Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.
The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.23%, and on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, it’s 6.43%. The average rate on a 30-year jumbo mortgage is 7.24%.
*Data accurate as of January 25, 2024, the latest data available.
30-year fixed mortgage rates
The average mortgage rate for 30-year fixed loans rose today to 7.23% from 7.17% last week, according to data from Curinos. This is up from last month’s 7.15% and up from a year ago when it was 5.69%.
At the current 30-year fixed rate, you’ll pay about $686 each month for every $100,000 you borrow — up from about $688 last week.
Ready to buy? Compare the best mortgage lenders
15-year fixed mortgage rates
The mortgage rates for 15-year fixed loans rose today to 6.43% from 6.42% last week. Today’s rate is up from last month’s 6.30% and up from a year ago when it was 4.96%.
At the current 15-year fixed rate, you’ll pay about $870 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, up from about $869 last week.
30-year jumbo mortgage rates
The mortgage rates for 30-year jumbo loans rose today to 7.24% from 7.21% last week. This is up from last month’s 7.09% and up from 4.61% last year.
At the current 30-year jumbo rate, you’ll pay around $685 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, down from about $686 last week.
Methodology
To determine average mortgage rates, Curinos uses a standardized set of parameters. For conventional mortgages, the calculations are based on an owner-occupied, one-unit property with a loan amount of $350,000. For jumbo mortgages, the loan amount is $766,550. These calculations assume an 80% loan-to-value ratio, a credit score of 740 or higher and a 60-day lock period.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of factors, including the overall economy, inflation and the actions of the Federal Reserve. Mortgage lenders then set their loan rates based on these economic elements.
The rate you’re offered on a mortgage will also depend not only on the lender but also on your credit score, income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and other parts of your financial profile.
If you opt for a rate lock, you can typically do so for 30 to 60 days, depending on the lender. In some cases, you might be able to lock in your rate for up to 120 days.
Keep in mind that while some lenders allow you to lock in a mortgage rate for free, you’ll likely have to pay a fee for a longer lock period. This fee generally ranges from 0.25% to 0.5% of your loan amount. You could also be charged a fee if you want to extend the lock period — usually 0.375% of the loan amount.
There are several strategies that could help you qualify for the best mortgage rate, such as:
Checking your credit: When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will review your credit to determine your creditworthiness as well as your interest rate. In general, the higher your credit score, the lower your rate will be. So before you apply, it’s a good idea to check your credit to see where you stand. If you find any errors in your credit report, dispute them with the appropriate credit bureau to potentially boost your score.
Comparing lenders: Taking the time to shop around and compare your options from as many lenders as possible can help you find the best deal. In addition to rates, make sure to also consider each lender’s terms, fees and eligibility requirements.
Improving your credit score: If you have less-than-perfect credit and can wait to apply for a mortgage, it could be worth working to improve your credit beforehand to qualify for better rates in the future. Some possible ways to boost your credit include paying all of your bills on time and aiming to keep your credit utilization (the amount of credit you’ve used compared to your credit limits) on credit cards and lines of credit at 30% or less.
Reducing debt: Paying down debt could help lower your DTI ratio, which is how much you owe in monthly debt payments compared to your income. Having a lower DTI ratio can make you look like less of a risk in the eyes of a lender, which can result in a lower rate.
Choosing a shorter repayment term: Lenders typically offer lower rates to borrowers who opt for shorter terms. For example, you’ll likely get a lower rate on a 15-year mortgage compared to a 30-year loan.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
Jamie Young is Lead Editor of loans and mortgages at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has been writing and editing professionally for 12 years. Previously, she worked for Forbes Advisor, Credible, LendingTree, Student Loan Hero, and GOBankingRates. Her work has also appeared on some of the best-known media outlets including Yahoo, Fox Business, Time, CBS News, AOL, MSN, and more. Jamie is passionate about finance, technology, and the Oxford comma. In her free time, she likes to game, play with her two crazy cats (Detective Snoop and his girl Friday), and try to keep up with her ever-growing plant collection.
Megan Horner is editorial director at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has over 10 years of experience in online publishing, mostly focused on credit cards and banking. Previously, she was the head of publishing at Finder.com where she led the team to publish personal finance content on credit cards, banking, loans, mortgages and more. Prior to that, she was an editor at Credit Karma. Megan has been featured in CreditCards.com, American Banker, Lifehacker and news broadcasts across the country. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and editing.
Ashley is a USA TODAY Blueprint loans and mortgages deputy editor who has worked in the online finance space since 2017. She’s passionate about creating helpful content that makes complicated financial topics easy to understand. She has previously worked at Forbes Advisor, Credible, LendingTree and and Student Loan Hero. Her work has appeared on Fox Business and Yahoo. Ashley is also an artist and massive horror fan who had her short story “The Box” produced by the award-winning NoSleep Podcast. In her free time, you can find her drawing, scaring herself with spooky stories, playing video games and chasing her black cat Salem.
Enough space. It’s something we all want in a home, but it can easily end up just outside our budget. Fortunately, if you’re feeling a little crowded in your own residence, living in a city with plenty of room can make all the difference.
The largest cities in the U.S. by area
The bigger the city, the more space there is for activities, attractions and places to eat, shop and drink. To that point, here are the largest cities in the U.S. by area. They’ll give you plenty of room, to stretch out and find adventure, when being at home feels a bit too cramped.
Land area is determined by public records from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Population numbers are based on the U.S. Census 2019 population estimates.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory. We pulled our data in January 2021, and it goes back for one year. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.
Pet insurance can be a literal lifesaver if your furry friend needs emergency surgery or expensive medical treatment, but the premiums can also put a dent in your budget. NerdWallet gathered quotes from 15 popular insurers and crunched the numbers to help you find the best cheap pet insurance.
We shopped on the insurers’ websites for accident and illness plans in five cities around the U.S. Sample pets were a medium-sized, mixed-breed dog and a domestic shorthair (mixed-breed) cat at ages 2 and 8. Each plan had a $250 deductible, $5,000 annual coverage limit and 80% reimbursement rate. Read our full methodology.
Keep in mind that the affordability of your own rates will vary based on where you live, how much coverage you want, and your pet’s breed and age. Companies that offered the cheapest rates in our tests may not be the best fit for you.
The best cheap pet insurance companies
Below are the five companies we recommend for affordable pet insurance. Click on the company name or keep scrolling for more details on each.
Figo: Cheapest for cats.
ASPCA: Best for younger pets.
AKC: Best for pets with pre-existing conditions.
Lemonade: Cheapest for dogs
Lemonade
Seamless online experience and quick claims, but limited policy options.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Average
Ability to customize plan
Average
Lemonade
Seamless online experience and quick claims, but limited policy options.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Average
Ability to customize plan
Average
Why we picked it: Lemonade offered some of the most consistently affordable rates for dog insurance in our tests. On top of low premiums, the company also has discounts for paying your bill annually rather than monthly and for insuring more than one pet. If you have another Lemonade policy (such as homeowners, renters or life insurance), you can save even more.
Lemonade stands out for its unique “Giveback” program, which donates a portion of company profits to charities chosen by policyholders. It also shines when it comes to claim processing. After you file your claim through the app, the company uses artificial intelligence to review and pay some claims right away. (Human adjusters review the rest.)
Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $49.
Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $28.
Figo: Cheapest for cats
Figo
Extensive coverage, a variety of deductibles to choose from and generous reimbursement options.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Excellent
Ability to customize plan
Excellent
Figo
Extensive coverage, a variety of deductibles to choose from and generous reimbursement options.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Excellent
Ability to customize plan
Excellent
Why we picked it: Figo was the most affordable option for many of our sample cats, and its overall average cost was the lowest of all the companies we tested. Figo also offers discounts for insuring multiple pets or serving in the military.
One unique feature from Figo is a 100% reimbursement option. If you choose this level of coverage, the company will reimburse all your vet bills once you’ve met your annual deductible. (Most pet insurers offer reimbursement options from 70% to 90%.) We also like Figo’s Pet Cloud app, which can store your pet’s digital medical records and has a 24/7 vet telehealth line.
Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $54.
Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $23.
