Pittsburgh holds a distinct place in the heart of America. Once the backbone of the nation’s steel industry, today it’s a center for technology, education, and healthcare. The city’s resilience and ability to reinvent itself are evident in Pittsburgh’s many thriving neighborhoods, cutting-edge universities, and well-supported arts scene.
Pittsburgh’s footprint, defined by the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, provides a scenic backdrop to a city that’s as friendly as it is hardworking.
Whether you’re a diehard sports fan, a classically trained artist, or simply someone looking for the perfect place in Pittsburgh, there’s no doubt that Steel City has something for everyone.
1. The Incline
The Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines offer a unique way to view Pittsburgh’s picturesque skyline and its river confluences. These historic funicular railways provide not just a practical mode of transportation but also a step back in time. Riding the incline is a beloved tradition for many, especially during sunset. The top stations serve as gateways to the stunning houses in the Mount Washington neighborhood, where fine dining and quaint shops await.
2. The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers, an NFL team with a nearly psychotically passionate fan base, are integral to the city’s identity. Known for their impressive six Super Bowl championships, the Steelers have a legacy of success and resilience. Game days transform the city into a sea of black and gold, as fans from all over the state gather to support their team. The camaraderie and spirit felt in the stadium or local bars during games underscore Pittsburgh’s community-oriented nature, making Steelers games an unforgettable experience for everyone lucky enough to be there.
3. The Andy Warhol Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the Pittsburgh-born pop art icon, is a must-visit. As one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world, it houses an extensive collection of Warhol’s artworks, including paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures. The museum also offers a glimpse into Warhol’s life, showcasing his personal belongings and a vast archive of documents related to his career.
4. Pittsburgh’s Tech Scene
Pittsburgh has emerged as a nucleus for technology and innovation, drawing talent and investment from around the globe. The city’s transformation from steel to silicon is propelled by world-renowned institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, which collaborate with tech giants and startups alike. This surprising tech scene has fostered developments in robotics, artificial intelligence, and health tech, contributing to Pittsburgh’s reputation as a city that looks to the future while still honoring its industrial roots.
5. Carnegie Museums
The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh encompass a collection of four museums. Each offers a world-class experience in its field, from the extensive dinosaur exhibits at the Natural History Museum to the vast art collections at the Carnegie Museum of Art. These institutions reflect the city’s commitment to education and accessibility in the arts and sciences, providing enriching experiences for visitors of all ages.
6. Primanti Bros.
A culinary icon of Pittsburgh, Primanti Bros. is a hearty creation that embodies the city’s no-nonsense attitude toward food. Originally designed to be a complete meal for truckers on the go, this sandwich stacks grilled meat, coleslaw, tomatoes, and French fries between two slices of Italian bread. Eating a Primanti Bros. sandwich is a rite of passage for visitors, offering a taste of Pittsburgh’s creativity and its history as a blue-collar town.
7. Three Rivers
The confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers is central to Pittsburgh’s identity and development. This strategic geographical feature has shaped the city’s history, from its early days as a frontier fort to its rise as an industrial powerhouse. Today, the rivers are a focal point for recreation, hosting activities like kayaking, fishing, and scenic riverboat tours. The Three Rivers also set the stage for the city’s many bridges, adding to Pittsburgh’s unique skyline and architectural beauty.
8. PNC Park
PNC Park is celebrated as one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in the United States, offering stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the park is known for its intimate setting, with the game’s action feeling closer than ever. The park’s design cleverly incorporates Pittsburgh’s history and architectural heritage. Visiting here is a home run for baseball fans and architecture aficionados alike.
9. The Cultural District
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District is a testament to the city’s thriving arts scene, with an impressive amount of theaters, galleries, and performance spaces. This area buzzes with activity, hosting Broadway shows, ballet performances, jazz concerts, and much more.
10. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is home to over 4,000 animals representing 475 species, including many endangered, the zoo is committed to conservation and animal welfare. The unique combination of a zoo and aquarium in one location allows guests to explore the wonders of both land and sea with ease in a family-friendly setting.
In a world where speed and convenience have been the siren song to consumers, there’s a movement toward buying more mindfully, sustainably, “slowly.”
You’ve heard of slow fashion. Slow food. Slow travel. And when it comes to the home, “slow decorating.”
A reaction against rooms filled with mass-produced “fast furniture,” slow decorating embraces a more deliberate approach that prioritizes a personal connection to the stuff we live with. It might mean giving new life to heirloom or found pieces. Or buying new things that have the quality to last.
The journey of creating a space is as important as the destination.
New York City designer Gideon Mendelson thinks the movement echoes the Japanese philosophy of “ikigai,” which centers around finding meaning and purpose. Applied to interiors, it’s about creating spaces that promote all-around well-being.
“To me, good design makes room for living and doing. Decorating with meaningful pieces isn’t about chasing an aesthetic, but curating spaces that resonate with authenticity and personal stories,” he says.
“It’s not just about how it looks; it’s about how you want to live.”
And you don’t have to spend a lot, he says. He framed some inexpensive yet eye-catching vintage deli signs, adding a playful element to the Hamptons dining room of a family of five.
The trend toward “slower,” more thoughtful interior design, Mendelson thinks, lies in subtleties: “The cherished heirlooms, and the intimate connection between a space and its inhabitants.”
TOSSING HAS BECOME TURNING
Fast furniture’s association with cheaper materials, excessive packaging and frequent replacement clashes with consumers’ growing interest in minimizing our lasting impact on the planet.
Now, we’re buying more mindfully, but we’re also having a lot of fun DIYing.
During the pandemic, slow assembly lines and stalled container ships meant a lot of brand-new homewares weren’t getting made or sent to market, so upcycling stuff we had or found became hobby, and often necessity.
If you could find a great credenza at a flea market or online reseller that just needed a little TLC, why not?
Not too long ago, decor trade shows would include a handful of studio labs offering reclaimed wood items and organic textiles. Today, at global fairs like Ambiente in Frankfurt, Salone in Milan and Paris’ Maison et Objet, hundreds of companies show new design made with environmental and social impact in mind. Fair trade manufacturing. Fast-growing renewables like hemp, bamboo and cork. Cushions made of soy-based foam instead of petroleum-based foam. Recycled glass and metal accessories.
