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Post by christina on Apr 19, 2018 21:41:14 GMT -5
What's it like to live in Salt Lake City, UT?
While remnants of its Mormon heritage – including the striking Salt Lake Temple – are still prominent downtown, Salt Lake City is not as devout as it once was. The Latter-day Saints' health code won't keep you from enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, and many restaurants now have a liquor license. Today, Salt Lake City offers much more than a strong religious community.
Nestled along Utah's Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City has one of the country's best backyards. Five national parks and several world-class ski resorts are within driving distance. Residents take full advantage of the recreational opportunities at their disposal and visitors are encouraged to do the same. Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002 and many of the venues, such as the bobsled track and the biathlon course, are still in use.
The Utah state capital also offers its residents everything from professional sports like Utah Jazz basketball to kid-approved attractions like the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. These days, the metro area's job opportunities are as enticing to newcomers as its entertainment options.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Salt Lake City, Utah is ranked:
#15 in Best Places to Live
#88 in Best Places to Retire
7.1
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability6.7
Value7.9
Job Market6.9
Quality of Life6.9
Net Migration 6.4
Read how we rank places
Salt Lake City, UT Quick Stats
2,361,981
METRO POPULATION
$46,221
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
63.8° / 41.6°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
30.0
MEDIAN AGE
$280,894
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
16.1 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
3.1%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$925
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
22.2 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Salt Lake City, UT?
One reason why more people are moving to Salt Lake City is because the cost of living is cheaper when compared with other major metropolitan areas. More housing developments and condos are popping up throughout the region, keeping housing costs down (though they are still higher than the national median).
Value Index
WORSE
BETTER
Index Score: 7.9 /10
How we calculate this.
Salt Lake City offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Salt Lake City
$280,894
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.
What's the weather like in Salt Lake City, UT?
Owning a snow shovel is a must for anyone living in Salt Lake City, as the area can see up to 60 inches of snow a year (wha.... . Wintry weather usually lasts through March, though it is not unusual to see snow in early May.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
31.3°F
Winter 51.3°F
Spring
75.1°F
Summer 53.0°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
1.4 in
Winter 2.0 in
Spring
1.0 in
Summer 1.5 in
Fall
What's the best way to get around Salt Lake City, UT?
Finding your way around Salt Lake City is easy, as the streets are laid out in a grid. Addresses in the metro area coordinate with the location of the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For example, the road three blocks east of the temple will be 300 East, and the road five blocks south of the temple will be 500 South.
The Utah Transit Authority operates light rail trains and buses seven days a week, with the exception of some holidays. The Frontrunner train runs a total of 89 miles between Pleasant View and Provo (through Salt Lake City). Its stations offer free parking and are within walking distance to popular shopping districts. The TRAX trains cover a sizable area of the Salt Lake Valley, including stops at the Salt Lake City International Airport and in downtown Salt Lake City.
The metro area also has protected bike lanes, which are physically separated from traffic by a row of parked cars, a small curb or a row of planters. Still, many residents who live outside the city center choose to drive to and from downtown.
Commuting in Salt Lake City, UT
Means of Transportation
Driving 87%
Equal to national average
Bicycling 1%
Equal to national average
Walking 2%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 3%
Below national average
Average Commute Time
22.2 minutes
3.9 minutes less than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
+
-
0–10
10–20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
in minutesLeaflet | USN
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Who lives in Salt Lake City, UT?
Nearly 1.2 million people live in the Salt Lake City metro area. The region's vibrant urban culture is increasingly drawing millennials to downtown. College students and young professionals make up a large chunk of the city center's demographics. Young couples and families tend to favor the affordable Rose Park, Poplar Grove and Glendale neighborhoods rather than the older populations of Sugar House, Federal Heights and the Avenues.
More than 70 percent of the population is religious, with approximately 60 percent of those who are identifying with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is headquartered in Salt Lake City.
While the state of Utah is considered conservative, Salt Lake City is actually pretty liberal when it comes to social issues. For example, the metro area has a growing LGBT community.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
Fewer single people in Salt Lake City than
national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in Salt Lake City, UT?