MetLife: Best for older pets
MetLife
Customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Excellent
Ability to customize plan
Excellent
MetLife
Customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Excellent
Ability to customize plan
Excellent
Why we picked it: With affordable rates for older pets in our tests and no maximum age limit for enrollment, MetLife is a good bet for animals who’ve left the puppy or kitten stage far behind. Depending on where you live, MetLife may offer discounts for active-duty military, veterans, first responders, health care workers or people who work in animal care. You can also save money in the first year of your policy by buying your plan online.
MetLife’s plans cover treatment for arthritis, diabetes, periodontal disease and other ailments that may crop up for older pets. The company offers a wide range of deductible options to help you customize your policy and price.
Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $49.
Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $29.
ASPCA: Best for younger pets
ASPCA
Generous coverage and multiple plan options, including an accident-only policy.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Excellent
Ability to customize plan
Average
ASPCA
Generous coverage and multiple plan options, including an accident-only policy.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Excellent
Ability to customize plan
Average
Why we picked it: ASPCA, which had competitive rates for the 2-year-old dogs and cats in our tests, will cover puppies and kittens over 8 weeks old. Insuring multiple pets can get you a 10% discount.
ASPCA offers some of the most comprehensive plans in the industry, with coverage included for dental diseases, behavioral issues, alternative therapies, prescription food and even microchip implantation. If you want your policy to help pay for your furry new friend’s spay or neuter surgery, you can add the Prime preventive care package.
Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $61.
Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $29.
AKC: Best for pets with pre-existing conditions
AKC
Lots of ways to customize your coverage, but the basic plan lacks benefits many other companies include.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Good
Ability to customize plan
Excellent
AKC
Lots of ways to customize your coverage, but the basic plan lacks benefits many other companies include.
Pay vet directly
No
Scope of coverage
Good
Ability to customize plan
Excellent
Why we picked it: AKC wasn’t the cheapest option in our tests, but in many states it offers a perk that’s almost impossible to find at any price: coverage for pre-existing conditions. While many companies will pay to treat curable issues that have been symptom-free for six months or a year, they generally won’t cover chronic, incurable conditions that developed before you bought your pet’s policy. So if you enroll a pup with diabetes or a cat with kidney disease, most companies won’t cover treatment for these issues.
AKC is the exception. Once your pet has had a plan for 365 consecutive days, the company may cover its pre-existing conditions. (This coverage isn’t available in all states.) Other bonuses include a multipet discount and a 24/7 vet helpline.
Average of sample monthly rates for dogs: $60.
Average of sample monthly rates for cats: $38.
Other cheap pet insurance companies
Not sure if the companies above are right for you? See sample rates for more cheap pet insurance companies below.
Average of sample monthly rates for dogs
Average of sample monthly rates for cats
What determines your pet insurance cost?
Each company has its own formula for setting prices, but the following are some of the main factors that will likely influence how much you pay for pet insurance.
Where you live. If you’re in an area with a high cost of living, vet care may be expensive, too — and your premium will go up accordingly.
Your pet’s age. Just like humans, pets tend to develop more health issues as they age. Because older pets are more likely to need veterinary care, their pet insurance will generally cost more than it would for a puppy or kitten.
Your pet’s species and breed. Dogs tend to be more expensive to insure than cats, and certain breeds cost more than others. That’s because some breeds are more susceptible to health conditions such as trouble breathing, joint problems or heart issues.
The coverage you choose. Expect higher prices for more comprehensive plans offering things like unlimited annual payouts and 90% reimbursement for vet expenses. Adding wellness coverage to pay for annual checkups and vaccinations can also run up your costs. Some insurers charge extra to cover certain expenses such as exam fees or physical therapy.
How to find cheap pet insurance
The following tips can help you get the best possible rate for your pet insurance plan.
Shop around. We recommend getting quotes from at least three companies. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not offer the best value if it comes with a higher deductible or less coverage. (A deductible is the amount you need to pay before your insurer starts reimbursing you.)
Customize your coverage. Many insurers let you tweak your price by changing your deductible, adding or reducing coverage, or opting for a different reimbursement rate. For example, you can typically lower your premium if you choose to be reimbursed for only 70% of your vet expenses rather than 80% or 90%. You could also buy an accident-only policy, which will cover injuries like broken bones or snake bites but not illnesses like cancer.
Just be sure you’re comfortable with the tradeoffs you’re making to get a lower premium. The plan may be cheaper, but you’ll be on the hook for more of your pet’s vet bills.
Ask about discounts. Some companies offer savings if you insure more than one animal, serve in the military or buy multiple insurance policies (such as pet and homeowners insurance). You may also be able to save a few bucks by paying your premium in full once a year instead of in monthly installments.
Look for employer benefits. Some companies offer pet insurance at a discounted rate to their employees. Before you choose this option, however, check with the insurer to make sure you can maintain your pet’s coverage even if you leave your current job.
How to compare pet insurance plans
Aside from price, pet insurance plans vary in what they cover and how generously they’ll reimburse your vet bills. Here are a few key things to check before you commit to a pet insurance plan.
What’s covered — and what’s not
Most accident and illness plans cover things like cancer treatments or surgery if your pet gets hurt. But there are types of coverage you can’t always count on.
Say your pet develops periodontal disease and needs to have a few teeth pulled. Some plans will cover this expense; others won’t. Still others might cover it only if you’ve bought optional dental illness coverage. Learn more about pet dental insurance.
Plans may also vary in their coverage of prescription food and supplements, treatment for behavioral issues and rehabilitative therapies.
Finally, check whether your plan will cover vet exam fees. If you bring your pet in for a sick visit, some pet insurers will pay for medication and other treatment but won’t reimburse you for the exam fee.
Reimbursement
One of the most important things to know about a plan is how it will reimburse you for your vet expenses. A handful of companies can pay your vet directly, but in most cases you’ll need to settle the bill yourself and then file a claim for reimbursement.
Check how long it generally takes the companies you’re considering to process claims. Some do so in a matter of days, while others may take up to a month.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re comfortable with your plan’s coverage limit, deductible and reimbursement rate. These factors all work together to determine how much your plan will pay toward your vet expenses.
Say you have a $500 yearly deductible and $5,000 annual coverage limit with a reimbursement rate of 80%. If your dog needs a $2,000 surgery and you haven’t paid anything toward your deductible yet, your plan would cover $1,200. Here’s the math:
$2,000 – $500 deductible = $1,500.
80% reimbursement on the remaining $1,500 bill = $1,200.
You’d still have $3,800 left of your annual limit ($5,000 – $1,200) to spend on any other treatment your pet might need that year.
Waiting periods
There’s generally a waiting period between when you buy your policy and when your coverage begins. For instance, your pet’s illnesses might not be covered for the first 14 days. Some companies have extended waiting periods for certain issues such as knee injuries or hip dysplasia. Learn more about pet insurance waiting periods.
Reviews
NerdWallet has evaluated more than a dozen major pet insurance companies to help you compare your options. Read our pet insurance reviews to see our star ratings and get details about each insurer’s plans.
Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.
The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 7.21%, and on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, it’s 6.37%. The average rate on a 30-year jumbo mortgage is 7.16%.
*Data accurate as of January 4, 2024, the latest data available.
30-year fixed mortgage rates
The average mortgage rate for 30-year fixed loans rose today to 7.21% from 7.05% last week, according to data from Curinos. This is down from last month’s 7.51% and up from a year ago when it was 5.76%.
At the current 30-year fixed rate, you’ll pay about $687 each month for every $100,000 you borrow — up from about $675 last week.
Ready to buy? Compare the best mortgage lenders
15-year fixed mortgage rates
The mortgage rates for 15-year fixed loans inched up today to 6.37% from 6.18% last week. Today’s rate is down from last month’s 6.77% and up from a year ago when it was 5.12%.
At the current 15-year fixed rate, you’ll pay about $868 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, up from about $857 last week.
30-year jumbo mortgage rates
The mortgage rates for 30-year jumbo loans rose today to 7.16% from 7.09% last week. This is down from last month’s 7.55% and up from 5.53% last year.
At the current 30-year jumbo rate, you’ll pay around $681 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, up from about $676 last week.
Methodology
To determine average mortgage rates, Curinos uses a standardized set of parameters. For conventional mortgages, the calculations are based on an owner-occupied, one-unit property with a loan amount of $350,000. For jumbo mortgages, the loan amount is $750,000. These calculations assume an 80% loan-to-value ratio, a credit score of 740 or higher and a 60-day lock period.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of factors, including the overall economy, inflation and the actions of the Federal Reserve. Mortgage lenders then set their loan rates based on these economic elements.