Mid 20- and 30-somethings are seen as drivers of the slow design trend. TikTok and Instagram feeds are full of refinish-and-reveal videos, and modest abodes full of found treasures.
Stephen Orr, editor in chief of Better Homes & Gardens, says he’s spent the past couple of years renovating a 1760s house on Cape Cod.
“The first year was during the pandemic, so antiques and flea markets were a godsend considering all the supply chain disruptions,” he says.
“But during that process, we came to the realization that pieces with a patina of age better celebrate the house’s long history anyway.”
He also added some new, modern pieces “so it doesn’t look like we should be dressed in period Colonial Williamsburg costumes.”
SHOPPING TIPS
Furniture for sitting, sleeping and eating is where you should spend more money on quality, says Jillian Hayward Schaible of Susan Hayward Interiors.
“We encourage clients to invest in pieces like sofas/sectionals, beds, dining tables and upholstered items, because you can really feel the difference when these items are well-made,” she says.
Peter Spalding of the designer furniture sourcing platform Daniel House Club notes that imitations of Chippendale and other legacy-style pieces — think cabinets and wingback chairs, for example — were common in the ‘80s and early ’90s.
“Now, the imitations aren’t very valuable, but the originals remain highly sought after,” he says. “As you collect ‘slow furniture,’ buy the most authentic versions you can afford.”
Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design and ARCHIVE echoes the advice.
“If you’re looking for a good investment, go straight to vintage. Things that have already stood the test of time often have another 50 years left in them! Side tables, desks, even cabinets are great pieces to look for,” he says.
Mendelson mentions a pair of vintage French plaster shell sconces in his Sagaponack, New York, home. He bought them 15 years ago “and they still feel fresh and relevant today.”
“I think a desire for one-of-a-kind and bespoke is at least starting a conversation about handmade,” he says. “Quality vs quantity. Living with intention.”
STORES ON BOARD
Many retailers are getting seats on the slow train. West Elm, for instance, was early among home retailers in joining Fair Trade USA, which ensures that suppliers maintain good workplaces and wages, and support their communities.
The global reforestation project One Tree Planted gets part of every purchase from furniture brand Joybird. Herman Miller’s rePurpose program gets used furniture to nonprofit organizations. And Ikea has initiatives like moving to bio-based glue, and instituting a buy-back/re-sell program that saw 230,000 items given a new life in 2022.
For the past five years, the United Nations Refugee Agency’s MADE51 initiative has helped artisans partner with fashion and home accessories businesses worldwide to create sustainable, fairly traded goods.
—-
New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.
For more AP Lifestyles stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/lifestyle.
When people think of the most affordable neighborhoods in Chicago, they don’t always think being close to the lakefront is an option.
In Chicago, most of the pricier rent districts are those closer to the Loop. This means it’s entirely possible to find an apartment in Chicago that’s affordable, safe and close to plenty of nightlife and entertainment options for less than $2,000 a month.
Here are 10 of the most affordable neighborhoods in Chicago, depending on the type of amenities you like within your community.
Photo credit Megy Karydes
Logan Square’s identity has changed so much within the past 10 years. Once a sleepy neighborhood with a large immigrant population, this community is now teeming with young, hip Chicagoans that don’t want to pay top dollar for a home in the nearby neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown.
Logan Square is also still home to plenty of immigrant families who’ve been living in the neighborhood for years, giving it a true neighborhood feel. Rental rates here are quickly rising, but you can still get more space for your buck and be near the picturesque Logan and Kedzie boulevards.
Logan Square is serviced by Chicago’s Blue Line, giving residents easy access to all of the city’s neighborhoods. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) also services the area with a variety of bus routes, making transit a breeze. However, residents rarely need to leave the neighborhood unless they want to do so, as there are plenty of nightlife options, restaurants, shops and amenities within Logan Square.
Photo credit Megy Karydes
Just north of Logan Square and three stops away on the Blue Line is Irving Park. Much of this neighborhood’s charm lies in its beautiful homes and suburban-like setting.
Although it’s still distinctly urban, Irving Park has a much quieter feel than some adjacent areas. If you’re looking for pretty tree-lined streets, old houses and a community vibe, Irving Park is a good option to consider.
In addition to the area’s Blue Line and bus access, Irving Park offers direct access to Interstates 90 and 94, so those who need to drive to get to work will want to consider this convenient option. It’s also home to two Metra lines within Old Irving Park, making it even more convenient for those who want to live in the city sans car but not in the heart of the Loop.
Photo credit Megy Karydes
Avondale is having a moment right now. That said, while you can expect to spend more than $2,000 on rent in some parts of Avondale, you can absolutely find less pricey apartments that still make it among the cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago.
Newer businesses, including music venue/coffee bar Sleeping Village, bowling alley Avondale Bowl and newly-opened membership-based Guild Row, have welcomed those who want entertainment options without having to deal with the crowds or parking issues.
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
Like many neighborhoods throughout the city, gentrification is taking hold and causing rent to increase. Humboldt Park is no exception. You’ll know you’re in this West Side neighborhood when you pass under the large Puerto Rican flag metal sculpture or notice the large Humboldt Park swan boats in the park’s lagoon.
Today, you can hear a bunch of men congregating at the corner of the park, chatting and catching up on the day’s events while a young couple walks along the sidewalk with a stroller in tow.
Photo credit Megy Karydes
Pilsen is probably one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Chicago. Its bright and large wall murals can be found along the main streets but also within the neighborhood as single-family homes and apartment buildings use their walls as canvases.
Once a haven for artists seeking low rent and large loft spaces, the area has been slowly gentrifying. Renters have been attracted to its location, just a few miles from downtown, as well as lower rents than other parts of the city.
Pilsen also offers access to employment, entertainment and nightlife options throughout the South Loop, Little Italy, Chinatown and University Village (which is home to the University of Illinois at Chicago). It’s definitely one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Chicago near the Loop. Regardless of the influx of new residents, Pilsen is still home to a proud and rich Latino culture.
Photo credit Megy Karydes
Those looking to live on the north side of the city don’t have a ton of budget-friendly options, but Uptown is a great option for those who want to be close to neighborhoods like Lakeview, Wrigleyville and Andersonville without wanting to shell out a ton of cash.
Uptown’s locale is its main draw, as is its access to Lake Michigan and the northern areas of Lincoln Park (we mean the park, not the neighborhood of the same name).
