Atlanta is a big city. And that means there’s something exciting hiding around almost every corner. From activities to parks and places to eat and grab a drink, you never know where your new favorite spot is waiting.
Take it from these local experts. Atlanta is full of hidden gems throughout the city. Today’s the day to find your next go-to spot.
1. The Edible Garden
As a hidden gem within a local favorite, you’ll find the Edible Garden inside the Atlanta Botanical Garden located beside Piedmont Park. Situated all the way at the back of the Edible Garden, behind rows of growing veggies and herbs, you can watch a free Garden Chef demo, with the price of admission, each weekend from May to October.
“Saturday’s and Sundays at noon, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m., we make garden-fresh inspired recipes for all to sample,” shares Megan McCarthy, the Chef behind Healthy Eating 101. “I am one of the Edible Garden chefs that does the demos and have been keeping this beautiful secret since 2010! Our fig trees and others keep on growing!”
There are a lot of parks throughout Atlanta, many of which are dog-friendly. “One of our favorites,” says Laraine Wilkinson, Owner of Two Chicks and a Pack, “is East Palisades at Whitewater Creek, which is kind of an undisclosed dog park at the bend of the Chattahoochee River off Mt. Paran Road. It is an area where friendly and trained, off-leash dogs can go to and play with other dogs and humans. But, for those not off-leash trained, going on a weekday is best.”
Hidden within the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs, East Palisades is one of the city’s most scenic spots with a small bamboo forest you can hike through.
Also within Sandy Spring’s borders, you’ll find the Cochran Shoals Trail within the larger system along the Chattahoochee River. This particular trail is a local favorite since it’s half covered in shade for a more comfortable walk.
3. The food in Reynoldstown
Source: facebook.com/staplehouseATL
Fully tapped into Atlanta’s thriving food and drink scene, Biggerstaff Brewing Company owner, Sarah Davies has a couple of suggestions for can’t-miss hidden gems in Atlanta’s Reynoldstown neighborhood.
“For a casual experience, my go-to is El Tesoro. The food is delicious, the vibe is chill, and the drinks are great. For an elevated experience, my go-to is Staplehouse. The food is divine and the patio is magical.”
For some vegan fare, Anmarie Smith of DV Photo Video suggests another Reynoldstown staple, Chi Chi Vegan. She considers it a great lunch spot and suggests the vegan tacos.
One of many historic districts on the east side of Atlanta, Reynoldstown is full of character and community. Its location provides easy access across the city and is a safe and walkable neighborhood.
4. Trail of the Muscogee
Source: C Brown Photo
Tucked away in Stone Mountain State Park, the Trail of the Muscogee is ideal for a quick getaway according to local photographer Cindy Brown of C Brown Photo. “It’s a one-and-a-half-mile loop trail that winds through a wooded area (where we’ve seen deer) and beside a lake.”
This Stone Mountain Park hidden gem is also referred to as, “the lake trail” because of its pristine beauty. With an easy path through native stone and hardwoods, this particular trail is great for hikers of any level.
Stone Mountain as a whole is a local favorite. “I love walking up Stone Mountain,” says Erica Thomas, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Eating with Erica. “It’s a great workout and provides even better views. It’s truly the best of both worlds, burning calories while taking in the beautiful views of Georgia. I love to visit first thing in the morning.”
5. The Works
Source: facebook.com/theworksatl
“One of my favorite go-to spots is The Works in the Westside neighborhood of Atlanta,” says Leslie Andrews of Leslie Andrews Photography. This mixed-use spot combines local culture, food, drink and retail shops. “I love it because it’s right by my house and it has so many options of places to eat and drink. You can grab your food and sit outside on the patio in the sun or you can head over to the park area to catch some live music.”
Andrews knows first-hand the advantages that come with finding a home on the Westside. This vibrant area is one of the many examples around Atlanta of the culture and beauty that result when history and heritage meet.
6. Arabia Mountain
A little outside the perimeter, Arabia Mountain in Lithonia has great lakes and amazing wildflowers that bloom throughout the year.
To get started on at least one of the area’s trails, you’ll pass the AWARE Center, which rescues and rehabilitates wild animals. You can hike and help save local wildlife all at once.
7. The East Side
Source: facebook.com/RevolutionDoughnuts
Popping up again with some additional East Side recommendations, Anmarie Smith of DV Photo Video also suggests you swing into Revolution Doughnuts for great vegan donuts and tasty coffee. You can find Revolution Doughnuts in Decatur and Inman Park.
