dog parks.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

The capital city of Georgia is becoming a very popular destination lately and even has the distinction of being the only American city to land on a recent global “best in travel” list. And why not? With its warm weather, historical significance, happening restaurants, and major airport, it’s a fun, easily accessible place to vacation.

There’s a lot to do in Atlanta, from the Georgia Aquarium to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park; from the Ponce City Market (don’t miss the rooftop bar) to Piedmont Park. Here, you’ll find a list of 10 best things to do in Atlanta, Georgia, plus smart tips for enjoying every minute and staying on budget.

Best Times to Go to Atlanta

Spring and fall are usually considered the best times to go to Atlanta. Atlanta can get very hot and crowded during summer travel. For example, the average high temperatures in July and August are nearly 90 degrees, but it can feel much hotter, thanks to the city’s high humidity. Spring and fall also tend to be less crowded and have milder temperatures, while still being warm enough to spend the days outside. For example, April and October have comfortable average temperature highs in the low 70s.

A great time for music lovers to visit is at the start of summer: The Atlanta Jazz Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend, when you can expect average daytime temperatures to be in the still comfortable low 80s. However, you will also likely have to contend with higher prices and more crowds during big events on major holiday weekends.

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Bad Times to Go to Atlanta

Allergy sufferers may want to avoid springtime in Atlanta, as the city experiences an extreme pollen season. A visible dusting can be seen as early as January. Pollen counts peak in late March to mid-April, with cars and lawns blanketed in bright yellow pollen from oak and birch trees.

Winter is typically the slow season for tourists in Atlanta, and the city offers fewer events during this time. Because of this, hotel prices may be lower, so it may be enticing if you are looking for how to save money on hotels in Atlanta. For example, there are plenty of hotels available for $125 to $175 per night during a weekend in January.

If you do decide to visit in the winter, watch out for snow or ice in the forecast. Although frozen precipitation is rare in Atlanta, when it happens, it shuts down the city, which means you won’t be seeing the sights.

Average Cost of an Atlanta Vacation

As is the case with many city getaways, you can have a great time in Atlanta with nearly any budget. If you are visiting for a week, you can expect to pay an average of $2,419 for two people. That’s a good number to know as you decide where to keep your travel fund and start saving for your trip.

Hotels range from $100 to several hundred per night, with an average of about $180. Price depends on how fancy the hotel is, the time of year you visit, and the location of the hotel.

The pricey areas tend to be downtown and in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood. Less expensive areas include the suburbs and areas around the airport.

Beyond hotel expenses, you’ll find good news when it comes to food and entertainment. Thankfully, Atlanta is still much less expensive than other major cities like New York and Los Angeles or resort areas like Florida and Hawaii. You will eat well: There’s a vibrant restaurant scene, with everything from Indian food to soul food and back again Plus, there are loads of nightlife options, including comedy clubs and live music.

You’ll also need to decide how to get to Atlanta. Given what a major airline hub the city is, you may find affordable fares for plane tickets, though that will depend on where you are flying in from. It’s wise to learn how credit card travel insurance works when booking flights in case of cancellations, lost luggage, and the like. Then you can decide whether to purchase private travel insurance or use your credit card protections.

Worth noting, too, is the fact that the city does not have as extensive of a public transit system as some other cities. If you want to explore various sites, you may want to look into renting a car or budget for Ubering around town.

Recommended: Where to Find “Book Now, Pay Later” Travel

10 Fun Must-Dos in Atlanta

Here’s the fun part: Deciding what to do in Atlanta. There is something for just about everyone in the city. Here is a list of 10 cool things to do in Atlanta, culled from those who have traveled to the city as well as loads of online reviews of top-rated attractions. Whether you’re taking a solo trip or one with friends and/or family, you will probably find more exciting activities than you can pack into your days in town.

While we also made sure to include several free activities, make sure to capitalize on your credit card rewards and use a card that’ll bring you points, miles, or cash back when charging your trip’s expenses.

1. Spend an Afternoon at the Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is practically a household name and for good reason. It’s the largest indoor aquarium in the western hemisphere. It even serves as a teaching hospital for marine biologists. You’ll encounter dolphins, penguins, sharks, and gigantic but adorable whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea. Take a free self-guided tour via an app that you can download for your visit.

The aquarium is located next to Centennial Park (see below) and is open daily from 9am to 6pm Mondays through Thursdays, 9am until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9am to 4pm on Sundays. Admission can be pricey, around $43 to $48. GeorgiaAquarium.org

2. Get Outdoors

Atlanta may be a city, but you can easily get some greenery on your trip. Piedmont Park, for instance, is a huge park located in midtown Atlanta (between downtown and Buckhead) that offers trails for walking, running or biking, picnic locations, ponds, greenery, and wildlife. Arts festivals, music festivals, concerts, and farmers markets take place throughout the year, adding to the fun. And may we mention that it’s a great destination if you are traveling with pets? It’s a free thing to do in Atlanta and is open daily from 6am to 11pm. piedmontpark.org/

Or check out the adjacent Atlanta Botanical Garden, a 30-acre natural delight with a canopy-level footbridge, suspended 40 feet above lush woodlands, and a Japanese garden. It’s open every day but Monday, and admission ranges from $23.95 to $34.95. atlantabg.org

3. Enjoy an Urban Mall

Ponce City Market is a super-fun food and retail hub (there are even some apartments plus office space there) tucked into a circa-1926 Sears & Roebuck building. Located in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood along the BeltLine (see below), there are local “shop-small” boutiques, with cards, crafts, jewelry, denim, and more, along with national retailers like Sephora and JCrew. Great food abounds inside in the a/c’d premises, whether you’re looking for a latte or yakitori. And don’t miss the rooftop bar and amusement park. Open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday; on Sunday, the shops are open 10am to 6pm and the eateries from 10am to 8pm. poncecitymarket.com/

4. Stroll the BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is an amazing urban revitalization project: It’s a former railway corridor that is being transformed in part into a public path that has art, planting, parks, and attractions. While the complete loop is not fully paved yet (it is expected to be finished around 2030), sections are available for strolling, running, and biking. The BeltLine connects popular locations like Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park, and, since it’s free, can be a way families can afford to travel. Events are held throughout the year, including fitness classes, art events, and concerts. beltline.org/places-to-go/ or consider a bus, bike, or walking tour beltline.org/things-to-do/atlanta-beltline-tours/

