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If you’re not familiar with John Lautner’s iconic Beverly Crest mansion, or with the estate’s flamboyant owner, then you’re definitely missing out. This 1963-built mansion is an architectural gem and one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets. 

The Sheats Goldstein residence: John Lautner’s organic architecture dream

The 4,500-square-foot Sheats-Goldstein residence was designed by John Lautner (one of the most noteworthy American architects of the twentieth century) and built between 1961 and 1963, in Los Angeles’ Beverly Crest neighborhood.

The concrete-and-wood house was built into the sandstone ledge of a hill, and it’s a testament to the connection between man and nature.

Each space is open and offers stunning views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, with glass walls throughout that serve to blend the indoors with the outdoors.

View from the bedroom of the Sheats-Goldstein residence in Los Angeles, California. Photo credit: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

John Lautner designed the American Organic Architecture house for Helen and Paul Sheats and their three children. After going through a couple of different owners, it was acquired by James F. Goldstein, a businessman, real estate investor, and fashion designer, in 1972.

At the time, the house had fallen into disrepair and was in dire need of a makeover, so Goldstein reached out to Lautner to help bring the residence back to its former glory.

SEE ALSO: 18 modern mansions that redefine house goals

What emerged was a two-decades-long partnership to remodel the house, which ended when John Lautner passed away in 1994. However, Goldstein never stopped tweaking and upgrading his Beverly Crest dwelling, even adding a nightclub to the list of amenities. 

The James Goldstein house turned museum in 2016

The Sheats-Goldstein Residence, as the property is now known, still maintains all the original designs and touches that John Lautner carefully created.

Living room of the Sheats-Goldstein residence, Los Angeles, California. Architect John Lautner reportedly added the glass walls to the living room at owner Jimmy Goldstein’s request. Photo credit: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

His work is not limited to just the architecture of the house; Lautner also designed the interiors, the windows, lighting systems, all the furniture, the rugs, and other details. 

James Goldstein worked with the designer for years to ensure every little detail was in tune with the overall theme of ‘organic’ architecture.

The result is a house so unique, so carefully crafted and fresh, that Goldstein wants everyone to be able to tour it and be inspired by it.

That’s why, in 2016, he decided that he would donate the house, with everything in it, to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 

Kitchen of the Sheats-Goldstein residence, featured in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Photo credit: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

James Goldstein entrusted the home, its surrounding estate, as well as a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and his eclectic wardrobe to the museum. This way, his and Lautner’s legacy will continue to inspire and attract curious minds and aspiring architects and designers. And let’s not forget about the celebrities.

Why Jimmy Goldstein’s house is Hollywood’s best-kept secret

The James Goldstein house, besides serving as home to the elusive businessman, has also been used by various showbiz producers and directors.

If you thought the house seemed familiar, you might have seen it in The Big Lebowski, as the home of porn merchant Jackie Treehorn, or in Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, where it played the part of Alex’s house (Lucy Liu).

The house has also served as a setting for fashion ads and commercials, glamorous events, and, well, porn flicks. James Goldstein has always kept an open mind, apparently. 

Then there’s the nightclub. Dubbed Club James, for obvious reasons, the venue was Goldstein’s idea, to keep Hollywood parties out of his house, but still close by.

Club James inside the Sheats-Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles. Photo credit: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Exclusive parties and events are held at Club James round the clock; Rihanna celebrated her 27th birthday party here, with Jay Z, Mick Jagger, and Leo DiCaprio in attendance. Needless to say, Goldstein wants the good times to keep rolling at Club James even after he’s gone. 

Movies filmed at the Sheats-Goldstein residence 

James Goldstein’s unique house is one of the most popular filming locations in Los Angeles, for obvious reasons. There’s just no other place quite like it, and its intricate design and stunning architecture draw celebrities like a magnet. 

Various Hollywood movies and TV shows were filmed at the Sheats-Goldstein residence, including the now-iconic The Big Lebowski.

It’s by far the most recognizable house featured in the movie, set up as the home of adult film producer Jackie Treehorn, which earned Jimmy Goldstein’s house the moniker of ‘the Big Lebowski house’.

Scene from The Big Lebowski showing Jeff ‘The Dude’ Lebowski inside Jackie Treehorn’s house (The Sheats-Goldstein Residence).

The other striking property in the movie is Lebowski’s opulent mansion, which is actually another popular filming location, namely the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. This is where movies like The Social Network, Eraserhead, The Witches of Eastwick, The Prestige, and X-Men were filmed. 

But while the Sheats-Goldstein residence is known by many as Jackie Treehorn’s house or the Big Lebowski house, it’s been featured in quite a long list of other movies, including Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003), Star Time (1992), and Bandits (2001, starring Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, and Cate Blanchett).

It was also featured in music videos, including Doja Cat’s Say So, Nelly’s The Fix, Babyface’s We’ve Got Love, and Snoop Dogg & Pharell’s Let’s Get Blown.

SEE ALSO: Casa Loma in Toronto, another Hollywood favorite

The house is so impressive that in 2021, Kanye West aka Ye enlisted James Goldstein to help him design and spruce up his newly-purchased Malibu mansion.

The rapper was reportedly impressed and fascinated with the architecture of the Sheats-Goldstein house, and wanted to do something similar with his $57 million new home.

Unfortunately, those plans were put on hold, according to The Sun, after the star lost billions due to some very controversial remarks. 

In the meantime, the residence is available for rent for photoshoots, and we’re willing to bet we’ll be seeing more of it in upcoming movies, TV shows, and music videos. 

Decoding the mystery: Who is James Goldstein? 

If you’re wondering, who the hell is this James Goldstein and why haven’t I heard of him before, unfortunately we don’t know a whole lot about him either.

Despite his flamboyant style and constant public appearances (he’s an avid NBA fan and attends as many matches as he possibly can), James Goldstein still remains somewhat of a mystery. 

James ‘Jimmy’ Goldstein attends the Playboy App Kick Off Launch Celebrating Eugenia Kuzmina at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, in Los Angeles, on August 18, 2022. Photo credit: Eugene Powers / Shutterstock.com

We know he grew up in Milwaukee and then moved to California to attend Stanford University, after which he got into real estate and started investing heavily in developing Century City in L.A. He’s always been into fashion, constantly in the front row at glamorous fashion shows, and he even has his own fashion line.

Back in the day, he’s also said to have had an affair with American actress, singer, and Playboy Playmate Jayne Mansfield, who was married to someone else at the time. Still, he never married, and he has no children, which is why the decision to donate his unique home to LACMA came naturally. 

This is the first-ever architecture donation made to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and it’s surely one that will continue to inspire young architects, interior designers, and art and fashion aficionados for many years to come.

For now, James Goldstein is living his best, most glamorous life up in his hillside mansion overlooking the City of Angels.

What’s more, James Goldstein’s net worth is reportedly around $350 million – not a bad way to live life in your 80s, is it?

If you want to see more, take a virtual tour of the residence with Goldstein himself below:

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All image credit goes to James Goldstein.com

Frequently asked questions

Who lives in the Sheats Goldstein residence? 

Businessman James Goldstein has been the sole owner of the Sheats-Goldstein house since he purchased it in 1972. He continues to spend time at the residence, but also often rents it out for photoshoots or as filming location for Hollywood movies or TV shows. 