Salt Lake City is known for hosting the famous Sundance Film Festival, but during the rest of the year, museums such as the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, performing arts venues such as the Vivint Smart Home Arena, and attractions such as the Hogle Zoo offer an array of cultural experiences.
Even if they're not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, residents can enjoy performances by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square.
When the weather's nice, residents appreciate the region's 900-plus acres of public parks, including Liberty Park, Sugar House Park and This is the Place Heritage Park. During the cold season, locals head to the nearby Wasatch Mountains to ski, snowboard and enjoy the mountain lifestyle in Park City.
Find out more about what there is to see and do in Salt Lake City, UT
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Post by christina on Apr 20, 2018 11:47:27 GMT -5
#16- What's it like to live in Madison, WI?
Against a backdrop of high-tech businesses and acclaimed academic institutions, Madison, Wisconsin, exudes the casual, down-to-earth feel you'd expect in the capital of America's Dairyland. On a given night, Madisonians can dine on food prepared by award-winning chefs and take in performances by national and international musicians and actors. The next morning, Madisonians can buy produce, meats and baked goods at the Dane County Farmers Market, often grabbing breakfast and coffee there or at hot spots like Marigold Kitchen and Michelangelo's Coffee House.
A hotbed of the health care, information technology and manufacturing industries, Madison has steadily welcomed new residents over the past decade and is growing to accommodate and entertain these transplants. Developers are quickly erecting mixed-use luxury housing with ground floors occupied by trendy restaurants and coffee shops. Options for fine dining, microbrews and craft cocktails in Madison are constantly expanding.
Much like in New York City, it's somewhat rare to encounter a native Madisonian. Some who have relocated permanently attended UW-Madison and never left. Others relocated to Madison for work. Nevertheless, the small-town vibe of Madison shines through.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Madison, Wisconsin is ranked:
#16 in Best Places to Live
#33 in Best Places to Retire
7.1
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability6.0
Value7.3
Job Market7.7
Quality of Life7.1
Net Migration 6.6
Read how we rank places
Madison, WI Quick Stats
634,269
METRO POPULATION
$50,830
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
55.9° / 36.8°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
35.9
MEDIAN AGE
$238,375
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
34.5 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
2.4%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$919
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
21.6 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Madison, WI?
The cost of living in Madison is higher than both the state and national averages. The median sale price for a home in Madison is slightly higher than that of the country. However, compared to other Midwest regions like Chicago, Madison is much more affordable.
Value Index
WORSE
BETTER
Index Score: 7.3 /10
How we calculate this.
Madison offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Madison
$238,375
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
D
What's the weather like in Madison, WI?
During the summer, Madison residents waste no time taking advantage of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as jogging and boating. Residents are no strangers to single-digit temperatures during the winter. Ever pragmatic, Madisonians take to the frozen lakes for ice fishing, skating and hockey. Parks and golf courses transition to cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
21.6°F -ehhhh
Winter 46.0°F
Spring
69.2°F
Summer 48.7°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
1.7 in
Winter 3.6 in
Spring
4.5 in
Summer 3.1 in
Fall
M
16
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Madison, WI?
Madisonians who live near the city center often prefer to walk and bike when possible, which is easy in the region's pedestrian- and cycle-friendly downtown. Those who live outside the city proper usually commute by car.
The hub of Madison's extensive bus system is the UW Campus/Capitol area, but routes cover the majority of the region. There are ample routes and buses available during rush hour, though riders can be left waiting during off-hours and over the weekend. The region runs separate bus routes for public school students.
Dane County Regional Airport is just a 20-minute drive from downtown and offers nonstop service to more than a dozen larger domestic hubs, including New York City, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago. The city is also serviced by intercity charter buses.
Commuting in Madison, WI
Means of Transportation
Driving 82%
Below national average
Bicycling 2%
Equal to national average
Walking 5%
Above national average
Public Transit 4%
Equal to national average
Average Commute Time
21.6 minutes
4.5 minutes less than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
+
Who lives in Madison, WI?
Young professionals and families, as well as UW-Madison students and retirees, appreciate the relaxed lifestyle Madison offers. Although it is a highly educated region, the poverty rate is nearly 20 percent.
