Arizona’s vast landscapes and diverse architectural styles present a unique backdrop for the real estate market. Whether you’re buying a Spanish-inspired villa in Scottsdale or selling a contemporary home in Phoenix, home inspection is a critical stage that can’t be overlooked. For buyers, this process unveils the home’s hidden stories, ensuring a sound investment. For sellers, it’s an affirmation of the property’s worth and a chance to address possible concerns proactively.
This Redfin article will shed light on the nuances and best practices of inspections in the Grand Canyon State while also featuring expert insights from Arizona home inspectors themselves. Given Arizona’s unique climate and housing trends, understanding the home inspection process in the local context is vital. Let’s get started.
Why should you get a home inspection in Arizona?
Securing a home inspection in Arizona is not merely a procedural step; it’s a strategic move, given the state’s distinct environmental and architectural dynamics. Arizona’s unique climate, marked by intense heat, monsoon seasons, and occasional dust storms, can impose specific wear and tear on properties. These factors might lead to issues like foundational cracks, roof damage, or HVAC inefficiencies that aren’t immediately evident to the untrained eye. Furthermore, with the diverse range of architectural styles and ages of homes in the state, potential hidden complications can vary widely. A thorough home inspection offers buyers peace of mind, ensuring they are making a sound investment, and gives sellers an edge by addressing concerns proactively, promoting a smoother transaction process.
Are there any specialized inspections that Arizona buyers should consider?
Arizona buyers should consider several specialized inspections when purchasing a property. Given Arizona’s unique climate and geographical features, some of the key inspections to consider include a thorough termite inspection due to the prevalence of termites in the state, a comprehensive pool inspection if the property has a pool, a radon gas test, and a geological inspection in areas prone to soil instability or geological hazards.
Kyle Pritchett of Pritchett Home Inspection says that regardless of which specialized inspection you opt for, your inspector should have all the necessary tools and equipment.
“There are a lot of different types of inspections out there today for both sellers and buyers to choose from,” says Pritchett. “So, if you are going to choose one of those, why not choose one that is going to give the inspector an upgrade on what he is able to see? When you select a thermal home inspection, the inspector should be utilizing a top-of-the-linermal camera, which will enable them to detect missing insulation, air leakage, bad window seals, electrical issues, water intrusion, moisture issues, and even pest intrusions they are not able to detect with the naked eye. When making one of the biggest investments of your life, make sure your inspector has the tools to see everything you need to know about the home you’re purchasing.”
Hailey Rodriguez from WIN Home Inspections adds, “In addition to their home inspection, home buyers in Arizona should consider getting an infrared scan to identify abnormalities within the home such as moisture, insulation gaps, energy loss, and electrical hazards that are hidden within the walls, floors, and ceilings of the home.”
Are home inspections required in Arizona?
Home inspections are not legally required in Arizona, but they are highly recommended. They safeguard buyers from unexpected problems and provide an opportunity to negotiate repairs or pricing based on inspection findings.
“Even though a home inspection may not be required for your purchase, it is a great way for a home buyer to prepare for the home they are considering purchasing,” says Dylan Bucknavich of ProInspect. “They reveal a lot about a home and can even include services such as Sewer Scopes, Pool Inspections, and Indoor Air Quality. When purchasing a resale or new home, we highly recommend the buyer speak to few inspectors to get a sense or their experience and level of service.”
How much does a home inspection cost in Arizona?
The cost of a home inspection in Arizona varies based on factors like the property’s size, location, and additional services requested. According to House and Home Inspection Services, home inspections usually cost between $350 and $450 for standard sized houses, though this figure can vary depending on square footage and other factors.
David Dion of Whole Home Inspections recommends prioritizing experience over price when choosing a home inspector. “Home inspection prices in Arizona are generally based on size, age and any additional services requested. It’s important to hire an experienced home inspector who has a trained eye to see what other inspectors may not. Therefore, we don’t recommend using price as your determining factor when trying to find the right inspection company for your needs. However, if a company is a few hundred dollars above or below many others, you may consider asking why.”
Can you sell a house in Arizona without an inspection?
You can sell a house in Arizona without an inspection. However, it’s advisable for sellers to get pre-listing home inspections to attract more confident buyers and streamline the negotiation process.
Expert advice for buyers getting a home inspection in Arizona
“Be present at the inspection, so you can meet the inspector and let them go over the findings with you personally at the end,” says Tim Sponsler of 1st Priority Inspections. “This helps immensely with understanding the property you are purchasing.”
“With inflation and rising costs, life got expensive, really quick,” says Matthew Willer of Truss Home Inspections. “Get a home inspection and get the full picture before making the leap. Repair costs can add up more now than ever before.”
“The average new build home buyer is convinced they do not need a home inspection for a new build, says Cy Porter of CyFy Home Inspections. “The State of Arizona holds builders to a higher standard than most parts of the country. All new build homes in Arizona come with a 2 year state required warranty which includes cosmetic defects. If the buyer wants to have all of their warranted items addressed by the builder, the buyer must identify the defects and present them to the builder. If the builder refuses to address any defects then a complaint can be filed against the builder with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). The Arizona ROC will then send out an investigator to verify the defects and then require the builder to address them.” A home inspector can identify warranted defects and hold builders accountable.
“Be sure to hire a licensed, experienced, inspector by asking how long they’ve been performing inspections and how many inspections they’ve performed,” according to DoubleTree Home Inspection Services. “Ask if the inspector provides a review at the end of the inspection to go over the findings so you can see the items for yourself. For items needing repair, it may be preferable to negotiate a discount or credit for repairs, rather than relying on the sellers to make satisfactory corrections.”
“A home inspector may not perform any repairs on a home that they’ve inspected,” says Connor Barickman of Purple Cactus Inspection. “This restriction allows the inspector to remain impartial. The sword cuts both ways because when a home inspector identifies a problem with the home, the inspector is not in a position to provide a quote to remedy the problem. The inspector is not licensed to perform the work and it would be a violation of the code of ethics to do so. Once a problem has been identified, it is time to bring in a licensed contractor. An excellent contractor will be familiar with the most up-to-date standards on how to correct the issues identified on a home inspection report. Furthermore, they can provide accurate written quotes which can be used to make a request of the seller which could be a price reduction, or a request to have the issue repaired before the transaction closes.”
Getting an Arizona home inspection: the bottom line
Getting a home inspection in Arizona is a smart investment. It empowers buyers with information, aids in identifying specialized issues, and facilitates smoother transactions. While not mandatory, an inspection is a practical step towards ensuring a safe and secure real estate investment in the Grand Canyon State.
Sarah Jessica Parker has a great eye for fashion, and unsurprisingly, that translates into great taste in the home space. So when Etsy asked her to co-judge their 2023 Etsy Design Awards, alongside their trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson, we couldn’t help but stan this perfect partnership. The pair hand picked their favorite Etsy goods from 150 finalists (narrowed down from thousands of submissions from across the globe!), and winners received cash prizes, in addition to a bunch of other perks.
Of course, with SJP in the picture, the grand prize winner had to be a fashion item (this stunning vegan cactus leather bag), but we were so delighted and excited by the cool home decor picks, we also felt the need to join in on celebrating these small makers and their handmade goods. After all, they’re SJP-approved, which makes them even more covetable!
Handmade Ceramic Planter with Chain
We love the story behind this Etsy shop: The owner was originally from Syria and had an engineering degree. After relocating to Canada, he discovered his passion for pottery and began crafting his own ceramic pieces, inspired by ancient cultural techniques. We love how this planter has a drainage hole and a dish, two things that are annoyingly often missing from flower pots. (And it’s not lost on us that the chain is vaguely reminiscent of a handbag… Hi, SJP!) $137, terrosostudios.etsy.com
The Dandelion Interactive Lighting
This wildly innovative lighting piece (yes, it’s actually lighting) was technically selected by previous Etsy winners. Blowing on the dandelion’s “seeds,” or the felt portion, turns on the light! Because it’s battery-operated, it’s easy to transfer between rooms. It emits a pleasant, soft glow, which makes it the perfect nightlight. $191, mozidozen.etsy.com
Ifeoluwa Wall Art
Super affordable, unique art?! Yes, please! This giclee print, illustrated by Dorcas Magbadelo, captures the beauty and strength of Black women, which is Dorcas’s mission with all of her art. And just like the other pieces, this one has a Yoruba name, which pays homage to Dorcas’s cultural identity. From $54, dorcascreates.etsy.com
1970s Glass Lounge Chair After Lenci by Adrian Pearsall
This chair made us swoon—and confirmed our prediction that the 70s are making a huge comeback. To be clear, it’s a vintage, one-of-a-kind piece, and it’s not cheap, but we love its inclusion in the awards because it highlights the sustainable direction consumers are headed; they’re buying more pre-loved treasures. It’s awesome for the planet! And this chair proves not everything vintage is dusty and sad. You really can find so many gems out there! $6,400, abtmodern.etsy.com
Custom Wood Portraits
Continuing on the sustainability theme, this Etsy shop owner and artist uses his woodworking skills to repurpose lumber salvaged from fallen trees, turning it all into custom art. His bespoke portraits feature intricately cut pieces of wood that he personally mills! It makes for a great newlywed or housewarming gift—we love how the rustic charm will instantly warm up any space. From $495, texashoover.etsy.com
If the only things you know about Albuquerque, other than the gritty undersides seen in “Breaking Bad” or “In Plain Sight,” you’re missing the best of The Duke City. Sure, while Bugs Bunny often took the wrong turn there, Albuquerque is a modern, cultural, tech-forward city with laid-back vibes and a diverse population. Touching the edges of the desert and the mountains, Albuquerque has a foot in both worlds. But, which better represents its affordability?
We dissected the Council for Community and Economic Research’s data for the cost of living in Albuquerque for 2022. We compared the overall cost of living index for the city to the national average and to other New Mexico and regional cities. Then, we analyzed the differences in prices from this time last year. We then broke down the numbers for several important economic and consumer categories. And, we studied the costs for rent and real estate in Albuquerque.
The overall cost of living index for Albuquerque is 92.4, with a score of 100 reflecting the national average. That means that the cost of living is just 7.6 percent below the national average, making Albuquerque an affordable Southwest city. And, it’s only getting cheaper. That’s a decrease in the cost of living of 2.12 percent from a year ago.
Albuquerque housing prices
Overall, housing in Albuquerque is relatively affordable. The ABQ has a stellar cost of living rate for housing 12.6 percent below the national average. That’s a drop of just over 1 percent from the previous year.
A studio in Albuquerque averages just $765 a month. And, unlike all other apartment sizes, studios show no change from this time last year. A one-bedroom rents for $1,132 on average, a 14 percent increase from a year ago. A two-bedroom leases for $1,507. That represents a 27 percent year-to-year increase, the highest of any apartment type. Three-bedroom units are up 21 percent to $1,860.
The cost to buy a home in Albuquerque is also up from last year. The median sale price of all homes in the city is $310,000. That’s a steep 9.2 percent year-to-year increase. Homes are currently selling for nearly 3 percent over the list price and are averaging 12 days on the market.
Location, location, location
As in most cities, the most popular neighborhoods are also the priciest. And, in Albuquerque, those neighborhoods lie on the east side of town, many close to the University. The most expensive neighborhood for one-bedroom apartments is Del Rey in the northeast. Those run $1,828 a month on average, a 20 percent increase from this time last year.
For every other apartment type, Uptown, east along I-40, unsurprisingly carries the highest rents. A studio runs $1,837 (more than a Del Rey one-bedroom), a two-bedroom $2,378 and a three-bedroom at $2,630. Those represent a 19 percent, 11 percent and 0 percent increase from a year ago, respectively.
