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Welcome to the ultimate guide for anyone considering a move to the lively city of Chicago. Moving to Chicago can be thrilling and overwhelming, but fear not – Redfin has you covered. Whether you’re drawn to the mesmerizing skyline, the deep-dish pizza, or the rich cultural scene, you should know some crucial things before calling the Windy City your new home. From navigating the diverse neighborhoods to understanding the unpredictable weather, we’ll equip you with valuable insights to ensure a smooth transition. So, whether you’re moving into your new studio apartment in Chicago or your new house in the city, buckle up and get ready to uncover the essential tips and tricks to make your move to Chicago an unforgettable experience.

1. The cost of living is high 

One of the most crucial things to know before moving to Chicago is the the high cost of living in Chicago. The expenses in Chicago can be steep. In fact, the cost of living is 19% higher than the national average. Housing costs in particular are 50% more than the national average and tend to be most expensive  in desirable neighborhoods like the Loop, River North, or Lincoln Park. Additionally, everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare are generally pricier in the city. When planning a budget for living in Chicago, it’s essential to consider these factors. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the farther you venture outside the city, the more affordable suburbs you’ll discover.

2. There is a great sense of community in the city

From vibrant neighborhood festivals and local initiatives to a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, the city fosters a welcoming atmosphere that creates lasting connections and a shared sense of belonging.

“What sets Chicago apart is its remarkable sense of community, where people come together, support one another, and create lasting connections,” says Jodie Baudek from Essence of Life Chicago, an integrative wellness company. “If you plan to make this city your home, research and find the neighborhood that resonates with your spirit. That’s where you’ll discover your tribe, your people, and the place where you’ll truly thrive.”

3. Chicago is a food lover’s paradise

The city is renowned for its deep-dish pizza, an iconic staple that has gained worldwide recognition. However, Chicago’s food offerings extend far beyond pizza, and it’s great to know before you move to there. From neighborhood hot dog stands to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city boasts a plethora of culinary delights that cater to every palate. With its rich cultural heritage, Chicago showcases an incredible variety of international cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and more. The city is also known for its bustling food markets, such as the famous Chicago French Market and the revitalized Chicago Riverwalk, where visitors can savor artisanal foods and local specialties. 

4. You’ll find many charming neighborhoods 

Chicago neighborhoods are brimming with charm and offer a unique blend of history, culture, and community. From the vibrant and artistic Avalon Park to the picturesque and diverse South Shore, these southern neighborhoods showcase architectural gems, local eateries, and vibrant street life, making them a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Chicago experience.

Abbey Brown, a local soap artisan shares, “Walking, biking, and an easy commute by bus or train are how we roll here in Chicago. Once here, make your way to find creative neighborhoods with architectural delights. Each area has specialty shops, unique flavors, and experiences that will draw you in perfectly, making Chicago your home base.”

If you’re in the Beverly neighborhood, start your south-side adventure at the 99th and Wood Street stations district. First stop, fill your belly with the succulent South Side Short Rib Grilled Cheese from Afro Joes’. Next, head straight to the award-winning Five-Star Cakewalk Chicago flagship store, where baking enthusiasts can find essential supplies for mixing up delicious traditions and classes from Chef Lori to elevate your skills. 

5. There are hidden gems throughout the city’s architecture

Chicago’s architecture is a stunning testament to the city’s rich history and innovative spirit. From the iconic skyscrapers of the Loop to the grandeur of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, Chicago’s architectural landscape is a breathtaking blend of classic elegance and bold modernity. 

“Chicago is known for its architecture, but less known is that many of the historic buildings have lobbies open to the public,” says Chicago Private Tours and Productions. “This includes the restored-to-1890s Monadnock Building and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed atrium of the Rookery Building. Inside the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel lobby, you can easily imagine the wealthy elite drinking Scotch by the fireplaces while they divide the city.”

6. Sports are a huge part of Chicago life

If you’re a sports enthusiast, Chicago is for you. The city is home to several iconic franchises, including the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball, the Chicago Bears in the National Football League, the Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association, and the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League. Whether you’re a baseball, football, basketball, or hockey fan, there is a Chicago team to cheer on. The city’s sports culture is deeply ingrained, and attending a game at one of the historic venues, such as Wrigley Field or Soldier Field, is an experience unlike any other. 

7. Chicago is a hub for car enthusiasts

With its bustling auto scene and many automotive events, Chicago is a haven for car enthusiasts. From the annual Chicago Auto Show, showcasing the latest models and innovations, to the thriving car culture and regular meetups, the city offers an exciting haven for those passionate about all things automotive.

“For automotive enthusiasts, you’ll be pleased to know that Chicago offers a thriving car culture,” shares Matt Farnsworth from Vintage Ltd., a men’s motorsport apparel company. “You’ll find numerous car clubs, auto shows, and events throughout the year, including the renowned Chicago Auto Show held annually at McCormick Place. Additionally, this year’s NASCAR race will be held in downtown Chicago, providing an exciting opportunity for racing fans to experience the thrill of high-speed action in the city’s heart.”

8. You’ll find the city full of robust history and culture

Chicago’s rich history, from trading post to innovative industry hub, contributes to its robust and captivating legacy. Renowned architecture, world-class museums, thriving music and theater scenes—all contribute to the vibrant cultural legacy of the city.

The Firehouse Dream, a local space for BIPOC creatives, shares, “As a community-centered organization, the robust history and culture is important to know before moving to Chicago. As a diverse city, it provides various cultural experiences through food, art, and community-led projects that bring awareness to each neighborhood, like Humboldt Park, Bronzeville, Chinatown, and more. Consider how you can use food, music, and activities to learn more about all the beautiful culture here.”

9. The weather can be hard to adjust to

The weather in Chicago is famously unpredictable, with rapid changes that can occur within hours. Chicago’s weather demands preparedness year-round as residents and visitors face sudden temperature drops, snowstorms, heatwaves, and thunderstorms.