Home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as Edgewood College and Madison Area Technical College, Madison is among the most educated metro areas in the country. More than 95 percent of residents above the age of 25 have graduated high school. But among grade school children, the racial education gap is quite large.
A little less than half the population affiliates with a religion, and the largest chunk of the religious population identifies with Catholicism.
What is there to do in Madison, WI?
Madison's rich arts and food scenes impress even the most cosmopolitan newcomers. World-class performers and speakers regularly cycle through the region. Meanwhile, Madison appeals to foodies with its locally produced cheese and its local beer from a growing legion of microbreweries and gastropubs like The Great Dane and Ale Asylum.
Drinks and dining are a consistent source of conversation with friendly Madisonians, as is sports, especially if the conversation revolves around the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Division I basketball team, the Wisconsin Badgers.
During the summer, Madison's lakes draw boaters, canoers, kayakers, sailors, swimmers and stand-up paddle boarders. Even more lakes and state parks await within driving distance. Regional bike paths wind outward in all directions for those up for a trek outside the metro area.
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Post by JudgeKnot on Apr 23, 2018 15:21:10 GMT -5
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Post by foghorn on Apr 23, 2018 15:44:55 GMT -5
Of course the more attractive a location 1) the higher the rent (or longer the commute from affordable housing in safe neighborhoods), 2) the greater liklihood there will be fierce competition for positions there.
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Post by christina on Apr 26, 2018 13:42:28 GMT -5
17- What's it like to live in San Jose, CA?
f..n expensive
how this even made list given cost of living is beyond me.
Nicknamed the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a diverse area with an innovative spirit. While it has a distinct downtown, San Jose is a sprawling metro area that is as much defined by its suburban neighborhoods and large tech campuses as it is by the high-rises in its business district. San Jose's proximity to other tech headquarters in Silicon Valley, including Google in Mountain View and Apple in Cupertino, cements San Jose's position in the tech hub. But the metro area also retains its character with quirky attractions like the 160-room, maze-like Winchester Mystery House; a 120-acre flea market complete with ponies; and a larger-than-life Monopoly board.
Cradled by the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range, San Jose offers a prime environment for outdoorsy residents, with its proximity to the ocean, the Sierra Nevada and the vineyards – not to mention about 300 sunny days a year.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
San Jose, California is ranked:
#17 in Best Places to Live
#80 in Best Places to Retire
7.1
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability6.6
Value5.7
Job Market8.8
Quality of Life7.4
Net Migration 6.4
Read how we rank places
San Jose, CA Quick Stats
1,943,107
METRO POPULATION
$78,990
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
72.4° / 50.6°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
36.8
MEDIAN AGE
$932,108
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
14.9 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
3.3%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$1,801
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
27.3 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in San Jose, CA?
The cost of living in San Jose is one of the highest in the nation. While spurring a hiring surge, the tech boom has also made much of the metro area unaffordable to those unable to pull in high-tech salaries. Housing prices here are much higher than they are in most other parts of the country, and residents often find themselves paying more for everyday necessities, such as groceries, utilities and gas, than the average American.
San Jose offers a lower value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
San Jose
$932,108
USA
$222,408
What's the weather like in San Jose, CA?
The San Jose climate is Mediterranean, consisting of hot, dry summers and mild winters!!! Residents might have a hard time remembering rain. Droughts are common (eh...) and can result in water use restrictions and yellow lawns.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
52.4°F
Winter 60.1°F
Spring
70.0°F
Summer 63.5°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
3.3 in
Winter 2.0 in
Spring
0.1 in
Summer 1.9 in
Fall
a sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around San Jose, CA?
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority light rail and bus system takes passengers to most points of interest in San Jose proper, but due to the metro area's sprawl, some rides are lengthy and include multiple transfers. The Caltrain, which makes stops between San Jose and San Francisco, offers a public transportation option for some commuters living outside the city proper.
Additionally, many tech companies operate convenient shuttles to their campuses for employees, and bike infrastructure is continuing to grow. But in the end, San Joseans still rely heavily on cars. San Jose has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country.