5. Visit the Soda Headquarters

Coca-Cola has been advertised as “the pause that refreshes,” so you might enjoy a refreshing pause by visiting the company’s World of Coca-Cola, near the Georgia Aquarium. Coke was invented in Atlanta in 1886, and its global corporate headquarters are still located in the city today. The World of Coca-Cola, which highlights the brand’s history and the soda industry, features a pop-culture museum, a 4-D theater, replica soda fountains, and beverage dispensers where you can try dozens of sodas from around the world. Ticket prices range from $15 to $19, and the attraction is open from 10am to 5pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and 10am to 6pm on Fridays through Sundays. worldofcoca-cola.com/plan-your-visit

6. Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

This park is a great way to remember a great man: It preserves the home where Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised, as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was once a pastor. Guided tours are available. The visitor center has exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and its important figures. Worth knowing: The last scene of the Marvel movie Black Panther was filmed two blocks away from the park. This free attraction is open from 10am to 4pm daily, with small ranger-led tours available. nps.gov/malu/index.htm

7. Eyeball Some Great Art

Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is located in a stunning modern building between the Midtown and Ansley Park neighborhoods. Visitors will delight in the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, with masterpieces spanning folk, self-taught, African, American, and European art and more. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday from noon to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays. Admission costs $18.50. high.org/visit/

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8. Let Your Imagination Soar at the Delta Flight Museum

Atlanta is home to the busiest airport in the world, but the airport isn’t the only place to see planes in the city. The Delta Flight Museum, located inside an airport hangar, has aviation artifacts, several airplanes, a hot air balloon, and the country’s sole full-motion flight simulator open to the public (though that’s a pricey experience). If you or a member of your travel posse loves flying, this can be a fascinating place to spend a few hours. The museum is located outside of Atlanta’s airport, which is about eight miles south of downtown, making it a convenient stop if you are heading into or out of the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The museum is typically open from 10am to 4pm (closed on Wednesdays), but it’s wise to check in advance as it sometimes is closed for private events. Tickets range from $10 to $15. The flight simulator is a separate ticket, costing $425 for up to four people. deltamuseum.org/

9. Pit-Stop at the Varsity

Feeling hungry? Pull into Atlanta’s renowned Varsity, where you can indulge in chili dogs, onion rings, a frosted orange milkshake, and a fried peach pie. It’s an iconic eatery that opened in 1928 and is a popular drive-up experience; there are now six locations around town. You just may want to snap up a Varsity t-shirt after you’ve had your fill of their food. thevarsity.com/pages/locations

10. See a Show at the Fox Theatre

Ready for some entertainment as you look for fun things to do in Atlanta? Head to the Fox Theatre, an amazing space that was built as an auditorium for the Shriners organization and was inspired by Egyptian temples, among other structures. It’s a treat to be inside, and you can catch a show before it hits Broadway. The Fox also hosts comedy shows and concerts. Cool fact: It’s home to “Mighty Mo,” the largest working Moller theater organ in the world, constructed in 1929. foxtheatre.org/

The Takeaway

Atlanta is a lively, vibrant city with so many attractions and experiences, from strolling along the BeltLine to visiting a historical site to dining at a food court inside an old Sears building. By learning more about what Atlanta has to offer, you can be sure to make the most of your trip to this buzzworthy destination.

FAQ

What are some things to do in Atlanta for free?

Atlanta offers plenty of free or cheap attractions, like walking on the Atlanta BeltLine or window shopping in the Ponce City Market. You could also pick up some groceries for a picnic in Piedmont Park.

What are things to do in Atlanta, Georgia with kids?

The Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta Zoo, and the World of Coca-Cola are some of the more popular attractions for children. There are also many parks and outdoor spaces for kids to run around and play, like the Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park.

What are some things to do in Atlanta at night?

Atlanta has a robust nightlife scene. There are numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs throughout the city. Other options include the Starlight Drive-In movie theater, comedy clubs, and music venues.

What’s the symbol of Atlanta?

Atlanta’s official symbol is the phoenix. The mythical beast represents the city’s history: The area was destroyed in the Civil War during the Battle of Atlanta, then rebuilt from the ashes.

Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone

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Apache is functioning normally

For anyone who’s dreamed of having their own little private pool with infinity views out over the ocean, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal delivers — and for the points and miles enthusiasts among us, award nights can be surprisingly accessible.

Not every piece of this rugged paradise is perfect, though my recent stay came pretty close. Here’s a closer look at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.

The basics

The resort, part of the Hilton Honors portfolio, is located on the southern tip of Baja California Sur in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It first opened in 2009 and was rebranded to a Waldorf in 2019; it’s one of just 34 Waldorf Astoria properties worldwide.

One of the resort’s two beachside pools. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Other things to know at a glance:

  • Standard check-out time: Noon (later for Hilton elites if available).

  • Cancellation policy: Varies from as little as 14 days out during the off season to 90 days out during peak times.

  • Room types: Starting with standard rooms up to larger casitas and multi-bedroom private villas. There are 115 rooms and suites in total on the property.

  • Transportation: Los Cabos Airport (SJD) serves several hubs on all the major U.S. carriers. The hotel is about a 40-minute drive or cab ride away (Uber isn’t allowed to do pickups). If you’re adventurous and packed very light, the slow but comfortable Ruta del Desierto bus from the airport’s domestic terminal can get you as far as Puerto Paraiso mall, a mile from the resort, for $5. On the other end of the cost spectrum, private transport can be arranged with the hotel.

  • Parking: Complimentary valet parking.

  • Location: Along the southernmost stretch of beach in town, a 15-minute walk from the tourist center.

Balcony with plunge pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

This property stands out even among other luxury properties in Los Cabos because every unit, from the standard rooms on up, comes with its own (small) heated pool. We’ll have plenty more on those pools below.

Booking with points

Paid rates all-in start at just over $1,200 a night for a standard room, but at high season those rates can more than double.

Awards start at 120,000 points per night for a base room, in which case your redemption would be worth no worse than 1 cent per point and easily north of 2 cents per point at peak periods.

As with many things in award travel, fortune favors those with the flexibility to drop everything and go. When I booked this with points in mid-March, every single day for the rest of the month was available at low-level award pricing:

What’s more, Hilton elites get every fifth night free when booking five or more consecutive standard award nights, which can effectively reduce the per-night rate to 96,000 points.