When you’re ready to beat the summer heat or take a break from the bitter cold, take a sweet retreat at Sat Nam Yoga. Located just 10 minutes west of the hustle and bustle of the lake and shopping district, this quiet oasis provides a perfect escape. Check out a yoga class or sound bath to take a rest at this popular Chicago healing sanctuary.

10. There are various housing options available

Chicago offers diverse housing options to suit different preferences and budgets. From high-rise apartments in the downtown area to charming brownstones in historic neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lake View, there are options for everyone in Chicago. Suburban areas surrounding the city provide spacious single-family homes and townhouses, ideal for families or those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Moreover, the city has witnessed a rise in contemporary and upscale apartment complexes, offering amenities like concierge services.

11. Plenty of efficient public transportation can be found

Chicago boasts a robust and efficient public transportation system that caters to the needs of its residents. The city’s trains, buses, and options for commuters create a reliable transportation network covering neighborhoods and suburbs conveniently. The iconic ‘L’ train system, operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), serves as the backbone of the city’s public transit, connecting downtown with various corners of the metropolis. Commuters can easily navigate the city using color-coded train lines, which provide quick and affordable transportation. Apart from the train system, an extensive bus network covers nearly all city areas, providing flexible options. The Metra rail system provides reliable service for those commuting from the suburbs, connecting downtown Chicago with the surrounding areas. 

12. There are plenty of parks and beautiful viewpoints

With stunning parks and captivating viewpoints, the Windy City provides residents and visitors a picturesque escape from urban bustle. The city is renowned for its expansive lakefront, boasting a series of interconnected parks along Lake Michigan. Millennium Park’s iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, known as “The Bean,” and Grant Park’s serene Buckingham Fountain offer endless opportunities. The Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories display breathtaking botanicals, while the Chicago Riverwalk offers a scenic pathway with gardens. With its abundance of green spaces, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking viewpoints, Chicago has a lot to offer.

Source: redfin.com

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Northwestern Mutual dedicates $3 million to help residents in Milwaukee’s underserved communities achieve homeowner status The company and its local partners are helping Milwaukee residents secure financial stability through affordable housing efforts MILWAUKEE, June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Despite gains in education and earnings, the racial wealth gap remains a deep issue in America. According … [Read more…]

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Nelson Rising, who oversaw some of the biggest real estate projects in California and ran Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley’s political campaigns, has died at 81.

Rising’s family said he died Thursday at his Pasadena home of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Rising led the development of such large-scale properties as U.S. Bank Tower, an office skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles that was for many years the tallest building in the West, and Playa Vista, a mixed-use neighborhood created on land near the Los Angeles coast that had been home to business mogul Howard Hughes’ aviation empire.

In San Francisco, he oversaw one of largest mixed-use developments in the city’s history with the revitalization Mission Bay, an abandoned rail yard and brownfield site near downtown.

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“From Mission Bay to projects that helped revitalize downtown Los Angeles, Nelson Rising spearheaded iconic developments that transformed neighborhoods across California,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said. “Nelson cared deeply about California and Californians, and his dynamic leadership and problem-solving brought together stakeholders from across the board to accomplish monumental feats.”

A protege of diplomat and former Secretary of State Warren Christopher, Rising forged consensus for mammoth urban projects that required backing from multiple government agencies and citizen stakeholders.

“He made stuff happen that was extremely complicated,” said John Cushman, chairman of global transactions at real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

In addition to navigating complex government approval processes, Rising was able to defuse passions that inevitably rose around large real estate projects that altered city streets and skylines, Cushman said.

“People get very fired up. Nelson could bring calm,” Cushman said. “He could take confusion and chaos and translate it into common sense and bring people back to the table who were yelling. He was a genius in terms of dealing with people”

Rising was shepherded into behind-the-scenes roles in Democratic politics by Christopher and served as Bradley’s campaign chairman in each of his mayoral victories beginning in 1973, as well as in his gubernatorial defeat in 1982.

Rising worked for Bradley after successfully managing the upstart 1970 campaign of John Tunney, a 36-year-old lawyer who defeated a Republican incumbent in the U.S. Senate. After Tunney’s victory, The Times described campaign manager Rising as an “enthusiastic amateur” who was “pleasant but tough.”

The experience led Rising to becoming a producer on “The Candidate,” a satiric 1972 film with parallels to the Tunney campaign. Robert Redford played an idealistic young lawyer running for the U.S. Senate who grows dependent on the advice of his campaign manager and media consultants.

Recognized as an authority in corporate and public finance, Rising served on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including a three-year stint as chairman. Other public service included three years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve during college.

Rising was born on Aug. 27, 1941, in the Queens borough of New York, the second of two children. A few years later the family headed west to Glendale. Rising’s father, Henry, worked as chief engineer at the Statler Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. His mother, Mary, was a seamstress.

Rising displays a mock-up of San Francisco’s Mission Bay in 2001.

(Liz Hafalia / San Francisco Chronicle via Associated Press)

Rising attended UCLA on a football scholarship and went on to graduate from its law school in 1967. He found work at Los Angeles law firm O’Melveny & Myers, where he was mentored by Christopher, a partner at the firm. The attorney and statesman was a high-profile leader in Democratic politics and served as secretary of State under President Clinton.

“Christopher was a mentor to me all … through my life,” Rising said in a podcast. Rising named his first son Christopher in honor of their friendship.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley had a decades-long friendship with Rising and tapped him to be “my No. 1 consultant” in O’Malley’s drive to build an NFL stadium next to the Dodgers’ ballpark in the 1990s, he said. At the time, Los Angeles did not have a pro football team.

Rising, then chief executive of Catellus Development Corp., was an “extraordinary communicator” who built support for the project, O’Malley said. The plan had the backing of many city officials and the NFL, but O’Malley withdrew his proposal at the request of then-Mayor Richard Riordan, who supported a plan to get pro football back in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“You can’t fight City Hall,” O’Malley said, but Rising proved his mettle to the team owner in the failed campaign. “He was at my side with brilliance and ideas. He was a very thorough guy — he even brought in an acoustician who could advise us on sound levels.”