The Mineta San Jose International Airport is located just outside central San Jose; however, the number of flight routes available is limited by the airport's size. For more options, residents rely on the San Francisco International Airport, which is about 30 minutes away. San Jose is also serviced by Amtrak and a number of commercial coach bus companies.
Commuting in San Jose, CA
Means of Transportation
Driving 86%
Equal to national average
Bicycling 2%
Equal to national average
Walking 2%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 4%
Equal to national average
Average Commute Time
27.3 minutes
1.2 minutes more than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
i
Who lives in San Jose, CA?
With nearly 2 million residents, San Jose is one of the largest metro areas in the U.S. and the largest in the Bay Area, having quietly surpassed San Francisco. In its evolution from Spanish pueblo to technology hub, San Jose has been influenced by a variety of cultures. Many of the area's neighborhoods have a rich Latino or Asian influence. Central/South American and Vietnamese enclaves are found throughout the metro area, as is a Japantown with 125 years of history.
Students and singles often prefer to live downtown, while families and older citizens are drawn to the tree-lined, stroller-filled streets of Willow Glen and suburban areas like Blossom Valley or Cambrian. However, given the already high cost of living in San Jose, homes in these neighborhoods are out of reach for many residents.
More than half of the metro area's population does not identify as religious. Those who do tend to affiliate with Catholicism or other forms of Christianity.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
Fewer single people in San Jose than
national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in San Jose, CA?
The San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose provides a gathering space for foodies who come to stock up on produce from local farms. For a different type of shopping, residents head to Santana Row in West San Jose, which has upscale shops and boutiques. Professional sports fans root for the Sharks (hockey) at the SAP Center ("the Shark Tank" to locals) and the Earthquakes (soccer) at Avaya Stadium. For football, San Joseans head to the state-of-the-art Levi's Stadium in neighboring Santa Clara, now home to the San Francisco 49ers.
Also, camping and hiking in Yosemite National Park, as well as skiing and watersports in Lake Tahoe, are just a few hours' drive away. For more relaxing escapes, Napa Valley wine country is less than two hours away by car, and the Santa Cruz beaches are a 45-minute drive. And for technology enthusiasts, The Tech Museum of Innovation offers hundreds of family-friendly interactive exhibits devoted to science and technology.
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Post by SPN Lifer on Apr 26, 2018 14:29:49 GMT -5
Those averse to high real estate prices in Santa Clara County could live in San Joaquin County (the Central Valley) and take the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) train to work. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altamont_Corridor_ExpressAs a lifelong renter, I don't worry about home prices. If rent increases too much, one can always move somewhere smaller or in a cheaper neighborhood. As a retiree, I no longer need to be concerned about quality of the schools in choosing a place to live. |
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Post by rhd on Apr 26, 2018 15:23:02 GMT -5
Whatever else the article says, be aware that the Illinois Policy Institute is not right-leaning - it is far, far right. It is funded by a small collection of ultra-right billionaires, including the reactionary Uhleins of Uline Office products, and Governor Rauner, a rabid anti-labor, anti-state-services radical. I think Ron Gidwitz of Helene Curtis and some other really big money types are in there, too.
Additionally, it is only a think tank if you believe that raw propaganda, mostly unsupported by facts, and a good chunk of underhanded tactics constitute a think tank. Reasonable people can discuss the Illinois tax situation, the loss of manufacturing jobs, political corruption (by no means a D only problem - downstate it's all Rs), and the appropriate level of state services, but the Illinois Policy Institute is not reasonable people.
Illinois does not have the highest taxes in the neighborhood according to objective sources. The total tax loads in both Michigan and Minnesota are higher. The population drain is mostly from downstate areas where companies have shipped jobs overseas, or coal mines have shut, having nothing to do with taxes.
Yeah. I like it here. Watch what you say.
P.S. My Chicago condo has way more than doubled in value since buying it. Your results may differ, but that to me represents high demand, not mass-exodus.