Watch out, though: Rates can jump to over 1 million points per night based on demand.

At last check, no 120,000-point dates remained for the winter 2023-24 travel season. If that’s when you want to go, watch award availability like a hawk, as it seems to come in waves.

🤓Nerdy Tip

American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Hilton Honors points at a 1:2 rate, meaning 60,000 AmEx points could theoretically cover a night here. If you prize luxury hotels over fancy flights, it’s a decent value.

The base room for award bookings is a Pacific View King. In my recent stay and a prior stay in 2021, the Hilton Honors Gold status conferred from holding the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card ($95 annual fee; terms apply) scored me a double upgrade to an Ocean View Deluxe room. It’s the same size as the base room with a full, unobstructed ocean view.

Around the resort

Around the resort. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Design and layout

Cabo itself is situated in a landscape where desert, mountains and sea all seem to collide, and the resort’s design blends well with its surroundings.

Entry/exit tunnel. (Photo by Brad Walters)

In fact, you actually have to go through a little mountain — via a chandelier-lit tunnel — to get to the resort from town.

I arrived on foot, passing through a security checkpoint before getting whisked through the short tunnel on a golf cart. Once on the other side, I arrived at the open-air check-in lobby, where I was greeted with a welcome margarita.

While standard check-in time is 3 p.m., I arrived at noon, which gave me some time to explore the grounds before the desk texted me around 1 p.m. to tell me my room was ready.

Hotel beachfront. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Beyond the lobby, the resort sprawls out over 24 beachfront acres along and up the base of the mountainside.

Most common areas are grouped on two-tiered levels; it only took me a few pleasant minutes to walk from one end of the resort to another.

Hotel grounds. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The tiered design assures that every unit has a view of some kind, although some views are better than others.

Generally speaking, the higher on the property you go, the more expansive the view — but the more you’ll see between you and the ocean.

Casita with personal pool, as seen from main walkway. (Photo by Brad Walters)

In terms of privacy, it can vary wildly. The outdoor spaces of some of the casitas around the pool are quite exposed, as are the lower levels of some of the larger buildings. I wrote ahead to request a more private room and was happy with what I wound up with.

Inside the common area. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Although the resort’s design can feel somewhat spare from the outside, the small details stand out once indoors.

Food and beverage

The property features four restaurants ranging from fancy to poolside casual, along with three bars and a coffee shop.

As a Hilton Honors Gold member, I could enjoy the $34 continental breakfast buffet for free at Don Manuel’s, which is open for all meals of the day but serves breakfast starting at 7 a.m.

Granola with yogurt and berries. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Continental breakfast included granola, fruit, cereal, coffee, freshly squeezed juice and a selection of pastries.

Breakfast chilaquiles. (Photo by Brad Walters)

For an upcharge of $13 (including taxes) I upgraded to the Mexican breakfast, which included made-to-order huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, omelets and a rotating daily special, among other hot items.

For the sheer selection alone, it’s more than worth the price to upgrade, especially since you’re allowed to sample as many items as you’d like.

Pastry station, included with continental buffet. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Everything I tried was good, but the most memorable items I had were the crackling, delicious buffet pastries and a spiced hot chocolate.

The walkway to El Farallon, by day and at last light. (Photos by Brad Walters)

The highly regarded (and priced to match) El Farallon is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. I didn’t partake during my short stay, although if I carried the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($450 annual fee), this would be a solid way to use up much of the $250 annual Hilton resort credit that comes with the card. The cliffside location looked stunning.

Agave Study bar. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Meanwhile, a recent addition to the resort’s bar offerings is Agave Study at Peacock Alley, which offers mezcal and tequila tastings paired with local bites.

Champagne bar, complete with swings. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Down on the beach you’ll find a separate champagne bar with swings for chairs, a fun place to spend a few minutes even if you’re not indulging.

Additionally, the resort offers cooking and cocktail-making classes for a fee.

Pools and hot tubs

Adult pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The hotel features two main pools, one for adults and one for all ages. Each was consistently busy during my stay; these photos are generally from early in the day.

Both pools are designed with an infinity-style setup overlooking the long beach, which is shared with a few other hotels but felt secluded otherwise, given that it’s essentially cut off from the town proper.

Swim-up bar. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The adults-only pool boasts a shaded swim-up bar, while the family pool features a built-in hot tub.

Family pool with hot tub in center. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Just see an attendant and they’ll set you up at an available lounger with umbrella shade as desired. Sunscreen is available at both pools, too.

Poolside service was prompt and friendly, with several small water bottles delivered in a bucket of ice as soon as I got settled. (That said, I far preferred spending time in my own little balcony pool, where it’s a lot easier to imagine you’re the only one at the resort.)

Staff occasionally comes around with free popsicle treats, which is a nice touch.

Family pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Farther up from the beach are a small circular kids pool, suitable for splashing around, and a pool reserved for spa guests with small waterfalls built in.

🤓Nerdy Tip

As with most beaches around Cabo San Lucas, the ocean here isn’t really suitable for casual swimming due to waves that crash like thunder, plus an immediate, steep drop-off into deep water. For a more peaceful wave experience, take a short ride to busy Playa el Medano or a longer trek to gorgeous, less touristy Playa Palmilla.

Other amenities and extras

Gym. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Elsewhere at the resort, you’ll find:

  • The aforementioned spa, with a full complement of paid treatments.

  • A kids club, which offers “family movie nights, curated programming, scavenger hunts, Spanish classes [and] cooking adventures,” the resort says.

  • A business center (basically just one room with a computer) and meeting facilities.

  • A well-appointed fitness center with yoga and a variety of other classes available.

  • A gift shop.

  • Two tennis courts.

Additionally, you’ll receive an email before arrival outlining the various paid excursions the resort is happy to set up for you, including land and sea activities.

In the room

Building 1. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Once my room was ready, I was escorted over and given a full tour by the agent who had checked me in. My unit was on the third of four floors of Building 1, beachside on the edge of the property next to El Farallon.

Previously, I’d stayed in Building 3, higher up near the lobby. The views were excellent in both cases, but I preferred Building 1 because there was no visual distraction between me and the beach/ocean.