Where is the Goldstein residence?

The Sheats-Goldstein house is located in the Beverly Crest neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, just up the hill from the Beverly Hills city limit. Due to its location, the house offers amazing views of the city, but is also very secluded. 

How much is the Goldstein house?

The James Goldstein house was in a state of disrepair when the businessman purchased it in 1972 for $185,001. Nowadays, the property is reportedly worth roughly $75 million or more.

Can you visit the Sheats-Goldstein residence?

Unfortunately, the Sheats-Goldstein house is a private property, so it’s not open to the public. But, you can rent it out for photoshoots. 

Where is the Jackie Treehorn house?

The Jackie Treehorn house from The Big Lebowski is, in fact, the Sheats-Goldstein residence, owned by elusive businessman James Goldstein. It’s located in L.A.’s Beverly Crest neighborhood and it’s a private property. 

More stunning homes

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House (Featured in Blade Runner) is a True Architectural Marvel
The House that Zaha Hadid Built: The Story of the Only Residence Ever Designed by “The Queen of the Curve”
The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homesAlicia Keys’ house is a Modern Architectural Masterpiece

Source: fancypantshomes.com

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The swoon-worthy Asa Gray House at 88 Garden Street in Cambridge, MA, checks all the boxes—history, charm, and walking proximity to Harvard Square.

The place was recently listed for $10,800,000.

Although always privately owned, the home has been a National Historic Landmark since 1965.

The five-bedroom, 6.5-bath dwelling is named after the famous Harvard botanist and passionate Darwinian, who lived in it for more than 40 years. But his isn’t the only notable name tied to the 7,588-square-foot residence.

“The property was designed by famous architect Ithiel Town and was constructed in 1810, within the Harvard Botanic Garden,” says listing agent Gail Roberts. “The purpose of the home was to be a residence for zoologist William Dandridge Peck.”

After Peck, occupants included botanist Thomas Nuttall and former Harvard presidents James Walker and Jared Sparks.

Gray moved into the house after being appointed Harvard’s Massachusetts Professor of Natural History. He lived there until he died in 1888.

88 Garden Street

(Realtor.com)

Living room

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Dining room

(Realtor.com)

Kitchen

(Realtor.com)

One of 6.5 bathrooms

(Realtor.com)

One of five bedrooms

(Realtor.com)

Private backyard

(Realtor.com)

But one of the most interesting aspects of the home is that it hasn’t always occupied this particular lot on Garden Street.

“In 1910, the house was moved further down the street to its current location after it was purchased by Allen H. Cox, an MIT-trained architect,” Roberts says.

Besides its long and storied history, the house has much to offer modern-day residents.

From the richly preserved, custom millwork and stonework to the many fireplaces and high-end appliances, the Asa Gray House is the product of good taste—past and present.

“The entire home was meticulously renovated in 2022 and 2023 by highly skilled architects, interior designers, carpenters, stoneworkers, and landscape architects,” Roberts says. “The gorgeous eat-in chef’s kitchen was completely custom made and will please the toughest critics.”

That expansive kitchen leads outside, through sets of glass doors, to a massive Brazilian-wood deck.

Each of the home’s bedrooms has its own spa-inspired, en suite bathroom with radiant heat.

And the first-floor studio—which has a wet bar, skylights, and a bath—could be used as a gym, guest room, or workspace.

The lower level contains a large media room, guest room, and bath. Other areas include formal living and dining rooms and an office.

The home’s design beckons to the verdant, third-acre property, thanks to its seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.

And if you decide to venture beyond your historic palace, you’re just a short walk from the best city amenities Cambridge has to offer.

“The home is within a mile radius of Cambridge’s Harvard Square, Porter Square, and many
great parks,” Roberts says. “Living here allows easy access to Harvard University, Lesley University, MIT, plus renowned public and private schools.”

Source: realtor.com

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When my husband and I walked into our last home for the first time, we felt like we were walking right into the ’70s. With disco-era fixtures and old smelly carpet, the four bedroom colonial was quite the sight. Oh, and let’s not forget the orange laminate flooring that graced the kitchen and bathrooms. Except for the master bathroom, of course. It had shag carpet.

But, for every problem we saw, we also saw potential. Paint can work miracles, after all, and floors are fairly easy to replace. And the kitchen? It wasn’t great, but we thought new appliances and flooring would make it workable. Plus, the bones of the house were in great shape. Built in the ’70s, the brick exterior and interior of the home were in impeccable condition. The house also had beautiful dark woodwork all over the place, a feature that was currently overshadowed by all of the ugly going on.

Doing it Ourselves

After closing, we spent the next month scraping up laminate and tearing up carpet, painting, and cleaning. After that, we planned to have a professional install tile floors in the kitchen, sun room, and bathrooms, and then have carpet put in everywhere else. So we headed to the local home improvement store.

I’ll never forget the day I found out how much it costs to have someone install tile.

“Excuse me. $5 per square foot for installation?” I wondered how that could be possible. “But the tile is only $1.49 per square foot.” Could that possibly be right?

After talking to a few people in the industry, I found out that tile installation is rather messy and labor intensive, which is why it was so dang expensive. And since we planned on putting in almost 800 square feet of tile, we decided to do it ourselves. How hard could it be?

Practice Doesn’t Always Make Perfect

Since we had so much tile to install and no experience, we called in reinforcements. We hired a family friend to help us cut and lay the tile for $20 an hour. Together, we laid all of the tile over the course of three days. And when it was all said and done, I was pretty happy with the job.

Until I wasn’t.

After we moved in, I spotted a few uneven and crooked tiles. Even worse was the fact that the grout kept coming up in several places, even after sealing it multiple times. No one else seemed to notice the imperfections, including my husband, so I chalked it up to the fact that I’m slightly OCD. But it still drove me crazy, and I was constantly touching up and adding grout all over the house during the six years we lived in the home. And it was a pain.

What I Learned

In the world of personal finance, it’s often considered a weakness to pay someone to do something you can do yourself. And believe me, I get it. We’re all trying to save money any way we can, right? In that respect, paying for labor doesn’t seem all that smart.

One the other hand, my own lack of skills gave me reason to believe that it’s not always a bad idea. Hell, I worked in a mortuary at the time. What did I know about tile floor installation? Unfortunately, nothing.

The fact is, some people aren’t particularly handy or skilled in construction. Others might not have the time to devote to large projects. Or maybe home remodeling just isn’t your forte, and that’s okay too.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save when you can’t (or don’t want to) do it yourself. Here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Do the prep work yourself: Even if you need to hire skilled labor for your project, you can still do the prep work yourself and save some cash in the process. For instance, carpet companies, as well as the big box stores, can charge as much as 50 cents per square foot to tear up, and dispose of, your old carpet. Paying someone to tear up old tile can cost considerably more. Doing these chores yourself is a great way to save if you have the time and ability.
  • Determine your scope of ability: Unfortunately for us, I’ve learned that our skills are limited to painting and grunt work. But, your scope of ability might be different. Maybe you’re skilled at carpentry or have some basic plumbing skills. Whatever it is, find ways to put those skills to work.
  • Shop around to save: If you have to pay someone to install cabinets, remodel a bathroom, or lay carpet or tile, it really does pay to shop around. Look for sales, coupons, or special discounts at competing stores. Also consider local contractors for the work, as they may be willing to meet or beat their competitor’s prices.
  • Compare apples to apples: When comparing prices for your home remodel, it’s important to compare apples to apples. A perfect example is when you’re shopping for flooring. In addition to the price for the carpet or flooring itself, there are a whole host of other expenses to compare. These can include tear-up of old carpet, padding, installation, and stairs. Some companies even charge to move furniture.