7. New Chinatown
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
Many Chicago residents might refer to New Chinatown as basically the intersection of Argyle Street and Broadway Avenue, or “Asia on Argyle,” within the northern end of the Uptown neighborhood. Part of the Uptown community, “Argyle Street,” as the locals reference it, is home to some of the best pho and other Vietnamese cuisine in the city. Within a few blocks are dozens of Southeast Asian restaurants and businesses — mostly Vietnamese offerings, along with Chinese, Cambodian, Laotian and Thai.
On Thursday nights during the summer, Argyle Street hosts its popular Argyle Night Market, where you can sample food from local restaurants while enjoying live cultural and musical performances.
Photo courtesy of Chicago Park District
The childhood home of former First Lady Michelle Obama, South Shore offers easy access to Lake Michigan, Rainbow Beach and Stony Island Arts Bank — an art gallery, media archive, gorgeous library and community center.
Another perk is that it’s within walking distance to the South Shore Cultural Center, which includes a 65-acre park with a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, culinary center, nature center and a variety of cultural programming and classes.
Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago
If living in a really diverse neighborhood appeals to you, complete with businesses that cater to a number of ethnic groups, Albany Park might be the perfect neighborhood for you — it’s also among the cheapest neighborhoods in Chicago.
It’s not uncommon to walk along Montrose Avenue, Lawrence Avenue or Kedzie Avenue, the main streets in Albany Park, and pass restaurants selling everything from freshly-made pitas (Sanabel Bakery on Kedzie Avenue) to sweets and Middle Eastern groceries and staples (Dukan International Food Market, right off the Kedzie Brown Line stop) or serving delicious food at restaurants such as Afghan Kabob on Montrose Avenue or Noon-o-Kabab on Kedzie Avenue.
Photo credit Megy Karydes
Rogers Park is another diverse neighborhood, not unlike Albany Park. According to Choose Chicago, more than 40 languages are spoken in this area. Large apartment complexes and three-flats can be found between single-family homes, and there’s a mix of established families with transient neighbors thanks to Loyola University’s campus. It’s also among the cheapest neighborhoods on Chicago’s far north side.
Affordable Chicago neighborhoods
If you’re new to Chicago and looking for the cheapest neighborhoods, take the time to do some research and talk to those who live in the areas you’re considering. There are many ways you can do that now without knocking on doors. Social media platforms often have neighborhood group pages where you can let people know you’re considering a move to the area and would love to know what they like or don’t like about their neighborhood. You’d be surprised how honest people are when talking about their communities.
Mortgage rates barely changed this week, but experts still expect further declines in 2024.
The average rates for 30-year loans inched up to 6.62% from 6.61% a week ago, according to tracking by Freddie Mac on Thursday. Aside from this week’s minuscule rise, rates have been declining for weeks since late October, falling nearly 117 basis points from a 12-month high of 7.79% at the end of October.
Those recent declines have boosted homebuyers’ ability to purchase homes, but further affordability improvement could be curbed by a continual supply shortage, especially if lower rates bring back sidelined demand.
“While mortgage interest rates are expected to overall decline in 2024, minor fluctuations in weekly mortgage interest rates are to be expected,” Jessica Lautz, National Association of Realtors’ deputy chief economist, wrote to Yahoo Finance.
“The biggest demand is likely to come from those who had been priced out of the homebuying market. For spring, there will likely be competition among the steady share of all-cash homebuyers and first-time buyers trying to edge in,” Lautz added.
Read more: Mortgage rates decline. Is 2024 a good time to buy a house?
Rate drop improving affordability
The national median monthly mortgage payment on purchase applications fell by $62 to $2,137 in November from the month prior, according to the Purchase Application Payments Index (PAPI).
“Homebuyer affordability improved in November, with a decline in mortgage rates, providing relief to prospective homebuyers,” Edward Seiler, MBA’s associate vice president, said in a press release. “MBA expects that affordability conditions will continue to improve as mortgage rates decline, which should generate increased demand heading into the spring homebuying season.”
A decrease in PAPI — indicating stronger affordability — can be attributed to a reduction in borrowed loan amounts, a drop in mortgage rates, and an increase in incomes.
However, homebuyers’ ability to afford homes is still lower than a year ago. Mortgage applicants are paying $160 more, or 8.1% higher, each month compared to the national median mortgage 12 months ago. While rates didn’t increase substantially this week, homebuyers today are still paying 14 basis points more than 12 months ago, when the average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.48% on Jan. 5, 2023, according to Freddie Mac rates archive.
Read more: How to buy a house in 2024
Many experts are predicting further rate drops in 2024, though. As the US economy is expecting a soft landing — where inflation curbs without a national recession — rates are poised to drop to around 6% or potentially lower by the end of 2024.
“If inflation continues to show signs of improvement and the bond market remains less turbulent than during much of 2023, mortgage rates should at the very least stabilize this year, if not show sustained declines,” Jacob Channel, LendingTree’s senior economist, predicted for 2024 housing and economic market.
Affordability curbed by lack of listing
Housing experts warned that limited inventory could restrain affordability improvement achieved by declining rates. Without adequate supply, sidelined prospective buyers returning to the market could outpace the housing supply and increase competition.
“Homeowners may still be reticent to move from low interest rate mortgages, which may be in the 2.5% to 3.5% range, until they are in a situation where a life or job change occurs forcing them to reconsider their living situation,” Lautz said.
Total inventory of unsold existing homes, not including new constructions, declined 1.7% from the previous month to 1.13 million units at the end of November, according to the National Association of Realtors. This is the equivalent of 3.5 months of supply on the market, nearly 2.5 months lower than what experts believe to be a balanced and healthy market of 6 months.
For context, today’s existing home inventory levels are relatively close to the record low of 860,000 units in January 2022 compared to the record high of 4.04 million units in July 2007.
But inventory could still see a slight uptick as more sellers reach their “tipping point,” or the rate level at which homeowners are willing to sell their homes. Most homeowners — nearly 92% — have rates below 6%, Redfin says. But as rates drop to 6% or below, more owners could be open to selling. This would reverse the mortgage rate lock phenomenon that slowed the housing market in 2023 when most homeowners refrained from selling to keep their lower-than-market rates.
However, experts don’t expect a significant jump in inventory that could bring down home prices, as roughly 4 in 5 homeowners still have rates below 5%, and one-quarter have rates below 3%.