O’Malley said he enjoyed brainstorming with Rising. “He was a very forward-thinking realist. I don’t think I have met anyone in L.A. similar.”

Rising was an executive for commercial developer and landlord Maguire Thomas Partners in the 1980s and ’90s and oversaw some of its biggest projects, including Playa Vista, the sprawling and controversial development that sprang from property near Marina del Rey where Hughes built his enormous wooden airplane popularly known as the “Spruce Goose” during the 1940s.

Hughes’ company tried to develop the property after his death, but ran into tenacious opposition over its proposed density and threat to local wetlands. Maguire Thomas took over the stalled project in the 1980s and put Rising in charge of reviving it in a new form. Rising labored for four years to reach compromises with environmental activists and other opponents. He secured city approval for the project in 1993.

Maguire Thomas lost control of Playa Vista in 1997 after defaulting on payments to its lenders, but the project moved forward largely on the vision Rising advanced and is now home to thousands of residents. Its office space is in the heart of the Westside’s “Silicon Beach” favored by technology companies.

Rising was Maguire Thomas’ partner-in-charge for the Library Square development in downtown Los Angeles, which included the 72-story U.S. Bank Tower and the 52-story Gas Co. Tower. The intricate project created by the developer, the city and the Community Redevelopment Agency provided about $125 million toward financing the renovation and expansion of the fire-damaged Central Library and other city benefits.

Rising was an executive for commercial developer and landlord Maguire Thomas Partners in the 1980s and ‘90s and oversaw some of its biggest projects, including Playa Vista.

(Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

“Nelson Rising has left a lasting mark on our city’s skyline,” Mayor Karen Bass said. “Nelson’s work is very much a part of L.A.”

Rising was recruited in 1994 to take over Catellus Development, the languishing real estate spin-off of Southern Pacific Railroad that hoped to reinvent itself as a builder. Over the next 11 years he supervised the growing company and its most ambitious project, Mission Bay.

Catellus, which also owned Union Station in Los Angeles, was sold in 2005 and Rising went on to start a private real estate company with his son Christopher.

Rising’s civic roles included serving as chairman of the Grand Avenue Committee, and as real estate advisor to and negotiator for the Joint Powers Authority, which consisted of the city of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency and Los Angeles County. The Joint Powers Authority oversaw the Grand Avenue Project, which includes the Broad museum, expansive Grand Park and the $1-billion Grand LA hotel, apartment and retail complex designed by Frank Gehry.

“To have somebody of his experience and his capacity to understand all sides of an issue to talk with was not only unusual but critical,” said Bill Witte, chief executive of Related California, the primary developer of the Grand Avenue project. “The consistent theme was his ability to deal with both the public and private sectors, to understand all sides of an issue but to be focused on getting things done. I think no one was ultimately better at getting all of those things done than Nelson.”

Rising is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon; sons Christopher and Matthew; three grandchildren; and a sister, Charlotte Conway. His daughter, Corinne, died in 2018.

Source: latimes.com

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Starting a vegetable garden can be one of the most rewarding hobbies you ever pursue. Gardening is a source of relaxation and exercise, while yielding hundreds of dollars worth of fresh and delicious produce. It’s also extremely rewarding to watch the seeds you plant and care for grow into mature plants.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and start your first vegetable garden, this article will help you understand what you’re getting into and the steps you’ll need to take to make it to that first harvest.


The garden in summer

Things to Consider Before You Start

Gardening, especially for those without experience, goes a lot better if planned properly beforehand. So before you take a shovel to your front yard, here are some important questions to consider:

What kinds of produce do you enjoy?
The ultimate product of a garden is fruit, vegetables, and herbs, so it’s important to plants crops that you’ll be happy to consume after harvest. Different types of crops also take different amounts of time and effort to harvest. In general:

  • Fruit plants are perennials, meaning that the plants live on for many years but often take years of growth before they yield any fruit.
  • Vegetables are usually annuals, meaning the plants die at the end of each season, but that they’ll yield a crop immediately.
  • Herbs are known for being particularly easy to grow so they’re usually a good choice for beginners.

When you consider a crop to plant, it’s important that you research its life cycle and requirements. For beginners, the best way to start is usually annuals, so you can to see the rewards of your labor within a single growing season. A great place to start is with herbs and salad vegetables and eventually work your way up to fruit trees and other perennials.

Which plants grow well where you live?
Different plants have different requirements in terms of soil, amount of sunlight, and level of moisture. It’s important that you research which plants can grow well in the climate you inhabit to avoid planting a crop that’s doomed from the beginning. You can search the web for this information, or even better, ask experienced gardeners in your town or neighborhood which plants they’ve had success with in the past. Gardeners are usually happy to discuss their past crops and getting local information is ideal.

How much space do you have available for planting?
Another important concern is the space where your garden will be planted. Many people are hesitant to dig up large portions of their yard, or aren’t allowed to because they don’t own the property themselves. One excellent option for beginners is container gardening. This means growing plants in pots or raised beds, rather than directly in the earth. Container gardening offers flexibility because the mobility of the containers allows you to rearrange their location, keep aggressive growers contained, move plants between areas with varying levels of sunlight, and start plants indoors before the climate outside becomes hospitable.

In you want to learn more about container gardening, Get Rich Slowly has previously reviewed The Bountiful Container, a guide to container gardening that is accessible to beginners but contains enough detail to benefit experienced gardeners.

How much time and money do you want to commit?
Like most hobbies, gardening requires an investment to get started. Fortunately, you’ll be able to get some if not all of it back from the produce you harvest. The largest investment is required when you start your first garden because you’ll need to purchase tools and supplies for the first time.

Depending on the scope of your project, the tools you’ll need might include:

  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • Tiller
  • Mattock
  • Pruners

Other important supplies include:

  • Seeds
  • Young plants
  • Fertilizer
  • Soil
  • pH Test
  • Stakes
  • Containers, or lumber and other hardware for constructing containers

While some supplies need to be purchased every year, most tools will last for many years (especially if you buy quality), so the investment you’ll need to make in subsequent years will be much smaller.