Putting Those Lessons to the Test

This summer, my husband made a career change that didn’t quite work out. So, after careful thought and consideration, we decided to sell our house and move to a different town where he could find work. And after living in a small, temporary home for a few months, we finally found a house we wanted to buy. And rather predictably, it’s somewhat of a fixer-upper.

But this time, things are different. First of all, we now have kids, which means we can’t spend every evening and weekend working on a large project. And since we’ve made peace with our limited home remodeling skills, we’ve chosen to leave most of the work to the professionals. Here are the updates we’re working on, as well as where we saved:

  • Carpet: With so many variables, carpet shopping can become a tricky endeavor. After comparing pricing and quality at five different stores, we chose a 100 percent polyester carpet for all of the bedrooms. The store we chose offers free installation with any purchase over $1,500 and had the best quality padding available at 20 cents less than their competitors. When you’re buying a lot of carpet, those small savings really add up!
  • Tile: We found acceptable porcelain tile at the local home improvement store for only 89 cents per square foot. And, since we failed miserably at tile installation last time, we chose to hire a contractor to install the subfloor and tile. Fortunately, he said he could do the installation less than what the big box stores are charging, which led to additional savings.
  • Paint: Since we’re relatively skilled at painting, we chose to paint the entire interior of our new home ourselves.We’re saving by doing all of the work ourselves, obviously, and by painting the majority of the home one color — a smooth, creamy water chestnut.
  • Kitchen: Our new home still has the original kitchen cabinets. And while they’re holding up relatively well, they’re not all that great either. But, instead of replacing them, we’re currently in the process of cleaning them up and staining them a slightly darker color. In addition, we’re getting new countertops to replace the cracked and mismatched counters currently in the home. And since we’ve never installed countertops before, we’re hiring that part out.

Do you remodel your home yourself? Are there certain projects that you feel are beyond your scope of ability?

Source: getrichslowly.org

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About the series…

When most people talk about money management, they discuss tactics. Occasionally, you’ll encounter someone who elevates the discussion to strategy, rather than simply scattershot tactics.

But what’s missing from both conversations — both tactics and strategy — is a wider-lens look at how to become a better thinker; how to become a crisp, clear decision-maker.

How to think from first principles. How to better your brain. How to cultivate the wisdom to know the next move.

This series is an attempt to bring first principles thinking into the conversation around money. Welcome to the inaugural post.

[Quick recap] If you read the first issue of this series, you know I’m hyped about rethinking the FIRE philosophy into four pillars:

Financial psychology — This is the foundation of everything.

Investing — Let’s be honest: technically, you don’t need the “RE.” You can stop at “FI.” If you master your inner psychology and invest in your 401k, IRA and other brokerage accounts, you can live a wealthy and wonderful life. The “FI” is mandatory for everyone; the “RE” is optional.

Real estate — It’s a hybrid between owning an investment and running a business, so the “R” fits perfectly between “I” and “E.” Did someone say “mashup?”

Entrepreneurship — The last on the list because it’s the toughest, but this is where near-infinite potential lives. You’ll want to focus on F, I, and mayyyybe R first, before you tackle this tough cookie.

Financial Psychology

We recently re-ran one of my favorite episodes on the podcast: an interview with behavioral economist Kristen Berman, who states – among other things – that habits are overrated.

Wait … what? Habits are overrated? But … but … aren’t habits the cornerstone of, like, everything?

Nope, according to Berman. Habits are an excellent second choice.

Automation is more powerful than habits. The best upfront use of your time is to set up systems — e.g. automatic transfers and deposits. Habits are a fallback option for anything that can’t be automated.

Systems are likely to stick longer. Your automations don’t crack when you take a two-week beach vacation. Your habits, by contrast, might take the holidays off.

Systems rely on software. Habits depend on humans.

And in the end, the robots always win.

Investing

Successful investors tend to fall into two camps: those who are great at making returns, and those who are great at keeping their returns.

Those who are great at making huge returns are the ones who risk it all; they bet big on a handful of individual stocks, or they bought crypto in huge quantities during the early days, and their speculation paid off.

Our collective sense of survivorship bias applauds them.

But their risky behavior doesn’t stop. They double down again and again, until eventually they lose much of their returns.

Easy come, easy go.

By contrast, the investors who are great at keeping their returns often invest with a methodical, long-term, wide-lens approach.

It takes them decades, rather than mere years, to build their wealth. But once built, they tend to be more adept at keeping it.

SPOTLIGHT ON…

What tools are kick-ass at financial automation?

One of my favorites is Acorns, which automatically rounds up your purchases and invests the difference.

If you spend $1.73 on a coffee (wait, can you still get coffee for $1.73?? okay fine, if you spend $1.73 on … um … a bag of peanut M&M’s?), the tiny robots will round your purchase up to $2 and invest the difference, $0.27, into your Acorns account.

You can choose your favorite investing style (aggressive, moderate, conservative), or double the round-ups if you’re feeling spicy.

My personal tally? Welp, here it is:

So if I’m spending too much, or too often … at least I’m investing, too.

Check out Acorns here (you’ll also get a $5 bonus).

Real Estate

Many people have some variation of the following question:

“I’d like to buy an investment property. And I’d like to _____ [insert personal use here] _____ when it’s not rented out.”

For example, “I’d like to …”:

  • … use it as a summer/winter home.
  • … use it for a month or two every year.
  • … have my aging grandparents or parents live there.
  • … turn it into a home office temporarily or seasonally, like during the summers.
  • … let my kids live there after they move out.
  • … provide a home to my brother or sister while they’re getting back on their feet.

That’s fantastic. But that’s not an investment property.

There’s a difference between buying an investment property vs. monetizing a property while it’s not in use.

The former requires cold, hard math. Your personal preferences don’t enter the picture. You make spreadsheet-based decisions with Spock-like reason.

The latter’s existence is based on your personal preferences. Every decision, from location to layout to square footage, is influenced by your homeownership ideals.

On the surface you’re performing the same act. You’re purchasing a property, and then renting out said property. You’re advertising the vacancy, collecting rent checks, performing routine maintenance and repairs, and paying taxes as a landlord.

But there’s a huuuuge difference between the decisions you make when you’re selecting each type of property.

Many homebuyers get smacked upside the head with problems when they don’t understand which set of objectives they’re chasing.

They take their cues from the wrong group. They use the wrong formulas. They play the wrong game, follow the wrong rules, track the wrong scoreboard.

The home they purchase ends up being the wrong candidate for the job.

And that’s a six-figure mistake.

In our course, Your First Rental Property, we teach our students how to clarify exactly what they want in an ideal property, so that they never take cues from the wrong voices.

Entrepreneurship

Let’s keep this simple:

  • “Do I need business cards?”
  • No.
  • “Do I need a business plan?”
  • Meh. Maybe something that’s simple enough to scrawl on a napkin.
  • “Do I need a suit?”
  • Why, are you a funeral director?

