Lifestyle

Most people cannot pronounce Illinois correctly; however, they are remarkably familiar with Chicago. People move to Chicago for all sorts of reasons, including work, cheap real estate, and of course, pizza. Yes, people have moved to Chicago for pizza. But before you do the same, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of living in Chicago.

Illinois holds many dangerous cities, despite being the land of Lincoln. The prairie state is home to 12.67 million people, as of 2019, living amongst 1,299 municipalities. Unfortunately, Illinois is the 19th most dangerous state, and it has 10 cities, in particular, to thank for it.

In 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as our 35th state.  The Mountain State was previously a part of the United States when it was considered part of Virginia.  However, counties voted, and most chose to secede from the larger state during the tumultuous Civil War.   

Up in the Midwest and tucked into the Great Lakes, you’ll find a snowy slice of America that millions call home. It’s known as the Wolverine State to many and the Mitten State as well. Of course, we are talking about none other than the state of Michigan.

Nearly everyone has heard of Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Charleston, South Carolina. They are staples of American history, and common vacation attractions at that. But the reality is that there are countless great cities in South Carolina that are all livable and fairly priced.

Nevada is known all over the world for being the gambling capital, specifically Las Vegas. But what many people don’t know is that the desert state has many more things to offer other than that.

Often referred to by locals as simply “the District,” in this city the cost of living is high, employment opportunities are plentiful, and much of the culture centers around what you do for work. Although, somehow D.C. manages to mix a small-town atmosphere with a cosmopolitan ambiance.

California is home to a whopping 482 cities, and they are mostly notably expensive. One of the most expensive corners of California is the famed Silicon Valley, and Palo Alto stands out in the pack. Palo Alto holds 65,364 residents, and they pay high housing costs for the luxury of living in a beautiful and cultured city.

Located on Florida’s east coast, Daytona Beach is one of the state’s most popular cities. Living in Daytona Beach means waking up to sunrises over the ocean, delicious fresh-caught seafood at your fingertips, and access to over 23 miles of pristine sandy white beaches.

Honeywell has been manufacturing thermostats for decades, and it shouldn’t come as any surprise that the older models are different from the ones that are being made today. Despite their differences, every Honeywell thermostat can be reset, it’s just a matter of how.

Interior design is a college major that you can pursue if you’re passionate about working with others, designing spaces, selecting furniture, and adorning them. This is such a popular profession that more colleges and universities worldwide offer interior design programs. With so many selections, which country is the best for studying interior design?

Smart thermostats are a beautiful thing. But they can come with a hefty price tag, especially if you have a multi-zone HVAC system. Both Ecobee and Nest created pared-down versions of their original thermostats that are more budget-conscious.

Denver and Portland are two of the most iconic cities in the American Northwest. Portland is the quirky, cool city that birthed thousands of hipsters as well as a TV show called Portlandia. Denver became famous for its wonderful entertainment, blooming cannabis industry, and upscale attractions. Moving to either city can be a good choice, but it all depends on what you are looking for.

Cox Communications is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers dial-up, DSL, and cable internet service to homes and businesses across the United States. Regardless of their reach, no service provider is error-free (although we wish that were the case). What should you do when your Cox modem is blinking orange?

When summer rolls around, your home’s air conditioner is one of the only things that can offer you respite from the heat. As far as smart thermostats go, the Alarm.com thermostat is a strong contender. However, as is the case with many thermostats, its cooling capabilities can malfunction.

Cost of living is commonly used to determine how expensive it is to live in one location compared to another. For this reason, it is typically one of the major factors that folks use to decide where they want to move. With its excellent weather, abundant outdoor recreation, employment opportunities, and exceptional natural beauty, some view Arkansas as a more advantageous place to live than Texas.

Logan Square is a community in Chicago, Illinois. Known for its rich history and proximity to it all, Logan Square is a great place to consider settling down in. At the same time, it’s important to consider all aspects of a neighborhood before deciding it is best for your family. Particular attention should always be paid to safety.

A bottle of pinot noir, juicy pears, and rich blue cheese, what could be more appetizing than that?  These delicious delights are grown and made with love and pride in the small city of Medford, Oregon.  Relocating to Medford will ensure a steady supply of wine & cheese, but how much does it cost to live there?

Like most major cities in the United States, Los Angeles, California has experienced its fair share of declining home sales and a flailing economy. However, with nearly 4 million residents in the city and over 13 million in the Los Angeles metropolitan area as of 2020, it has significantly bounced back, becoming one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities. Los Angeles is much more than what meets the eye and is perceived on the news.

Durham is the fifth largest city in North Carolina, with a population of around 280,000 people. This is a college town, and Duke University is the center of much activity. You’ll also find North Carolina Central University and Durham Technical Community College in Durham as well. 

Arizona is known as one of the most affordable states to live in the US. Along with the low cost of living, it’s also famous for its unique landscapes, sparkling cities, and rich cultural heritage. No wonder why more and more Americans are looking to live or retire in The Grand Canyon State.