The rate you’re offered on a mortgage will also depend not only on the lender but also on your credit score, income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and other parts of your financial profile.
If you opt for a rate lock, you can typically do so for 30 to 60 days, depending on the lender. In some cases, you might be able to lock in your rate for up to 120 days.
Keep in mind that while some lenders allow you to lock in a mortgage rate for free, you’ll likely have to pay a fee for a longer lock period. This fee generally ranges from 0.25% to 0.5% of your loan amount. You could also be charged a fee if you want to extend the lock period — usually 0.375% of the loan amount.
There are several strategies that could help you qualify for the best mortgage rate, such as:
Checking your credit: When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will review your credit to determine your creditworthiness as well as your interest rate. In general, the higher your credit score, the lower your rate will be. So before you apply, it’s a good idea to check your credit to see where you stand. If you find any errors in your credit report, dispute them with the appropriate credit bureau to potentially boost your score.
Comparing lenders: Taking the time to shop around and compare your options from as many lenders as possible can help you find the best deal. In addition to rates, make sure to also consider each lender’s terms, fees and eligibility requirements.
Improving your credit score: If you have less-than-perfect credit and can wait to apply for a mortgage, it could be worth working to improve your credit beforehand to qualify for better rates in the future. Some possible ways to boost your credit include paying all of your bills on time and aiming to keep your credit utilization (the amount of credit you’ve used compared to your credit limits) on credit cards and lines of credit at 30% or less.
Reducing debt: Paying down debt could help lower your DTI ratio, which is how much you owe in monthly debt payments compared to your income. Having a lower DTI ratio can make you look like less of a risk in the eyes of a lender, which can result in a lower rate.
Choosing a shorter repayment term: Lenders typically offer lower rates to borrowers who opt for shorter terms. For example, you’ll likely get a lower rate on a 15-year mortgage compared to a 30-year loan.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
Jamie Young is Lead Editor of loans and mortgages at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has been writing and editing professionally for 12 years. Previously, she worked for Forbes Advisor, Credible, LendingTree, Student Loan Hero, and GOBankingRates. Her work has also appeared on some of the best-known media outlets including Yahoo, Fox Business, Time, CBS News, AOL, MSN, and more. Jamie is passionate about finance, technology, and the Oxford comma. In her free time, she likes to game, play with her two crazy cats (Detective Snoop and his girl Friday), and try to keep up with her ever-growing plant collection.
Megan Horner is editorial director at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has over 10 years of experience in online publishing, mostly focused on credit cards and banking. Previously, she was the head of publishing at Finder.com where she led the team to publish personal finance content on credit cards, banking, loans, mortgages and more. Prior to that, she was an editor at Credit Karma. Megan has been featured in CreditCards.com, American Banker, Lifehacker and news broadcasts across the country. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and editing.
Ashley is a USA TODAY Blueprint loans and mortgages deputy editor who has worked in the online finance space since 2017. She’s passionate about creating helpful content that makes complicated financial topics easy to understand. She has previously worked at Forbes Advisor, Credible, LendingTree and and Student Loan Hero. Her work has appeared on Fox Business and Yahoo. Ashley is also an artist and massive horror fan who had her short story “The Box” produced by the award-winning NoSleep Podcast. In her free time, you can find her drawing, scaring herself with spooky stories, playing video games and chasing her black cat Salem.
We’re all aware that there are vast differences in what’s considered normal around the world, and most of us have even noticed that there are differences in normal between families, small towns, different schools, etc. But have you ever found yourself in the midst of your own country or even your family and wondered How is that just normal? Well, we’re with you. Whether it’s something as seemingly inconsequential as a particular gesture, or more dramatic such as customs surrounding celebrations, it’s pretty common to feel like the odd one out a some point. So stick with us; we’re examining some of the things people find normal that we just can’t get used to.
1. Spitting Loogies
One user shared, “Spitting, especially loogies. I literally almost throw up when I see someone doing it.”
Ok, we’re with you on that one. We know everybody has their own preferences and we’re not here to stop you, but spitting really just baffles us.
2. Holding a Bag of Dog Waste
One Redditor user said, “On colder days when my dad walks the dog, he’ll sometimes hold the dog [waste] bag in his hands to warm his hands.”
Another user commented, “This is deeply disturbing.”
Fortunately, it seems only that commenter’s dad thinks this is normal. Frankly, we’ve never heard of anyone else doing this and we don’t plan to make it any more widespread than it already is. That’s just uncomfortable and gross.
3. Writing With Chalk
“Perhaps not gross, but I am repulsed by holding chalk and writing on a chalkboard. The touch, the feel, the sound, everything,” posted by one Redditor.
Another user shared, “We just got new dishes a couple of months back and the bottom is the raw clay feeling. That terrible gritty sandpaper-like texture. I can hardly use the plates without shivering and getting weirded out.”
There are a lot of odd textures out there, and while they don’t bother a lot of people, when they do bother you it’s almost impossible to forget about.
4. Parents Monetizing Kids on YouTube
One user pointed out, “People monetizing their kids on YouTube.”
Another user replied, “This should be a top comment.”
To be fair, that’s definitely a gray area. But we definitely feel a lot of sympathy for those kids, having to grow up in the spotlight, and sometimes in really vulnerable and uncomfortable ways. We’ll say this much for sure: people’s kids should never have to be publicly uncomfortable just to help their parents make a buck. Providing for the family is the job of an adult, and kids aren’t responsible to help with expenses by performing.
5 When Someone Else Washes My Dishes
One user stated, “When someone else ‘washes’ my dishes for me and I drink from a ‘clean’ glass, and it smells of rotting food and I look at my sponge and it’s covered in food because someone thought that smearing food around my dishes with a sponge somehow made them clean you’re all fired I never want to see you again.”
Sanitation is no joke when you’re washing the dishes. Sponges are great, but you’ve got to keep them clean in order to really clean the dishes you’re washing. And if you’re washing dishes in somebody else’s home to show them you care, go the extra mile and make sure you wash the dishes they way that they like them washed.
6. Wearing Big Engagement Rings Without Cleaning Them
“Wearing those big-a- engagement rings and never properly cleaning them. Especially in a hospital, nobody should be wearing anything below the elbow for good hand hygiene. I can’t imagine how many germs live between all those diamonds that are now spreading to my patients. Just take it all off, leave them at home!” one online user stated.
Another user confirmed and replied, “Omg, so many patients just leave their rings on for years, and then the stones are filled with lotion, dead skin, and grease.”
Besides the important sanitary concerns, did you know your ring will sparkle so much more if you clean it regularly? Most jewelers will offer free cleanings for any rings or jewelry you’ve purchased through them, and otherwise the price is very low, often as cheap as five dollars to get your whole ring polished and looking good as new again.
7 the Sound of Chewing
One user posted, “The sound of people chewing,”
Another user responded, “Ugh, eating with mouth open …”
Honestly, that’s just good manners. There’s definitely an etiquette to chewing. If you’re alone in the privacy of your own home, then be considerate of anyone else around you while you’re eating.
8. Children With Snotty Faces
“Children with food on their face. And snot,” one user shared.
Another user stated, “As a parent, we find it gross too. We’re just tired of cleaning it 900 times a day.”
9. When Clothes Smell Musty
One Redditor posted, “Maybe not ‘normal’ but I am repulsed by the smell created by clothing not correctly drying. The scent is on clothing that sat in the washer machine too long. Or dish towels and bathroom towels that dried without being spread out. I smell it on people from down the aisle in stores. And don’t get me started on drying my hands in someone’s bathroom and finding out the smell is lingering on my hands now.”
Granted, some people have this harder for others. For example, the southwest United States is much less humid than other parts of the country, and that makes drying clothes and towels much faster and easier. In other locations, it’s more challenging to get clothes and linens completely dry and it takes some effort not to smell musty.
10. Constantly Spitting
One user said, “Spitting. I feel physically ill when I witness someone hawking and spitting in public or see spit sitting on the pavement.”
Another user added, “My friend is always doing this. I’m less disgusted than I am confused. I’ve never felt the need to spit spontaneously, lol.”
While we’re here, could somebody tell us why they spit all the time? Is there a good reason for this? From the outside it seems like a pretty unnecessary habit, so please enlighten us.