“We are not going to see a big turnaround,” Danielle Hale, Realtor’s chief economist, said on 2024’s affordability challenges during NAR’s Real Estate Forecast Summit. “But I do think we are going to see baby steps in the right direction.”
Rebecca Chen is a reporter for Yahoo Finance and previously worked as an investment tax certified public accountant (CPA).
Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more
Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Within those 77 Chicago neighborhoods are also unique communities and sometimes neighborhood personalities differ by block. Moving to a brand new city or even moving within the city can be a confusing and tedious exercise.
Before you start the apartment-hunting process, it’s smart to consider your budget and what’s important to you — access to public transportation, nature, Lake Michigan, nightlife, etc.
Luckily, there are tons of amazing neighborhoods in Chicago, no matter your cash flow. We’ve rounded up a list of the median rental rates for a one-bedroom Chicago apartment in the most expensive and least expensive Chicago neighborhoods.
The most expensive Chicago neighborhoods
Part of the reason these neighborhoods are among the most expensive to rent in Chicago is due to their proximity to major attractions, the presence of new apartment buildings offering luxury amenities and their locations within walking distance to the Loop and Lake Michigan.
5. Old Town: $2,804
Source: Adam Alexander Photography Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago
It’s entirely possible to walk cobblestone streets in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, which also includes Michael’s Church, the oldest Victorian building in the neighborhood, and one of the only buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire. Since it’s one of the few areas that wasn’t destroyed by the fire, several streets are intact and not part of the Chicago street grid built after the fire.
Today, the neighborhood is an active and vibrant community filled with boutiques and restaurants along Wells Street. Improv comedy troupe The Second City sits prominently at the corner of North and Wells. The area’s charm of historic homes, and walking distance to restaurants, nightlife, Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan, among other reasons, help drive up the rental rates where one can expect to pay about $2,804 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
If those rent prices aren’t within your budget, don’t sweat it — there are plenty of other mid-price bustling neighborhoods to check out, like Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Logan Square.
4. Fulton Market: $2,842
Fulton Market Street was the meatpacking district of the city in the 1870s, when grocery shops and restauranteurs would source not only their meat but other commodities, including poultry, fish, eggs and butter. More wholesalers, including those who sold flowers, were nearby, along Randolph Street.
Today, Fulton Market’s past is barely visible since those meatpackers and food distributors have since sold their properties to make way for some of the most expensive new developments to be built in the city’s West Loop neighborhood.
While they often come with luxury amenities, a one-bedroom apartment in Fulton Market comes with a $2,842 per month price tag.
3. Streeterville: $2,939
City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago
Streeterville is one of Chicago’s smallest neighborhoods, but it packs some serious punch in terms of real estate. Nestled right along Navy Pier, it has easy access to the Loop, River North and Gold Coast all at once, plus some incredible views of Lake Michigan.
The Magnificent Mile shopping district is located in Streeterville, and the area is also home to both Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, so there’s a fair amount of hospital staff, both permanent and visiting, who live in this area.
High-end skyscrapers are the apartment buildings of choice in this neighborhood, and there are plenty of public transportation options within short walking distance. Expect to spend around $2,939 for a one-bedroom apartment in this tony neighborhood.
2. River North: $2,962
You know you’re in River North when you see the magnificent, mammoth Merchandise Mart and get a waft of chocolate from the nearby Blommer Chocolate Company. This is another neighborhood filled with gorgeous skyscrapers and five-star restaurants, and it has a particular edge on the posh nightclub scene. Many professionals who work in the Loop live in River North since it’s within walking distance, and its art gallery-laden streets are great for meandering on the weekends.
Many of the luxury apartment buildings in this area feature dedicated dog runs and dog parks within them since there aren’t many parks in this part of the city. A one-bedroom apartment is just shy of $3,000 per month.
1. Greektown: $3,069
Greektown in the West Loop is just a few blocks on Halsted, between the 290 Expressway (also known as the Eisenhower or the Ike) and Madison Street. It’s named Greektown because of the high concentration of Greeks who moved into the area and established restaurants and other businesses. Gyros and saganaki (the flaming cheese that’s often ordered as an appetizer at many Greek restaurants) were introduced to the United States by Chicago’s Greektown restaurants.
While there are a handful of Greek restaurants that still line the street, many of those have been replaced with luxury high-rises to accommodate the ever-growing West Loop demand for housing. Today, this small strip is among the most expensive when it comes to one-bedroom apartments — you can score a place for around $3,069 per month.
The cheapest Chicago neighborhoods
You’d think apartment rental rates would rise as you got closer to Lake Michigan, but that’s not always the case. There are plenty of deals to be found if you’re craving access to the lake or the lakefront trails. Not all of the cheapest Chicago neighborhoods are along Lake Michigan, but it’s worth checking out these, which are among the top five cheapest areas to rent in Chicago.
5. Buena Park: $1,350
Source: Park Shores
When you say Buena Park, people wonder if it’s part of Uptown or Lakeview and for good reason. This tiny enclave between Montrose Avenue and Irving Park Avenue butts up against Graceland Cemetery to the west and Lake Michigan to the east. Historic single-family homes (including some George Maher mansions along Hutchinson Street) dot the area and share the quiet neighborhood with high rises and apartment complexes.
The neighborhood has a very active neighborhood membership-based group with a website that provides updates on various neighborhood events and happenings. Buena Park often plays host to summertime concerts and movies, and the group usually organizes an annual outing to a Chicago Cubs home game since it’s within walking distance. If living in a quiet neighborhood on the city’s north side appeals to you, it’s possible to snag a one-bedroom apartment in Buena Park for around $1,350 a month.
4. South Shore: $1,146
Source: Chicago Park District Photo Courtesy of Chicago Park District
Former First Lady Michelle Obama grew up in South Shore and while that may be how most people from out of town learn of this South Side neighborhood, most locals know it for its close proximity to Lake Michigan, Rainbow Beach and Stony Island Arts Bank — an art gallery, media archive, gorgeous library and community center.
And while the namesake owner of Harold’s Chicken Shack may have left this earth, his name lives on with what many consider the best fried chicken. If that weren’t enough, the neighborhood is also home to the South Shore Cultural Center which includes a 65-acre park complete with a nine-hole golf course and tennis courts, a culinary center, a nature center and a number of cultural programming and classes.