Stop playing business. You’re not a little kid on a playground; starting a business by printing business cards is a grown-up version of make believe.

No matter what type of business you’re running — whether you’re dog-walking for extra income or freelance coding for the local university — you need two things:

  • Either a product or service
  • Someone who thinks your product or service is valuable enough to purchase

That’s it. Forget the business cards. Focus on (1) figuring out what product or service you can offer the world, and (2) telling the world* about it.

*You’ll want to narrow down “the world” into something more targeted. Like, tell Bob. Especially if Bob has a dog that needs walking, or if Bob hires freelance coders for the local university.

Wahoo!! You’ve finished reading Issue #2 of the First Principles series!

I hope this series inspires you to think, learn and take massive action.

Click here if you want future posts like this straight to your inbox with more thoughts, ideas and insights on a new take on FIRE.

See you soon!

Source: affordanything.com

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Society’s obsession with celebrities is big biz! And when it comes to cashing in on it, paparazzi moguls François and Brandy Navarre are laughing all the way to the bank.

The couple just listed a palatial property in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades and they’re hoping to cash in $12,225,000 from their latest real estate venture.

Just the latest in a long streak of million dollar homes they bought (and later sold at a profit), François and Brandy Navarre’s house is listed with Zac Mostame and Santiago Arana of The Agency and Andreas Elsenhans of Westside Estate Agency.

Image credit: Ryan Lahiff courtesy of The Agency

From king & queen of the paparazzi to prolific real estate investors

Celebrity photos are a hot commodity. Whether an A-lister is caught canoodling with a beau, dropping their kids off at school, or simply out and about doing everyday errands, there’s big bucks in celebrity photos — which are taken by photographers dubbed ‘the paparazzi’.

Just ask François and Brandy Navarre, paparazzi moguls and real estate developers who are testament to the multi-million dollar industry of paparazzi pics.

The couple are co-founders and owners of the most successful celebrity gossip and paparazzi agency in Hollywood: X17.

Known for their aggressive tactics, hiding drones and long zoom lenses in pursuit of the perfect pic, the Navarres have built their dynasty off famous folks doing their ‘regular’ routines of getting groceries, exercising in their neighborhoods and going on the school run with their kids. 

Of course, with great success comes great responsibility. Last year, X17 was sued by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over unauthorized images of their son Archie. Jennifer Aniston also sued the couple over topless photos taken outside her Malibu home.

And many other celebrities — such as Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Halle Berry, Britney Spears and Jennifer Garner, to name a few — have been outspoken about the invasive and unsafe elements of having to deal with the paparazzi on a daily basis.

Like it or not, society’s obsession with celebrities is a money-making industry and the Navarres have profited in a big way — becoming as wealthy as their A-list clientele.

And as it turns out, their profitable paparazzi dynasty has afforded them some luxurious digs in the competitive Los Angeles real estate market. 

A look at the Navarres’ past real estate ventures

According to Dirt, in 2021 the Navarres sold an 8,500-square foot estate in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades for $13.7 million.

And in 2005, they purchased a Pacific Palisades home for $5 million, which was located next door to Conan O’Brien’s estate, which they later listed for sale asking $15.9 million.

The former paparazzi couple also bought a beach house in 2000 for $1.7 million. The Malibu home has been for sale and for rent since 2016, with a listed price of $7.5 million and a summer rental rate at $45,000 per month. 

Their latest home in Pacific Palisades has just hit the market

And now, the Navarres have listed another property for $12.225 million.

Located in their seemingly favorite upscale neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, the stunning estate is overlooking the Riviera surrounded by serene greenery and landscapes.

The midcentury modern home features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and a detached guest house. 

Image credit: Ryan Lahiff courtesy of The Agency
Image credit: Ryan Lahiff courtesy of The Agency
Image credit: Ryan Lahiff courtesy of The Agency
Image credit: Ryan Lahiff courtesy of The Agency
Image credit: Ryan Lahiff courtesy of The Agency
Image credit: Ryan Lahiff courtesy of The Agency
Image credit: Ryan Lahiff courtesy of The Agency

Boasting an open floor plan and living area with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, the luxurious Los Angeles home has jaw-dropping ocean views amid its 5,500-square feet.

The outdoor amenities include a pool, patio and plenty of gorgeous greenery to soak up the sweet California sunshine. 

The plush property is listed by Zac Mostame and Santiago Arana of The Agency and Andreas Elsenhans of Westside Estate Agency.

More stories you might like

The House that Won Season 1 of HGTV’s ‘Rock the Block’ Competition is Now for SaleCelebrity Chef Giada de Laurentiis Sells Scenic Pacific Palisades Home for $7 Million
Everything We Know About Adam Levine’s House in Pacific PalisadesHype House: the TikTok Mansion Owned by Some of the Internet’s Biggest Stars

Source: fancypantshomes.com

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If you haven’t had a chance to book a stay, know that Monday is the final day to book World of Hyatt properties before the award rates for many popular spots increase.

Starting Tuesday, 214 hotels in the World of Hyatt portfolio will require more points.

Across the properties going up, there will be an average price increase of more than 5,000 World of Hyatt points … per night. That’s not great news, but there is still time to lock in redemptions at some of our favorite hotels before prices increase.

Related: Suddenly, my Hyatt free night certificates feel worthless

At most properties, you can lock in stays for 13 months out (through April 2024) at the current award rates. Also, the vast majority allow free cancellations if your plans ultimately change.

However, there are a few exceptions to that general rule, especially around the winter holiday week, when some stays are nonrefundable. Some all-inclusive properties, such as some Secrets properties, charge a $50 cancellation fee at any point that you change your mind.

SECRETS MOXCHE PLAYA DEL CARMEN/FACEBOOK

Read the fine print carefully before making a booking you are unsure about keeping, but know that most bookings are penalty-free until a few days before check-in.

If you want to make bookings but don’t currently have Hyatt points in your account, there are a few ways to do that.

First, if you have Hyatt Globalist status, you can have Hyatt make you some bookings without points needed until you get closer to check-in. Beyond that option, a few credit card transferable points programs, including Chase and Bilt, can typically transfer points instantly to Hyatt.

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Here’s a guide on how to book Hyatt stays without enough points in your account.

Here are some properties to prioritize if you want to lock in some stays today before they cost more starting Tuesday.

Hotels going from Category 4 to 5

Unfortunately, there are many popular properties that will soon be out of reach via the most common Hyatt free night certificates.

These awards are given out in several ways, including via the World of Hyatt Credit Card or by reaching certain qualifying night thresholds during the year.

Here’s a partial list of those properties that will no longer be eligible.

  • Andaz San Diego.
  • Chicago Athletic Association.
  • The Eliza Jane.
  • Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico.
  • Grand Hyatt Jeju.
  • Grand Hyatt Seoul.
  • Park Hyatt Saigon.
  • Hyatt Regency Amsterdam.
  • Thompson Madrid.
  • Hyatt Place Moab.
  • Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue.
  • Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence.

Let’s take a closer look at three of these properties that represent particularly great value.

Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world

Andaz San Diego

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Andaz San Diego. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

Andaz San Diego is a nice property in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, close to popular restaurants and a ton of nightlife. The rooms are contemporary and the service is friendly and efficient, from the front desk to the restaurant staff. There is a hopping rooftop bar with great views of the city.