11. Licking Fingers to Turn a Page
“Licking their fingers to turn a page. Turns my stomach!” one Redditor shared.
Another user added, “Or counting money. F- filthy.”
Ok, fair enough.. If you need to lick your fingers for any reason, please wash your hands afterwards. Keep the germs from spreading and be considerate of others.
12. Not Washing Hands Before a Meal
One Commenter mentioned, “Not washing hands before a meal. You have been in filth, and you are going to touch your food with those hands? Yuk.”
Another replied, “Also, not washing your hands when cooking food. I can’t understand how people just start cooking food for other people without doing it.”
13. Not Rinsing the Soap Suds off Dishes
One user added, “Washing dishes in a tub of soapy water and not rinsing off the soap suds. Or not scrubbing the outsides of pots and pans as well. Makes me want to vomit. I’d rather not taste stale soap and bacteria in my cup of tea or food, thanks. I can always tell as well.“
Soap always leaves a residue, and yea, most of us can taste it. It’s such a strong flavor and it adds an unpleasant taste to anything you eat or drink from that dish. It seems Washing dishes is more of an art than maybe we first thought.
14. Coughing Without Covering
“Spitting, coughing without covering your mouth. I have multiple sclerosis. Get sick really easily,” one user added.
Another user agreed, “I work in a hospital. I still wear a mask the entire work day. I’ve been asked “why” over & over, told that I don’t have to do that anymore, so-called a sheep, & various other comments. My job is directly in patient’s bubbles. The mask does prevent being a direct hit from bodily fluids, helps with the unpleasant outdoors, & hides my facial expressions from exposure to those things.”
Ok, that’s a pretty fair assessment. If you’re working with people’s bodies and fluids, it only makes sense to be as protected as you can.
15. Not Washing Your Hands After Going to the Bathroom
A user commented, “Not washing your hands after going to the bathroom. Nasty.”
Another user shared, “I would hope everyone finds this nasty …”
What can we say; there’s a reason stores and restaurants have signs reminding employees to wash their hands. It’s both less common than we could wish, and much more gross than some people seem to think.
16. Employers Paying New Hires More Than Current Employees
One user stated, “Employers paying new hires more than tenured employees. Having drastically different pay rates for people with similar credentials doing the same job.”
Another user added, “Not entirely the same, but my first job was at a McDonald’s. I was making, I think, like, 5.45 an hour? One of my friends at the time got hired on at 6/hr. I approached the manager about it, and he said, ‘It was a mistake, but I can’t increase your pay or decrease theirs. Also, who told you about it?’ He made clear in his tone he intended to punish the person that told me, and I didn’t say s-.”
17 Wearing Sneakers Without Socks
“Wearing sneakers without socks. Ugh! The sweat stinks,” one user shared.
Another user replied, “Agreed. But Most of the time you see that; they’re probably just wearing no-shows.”
We agree with both commenters; most of the time people are wearing no-show socks. And if they’re not wearing socks at all, that’s about to smell terrible. Even shoes you’ve only worn with socks tend to smell terrible after a while. But if you really have make that fashion choice, rest assured there are plenty of stinky-shoe remedies online to rescue you.
18. Childbirth
One Redditor stated, “Childbirth. We’re all here because of it, and it’s currently my day job to catch a baby or two per day, but [holy cow] is it like watching a woman’s [body] go through Vietnam each time.”
One user added, “Time for a game of ‘child-snatcher or midwife?’”
It’s true that watching childbirth can be an uncomfortable process, but birth is truly a normal part of life. Like the commenter said, without birth none of us would be here, so we have our mothers to thank for going through all that struggle for us.
19. Kissing Pets on the Mouth
“Kissing pets in their mouth,” shared one user.
Another user posted, “What everyone’s dad didn’t say, ‘I just saw that dog eating s- outside,’ every time this happens … “
No offense to the pet parents out there, but there’s definitely a lot of germs not only in cats’ and dogs’ mouths, but in human mouths. And transferring that many germs between humans and animals has never been a great idea. We get that it’s normal and a lot of people connect with their pets and show affection that way, but maybe consider some other manner of pet cuddling than kissing them.
20. Smacking Gum
Another commenter shared, “Smacking gum. I hate it. And loud chewing/swallowing noises.”
Chewing gum seems to be one of those things people either love or hate; there’s no middle ground. But we totally understand how it can be annoying for those who are highly sensitive, especially to noise.
What do you think of the list shared above? Share your thoughts with us down in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors’ opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy.
Today’s 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 7.15% while a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.30%. Rates on 30-year jumbo mortgages are 7.14%.
*Data accurate as of December 26, 2023, the latest data available.
30-year fixed mortgage rates
According to data from Curinos, mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed-rate loan sit at 7.15%. This means they’ve risen from 7.09% last week. Last month, rates were at 7.69%, putting today’s rates lower and up from 5.97% last year.
The 30-year fixed-rate average today is 1.98 percentage points below the 52-week high of 9.13% and 1.27 percentage points higher than the 52-week low of 5.88%.
At the current 30-year fixed rate, you’ll pay about $680 each month for every $100,000 you borrow — up from around $678 last week.
Ready to buy? Compare the best mortgage lenders
15-year fixed mortgage rates
The mortgage rates for 15-year fixed loans inched up today to 6.30% from 6.25% last week. Today’s rate is down from last month’s 6.97% and up from a year ago when it was 5.38%.
At the current 15-year fixed rate, you’ll pay about $863 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, up from about $861 last week.
30-year jumbo mortgage rates
The mortgage rates for 30-year jumbo loans fell today to 7.14% from 7.16% last week. This is down from last month’s 7.77% and up from 5.74% last year.
At the current 30-year jumbo rate, you’ll pay around $679 each month for every $100,000 you borrow, down from about $681 last week.
Methodology
To determine average mortgage rates, Curinos uses a standardized set of parameters. For conventional mortgages, the calculations are based on an owner-occupied, one-unit property with a loan amount of $350,000. For jumbo mortgages, the loan amount is $750,000. These calculations assume an 80% loan-to-value ratio, a credit score of 740 or higher and a 60-day lock period.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you opt for a rate lock, you can typically do so for 30 to 60 days, depending on the lender. In some cases, you might be able to lock in your rate for up to 120 days.
Keep in mind that while some lenders allow you to lock in a mortgage rate for free, you’ll likely have to pay a fee for a longer lock period. This fee generally ranges from 0.25% to 0.5% of your loan amount. You could also be charged a fee if you want to extend the lock period — usually 0.375% of the loan amount.
If you’re not planning on keeping a home for a long time, an ARM could be the better option — especially if fixed-rate loans have much higher rates at the time. This is because ARMs tend to have lower rates to start than fixed-rate mortgages, though your rate can increase over time.
While a fixed-rate loan will have the same rate throughout the entire term, an ARM will start with a fixed rate for a set amount of time and then switch to a variable rate that can change for the remainder of your loan term. For example, a 5/1 ARM will have a fixed rate for five years (the “5” in 5/1), then switch to a variable rate that can change once a year (the “1” in 5/1).
Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of factors, including the overall economy, inflation and the actions of the Federal Reserve. Mortgage lenders then set their loan rates based on these economic elements.
The rate you’re offered on a mortgage will also depend not only on the lender but also on your credit score, income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and other parts of your financial profile.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
Jamie Young is Lead Editor of loans and mortgages at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has been writing and editing professionally for 12 years. Previously, she worked for Forbes Advisor, Credible, LendingTree, Student Loan Hero, and GOBankingRates. Her work has also appeared on some of the best-known media outlets including Yahoo, Fox Business, Time, CBS News, AOL, MSN, and more. Jamie is passionate about finance, technology, and the Oxford comma. In her free time, she likes to game, play with her two crazy cats (Detective Snoop and his girl Friday), and try to keep up with her ever-growing plant collection.
Megan Horner is editorial director at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has over 10 years of experience in online publishing, mostly focused on credit cards and banking. Previously, she was the head of publishing at Finder.com where she led the team to publish personal finance content on credit cards, banking, loans, mortgages and more. Prior to that, she was an editor at Credit Karma. Megan has been featured in CreditCards.com, American Banker, Lifehacker and news broadcasts across the country. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and editing.