If you are thinking of moving to a new area, the process can be stressful, especially if you do not know much about the area that you are moving to. You do not want to end up in a city that is not going to be ideal for you and your circumstances or life goals. However, once in a while, there is that seemingly perfect city to move to that seems to have it all. In this case, it is Olympia, WA.

Xfinity is one of the most popular cable providers in the United States. With their huge selection of channels and packages, they’ve got something for everyone. However, sometimes things can go wrong- like when your Xfinity remote isn’t working correctly.

Indiana is filled with attractions, many of which draw crowds in the thousands every week. There’s the Indie 500, major concert venues, not to mention the many national parks in the state, too. That’s why it’s always so strange to hear about attractions that shuttered their doors and became abandoned. As an urbex fan, I love hearing about these venues. Ever wonder what’s up in eerie Indiana?

When it works perfectly, AirPlay allows users to stream content from Apple devices to other multimedia devices. If you have a Vizio TV, you can display audio, video, photos, and anything else from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly to the TV. Unfortunately, technology rarely seems to work perfectly. That’s why we’re going to talk about what to do when Vizio AirPlay is not working.

Boston is a city that’s seen throughout movies and TV shows. It had a gorgeous European charm to it that seems to draw everyone in. People say if you look a little harder past Fenway Park and the bar from Cheers, you’ll find why Boston is perhaps the best city in America or even in the world. It’s also famous for its wealthy neighborhoods.

There are good points and negative points when it comes to living in Galveston, TX. All the topics have a 50/50 shot with the good and the bad, weighing each individual’s decision. It is a tough decision because it depends on the person’s preferences.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a bigger house, join the club. It seems like everyone nowadays is itching to upsize their homes. As recent as 2020, large home sales were up 21%, according to Redfin. But before you take on higher payments, more maintenance, and increased utilities, do you really need a bigger house?

Pianos are similar to most other instruments in that they were designed to create beautiful sounds to please our ears. They have been a staple in musical artistry since their creation in the early 1700s by Bartolomeo Cristofori. Since then, pianos have come a long way in terms of intricacy, and technical conditions. Regardless, the basic premise has remained the same.

DirecTV is a popular satellite TV service that offers more than 240 channels in most areas. A big downside of DirecTV, though, is that it sometimes it freezes.

The American Southwest is known for many things—Native American reservations, hot weather, and absolutely breathtaking views of the local scenery. That’s why so many people tend to come here as tourists. This is especially true of Arizona, where celebrities tend to go when they want to kick back at a luxury spa or resort. It’s easy to love AZ.

Eureka is a port city located on the Northern California Coast on the shores of Humboldt Bay. It’s an older city with lots of Victorian-style homes but also newer, modern homes as well. Eureka is located in what’s known as the Redwood Empire region of California, which is famous for its legendary Redwood and Sequoia trees.

Cincinnati, Ohio, is a Midwest city with a relatively strong job market and a low cost of living. In 2019, Cincinnati was ranked as the 10th most affordable city in the country. It’s known for a vibrant craft beer scene, with more than 40 breweries throughout the city. Plus, Cincinnati has a huge park system which is great if you love to get outside.

Located in the heart of central Texas, Killeen meets the needs of families while also benefiting from the economic strength of Fort Hood, one of the country’s largest military bases. There are a variety of fun music joints available to Killeen residents, in addition to down-home barbecue and a range of outdoor recreational activities. It has people thinking whether Killeen is a good place to live, so is it?

Virginia is known as the “mother of presidents”, but it is just as notably known as a cheap place to live. Home to 95 counties and 38 cities, Virginia has no shortage of places to live, and many of them are inexpensive. With so many affordable options to choose from, what are the cheapest places to live in Virginia?

Depending on where you go in Louisiana, you’ll find opportunities for outdoor adventure, vibrant nightlife, great food, and sports. The Pelican State has a little bit of something for everyone, including an affordable cost of living. All of these qualities are likely why roughly 4.65 million people call it home. 

There is a lot that goes into training and caring for a dog. You need to feed the dog and give it water, of course. Then you need to tend to its bathroom needs, which means letting it outside and taking it on walks. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as you also need to make sure the dog is stimulated and well-trained, so it does not wreak havoc on your home. If left to its own devices, a dog can ruin carpets, and shoe collections, and even chew on the walls. If you notice your dog has started to chew on the walls, you are going to want to change this behavior immediately.

Delaware is rich with American history, as is evidenced by its nickname, “The First State.” It was the first state to ratify the US constitution in 1787, becoming the first state in the nation. 

With its rocky coasts, sandy shores, world-famous lighthouses, and lobsters, Maine is one of the most unique states in the U.S. Home to 1.3 million people, this coastal region has a lot to offer. Sitting at the tippy-top of the United States, Maine is pretty much at the heart of New England life.

Houston is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, despite the terrible politics. While the city continues to expand, people are starting to snap up all the properties. Some areas are better than others. So, what are the safest neighborhoods in Houston this year?