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Post by JudgeKnot on Apr 27, 2018 1:45:24 GMT -5
Is Wallethub a far, far, right-leaning think tank too? That would surprise me. Wallethub ranked Illinois 51st in the US (states plus DC) for having the highest "effective total state and local tax rates on median US household." In descending order, the top 10 are Illinois, Connecticut, Nebraska (that surprised me too), New York, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa, New Jersey, and Michigan. Lowest are Alaska, Delaware, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-to-be-a-taxpayer/2416/ |
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Post by stevil on Apr 27, 2018 6:51:03 GMT -5
Whatever else the article says, be aware that the Illinois Policy Institute is not right-leaning - it is far, far right. It is funded by a small collection of ultra-right billionaires, including the reactionary Uhleins of Uline Office products, and Governor Rauner, a rabid anti-labor, anti-state-services radical. I think Ron Gidwitz of Helene Curtis and some other really big money types are in there, too.
Additionally, it is only a think tank if you believe that raw propaganda, mostly unsupported by facts, and a good chunk of underhanded tactics constitute a think tank. Reasonable people can discuss the Illinois tax situation, the loss of manufacturing jobs, political corruption (by no means a D only problem - downstate it's all Rs), and the appropriate level of state services, but the Illinois Policy Institute is not reasonable people.
Illinois does not have the highest taxes in the neighborhood according to objective sources. The total tax loads in both Michigan and Minnesota are higher. The population drain is mostly from downstate areas where companies have shipped jobs overseas, or coal mines have shut, having nothing to do with taxes.
Yeah. I like it here. Watch what you say.
P.S. My Chicago condo has way more than doubled in value since buying it. Your results may differ, but that to me represents high demand, not mass-exodus.
Yeah, but the Bears still suck!! |
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Post by foghorn on Apr 28, 2018 13:18:47 GMT -5
At the end of the day, in a high rent market with rising rents, it makes sense to buy if you'll be there for enough years to recoup the costs of closing, loan placement etc, and if you think the area will at least stay stable as far as values.
Things to look at are: are people gentrifying sketchy neighborhoods? Are there undervalued neighborhoods--places with great schools but the particular neighborhood seems to be viewed as being a rung down, though it's in the "right" school district? (a "wow, I didn't think this was in the ____school district." A reaction caused sometimes by appearance, sometimes by the fact we think school district maps are fairly straight lined and conform to boroughs & townships and they don't always do that.Some almost look....gerrymandered. )
At the same time are new corporations moving in that will drive up demand for property? If the business climate is stable but not growing, a downturn could dump values. Finally if there's a university in the area, a property that will have rental potential (& zoning) is worth a look.
A cautionary tale on the genrifying areas. Two friends, both of whom knew the areas, had lived in them, each bought "fixer uppers" expecting to cash in when the gentrifying force was amped by shortage of available upscale /already gentrified property (1 in Fairfield Cty Ct, one in NE DC. Well, gentrification in each case stopped a few blocks from their properties. They hung on for a long time, but nothing changed. Now, 20 years later those areas are up but .....better to pay a bit more for something established than to have the double gamble on not just whether the market as a whole will rise but whether your street will get gentrified enough to bump prices.
The rest is what you make of it.Figure out what you really need , where those things are, how near to them you need to be, figure real estate prices rental or otherwise.
All the stuff covered in threads Livin' the ALJ Lifes Away From Home vs Commuting and The ALJ Commuter Lifestyle
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Post by foghorn on Apr 28, 2018 13:23:20 GMT -5
Cautionary tales (one Chicago based)https://www.thisamericanlife.org/377/transcript
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Post by Serious, J. on Apr 28, 2018 13:48:20 GMT -5
At the end of the day, in a high rent market with rising rents, it makes sense to buy if you'll be there for enough years to recoup the costs of closing, loan placement etc, and if you think the area will at least stay stable as far as values. All this is true, but remember to factor in the cost to rent. In a high rent market you could pay $2k or more to rent a place. If you were to rent vs. own, you'd spend $72,000 in rent over three years. Even if you were to sell the place for exactly what you bought it for, closing costs to buy and sell would likely not come to that much so you're still ahead of the game. |
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Post by christina on Apr 29, 2018 7:09:32 GMT -5
Those averse to high real estate prices in Santa Clara County could live in San Joaquin County (the Central Valley) and take the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) train to work. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altamont_Corridor_ExpressAs a lifelong renter, I don't worry about home prices. If rent increases too much, one can always move somewhere smaller or in a cheaper neighborhood. As a retiree, I no longer need to be concerned about quality of the schools in choosing a place to live. This is the real world info I love on this thread. i had no idea there was a potential commuter train to get to Santa Clara county area. thanks! |
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Post by christina on Apr 29, 2018 7:16:39 GMT -5
18) Dallas-Fort Worth area
Offering both big-city excitement and quiet, suburban living, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area offers an interesting mix of Texas pride and cosmopolitan offerings. The cowboy life still exists in Fort Worth, while Dallasites love the trendy local bars and numerous retail shops. And no matter which part of the metroplex they call home, sports fans rally together behind their professional sports teams.