Starting a garden also takes a lot of time and effort, particularly at the beginning of the season when you’ll do all your planning, soil preparation, and planting. For this reason I recommend starting small. It’s much better to take on a bit less than you can handle than to try doing too much, getting burned out, and leaving your garden unfinished. If you do well, you can always expand the following year.


Images of summer…

Purchasing Seeds and Young Plants

The first step of garden preparation is usually purchasing seeds and young plants. The easiest way to do this is usually through mail-order catalogs or websites, but you could also buy from a local supply store.

You should consider a number of factors when putting in your order:

  • What produce you want at harvest time
  • Which plants are easy to grow from seed and which ones you are better off ordering as young plants
  • Soil temperature
  • Amount of sunlight
  • Space and soil requirements

Depending on the climate in your area, you might also want to start off your plants indoors and transfer them outside once it’s warm enough. (Obviously, it’s too late in the season to do that for 2011.) It’s impossible to say exactly what the best seed order is because it depends on your personal preferences, climate, and other unique factors. Considering all this and creating your own order is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of starting a garden.

Choosing a Location for Your Garden

The next step is choosing a location for your garden. The best spot depends on a number of factors:

  • The plants you’d like to grow. Some plants need a lot of shade, others sun.
  • The number of plants you’d like and how much space they need
  • Access to water
  • The available areas around your home
  • Aesthetics

You should research your plants and weigh the other factors when coming to a decision on where to place your garden.

J.D. and Kris dug up their yard to expand their garden in 2005.

Preparing the Soil

Once you have a space picked out for your garden, the next step is preparing the soil. This can be a laborious and time consuming process, depending on the quality of your soil and the amount of rocks and weeds in your yard. You’ll need to test the soil pH, dig up any grass and weeds that might be present, add manure or other organic material, use a tiller to mix the soil, and remove rocks and roots that could grow into weeds. You may also need to add chemicals such as sulfur or lime to adjust the soil pH. This article provides a more detailed guide to the process of digging a garden.

If you’d rather avoid this, or your soil simply isn’t suitable, you can plant your garden in containers or a raised bed. This can be a great option because the containers keep out weeds and your plants will be growing in high quality soil.

Planting

Once your garden is ready for planting, you’ll want to draw up a garden plan that specifies which plants will grow where. To do this, you’ll need to research how much space your plants will need and how they like to be planted. Some plants do better in wide rows, while others excel in thin single-file rows. Some plants should be planted in raised beds because the extra soil depth is important, others need to be planted in troughs so that they can be covered with soil as they sprout.

After you’ve made your plan, divide your rows, either by drawing in the soil or using stakes and string to make the rows. Don’t forget to rope off a walk way through your garden so you can access your plants without trampling them. Your garden should now be ready for planting.

Ongoing Maintenance

After you’ve finished planting, congratulate yourself! You’ve just completed the most strenuous part of gardening. Now that the plants are in the ground, you’ll need to conduct ongoing maintenance, which shouldn’t take more than an hour a week if you have a reasonably sized garden.

Important maintenance tasks include:

  • Watering. Forget this and your plants won’t stand much of a chance. When you bought your seeds they should have come with instructions for how much and how frequently the plants should be watered. It’s also a good idea to monitor the garden daily for signs of poor health.
  • Weeding. This won’t be an issue if you have a container garden, but if not, you’ll need to check regularly and uproot any invasive weeds that infiltrate your garden.
  • Side Dressing. This means spreading additional fertilizer around the base of your growing plants. Do some research to determine if and how often each of your crops should be side dressed.
  • Hilling. This means piling up additional soil around the stem of your plants into a “hill”. This is often done in conjunction with side dressing where the fertilizer is spread around the stem and soil is piled on top of it. Certain plants, especially root vegetables, benefit from hilling because they grow better with extra soil above the root.

As your garden grows, it’s important that you check it daily to watch for any problems. This doesn’t take a lot of time and you will catch any issues before they become bigger problems. Things to watch out for include:

  • Rotting or disease plants
  • Insects and other pests
  • Animals eating plants
  • Withering or otherwise unhealthy plants

An actual weekend harvest from J.D.’s garden in August 2006.

Harvesting

As the season progresses you’ll see your plants grow and eventually produce the fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you envisioned when you ordered your seed packets months earlier. It’s extremely rewarding to see your hard work pay off in the form of food that you grew from the earth.

When you feel that your produce is at the peak of its desirability, it’s time to harvest. Gently pick ripe produce as it matures and store it in a cool dry place in your home. If you have more than you can eat, giving some away to friends and neighbors is a great idea.

This is when you recoup your initial investment by eating fresh delicious produce for free. A decent-sized garden can easily produce hundreds of dollars worth of food each year. If you make it this far, you should give yourself a pat on the back because you’ve developed an enjoyable hobby, done good for the environment, and saved yourself money on food.

J.D.’s note: In theory, next weekend is the big garden weekend here at Rosings Park. Kris and I will attend the local garden show, and then we’ll plant most of our crops for the year. (This morning we’re at our friend’s plant swap!) In reality, the weather sucks. It’s been rotten for two months. We’re way behind. I’m not sure when the garden will get started. But I have hopes that next week we’ll be back on schedule.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday signed into law new legislation that makes it possible for the state to revoke real estate licenses from agents and brokers who violate anti-discrimination laws.

Cuomo said New York has “zero tolerance” for discrimination of any kind and that the “sheer scope and breadth of the unscrupulous and discriminatory real estate practices uncovered on Long Island is repugnant to who we are.”

The Governor was referring to a November 2019 investigation conducted by Newsday that revealed how some real estate agents in the city were steering some clients towards certain neighborhoods and types of housing based on their race. Lawmakers in New York cited that investigation as the main reason for the new legislation.

Real Estate Board of New York President James Whelan said the law was important for the protection of clients. “All New Yorkers must have equal access and opportunity when searching for housing or commercial real estate,” he said in a statement.