It’s also located just south of Hyde Park and Woodlawn, where rents tend to be higher because of their proximity to the University of Chicago campus. South Shore allows residents to enjoy all the South Side has to offer at $1,146 per month for a one-bedroom.
3. West Ridge: $1,102
Source: 6200 Hoyne
West Ridge includes Devon Street and along this strip of West Devon is Little India, a colorful and vibrant community filled with Indian and Pakistani shops, bakeries, restaurants and other businesses. Come any time of the day and you’ll likely find a hub of activity and people double-parked.
To really enjoy all this area has to offer, don’t miss some of the liveliest nights during India and Pakistan’s respective independence day celebrations (in mid-August for each), as well as various multi-cultural festivals and the night before Ramadan ends.
Due to Little India’s density, there are more apartment buildings and condos near West Devon but there are many single-family homes throughout the West Ridge neighborhood. A one-bedroom apartment in this part of the city is around $1,102 per month.
2. Austin: $967
Source: 200 Central
Austin is such a large neighborhood in terms of geography that even locals differentiate their location by saying North Austin and South Austin. The West Side city also includes Columbus Park, a 140-acre park and what some consider landscape architect Jens Jensen’s finest work. Jensen’s work can also be enjoyed in nearby parks, including Garfield Park and Humboldt Park.
Residents also have easy access to the suburb Oak Park. Madison Street and Lake Street tend to have a high concentration of shopping and the area has several Chicago public transit (CTA) train stops, as well as Metra stops. The 290 Expressway, known as the Eisenhower, or the Ike to locals, runs through Austin, as well.
A one-bedroom apartment in Austin runs around $967 per month.
1. South Chicago: $700
South Chicago is located just south of South Shore and includes Steelworkers Park, a 16.5-acre park with a rock-climbing wall. Transforming this park into a beautiful nature area, complete with trees and walking paths so close to Lake Michigan is particularly impressive since it was formerly part of the U.S. Steel Complex known as South Works.
The area still boasts some of the least expensive apartments available in the city. A one-bedroom apartment runs around $700 per month in this area.
What is the average rent in Chicago?
According to our analysis, the average rent in Chicago is $2,395 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Finding your perfect Chicago neighborhood
For Chicagoans, rents vary by dramatically by neighborhood, even by block within a neighborhood and there are many reasons for these rent fluctuations. It pays to look around and talk to locals to help you find the perfect Chicago neighborhood and one that matches your personality, wants and needs. Regardless of where you land, in the Windy City, we’re all happy to live here.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments. Data was pulled in August 2020 and goes back for one year. We use 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.
Cyber-attacks are on the rise as hackers and criminals learn about and adapt to methods put in place by government agencies to prevent scams. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported monetary losses totaling more than $1.4 billion in 2017. [1]
While anyone, regardless of age, can be a target of common money scams, many hackers specifically target seniors. Nearly 17% of reported cyber crimes in 2017 came from victims over the age of 60. And with losses of over $342 million, seniors are losing more money to scams than any other age group. [1] Considering the average age of retirement in the U.S. is 60, this trends is a serious threat to the financial security of many Americans as they enter retirement.
With an empty nest and retirement on the horizon, your senior years should be the time to pursue your passions—not get scammed out of your hard-earned savings.
This guide covers the basics of recognizing and preventing common online money scams, plus provides tips to help seniors navigate the online world safely.
Table of Contents:
Why Scammers Target Seniors
Pew Research shows that seniors are adopting technology, such as the Internet and smartphones, more than ever before. [2] If you’re among the technology adopters, you know how great technology is for connecting with your children and grandchildren who live far away and with friends you haven’t seen in years.
Con artists and scammers exploit seniors online believing that they aren’t Internet-savvy, despite many proving otherwise. Here are a few of the reasons seniors are a frequent target of scams online:
You generally have larger savings accounts and valuable assets.
You’re perceived as more trusting and polite.
You may not recognize and report the scam right away.
As you age, cognitive function and physical ability declines.
How to Recognize a Money Scam
As online scammers get increasingly sophisticated, certain types of fraud can be hard to spot even for the most adept Internet user. To keep from falling victim to scammers’ tactics, make yourself aware of common warning signs and stay vigilant. A gut feeling is always a good place to start. For example, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Also, if a request from someone you know feels out of character, trust your instincts and do your research before taking action.
An easy way to know if something is a likely con is to use the three U’s for identifying money scams.
Unexpected: If you receive an email from someone you trust making an unexpected or unusual request for money or personal information, contact them personally to confirm.
Urgent: If the tone of the message is threatening or asks you to act immediately, take time to think it over or tell a friend before acting. If you’re still unsure, check the IC3’s Alert Archive to see if there have been other incidents of the same scam.
Unsecure: Make sure the address bar reads “https://” and not “http://” when entering personal or financial information online. If a URL begins with “https://” that tells you the site is secure and protects information that’s transmitted. If you provide sensitive information to an unsecure site, it can easily be stolen.
Top 10 Online Scams That Affect Seniors
Scammers see senior citizens as easy victims, but you can prove them wrong by educating yourself on some of their common schemes. They often use things like healthcare, retirement savings and online dating to lure unsuspecting seniors into giving over their personal information. Here are 10 of the most common online schemes that target seniors.
1. Medicare Scams
If you’re 65 or older, you might rely on Medicare for your health coverage. Scammers know this and whenever Medicare sends out new cards or makes changes to its policies, they capitalize on opportunities to steal personal information. This can be done over the phone or by email. The scammer claims to be a Medicare representative and insists there’s a fee associated with getting you a new card or that your card has been compromised—neither of which is true.
According to Medicare.gov, “Medicare, or someone representing Medicare, will never contact you for your Medicare Number or other personal information unless you’ve given them permission in advance.”
How to protect yourself: Don’t respond to the email and mark it as junk or spam. If you need to speak with Medicare, call them directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
2. Health Insurance Scams
In order to make a profit, criminals may try to offer you health insurance plans that have little to no real value. In some cases, they may be selling discount cards or limited-benefit plans, but rarely explain how limited the coverage really is.
How to protect yourself: Never purchase insurance on the spot. Do your research on the company and thoroughly read the details of the coverage offered.