Infinity view from inside the balcony pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The star of the show was the infinity ocean-view balcony and plunge pool, which is roughly 12 feet long by 4 feet across. It’s 3 feet deep with a full-length step-down that can seat at least 4 comfortably.

Full pool, looking down toward the beach. (Photo by Brad Walters)

While nobody would confuse this for a full-size pool, you can paddle around and even do mini-laps if you desire. Or you can sit, stretch your legs, soak for hours, and (in season) scan the horizon for whales — your choice.

The only whales I spotted were a couple of cruise ships as they meandered past, alas.

The plunge pool got good morning sun but was shaded for most of the day, which I actually appreciated. It’s kept at a comfortably warm temperature (between 80 and 84 degrees year-round, the resort says) and felt nice even on mild 65-degree nights.

Looking north from my balcony pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The balcony features slanted privacy slats on the side making it easy to see out while shielding others from seeing in. There’s plenty of comfy seating, although I wouldn’t have minded a full-size lounger in lieu of one of the two small sitting couches.

Daybreak view from balcony. (Photo by Brad Walters)

In terms of outside noise: I didn’t hear much of anything while in my room (score one for the soundproofing), but on the balcony, it’s pretty much impossible not to hear others nearby enjoying their outdoor space. If you’re anywhere near a main pool, you’ll likely hear that during the day, too, but it’s nothing a good pair of earbuds can’t cancel out. At night, all I could hear with my balcony open was the sound of crashing waves.

Closet door, fireplace, minibar/coffee/safe area with TV above. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The room was a cozy 856 square feet, which included a knob-controlled fireplace and an oh-so-comfy king bed. (The square footage includes the outdoor space, too.)

Looking in from the balcony. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Looking in from the front entryway. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Generous closet space. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The open bathroom boasted a rain-water shower and a large soaking tub with a loofah and what looked like honey but was actually bubble bath solution. It also had a mini seating area that functions as a visual buffer as much as anything else.

Sink area plus shower. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Bathtub. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Toiletries come in the form of pump-style bottles meant to carry over from guest to guest, a slight letdown to those who like to take home leftover samples of fancier stuff than we’d otherwise use day-to-day.

Customized minibar. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Rooms include complimentary mini-bars stocked with water and soft drinks. (Did I get in touch in advance to request a fridge full of zero-calorie Coke products? Maybe…)

🤓Nerdy Tip

Tap water in Mexico isn’t safe to drink, but the staff will bring you as much water as you need upon request for free. As far as room service dining goes, that’s available too, but for an extra cost.

Tequila, nuts and fruit upon arrival. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Also in my room, and complimentary for all guests, was a 200 mL bottle of Clase Azul Reposado tequila (a roughly $40 value and equivalent to four or five shots) with a ramekin of warm nuts, along with some apples. The tequila bottle is yours to take home and makes for a nice keepsake of your stay.

Every unit on property, from standard rooms to stand-alone villas, also includes the following:

  • A Nespresso machine.

  • Plush bathrobes for use during your stay.

  • A set of binoculars, useful for whale-watching.

  • A nice toiletry bag that was stocked (rather sparsely, in my case) with mouthwash, shoe shine, a sewing kit and a shower cap. The bag is yours to keep.

  • A beach bag, also yours to keep.

  • Free Wi-Fi, which was reliable all over the property (at least for basic internet browsing).

  • An afternoon snack of warm tortilla chips served with outstanding guacamole and pico de gallo, plus a pair of Corona beers, available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and delivered upon request. (The hotel has a chat feature in the Hilton app that makes this or any other request seamless.) On both of my stays the resort accommodated my request for margaritas rather than beers.

  • A safe to lock your valuables.

Afternoon chips with guac, pico de gallo and margaritas. (Photo by Brad Walters)

An evening turndown service is offered in addition to morning housekeeping, but allow a wide time window for both. When asked at check-in when I’d prefer my turndown I said 8 p.m., but it wasn’t done yet when I returned to my room a little before 9. By then, I was ready to fall asleep to the crashing waves and texted the front desk to (nicely) say never mind.

🤓Nerdy Tip

I initially thought I’d have to unplug a lamp by the bed to charge my phone, but upon looking more closely, I found that the night tables have a well-camouflaged set of plugs and USB outlets on the sides adjacent to the bed.

Stand-alone beachfront homes, some of which feature hammocks. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Larger suites and stand-alone villas might include such extras as a fire pit, a larger private pool, beach hammocks, a full kitchen or even a dedicated butler.

Beyond the resort

Cabo San Lucas marina. (Photo by Brad Walters)

If you’re staying longer than a couple days, it’s well worth budgeting some time to get to know the Cape region, preferably by car.

Central Cabo San Lucas (just outside the resort) exudes an overtly touristy party vibe that might not be for everyone. Large cruise ships dock here often, and strolling the pedestrian zone that encircles the marina is a great way to feel like you’re back in the States.

That said, if it’s endless shopping you’re after, check it out — just try to time your visits to avoid those midday cruise crowds. You can walk through the tunnel into town or request a golf cart to take you as far as the outer security gate, from which the marina is a 5-minute walk.

Playa Palmilla, near San Jose del Cabo. (Photo by Brad Walters)

San Jose del Cabo, closer to the airport, is San Lucas’ more sedate, artsy counterpart. The strollable streets of its compact central core radiate from Plaza Mijares, a large car-free public square. A pleasant walk (or bike ride, along separated green lanes) southward along the estuary and then westward alongside the beach resorts is a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours.

If you like San Jose, you’ll likely love Todos Santos, an even more charming, artsier outpost about an hour north of San Lucas. Even farther afield, La Paz is known for its pretty colonial downtown. The largely unspoiled East Cape is also worth exploring, but you’ll want a 4×4 to access many of its jewels.

When to go

Cabo San Lucas has a dry, relatively mild season from roughly December through March. The rest of the year is warm to hot, with rains mostly confined to August through October. Hurricanes are a factor to consider; for instance, Hurricane Kay brought heavy rains as it passed just west of Cabo in September 2022.

For me, the sweet spot for visiting Cabo is between mid-November and New Year’s, when the ocean is still warm enough for comfortable swimming (at wave-free beaches) but the air temperature isn’t sweltering and rain chances are minimal.

The bottom line

When this property became bookable with Hilton points it was an instant darling in the world of award travel, and for good reason.