The small-town feel of Friday night football games and backyard parties exists in the suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth. In those areas, residents can bump into their friends at the local Tex-Mex restaurant, children ride their bikes and joggers hit the pavement for evening runs. But even in DFW proper, many people exude that Texas friendliness with a wave or a "hello" to strangers.
Those who live in Dallas and Fort Worth tend to be young professionals, while the surrounding suburbs are largely filled with young families who want both a close-knit community and easy access to the cities. People from both demographics are flooding the area, and the population has swelled from about 5.8 million people in 2005 to more than 7.2 million people today. New developments have drawn in both families looking for their dream home and millennials looking to launch their careers.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas is ranked:
#18 in Best Places to Live
#11 in Best Places to Retire
7.0
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability6.5
Value7.1
Job Market7.0
Quality of Life7.0
Net Migration 7.7
Read how we rank places
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Quick Stats
6,957,123
METRO POPULATION
$50,350
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
76.6° / 55.8°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
34.5
MEDIAN AGE
$210,181
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
36.1 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
3.7%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$969
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
27.8 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX?
DFW's housing market is one of the hottest in the nation. As more and more professionals move to DFW, the downtown rental rates have risen. Home prices have also climbed over the past few years.
Dallas-Fort Worth offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Dallas-Fort Worth
$210,181 (I believe Dallas is fair amount more than this)
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.
Buying or selling a home? Find top real estate agents in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.
What's the weather like in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX?
Come summertime, the weather in this part of Texas can feel unbearable. but dry heat at least. humidity is not too bad. But during the rest of the year, a mild climate yields an enjoyable atmosphere for attending sporting events, enjoying neighborhood parks or walking around town.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
47.6°F
Winter 65.7°F
Spring
84.1°F
Summer 67.4°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
2.7 in
Winter 4.9 in
Spring
3.8 in
Summer 4.2 in
Fall
What's the best way to get around Dallas-Fort Worth, TX?
Because most DFW-area residents choose to drive, traffic can be a daily issue in the metroplex, especially during rush hours, but the expanding tollways have helped quicken commutes. As the cities continue to grow and the housing market flourishes, many residents face a commute time between 20 minutes to an hour.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit system is an alternative to driving, especially if you work in downtown Dallas. The rail system's coverage is limited, however, with only about 60 stations spread out over the area. Its best use is during city events and concerts when riders can take the DART from stations in Plano and Irving to downtown Dallas. Fort Worth's equivalent is the Trinity Railway Express.
The DFW metroplex is home to two airports: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (an American Airlines hub) and Dallas Love Field. Both Dallas and Fort Worth have Amtrak train stations and Greyhound bus stations.
Commuting in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Means of Transportation
Driving 91%
Above national average
Bicycling 0%
Equal to national average
Walking 1%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 1%
Below national average
Average Commute Time
27.8 minutes
1.7 minutes more than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
×
Average Commute
21.4 minutes
Zip Code 75001
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-
0–10
10–20
20–30
30–40
40–50
50+
in minutesLeaflet | USN
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Who lives in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX?
The metroplex encompasses 12 counties. Singles or young couples without children fill rentals within the major cities, while families fill the nearby suburban towns. Only about a tenth of the population in both Dallas and Tarrant counties, which include the cities of Fort Worth, Dallas, Arlington and Irving, is older than 65, and quieter living is found in the outer counties, such as Hood County.