Sycamore, along Central Avenue SE at I-25, is the second-most expensive neighborhood in Albuquerque. Studios rent for $1,418, singles for $1,809 and doubles at $2,212. The good news is each of those is flat year-to-year. Nob Hill, south of UNM, is also among the highest, leasing studios for $1,300 and two-bedrooms for $2,000.
Those looking to save money may consider other cities in the Tiguex region. These smaller cities elsewhere in the state tend to offer lower rent prices but lie further from city amenities. A few examples, based on two-bedroom unit rent:
Albuquerque food prices
The cost of living in Albuquerque for groceries and food items in Albuquerque are in line with the rest of the nation. The city indexes just 0.2 percent north of the national average. However, that represents a steep 7.74 percent rise from a year ago. Other New Mexico cities vary significantly, with the food in Las Cruces 4.8 percent over the national average, while Rio Rancho is under by 2.2 percent.
Many individual staples are well below the median around the country. The taste of Albuquerque blends both Native American and Latino flavors, and individual ingredient costs vary. A pound of ribeye steak runs $11.88, which is about $2 below the average. Frying chicken is $1.08 a pound, about 30 cents cheaper. Lettuce at $1.46 a head and a half-pound of cheese at $3.82 are also below the national average.
However, some items are over-indexed, as well. A pound of ground beef ($5.02), five pounds of sugar ($3.04) and a bottle of extra virgin olive oil ($5.53) are about a half-dollar over the national average. A dozen eggs, orange juice, frozen corn and a can of coffee are among the items slightly more expensive than the rest of the country.
The average meal out at an inexpensive restaurant in Albuquerque is around 15 bucks. A full three-course meal at a mid-range dining spot runs $65. And for a quick bite, a combo meal at McDonald’s averages $8.30.
Albuquerque utility prices
Rent isn’t the only home expense for apartment dwellers. Utilities are often the second-highest recurring cost. Thankfully, utilities in Albuquerque are reasonable. Prices for utilities are 7.8 percent below the national average. That’s a 1.6 percent drop from last year.
This is a figure similar to other New Mexico communities. In Rio Rancho, utilities are 2.2 percent greater. Up in Las Cruces, it’s 3 percent below. Around the region, utilities in Lubbock and Amarillo in Texas (with their own power grid) are down to 9.2 percent and 5.8 percent below the nation as a whole, respectively. Over in Tucson, AZ, however, it’s cheaper by 3.4 percent, with Colorado Springs much higher, exceeding by 2.3 percent.
The total cost for energy in Albuquerque averages $155.04 a month. A cell phone plan runs $187.47 each month.
Albuquerque transportation prices
Transportation prices are cheaper than in the rest of the nation as a whole, good news for the cost of living in Albuquerque. The cost of local travel is 9.3 percent below the national average. That’s thanks to a 5.42 percent decrease from year to year.
The cost of transportation in Albuquerque is significantly less than in other cities in the Land of Enchantment. The expected expense for transport in Las Cruces is 2.2 percent more expensive than the national average, but 2.1 percent cheaper in Rio Rancho. As expected, regional cities in Texas like Lubbock and Amarillo both rank well below 15 percent less than the national average. On the opposite pole, Tucson and Colorado Springs are both only under by at least 5 percent.
The City of Albuquerque Transit Department operates public transport, known as ABQ Ride. There are 22 fixed and 15 commuter bus lines. There are also two bus rapid transit routes, under the moniker Albuquerque Rapid Transit, and one ARTx “Rapid Ride” route.
Normally, standard ABQ Ride fares are $1 for a single trip. However, ABQ Ride is currently piloting a zero-fare program for bus riders. All bus, rapid transit and rapid ride trips are free of charge for all riders through June 30, 2023. After that, fares may return to normal, increase, decrease or remain free, depending on city government determination.
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train runs between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The line has 13 stops, including three in Albuquerque. Single trip fares list from 50 cents to $2.50, depending on the zone. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, from Chicago to Los Angeles, has a stop in downtown Albuquerque at the Alvarado Transportation Center.
Other modes of transportation
Reflecting limited public transportation options, Albuquerque has an unfavorable transit score of 28. The city’s walk score is an above-average 53. In better news, the city is quite bike-friendly with a bike score of 68.
The city operates eight public parking garages and three surface lots. Hourly rates run $1 per half-hour. Monthly rates in garages are between $36.75 and $84, depending on location. Lots are $36.75 to $47.25 monthly. No toll roads exist in New Mexico. And to put the driving costs in perspective, an average tire balance costs $50.36. That’s $2.57 above the national average.
Albuquerque healthcare prices
Healthcare is pricey no matter where you live. But in the Chihuahuan Desert, prices are a fair bit less painful. The cost of living for healthcare in Albuquerque is a significant 11.7 percent beneath the national average, an over 7 percent drop from a year ago.
That is significantly lower than other larger cities in New Mexico. Both Rio Rancho (2.1 percent over) and Las Cruces (5.5 percent over) exceed the national average. Albuquerque’s healthcare costs are also lower than regional cities, with Lubbock at 5.7 percent lower than the national figure and Tucson (3.6 percent above) and Colorado Springs (2.6 percent above) exceeding it.
Affordability is in individual services. The average cost for a doctor visit is $107.70, nearly $11 below the national average. A trip to the dentist, at $99.70, and an optometrist appointment, for $108.84, are only a buck or two cheaper. An average over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen is just a few cents below the national average, but prescription drugs like insulin can index around up to $50 less expensive.
Please note prices for healthcare will vary by individual depending on specific healthcare situations.
Albuquerque goods and services prices
Miscellaneous goods and services in Albuquerque also index below the rest of the country. That includes everything from going to the movies to buying toiletries to a salon day. The cost for such items and labor in Albuquerque is 5.8 percent below the national average, down 5.23 percent from this time last year. That is a similar figure to most other larger cities statewide. However, other Cactus State cities like Rio Rancho and Las Cruces experienced an increase of around 8 percent from a year ago.
Some varied items fall well below the national median. A men’s dress shirt, at $28, is around $4 cheaper than the rest of the country. Women’s slacks are almost $5 more affordable. Dry cleaning them with a two-piece suit is three bucks cheaper.
A typical washer repair will run $72, $11 under the national average. And it will average $51 to take your pet to the vet, about $4 less expensive. A few items like toothpaste, tennis balls or a bottle of shampoo run very close to the national averages. But, a men’s barbershop haircut, at $24.14, will make you pony up about $4 more.
The cost to enroll a child in a full-day private preschool or kindergarten in Albuquerque is $650. A year in an international primary school runs a pricey $13,667.
Taxes in Albuquerque
New Mexico does not have a standard sales tax. Instead, it has a Gross Receipts Tax, which is similar to a sales tax but applies to services, as well as goods. The total GRT tax rate in Albuquerque is 7.875 percent, 5.125 percent from the state and 2.75 percent from the city. There’s no GRT tax on grocery items, including candy and carbonated beverages, but only if purchased in person at a store. For taxable items, if you spend $1,000, expect to pay $78.75 in GRT tax.
New Mexico has a graduated individual income tax rate ranging from 1.7 percent to 5.9 percent. There’s no additional income tax from the city or county.
How much do I need to earn to live in Albuquerque?
Advisors often suggest that you spend no more than 30 percent of pre-tax income on housing. That’s good news for Albuquerqueans. Rents for an average one-bedroom fall well below recommended prices based on the local average wage.
The average monthly lease for an Albuquerque one-bedroom is $1,132. Extrapolated to a full year, that’s $13,584. At 30 percent of total income, that’s an affordable rate for someone earning at least $45,280 a year.
According to Payscale.com, the average yearly salary in Albuquerque is $66,000, over $20,000 more than needed to rent an average one-bedroom unit. In fact, an Albuquerque resident making the average salary could afford an apartment leasing for up to $1,650 at 30 percent expenditure.
Want to find out how much an affordable apartment is for you based on your income? Check out Rent.’s handy Rent Calculator
Living in Albuquerque
If you can stand the heat and enjoy laid-back Southwest vibes, Albuquerque is a great place to live and quite affordable compared to its coastal peers. The cost of living in Albuquerque is a bit below the national average in many categories. But, is it the right city for you?
If all the information above makes Albuquerque sound exciting and affordable to you, it’s a great place to find your next home. Check out all the great apartments available in Albuquerque right now at Rent.
The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of August 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Wedged between two cream-colored apartment complexes on a knoll in South Pasadena is a time warp.
The 180-year-old Adobe Flores is one of the last remaining structures from the time that Southern California was part of Mexico. A small grove of palm trees surrounds a cactus garden in the front. To the side is a flagpole with the American flag above the Mexican flag. Bronze plaques on the porch state that the whitewashed one-story building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is where Mexican Gen. Jose Maria Flores stayed before agreeing to a ceasefire in 1847 during the Mexican-American War.
It’s a private residence now, so all I could do when I visited last Saturday morning was stare at it from the driveway. Then, Felix Gutierrez and Lori Fuller Rusch showed up.
Advertisement
He’s a retired USC journalism professor; she teaches art history at Cal State L.A. They’re members of the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation. Together, they took me back to a time when grasslands and cattle covered what today is asphalt and cars, and made the argument that July 4 should mean something more to Southern Californians than just Independence Day.
“This was all open space up to the [110] freeway 50 years ago,” Gutierrez said, waving out to the horizon as we stood in the shade of the palm trees. Two cars sat in the driveway. I wondered if we could go inside.
“The last time the residents allowed us inside was 12 years ago,” he said with a shrug.
On this day 175 years ago, the United States and Mexico proclaimed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War. The agreement established a new border, which meant the northern half of Mexico became the modern-day American Southwest. It also guaranteed to the Mexicans who stayed “the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of” their new country.
We all know how that worked out.
American history has long treated the agreement as a bump on the road to Manifest Destiny. Mexico, meanwhile, sees it as one of its most humiliating moments. For Mexican Americans, the treaty is a psychic wound that has never healed, proof that the American government — and gringos, by default — can never be trusted.
Advertisement
Activists used its broken promises to organize resistance. In 1972, for instance, the Brown Berets occupied Catalina Island for nearly a month, arguing that since the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo didn’t mention it, they were reclaiming the Island of Romance for Mexico.
I’ve always associated grievance with the treaty. Gutierrez and Fuller Rusch wanted me to see it in a completely different context. He came armed with a folder full of clippings and a book about the history of the treaty; she carried an iPad.
“There’s been a lot of focus on the land that was lost” because of the Mexican-American War, Gutierrez said. “But there should be equal emphasis on the people that remained.”
“We [California] are a microcosm of where the world is going to be,” Fuller Rusch added. “Living together is not always harmonious. So we have to learn from each other and respect each other and fight for each other.”
“And that fight” for Mexican Americans, Gutierrez said as he gestured toward the Adobe Flores, “started right here.”
Gutierrez, whose ancestors came to Southern California in the 1840s, grew up with stories of Californio bravery in the face of American empire. The Mexican government had stripped them of heavy artillery, so all the Californios could fight the “Yankees” (Gutierrez’s term, not mine) with were lances, lariats and pistols.
Those invaders initially “got the rear end kicked out of them,” the profe said with a satisfied smile. The Californios won battles through the fall of 1846 in present-day Dominguez Hills, the San Pasqual Valley in San Diego County and the San Gabriel River near Montebello. But American forces, led by men such as Kearney, Fremont and Stockton, whose last names still pepper the California landscape, were marching on Los Angeles with more men and firepower.
Flores and other Californios gathered at an adobe ranch house in Rancho San Pascual, a Mexican land grant that encompassed most of Altadena, Pasadena, South Pasadena and San Marino. Those discussions culminated in the Treaty of Cahuenga, which the Americans and Mexicans signed in modern-day Studio City on Jan. 13, 1847. Decades later, the adobe was named in Flores’ honor.