What it will cost

  • The Andaz San Diego will go from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.

Chicago Athletic Association

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Chicago Athletic Association. HYATT

Why you should stay there

Chicago Athletic Association is housed in a classic building — formerly an 1890s-era private athletic club. The building may date to the late 19th century, but the rooms are refreshed and midcentury modern.

The central Chicago location is also a selling point, as the property sits near Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. It even has an on-site Shake Shack and a bocce ball court.

What it will cost

  • Chicago Athletic Association is going from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.

Related: Book this, not that in Chicago

The Eliza Jane

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The Eliza Jane. HYATT

Why you should stay there

The Eliza Jane was a sweet spot for many looking to visit New Orleans as it was new, trendy, well located and still eligible for the Hyatt Category 1-4 award nights.

What it will cost

  • Eliza Jane is going from Category 4 to Category 5. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 4 award certificate.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 12,000-18,000 points per night to 17,000-23,000 points per night.

Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Hotels going from Category 7 to 8

Unfortunately, Hyatt is also making some properties out of reach for even its more exclusive free night certificates. Category 1-7 free night certificates are provided when you pass 60 elite nights and qualify for World of Hyatt Globalist status.

These properties are moving out of range of that valuable certificate:

  • Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.
  • Carmel Valley Ranch.
  • Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast & Highlands Inn, A Hyatt Residence Club.
  • Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa.
  • Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa.
  • Wentworth Mansion.
  • The Lodge at Spruce Creek.
  • Ksar Char-Bagh.
  • Viceroy Bali.
  • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.
  • Keemala.
  • Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik.
  • Hotel Martinez.
  • Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa.
  • Boheme Hotel.
  • Mykonos Riviera Hotel & Spa.
  • 7Pines Resort Sardinia.
  • Ca’Sagredo Hotel.
  • Grand Hotel Cocumella.
  • La Villa del Re.
  • Margutta 19.
  • Villa Spalletti Trivelli.
  • Villa Geba.
  • El Lodge Ski and Spa.
  • Nobu Hotel Marbella.
  • Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola.
  • Park Hyatt Zurich.
  • Villa Orselina.

Park Hyatt Zurich

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Park Hyatt Zurich. CAPE PEMBROKE/HYATT

Why you should stay there

The Park Hyatt Zurich is a sleek and modern midrise in the heart of the financial capital of Zurich. The modern artwork hanging on nearly every hotel wall is worth a visit alone.

What it will cost

  • The Park Hyatt Zurich is going from Category 7 to Category 8. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of Category 1-7 award certificates.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000-35,000 points per night to 35,000-45,000 points per night.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

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Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is a five-star option in essentially every way if you want a ski-out Colorado mountain vacation.

Standard rooms routinely cost over $1,000 per night during the peak ski season. Staying with points is a way to have a ski vacation that’s as easy as stepping out onto the snow and being right next to the gondola without spending thousands of dollars on lodging.

Booking with points also means you get to skip the nightly resort fee. Those with Hyatt Globalist status luck out, too, with saving on mountain prices for breakfast each day.

What it will cost

  • The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is going from Category 7 to Category 8. When this change takes effect, it will go out of range of a Category 7 award certificate.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000-35,000 points per night to 35,000-45,000 points per night.
  • Expect ski season nights to be at the high end of that range.

Related: Review of the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Popular leisure and big-city destinations increasing

In addition to the painful number of properties climbing from Category 4 to 5 and Category 7 to 8, plenty of hotels are moving up other levels on the award chart.

Many popular leisure resorts and busy city destinations will inch up from Category 6 to 7, meaning extra points for stays booked as of March 28.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular spots that you should strongly consider booking now before prices increase.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

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Grand Hyatt Kauai. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

Grand Hyatt Kauai is a large, lush Hawaiian resort in sunny Poipu. It has one of the best pool complexes you’ll find anywhere, with a 1 1/2-acre saltwater lagoon, 150-foot waterslide and multiple layers of pools for playing, sunning and swimming.

This hotel also has an above-average club lounge, so those who have or purchase access can save on food costs by indulging there.

Standard rooms can cost close to $1,000 per night during peak times, making this a popular award redemption location.

What it will cost

  • The Grand Hyatt Kauai is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.

Related: Review of the Grand Hyatt Kauai

Andaz 5th Avenue

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Andaz 5th Avenue. BENJI STAWSKI/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

It’s hard to beat the location of the Andaz 5th Avenue, given its proximity not only to Fifth Avenue but the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Broadway and more. It’s close to almost everything without being in too frantic of a location.

What it will cost

  • Andaz 5th Avenue is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.

Related: Review of the Andaz 5th Avenue

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Hyatt Regency Maui. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

Why you should stay there

The Hyatt Regency Maui offers an excellent location near Lahaina on Maui. It’s set on 40 acres on Kaanapali Beach and has a giant feature-filled swimming pool with a grotto bar, waterslide and bridge right next to the beach.

There are a total of 806 guest rooms and 31 suites, many with dramatic views of the ocean. This has traditionally been a great way to redeem World of Hyatt points (when available). However, cash prices have soared since the pandemic.

What it will cost

  • The Hyatt Regency Maui goes from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.

Related: A review of the Hyatt Regency Maui

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino

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Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. HYATT

Why you should stay there

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino has many amenities in a central location on the beach. On top of that, it has a large pool complex with a waterslide, activity pool and adults pool. Rooms were recently renovated, and as the name implies, there’s an on-site casino.

What it will cost

  • The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino goes from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.

Grand Hyatt Vail

Grand Hyatt Vail. HYATT

Why you should stay there

Grand Hyatt Vail is a full-service ski hotel without quite as high a price tag as the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. That will still be true, but both are going up in award cost.

Right now, the maximum you’ll pay for mountain-adjacent lodging at the Grand Hyatt is just 29,000 Hyatt points per night, which is a great deal while you can lock it in.

This is not as ski-out as the Park Hyatt. However, during the heart of the season, an on-site ski lift will take you up the mountain, though you need to be an advanced beginner to an intermediate skier to traverse that terrain. In other words, new skiers will still need to take the shuttle to ski school.

What it will cost

  • The Grand Hyatt Vail is going from Category 6 to Category 7.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 21,000-29,000 points per night to 25,000-35,000 points per night.
  • Expect standard rooms to fall at the top end of those ranges during much of the ski season.

Related: Guide to visiting Vail

All-inclusive resorts are going up

The all-inclusive resorts in the World of Hyatt program will also take a hit. Some will go from costing 25,000 points per night for double occupancy to 40,000 points per night. Hyatt uses a letter system for all-inclusives instead of numbered categories.

Lots of properties are increasing one category (for example, from C to D), and some are going up two categories (C to E). Some of the popular all-inclusive resorts changing categories are:

  • Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
  • Zoetry Casa del Mar Los Cabos.
  • Zoetry Montego Bay Jamaica.
  • Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.
  • Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana.
  • Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.
  • Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall.
  • Hyatt Ziva Cancun.
  • Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
  • Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos.
  • Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.
  • Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica.
  • Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.
  • Secrets St. James Montego Bay.
  • Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa.

However, before locking in your stays, carefully review the cancellation policy. Many of these properties impose a $50 fee if you need to cancel — and most require this at least four days prior to arrival.