In affluent areas such as Trophy Club and Mansfield, home values can tower in the multi-millions. Still, the upper middle class section has boomed, with many families moving to the suburbs to place their children in the excellent school systems.
Megachurches such as The Village Church, T.D. Jakes' The Potter's House and Prestonwood Baptist are also hallmarks of DFW.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in Dallas-Fort Worth as national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX?
Most nights, live music echoes out of bars and theaters across the metroplex. For a truly Texan experience, Fort Worth, also aptly known as Cowtown, offers the annual Fort Worth Stock Show, weekly rodeos at the Stockyards and weekend two-stepping at Billy Bob's Texas nightclub.
Crowds roar for the Dallas Cowboys football team at AT&T Stadium and for the Texas Rangers baseball players at Globe Life Park in Arlington, while the Dallas Mavericks shoot hoops in the heart of downtown Dallas.
Kid-friendly activities include the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington and zoos in both Dallas and Fort Worth.
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Post by christina on Apr 29, 2018 7:19:38 GMT -5
19)What's it like to live in Phoenix, AZ?
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Nicknamed the "Valley of the Sun," the Greater Phoenix area sees more sunshine than any other metro area in the country. That in and of itself is enough to entice people to lay down roots, but Arizona's capital also features a desirable combination of a thriving job market, a relatively low cost of living and plenty of ways to enjoy the nice weather.
Phoenix is the best place to get a sampling of all the state has to offer. Its downtown area may be characterized by sleek, ultramodern office buildings, but the city center is not all about work. Phoenix also contains ample opportunities to play. Recently built sports stadiums, along with updated arts and shopping districts fringe downtown, as do some of the area's finest eateries.
Within the Valley of the Sun, you can trace Arizona's history from its earliest Hohokam residents at the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park to the latest technological developments showcased at the Arizona Science Center. Plus, Greater Phoenix's 2,000-plus square miles sprawl to the bottom of striking desert mountains crisscrossed by hiking and biking trails.
Rankings
U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there.
Phoenix, Arizona is ranked:
#19 in Best Places to Live
#34 in Best Places to Retire, hmm surprised DFW area is higher in this regard.
7.0
Overall
SCORECARD
Desirability8.2
Value6.6
Job Market6.6
Quality of Life6.8
Net Migration 7.8
Read how we rank places
Phoenix, AZ Quick Stats
4,486,153 (wow)
METRO POPULATION
$47,540
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
86.6° / 63.4°
AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS
36.0
MEDIAN AGE
$235,333
MEDIAN HOME PRICE
8.0 inches
AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL
4.2%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
$989
MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT
26.0 minutes
AVG COMMUTE TIME
What's the cost of living in Phoenix, AZ?
The average annual salary in Phoenix falls below the national average. But luckily for residents, living in Phoenix is more affordable than living in coastal metro areas like San Francisco or New York City. The region's booming tourism industry helps alleviate residents' costs, with visitor spending saving locals more than $1,000 a year in taxes.
Value Index
WORSE
BETTER
Index Score: 6.6 /10
How we calculate this.
Phoenix offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Phoenix
$235,333
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
What's the weather like in Phoenix, AZ?
Residents enjoy living in Phoenix for the same reason more than 20 million visitors flock to the metro area yearly: the weather. In the winter, daytime highs are mild, and springtime hits as early as late January, with cactus blossoms and wildflowers blooming. Summertime can be tough for newcomers, however. Temperatures routinely reach triple digits, and monsoon rains can strike any time.
Seasonal Temperature (Avgs)
57.2°F
Winter 73.3°F
Spring
93.1°F
Summer 76.4°F
Fall
Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs)
0.9 in
Winter 1.0 in
Spring
1.1 in
Summer 0.7 in
Fall
Monthly High and Low Temperatures (°F)
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Phoenix, AZ?
Depending on where you choose to live, you will most likely need a car to get around Phoenix. A network of highways that circumnavigate and traverse the metro area keeps traffic moving quickly, and HOV lanes help alleviate congestion on the freeways during rush hours.