“Flores told the Americans, ‘If we don’t come to terms, we’ll become guerrilla fighters and flee to the hills,’ ” Gutierrez said. “It’s the only peace treaty in American history dictated by the losing side.”
The armistice allowed Californios to keep their property and promised “equal rights and privileges.” But the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo stripped those guarantees a year and a half later. It’s that loss, Gutierrez said, that we should remember on the Fourth of July, especially since this country has for too long treated Mexican Americans as little better than vassals.
“We [Mexican Americans] have rights as American citizens,” is the Californio message that should still resonate for everyone 175 years later, he said. “We’re just as good as you [Yankees]. Just give us a chance to show it.”
I asked Fuller Rusch what she learned about the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo growing up. “Zero,” she said with a laugh, then added: “It’s one sentence in high school textbooks today. Maybe.”
The profa takes pride in teaching her Latino students about the treaty in classes where she’s “the only gringa in the room. I tell them, ‘Your ancestors are right here, and you should not lose their history, so go find it!’
“The younger they are,” she added, “the less they know — but the quicker they learn.”
Fuller Rusch flipped through photos and paintings of Adobe Flores through the decades: as a ranch house, a boarding house, a tea room, an abandoned mess and finally the gleaming slice of California history it is today. She noted that Anglos were the ones who preserved it instead of demolishing it, like too many buildings of the era. The same family has owned it since 1967, holding it as a rental property.
“Others are able to tell its history,” she said. “This is a model for how to live.”
Tenants from nearby apartment buildings blithely walked past Gutierrez and Fuller Rusch as they gave their mini-lecture. Cars drove past us. The happy shouts of families enjoying a picnic bubbled over from nearby Garfield Park.
Gutierrez posed for a photo in front of the flagpole, with its dual national flags, and cracked, “I’ve been waiting 175 years for this moment.”
High above the Las Vegas Strip, solar panels blanketed the roof of Mandalay Bay Convention Center — 26,000 of them, rippling across an area larger than 20 football fields.
From this vantage point, the sun-dappled Mandalay Bay and Delano hotels dominated the horizon, emerging like comically large golden scepters from the glittering black panels.Snow-tipped mountains rose to the west.
It was a cold winter morning in the Mojave Desert. But there was plenty of sunlight to supply the solar array.
“This is really an ideal location,” said Michael Gulich, vice president of sustainability at MGM Resorts International.
The same goes for the rest of Las Vegas and its sprawling suburbs.
Advertisement
Sin City already has more solar panels per person than any major U.S. metropolis outside Hawaii, according to one analysis. And the city is bursting with single-family homes, warehouses and parking lots untouched by solar.
L.A. Times energy reporter Sammy Roth heads to the Las Vegas Valley, where giant solar fields are beginning to carpet the desert. But what is the environmental cost? (Video by Jessica Q. Chen, Maggie Beidelman / Los Angeles Times)
There’s enormous opportunity to lower household utility bills and cut climate pollution — without damaging wildlife habitat or disrupting treasured landscapes.
But that hasn’t stopped corporations from making plans to carpet the desert surrounding Las Vegas with dozens of giant solar fields — some of them designed to supply power to California. The Biden administration has fueled that growth, taking steps to encourage solar and wind energy development across vast stretches of public lands in Nevada and other Western states.
Those energy generators could imperil rare plants and slow-footed tortoises already threatened by rising temperatures.
They could also lessen the death and suffering from the worsening heat waves, fires, droughts and storms of the climate crisis.
Researchers have found there’s not nearly enough space on rooftops to supply all U.S. electricity — especially as more people drive electric cars. Even an analysis funded by rooftop solar advocates and installers found that the most cost-effective route to phasing out fossil fuels involves six times more power from big solar and wind farms than from smaller local solar systems.
But the exact balance has yet to be determined. And Nevada is ground zero for figuring it out.
The outcome could be determined, in part, by billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
The so-called Oracle of Omaha owns NV Energy, the monopoly utility that supplies electricity to most Nevadans. NV Energy and its investor-owned utility brethren across the country can earn huge amounts of money paving over public lands with solar and wind farms and building long-distance transmission lines to cities.
But by regulatory design, those companies don’t profit off rooftop solar. And in many cases, they’ve fought to limit rooftop solar — which can reduce the need for large-scale infrastructure and result in lower returns for investors.
Mike Troncoso remembers the exact date of Nevada’s rooftop solar reckoning.
It was Dec. 23, 2015, and he was working for SolarCity. The rooftop installer abruptly ceased operations in the Silver State after NV Energy helped persuade officials to slash a program that pays solar customers for energy they send to the power grid.
Advertisement
“I was out in the field working, and we got a call: ‘Stop everything you’re doing, don’t finish the project, come to the warehouse,’” Troncoso said. “It was right before Christmas, and they said, ‘Hey, guys, unfortunately we’re getting shut down.’”
After a public outcry, Nevada lawmakers partly reversed the reductions to rooftop solar incentives. Since then, NV Energy and the rooftop solar industry have maintained an uneasy political ceasefire. Installations now exceed pre-2015 levels.
Today, Troncoso is Nevada branch manager for Sunrun, the nation’s largest rooftop solar installer. The company has enough work in the state to support a dozen crews, each named for a different casino. On a chilly winter morning before sunrise, they prepared for the day ahead — laying out steel rails, hooking up microinverters and loading panels onto powder-blue trucks.
But even if Sunrun’s business continues to grow, it won’t eliminate the need for large solar farms in the desert.
Some habitat destruction is unavoidable — at least if we want to break our fossil fuel addiction. The key questions are: How many big solar farms are needed, and where should they be built? Can they be engineered to coexist with animals and plants?
Advertisement
And if not, should Americans be willing to sacrifice a few endangered species in the name of tackling climate change?
To answer those questions, Los Angeles Times journalists spent a week in southern Nevada, touring solar construction sites, hiking up sand dunes and off-roading through the Mojave. We spoke with NV Energy executives, conservation activists battling Buffett’s company and desert rats who don’t want to see their favorite off-highway vehicle trails cut off by solar farms.
Odds are, no one will get everything they want.
Support our journalism
Your support helps us deliver the news that matters most. Subscribe to the Los Angeles Times.
The tortoise in the coal mine
Biologist Bre Moyle easily spotted the small yellow flag affixed to a scraggly creosote bush — one of many hardy plants sprouting from the caliche soil, surrounded by rows of gleaming steel trusses that would soon hoist solar panels toward the sky.
Advertisement
Moyle leaned down for a closer look, gently pulling aside branches to reveal a football-sized hole in the ground. It was the entrance to a desert tortoise burrow — one of thousands catalogued by her employer, Primergy Solar, during construction of one of the nation’s largest solar farms on public lands outside Las Vegas.
“I wouldn’t stand on this side of it,” Moyle advised us. “If you walk back there, you could collapse it, potentially.”
I’d seen plenty of solar construction sites in my decade reporting on energy. But none like this.
Instead of tearing out every cactus and other plant and leveling the land flat — the “blade and grade” method — Primergy had left much of the native vegetation in place and installed trusses of different heights to match the ground’s natural contours. The company had temporarily relocated more than 1,600 plants to an on-site nursery, with plans to put them back later.
The Oakland-based developer also went to great lengths to safeguard desert tortoises — an iconic reptile protected under the federal Endangered Species Act, and the biggest environmental roadblock to building solar in the Mojave.
Desert tortoises are sensitive to global warming, residential sprawl and other human encroachment on their habitat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has estimated tortoise populations fell by more than one-third between 2004 and 2014.
Scientists consider much of the Primergy site high-quality tortoise habitat. It also straddles a connectivity corridor that could help the reptiles seek safer haven as hotter weather and more extreme droughts make their current homes increasingly unlivable.
Before Primergy started building, the company scoured the site and removed 167 tortoises, with plans to let them return and live among the solar panels once the heavy lifting is over. Two-thirds of the project site will be repopulated with tortoises.
Workers removed more tortoises during construction. As of January, the company knew of just two tortoises killed — one that may have been hit by a car, and another that may have been entombed in its burrow by roadwork, then eaten by a kit fox.
Primergy Vice President Thomas Regenhard acknowledged the company can’t build solar here without doing any harm to the ecosystem — or spurring opposition from conservation activists. But as he watched union construction workers lift panels onto trusses, he said Primergy is “making the best of the worst-case situation” for solar opponents.
“What we’re trying to do is make it the least impactful on the environment and natural resources,” he said. “What we’re also doing is we’re sharing that knowledge, so that these projects can be built in a better way moving forward.”
Advertisement
The company isn’t saving tortoises out of the goodness of its profit-seeking heart.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management conditioned its approval of the solar farm, called Gemini, on a long list of environmental protection measures — and only after some bureau staffers seemingly contemplated rejecting the project entirely.
Documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the conservation group Defenders of Wildlife show the bureau’s Las Vegas field office drafted several versions of a “record of decision” that would have denied the permit application for Gemini. The drafts listed several objections, including harm to desert tortoises, loss of space for off-road vehicle drivers and disturbance of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, which runs through the project site.
Separately, Primergy reached a legal settlement with conservationists — who challenged the project’s federal approval in court — in which the company agreed to additional steps to protect tortoises and a plant known as the three-corner milkvetch.
Advertisement
The company estimates just 2.5% of the project site will be permanently disturbed — far less than the 33% allowed by Primergy’s federal permit. Regenhard is hopeful the lessons learned here will inform future solar development on public lands.
“This is something new. So we’re refining a lot of the processes,” he said. “We’re not perfect. We’re still learning.”
By the time construction wraps this fall, 1.8 million panels will cover nearly 4,000 football fields’ worth of land, just off the 15 Freeway. They’ll be able to produce 690 megawatts of power — as much as 115,000 typical home solar systems. And they’ll be paired with batteries, to store energy and help NV Energy customers keep running their air conditioners after sundown.
Unlike many solar fields, Gemini is close to the population it will serve — just a few dozen miles from the Strip. And the affected landscape is far from visually stunning, with none of the red-rock majesty found at nearby Valley of Fire State Park.
But desert tortoises don’t care if a place looks cool to humans. They care if it’s good tortoise habitat.
Moyle, Primergy’s environmental services manager, pointed to a small black structure at the bottom of a fence along the site’s edge — a shade shelter for tortoises. Workers installed them every 800 feet, so that if any relocated reptiles try to return to the solar farm too early, they don’t die pacing along the fence in the heat.
“They have a really, really good sense of direction,” Moyle said. “They know where their homes are. They want to come back.”
Primergy will study what happens when tortoises do come back. Will they benefit from the shade of the solar panels? Or will they struggle to survive on the industrialized landscape?
And looming over those uncertainties, a more existential query: With global warming beginning to devastate human and animal life around the world, should we really be slowing or stopping solar development to save a single type of reptile?
Newsletter
Stay tuned for more Repowering the West
Get our Boiling Point newsletter for the next installment in this series — and behind-the-scenes stories.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
Moyle was ready with an answer: Tortoises are a keystone species. If they’re doing well, it’s a good sign of a healthy ecosystem in which other desert creatures — such as burrowing owls, kit foxes and American badgers — are positioned to thrive, too.
And as the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, human survival is inextricably linked with a healthy natural world.
“We take one thing out, we don’t know what sort of disastrous effect it’s going to have on everything else,” Moyle said.
We do, however, know the consequences of relying on fossil fuels: entire towns burning to the ground, Lake Mead three-quarters empty, elderly Americans baking to death in their overheated homes. With worse to come.
The shifting sands of time
A few miles south, another solar project was rising in the desert. This one looked different.
Advertisement
A fleet of bulldozers, scrapers, excavators and graders was nearly done flattening the land — a beige moonscape devoid of cacti and creosote. The solar panel support trusses were all the same height, forming an eerily rigid silver sea.