2. Counterfeit Medications
This scam is especially dangerous because it can cost you not only your money but your health. Prescription drugs aren’t cheap, and most seniors are dependent on a medication or two to maintain their health. Scammers exploit this by offering fake prescription medications for purchase online at a low cost. The number of counterfeit medication scams under investigation by the FDA is up four times since the 1990s. [3]
How to protect yourself: Always go through licensed medical professionals to get any prescriptions and pick up your medications at a local pharmacy. If you enjoy the convenience of ordering online, many reputable pharmacies allow you to refill your prescription online or have your medications delivered.
3. Phishing
Scammers often capitalize on your trust in people and institutions by posing as them in emails, on calls or in text messages. For example, the Social Security Scam is a form of phishing where scammers pose as government officials who need your social security information. Once they’ve gained your trust, they use that to gather personal, sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank/credit card information and/or passwords.
How to protect yourself: Always check the sender’s email address or phone number before clicking any links in emails or messages that request personal information.
4. Dating and Romance Scams
Online dating can be great for people of all ages—seniors included. But it’s important to practice the same kind of cautions online as you do in real-world dating. Online dating scams are one of the biggest and most costly scams, and scammers can break your heart and bank account if you’re not careful. It’s a red flag if someone builds a rapport with you only to turn around and ask for money. Even if the request seems heartfelt, like wanting to come see you, it could still be a play solely for money.
How to protect yourself: Take things slow, do your research and never send money to someone you don’t know personally. Even if you’ve met them, run the other way if they ask for money after you’ve known them only for a little while.
5. Investment Scams
In these cons, scammers take advantage of your need to build or maintain retirement savings. A lot of seniors are concerned about making their money last, which makes them vulnerable to ads or requests that promise high-profit, no-risk investments.
How to protect yourself: Stop and think, “Is this too good to be true?” Never accept an offer on the spot. If you’re not sure, talk it over with a trusted friend or check the IC3’s Alert Archive along with other online sources, such as the Scams and Frauds page on USA.gov.
6. Homeowner Scams
Seniors are at a point in life where they’re more likely to own their homes. While some may want to stay right where they are, others have grand dreams of moving to a new location—maybe somewhere warmer. In this scenario scammers work to identify the value of your property and then offer you a reassessment—for a fee, of course.
How to protect yourself: If you want to move, only work with a reputable realtor or go the for sale by owner route.
7. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
These scams use a surprise factor to trick you into thinking you need to click something to “claim a prize.” It can come as an email, a web pop up or even within a web page you’re reading.
How to protect yourself: If you receive an email that claims you’re a winner, it’s almost guaranteed to be a scam. On the off chance that you actually signed up for a sweepstakes, check your email inbox to see if you have a confirmation of your signup from the same email address. Better, yet, pick up the phone and call the company before you click on a link in an email or on a website.
8. Fake Charities
Seniors may feel more compelled to donate to those in need or contribute to disaster aid, but unfortunately fake charities often try and get donations after a natural disaster.
How to protect yourself: Do your research. Call a number to speak with someone from that charity or search the charity name and a phrase like “scam” or “fraud” in Google. You can also use the organizations listed by the FTC to research reputable charities.
9. Malware Scams
Using antivirus software is a great way to protect yourself from fraud. Unfortunately, scammers often pose as antivirus providers and instead install malware on your computer. These advertisements are often pop ups or web page ads.
How to protect yourself: Make sure anything you download to your computer is from a reputable source and never give anyone you don’t trust remote access to your computer.
10. Threats and Extortion
These types of scams utilize fear to get the desired outcome. Typically the scammer tells you that something terrible is going to happen if you don’t give them money or personal information.
How to protect yourself: Never act impulsively. Consider whether the scenario seems realistic. If you’re unsure or scared, talk to a friend. If the caller acts like a relative, hang up and call them back to ensure it is, in fact, your relative and not a stranger pretending to be your relative.
How to Protect Yourself Online
It’s good to know the basics about scams and the accompanying warning signs, but there are steps you can take to further protect your computer and online identity from fraud including. settings, tools and government resources.
Keep your firewall turned on. A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access to and from a private network. It protects your computer from hackers attempting to crash it or gain sensitive information.
Keep your computer’s operating system up-to-date. Make sure your computer software is up-to-date. You can usually subscribe to automatic updates online. If you keep your system updated, your computer will continue running smoothly and you’re sure to have the latest fixes for any security holes.
Turn on two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication requires both a password and an additional piece of information to access your account. The second piece of information is typically a message sent to your phone or a code generated by an app or token.
Look out for unsecure networks and websites. If you get a warning message saying “Unsecure Wi-Fi Detected,” don’t visit any banking websites or store any passwords while on that network.Also, most browsers will warn you when you visit an unsecure site. The feature should already be enabled on most computers, but if not, make sure you enable this setting.
Install or update antivirus software. Antivirus software prevents malicious software programs from installing on your computer. Malware programs allow others to see your computer activity. Be wary of any ads on the Internet for these types of software as they are often not real solutions and instead are fraudulent.
Use a password manager. A password manager, like LastPass or Dashlane, lets you have a unique, strong password for every secure website—in other words, not your grandchild’s birth date. You won’t have to remember them all, because the password manager stores and encrypts your passwords for your protection.
Check your credit often. Major changes toyour credit can indicate potential fraud. Consider signing up for a free credit score and checking it every few weeks as a way to watch for changes.
Find Information About Active Scams
What To Do If You’re the Victim of a Scam
The best thing to do if you suspect you’ve been the victim of a scam is to report it. IC3 chief Donna Gregory says, “We want to encourage everyone who suspects they have been victimized by online fraudsters to report it to us.” IC3 receives over 800 complaints a day on average, so don’t let embarrassment keep you from reporting something.1 Reporting a scam helps law enforcement investigate similar scams and take action to bring the scammers to justice.
Steps to Take After Fraud
To report a scam, file a claim online at www.ic3.gov. You’ll be asked to provide complete information about the crime as well as any additional relevant information.
Once you’ve reported the scam to authorities, you also want to take action against any other loss. IC3 recommends that victims take actions, such as contacting banks, credit card companies and/or the credit bureaus to block accounts, freeze accounts, dispute charges or attempt to recover lost funds.
Keep a close watch on your credit reports and consider using credit monitoring tools.