“This law will provide teeth to the enforcement of New York’s Human Rights Law and ensure that real estate agents cannot engage in racist practices like “steering” that deny families the dignity of choosing their home and neighborhood,” said Senator James Gaughran. “I thank Governor Cuomo for his swift singing of this bill into law.”

But not everyone is happy with the Newsday investigation, with some brokerages questioning its findings. For example, Douglas Elliman reportedly said the report was “an unreliable, unethical and unscientific attempt to create a news story where there is none.”

Newsday’s report alleged that undercover testers found that Black home shoppers were treated differently almost half the time by real estate professionals in the state. Other minorities, such as Latinx and Asian shoppers, were also discriminated against, albeit less often, the report said.

New York authorities responded to the report by issuing subpoenas to 67 agents and firms cited in Newday’s investigation.

Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected]
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Source: realtybiznews.com

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While money may not be everything, there’s no denying that having plenty of money gives you more options, and offers access to lifestyles that are out of reach for those with more limited resources. But what if you don’t have a lot of money? Can you still look like you do? The answer is yes. In this article, we’ll delve into some ways people look rich even if they aren’t.

1. Luxury Accessories

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Wearing simple clothes made with good quality is one way of appearing better off than you are. Lots of name-brand or quality clothes can be found second-hand, on thrifting websites, or marked down when they’re out of season. Another option is to have luxury and name brand accessories: you could save up for an expensive watch, sunglasses, or purse. Just a few accessories can elevate your whole outfit and give the impression of wealth even if the rest of your appearance is unremarkable.

One Redditor commented, “Overrated expensive clothes. Mark Zuckerberg wears a t-shirt and jeans on an ordinary day.”

2. Pointless Loans

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Taking Taking loans to look rich is the worst and most dangerous way to look rich because it can lead you to financial trouble, can easily land you in jail, and the stress of loads or credit card debt can cause health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Taking out loans to fund a lavish lifestyle can create the illusion of wealth and furnish you with some expensive personal property, but it’s a risky strategy that can lead to debt and financial instability. 

3. Expensive Groceries

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

While some people may believe that buying groceries at expensive stores is a way to look rich, it’s not a recommended approach. Despite the premium products offered by high-end grocery stores, they come with higher price tags that can quickly strain your budget. Instead, with a little practice and skill, you can learn to make great foods with the same ingredients at a cheaper price, using food from regular grocery stores and just one or two expensive ingredients. Prioritizing budget and health needs, shopping smartly, and seeking out deals and discounts where possible are better strategies for achieving financial stability and good nutrition.

One Redditor said, “I have a friend who is thousands of dollars in debt and she will only shop at expensive grocery stores, buy organic foods, and only buy name-brand foods/ items. She refuses to listen to me when I tell her to buy store brands and shop at places like Aldi/ TJ.”

4. Expensive Restaurants 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Going to expensive restaurants is a common way for people to create the impression of wealth, and it makes sense because expensive restaurants have luxurious surroundings and high class wait staff in addition to the good food. But despite all that, expensive restaurants get very pricey, very quickly. While some people may associate fine dining with affluence, others may see it as an indulgent and unnecessary expense.

Cooking at home can also be a more cost-effective and healthier option, as it allows for greater control over ingredients and portion sizes. Or simply dine out less often, and use the money you’ve saved by cooking for yourself to afford the occasional dinner at a fancier place.

5. Luxury Cars

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Driving luxury cars that you can’t afford in order to look rich is not a wise or sustainable way to manage your finances. It may create a false impression of wealth or status, but ultimately, cars are a depreciating asset and you’ll be paying for maintenance no matter which vehicle you own. Instead of focusing on material possessions and trying to impress others, prioritize financial responsibility and drive something which won’t cost you more than you can afford. If you are considering taking on significant debt to maintain the appearance of wealth, it’s important to reconsider your priorities and focus on building a strong financial foundation for yourself.

6. Expensive Tech

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Technology has become an integral part of daily life and using expensive gadgets and devices is a popular way to create an impression of wealth. However, it’s crucial to understand that unless you have a way to pay for your expensive phone, computer, etc., it’s really not sustainable nor healthy for showcasing your financial status. Buying pricey technology may give you a temporary ego boost, it’s not an authentic way to display one’s wealth.

7. Excessive Gambling

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Using excessive gambling as a means to appear wealthy is both impractical and generally harmful. Gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, but it should be practiced in moderation and with responsible limits. When gambling becomes excessive, it can result in financial difficulties and addiction. This behavior does not genuinely showcase one’s wealth, instead, it can lead to significant financial losses and a damaged reputation. Additionally, it can impact personal relationships, work productivity, and overall mental and emotional well-being.

8. Upscale Neighborhood

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Living in an expensive neighborhood is a widespread trend, but it is not a sustainable or healthy if you’re just doing it to appear well off. Buying a house you can’t afford is a very risky situation, and it’s tough to get out of. It’s crucial to make wise financial decisions based on personal needs and priorities. While living in an upscale neighborhood can provide a social status and prestige, it should not be the sole basis for one’s self-worth. 

9. Good Haircut

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Beyond just buying expensive products, something as simple as having a really well-styled haircut and good personal grooming can make you appear better off than you are. Get to know a good hair stylist, and then practice styling your hair at home until you’re able to do it well. Keeping your personal appearance clean, simple and elegant can go a long ways towards helping people perceive you as well-off.

10. Presenting Yourself with Poise

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And last but not least something as simple as having good poise when you meet people, interact with coworkers, and talk with new friends can help others to perceive you as having more money than you do. Having good posture and acting with quiet confidence tends to make people think you are a confident person, and can even give people the idea that you have plenty of money. Practice walking with good posture, and having open, friendly mannerisms when you converse with others. Your poise and confidence will have people believe that you’ve never wanted for anything a day in your life.

Source: Reddit.

Image Credit: Shutterstock – Denis Makarenko

Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role?  After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.

10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

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We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble? 

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

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Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.

These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag

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Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.

10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth

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We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.