When I asked Carl Glass — construction manager for DEPCOM Power, the contractor building this project for Buffett’s NV Energy — why workers couldn’t leave vegetation in place like at Gemini, he offered a simple answer: drainage. Allowing the land to retain its natural contours, he said, would make it difficult to move stormwater off the site during summer monsoons.
Safety was another consideration, said Dani Strain, NV Energy’s senior manager for the project. Blading and grading the land meant workers wouldn’t have to carry solar panels and equipment across ground studded with tripping hazards.
“It’s nicer for the environment not to do it,” Strain said. “But it creates other problems. You can’t have everything.”
This kind of solar project has typified development in the Mojave Desert.
Advertisement
And it helps explain why the Center for Biological Diversity’s Patrick Donnelly has fought so hard to limit that development.
The morning after touring the solar construction sites, we joined Donnelly for a hike up Big Dune, a giant pile of sand covering five square miles and towering 500 feet above the desert floor, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The sun was just beginning its ascent over the Mojave, bathing the sand in a smooth umber glow beneath pockets of wispy cloud.
On weekends, Donnelly said, the dune can be overrun by thousands of off-road vehicles. But on this day, it was quiet.
Energy companies have proposed more than a dozen solar farms on public lands surrounding Big Dune — some with overlapping footprints. Donnelly doesn’t oppose all of them. But he thinks federal agencies should limit solar to the least ecologically sensitive parts of Nevada, instead of letting companies pitch projects almost anywhere they choose.
“Developers are looking at this as low-hanging fruit,” he said. “The idea is, this is where California can build all of its solar.”
We trekked slowly up the dune, our bodies casting long shadows in the early morning light. When we took a breather and looked back down, a trail of footprints marked our path. Donnelly assured us a windy day would wipe them away.
Advertisement
“This is why I live here, man,” he said. “It’s the most beautiful place on Earth, in my mind.”
Donnelly broke his back in a rock-climbing accident, so he used a walking stick to scale the dune. He lives not far from here, at the edge of Death Valley National Park, and works as the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity’s Great Basin director.
As we resumed our journey, the wind blowing hard, I asked Donnelly to rank the top human threats to the Mojave. He was quick to answer: The climate crisis was No. 1, followed by housing sprawl, solar development and off-road vehicles.
“There’s no good solar project in the desert. But there’s less bad,” he said. “And we’re at a point now where we have to settle for less bad, because the alternatives are more bad: more coal, more gas, climate apocalypse.”
That hasn’t stopped Donnelly and his colleagues from fighting renewable energy projects they fear would wipe out entire species — even little-known plants and animals with tiny ranges, such as Tiehm’s buckwheat and the Dixie Valley toad.
“I’m not a religious guy,” Donnelly said. “But all God’s creatures great and small.”
After a steep stretch of sand, we stopped along a ridge with sweeping views. To our west were the Funeral Mountains, across the California state line in Death Valley National Park — and far beyond them Mt. Whitney, its snow-covered facade just barely visible. To our east was Highway 95, cutting across the Amargosa Valley en route from Las Vegas to Reno.
It’s along this highway that so many developers want to build.
Advertisement
“We would be in a sea of solar right now,” Donnelly said.
Having heard plenty of rural residents say they don’t want to look at such a sea, I asked Donnelly if this was a bad spot for solar because it would ruin the glorious views. He told me he never makes that argument, “because honestly, views aren’t really the primary concern at this moment. The primary concern is stopping the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis.”
“There are certain places where we shouldn’t put solar because it’s a wild and undisturbed landscape,” he said.
As far as he’s concerned, though, the Amargosa Valley isn’t one of those landscapes, what with Highway 95 running through it. The same goes for Dry Lake Valley, where NV Energy’s solar construction site is already surrounded by energy infrastructure.
What Donnelly would like to see is better planning.
He pointed to California, where state and federal officials spent eight years crafting a desert conservation plan that allows solar and wind farms across a few hundred thousand acres while setting aside millions more for protection. He thinks a similar process is crucial in Nevada, where four-fifths of the land area is owned by the federal government — more than any other state.
Advertisement
If Donnelly had his way, regulators would put the kibosh on solar farms immediately adjacent to Big Dune. He’s worried they could alter the movement of sand across the desert floor, affecting several rare beetles that call the dune home.
But if the feds want to allow solar projects along the highway to the south, near the Area 51 Alien Center?
“Might not be the end the world,” Donnelly said.
He shot me a grin.
“You know, one thing I like to do …”
Without warning, he took off racing down the dune, carried by momentum and love for the desert. He laughed as he reached a natural stopping point, calling for us to join him. His voice sounded free and full of possibility.
Some solar panels on the horizon wouldn’t have changed that.
Shout it from the rooftops
Laura Cunningham and Kevin Emmerich were a match made in Mojave Desert heaven.
Advertisement
Cunningham was a wildlife biologist, Emmerich a park ranger when they met nearly 30 years ago at Death Valley. She studied tortoises for government agencies and later a private contractor. He worked with bighorn sheep and gave interpretive talks. They got married, bought property along the Amargosa River and started their own conservation group, Basin and Range Watch.
And they’ve been fighting solar development ever since.
That’s how we ended up in the back of their SUV, pulling open a rickety cattle gate off Highway 95 and driving past wild burros on a dirt road through Nevada’s Bullfrog Hills, 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
They had told us Sarcobatus Flat was stunning, but I was still surprised by how stunning. I got my first look as we crested a ridge. The gently sloping valley spilled down toward Death Valley National Park, whose snowy mountain peaks towered over a landscape dotted with thousands of Joshua trees.
“Everything we’re looking at is proposed for solar development,” Cunningham said.
Advertisement
Most environmentalists agree we need at least some large solar farms. Cunningham and Emmerich are different. They’re at the vanguard of a harder-core desert protection movement that sees all large-scale solar farms on public lands as bad news.
Why had so many companies converged on Sarcobatus Flat?
The main answer is transmission. NV Energy is seeking federal approval to build the 358-mile Greenlink West electric line, which would carry thousands of megawatts of renewable power between Reno and Las Vegas along the Highway 95 corridor.
The dirt road curved around a small hill, and suddenly we found ourselves on the valley floor, surrounded by Joshua trees. Some looked healthy; others had bark that had been chewed by rodents seeking water, a sign of drought stress. Scientists estimate the Joshua tree’s western subspecies could lose 90% of its range as the world gets hotter and droughts get more intense.
But asked whether climate change or solar posed a bigger threat to Sarcobatus Flat, Cunningham didn’t hesitate.
“Oh, solar development hands down,” she said.
Nearly 20 years ago, she said, she helped relocate desert tortoises to make way for a test track in California. One of them tried to return home, walking 20 miles before hitting a fence. It paced back and forth and eventually died of heat exhaustion.
Solar farms, she said, pose a similar threat to tortoises. And at Sarcobatus Flat, they would cover a high-elevation area that could otherwise serve as a climate refuge for Joshua trees, giving them a relatively cool place to reproduce as the planet heats up.
“It makes no sense to me that we’re going to bulldoze them down and throw them into trash piles. It’s just crazy,” she said.
In Cunningham and Emmerich’s view, every sun-baked parking lot in L.A. and Vegas and Phoenix should have a solar canopy, every warehouse and single-family home a solar roof. It’s a common argument among desert defenders: Why sacrifice sensitive ecosystems when there’s an easy alternative for fighting climate change? Especially when rooftop solar can reduce strain on an overtaxed electric grid and — when paired with batteries — help people keep their lights on during blackouts?
The answer isn’t especially satisfying to conservationists.
For all the virtues of rooftop solar, it’s an expensive way to generate clean power — and keeping energy costs low is crucial to ensure that lower-income families can afford electric cars, another key climate solution. A recent report from investment bank Lazard pegged the cost of rooftop solar at 11.7 cents per kilowatt-hour on the low end, compared with 2.4 cents for utility solar.
Even when factoring in pricey long-distance electric lines, utility-scale solar is typically cheaper, several experts told me.
“It’s three to six times more expensive to put solar on your roof than to put it in a large-scale project,” said Jesse Jenkins, an energy systems researcher at Princeton University. “There may be some added value to having solar in the Los Angeles Basin instead of the middle of the Mojave Desert. But is it 300% to 600% more value? Probably not. It’s probably not even close.”
There’s a practical challenge, too.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has estimated U.S. rooftops could generate 1,432 terawatt-hours of electricity per year — just 13% of the power America will need to replace most of its coal, oil and gas, according to research led by Jenkins.
Add in parking lots and other areas within cities, and urban solar systems might conceivably supply one-quarter or even one-third of U.S. power, several experts told The Times — in an unlikely scenario where they’re installed in every suitable spot.
Energy researcher Chris Clack’s consulting firm has found that dramatic growth in rooftop and other small-scale solar installations could reduce the costs of slashing climate pollution by half a trillion dollars. But even Clack said rooftops alone won’t cut it.
“Realistically, 80% is going to end up being utility grid no matter what,” he said.
Advertisement
All those industrial renewable energy projects will have to go somewhere.
Sarcobatus Flat may not be the answer. Federal officials classified all three solar proposals there as “low priority,” citing their proximity to Death Valley and potential harm to tortoise habitat. One developer withdrew its application last year.
Before leaving the area, Cunningham pointed to a wooden marker, one of at least half a dozen stretching out in a line. I walked over to take a closer look and discovered it was a mining claim for lithium — a main ingredient in electric-car batteries.
If solar development didn’t upend this valley, lithium extraction might.
On the beaten track
Advertisement
The four-wheeler jerked violently as Erica Muxlow pressed her foot to the gas, sending us flying down a rough dirt road with no end in sight but the distant mountains. Five-point safety straps were the only things stopping us from flying out of our seats, the vehicle leaping through the air as we reached speeds of 40 mph, then 50 mph, the wind whipping our faces.
It was like riding Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds — just without the Yeti.
Ahead of us, Muxlow’s neighbor Jimmy Lewis led the way on an electric blue motorcycle, kicking up a stream of sand. He wanted us to see thousands of acres of public lands outside his adopted hometown of Pahrump, in Nevada’s Nye County, that could soon be blocked by solar projects — cutting off access to off-highway vehicle enthusiasts such as himself.
“You could build an apartment complex or a shopping mall here, and it would be the same thing to me,” he said.
To progressive-minded Angelenos or San Franciscans, preserving large chunks of public land for gas-guzzling, environmentally destructive dirt bikes might sound like a terrible reason not to build solar farms that would lessen the climate crisis.
Advertisement
But here’s the reality: Rural Westerners such as Lewis will play a key role in determining how much clean energy gets built.
Not long before our Nevada trip, Nye County placed a six-month pause on new renewable energy projects, citing local concerns about loss of off-road vehicle trails. Similar fears have stymied development across the U.S., with rural residents attacking solar and wind farms as industrial intrusions on their way of life — and local governments throwing up roadblocks.
For Lewis, the conflict is deeply personal.
He moved here from Southern California more than a decade ago, trading life by the beach for a five-acre plot where he runs an off-roading school and test-drives motorcycles for manufacturers. His warehouse was packed with dozens of dirt bikes.
“This is my life. Motorcycles, motorcycles, motorcycles,” he said, laughing.
Lewis has worked to stir up opposition to three local solar farm proposals. So far, his efforts have been in vain.
One project is already under construction. Peering through a fence, we saw row after row of trusses, waiting for their photovoltaic panels. It’s called Yellow Pine, and it’s being built by Florida-based NextEra Energy to supply power to California.
Advertisement
Lewis learned about Yellow Pine when he was riding one of his favorite trails and was surprised to find it cut off. He compared the experience to riding the best roller-coaster at a theme park, only to have it grind to a halt three-quarters of the way through.
“I don’t want my playground taken away from me,” he said.
“Me neither!” a voice called out from behind us.