Ashley is a USA TODAY Blueprint loans and mortgages deputy editor who has worked in the online finance space since 2017. She’s passionate about creating helpful content that makes complicated financial topics easy to understand. She has previously worked at Forbes Advisor, Credible, LendingTree and and Student Loan Hero. Her work has appeared on Fox Business and Yahoo. Ashley is also an artist and massive horror fan who had her short story “The Box” produced by the award-winning NoSleep Podcast. In her free time, you can find her drawing, scaring herself with spooky stories, playing video games and chasing her black cat Salem.
Colorado Springs is a charming mountain city with access to some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Front Range. Home to Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy and the Olympic Training Center, this growing burg is brimming with culture and amenities.
With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Colorado is an understandably desirable place to live and has seen steady growth in population for years. Despite the influx of new residents, Colorado Springs still maintains the welcoming vibe of a small town and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the Centennial State. But does its small-town charm translate to small-town prices?
Right now, the cost of living in Colorado Springs is 3.4 percent above the national average. This number continues to grow. Compared with the nearby city of Denver, housing prices in Colorado Springs are currently 32.1 percent lower than the Mile High City.
Explore the costs of living in Colorado Springs, from housing to food and healthcare, and discover if a move to the Front Range is right for you.
Housing costs in Colorado Springs
The housing market in Colorado Springs is competitive and fast-paced, but renters are in luck.
The average price of a one-bedroom in Colorado Springs is currently $1,024 per month, a decrease of 24.6 percent from the previous year. Of course, this number is dependent mainly on the neighborhood.
Among the most expensive neighborhoods are Kissing Camels, Norwood and Wagon Trails. The average cost-per-month of a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,548 to $1,723.
Areas that price out closer to the city’s average are East Colorado Springs, Garden Ranch and Ivywild, with the average cost of a one-bedroom falling between $1,000 and $1,068 per month in these areas.
If you’re looking for a centrally located home close to downtown, you’ll find the most affordable apartments in Stratton Meadows, where a one-bedroom averages $887 per month, or Shooks Run at $846 per month.
Currently, the median sale price for a home in Colorado Springs is $377,643. As of May 2021, home prices are up 21.6 percent since last year, according to Redfin. The local housing market is highly competitive, meaning that most homes receive multiple offers. Homes are also selling for about 4 percent more than the list price, on average.
Food costs in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs boasts a wide array of international cuisine — from authentic Mexican and Indian to German and British fare. There’s an abundance of culinary opportunities with dining options ranging from casual family dining to luxurious special-occasion restaurants.
Outdoor dining is another popular choice here; between the city’s breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the famously sunny weather, there’s no shortage of patio seating.
Groceries in Colorado Springs will cost you around 3.4 percent less than the national average. You can expect to pay $3.57 for a loaf of bread, $1.27 for a dozen eggs and $4.33 for ground beef.
Locals often hunt for bargains and ultra-fresh produce at one of the many farmer’s markets in the city.
Utility costs in Colorado Springs
Colorado has some of the best skiing in the world, but all that snow means your heating bill will see a jump in the winter.
Overall, the utility costs in Colorado Springs are just 0.9 percent below the national average. You can expect your total energy cost to come in around $165.12 per month.
Transportation costs in Colorado Springs
Traffic in Colorado Springs is surprisingly uncongested for a city of its size.
Commuters spend an average of four extra minutes per 30 minutes of commute-time during the morning rush hour and seven more minutes in the evening, with an average commute of around 22 minutes.
Heavy congestion on major roads is rare, and many members of the community choose to drive. You can expect to pay $2.41 for a gallon of regular unleaded at the pump.
Downtown Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City employ parking meters, with the parking charge per hour starting at $1.25 closest to the city center. Meters on the periphery of downtown will cost you $0.75 per hour. City-operated garages downtown charge a daily maximum of $9 or $70 per month. Parking outside of the city center is typically free.
Colorado Springs public transportation
Those who prefer public transit can take the Mountain Metro Transit, the city’s bus system, with a comprehensive route traversing most of the town. The basic cash fare for adults is $1.75, while youths, seniors and Medicaid or disabled folks will pay $0.85. Transfers are free and issued upon request with paid fare and are good for 2 hours or three rides on one-way trips.
Discount Metro tickets can also be purchased. Unlimited ride Day Passes coming in at $4 and unlimited 31-Day Tickets at $63. The city’s transit score is 20.
Colorado Springs has a bike score of 46 and a walk score of 37, with miles of paved bike paths inside and around the city for recreational cycling and walking. The mostly-paved Pikes Peak Greenway runs through the center of town, connecting to the Santa Fe Trail in the north and the Fountain Creek Regional Trail in the south. Other inner-city bike paths include the Cottonwood Creek Trail, Shooks Run Trail and the Midland Trail. Interactive bike maps make planning your commute or joyride a breeze.
Overall, the cost of living for transportation in the city is 9 percent above the national average.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has been a destination for health-seekers since its early days as a haven for tuberculosis patients. Many doctors in the 19th century believed that high altitude and sunshine were a cure for TB. Coincidentally, the influx of wealthy TB patients to the then-resort town of Colorado Springs was instrumental in putting the small city on the map.
Today, Colorado Springs is home to the award-winning UCHealth Memorial Hospital and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. Kids can receive high-quality care at the new Children’s Hospital Colorado Springs location.
Calculating average healthcare costs is difficult because these costs vary widely depending on each person’s health situation. The local healthcare costs are 4.6 percent higher than the national average.
A regular doctor’s visit might cost an average of $126.71, while a trip to the dentist will cost $105.77 on average. Prescription drugs, without insurance, cost an average of $471.44, and a bottle of ibuprofen will cost around $9.03.
Goods and services costs in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs boasts a wide selection of fitness facilities and opportunities, whether you’re a CrossFit aficionado or more of a Pilates person. Yoga enthusiasts can expect to pay a little more than $15 per class.
If you want to save a few bucks and still be healthy, check out the nearby hiking trails. Colorado Springs boasts several open spaces within the city limits, many of which contain trail systems for easy access hiking.
Garden of the Gods, located on the west side of town, is an iconic landmark and recreation hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Admission is free for this city-owned National Natural Landmark.
If you’re a pet owner, you can expect to pay an average of $56.54 per routine vet visit. Pet licensing —required for all dogs and cats over the age of 4 months — can cost anywhere from $10 to $75 depending on a variety of factors.
Overall, the cost of goods and services in Colorado Springs is about 3 percent more than the national average.
Taxes in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs resides entirely within El Paso County. The Colorado sales tax rate is currently 2.9 percent, while the El Paso County sales tax is 1.23 percent.
Colorado Springs recently reduced its sales tax to 3.07 percent. Therefore, the minimum combined sales tax for Colorado Springs is now 8.2 percent. So, when you spend $100 at the Promenade Shops at Briargate, for example, you’ll pay $8.20 in sales tax.
Colorado does not tax most groceries.
How much do you need to earn to live in Colorado Springs?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,024.
Most financial advisors recommend spending no more than 30 percent of your annual income on rent. This means you would need to earn around $40,960 per year to comfortably afford a one-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs.
To give these numbers some context, the median household income in Colorado Springs is about $65,000 and the per capita median income is around $34,000.
Use our rent calculator to quickly discover how much you can afford to spend on rent with your current salary.
Living in Colorado Springs
Recently ranked fourth Best Place to Live by U.S. News & World Report, Colorado Springs is a mountain oasis. Gorgeous weather and miles of surrounding natural beauty make this city a unique treasure in the heart of the American West.
With a growing economy and an increasing demand for tech-talent labor, there’s never been a better time to relocate. Find your ideal Colorado Springs apartment to rent today.
Cost of living information comes from The Council for Community and Economic Research.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments in April 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Each of us has wondered whether the grass is greener on the other side from time to time, but married people and parents of young kiddos especially seem to struggle. So it’s important to ask: is youth and singleness all it’s cracked up to be, or will the challenge of fighting for your marriage and parenting young children be the investment that really pays off?
Single life has its ups and downs—moments of joy, raw happiness, intense loneliness, sadness and everything in between. But it’s ultimately up to us as individuals to find contentment with our circumstances or strive for bigger and better things. Below are 15 stories from other single people about what real singleness looks like without attachment, and whether it’s happier over all.