These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites



About the Author



Dan Williams



Source: financequickfix.com

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I used to resent the synecdochical use of the word town. As in, this town. As in, Hollywood. As in, Los Angeles, meaning, this is the part of Los Angeles that stands in well enough for the whole. I used to love citing the Bureau of Labor Statistics figure stating that the motion picture industry accounts for only 3% of the entire Los Angeles County workforce. I used to leave out a telling addendum, that this tiny sliver represents the largest concentration of industry labor (“industry” being the slightly more focused synecdoche for “motion picture industry”) in the United States. In my previous lives — aside from catching a glance of rushed PAs and wardrobe people whenever a film or TV set bloomed in my neighborhood, or on the periphery of my commute to a nonindustry job — I couldn’t tell you where, exactly, this town was located.

The industry, like the 3% of Angelenos who make it happen, is scattered across the topology of the city, a lace network of social and economic bonds. The Netflix building in Hollywood, the Directors Guild building further west on Sunset, the old CAA building in Beverly Hills (“old” being the operative word here, as the Los Angeles Conservancy-dubbed historical site now houses the corporate offices of — checks notes — Alo Yoga), the Writers Guild of America West building in the Fairfax district.

So much of what we call history is what happens when the abstract ideals of hard buildings meet the actual needs of soft bodies. That visual drama is more obvious and all too real now, as the smooth lines of Hollywood studio buildings are set against active rows of people marching to halt productions. From Netflix to Paramount to Sony, industry town structures share an affinity for bleached stone, unbroken slabs of marble and glass volumes set at unconventional angles. Call it corporate-askance: smooth reflective surfaces that project instructability and power, but with curvilinear façades and insistently interesting textures that keep a hand in the arts. They represent a fundamental paradox of the television and motion picture industry: the smooth, reflective surface of the American superego, set at an increasingly uncomfortable angle against the people who create it.

On May 2, the Writers Guild of America, failing to reach a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers that would ensure ongoing living wages for writers, declared a strike. The synecdoche of their struggle stands in for the whole intractable precarity of any kind of writing life (less than a week into the strike I noticed a contingent of picketing poets, bearing signs like “Poets in solidarity with the WGA” and “Do not go gently into that bad contract”). I write for television, but I am not in the WGA. The writers rooms I’ve done have taken place on Zoom, in-house at smaller production studios, in private homes and, once, in a cabin in Lake Arrowhead — that showrunner having somehow convinced the studio to sequester us in the mountains in exchange for a shorter room. I didn’t know then how my experiences were already reflecting a massive shift in how certain people wanted to organize the labor of people who write. I also didn’t know that many of my writing jobs then were credited as “consulting” or, ingeniously, “devising,” in order to skirt certain requirements. I was happy to be making TV. I still am. This town is many places to me, not the least of them being a freezing lake at dawn.

I tried to articulate this hard-buildings-soft-bodies tension to another showrunner friend. We were picking out snacks for the carpool to the picket line at the Netflix building. I offered to drive, buoyed by the double task of solidarity and research, homemade signs in hand. I asked, perhaps rhetorically, what could possibly be said about the industry writ large by a group of buildings that look alike but nonetheless represent such disparate entities within. Maybe, he said, it’s important for the unions to have big shiny buildings that say, “Hey, we’re one of the big boys.” True.

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Since the latter half of the 20th century, the surest shorthand for power was a giant glossy skyscraper. The DGA and old CAA buildings were completed in 1989 and 1988, respectively. What I love, and the WGA building does this too, is how they pay a flash of obeisance to this idea on the surface while undermining it in their geometry. They have the gloss of mere office buildings but they are not the kind of boxy, anonymous towers we associate with less glamorous industries.

Architectural historian Dell Upton wrote, “The flow of money makes buildings possible and desirable […] Raw, economic power is filtered through the beliefs of builders and users, giving the landscape a variety that would not exist were it a simple vector of monetary forces.” That sounds abstract, though Upton’s point is that buildings are anything but. What does it mean, then, to view buildings not just as a concretized form of money but concretized beliefs about money?

I’ll use a smaller, vernacular detail to illustrate. I, like many Angelenos, have lived in apartments so rapidly, so literally whitewashed, that hinges, electrical outlets and light switches have been painted over past the point of utility. It’s an architectural motif nicknamed “the landlord special,” and Upton would agree — the landlord special doesn’t say anything about how much money a landlord has, so much as where a landlord believes money should go.

In a 1988 L.A. Times article on the construction of the DGA building, project architect Deneys Purcell talked about the split-cylindrical shape of the building in both practical and symbolic terms, pointing out that roundness is conducive to office planning, but also associating it with a stack of film cans and the need for a bit of personality in the design. “The committee’s main stipulation was to have a distinctive building that would not be easily mistaken for a spec office structure that lacked identification.” The Los Angeles Conservancy declares that the old CAA building’s interior finishings “serve to reinforce CAA’s message of stability and grandeur without being overly ostentatious.” The kernel of this genteel copy contains a coded value statement about power, or at least the expression of it. (Never mind that CAA outgrew these headquarters nearly as soon as they were finished. Buildings are slow. Life is fast.) The glass-barrel volumes of the union buildings seem to inhabit, or at least acknowledge, this tension.

By contrast, Netflix’s ICON office tower coheres like a wobbly offset stack of skyscrapers on their sides (or, as someone pointed out to me, like a stack of VCRs, which is too cynically poetic to be intentional). As we picket, my friend points out that the Netflix building is more of a compound, as the streaming service owns the neighboring Midcentury Sunset Bronson Studios (at times formerly known as Old Warner Bros Studios., KTLA Studios and Tribune Studios) along with the low, neoclassical office building and a few random apartment buildings. The pastiche of its sprawl sets it apart from traditional studio compounds like the current Warner Bros. and Paramount lots, self-contained minicities more readily identifiable as places where this town exists.

Architecturally, a compound like that represents profits metastasizing faster than architecture can express. The fact that writers in this town cannot sustain a living wage among all this growth means that writers, more so than CEOs and executives, are intimately acquainted, more so than buildings, with the unsustainable beliefs about where money should go.