Albuquerque is a city of year-round sunshine, vibrant cultures, and a diverse community. There’s an energetic downtown scene and friendly neighborhoods nestled in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Albuquerque’s communities have much to offer virtually anyone, but what are the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque?

Cost of living is one of the major factors that people use to determine whether they want to live in one location versus another. When it comes to Idaho vs. Washington State, both states have much to offer potential residents.

Many people are hesitant to get a metal roof because they fear it will worsen their cell phone reception. Other related worries are that the metal roof will also impede homeowners’ satellite signals and WiFi connections. So, is it true that metal roofs can have a negative effect on cell phone reception?

atlanta vs los angelesBoth cities have fantastic weather, plenty of opportunities, and loads of entertainment. Comparing these two cities is difficult, especially with the rich culture just oozing around every street corner in these wonderful cities. However, we can choose only one winner when it comes to living in these cities.

Grand Rapids is one of those cities that most people tend to hear about when they have visited there. A major tourist hotspot, Grand Rapids is mostly known for having awesome attractions, great sights, and friendly locals. In recent years, it was named one of the top 100 places to live. But, it’s still a city where you should be aware of the perks and pitfalls of life in this city. After all, living here isn’t a typical vacation…

Ah, the South. This is the part of the United States where people speak with a delightful twang, say “y’all,” and offer Southern hospitality. Charlotte and Raleigh are two cities that combine the best parts of the South with good jobs and a lively atmosphere. Both North Carolina cities rule, but which one is the belle of this ball?

As someone who’s from New Jersey, I always viewed Connecticut as our state’s snooty older brother. Whatever Jersey has, Connecticut has an older, more upscale version of it. As I got older, I became aware that Connecticut also had some not-so-good parts, and some of the most dangerous cities in Connecticut took me by surprise.

Fort Collins is the perfect college town for those who love the outdoors but want a city feel! The fourth-most populous city in Colorado, Fort Collins is home to over 170,000 residents and has continued to see growth year over year. It is home to both Colorado State University and Front Range Community College’s Larimer Campus.

Kentucky has a reputation for horse racing, bourbon, and moonshine; this state knows how to have a good time. It also has a low cost of living, making it appealing to the over 4.5 million residents. Of course, there are also lots of tornadoes, but all of the pros seem to make living here worth it.

Grand Rapids City is located in Kent County, Michigan, When it comes to festivals, food, and brews, it’s a city that’s hard to beat. Almost every neighborhood in Grand Rapids has an exciting attraction to offer, from zoos to museums to family farm markets. Regardless of the season, there is something for everyone in Grand Rapids City.

Roanoke is 168 miles west of the state capital, Richmond, on Interstate 81, halfway between New York and Atlanta. The city is the heart of Virginia’s most populous metropolitan areas and transportation, financial, and industrial hub in southwestern Virginia. In 1874, the town of Big Lick was established. Two years later, it became the City of Roanoke.

Living near the beach is a dream many of us harbor. The thought of being able to go to the beach whenever you want is a pleasant one to ponder. You can make that dream a reality if you choose to live in Delray Beach, Florida.

Las Vegas started as a city run by the mafia, right on the outskirts of a nuclear testing facility. In its early days, it was a trip. During the 1950s, “Atomic City,” was once known, was the place to go if you wanted to do something sordid, gamble away money, or watch nuclear explosions go off in the desert.

Utah is a historically significant and unique place to live. There are currently 3,205,958 residents living in Utah, and the population is growing. With so many people in one state, one has to wonder: what are the pros and cons of living in Utah?

With an estimated population of more than 186 thousand residents, Fort Lauderdale is the eighth largest city in Florida. It is fondly called the “Venice of America” because gorgeous homes line the picturesque canals that run through the city and into the Atlantic Ocean.

Can you really go wrong with a tropical island? Both Puerto Rico and Hawaii enjoy amazing year-round weather, luxury beaches, and fantastic leisure opportunities. Between the low-key culture and the outdoorsy vibe, it is hard to choose a winner between these two locations.

Virginia plays a huge role in American history, and every inch of the state tells a story. Cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Alexandria, VA are staples of the American south and beautiful places to live. With all that it has to offer, what is the cost of living in Alexandria, Virginia, and can you afford it?

The pacific west coast has many great cities that are just as affordable as they are comfortable and unique. Tacoma is no exception, and is Washington state’s most charming, fun, and welcoming cities, earning the nickname City of Destiny. The 216,279 Tacoma residents have stayed there for a reason, but how what is the cost of living in Tacoma?

Renting carries many benefits over owning a home, but it can also be quite frustrating. You must depend on your landlord to keep your apartment livable and affordable, and that’s not always possible. Understandably, many tenants struggle with how to avoid a rent increase.

When it comes to hippie culture, there are some states that tend to have more of a reputation than others. While most people tend to assume that California is the hippie hotspot du jour, many are now saying that there are other states that can give Cali a run for its money. Such is the case with Colorado.