1. I’d Like Someone to Share Things With
One benefit of marriage that the married ones often forget about is companionship. Sure, the other elements of marriage are good and necessary, but there’s something deeply special about coming home from a really hard day at work and having somebody you can talk to about it. Or coming home after getting a promotion and having someone special to share it with—without having to search your contacts for whom you’ll text first. Is that camaraderie worth trading for the freedom to do what you want, when you want, without coordinating with anyone else? Well, maybe.
One user shared, “30M if it’s relevant. It’d be nice to find someone to share stuff with, and all that … but being solo and only having myself in my own way when it comes to doing things is great. I haven’t dated anyone in about five years. The prospect of trying to find someone I can tolerate, that also wants what I want (being childfree is a b-) feels impossible. I also don’t know if I even have the capacity to care anymore. I’m socially inept [as heck], so I’ve only really tried the online route. Until I finally decide to give a s-, I have my two cats that can bug me all they like.”
Another user added, “I’m the exact same age, haven’t dated since I was like 26 and love my cat, he’s my dude! Also, I don’t want kids, not because I hate them or anything; I just don’t think it’s for me. I don’t get the whole peopling thing either. Just realized I have liked travelling for the past couple of years, so I started being an OTR trucker. It’s pretty cool for guys like us if you ask me. I drove through the Grand Canyon the utter day, and it was f- beautiful, my guy.”
2 I’m Just a Very Touch-Oriented Person
Pets, throw blankets and soft pillows are the hugs of the home-alone world. Now don’t misunderstand us; there’s something really super special about cuddling with your pets. (Imagine all that understanding and love without any of the backtalk or arguments!) But being touch-starved is a real thing. Whether everyone is willing to trade in their singleness for someone to come home to, and to hug just depends on the person though.
One Redditor posted, “Nope. It’s not the relationship factor. I’m just a very touch-oriented person. Not being able to touch someone just hurts. I want to touch someone, but I want them actually to like me.”
One user replied, “Oh my god, it’s the touch, for sure. It’s so unbelievably easy to go literal months without being touched by a human being. I’m so touch-starved, but there’s no outlet for it in society anywhere except relationships.”
3. We Expected a Fairytale
One reason so many people are shy of commitment to another individual for the rest of their lives is that they’ve grown up on the fairytales with the magical endings, and then they’ve been sucker-punched by the reality of struggling marriages, and the hard work that relationships require. It’s enough to make anyone shy of marriage. It’s true: marriages take a lot of effort and forgiveness. There’s a lot of joy to be found in loving and sacrificing for another person, but it’s not going to be a walk in the park, and you have to know that before you choose it.
“Yeah, we all pictured a Disney movie and then had to deal with reality. Very tired of this narrative with a House, a Spouse, and a couple of kids = endless happiness,” commented one user.
One user replied, “I think, in general, we struggle with the myth of ‘if I get to this state, I’ll have happiness .’ You get there, and you want something else. Happiness is a process/journey, not a destination. You can have the nicest house, the best spouse, great kids, go on great vacations, fancy cars, etc., and be f- miserable.”
4. I’m Extremely Lonely
Regardless of whether you’re hoping to get married, all of us were designed to live in some sort of community, with some sort of friendship around us. And sometimes, that’s really hard to find outside of family.
One user shared, “No, I’m extremely lonely.”
One user stated, “Thank you for saying what most of us think. I have my parents as a support system, but if I didn’t have them, I would literally be on the street, mostly by choice but also to better survive financially. I’ve been in a relationship most of my adult life, and even though I was the codependent one, I always had things put together and looking back, I don’t even know how I did it. I am finally setting boundaries and knowing my worth, and I’ve never felt so lonely. Then I try to put myself out there, and guys love my personality but don’t find me physically attractive, and I’m just throwing my hands up like apparently I can’t f- play this game anymore.”
5 Not a Fan of the “Single and Happy” Mantra Anymore
Ultimately, the reality is that happiness isn’t tied to marriage or singleness. Your happiness is tied to you. Your mental health, your ability to choose what brings you joy, and your ability to find joy or contentment even when things don’t work out well for you are the real factors that will determine your satisfaction with life, regardless of whether you marry or not.
One Redditor posted, “I’m not really a fan anymore of the whole ‘single and happy’ mantra, like being single is just a state of being, happiness isn’t tied to happy with it. Like you can be in a relationship and be miserable, too, you know what I mean?
“For someone who’s never been in a relationship? Am I single and happy? No. Am I single and miserable? No. I’m just single. It’s just the state I’m in.”
However, one user responded, “That’s why it’s called single AND happy. The conjunction ‘and’ allows one to describe two states of being.”
6. I’m Not Good at Spotting Red Flags in People
Marriage is a serious step, and your spouse isn’t someone you want to be mistaken about later on. If you’re not able to find somebody who loves, respects and enjoys you, then yeah, the goal of marriage should probably take a back seat for a while.
“Most of the relationships I’ve had, I’ve either been cheated on, abused, or both. I’ve had partners who take endlessly and never give. My last relationship was really terrible, and he mistreated me horribly. I have accepted that I’m just not good at spotting red flags in people, and I guess I’m not a great judge of character, so for my own safety and sanity, I need to be alone. Being alone is better than being with someone who actively chooses to mistreat you and doesn’t view you as a partner but rather a domestic servant.
“I wish my life would have turned out differently because I’d like to know what it feels like to be loved. But it’s not in the cards for me. Other than that, I try to be as happy as I can. I have a lot of hobbies and don’t often get bored or lonely. I’m certainly happier not being abused,” shared one Redditor.
7. Don’t Want to Change Who I Am Anymore
An online user said, “I could have written this. I worked on my codependent tendencies, but I don’t want to change who I am anymore. I like that I’m easygoing and kind. But I realized that most people are not, and I end up being taken advantage of endlessly, so I decided it’s better to be alone.
“In answer to the question, I AM happy. It’s not because I’m single or despite it. I have been happy in relationships and out of them. Happiness is more about being at peace with yourself, aligning with your values, and having a purpose. I have all those things with or without a partner. Looking for one felt like an exercise in futility, so I stopped and just started living my life. And I love it.”
8. Sometimes Happy, Many Times Lonely
Whether you’re touch oriented, want somebody to talk to, or just wish there were somebody to come home to, another person present in the house—marriage can be hugely satisfying. Loneliness is nearing epidemic proportions in the US these days, and it’s an ache that never fully goes away without a strong community of family or friends around you. To be fair, there are lonely marriages as well, and many people with happy marriages and strong family and friend relationships feel lonely from time to time. But the feelings are likely to be less pervasive with a spouse or even roommates in your life.
One user commented, “Sometimes happy, many times lonely.”
9. Would Rather Want Something I’ll Never Have Than Have Something I Never Wanted
“My grandma used to say ‘I would rather go through life wanting something that I could never have rather than having something I never wanted.’
“We have the most significant single population that we have ever had. At least, we live in a time when we have a choice. Many of the women in my family were almost guilted into marriage,” one user added.
10. I’m Solely Responsible for Everything
One user shared, “No, the way I see it, even if you ignore the mental health aspects of isolation, it’s made my life MUCH harder. I’m solely responsible for paying for and doing everything on my own. I have no feedback from others on any of the decisions I made. Pretty much no one knows where I am or what I’m doing. My life feels sort of meaningless and without connection as a result. I’d say it’s about as damaging to my overall quality of life as being broke and unemployed, and it’s made me much lazier and more pessimistic as a person as a result.”
11. Trying to Be Happy on My Own
One user said, “I’m trying to be happy alone. However, there are a few things I know for sure:
“Humans are wired for connection (romantic and platonic). Successful mating is the single biggest biological driver we have. Our society generally reinforces the idea that we need a partner to be whole and happy.
“I have accepted that I will never be the happiest version of myself without the right long-term romantic relationship. However, I’m still pretty happy being single. I’m glad I can say so, as this has prevented me from marrying the wrong person several times.
“I’d much rather be single and a little lonely than coupled up with someone that I’m not madly in love with.”
12. Become a Cat Dad
Another user posted, “I’ve become a cat dad. The relationships I’ve tried can’t handle my work schedule for one reason or another. I’d love for a companion, but video games keep me happy enough.”
As much as we value human connection, it’s important to have good boundaries with unhealthy people, and to fill those needs for connection in ways that nurture you. For example, with cats.