We turned and were greeted by Shannon Salter, an activist who had previously spent nine months camping near the Yellow Pine site to protest the habitat destruction. She and Lewis had never met, but they quickly realized they had common cause.
“It’s the opposite of green!” Salter said.
“On my roof, not my backyard,” Lewis agreed.
Never mind that conservationists have long decried the ecological damage from desert off-roading. Salter and Lewis both cared about these lands. Neither wanted to see the solar industry lay claim to them. They talked about staying in touch.
It’s easy to imagine similar alliances forming across the West, the clean energy transition bringing together environmentalists and rural residents in a battle to defend their lifestyles, their landscapes and animals that can’t fight for themselves.
Newsletter
Your guide to our clean energy future
Get our Boiling Point newsletter for the latest on the power sector, water wars and more — and what they mean for California.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
It’s also easy to imagine major cities that badly need lots of solar and wind power — Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix — brushing off those complaints as insignificant compared with the climate emergency, or as fueled by right-wing misinformation.
But many of concerns raised by critics are legitimate. And their voices are only getting louder.
As night fell over the Mojave, Lewis shared his idea that any city buying electricity from a desert solar farm should be required to install a certain amount of rooftop solar back home first — on government buildings, at least. It only seemed fair.
“Some people see the desert as just a wasteland,” Lewis said. “I think it’s beautiful.”
The view from Black Mountain
Advertisement
So how do we build enough renewable energy to replace fossil fuels without destroying too many ecosystems, or stoking too much political opposition from rural towns, or moving too slowly to save the planet?
Few people could do more to ease those tensions than Buffett.
Our conversation kept returning to the legendary investor as we hiked Black Mountain, just outside Vegas, on our last morning in the Silver State. We were joined by Jaina Moan, director of external affairs for the Nature Conservancy’s Nevada chapter. She had promised a view of massive solar fields from the peak — but only after a 3.5-mile trek with 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
“It’ll be a little StairMaster at the end,” she warned us.
The homes and hotels and casinos of the Las Vegas Valley retreated behind us as we climbed, looking ever smaller and more insignificant against the vast open desert. It was an illusion that will prove increasingly difficult to maintain as Sin City and its suburbs continue their march into the Mojave. Nevada politicians from both parties are pushing for legislation that would let federal officials auction off additional public lands for residential and commercial development.
Vegas and other Western cities could limit the need for more suburbs — and sprawling solar farms — by growing smarter, Moan said. Urban areas could embrace density, to help people drive fewer miles and reduce the demand for new power supplies to fuel electric vehicles. They could invest in electric buses and trains — and use less water, which would save a lot of energy.
Advertisement
“As our spaces become more crowded, we’re going to have to come up with more creative ideas,” Moan said.
That’s where Buffett could make things easier.
The billionaire’s Berkshire Hathaway company owns electric utilities that serve millions of people, from California to Nevada to Illinois. Those utilities, Moan said, could buck the industry trend of urging policymakers to reduce financial incentives for rooftop solar and instead encourage the technology — along with other small-scale clean energy solutions, such as local microgrids.
That would limit the need for big solar farms — at least somewhat.
Berkshire and other energy giants could also build solar on lands already altered by humans, such as abandoned mines, toxic Superfund sites, reservoirs, landfills, agricultural areas, highway corridors and canals that carry water to farms and cities.
The costs are typically higher than building on undisturbed public lands. And in many cases there are technical challenges yet to be resolved. But those kinds of “creative solutions” could at least lessen the loss of biodiversity, Moan said.
“There’s money to be made there, and there’s good to be done,” she said.
Advertisement
It’s hard to know what Buffett thinks. A Berkshire spokesperson declined my request to interview him.
Tony Sanchez, NV Energy’s executive vice president for business development and external relations, was more forthcoming.
“The problem for us with rooftop solar,” he said, is that it’s “not controlled at all by us.” As a result, NV Energy can’t decide when and how rooftop solar power is used — and can’t rely on that power to help balance supply and demand on the grid.
Over time, Sanchez predicted, a lot more rooftop solar will get built. But he couldn’t say how much.
Rooftop solar faces a similarly uncertain future in California, where state officials voted last year to slash incentive payments, calling them an unfair subsidy. Industry leaders have warned of a dramatic decline in installations.
As we neared the top of Black Mountain, the solar farms on the other side came into view. They stretched across the Eldorado Valley far below — black rectangles that could help save life on Earth while also destroying bits and pieces of it.
Advertisement
Moan believes the key to balancing clean energy and conservation is “go slow to go fast.” Government agencies, she said, should work with conservation activists, small-town residents and Native American tribes to study and map out the best places for clean energy, then reward companies that agree to build in those areas with faster approvals. Solar and wind development would slow down in the short term but speed up in the long run, with quicker environmental reviews and less risk of lawsuits.
It’s a tantalizing concept — but I confessed to Moan that I worried it would backfire.
What if the sparring factions couldn’t agree on the best spots to build solar and wind farms, and instead wasted years arguing? Or what if they did manage to hammer out some compromises, only for a handful of unhappy people or groups to take them to court, gumming up the works? Couldn’t “go slow to go fast” end up becoming “go slow to go slow”?
In other words, should we really bet our collective future on human beings working together, rather than fighting?
Moan was sympathetic to my fears. She also didn’t see another way forward.
Advertisement
“We really need to think holistically about saving everything,” she said.
The sad truth is, not everything can be saved. Not if we want to keep the world livable for people and animals alike.
Some beloved landscapes will be left unrecognizable. Some families will be stuck paying high energy bills to monopoly utilities, even as some utility investors make less money. Some tortoises will probably die, pacing along fences in the heat.
The alternative is worse.
Support our journalism
Your support helps us deliver the news that matters most. Subscribe to the Los Angeles Times.
Just because you live in a small bedroom, doesn’t mean you need to skimp on style. Here are 7 small bedroom ideas to liven up your space.
When living in an apartment, you might be a little short on space. However, you do not need to be short on style! While you can’t magically expand the parameters of your bedroom, you can add some pizzazz with these seven small bedroom ideas.
If you’re craving some feng-shui and want to update your tiny room with a new decorating style, here are several ideas that will be sure to optimize your space and make you feel like you’re in your own personal haven.
7 small bedroom ideas to freshen up your space
Regardless of your decorating budget, you can utilize any or all of these small bedroom ideas to jazz up your space. Let’s get started with the transformation!
1. Paint a wall
Color is one of the best ways to liven up any space, regardless of size. On one side of the color wheel, you could go with neutrals, like white or beige, to create a blank slate. The fresh white walls can add a clean look and brighten up the space. It also leaves room for you to add a statement piece of art that really stands out.
On the other side of the color wheel, you could go bold and paint one wall a signature color that will add a splash of color. If you choose to go with a color, choose it wisely. Sometimes, dark colors on all four walls could make the space appear smaller. You can find a paint finder tool to choose the right color for your room.
2. Hang some art or a decorative mirror
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? If you’re looking for small bedroom ideas to spice up your space, consider going art shopping and finding the perfect piece of art to add to one wall. You could buy a large statement piece or purchase several prints and make a photo collage. The idea here is to use art to make a statement in your small space.
Another thing to consider is adding a mirror to a wall. This could be a wall mirror or a standing mirror, but make it big! The mirror can help amplify the space and make it seem larger than it is.
3. Get some greenery
You don’t need a green thumb to add some greenery to your bedroom. Go to your local nursery and find a cactus, succulent or even a small tree to bring home to your room. You’ll want to consider things like how much light your room gets and how often you need to water the plant, but there is a plant for almost any situation. Greenery adds life, literally, to your space and that can make your small bedroom feel like a retreat.
4. Become creative with storage
One of the biggest problems with small spaces is the lack of storage options. Don’t fret, though! You can and must get creative when living in a small space. First, make use of the available storage you do have. Add boxes or bins to any shelf to reduce visual clutter. Next, consider propping up your bed to add more under-the-bed storage to hide and store items. You can also add furniture — like a dresser, bookshelf or desk — to decorate and organize.
Remember, clutter makes any space look smaller. So, you need to be organized and get in touch with your inner Marie Kondo to make your small bedroom appear larger.
5. Upgrade to multi-purpose furniture
Make your furniture multi-task! If you have the budget to buy some new furniture, invest in multi-functional furniture. For example, can your shelves double as a desk? Or can you buy a bed frame with built-in storage? Multi-purpose furniture is cool and it helps save on space, which is key to upgrading a small bedroom.
6. Add some height
It might sound counter-intuitive to add large furniture to a small room, but sometimes, larger furniture in a small space actually makes the room seem bigger. For example, we mentioned adding a mirror to your room earlier. Why not make that mirror tall and large to add some height and dimension to the space? Or, consider adding a piece of ladder furniture that adds height and doubles as storage?
7. Make use of tight spaces
The seventh small bedroom idea for decorating is to think of tight, small spaces in innovative ways. For example, do you have an extra closet in your room? Consider taking down the closet doors and converting that space to a mini office complete with a desk and chair. Do you have tall ceilings? Add a high shelf and use that for boxes and bins.
General tips for small bedroom living
Living in a small space can be frustrating if you aren’t organized. But, you can make it work and live in a fabulous small bedroom by following these three tips.
Stay clean and organized
Clutter is distracting and stressful and makes any place, regardless of size, seem smaller. If you live in a small apartment or have a small bedroom, make it part of your daily or weekly routine to clean and organize regularly. By keeping an orderly space, you’ll have a cleaner house and head.
Live minimally
Less is more, right? One thing to consider is the “one in, one out rule.” For example, if you purchase new clothes or a new piece of furniture, donate something old instead. This makes it so that you aren’t adding more stuff to your space but remain with the same amount of items, creating less clutter.
Add light and fresh air
Dark spaces can seem dreary, so make sure to turn on lights, add lamps or open window shades to bring in light. Likewise, prop open a window or add a fan to avoid a stuffy, cramped feeling in your bedroom.
Create your dream small bedroom
By incorporating one (or seven!) of these small bedroom ideas, you’ll create the cozy room of your dreams. Friendly reminder to check with your landlord and lease, though, before making any permanent alterations to your apartment. Once you get the green light, grab your paintbrush and paint away!
Still looking for that dream apartment to decorate? Start here.
If you visited this post two years ago, you would have seen that I made the naive decision to participate in the six week One Room Challenge – on a historic house I was gut renovating. Relying on contractors, hardwood floor installs and major electrical to be completed in a six week window was a wee bit over my head at the time. It only took seven more months to actually finish our renovations. Lesson learned. But, I did finally manage to finish our media room and wanted to make sure you saw the completed space. Scroll for the final look!
Well, it’s here. The sixth week in the One Room Challenge – alla reveal day! So I’ve got some good news and bad news. The good news is that our media room design is complete! The bad news is that it’s only done in my head. Apparently, the old adage in major home renovation is quite true: things will take twice as long and always cost twice as much! as you anticipate. Since we bought this 145 year old house nearly a year and half ago and started construction back in February(!), I thought there might be a chance for our renovation would be complete in time for the end of our challenge. Alas, we still have quite a long way to go.
But I would never leave you high and dry! I can see the final media room in my mind’s eye, so I thought I’d do my best to show you everything I’m seeing. Remember when we were trying to pick a paint color? The crowd favorite in this post was actually Benjamin Moore’s Almost Black.
Well, we were able to get our future media room painted. Here’s how things were looking in 2015.
Can you tell which color we selected?? We ended up going with the Benjamin Moore Gravel Gray in flat. It’s a bit hard to tell in a photo, but it turned out to be a richly hued gray – it has a navy undertone that I absolutely love. It’s dramatic but it doesn’t feel ominous.
If you’ve been following along with my inspiration posts, then you’ve seen how I wanted to create a space that’s comfortable – perfect for movie nights – but also an elevated and a touch dramatic. I think this final design and product selection is going to help me do just that.