Source: latimes.com

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WalkScore.com has ranked the walkability of the 50 largest U.S. cities. The organization bases its findings on population and ease of access to amenities such as grocery stores, shopping centers, movie theaters, and many other destinations on foot.

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Take an online walk-about of the 10 cities deemed the most walkable in the United States.

10. Oakland, CA
Oakland, CA, takes its walking very seriously. In response to a high number of pedestrian fatalities in the late 1990s, the city created the Oakland Pedestrian Safety Project. This program educates motorists and pedestrians alike on methods to make walking safer. With these efforts, Oakland is a safer place for a stroll than ever.

9. Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN, boasts nearly 1,800 miles of sidewalks, making it easy for residents to get around on foot. The city has been named a Gold Walk Friendly Community by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) for its commitment to pedestrian safety and sustained walkability.

8. Miami, FL
With its warm weather and walkable neighborhoods like Overtown, Little Havana, and Brickell, Miami, FL, is a pedestrian’s dream.

7. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is another PBIC Gold Walk Friendly Community. The District of Columbia has wide sidewalks that lead to monuments, eateries, bars, gardens and other areas of interest. These hotspots allow places for pedestrians to stop and really enjoy the city.

6. Seattle, WA
The Seattle, WA, Department of Transportation wants to make it as easy as possible for visitors and residents to get around the Emerald City, so they have instituted a series of online city walking maps detailing walking time, steepness of streets and points of interest along the way.

5. Philadelphia, PA
One thing that sets Philadelphia, PA, apart as a walkable city is its distinct signage. There are colorful signs on each street corner listing a number of local destinations so that you always know what is nearby, making it easier to orient yourself. Also, discmaps are located at regular intervals in the city to give a 10-minute radius snapshot of the area right around you.

4. Chicago, IL
It is very easy to get around the Windy City on foot. The streets of Chicago, IL, are laid out in an easy-to-navigate grid system that makes finding your way a breeze. Want to explore a neighborhood on foot? Take advantage of the Chicago Greeter program, offering free guided tours.

3. Boston, MA
Home to the Freedom Trail, Boston, MA, has long been an interesting place to take a walk. Now the city is doing even more to encourage Bostonians to hoof it with WalkBoston, a program that offers awards to businesses and individuals that come up with ideas to make walking in Boston safer and more attractive to the everyday pedestrian.

2. San Francisco, CA
You would think a city known for hills, twists and turns would not be the best for a pedestrian, but San Francisco, CA, ranks high on WalkScore’s list of cities. The City by the Bay has a loyal and vocal pedestrian base as evidenced by Walk San Francisco, a pedestrian advocacy group dedicated to making the city a better place for those who choose to travel it by foot.

1. New York, NY
Walking is one of the most common forms of getting around in the Big Apple. New York, NY, tops the WalkScore list with a whopping score: 88 out of 100! The most walkable neighborhoods in the most walkable U.S. city include Little Italy, Soho and the Flat Iron District.

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Find the garden of your dreams in one of Charlotte’s top apartment complexes.

As you browse through all the best neighborhoods, looking for that perfect apartment in Charlotte, what specific amenities come to mind? Do you need a resort-style pool? A top-of-the-line fitness center? What about a great view of the city?

Among all the things you could want for your next apartment, don’t discount the value of having easy access to a private and pristine outdoor space. To get a jump start on the search to find this vital amenity, check out some of the best courtyards and gardens in Charlotte at these 10 hand-selected apartment communities.

Source: Rent. / MAA Gateway

The massive and modern courtyard at MAA Gateway has a lot going for it. Yes, this is where you’ll find one of the pools, but it’s also home to the chic outdoor dining area and striped lounge furniture. With stone tiles on the ground and finely manicured landscaping all around, it almost feels like you’re hanging out in a cafe in rural Italy rather than your own apartment community.

Situated in the Fourth Ward neighborhood, this is urban living at its finest. The city center is literally next door and you’re close to great venues like Bank of America Stadium, where you can see professional football and soccer, in addition to great concerts.

Source: Rent. / The Fairways at Piper Glen

It’s not exactly a courtyard or a true garden but walking to your apartment through a green space like this is nothing but soothing. At The Fairways at Piper Glen, long stretches of close-cropped grass and tight landscaping put you into the perfect park-like setting to wrap up your day and soak in a little natural beauty.

Located on 23 acres full of resort-style amenities, Piper Glen Estates is a neighborhood worth checking out. On the south side of Charlotte, this area exudes an undeniable country club vibe.

Source: Rent. / Waterford Square

There’s nothing like getting welcomed to an apartment community with a nice little garden. At Waterford Square, this great space is what you’ll walk through to get to the front door. Colorful flowers and pruned bushes elevate the space, while mature trees complete the look and provide some shade. It’s a small sample of the natural beauty you can find in and around Charlotte at the drop of a hat.

Encompassing over 50 acres, this Carmel community is its own picturesque and tranquil retreat. Set in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, locals gravitate here for its location as much as for its amenities. It’s a great option to enjoy a slightly quieter life without being too far from the city center.

Source: Rent. / Lincoln at Dilworth

Peaceful courtyards are a prime selling feature at Lincoln at Dilworth. Multiple spots are available, whether you want to gather with friends, grill up some grub or just take a moment to yourself. This particular spot gives you a little greenery with a nice patch of grass combined with bright orange Adirondack chairs. Off to the side, under the wraparound pergola, tables and chairs are set up in the shade.

Laidback and full of tree-lined streets, Dilworth is one of those classic neighborhoods that give you a solid place to live without holding you back from great places to eat and shop. Nearby, you’ve access to Freedom Park, with both a lake and walking trails. There’s also Discovery Place Nature Museum, with live animals and interactive nature exhibits.

Source: Rent. / ARIUM FreeMoreWest

A nice little courtyard becomes the perfect hangout spot when you add a fire pit, mural and plenty of chairs. At least that’s the formula ARIUM FreeMoreWest uses to make the most of its courtyard’s small footprint. With an artistic representation of Charlotte’s skyline painted on the bricks, and string lights overhead, this is a unique and functional space for any group of friends.