Related: These are the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

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ZOETRY AGUA PUNA CANA/FACEBOOK

Why you should stay there

The Zoetry brand has multiple properties going up in award cost, including the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. It’s next to the water with multiple on-site restaurants and standard rooms that start at over 700 square feet.

What will cost

  • Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is going from Category C to Category E (moving up two categories).
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana

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Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana. HYATT

Why you should stay there

The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic are side-by-side resorts, one dedicated to adults and the other for family travelers. There’s an on-site beach, pool and even a water park, making for a fun one-stop-shop resort.

What it will cost

  • The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara in Cap Cana are going from Category C to Category E (increasing two categories).
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 to 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall

Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY.

Why you should stay there

The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall are two of the best all-inclusives in Jamaica. They have been favorite redemptions for folks at TPG over the years, offering good value in a setting where food and drinks are included.

Between the two neighboring resorts (one is adults-only, one family-friendly), you’ll find multiple pools, beaches and lounge areas.

What it will cost

  • The Hyatt Zilara and Ziva Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica, are going from Category C to Category D.
  • Award nights for standard rooms increase from 25,000 per night to 30,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Bottom line

If you want to maximize your free night awards and World of Hyatt points at any of the 214 properties going up in price (view the full list), you need to do it Monday.

As mentioned, you can book future stays as far out as the calendar allows, typically 13 months. These changes go into effect for bookings made or modified on or after Tuesday.

Related reading:

Additional reporting by Kyle Olsen.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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The ongoing pandemic has thrown the real estate market off balance, and New York City took the brunt of it. Office spaces throughout the city are left empty as companies embrace remote work, while many renters chose to flee the crowded city and head to quieter — and perhaps safer — places. 

However, we must not forget that NYC is resilient. Its charm cannot be easily replicated and its unique appeal continues to draw people in, even in the most dire of circumstances.

The city’s real estate market, one of the priciest and most coveted in the world, has definitely taken a hit, but don’t be fooled, it’s still going strong. 

The proof is in the pudding, and in this case, the pudding is real estate listings. We found a few amazing homes for sale in NYC that will remind you of the best this city has to offer.

They are luxurious, exuding timeless elegance, and conveniently located in probably the most desirable place in the world — Manhattan. Let’s check them out. 

#1 130 West 30th Street, Apt 3B | Chelsea | $2,495,000

All the properties we’re looking at today are unique, but this one is truly something else.

The two-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is located at 130 West 30th Street, also known as The Cass Gilbert. If you’re at all passionate about architecture, that name will likely ring a bell.

The building was designed by the same architect responsible for the Woolworth Building, the New York Life Building, and the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., among many others. 

Unit 3B is selling for $2,495,000, and is currently listed with Marilyn Blume of Warburg Realty. The price tag is worth it just for the chance to own a piece of historic NYC architecture, but there’s much more to it than that.

Image credit: Warburg Realty//Marilyn Blume

This sun-flooded home is a corner unit with 11-foot ceilings, which means it offers plenty of natural light and nice views. Adding to that are hardwood floors, present throughout the loft-like home, and an additional office perfect for a work-from-home situation.

The large master bedroom has a seating area and a custom-fitted walk-in closet. 

Image credit: Warburg Realty//Marilyn Blume

#2 110 West 25th Street, 3rd Floor | Chelsea | $3,285,000

This gorgeous three-bedroom, two-bathroom Chelsea gem is another unique property that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else outside of NYC.

Nestled within a historic prewar building completed in 1901, this 2,500-square-foot home works perfectly as a live/work/play space, which is exactly what most people are looking for right now.

Image credit: Compass//Michael J. Franco

The full-floor apartment is listed with Michael J. Franco of Compass. It is accessed via its own private, key-locked elevator, which leads into a massive, 38-foot living room with 17 (!) windows that offer unrivaled views of the city. 

If you lived here, you probably wouldn’t feel the need to go out too often.

The apartment features a spa-size master bath adorned in floor-to-ceiling marble, a full library spanning over 20 feet in length, as well as a home office/third bedroom with sunny garden views to the east. 

Image credit: Compass//Michael J. Franco

If you do feel the need to go outside, there’s no better place to be. 110 West 25th Street is just steps away from the High Line, Madison Square Park, and Hudson Yards.

This home basically offers the best of both worlds: the historic architecture of Chelsea, mixed with the modern, state-of-the-art developments of the Hudson Yards neighborhood. 

#3 130 East 67th Street, Apt 3C | Lenox Hill | $2,995,000

A chic modern renovation meets classic details and grand prewar proportions in this lovely three-bedroom residence.

With its bright, sun-flooded living room, oversized windows overlooking a tree-lined East 67th Street, decorative crown molding and beam ceilings, this apartment oozes elegance and comfort.

Image credit: Warburg Realty 
Image credit: Warburg Realty 

All three bedrooms are generously sized and have plenty of storage options, not to mention custom millwork, and outfitted California Closets.

There are two windowed full bathrooms, including a spa-like primary bath with a double vanity and an over-sized seated shower.

Other features of this beautiful home include a lacquered powder room, wide plank oak herringbone floors, 9’4″ high beamed ceilings, and generous wall space for displaying art. It’s currently listed with Allison Chiaramonte and Tania Isacoff Friedland of Warburg Realty.

#4 465 West End Avenue, Unit PH | Upper West Side | $2,775,000

Our list wouldn’t be complete without a staple penthouse unit; and we found one of the best ones out there.

This 2-bed, 2-bath penthouse at 465 West End Avenue is perched atop a 12-story pre-war building built in the Italian Renaissance style. Its design bears the signature of acclaimed architect D. Everett Waid, who also lent his creative genius to the MetLife building at 1 Madison Ave.

Image credit: Compass//Martin Eiden Team

Priced at $2,775,000, the penthouse has striking features, including a solarium that’s currently used as a dining room but that can easily be converted into a second bedroom.

There’s also a 2,900-square-foot wraparound terrace with plenty of space for gatherings and views that rival some of the best buildings in the city. And the terrace is accessible from every room in the property.

Image credit: Compass//Martin Eiden Team
Image credit: Compass//Martin Eiden Team

The stunning views have everything to do with the unit’s location — as the penthouse sits on West End Avenue’s coveted Gold Coast (between 82nd and 83rd Streets), which places it near Riverside Park, the Hudson River Greenway, excellent shopping and dining, as well as the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. The property is listed with Compass’ Martin Eiden.

#5 611 West 138th Street | Hamilton Heights | $2,195,000

Nowadays, Manhattan is famous for its state-of-the-art, glossy skyscrapers. But the property we’re about to look at offers something completely different, and it stands as a veritable piece of NYC history in itself. 

The five-bedroom, two-bathroom brownstone has 3,150 square feet of living space, all lovingly restored and preserved. 

Image credit: Warburg Realty//Samantha Rose Frith
Image credit: Warburg Realty//Samantha Rose Frith

One of the highlights of this property (it’s hard to pick just one) is the kitchen, which features perfectly preserved, wall-to-wall, original wood cabinetry dating from the late 1800s. That’s not something you’ll find too often in the city, and it’s truly something special. 