It’s more than just that warm pool of your own, where hours can easily slip away gazing out at the ocean with a pleasant margarita buzz.

It’s also the gracious service that’s there when you need it but never hovers, delivered with a palpable sense of pride that makes it easy to forgive a few relatively minor lapses.

Given that the base rate for many standard-issue Hilton properties these days is 40,000 points per night, it’s easy to wonder how much longer this oasis can be enjoyed for just triple that amount. Soak it up while you can.

This stay was independently reviewed and paid in full by the writer.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

(Top photo by Brad Walters)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you’ve heard that the housing market crashed, consider this.

Nearly 40% of markets nationwide have returned to peak home prices on a seasonally
adjusted basis, per a new report from Black Knight.

These markets are primarily located in the Midwest and Northeast, along with Southern Florida.

And another six markets are within 1% of last year’s peak, meaning about half the country is still around all-time highs.

Of course, there are some markets on the opposite end of the spectrum as well.

The Housing Market Hasn’t Crashed Yet

While the housing bears are licking their chops at any tidbit of potential bad news, the data continues to tell a different story.

Black Knight’s latest Mortgage Monitor revealed that home prices rose during the month of March on both a non-adjusted and seasonally adjusted basis.

Property values increased a seasonally adjusted 0.45% in March (+1.38% non-adjusted), marking the third consecutive month of increases.

And 92% of housing markets nationwide saw prices increase during the month.

However, prices increased just 1.0% on a year-over-year basis, as the rate of appreciation (which was clearly unsustainable) continues to slow.

This rate of appreciation has been falling by about 1.3-1.4% each month since the start of 2023, per Black Knight.

A few months ago, home prices were falling month-to-month on a seasonally adjusted in 92% of U.S. metros.

In March, home prices were climbing in 92% of markets from a month earlier, a veritable 180.

But the company expects the annual growth rate in home prices to hit “roughly 0% by April.”

Low Supply Is Driving Home Prices Higher and Limiting the Downside

The housing market narrative continues to be one driven by inventory, or a lack thereof. The bears argue that home prices are unaffordable.

And while they’re not necessarily wrong, the lack of supply has allowed home prices to remain at lofty levels and even eek out some monthly gains.

This same lack of supply is limiting downside movement, with the supply of active for-sale listings falling for the sixth straight month.

It’s now at its lowest level since April of last year, driven by 30% fewer new listings hitting the market in March compared to pre-pandemic norms.

That puts current available inventory at mere 2.6 months of supply on a seasonally adjusted basis, which Black Knight says tips “the scale back toward sellers.”

So the buyer’s market we saw in 2022 might have already come and gone, though it could return if mortgage rates remain elevated and supply increases as the year goes on.

Where Home Prices Remain at Their Peak

First, at the national level, home prices are just 1.7% off their June 2022 peak (seasonally adjusted).

That’s an improvement from the -2.6% decline seen back in December.

But amazingly, about 40% of the nation’s housing markets are at their peak levels, this in spite of mortgage rates near 7%.

And Birmingham, Detroit, Houston, Orlando, New York, and the District of Columbia are all within 1% of their all-time highs.

Even more impressive, some metros are still chalking near-double-digit home price increases annually.

Take Miami, where home prices are up 9.5% from a year earlier, or Hartford, CT (+7.7%), Kansas City, MO (+5.5%), Cincinnati, OH (+5.2%), and Virginia Beach, VA (+5.0%).

Pretty incredible to see these types of year-over-year gains given the fact that the 30-year fixed climbed from ~3% to around 6.5% today.

Where Home Prices Are Falling the Most

Of course, it’s not all good news. And real estate is always going to be local. On the other end of things, home prices are off 11.6% in San Jose compared to a year ago.

Similar declines can be seen in Austin, TX (-11.2%), San Francisco, CA (-11.1%), and Seattle, WA (-10.8%).

Property values have also been hit in once-hot metros like Sacramento, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

The city of Austin, Texas has had it the worst, with home prices now down 15.5% from their 2022 peak.

This might explain the negative sentiment from housing bears in that region of the country.

Double-digit declines can also be seen in San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

But given how much home prices increased in these metros, especially in such a short period of time, it’s not a major surprise.

For this same reason, the shift in prices feels more like a correction than a crash given the massive gains prior to the fall.

To sum things up, real estate is local. Some markets are still thriving, others are correcting.

And the housing market is weathering the mortgage rate storm thanks to continued lack of supply.

If and when that changes, the narrative might change as well.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

A new analysis from Zillow reveals that many homes would actually be worth a lot more today had there been no housing bubble back in the early 2000s.

The basic premise is that historic home price growth year after year would have amounted to better overall gains than a few boom years followed by a bust and then a partial recovery.

Of course, home prices don’t just climb steadily over time. They ebb and flow, dip and peak, just like the stock market. So it matters when you buy, though as I’ve mentioned before, time tends to heal all wounds if you stick with real estate long term.

However, you might just be better off investing in stocks, which have gained 40% since the bust.

Imagine No Housing Bubble

  • While just about everyone complains about bubbles
  • Home prices would actually be higher without them
  • If you’re an opportunist
  • You can use bubbles to your advantage to find attractive entry points

Let’s pretend the housing bubble never happened. Instead, let’s assume home prices increased at historic rates year after year. The median home in the United States would actually be worth 26% more today than where it currently stands.

Using 1985-1999 home price growth rates, Zillow discovered that the U.S. median home price would be nearly $235,000 today, instead of the actual $187,000.

But that’s not how history played out. Instead, home prices surged between 2000 and 2006, and by the first quarter of 2007 the median price was 22.4% higher than its historic growth norms would indicate.

That was great news for those who sold at the top, but terrible news for those who purchased a home around that time (or decided to cash out all their equity with an option arm).

We all know what happened next – home prices tanked, pushing them well below levels they would have reached had they just appreciated in line with historic norms.

Thanks to the subsequent bust, 2000-2016 appreciation averaged just 2.8% nationwide, compared to annual home price growth of 4.2% from 1985-1999. So slow and steady does indeed win the race, it’s just a lot less exciting.

Some Metros Are Still Outpacing Historic Norms

  • In some particularly hot regions of the country
  • Home prices are exceeding expectations
  • Which could point to overheated markets
  • And a possible correction sometime in the near future

While 20 of the 30 largest metros in the nation would have higher home prices sans housing bubble, there are 10 that have shaken off the bubble carnage and surged higher.