In February 2018, the Justice Department made a coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases that resulted in several initiatives to reduce the number of annual cases. [4] This included building local, state and federal capacity to fight elder abuse, supporting research to improve elder abuse policy and practice, and helping older victims and their families.
Each year the number of Internet crimes increases and scammers become more sophisticated, but spreading knowledge and awareness is one of the best ways to combat the issue. Arming yourself with a basic understanding of the dangers online can help you protect yoursel f from fraud.
Additional Resources
Sources:
1 Federal Trade Commission Latest Internet Crime Report Released
2 Pew Research Center Tech Adoption Climbs Among Older Adults
3 National Council on Aging Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors
4 United States Department of Justice Justice Department Coordinates Nationwide Elder Fraud Sweep of More Than 250 Defendants
Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.
Thank you for signing up to Homes & Gardens. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Fall decor that makes a home look expensive definitely doesn’t have to come at a premium price. Interiors knowhow can bring high-end results without a big spend.
An expensive fall look can be an aesthetic rather than the result of purchasing power, and that’s a principle that applies generally, as well as proving applicable to fall decor ideas.
fall decor on a budget? This is what interior designers recommend.
Fall decor that looks expensive
Making a home look expensive relies on understanding how to dress it, and which materials, textures, and objects to choose. Anything that makes your house look cheap is, of course, out of the question.
And whether we’re talking living room fall decor, fall color schemes, fall table decor, fall mantel ideas, or any other part of the home, the same precepts apply when introducing seasonal style. Be inspired by these interior designers’ suggestions to get the high-end look for fall.
1. Atmospheric lighting
The right lighting ideas are crucial to make a home look expensive – and key to creating the right autumnal atmosphere. ‘Fall denotes a particular coziness, and lighting is an easy way to nail it,’ says Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director of BHDM Design and ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini.
‘It’s all about finding that sweet spot where functionality meets aesthetics – light dimmers work wonders,’ he advises. ‘With a simple adjustment, you can create a warm mood or set the stage for a cozy movie night. Our suggestions: Lutron Credenza plug-in dimmer and soft white dimmable light bulbs.’
Find the Lutron Credenza dimmer at Amazon.
2. Rich color schemes
Rich color schemes and muted undertones create a high-end look perfect for the season, says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky, and you can look to the color wheel to put them together. For the living room he suggests forest green complemented by subdued taupe, and for the bedroom: intense wine red contrasted with a mellow beige.
‘Shades like forest green and wine red impart a feeling of affluence and richness,’ he explains. ‘Melding them with understated tones enhances their depth without overpowering the ambience. Such hues mirror autumn’s spirit – the changing foliage and the snug essence of the time. The outcome? A fusion of warmth, plushness, and inviting atmosphere.’
Artem Kropovinsky
Madison Popper, founder of the global interior design firm Chill Casa.
‘You can elevate the allure of your table settings by ensconcing glass vases with meticulously gilded branches and dried florals, crafting an opulent focal point, or add a heritage charm through the inclusion of resplendent gilded mirrors and carefully curated vintage artifacts, capturing the essence of timelessness and extravagance.
4. Accent wall color
Consider creating an accent wall to elevate a room and transform it for a new season. ‘I love a good accent wall paint color,’ says interior designer Chantelle Hartman Malarkey.
‘The right color in a room can bring it to life. I love one painted accent wall that can be a richer darker color that really looks beautiful during the fall season.’
5. Injections of color
For a chic take on fall decor, consider using accents of color. ‘Instead of the bright red and orange, opt for a neutral palette with selective small pops of color and subtle textures – this allows your fall decor to easily blend in with your existing pieces, making your space feel more cohesive and thoughtfully curated,’ says Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors.
‘For example, ditch a bright orange vase for a simple gold one instead. Something neutral, yet festive like gold, can easily transition to the following season’s decor. For fall, throw in some gorgeous, dried florals and then swap them out for something more wintery like holly leaves when the time arrives. This will make your decor feel more sophisticated.’
6. Premium seating decor
Dress up the seating around your home for a high-end look. ‘Apt seating adornments can be likened to fine jewelry for interiors,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. ‘Just as the perfect pendant can amplify attire, the ideal blanket or cushion can present furnishings in a more upscale light.’
For the living room, he suggests ‘silken pillows in colors harmonizing with the room, perhaps taupe or wine red’. And for the bedroom, ‘synthetic fur wraps casually placed on a solitary chair or the bed’s edge’.
‘Materials like silk and synthetic fur epitomize luxury. They’re not just visually stunning but also delightfully tactile, enriching the sensory experience,’ he says.
FAQs
How do you decorate for fall classily?
outdoor fall decor. Sophisticated fall weaths and elegant fall front door decor can strike a premium note and boost curb appeal. And for both inside and out, fall craft ideas can create decor that looks expensive but in which you invested just enough for the materials plus your own time.
The American housewife! Who has a more important or more responsible occupation? Wife, mother, laundress, counselor, maid, chef, purchasing agent. All of these are her duties at one time or another.
So begins Buying Food, a home economics film from 1950. Buying Food is fascinating not just for its shopping tips, but also for the inside look at a grocery store from 60 years ago. (Self-service grocery stores were introduced in 1916 and grew in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s, but they were still relatively young in 1950.)
The condescending narrator e-nun-ci-ates his thesis:
If her income is limited — and most incomes are — it is her duty to be sure that what she has to spend buys the most in healthful, nutritious food for her family. Yes, she feels that she must buy wisely if she can. But what does this mean? What can she do to be sure that her money goes as far as possible?
Most of these tips will probably be quite familiar. But remember, this film is meant to educate future housewives: high school girls. Tips include:
Use a grocery list to eliminate impulse buying. Notice that the film’s impulse buyer is a man. A man can’t possibly know how to shop properly, right? (Kris would answer “yes”.)
Buy only what you need. When you buy too much, whether through impulse or through mistaken economy, you run the risk of creating waste. And wasted food is a huge drain on the budget (both then and now).
Compare unit pricing. The film doesn’t call it unit pricing, but that’s what it is. Viewers are instructed to compare the price per ounce on a can of beans, for example. Search for the best value, which isn’t always the largest lot.
Buy in bulk. You can often save money by purchasing “case lots”. (Actually, the grocery store we used to shop at in my home town still has a “case sale” every summer. You can order cases of your favorite food in advance. I’d always order a case or two of my favorite canned chili. It was a great way to save money.)