Image credit: Warburg Realty//Samantha Rose Frith

Another highlight of this home, listed with Warburg Realty’s Samantha Rose Frith, is a 750-square-foot, impeccable landscape private garden. 

The home is currently being used as a single-family dwelling, but it can also be split into a three-bedroom, one-bathroom duplex with two-bedroom, one-bathroom rental on the third floor. There is also a 1,050-square-foot basement level that’s being used as a laundry room and storage space.

More luxury homes in the city

443 Greenwich St. building & the 12 biggest celebrities that lived here

The San Remo building and its famous residents

The Dakota, New York’s first luxury apartment building

Full-Floor Residence at the Newly Built Flatiron House

Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Click the image to view the full infographic!

For college seniors, the spring season means looking forward to graduation – and life beyond the college campus.

To help college graduates as they look both for work and a new place to live, Apartment Guide consulted with Indeed, the number one job site worldwide, to bring together information to match the perfect apartment with the right job.

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Together, Indeed and Apartment Guide have researched the top cities with the most entry-level job openings, along with average rents for one and two bedroom apartments in these cities.

Here’s the list.

Top Ten Cities for Most Entry-Level Job Openings*

1.    Washington, D.C.:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $1,755, average sq. ft: 985
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $1,402, average sq. ft: 705

2.    New York, NY:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $2,067, average sq. ft.: 1,014
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $1,611, average sq. ft.: 722

3.    Houston, TX:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $1,121, average sq. ft.: 1,024
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $854, average sq. ft.: 660

4.    Chicago, IL:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $1,318, average sq. ft.: 990
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $1,013, average sq. ft.: 700

5.    San Francisco, CA:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $2,337, average sq. ft.: 946
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $1,864, average sq. ft.: 663

6.    Dallas, TX:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $1,100, average sq. ft.: 1,024
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $822, average sq. ft.: 673

7.    Austin, TX:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $1,191, average sq. ft.: 1,006
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $947, average sq. ft.: 655

8.    Los Angeles, CA:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $2,011, average sq. ft.: 1,013
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $1,566, average sq. ft.: 693

9.    Atlanta, GA:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $962, average sq. ft.: 1,103
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $795, average sq. ft.: 746

10.  Phoenix, AZ:

  • 2-bedroom average rent: $831, average sq. ft.: 967
  • 1-bedroom average rent: $703, average sq. ft.: 705

A renting conundrum for the new graduate
So these are the great cities where the most jobs are available, but can a recent graduate – and new employee – realistically afford to live in them?

Here’s the rub for the entry-level employee: overall, these metros are on the expensive side. All but two of these major cities cost over a grand to rent a two bedroom apartment, on average – and in two, the cost is over two thousand a month.

There are trade-offs, of course, between having a little more space and how much more you’ll pay in rent for that space. Note the difference in rents and square footage between one and two bedroom apartments in these cities.

An often-quoted rule of thumb is to try to keep the rent within 30 percent of overall income. For recent grads starting out in new careers, these rents and the overall cost of living in these places might present a real challenge to this goal, at least in the short term. That said, these are also amazing cities to live in. They offer a great quality of life, IF you can afford it!

There’s also the roommate solution. When you can split the rent, you and a roommate can experience a more expensive city together without breaking the bank. You might even choose to focus your search on cities where the rent is more affordable. In Atlanta, splitting a rent of just under one thousand a month makes this great Southern capital a reasonable place to pay for an apartment. For another cheaper, warm weather option, consider Phoenix.

A little support at home
As you’re starting a new life around a new job in, perhaps, a new city, you deserve some support. After all, just moving to a new place is stressful enough. Apartment communities that offer helpful amenities can make settling in a little easier.

Many apartment communities offer services key to new professionals. A full-time Business Center can be an invaluable backup to a home office. A friendly space with shared wi-fi on-site can make connecting feel like more of a shared experience. Communities which offer electronic rent payment make that monthly responsibility a little easier to take care of.

All of these amenities and more can be searched via ApartmentGuide.com to help you find the right apartment for your needs, straight out of college.

*Methodology: Indeed.com looked at their job posting data and determined these cities based on the number of postings per city associated with an Indeed.com search for “entry level” in March 2014. Apartment Guide looked at their internal listing data to determine the average rent and square feet for both a one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment in these locations.

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Have you stumbled upon a scary, strange, or weird experience when visiting a foreign country? Well, you’re not alone! We asked our friends on Reddit to tell us their most alarming stories of traveling internationally. These 12 scary and unsettling stories will make you think twice about visiting the country. Do you also have something crazy to share? Let us know in the comments!

1. Witnessing a Beheading

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One user commented, “A beheading in the public market square in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”

A second person replied, “I honestly don’t understand why anyone would want to visit countries like that.”

Another commenter added, “Um, I was going to say aggressive behavior from locals, but this is a whole different level.”

2. Lost and Unable to Communicate

“I got lost in an underground city in Tukey as a child. I stepped away from my parents and group to look at something, and when I turned around, they were all gone. I couldn’t find anyone who spoke English for a while until finally a man who spoke a little English helped me find my way back to the surface to wait for my parents to come back out.

“Thankfully, one of the women from our group was already there because she had gotten claustrophobic. Being ‘lost’ was scary enough, but not being able to communicate terrified me. Then, when my parents came up, they didn’t even realize I had been lost. So that became the scariest thing, realizing I wasn’t exactly ‘safe’ with my parents’ inattentiveness,” one user shared.

Another user replied, “For anyone who finds themselves in this situation, just stay where you are and wait for the other people to come back and find you. They will start their search at the last place they saw you, not at the entrance. It’s hard to remember in the moment, but this is the best advice in most cases.”

3. Almost Kidnapped by Locals

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One person shared, “When I was in Turkey, my friend and I (F23 and F28) were walking through a small market just browsing. We stopped next to one shop to take a look on something. Owner immediately jumped in trying to persuade us to buy (which is normal) or for my friend (and only her) to go with him upstairs to see more goods. When we refused and turned to walk away he grabbed my friend by upper arm and hauled her to the stairs. We both were screaming and hitting him but he only let go when I twisted his thumb making him loosen his hold. My friend had huge bruise on her arm for the rest of vacation.”

“That’s terrifying. Well done fighting back,” someone replied.

“I’m Australian. I was seeing a Turkish man, and he was leaving to go back home. My parents asked if I was going back with him. I simply said I’ll prolly be stoned on the first day and left it at that. In all fairness he even admitted I’d most likely be shunned by his family and the women would most likely beat me. So there’s that, make of it as you will,” the third added.

4. Being Detained Without a Passport

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

One person stated, “Detained on the border of Romania and Hungary by Romanian police, put into jail for a few hours and my passport confiscated. When they led me through the darkness to lock me up in some dingy back room jail cell I genuinely thought I was going to be hostel’ed.”

“I took an overnight train from Hungary to Romania once in my early-20s. I had been assured that lots of tourists took this train, but it was virtually empty and I was a young woman traveling alone. It was around 3am when we crossed into Romania, and while my passport had been processed onboard on the Hungarian side, the officials in Romania took it off the train but left me (and the other passengers) onboard.

“I was fully convinced something like this was about to happen to me and I would be totally helpless to do anything without my ID or anyway to contact anyone. Another woman on the train noticed me freaking out and assured me this was normal and everything would be fine, and without her I think I would have completely spiraled in that moment. I can’t imagine how scared I would have been if they’d actually detained me,” shared another.