For example, the median home price in Los Angeles was $572,400 as of the second quarter according to Zillow. Had we avoided a bubble and just stayed on trend, home prices would be closer to $476,000.

The same is true for Washington DC, where home prices are currently around $368,700, but should be around $331,700.

Other housing markets that may have overextended themselves include Baltimore, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix, Riverside, San Diego, and Tampa.

Conversely, some metros that are red hot and seemingly overvalued are actually still well below where they would be had we avoided a major boom.

Examples include San Francisco and San Jose, where the median price was $812,300 and $957,900 in the second quarter, respectively.

Using historic annual home price appreciation rates of 5.6% and 5.5%, prices should be closer to $935,000 and $1,281,300.

The same goes for Denver, where home prices are a staggering 45% above peak levels seen in 2007. The median was $338,500 in the second quarter but should be as high as $374,300.

In Chicago, home prices are nearly half what they should be, at just $198,200 versus the $368,100 had they just stayed the course.

In Detroit, they’re nearly a quarter of what they should be, just $127,300 versus the $388,000 projection based on historic appreciation.

But things don’t operate in a vacuum, nor do home price appreciation rates remain static. Things can change dramatically, as we’ve seen in some hard-hit areas of the country. The economics of certain metros can go through vast and painful transformations.

So that doesn’t mean you can just look at where home prices should be and then buy accordingly to turn a profit.

Still, home prices nationwide remain 4.9% below peak levels seen in 2007, and are expected to hit pre-Great Recession levels around the end of 2017. Factor in ten years of inflation and record low mortgage rates and it might seem like a decent time to buy a home.

(photo: jmorgan90)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you rent an apartment in Los Angeles, you may think that your landlord’s insurance will cover you in the event of a fire, storm or another disaster. And you’d be partly right: it would cover the actual building, including your unit. But your landlord’s policy won’t cover your personal belongings or liability if someone is injured in your apartment. For that, you need renters insurance.

America’s top-rated renters insurance

  • Policies starting at just $5/month
  • Sign up in seconds, claims paid in minutes
  • Zero hassle, zero paperwork
In this article

The good news? Renters insurance is fairly cheap. In California, the average annual cost for a renters policy is only $182. We’ve taken a hard look at the companies offering renters insurance in Los Angeles and, using our evidence-based SimpleScore methodology, have selected the best renters insurance companies in Los Angeles.

The best renters insurance in Los Angeles 

Best coverage options – Allstate

A major player on the national insurance stage, Allstate’s size benefits you through expanded coverage options and maximum financial stability.

J.D. Power Rating

2/5

AM Best Rating

A+

Standard & Poor’s

AA-

SimpleScore

4.2 / 5.0

SimpleScore Allstate 4.2

Discounts 5

Coverage Options 5

Customer Satisfaction 2

Customer Satisfaction 5

Allstate is the second-largest writer of homeowners and renters policies in the U.S. and has the chops to offer a variety of coverage options that allow you to customize your policy. Coverage such as scheduled personal property — which covers your high-priced belongings beyond the limits of your personal property coverage — make it a good choice if you have expensive electronics, art or other valuables. Allstate can also cover you with additional umbrella insurance or if your apartment is in a flood zone, supplemental flood insurance.

Best customer service – Lemonade

Although Lemonade is the new kids on the block, it has quickly earned a reputation for quality service and customer satisfaction.

J.D. Power Rating

5/5

AM Best Rating

N/A

Standard & Poor’s

N/A

SimpleScore

3.6 / 5.0

SimpleScore Lemonade 3.6

Discounts 1

Coverage Options 3

Customer Satisfaction 5

Accessibility 5

Lemonade has become popular very quickly, thanks to its low rates and easy-to-manage website. Getting a quote or filing a claim takes just seconds, and the company says you may have your check almost instantly if the claim is approved. All that user-friendly management has made Lemonade the top choice in J.D. Power’s 2020 Overall Customer Satisfaction Ranking for renters, rating it above perennial favorites such as Erie Insurance and Allstate.

Best for military families – USAA

Low prices, excellent customer service and rock-solid financial stability all make USAA a top choice for military families.

J.D. Power Rating

5/5

AM Best Rating

A++

Standard & Poor’s

N/A

SimpleScore

3.8 / 5.0

SimpleScore USAA 3.8

Discounts 2

Coverage Options 5

Customer Satisfaction 5

Accessibility 4

USAA may be the best insurance company you’ve never heard of — unless you’re in the military, in which case you know the company has a reputation for quality service and coverage. USAA’s rental insurance is only available to active and retired military members and their families, but if you fit that demographic, it should be your first stop when looking for the best renters insurance in Los Angeles.

Best claims management – Stillwater

Expect friendly service and quick claims management for renters insurance claims to Stillwater.

J.D. Power Rating

N/A

AM Best Rating

A-

Standard & Poor’s

N/A

SimpleScore

4 / 5.0

SimpleScore Stillwater 4

Disconts 3

Coverage Options 5

Customer Satisfaction N/A

Accessibility 4

Stillwater offers competitive rates for renters insurance in Los Angeles, which comes with a reputation for solid claims management. The Better Business Bureau gives the company an A+ rating, with customer reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5 — reviewers note the friendliness and professionalism of their agents and claim representatives. Stillwater offers a nice range of discounts for policyholders, including one for those aged 60 and over.

Best local insurer – Mercury

Like the Roman god the company is named for, Mercury provides fast and effective service for all your rental insurance needs.

J.D. Power Rating

N/A

AM Best Rating

A

Standard & Poor’s

AA-

SimpleScore

4.3 / 5.0

SimpleScore Mercury 4.3

Disconts 3

Coverage Options 4

Customer Satisfaction N/A

Accessibility 5

Mercury has been providing insurance for California residents since 1961. The company has an A rating with both Fitch and AM Best, indicating that it is financially stable and well-managed, and it was named one of America’s most trustworthy companies by Forbes magazine. You’ll find comprehensive coverage at Mercury, with a handful of discounts to lower your rate, and optional coverages that protect you from identity theft and more.