Close to the hustle and bustle of the city, but more conducive to an active, outdoor lifestyle, Ashley Park has a lot going for it. The location is great, but the area also includes two fantastic outdoor spots. Bryant Neighborhood Park is an 8+ acre urban park considered a national landmark. The Stewart Creek Greenway Trailhead starts you on a hike right through the center of Charlotte.

Source: Rent. / NOVEL University Place

It’s a garden, a park and a lake all in one at NOVEL University Place. Kicking things up a notch once you leave the pool area, you’re greeted by a pleasing variety of flowers and bushes. This soothing garden area makes way to a more park-life area with wide expanses of lawn and a walking path. Beyond, the lake is available for water sports and recreation.

To say this University City community is in a perfect location is an understatement. Where else can you find great amenities like a park and a lake all in one in Charlotte? Just a four-minute drive away from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, living here puts you close to all the fun spots that also attract college students. This includes great restaurants, pubs, shops and more.

Source: Rent. / Broadstone Optimist Park

Giving residents a nice spot to hang out and have a meal, at least one part of the courtyard at Broadstone Optimist Park is all about dining al fresco. Multiple four-top tables are set out beside a nice grassy patch to create a quaint dining area in the center of the community. Funky chairs and modern lighting add a little something extra to the space as do the raised beds of greenery and the bushy trees.

Giving off great urban vibes, the highly walkable Optimist Park area is a friendly and busy place to live in Charlotte. This neighborhood has a little bit of everything, with options galore when it comes to bars, restaurants and coffee shops. An assortment of parks brightens up this spot in the city as well.

Source: Rent. / Camden Southline Apartments

Cool patterns mix with intricate brickwork to create this little raised hangout spot at Camden Southline Apartments. Even the fire pit is a bit funky with its bowl shape set into a pebbled plant bed. The combination of modern and classic styles creates a memorable space, and the massive couch means everyone can get a seat in front of the flames to warm up on cold nights.

Another great community, close to the shopping, dining and entertainment options in Dilworth, living here gives you access to an array of upscale amenities. You can take a dip in the saltwater pool or use the adjacent outdoor space to chill. You can work out any time in the fitness center or yoga zone too. For a little fun, there’s a game room, and for your furry friends, there’s a paw spa and off-leash dog park. What’s not to love?

Source: Rent. / Strawberry Hill

Named after a fruit many people plant themselves, it’s no wonder Strawberry Hill gives residents their own garden plot. Going for a very natural vibe, the fenced-in and mulched garden includes long, raised planters broken into sections for easy use. Plant your favorite herbs, veggies or fruits in order to have the freshest produce in your kitchen.

Shopping tops the list of things to do when you live in Southpark. This neighborhood is known for its designer shops, independent fashion stores and elevated shopping centers. There are plenty of posh bars and even a happening dining scene for when you need a break from your shopping spree.

Source: Rent. / Camden South End

The courtyard may be mostly stone and brick, but what Camden South End does with its greenery really elevates this space. Take this excellent outdoor lounge, with ample seating and multiple options for gathering with friends. It’s great and functional, but you add the arch of greenery beside it that takes you into the pool, and you’ve got a serious ‘wow’ factor in the mix. The combination of trees and bushes, artfully arranged in raised beds, adds so much elegance to this space.

Known as a lively area, that really kicks it up a notch at night, the South End neighborhood keeps things going into the wee hours with great craft breweries, locally-loved bars and unique restaurants.

Find an apartment with one of the best gardens in Charlotte

Among all the facts locals know to be true about Charlotte, one of the most important things is to love where you live. This means finding an apartment with all the right amenities, including an awesome outdoor space. What will the right Charlotte apartment include for you?

Featured Image Source: Rent. / Lincoln at Dilworth

Source: rent.com

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When you move into your new apartment, it may take a few days or even a few weeks to get your bearings and really learn your way around.

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Where is the best place for grocery shopping? How can you find a dependable dry cleaner or the pharmacy that will give you the best service? Which direction should you head for the tastiest Chinese take-out?

These and other questions will set you on a search to get to know your new neighborhood. Check out these tips to help you find your way and feel at home fast.

Search out available resources
Hit the web and look for local resources that can help you get to know your new neighborhood better. The city of Chicago, for instance, sponsors a Greeter program that lets residents arrange a walking tour of a neighborhood with a guide for free. You might ask whether your apartment community offers a new member pack with discounted “get-to-know-you” coupons supplied by nearby businesses.

Use technology
Use your favorite online map program or app, such as Google Maps, to search for local services and amenities, restaurants and services near your address. Use the “search nearby” function to find options close to home. You can even get directions to these spots tailored for driving, walking or taking mass transit.

Also, check out sites like Yelp for helpful user reviews of local services and places of interest.

Read more: Explore Your Local Food Scene Online

Use Personal Technology to Feel Connected After a Move

Ask for advice
Consult with your apartment community manager, who may live on the property or nearby, to get some neighborhood know-how. He or she should be able to provide local suggestions and directions. When you meet your neighbors, ask for recommendations of local essentials and services you might use. They likely have opinions and may be more than willing to share them with you.

Read more: Meet the Neighbors: Why It’s Smart to Make the Effort

Do a drive-by
One way to get to know your new neighborhood is to drive around it. Plan your drive-by tour during the day. It’s safer, and you will be able to better see local businesses. Plan to park, walk around and check out the services your might want to return to later.

Take good notes
When you take your tour, bring your smartphone. You can use the camera to snap shots of interest along the way. Get in the habit of making notes about your new neighborhood to help you keep track of locations, routes and other important tidbits of information.

Read more: 6 Ingredients of a Great Neighborhood

Getting to know your neighborhood is a lot like getting to know a friend. It might take time and a little effort on your part, but once you do, you will feel much more comfortable and at home in your surroundings.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Bokic Bojan