13. I Have Good and Bad Days
One Redditor added, “I would say I have good and bad days. I’m a 30-year-old, single woman who hasn’t dated anyone in over 9 years. I have wanted to, but it never seems to work out. The times I have shown interest in someone, it wasn’t mutual and vice versa. I would love to get married and have kids one day, but in the dating culture of today, it seems harder and harder to believe it can happen.”
14. Not Comfortable Settling Down
“I’m more comfortable in my off-and-on relationships rather than settling down yk, but my social anxiety keeps me from seeking out new relationships, so idk. It certainly is less stressful, as some people might say, because you don’t have to worry about keeping tabs on another person, or trying to focus on their happiness as well as your own. But sometimes loneliness seems overwhelming, but there are other things you can do to overcome it rather than thinking that happiness can only come from relationships,” stated one user.
15. I Am Responsible for My Own Happiness
One user shared his brightness and posted, “Yes. I am responsible for my happiness whether it be with or without a partner.”
It’s true: ultimately, even the glow of a new romantic relationship will wear off, and you’ll get into fights with the spouse you love more than anyone else in the world. So whether you’re married or single, perfectly content or wishing things were different, remember that joy get to choose how you react to your own situation, and you can make the best of it wherever your path lies.
What do you think of the statements listed above? Share your thoughts down in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
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Combined into a series of federal, state and local laws, your specific renter’s rights get dictated by where you live. They’re in place to prevent things like housing discrimination and rent gouging. These basic rights ensure you have a safe, clean place to live as well as detailed courses of action when things are going wrong.
Landlord-tenant law helps you live peacefully in your rental. Do you know your tenant’s rights?
Fair housing
Before even taking a tour of a potential apartment, it’s your right to have fair access to housing. This means your rental application will not get rejected based on:
Race
Color
Religion
Age
Sex
National origin
Family status
Mental or physical disabilities
Your renter’s rights in this case receive protection at the federal level by the Fair Housing Act. State and local laws may reinforce the Fair Housing Act and even add more categories to this list to ensure everyone has equal access to apply for housing.
Not only can your rental application not get refused based on these factors, but, if you have a disability, landlord-tenant law requires they make reasonable accommodations for you to access the apartment. This could mean installing ramps or making a unit on a lower floor available.
Legal documentation
Another piece to your renter’s rights is the lease. It’s the responsibility of the property manager to give you a legal rental contract to sign that abides by all laws.
In addition to specifics about the property, and breakdowns for processes like requesting repairs, using common areas and more, a lease must clearly indicate the leasing period and your monthly rent. It should also have your name, and any roommates, on the document.
The lease should also include a series of general disclosures. The law requires these, although it varies by state which specific ones must get listed. A few common disclosures you may see in your lease if they’re applicable to the rental unit, include:
Notice of mold
Lead-based paint disclosure
Notice of sex offenders, recent deaths and any potential health or safety hazards
Living space
A variety of rules govern your living space when you’re a renter. This ensures you have somewhere to live that’s actually livable. Tenants’ rights, when it comes to your actual apartment get pretty involved, so make sure you know the highlights.
Habitable housing
It’s not enough for a property manager to provide you with an apartment; the apartment must be safe for you to live in it. This means more than a lack of dangerous conditions. Your renter’s rights entitle you to a home with usable utilities, including heat, electricity and water.
This area of your renter’s rights also means you have a home that’s safe and livable in other ways. Specifics within these guidelines require an apartment to have functioning locks on doors and windows, smoke detectors and a dedicated way to escape in case of fire.
Repairs
This area of landlord-tenant law requires action on both sides. To ensure you have a habitable home, it’s up to you to report any maintenance issues using the process that’s outlined in your lease. Find out the best way to report issues like this to your landlord (such as through email or an online portal).
On the management side, their responsibility is to complete repairs in a timely manner. Your lease will define what this means, but different repairs rank higher in priority. For example, failure to repair a heater in winter can quickly lead to an uninhabitable living space for safety reasons, whereas a garbage broken disposal doesn’t create that serious of an impact.
If your property manager fails to make repairs in a timely manner, you have additional rights. Check with state and local laws about what’s within your rights.
Privacy
Although you’re only renting a home, and someone else owns it, your rights as a tenant mean a certain level of privacy. Once your rental agreement is in place, a property manager cannot come into your home without proper notice.
Notice is also required for more than just repairs. If you’re getting ready to move, and the property manager wants to start showing your unit to prospective tenants, for example, they must give you notice each time.
Security deposit refund
Each state usually handles security deposits differently as far as how much you’re required to put down. It’s normal for you to pay a security deposit though since that protects the property manager from having to pay out-of-pocket for any damages you may cause while living in your rental.
As far a payment goes, some states set caps on how much a property manager can ask for. They also can’t impose a higher deposit for your rental, when compared to other units in the building, without a specific reason, like having a pet.
It’s also within your renter’s rights to get the security deposit back, in a timely manner, if it’s not covering any damages. Most state laws set the time frame at 30 days, and you’ll not only receive your security deposit back but any interest that accrued as well.
If any of your deposit is withheld, you can ask for written documentation of the damages it’s paying for, and the property manager must comply.
Eviction
The situations where your property manager has the right to evict needs clear stating within your lease. Make sure to review them before you sign it.
Standard landlord-tenant law states that you can get evicted if you break your lease in specific ways, such as:
Failing to pay rent
Allowing prohibited animals to live with you
Having roommates that aren’t on your lease
Committing a crime on the premises
As a renter, your tenant rights enable you to address evictable issues within a specified time frame before an eviction can take place. You will receive notice of a pending eviction from your property manager. If you fail to fix the issue, they can then file an eviction with the courts resulting in legal removal from your rental.
State-specific renter’s rights
Although you’ll find many standard regulations associated with renting if you move between states, expect additional laws everywhere you go. Since renter’s rights get regulated on both the state and local level, if you’re relocating to a different part of the country — familiarize yourself with local tenant laws.
Some unique landlord-tenant laws include:
In Hawaii, security deposits with no deductions must get returned within 14 days
A property manager must give 48 hours notice before entering your apartment in Delaware
West Virginia has no minimum notice required for a rent increase on month-to-month rentals
In North Carolina, two month’s rent is the required minimum for a security deposit on a one-year lease
A lease can get terminated once rent is only five days late in Arkansas
As you can see, some states have pretty extreme rules. Being aware of them can help you maintain a positive relationship with your property manager while also protecting your own rights as a renter.
Know your renter’s rights
No matter how great, or rocky, your relationship is with a property manager, you should always follow the law as it pertains to your situation. This not only protects you, but it ensures your property manager gets held accountable when anything isn’t up to par.
Familiarize yourself with state and local landlord-tenant laws, read your lease thoroughly before signing and do your research when faced with a potential issue. Protect yourself by knowing your tenant’s rights.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.
With more affordable housing prices than surrounding states, Nevada is attracting new residents every day. Those moving to Las Vegas have very different preferences when it comes to apartments. These are the best apartments in Las Vegas.
Photo source: Avion at Sunrise Mountain / Rent.
Right at the base of Sunrise Mountain on the northeast side of the Las Vegas metro area, Avion at Sunrise Mountain has the best view of the city you can get. Furthermore, it boasts not one, but two pools, a 24-hour fitness center and a business center.
Resident can choose from apartment plans with up to three bedrooms, with furnished units available for those that would like them.
Photo source: Trend! / Rent.
Living up to its name, Trend! is a contemporary apartment community with amenities galore—on-site dry cleaning, electric vehicle charging stations, a heated pool and water bottle and towel services are only a handful of the many.
These luxury apartments have one-, two- and three-bedroom plans to choose from and are in the mellow Silverado Ranch neighborhood.
Photo source: Tamarus Park at Heritage Square / Rent.
Tamarus Park at Heritage Square lies within walking distance of UNLV and only a few minutes away from the Strip by car. There are studio, one and two-bedroom units giving the perfect space for anyone at any stage of life, whether a student, young professional, or growing family.
The added benefits of a pool, hot tub and fitness center, not to mention on-site patrol make it a safe environment to live and relax without needing to leave the community.
Photo source: La Villa Estates / Rent.
La Villa Estates is in the coveted Summerlin neighborhood, with trendy boutiques and cafes and views of the mountains across the city.
There are one, two and three-bedroom options, along with access to a business center, hot tub, pool and even racquetball courts. Safety is a priority at La Villa Estates, with gated community access, controlled access to each building and on-site patrol.