Don’t buy foods your family won’t eat. And don’t buy too many perishables. Again, you don’t want to waste food.
Know what you’re buying before you buy. “When you buy canned goods, be sure to read the label. The information on the label is much more reliable than the flowery language of advertisements.”
Purchase produce in season, when possible. Produce costs less and tastes better when it is in season. (Yes, it’s obvious, but it’s a main point in the film.) The film also notes that “if the housewife’s time is not too highly valued”, home-canned produce can be a savings.
Frozen foods are a good choice. They’re nearest in quality to fresh produce. They cost a little more, but this cost is offset by the fact that there’s no waste.
Use the best grade of milk available to you. “Disease may be contracted by drinking unsanitary raw milk.” (Of all the tips, this seems least applicable to modern grocery shoppers.)
But successful meals aren’t just about smart shopping. The film notes that cooking skills are important, too:
The cooking ability of the housewife [is] highly important. It doesn’t take much skill to make an excellent meal from an expensive t-bone steak. But the sign of an accomplished cook is an attractive and tasty dish made from less expensive meat: hamburger, frankfurters. Even a well-prepared, well-seasoned stew is a dish a housewife can be proud to set before her family.
Over the past few weeks, Kris and I have had fun browsing through the Public Domain media at the Internet Archive. There’s a massive collection of old instructional films (like this one) on a variety of subjects — dating, diet, driving — including many on personal finance. If you, too, enjoy films like this, I encourage you to spend some time exploring the site.
Note: This film was created for high school home economics classes of the 1950s. Yes, by modern standards it’s sexist, but if you can put your brain on “pause”, it’s a fun film, and an interesting glimpse at the past. Plus, most of the tips are still applicable today.
Homeowners were dealt another huge blow today when the average cost of a five-year fixed rate mortgage rose above the six per cent mark for the first time since November.
Latest data from analysts Moneyfacts show the average five-year fixed rate up from 5.97 per cent to 6.01 per cent.
Meanwhile the average two-year rate was on the brink of surging past the 6.5 per cent barrier after rising from 6.42 per cent to 6.47 per cent.
The ever-increasing cost of fixed rate products will hit thousands of homeowners a day as their existing deals expire and they are forced to remortgage with far more expensive finance.
Close to 90 per cent of all outstanding mortgages are on fixed rates, the vast majority taken out when borrowers could secure home loans at historic lows of around two per cent or even less.
Around 40 per cent of mortgages are fixed for two-year deals and a roughly similar proportion for five years.
Fixed mortgage rates have been steadily rising over recent months as yields on government bonds — or gilts — have spiked on fears that the Bank of England will have to increase borrowing costs even higher and keep them there longer than previously forecast to rein in “sticky” inflation.”
Government minister Johnny Mercer backed Rishi Sunak’s statement that Britain needed to “hold our nerve” over inflation, still above eight per cent.
“Things are going to get better,” he told Sky News.
But shadow Treasury minister Pat McFadden warned of the squeeze on many households, stressing: “It’s not just mortgage holders. It’s also renters too, because they’re renting from people whose mortgages are also going up.”
Meanwhile, Britain’s banks were in the dock over “profiteering” in the cost-of-living crisis.
The Financial Conduct Authority watchdog has summoned the four big banks for a showdown meeting on Thursday over accusations that they are dragging their feet in passing on interest rate rises to savers.
Mr Mercer said: “You don’t want to see any profiteering like this.”
UK Finance, which represents lenders, said: “Saving and mortgage rates aren’t directly linked.”
Supermarkets and broadband providers have also been accused of excessive profits.
This week, we interviewed Anthony Romano from CREtelligent.
Without further ado…
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Anthony Romano, and the CEO of CREtelligent. Our CRE due diligence platform and services expedite transaction times for all participants in the commercial real estate ecosystem.
We service CRE brokers, lenders, credit unions, REITS, insurance firms, retail businesses, legal firms and more. We offer both expert opinions and data interpretation before, during, and after the transaction. Our goal is to empower the CRE industry by solving the time-consuming due diligence processes ruled by manual, disconnected practices.
What problem does your product/service solve?
Our world-class platform modernizes the commercial real estate due diligence process by providing accurate, fast, and reliable data insights. The solution enables commercial real estate professionals to order, status, deliver, and archive property-related due diligence services like environmental assessments, valuations, flood zone determinations, property inspections, and more.
Our full suite of due diligence environmental solutions spans environmental assessments, inspections, valuations, and flood zone determinations. With our industry-leading EnviroPreScreen report, prospective CRE buyers can see a snapshot of their potential risk in 30-seconds or less.
We make sure our clients have access to instant and intelligent commercial real estate data so they can make faster, more informed decisions and speed up transactions. CREtelligent’s full suite of solutions makes it the one-stop-shop for commercial due diligence before, during, and after the transaction.
What are you most excited about right now?
Our business has grown dramatically in the last twelve months. While the health and human impact of COVID have been tough to watch, we’ve experienced many silver linings. We’ve hired over a dozen extraordinary new team members, added more than 70 new clients, and are continually expanding our product, solution, and service offerings.
We just finished launching a net promotor survey (NPS) to our client base and the feedback was tremendous. We scored in the top 1% of all firms in our category. It is great to see our customers validate what we are doing and appreciate the value we add.
What’s next for you?
Part of my role as CEO is setting the pace. While I want to see us go fast, our ethos and culture ensure our employees are healthy and balanced. We’ve launched several internal wellness programs that are having solid traction. We know if we take care of our employees, they will do the same for our clients. Beyond growing organically, we made our first acquisition in December of 2020 and plan to close our second next month. This is a very fragmented industry and we see a real opportunity for roll-ups.
What’s a cause you’re passionate about and why?
I’m a board member of a regional non-profit that works on domestic and family violence issues. We’ve worked hard to expand the services to reach those impacted earlier in the process. The pandemic has caused a severe distraction, depression, and hopelessness for many people which leads individuals to desperation. We’ve added programs and services to help individuals and families with tools the manage and cope and it is something and I passionate and proud of.
Thanks to Anthony for sharing his story. If you’d like to connect, find him on LinkedIn here.
We’re constantly looking for great real estate tech entrepreneurs to feature. If that’s you, please read this post — then drop us a line (Community @ geekestate dot com).