America’s top-rated renters insurance

  • Policies starting at just $5/month
  • Sign up in seconds, claims paid in minutes
  • Zero hassle, zero paperwork

Average annual premium, by company

Company Average annual premium
Allstate $162-210
Lemonade $202-285
USAA               $168-204
Stillwater $189-212
Mercury $175-218

Choosing your provider 

Whether you choose a large national insurer, like Allstate, or a smaller regional carrier, Like Mercury, you want the best possible insurance. How can you be sure to get it? A little research is all it takes to give you the info you need to choose wisely. You can start by asking your neighbors and friends who they like and visit the website for any company you’re interested in to see how easy they make it to do business with them.

[ Read: What Does Renters Insurance Cover? ]

Local carrier 

Pros 

  • They have the feet-on-the-ground knowledge of your local area.
  • They understand state insurance laws and regulations.
  • Generally, smaller companies offer high customer service from friendly, local employees.

Cons 

  • May not be able to offer the discounts or coverage options that are standard with larger companies.
  • Not rated by consumer agencies such as J.D. Powers or Consumer Reports.
  • Websites are often bare-bones, without the ability to get an online quote or file a claim.

National carrier 

Pros

  • Easy to evaluate them with national assessors like J.D. Powers and AM Best.
  • Tend to have good websites with tons of functionality and easy access.
  • Have the ability to offer extensive discounts as well as coverage extras that allow you to customize your policy.

Cons 

  • With tens of thousands of policyholders, you may not get the personalized attention you would with a smaller company.

[ Read: Best Renters Insurance Companies ]

Los Angeles minimum insurance requirements 

Unlike car insurance, renters insurance isn’t a legal requirement in California. You may find, however, that your landlord requires it. And even if they don’t, it’s a good idea to consider it seriously. Depending on where you live in the city, you may be at risk of theft, vandalism, or damage from natural sources like storms or earthquakes. Consider carefully how much money you would need if you had to start over again from scratch. That’s a good starting point when considering the amount of Los Angeles renters insurance to purchase.

Flood

Coverage for flooding isn’t included in most renters insurance policies. To find out if you’re at risk of flooding, the FEMA Flood Map Service Center lets you input your address and see if you’re in a flood zone. If you have any reason to believe your apartment might flood, ask your insurance agent about supplemental flood insurance, which can be purchased through the government’s National Flood Insurance Program.

Hurricane

Hurricanes rarely hit California’s coastal regions. In fact, a “California hurricane” is the name of a tropical cyclone that travels up the coast — and that’s happened only twice since 1900. If the remnants of a tropical storm impact your apartment, you would be covered for any damage that was caused by wind. Damage caused by the flooding that often accompanies hurricanes would not be covered by a policy unless you had supplemental flood insurance.

Earthquake

Standard renters insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. But that doesn’t mean you need to stay unprotected. Most insurers feature an endorsement, or add-on, that will cover earthquakes. The California Earthquake Authority offers insurance for renters, and it’s easy to get an online quote at its website. Plan on spending roughly $150-250 for an earthquake policy — money that’s well spent if it buys you peace of mind.

[ Read: Best Cities to Buy Rental Property ]

How much does renters insurance cost in Los Angeles?

The rate you pay for renters insurance will be determined by a number of variables, including the amount of rent you’re paying, your deductible and the value of your belongings. The average cost of Los Angeles renters insurance is roughly $195 a year, though your rate will probably differ. This is more than the California average of $182 and considers the fact that Los Angeles real estate is on the pricey side.

Keep in mind that there are things you can do to lower your insurance rate. One major factor, for example, is your deductible. The lower your deductible, the higher your premium rate will be. If you can handle a higher deductible — say, $1,000 or even more — you will get the best rates for renters insurance in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles renters insurance FAQs

Although you are not required to have insurance by law, your landlord may want you to have a policy. Even if they don’t, it’s a good idea to ensure that your personal possessions can be replaced in the event of a fire or other disaster by having a policy in place.

Expect to pay a little more than the state average of $182 annually. Your own rate will be determined by multiple factors, including your apartment’s location, deductible, and the amount of coverage you’d like.

There’s no one best company for everyone — the company that gave your neighbor the lowest quote may not offer you the same. That said, the insurers we’ve discussed above are a good place to start. Or, if you prefer, head on over to our listing of the Best Renters Insurance Companie. 

Too long, didn’t read?

If you rent an apartment in Los Angeles, you’ll want to consider renters insurance to protect you and your belongings in the event of a disaster. There are a number of national insurers who sell policies in Los Angeles, including Allstate, Lemonade and USAA. There are also some smaller, regional companies like Mercury and Stillwater that offer competitive pricing along with top-notch customer service. Any of these companies will have comprehensive coverage available that is customizable for your own needs, at a good price point.

We welcome your feedback on this article and would love to hear about your experience with the insurers we recommend. Contact us at [email protected] with comments or questions.

Source: thesimpledollar.com

Apache is functioning normally

Los Angeles is a beautiful place. It’s a dream vacation destination for many. And, for those that are even luckier, it’s here that they make a life for themselves. It becomes their address.

And one great thing to take advantage of is the fact that Los Angeles is a thriving city of investment possibilities. If you’ve got some money to spare in your savings, it’s high time that you put in your investment in the right place.

One of the best options is in real estate, with condominiums serving as an accessible point of entry. If that’s something that appeals to you, we’ve rounded up some of the benefits of investing in Los Angeles condos:

1. You’re investing in a tangible asset

When you’re investing in a condominium, you’re investing in a tangible asset. This, in itself, is already an advantage. When you’re buying a tangible asset, you’re investing in an income property. This means that you’re going to earn from it.

In the world of investments, no market is ever secure. Not even Los Angeles. There’s no one industry in this world that’s a hundred percent safe from a possible collapse.

If you don’t have a tangible asset, when the market collapses, you have nothing to bring with you. In this case, your takeaway is that you have a physical property to own.

Hence, you don’t stand to lose as much. You can sell this property, you can have it rented out, you can do anything with it. It’s one of the most secure investments that you’ll ever have in this lifetime.

2. You have a property that’s going to appreciate in value

When you invest in other things such as cars, for instance, they depreciate. Even when you re-sell it, later on, the resale value will always be lower than that of your purchase price. Hence, you’re losing money.

With real estate, you have an asset that’s appreciating. Particularly so with condominiums in Los Angeles. Because of its attractive location, it’s one asset that will constantly be in high demand. As a result, the value of said asset will also rise as properties in high-demand markets are likely to appreciate considerably over time.