5. Strangers Breaking into your Room

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One user shared, “Taking an overnight ferry during a People to People program in the summer with a bunch of high schooler’s. Overnight from Italy to Sicily. Bunch of younger to middle aged dudes not in the group were constantly hitting on the girls and were trying to proposition them back to their cabins on the ship. A few of us saw some trying to follow us back to our own rooms and a male teacher had to intervene.

“Later that night, when in the room with the three other girls, we heard our door being tested to see if locked. I was fully prepared to claw the eyes out of [anybody] who successfully got in but it was a [very] scary sleepless night.”

“When I was at uni, I must have been around 19/20, me and some friends went surfing down south. We stayed in a hostel. One night we’d all crashed out and a bunch of guys used their key card and broke into our room. I woke up long enough to tell them to get lost, watch the door close and went back to sleep. Another night another group of guys tried to break in. I was out cold and my friends were terrified. The girls and the guys split into two rooms, but we should have just stayed in one big one,” the second person replied.

6. Girl went Missing from a Tour Group

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“Girl went missing from our tour group in Scotland. We were pub hopping with a few of us and most of us wanted to go back but she wanted to continue and wouldn’t take no for an answer so she took off on her own. She wasn’t in her room in the morning and forgot her phone and passport in her room. We were tweaking out most the day and almost got the embassy involved when she finally contacted someone.

“Apparently, she got lost going back and ‘stayed’ with a random guy. He was nice enough to pay her way to catch up with the tour group. She apologized to the tour group, so they decided against shipping her back but they did blacklist her from using their agency again,” shared one person.

7. Hearing Howler Monkeys Scream

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One user commented, “I was in Costa Rica a few months ago for a volunteer project to clean up plastics from the local area around Jaco Beach. I stayed in the Punta Leona resort as a worker (since they have a contract with the volunteer program), and on the first night when we all went to our dorms to sleep. Roughly 30 minutes into our sleep, there was an ear-splitting shriek outside of the dorm that was so loud it made the whole house rumble.

“I have sensitive hearing so I was up instantly and so were the other girls but they were more annoyed than scared. ‘What was that?!’ I looked to the girl that I had been talking to the most earlier and she waved her hand ‘Howler monkeys do that sometimes. Just ignore it.’ That scream will forever stay in my mind. It was the only time I heard it while I was there but easily the most terrifying thing I’ve ever experienced in a foreign country.”

“I think the closest thing to that you’ll hear in the states is a mountain lion in heat. No joke—in certain parts of the US, if you hear what sounds like a woman being murdered in the woods, DO NOT go and help her. Because that is not a person,” another person shared.

Finally, the third added, “Foxes will also do that. They often freak out newcomers to areas with populations by either screaming like a woman being murdered or laughing like a small child. Also, mountain lions will also shriek like humans, but they like to hunt and eat them. Please be aware of your local wildlife.”

8. Finding Things in your Apartment

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Someone recalled their weird and scary experience, “I used to teach English in Japan. I didn’t get off most nights until 9 pm, so it was close to 10 by the time I made it to the train stop near my apartment.

“One night I’m walking home and the street is dead, except for this elementary school boy walking towards me and whistling. In Japan, whistling at night is said to attract demons so I was a bit unsettled by his behavior. The kid just kept whistling. I hurried home, demon free.

“I also used to find long, thick black hair in my apartment in places I’d recently cleaned. I don’t have thick black hair, my hair is fine and red, so that was weird. I also didn’t have guests with hair like that so, who knows!”

9. Street Scammer in Egypt

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“In Egypt, as I was leaving, an official guy in uniform came over and asked to see my passport and put it straight into his pocket and said I was being detained. Walked me over to a side office and told me to wait inside.

I didn’t go in and told him (maybe stupidly) that I was about to miss my flight and he said, he could ‘make the process faster’ if I paid the ‘administrative fee’. Fine—a bribe whatever. Wasn’t the first time on this trip. I take out the literal last of my cash and hand it to him, he puts it straight into his pocket and says ‘not enough.’

“I’m explaining that it’s literally all of the money I have and this woman, not in any kind of uniform, walks over to the guy, says something to him quite quietly (like speaking into his ear) and he looks petrified. Just absolutely terrified. Immediately gives me back my passport and not just the cash I gave him but some more that I guess he got from someone else before me and starts apologising to me profusely and even offered to escort me to my gate. She just smiled at me and told me to have a nice flight,” one person stated.

Someone replied, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from reading travel stories and my own experiences—stay out of Egypt if you want to have a good time.”

10. Locals Insist on Taking Pictures

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One person commented, “When I was in my senior year of high school, we went on a field trip to India we were gonna write our senior projects at an orphanage where our teacher knew the owner, I went to a certified U.N school, whatever that means. Anyway, we were on our way to this giant temple and we stopped at a smaller one for a break and snacks. There were people everywhere and since all of us are white, except one dude, we got a lot of weird looks from the locals and a lot of giggles.

“I was talking to four other girls when the security guard asked if he could take a picture with us, that’s when all hell broke loose, everyone wanted to take pictures with us. So when I started walking back to the car, this dad followed me and kept hounding me for a picture and said that I [was very rude] for not taking pictures with his children… We left shortly after.”

Another one shared, “I have heard that there’s a similar phenomenon in rural Japan. Since it’s 99% Japanese, the people in rural Japan may not have ever seen a non-Japanese person before. So if they see a foreigner, sometimes they just do an open-mouthed stare. I heard one person describe the look on their faces as if they just saw a unicorn walk into the room.

“Same person described an incident where she was riding a bike on a narrow path next to a rice paddy, and saw two Japanese girls on bikes approaching her. Normally in this situation the people going in different directions go in single file so that they can easily pass each other without falling into the rice paddy. Well, these girls were so in shock about seeing a white person, they didn’t move into a single file line, knocked her right into the rice paddy, and on top of that one of their bikes sliced into her hand…”

11. Driving Around Costa Rica

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One person stated, “Not creepy but different—Driving in Costa Rica. Amazing place full of super nice people. Some of the roads were paved or hard packed dirt. Most were ancient and in really bad shape. Biggest pot holes that I have ever seen in my life. I am not kidding when I say there were plenty of pot holes two feet deep. I was advised to get an SUV with full insurance, which I did and was thankful for.

Other interesting things—very religious country. Shrines all over the place with lights on them—in stores, on corners in the middle of nowhere. First time I saw an entire family ride on a Vespa type scooter. Really impressive, especially on those roads. They also sold some form of moon shine on the side of the road in reused plastic bottles. 10/10 would go back.”

“Another person shared, “Wife is from Costa Rica. The stop signs are more like yield signs. Taxi drivers are insane. Ghetto is… depressing. The people are lovely in general and very open and idealistic. Family is everything to them. You really do marry the family, not just the spouse. I wish they could be more monetarily wealthy in addition to their pura vida. Weird combination of catholicism and [being sensual]. Very open to discussing [physical] topics but very judgmental of certain things. Like my wife and her sister openly discussed my [body parts] in front of me, but the topic of [being gay] wasn’t to be discussed. I haven’t heard of the moonshine and have not yet visited their forests, unfortunately.”

Original Reddit thread here.

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