The space is a little tight, the room is only about 10 feet across, so the Room & Board sectional is the perfect solution. I’m not typically a fan of the chaise style, but with limited space it’s the perfect way to create a cozy place to snuggle up. The round brass coffee table is practically perfect in every way.
Of course the media storage is a big sticking point with the hubby, but we both agreed that the Blu Dot Console is modern and chic, but understated. I’m trying to keep the attention away from the ginormous TV as much as possible wish me luck!.
With little room for side tables or other lighting, I hung a classic George Nelson Cigar Pendant in the far corner of the room. It’ll give the space a nice golden glow. It’s all about ambient light people. A few choice pillows and a luxe throw are really all we’re going to need to make the space feel homey. The gorgeous Arhaus Rug will pull all the blues and grays together beautifully.
You can catch up on the entire six week One Room Challenge HERE.
And of course you have to check out everyone else’s big reveals! This is the ultimate in interior inspiration. I feel lucky to have been involved in such a great group.
Apartment 34 | Arianna Belle | Because It’s Awesome | Coco+Kelley | Design Darling | Design Indulgence |Design Manifest | Christine Dovey | The English Room | Vanessa Francis | Hi Sugarplum | Honey We’re Home | Jojotastic | The Pink Clutch | The Pink Pagoda | Simplified Bee | Style Your Senses | A Thoughtful Place | Kimberly Whitman | The Zhush |
The all-inclusive resort space can be a little confusing, as the brands aren’t always as well known as, say, a Hyatt Regency or Park Hyatt.
We’re here to change that with this collection of our favorite Hyatt all-inclusive resorts.
The company’s all-inclusive resort footprint grew exponentially in recent years thanks to a $2.7 billion acquisition of Apple Leisure Group, the owner of brands like Secrets and Dreams. However, Hyatt also has all-inclusive resort options from before this takeover, with offerings like the Alila Ventana Big Sur, the Ziva and Zilara brands and even Park Hyatt’s posh outpost in the Maldives.
Ready to pack your bags? We sure are.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Big Sur, California, USA
ALILA VENTANA BIG SUR/FACEBOOK
Best for: Romantic weekends away or disconnecting in nature while surrounded by world-class amenities.
Why stay here: Alila Ventana Big Sur is arguably one of the best Hyatt properties in North America, perhaps even the world, thanks to its one-of-a-kind location in California’s coastal redwood groves and the value you can get from your Hyatt points.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elitelike perks and on-property credits, or book using World of Hyatt points for one of the best redemptions in the program. It’s also available through American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts and Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, where you can get valuable perks like credits to use on the property, room upgrades and late checkout, depending on the program.
Consider Alila Ventana Big Sur the grande dame of Hyatt resorts (and points redemptions) in the U.S.
Perched off the Pacific Coast Highway about a half-hour south of San Francisco, the West Coast resort is the pinnacle of all-inclusive luxury travel with a dose of seclusion. Alila Ventana Big Sur only features 59 guest rooms and suites, as well as 15 tented cabins spread out across 150 acres.
Travelers may not typically associate Hyatt’s Alila brand with “all-inclusive” like you would with Zilara or Secrets. However, the California resort includes all meals and snacks with a nightly room rate. Alcoholic beverages are sold separately.
The vibe is glitzy glamping, with a lot of wood paneling and working fireplaces in guest rooms and suites. Leather chairs and earth tones complement the California redwood forest outside.
Head to The Sur House, Alila Ventana Big Sur’s main restaurant, for breakfast and dinner with a Pacific Ocean view and locally sourced ingredients. Lunch can be delivered poolside to your chaise lounge. Spa Alila is a must-splurge, with alfresco treatments offered from outdoor cabanas — clarify and cleanse with an 80-minute facial or unwind in a copper soaking tub with an impeccable view of the redwoods beyond. The great outdoors were never so decadent.
Sign up for our daily newsletter
Rates start at $1,969 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Miraval Berkshires
Lenox, Massachusetts, USA
MIRAVAL BERKSHIRES/MIRAVAL
Best for: Couples who simply need to unwind.
Why stay here: This luxury wellness retreat is the place to trade the fast pace of the modern world for a tranquil retreat … and use Hyatt points to do it.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elitelike perks and on-property credits or book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem points. Go through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts for extra perks like guaranteed late checkout and a $100 property credit.
This luxe wellness retreat exudes a contemporary atmosphere in Massachusetts’ otherwise rustic, woodsy Berkshires region. Miraval Berkshires is a magnet for city dwellers (it’s driveable from New York City and Boston) looking for a little R&R — but perhaps without all the dietary (and drinking) limitations of other wellness retreats in the area. Keep in mind: While alcohol is served at Miraval, it is not included in your nightly rate like all other food and drinks.
Sleek, clean and bright designs dominate throughout the resort, including the modern Carriage House suites and Cottages. However, the 10 recently renovated rooms and suites found in the Wyndhurst Mansion are a worthy splurge. Named for legendary artists and prominent families of the Gilded Age, suites include the Vanderbilt Suite (the largest, as you might expect) and the cozier Wharton and Hawthorne rooms — all include modern fixtures and furnishings and upgraded bathrooms. Larger rooms and suites include decorative fireplaces, which are great for unwinding and reflecting following a day of treatments.
Speaking of treatments, the Life in Balance Spa at Miraval Berkshires is a major draw and, at 29,000 square feet, a focal point of the entire resort. We’re fans of the 80-minute Manuka Honey Quench body treatment to give the skin some ultraluxurious moisturization and glow.
TPG loved the food and beverage offerings at Miraval when we checked in. 1894 Restaurant, named for the year Wyndhurst Mansion wrapped construction, is the resort’s fine dining option serving a four-course tasting menu that features scrumptious offerings like Maine lobster risotto and Hudson Valley duck.
Rates start at $804 or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico
HYATT ZIVA LOS CABOS/FACEBOOK
Best for: Families wanting an upscale and memorable experience where everything is taken care of for you.
Why stay here: Hyatt’s Ziva brand is one of the best all-inclusive experiences money (or points) can buy.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points.
Fun in the sun is easy to access at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, on the outskirts of San Jose del Cabo but only a 20-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) in Mexico.
While Ziva is the family-friendly option of Hyatt’s Ziva and Zilara all-inclusive brand siblings, TPG found the property to have plenty of options for visitors of all ages (including those who are looking for a little more seclusion away from children).
Guest rooms and suites fit the Baja California feel with terracotta tiles, light decor and dark wood accents. Ocean views are a must, and the Master Suite tier of rooms affords extra space as well as Hyatt club-level amenities.
On the food front, TPG recommends the poolside bars, which serve up delicious fish tacos and ceviche with service that is both friendly and fast. Bon Vivant, the resort’s French restaurant, is another winner with salad nicoise and duck breast — and it’s worth splurging on the wine list that isn’t part of the all-inclusive offering.
Rates start at $320 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
HYATT ZIVA CANCUN/FACEBOOK
Best for: Teens with a sweet tooth.
Why stay here: The resort has a teens club with virtual reality experiences and an array of water sports, plus a candy room that’s part of the all-inclusive rates.
Best way to book: Book directly with World of Hyatt.
Family-friendly Cancun might not be as stunning as Hyatt Ziva Cancun, an all-inclusive resort with spectacular views and sprawling beaches in the heart of Cancun. Don’t miss the expansive pool deck with chaise lounges, swim-up bars and hot tubs.
TPG favors rooms in the Ziva’s 17-floor Club Tower, which includes the hotel’s guest rooms and suites with Hyatt Ziva Club access. Ziva Club access includes things like private check-in and checkout and personalized concierge services. While the resort is family-friendly, couples will likely want to look into a stay in the adults-only Turquoize Tower. The Turquoize building includes rooms and suites with extras like private infinity pools or hot tubs.
The dining lineup is extensive, to put it mildly. A few of our favorites include El Mercado, Hyatt Ziva Cancun’s all-day buffet, and Pasteles, a dessert parlor to satisfy the sweetest of sweet teeth. Food carts even regularly circle the pool, so if you leave here hungry, it’s your own fault. The alcohol selection is also surprisingly highbrow for an all-inclusive resort and features spirits like Johnnie Walker Black whisky, Belvedere vodka and Don Julio tequila.
Rates start at $460 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
Montego Bay, Jamaica
HYATT ZILARA ROSE HALL/PARK HYATT
Best for: Couples looking for a traditional all-inclusive experience where they can redeem points.
Why stay here: Stay here if you’re craving a classic sun, sea and sand getaway with a warm Jamaican welcome and access to an array of amenities.
Best way to book: Book the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall directly on Hyatt’s website to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and take advantage of elite status benefits.
Hyatt made a major push into all-inclusive resorts in recent years, but one of TPG’s favorites has been around since the more recent expansion. Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall manages to feel secluded yet is mere minutes from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ).
This adults-only resort features attentive service, a slew of amenities and a litany of dining options that makes this one of TPG’s favorite all-inclusive resorts. Guest rooms and suites offer airy, light environs perfect for a seaside vacation — we particularly love the swim-up suites. The Grand Butler Suite with personalized butler service is an ideal splurge for those looking for particularly attentive care.
On the activity front, spend time ranging from a plunge in the resort’s three-level pool to getting adventurous with surfing on Montego Bay. Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall’s spa features treatment rooms and a beachside cabana to indulge in a massage on the waterfront. Who doesn’t love getting rid of knots with crashing waves serenading you?
Dining options can satisfy a wide variety of taste buds. The resort’s upscale French restaurant, Petit Pariz, is ideal for a romantic date night, while Jamaican RootZ by HoriZons is great for all-day alfresco dining with a waterfront view.
Rates start at $492 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya, Mexico
ZOETRY PARAISO DE LA BONITA RIVI
Best for: Travelers wanting the ease of an all-inclusive resort without too much of a party scene.
Why stay here: Splurge on an oceanfront Butler Suite for a tailor-made experience with gorgeous views steps from the sand.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
If you’re a little confused by the various all-inclusive brands under the Hyatt umbrella these days, have no fear. Zoetry is an all-inclusive brand targeting “holistic experiences” with “exceptional service.” Basically, you will almost certainly leave feeling pampered and more in tune with your wellness-oriented self.
Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya is one of our favorite ways to do just that. The Riviera Maya resort features a remarkable stretch of beach and attentive service, luxe accommodations and dining options galore. Tranquility is the name of the game here: less bottomless-well vodka and disco and more top-shelf liquor and soothing guitar music to ocean sounds.
Rooms and suites are sprawling. The resort’s smallest room is 800 square feet (essentially, the size of a two-bedroom apartment). Oceanfront views are a mainstay, as well as indoor-outdoor layouts, private balconies and decor featuring local art.
On the dining front, be sure to indulge in the fresh grilled seafood with waterfront views at El Chiringuito or the top-rated international cuisine at La Canoa, which is also known for its wine list (available at an added cost beyond the all-inclusive rate).
Of course, the holistic brand standard that Zoetry is known for, the Thalasso Center & Spa, is the draw here. Signature offerings include a Temazcal ancestral treatment to cleanse mind, body and soul, and a simpler Mayan massage encompassing cup treatment and reflexology.
Rates start at $396 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Cancun, Mexico
SECRETS RIVIERA CANCUN RESORT & SPA
Best for: A stylish getaway a little removed from the action of Cancun.
Why stay here: Each of the resort’s luxurious rooms comes with a private terrace or patio with either a hot tub or swim-up pool.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Sure, the white sandy beaches and swim-up bars are love at first sight for a place like Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa. But shouldn’t your all-inclusive resort offer so much more? Secrets, an adults-only all-inclusive resort brand, certainly delivers in Cancun.
This all-suite resort manages to feel a little more secluded and cozy than you’d expect from an all-inclusive resort. Secrets Riviera Cancun guest rooms include private balconies and terraces with either hot tubs or swim-out access.