3. You’re investing in a relatively stable market

As mentioned above, no market or industry is ever one hundred percent safe. Yet some are more reliable than others, one of them being the real estate industry.

That’s what makes it a good place to consider investing your hard-earned money in. In comparison, for instance, with stocks, real estate is less volatile.

There’s more stability because the demand for real estate is steady and rising. This means that by investing in a condominium unit in Los Angeles, you’re putting yourself (and your savings) at a lesser risk.

4. You’re protected against inflation

If you’re going to use your investments for business purposes, you don’t have to worry about inflation.

When inflation goes up, then the price of rent goes higher. You’re not directly affected by this. You’re earning more when you have a valid ground to raise the price of your condominium rental.

While this may mean that you have to market your property more to possible homeowners, this wouldn’t be that difficult in Los Angeles.

If you’re putting your unit up for short-term rental, know that tourists are regularly coming into Los Angeles. If you’re up for longer-term rental, then know there are also individuals coming into Los Angeles looking for that.

Think, students, and young professionals. Despite the rising price in rentals, you’re still going to have a steady market demand.

5. You have a chance to earn a regular income

Rentals will always be in demand. Because people are always looking for homes and apartments to live in. Especially in a hustling and bustling city like Los Angeles.

Whether you’ve only got one condominium, or ten, you have a chance to earn a regular income. And, this income is passive. Even when you’re out and about with your day job, you’re still earning rent. That’s extra income coming into your account. Without having to do much extra work physically on your part. 

6. You’re leaving an investment legacy to the future generations

No one stays in this world forever. One day, when your time comes, what have you got to leave for your children?

Rather than leaving assets that don’t do the future generations any good, with a condominium, they can do something with it. It’s a gift to your children that can also help them earn an extra income on the side of their jobs.

Should they decide not to have it rented out, they have an asset to keep for themselves.

Investing in a condominium, or owning any other property in general, can be overwhelming. Especially if this is going to be your first time.

But it’s going to be a worthwhile effort. You can make no mistake in investing in real property, especially when you do it with care, study, and caution.

Los Angeles, for instance, is an excellent market to penetrate. Because houses and apartments are a commodity, investing in a condominium unit is set to bring advantages that make every dollar spent worth it.

More helpful tips

Should You Become a Landlord? Most Important Things to Consider Before Making the Jump
A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Property for AirbnbThis Is How Real Estate Investors Use Interior Design to Make a Property More Appealing

Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Is there anything that can cause a bigger debate than the best place to eat in your town or city? If there is, we don’t know about it (or talk about it – at least this debate is fun!)

Thrillist recently published its Top 50 Essential Restaurants Every American Should Visit list – a treasure trove of American dining experiences that you should make sure to add to that ever-growing must-eat list. While you might think this means a list of high-end, totally out-of-budget restaurants, you’d be wrong. While some are expensive, many fall into the “sandwich you can’t miss” or “to-die-for BBQ” categories.

We’ve picked our favorites from this year’s list, but you can see the full list here.

Apartment Guide’s 18 Picks from Thrillist’s Top 50 Essential Restaurants:

Peter Luger Steak House

Brooklyn, NY

Arguably the best steak in NYC, and therefore probably the world – these Peter Luger’s are the Jedi Masters of meat.

Yume Wo Katare

Cambridge, MA

Great ramen, applause when you finish your bowl and encouragement to write down your dreams and hang it on the wall. Bliss.

The Buckhorn Exchange

Denver, CO

Open since 1893, this restaurant has seen several presidents pass through its doors. It’s also where you can try Rocky Mountain oysters, rattlesnake or even buffalo.

Johnnie’s Beef

Elmwood Park, IL

In a town known for Italian beef sandwiches, this Chicago area classic serves up one of the city’s finest examples.

Ganesh Temple Canteen

Flushing, NY

Found in the basement of a Hindu temple, this all-vegetarian eatery is known for their beautiful, crepe-like dosas.

Little Vincent’s Pizza

Huntington, NY

It may look like just another New York pizza place, but think again. They’re slinging out slices covered in cold, unmelted mozzarella cheese. And people love it. Really.

Joe’s Kansas City BBQ

Kansas City, KS

Forget the pulled pork of the south and the brisket of Texas and belly up for what’s often called a “life-changing slab of ribs.”

In-N-Out

Los Angeles, CA

Yes, it’s a chain fast food joint, but to West Coast folks, it’s more than that. Grab yourself a cheeseburger and go “animal style,” otherwise you’re ordering it wrong.

Payne’s BBQ

Memphis, TN

Let’s face it – Memphis is known for BBQ, and they take it seriously. When locals tell you this is the best place in town? You believe them.

Matt’s Bar

Minneapolis, MN

Home to a cheeseburger’s bigger, badder older brother, the Jucy Lucy (yep, it’s spelled that way), Matt’s ditched cheese on top for their famous, oozing cheese-stuffed burger.

Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack

Nashville, TN

If you love spice, this is the place for you. Crunchy chicken drowned in sauce of varying degrees of heat. Don’t be a hero: you can’t handle the “XXX Hot.”

Café Du Monde

New Orleans, LA

Undo what you surely got up to the night before with classic, chicory-infused café au lait and a pile of fried beignets, heavy with powdered sugar.

Katz’s Deli

New York, NY

Home to a classic pastrami sandwich as big as your head, and also the backdrop to many films. Don’t lose your ticket!

Pat’s King of Steaks

Philadelphia, PA

You simply can’t go to Philadelphia without getting into a cheesesteak. We think it may be the law.

Pizzeria Bianco

Phoenix, AZ

Love a proper Italian pie? Meet the place that kicked off the revolutionary American artisanal pizza movement.

Primanti Bros.

Pittsburgh, PA

This old-school lunch counter is home to the city’s favorite blue-collar special: their sandwiches stacked with meat, slaw and a fistful of fries.

Mama J’s

Richmond, VA

The portions are almost as enormous as the lines at this classic, Southern soul food restaurant.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

Washington, D.C.

World famous chili dogs adored by both locals and tourists alike. One will never be enough, so order a couple and prepare for a chili facial.

Do you agree with Thrillist’s list? Did they miss something major, or overlook a culinary hotspot? Get social with us and tell us your favorites!

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