Photo source: Wynn Palms / Rent.
On just the other side of the freeway from the Strip, you’ll find the Wynn Palms. Living here will put you within walking distance from many high-end restaurants, casinos and other entertainment options.
A business center, playground and pool come with these one-and two-bedroom apartments. There is also on-site patrol to give further privacy and protection to Wynn Palms residents.
Photo source: Maverick & Hidden Village / Rent.
Minutes away from downtown Las Vegas, Maverick & Hidden Village is comfortably settled within the Arts District and Orleans Square, putting great food and art right at your doorstep.
These one- and two- bedroom units allow for short-term rentals to accommodate any time period for which you might need an apartment. There’s also the option of renting a furnished apartment, so you only need to bring your clothes and personal items.
Photo source: 20 Fifty One / Rent.
Offering units with up to three bedrooms, 20 Fifty One is truly a family-friendly community. It includes a shared barbeque area with a children’s playground, a clubhouse for indoor gatherings and multiple safety measures put in place, including on-site patrol and controlled access to each building.
Not only does 20 Fifty One allow for up to two pets (dogs and/or cats), but it’s located near a pet park where residents can easily take their furry friends to get some fresh air and let out their energy. You will want to see this complex because it’s one of the best apartments in Las Vegas.
Photo source: Park at Spring Valley / Rent.
Park at Spring Valley is in the desirable Rancho Manor neighborhood, which is near the popular Fremont Street and connects directly to the central freeways of Las Vegas. It offers various layouts, ranging from large 3-bedroom layouts to smaller studio options.
Amenities include tennis courts and two pools, along with a private park for residents—all patrolled for safety.
Photo source: Buena Vida on Palms / Rent.
Located just outside of the main city action, Buena Vida on Palms is in a fairly quiet area, but still within close driving distance from downtown. Residents can choose layouts with one or two bedrooms and have a swimming pool and gated community access.
While Buena Vida on Palms may not have as many luxury amenities, the location paired with the price makes it a solid option for those wanting to live in a relaxed area without being too far from the city buzz.
Photo source: Summerhill Pointe / Rent.
Summerhill Point is in a convenient location right on Saraha Avenue, making it easy to get to other parts of the city when needed. It’s perfect for dog owners with its own gated dog run and no breed restrictions, so whatever type of dog you have is welcome! It’s one of the best apartments in Las Vegas.
These one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments have private patios and additional storage lockers. The property also boasts of three resort-style pools and two spas for taking it easy after a long day.
Photo source: Eagle Trace / Rent.
For those who like being in more secluded areas, Eagle Trace is as far from the city center as you can get, just outside of Nellis Air Force Base. Its one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are great for any individual or family accommodations.
Eagle Trace is a fitness fan’s paradise, with multiple swimming pools and hot tubs, along with basketball and tennis courts, all lighted for day and evening use.
Photo source: 2one5 / Rent.
2one5 apartments are luxurious and hi-tech. It offers more amenities than most apartments you’ll find, including smart home technology, a sunbathing pool, a fitness center with classes, a dog park with a washing area, electric vehicle charging stations—and the list goes on.
It offers floor plans with up to three bedrooms, all of which have high-end finishings and appliances.
Photo source: Town Villas / Rent.
Family-friendly Town Villas offers two- and three-bedroom floor plans and a safe community for residents. Gated access provides additional safety from the bustling streets of central Las Vegas.
The complex is near hiking and biking trails and a pet park. There’s also a business center for tenants to use and a playground for the younger kids to run around and have fun.
Photo source: Tiffany Place / Rent.
Offering plenty of amenities for an affordable price, Tiffany Place has tanning beds, indoor and outdoor pools, sports courts, an indoor fitness center and a car wash area.
It has one- to three-bedroom units with the option to have an additional garage with storage outside of the apartment for extra belongings.
Photo source: Sonoma Hills / Rent.
Sonoma Hills is in a fantastic location—while it’s not near the center of Las Vegas, it is close to plenty of stores and the base of the mountains and hiking trails. Its one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments have some units with extra storage space in case it’s needed.
Additional benefits are on-site patrol and a list of amenities, like tennis and basketball courts, a pool, a clubhouse and a fitness center.
Photo source: Capri / Rent.
The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments of Capri offer high-end living. Renovated interiors include a fireplace, stainless steel appliances and large closets. It also boasts a swimming pool, hot tub, tennis courts and a fitness center.
It’s close to McCarran International Airport for those with the travel bug, as well as shopping and plenty of great restaurants.
Photo source: Silver Stream / Rent.
On the edge of the quiet Spring Valley suburb, just east of the Strip is Silver Stream. Here you’ll find updated apartments with high-end stainless steel appliances, large balconies, and amenities such as a business center, pool and fitness studio.
Additionally, There are layouts containing up to three bedrooms and a patrolled parking lot, making it safe for all ages and perfect for all family sizes.
Photo source: Park Arms / Rent.
Within walking distance of the Strip and monorail, you’ll find spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at Park Arms. For such an exciting and convenient location, the price is far below the state average of $1,709—in fact, it’s less than half, starting at $720.
There’s also a pool and gated access to the complex, leaving it as a safe, relaxing community among the buzz of the Strip.
Photo source: Rosewood Park / Rent.
Rosewood Park is part of a quieter area and offers floorplans for studio, one-, two- and three-bedrooms, all of which have renovated interiors with vinyl flooring and resurfaced countertops.
Along with nearby parks, the complex contains its own basketball courts, pool, hot tub and fitness center. Plus, there’s extra storage on the property for those belongings that don’t fit into your apartment!
Photo source: The 211 / Rent.
The 211 is right at the center of all the city hustle and bustle! In one of the most convenient spots in the middle of downtown Las Vegas, it has a 24-hour gym on the property, an 800-square-foot hot tub and a rooftop patio with views of the city. Plus, you’re also getting a gated entry with controlled access to the building for extra safety.
There are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at this exciting complex to accommodate everyone, whether you’re an individual living on your own or a family.
Photo source: Montecito Pointe / Rent.
On the furthest, northwestern corner of the city lie Montecito Pointe apartments, where safety is a top priority. While it’s already in a quiet, safe area, the additional benefits of a gated access and on-site patrol makes Montecito Point one of the safest complexes you’ll find.
Furthermore, these one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments have endless amenities and perks—extra storage space, a pool, fitness center, and access to trails for hiking and biking.
Not close to downtown or many shopping areas, but it’s right off the freeway, so you can quickly hop on and get anywhere in the city.
Photo source: Wyandotte / Rent.
Nestled on the outskirts of the Strip, Wyandotte has large, newly-renovated, affordable apartments with up to 4 bedrooms. For someone interested in the night life and the Arts District, this apartment complex is perfect. Plus, you have a business center, playground and pool at the ready.
Photo source: Viridian / Rent.
Being only minutes away from the Strip, Viridian is a surprisingly affordable apartment community close to all the action and shopping of Las Vegas. With being so close to the Strip, you’ll also get to enjoy the view of the cityscape right from your living room.
Choose between anything from a studio to three-bedroom layouts and enjoy a dip in the pool after playing on one of Viridian’s sports courts—all starting at $685 per unit.
Photo source: Cooper Creek / Rent.
While Copper Creek is further from downtown, it’s in a relatively new part of Las Vegas—much quieter and more mellow. Its oversized closets, high ceilings and other high-end finishings make these luxury apartments appealing to most.
There are additional perks to these one-,two- and three-bedroom apartments, such as a resort-style pool, spa and fitness center.
Photo source: San Michele / Rent.
Settled between up-and-coming North Las Vegas and trendy Summerlin, San Michele is northwest of the downtown area. Being in a quieter area, right by an elementary school, it boasts proximity to both the boutique shops. In Summerlin, there is also exciting nightlife of downtown.
It offers newly renovated one- and two-bedroom apartment layouts with a clubhouse, pool and children’s play area.
Check out the best apartments in Las Vegas
No matter what your preferences are, there are plenty of apartment options in Las Vegas. Whether you’re after luxury living or a great location near the lights of downtown, each apartment community has a unique combination of offerings for every taste. You can find apartments for rent in Las Vegas to match your preferences.
We looked at all available multifamily rental property inventory from January to June 2021 on Rent. to determine which properties with a Las Vegas mailing address are most viewed by organic internet searches. The information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice, availability or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.