Activities abound, with kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing and snorkeling as just a few select offerings on the outdoor lineup. Be sure to refuel at the wide array of restaurant offerings, including Picante, the resort’s gourmet Mexican restaurant, and Coquette, an a la carte French restaurant.
Rates start at $485 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Breathless Punta Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
BREATHLESS PUNTA CANA/FACEBOOK
Best for: Adults who want to be lazy in the sun then turn it up with live music and DJs.
Why stay here: At Breathless you get the perfect mix of a relaxing vacation with high-energy social elements.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn and redeem points.
All-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic might conjure images of the loud spring break crowd, but that’s not exactly the vibe at Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa.
The sprawling property is a favorite for its expansive suites and Xhale Club, a VIP offering with more personalized service for those staying in this category of suites. All suites feature balconies with private hot tubs, while some feature swim-up pool access from their terraces.
The restaurant lineup is extensive, with 11 restaurants and eight bars to indulge in. The Barefoot Grill serves beachside staples like burgers and grilled fish under the sun, while the Mediterranean-influenced Kibbeh restaurant is perfect for date night.
Carve out some me-time at the Relax Spa by Pevonia — the Sun Lover’s Facial is a must after a busy day lounging by the pool.
Rates start at $247 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Dreams Dominicus La Romana
Dominican Republic
DREAMS DOMINICUS LA ROMANA/FACEBOOK
Best for: Those looking for an elevated all-inclusive getaway — you won’t find any wristband requirements here.
Why stay here: Beautiful beaches and spacious rooms and suites (all with private balconies and some with private pools) will lead to true R&R during your stay.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Dreams is the more family-oriented of the all-inclusive brands Hyatt acquired amid the Apple Leisure Group takeover. Dreams Dominicus La Romana is a traveler favorite thanks to its gorgeous beach location and plenty of poolside and waterfront chaise lounges. (We aren’t saying you won’t compete to nab a chair each day, but at least there are plenty from which to pick.)
When we say there’s something for everyone here, we mean it: Rooms and suites range from spacious garden-view rooms with private balconies, canopy beds and elegant bathrooms to expansive three-bedroom suites geared toward families. There are also swim-up suites and even a honeymoon suite with a private hot tub and hammock.
Both buffets win out at Dreams: There are lively cooking displays at World Cafe, and the club level-only Flying Fish buffet is a more exclusive all-you-can-eat feast. Dance the night away at Desires, the resort’s lounge and nightclub.
Rates start at $343 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino
Willemstad, Curacao
SUNSCAPE CURACAO RESORT SPA & CASINO
Best for: Families looking for a variety of activities for all ages.
Why stay here: Plenty of pools, a calm beach and a plethora of activities (including an indulgent spa) make Sunscape a choose-your-own adventure kind of resort.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino is a swimmers delight thanks to its beach with protected waters for swimming and snorkeling. That’s only the beginning of the fun at this kid-friendly, all-inclusive resort. Paddleboarding and diving with the family or trying your hand with Lady Luck at the on-site casino are all part of a normal day here.
Guest rooms and suites are affordable and come with a garden view or a Caribbean Sea view (we prefer the latter). Consider upgrading to the resort’s Sun Club for nicer suites, lounge access and more personalized service.
Bluewater Grill, the resort’s international restaurant, is an ideal spot for dinner with views of the sea. Head to Oceana Restaurant for more Curacao flavors with your seafood.
Unwind with a treatment at the Sunscape Spa by Pevonia, which offers aromatherapeutic salt scrubs and a variety of massage options amid a wide-ranging treatment menu.
Rates start at $365 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Dreams Onyx Resort and Spa
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
DREAMS ONYX RESORT & SPA/FACEBOOK
Best for: Families craving fun in the sun and variety in pools (there are five to pick from).
Why stay here: Make it a family reunion and book the two-bedroom family suite, which can sleep up to 10 people.
Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.
Pool lovers, rejoice. Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa has plenty of options for you — five pools, to be exact.
There are two infinity pools and even a saltwater kids pool to keep the little ones busy. Don’t miss out on the resort’s expansive beach, an ideal place to read a book on the chaise lounge under a thatched umbrella — who doesn’t love finishing a juicy chapter amid a sea breeze?
The resort has a wide range of room and suite options, but all accommodations feature a hot tub on a private terrace or balcony and complimentary minibar as part of the all-inclusive rate. Consider a splurge to a nicer pool or ocean-view junior suite, or go the extra mile with an upgrade to the Preferred Club. This level of suites includes a personal concierge, lounge access and Preferred Club-only pools, bars and restaurants.
Varied activities are at guests’ fingertips here, including a free introductory scuba lesson, kids and teens clubs and several restaurants. Mercure is a delicious French brasserie. SandBar is our favorite spot for a margarita on the beach.
Rates start at $289 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Miraval Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, USA
MIRAVAL ARIZONA/JAMES BAIGRIE/FACEBOOK
Best for: Health-conscious travelers looking for a luxurious desert-meets-mountains retreat.
Why stay here: A nonstop calendar of classes to invigorate the mind and body, plus top-notch amenities and a fantastic World of Hyatt points redemption value make this property an excellent option for adults.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn World of Hyatt points while enjoying elitelike benefits such as upgrades based on availability and on-property credits.
Go west, young man — and indulge in one luxurious spa.
Miraval Arizona brings luxe wellness accommodations to the desert and does it with flying colors. This TPG favorite will have you feeling like a celebrity in no time from all the scrumptious dining, pampering, treatments and activities.
Guest rooms and suites deliver Wild West chic with a clean design and fluffy beds. (Go ahead, jump on it — we won’t tell.) Larger rooms include private patios or outdoor showers and fire pits. Splurge more and enjoy suites with crackling fireplaces and views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. The ultimate indulgence is Miraval’s seven villas (ideal for families or larger groups) and retreats for better indoor-outdoor flow (dine under the stars or enjoy an indoor-to-outdoor shower — why choose?).
Miraval Arizona’s Life in Balance Spa is a draw for its decadent treatments, like a 50-minute Cara Vida facial (a resort exclusive) that features cold-pressed chia seeds and local Arizona honey. Check out the Cactus Flower Restaurant, the resort’s main dining spot, for specials like squash curry and a vegan chorizo tostada. For carnivores, the Coyote Moon Burger is also scrumptious.
Rates start at $874 or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
HYATT ZILARIA CAP CANA/HYATT
Best for: Travelers who want plenty of action, tropical vibes and a dose of romance.
Why stay here: An accessible Caribbean retreat, this property is an especially good value if you have World of Hyatt points to redeem.
Best way to book: Book the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana directly on Hyatt’s website to earn or redeem points and take advantage of elite benefits.
Travelers craving an adults-only, all-inclusive resort experience won’t be disappointed in the least with a stay at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, as TPG discovered on a recent trip to the Dominican Republic.
We found it to be a little more highbrow than the typical all-inclusive experience, and we’re not complaining. The contemporary design, massive pools and sprawling beach are all selling points. Who doesn’t love to sip a morning mimosa amid well-manicured greenery and stone walkways heading to the turquoise sea? Luxury and all-inclusive aren’t mutually exclusive.
Rooms and suites are expansive, bright and (whether you like it or not) feature open rainfall showers. Swim-up and oceanfront suites add a little more connected action to your fun-in-the-sun getaway while the largest Presidential and Club Ocean View Master suites include huge balconies with waterfront views and entertaining spaces. Don’t forget the free minibar with snacks and sips like Presidente beers and Pringles.
On the restaurant front, Shutters Beachside serves breakfast (grab your morning egg frittata and crabcake and get a head start on claiming your chaise lounge for the day). Brando’s is the spot for an over-the-top dinner. Tahitian cru ceviche and grilled shrimp in a coconut and vanilla sauce received top marks after our dinner.
Poolside lounging might be the easiest way to spend time at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, but you can check out other activities like aqua-cycling and trying out Canapolis Water Park at the neighboring, family-friendly Hyatt Ziva property (accessible to all Zilara guests). A more relaxing endeavor comes at the Larimar Spa, featuring marquee treatments like a 90-minute body wrap that uses Dominican noni fruit.
Rates start at $444 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
SECRETS MOXCHE PLAYA DEL CARMEN/FACEBOOK
Best for: Active couples and night owls who prefer to look beyond their hotel for entertainment.
Why stay here: Comfortable suites, plentiful amenities and all the energy of Playa del Carmen a short drive away.
Best way to book: Redeem or accrue points by booking directly with Hyatt.
Consider Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen Hyatt’s latest show pony for all-inclusive resorts. The company CEO name-checked it in a recent earnings call and even hosted a companywide investor event there this spring to show off the recently opened resort — including the ultraluxury Secrets Impression Moxche resort-within-a-resort.
Secrets Moxche is known for its luxurious atmosphere, natural decor and impressive oceanfront views. The Secrets Impression resort within the overall Secrets property indulges guests with fresh seafood served beachside and complimentary poolside beds (complete with a curtain for when you need privacy … either from the sun or other guests).
The main resort features large guest rooms and suites with private terraces and balconies, contemporary furniture, and indoor-outdoor layouts fit for travelers looking to sunbathe or read inside to the tune of crashing waves outdoors.
On the pool front, Secrets offers a variety of options, like a lagoon pool complete with a sandy beach and The Cove beach bar. Other options include more private cenote-style pools and the main swimming area, complete with a swim-up bar you might expect from an all-inclusive resort.
Dining ranges from the Market Cafe buffet or room service to start the day to Suki, the resort’s sushi and teppanyaki restaurant.
Rates start at $538 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
North Huvadhoo, Maldives
PARK HYATT MALDIVES HADAHAA
Best for: The ultraluxury traveler who requires total seclusion and pristine beaches.
Why stay here: The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s three-bedroom Overwater Reef Residence is a must-book for travelers seeking a palatial stay as close to the water as possible.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.
The Maldives conjures images of a bucket list trip, but the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is perhaps one of the most bucket list-iest of bucket list resorts on the island nation.
The newest and biggest splurge at the resort is the recently added three-bedroom Overwater Reef Residence, which spans nearly 10,000 square feet and includes views of the Indian Ocean and a private infinity pool. Your private chef and, yes, the resort’s Vidhun Spa will come to you for any treatments you might desire (a massage feels all the more indulgent from your private terrace, no?).
Other accommodations vary from overwater bungalows to more woodsy offerings on the Park Hyatt’s island. It goes without saying: The pool area and beach both provide ample opportunities to make the Instagram and TikTok followers jealous, TPG noted when we checked in.
While Park Hyatt isn’t traditionally a Hyatt brand associated with the all-inclusive resort sector, we’re including it here because the resort does offer an all-inclusive package that includes all meals and select alcoholic beverages.
All-inclusive rates start at $1,290 per night.
Miraval Austin
Austin, Texas, USA
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Best for: An ultraluxurious tune-up for the mind, body and soul in the heart of Texas.
Why stay here: When you want to do a little self-care, it’s always best to let the pampering Miraval team take care of everything else for the duration of your stay.
Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits; or reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.
Head to the Texas Hill Country for a little R&R with a side of luxury at Miraval Austin.
The Hyatt resort brand, known for all things wellness, beckons travelers with its stunning property with views of Lake Travis and the surrounding Texas hills. Tranquility is the name of the game here, TPG discovered when we checked in. From meditation channels on the guest room televisions to a Himalayan singing bowl and Miraval Zen-branded amenities, the odds are probably low that you’ll leave here stressed.
Miraval Austin is popular, so book treatments and fitness classes well ahead of check-in, as those can fill up quickly and in advance. Can’t make it into the stress solutions class? Fear not. There are plenty of other offerings like archery, cooking classes and “Tex Zen” yoga. Get it? Whoever said you couldn’t be funny and health-conscious is sorely mistaken.