In addition, Valley Metro provides bus service throughout the entire metro area, even serving a few satellite communities such as Buckeye and Anthem. The light rail system connects downtown areas with the eastern suburbs of Tempe and Mesa. You can also rent a bike from one of the Grid Bike Share locations from your smartphone and pedal to your destination.
Two commercial airports serve the Phoenix area. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines and offers a high volume of daily domestic and international flights. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is much smaller, offering only domestic flights via Allegiant Air. Amtrak and several intercity bus stations provide ground transit into and out of the Valley.
Commuting in Phoenix, AZ
Means of Transportation
Driving 88%
Equal to national average
Bicycling 1%
Equal to national average
Walking 2%
Equal to national average
Public Transit 2%
Below national average
Average Commute Time
26.0 minutes
0.1 minutes less than national average
Average Commute Times by Zip Code
×
Average Commute
22.5 minutes
Who lives in Phoenix, AZ?
Until the mid-1800s, Arizona was part of Mexico, and modern-day Phoenix's population reflects its Mexican heritage. Hispanic culture remains a strong influence in the area, evidenced in architecture, festivals and cuisine.
While Arizona is one of the go-to spots for retirees, more than a quarter of the population is under 20 years old. Greater Phoenix is also home to Arizona State University, which draws a lot of younger people to the area.
Phoenix isn't a particularly religious area; less than half the residents identify with any individual faith. Those who do practice attend a Christian church, though Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh faiths are also represented.
Roughly 22 percent of Phoenix residents live at or below the poverty line.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in Phoenix as national average
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
What is there to do in Phoenix, AZ?
Residents will find plenty to do in the Phoenix area. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike trails in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, kayak or paddleboard on Tempe Town Lake or enjoy desert wildlife at the Desert Botanical Garden. Dozens of museums with themes like Native American history, musical instruments, toys and firetrucks provide respite from the sun.
Cheering on Phoenix's professional sports teams, including the MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks, the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, the NBA's Suns, WNBA's Mercury and the NHL's Coyotes, is another favorite pastime. And each January, more than half a million golf enthusiasts descend on the area to watch the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Meanwhile, downtown Phoenix offers a collection of concert venues and nightclubs, as do the nearby cities of Scottsdale and Tempe.
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Post by Pixie on Apr 29, 2018 13:15:44 GMT -5
Scottsdale is a nice suburb of Phoenix; unfortunately, it gets as hot as Phoenix. Average temp. in July is 106. I was there once in July, and it was 113 (in the shade). Didn't cool down much at night either. There is little humidity in Phoenix, so it is a dry heat, which is much better than high humidity heat. Pixie
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Post by gary on Apr 29, 2018 13:59:14 GMT -5
Scottsdale is a nice suburb of Phoenix; unfortunately, it gets as hot as Phoenix. Average temp. in July is 106. I was there once in July, and it was 113 (in the shade). Didn't cool down much at night either. There is little humidity in Phoenix, so it is a dry heat, which is much better than high humidity heat. Pixie That hot, I certainly hope you had the sense to stay out of the shade. |
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Post by prufrock on Apr 29, 2018 14:58:57 GMT -5
I double-checked my application and realized that I only selected one location as a preference (I'm not sure how I made this error). Is there a way to add more locations at this point in the process? I just finished testing/interview in DC this past week.
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Post by Pixie on Apr 29, 2018 15:06:26 GMT -5
I double-checked my application and realized that I only selected one location as a preference (I'm not sure how I made this error). Is there a way to add more locations at this point in the process? I just finished testing/interview in DC this past week. No. You are stuck with what you have. Gary knows the exceptions (I have forgotten), but they are rare. Pixie |
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Post by Pixie on Apr 29, 2018 15:07:40 GMT -5
Scottsdale is a nice suburb of Phoenix; unfortunately, it gets as hot as Phoenix. Average temp. in July is 106. I was there once in July, and it was 113 (in the shade). Didn't cool down much at night either. There is little humidity in Phoenix, so it is a dry heat, which is much better than high humidity heat. Pixie That hot, I certainly hope you had the sense to stay out of the shade. Well, it was even hotter in the sun. I had the sense to stay inside with A/C. |
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