The Miraval Life in Balance Spa is a major draw for guests looking to indulge in treatments ranging from 100-minute body renewal rituals (complete with ginger grass and bamboo scrubs and cherry-blossom rice buffing) to an 80-minute Moroccan Coffee Blossom pedicure.
Gourmet lovers will be ready to book their next stay after a visit to Hilltop Crossings, the resort’s main restaurant featuring a mix of local ingredients and wellness-geared dishes — from sirloin raised at Texas’ own 44 Farms to hempseed meatballs.
After a busy day of activities, treatments and treats, head back to your room and soak all the Texas Hill Country glory in from the privacy of your own balcony. This is a rejuvenating resort at its finest.
Rates start at $709 or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
There’s not much that can make the pain of tax season less taxing, but restaurants sure try.
Come April 15 (tomorrow!), once your return is filed and the check in the mail to Uncle Sam, be on the lookout for tax-themed freebies and deals.
Be on the lookout for more offers from both national chains and local spots as tax day approaches—many restaurants announce their deals at the last-minute.
For now, add these to your list of possibilities:
Boston Market
The “Tax Day Chicken Meal Deal” offers two half-chicken individual meals for $10.40, no coupon required.
Each meal comes with half a rotisserie chicken, two sides and fresh cornbread. Available at all locations.
Bruegger’s Bagels
Sign up through the eClub or Facebook page by April 10 to get a coupon for a $3.50 “deduction” on the chain’s Big Bagel Bundles.
That brings the price to just $10.40.
Cactus Jack’s
Tax-day diners can redeem a special “1040 dining certificate” for $10.40 off the purchase of two entrees.
Good at any of the company’s Great New Hampshire Restaurants.
California Tortilla
Make a purchase on April 15 and say the code word “taxes shmaxes.”
You’ll be rewarded with a free order of chips and queso or salsa with your meal. Available at all locations.
Cohen Restaurant Group
On April 14 and 15, the California-based restaurant group has a coupon for $10.40 off the purchase of two meals and two drinks at participating locations.
Great American Cookie
Through the “Incomes the Sweetness” promo, tax-day visitors will receive a free original chocolate chip cookie.
Participating locations only, and only while supplies last.
Per the company’s announcement, “No purchase or proof of completed taxes is necessary.”
Hard Rock Cafe
Diners can sing for their supper on April 15.
After 5 p.m., pick a song and sing it in its entirety on the restaurant’s live stage, to earn a free entrée.
Participating locations only.
Muckleshoot Casino
The Auburn, Wash., casino’s Spice Bay Buffet will offer a special lunch and dinner buffet for $10.40 per person.
Available 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Print out a coupon from the chain’s Facebook page to get a cup full of frozen yogurt and toppings for just $4.15, about 50 percent off the usual price.
Participating locations only.
Frugal Foodie is a journalist based in New York City who spends her days writing about personal finance and obsessing about what she’ll have for dinner. Chat with her on Twitter through @MintFoodie.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Previous Post
What Happens If I’m Denied Credit?
Next Post
MintFamily With Beth Kobliner: Financial Literacy for the Entire Family…
Nestled within a chain of islands bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is a popular vacation spot. Plus, U.S. citizens don’t even need a passport when visiting although it can feel as if you’ve been transported to the ultimate far-flung tropical beach vacation.
Yes, sand and sea are a big part of the allure. But if you’re wondering what are some cool things to do in Puerto Rico, you’ll likely be happy to know that parks, museums, shopping, and historical sites are all waiting.
Read on to learn about top spots and attractions across the island, plus the best times of the year to go and other important details. With this advice, you’ll be ready to have an amazing getaway when visiting Puerto Rico.
Best Times to Go to Puerto Rico
If you’re looking for warm weather without the threat of hurricanes, plan your Puerto Rico trip for the winter or spring months. Temperatures average in the 80s all year long, but you’re more likely to avoid crowded beaches and other tourist spots if you focus on these milder months during the school year.
In fact, ending your holiday season with a trip to Puerto Rico lets you take advantage of festivals held throughout the island marking the epiphany in early January. Larger street parades are held in San Juan, but you can also find charming events in smaller towns as well.
Bad Times to Go to Puerto Rico
There are a couple of times of year that are less than ideal for a Puerto Rican vacation. Because a large portion of the local population is Catholic, crowds tend to swell around Easter. That could mean more lines and higher prices.
Another relatively bad time to visit: Hurricane season, which technically lasts from June through November. The most severe weather activity occurs between the middle of August through the middle of October. If you do travel to Puerto Rico during these months, consider purchasing travel insurance through an insurance provider or accessing credit card travel insurance.
Recommended: What Is an Airline Credit Card?
Average Cost of a Puerto Rico Vacation
Before you figure out where to keep your travel fund, calculate how much it will likely cost you. Flight costs vary depending on where you live and what time of year you plan to go.
Once you’re on the island, here are some estimated costs: Food costs can total $39 a day, and local transportation to be about $18. The average nightly hotel cost is $277 for a couple and $139 per person, though there are certainly ways to save money on hotels.
You’ll likely have other incidental costs as well, but here’s how much a week-long Puerto Rico vacation could cost once you’re there.
• One Person Total: $1,524
• Couple Total: $3,048
Recommended: Credit Card Miles vs. Cash Back
10 Fun Must-Dos in Puerto Rico
No matter where you plan to stay, there are fun things to do in Puerto Rico across the entire island. The list you find here gathered intel from top-rated attractions on online review sites. In addition, travelers who have explored the island shared their knowledge. As a result, you’ll find a diverse range of activities for people of all ages and all types of groups, whether you’re going on a friends trip, a romantic getaway, or a family adventure.
1. Explore Old San Juan
When visiting Puerto Rico, a must-see is Old San Juan, the historic district of Puerto Rico’s capital city. The streets are lined with colorful buildings featuring Spanish colonial facades. You can take a guided walking tour if you’d love to know all the best historical facts and stories, or you can stroll on your own at no cost.
Be sure to include Fortaleza Street on your itinerary of things to see in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It has beautiful buildings as well as frequent modern art installations. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to try out in the neighborhood, as well as attractions like La Casa Blanca — the former home of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/old_san_juan.html
2. Trek Through El Yunque National Forest
The only tropical national forest in the U.S., El Yunque is packed with natural excursions just outside of San Juan. It’s considered one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico. There are plenty of hiking trails, ponds, and a lagoon (complete with a rope swing so you can tap into your inner child).
There are more than 28,000 acres in El Yunque, and trails span 25 miles. You can create a plan for any level of exertion. If you’re staying in the San Juan area, definitely put this on your list of unique things to do in Puerto Rico. Admission is only $2, but make sure you have an advance reservation before you go. Bonus: If you are traveling with a pet, the trails are dog-friendly, though only service animals are allowed inside buildings. recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300017
3. Immerse Yourself in Art
Back in the city, get a dose of world-class art at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Open Thursdays through Sundays, this museum features permanent collections displaying the work of Puerto Rican artists dating from the 17th century to today.
Explore over 1,000 pieces that include paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, and more. The museum, which is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, is located in the Santurce neighborhood, which is about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan. Tickets are $6 (not including taxes) per exhibition for adults; $3 for children. mapr.org/en
4. Get Glowing
One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico is to explore one of three bioluminescent bays, which have an otherworldly glow, thanks to microscopic organisms that light up. Seeing these bodies of water can be an amazing and memorable experience.
Mosquito Bay in Vieques is considered the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. However, you’ll need to take a short flight or boat ride from San Juan to get there.
Alternatively, you can explore Laguna Grande in Fajardo (which is the closest option to San Juan) or La Parguera in Lajas, which is closer to Rincón. La Perguera is also the only place where you can swim rather than take a boat tour or kayak. The best time to go for any bioluminescent bay tour is December through April when there isn’t a lot of rainfall to cloud the water.
Tours can range from about $50 to $75 per person. This can be a good time to swipe with plastic when paying to earn credit card rewards.
5. Tour a Grand Historical Home
Museo Castilla Serrallés is a great thing to do in Puerto Rico if you love history and architecture. It’s the former home of the Serrallés family (of DonQ Rum), who built the extravagant tile-roofed Spanish Revival castle in the 1930s. It takes just under an hour and a half to drive from San Juan to Ponce where the property is, so you may want to think about getting a rental car.
Today, you can explore the home’s interior, as well as beautiful gardens outside. Learn about the history of rum through immersive exhibits, then stroll through the butterfly garden and Japanese gardens. The property is typically open from Wednesday through Sunday, and tickets cost $15 for adults. museocastilloserralles.com/
6. Get Wet
Located on the northwest corner of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla is about a two-hour drive from San Juan. It’s home to the pristine Crash Boat Beach, which is a great place to indulge in almost any kind of water activity you like, including swimming, snorkeling, and surfing (which is ideal during the summer travel season).
Crash Boat Beach is public, so add it to your list of free things to do in Puerto Rico. It definitely has a lively atmosphere, full of music and food to enjoy when you’re not in the water.
7. Stroll Through El Parterre Park
When you need a break from the beach, check out El Parterre in downtown Aguadilla. This beautifully landscaped park offers the perfect spot to casually stroll under mature trees, and there are plenty of benches for resting, reading, or picnicking, just like a local would. It’s also a good sunset watching spot.
El Parterre contains a natural water spring that has quite a bit of historical significance throughout the centuries. It was used as a water source by explorer Sir Francis Drake in the late 16th century and also by Spanish soldiers in later years.
8. Wander Into River Caves
Just an hour west of San Juan, Arecibo is a coastal location with diverse natural wonders to explore. One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico’s Arecibo area is to visit the Camuy River Cave Park. It’s one of the largest cave networks in the entire world.
Recently reopened in early 2023, you’ll walk through immense caverns that are estimated to be over 45 million years old. One of the most breathtaking spots is a sinkhole that shines in sunlight from hundreds of feet above. Tickets are $18 for adults, $13 for kids ages 4 to 12, with younger children admitted for free (which can help families afford to travel).
9. Surf at Domes Beach
Is surfing on your list of fun things to do in Puerto Rico? If so, check out Domes Beach in Rincón, located on the West Coast of the island (a little south from Aguadillo). Even if you don’t surf, you might enjoy catching a professional surfing competition throughout the year.
Domes Beach is also a great place to enjoy a sunset over the water. If you need a break from the waves, check out the Punta Higuero Lighthouse, a historic landmark originally built in 1892.
10. Venture to Vieques Beaches
A smaller island just to the east of the main Puerto Rican island, Vieques can only be reached by a short flight or ferry ride. Because of this, however, the beaches in Vieques are extremely tranquil and secluded. If you want a beach experience without large crowds or noise, this is an incredible option.
Plus, you can take one of the world’s best bioluminescent bay tours while you’re there.
The Takeaway
It’s easy to find dozens of things to do in Puerto Rico, whether San Juan or elsewhere. The hardest part is simply narrowing down your list of options to fit your time there. Whether you want a relaxed beach or an outdoor adventure, a historical home or a top-notch museum, you’ll find it all in Puerto Rico.
FAQ
Is Puerto Rico cheap for tourists?
It depends on your point of comparison. You’ll probably find it cheaper than large coastal cities on the U.S. mainland, but it also tends to be more expensive than other Caribbean island destinations.
What food is Puerto Rico known for?
Exploring traditional Puerto Rican cuisine is one of the best parts of visiting. Definitely check out mofongo, a mashed fried plantain side dish, as well as pasteles — similar to tamales but made with green banana masa and many options for fillings.
What can’t you bring back from Puerto Rico?
You can’t bring back fresh fruits or vegetables from Puerto Rico to the U.S. mainland. Cactus and citrus plants are also prohibited.
Photo credit: iStock/benedek The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. 1See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. SOCC0223027