You can also head to The Eastern, an up-and-coming venue in Reynoldstown, for a fun night out. “There is not a bad seat in the house and it has beautiful acoustics. LOVE this spot.”
For Michael Diane, Atlanta Wholesale Manager at PERC Coffee, a favorite East Side location, that’s perfect for a date night, is Gaja in East Atlanta Village. “It has really good Korean Food, but its cocktail menu is one of my favorites in Atlanta, by far.”
Other Atlanta gems to enjoy
Source: facebook.com/poorhendrix
The few places already listed by our experts only skim the surface of what Atlanta has to offer. Providing a few more suggestions, Diane first takes you to Summerhill.
“For a cute afternoon snack I love stopping by Big Softie to get some amazing soft serve and it’s next door to Little Tart Bakeshop,” he shares.
For an actual meal, and a few beverages, Diane scoots over to East Lake and visit Poor Hendrix. This is a fun gathering spot to meet up with friends.
When you’ve had enough of the city and its immediate neighborhoods, don’t forget to extend your reach into the suburbs. Hidden gems abound throughout.
A-Town is calling
Feeling tempted to venture out into Atlanta and explore an area you might not go to regularly? Even if it is a familiar spot, like the Botanical Gardens or Stone Mountain, you may be surprised at what you can find if you take a closer look. It’s what makes Atlanta such a magical place to live, even if you’re new here, and such a fun city to explore.
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.
From its historic neighborhoods to its parks and rivers, Fort Wayne is full of surprises. This Indiana town has one of the country’s best zoos and a number of popular museums. Considered one of the most affordable cities in Indiana, paying less for rent could mean you’ll have a slightly bigger budget to explore the city and find your favorite spots.
Here’s what some Fort Wayne locals are saying about the best places to check out in Summit City.
1. Five Lakes Coffee, The Perk and Mocha Lounge
Source: facebook.com/Five-Lakes-Coffee
Ask locals about their favorite hidden gem and many are quick to point to a coffee shop. In the Northwest area of town, you can stop in at Five Lakes Coffee for a cup of Joe as one option.
Christine Miller of Christine Danae Photography has trouble narrowing down her favorite coffee spots. Though, two notable frontrunners are The Perk Coffee House and Mocha Lounge. The Perk provides, “fantastic coffee and a fabulous environment to meet up with people and get work done,” says Miller. Mocha Lounge also has fantastic coffee and a “great atmosphere.”
2. Sassie Cakes
Source: facebook.com/SassieCakesFW
There’s nothing like a solid dessert place, and Hope Denton of Hope Denton Photography LLC recommends Sassie Cakes. Located right in Downtown Fort Wayne, this custom cake shop also features regular in-store treats like sandwich cookies, macarons and cookie dough shots.
“Sassie’s has the best cakes I have ever tasted, and is sure to wow you!” says Denton. Her favorite is red velvet.
3. Sweetwater
Source: facebook.com/sweetwater
For Paul Smith of Five Lakes Coffee, a favorite stop in the city is Sweetwater. This music megastore has its own hidden gem inside. It’s the acoustic guitar room, where Smith loves the sounds.
4. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Source: facebook.com/fwkidszoo
To make your exploration of Fort Wayne family-friendly, Amy DeLap of Kiss My Grass Soapery is quick to pick a trip to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo as a fun way to spend the day.
Also located in the northwest section of Fort Wayne, the Zoo features African, Australian and Indonesian sections in addition to the central zoo. There are also a few rides, animal keeper chats and special animal experiences, including the opportunity to feed a stingray.
5. Watch the Tin Caps
Source: facebook.com/tincaps
Mark Smith of The Light House Coffee Bar recommends catching a Tin Caps game to really experience the true heart of this city. This minor league baseball team plays in Parkview Field downtown.
6. Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island
Source: facebook.com/FortWayneConeyIsland
While Coney Island is known as a New York City amusement park, in Fort Wayne, it’s a locally -loved restaurant. More than that, Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island is the oldest coney stand in the country, opening its doors in 1914.
The menu hasn’t changed much in the last 100+ years either, and the restaurant sells hundreds of hot dogs each day along with burgers, chili and pie.
7. The Parks
Within the city limits, you’ll find the convergence of the St. Marys River, the St. Joseph River and the Maumee. Fort Wayne naturally lends itself to outdoor activity. Along the riverfront, you have access to boat tours and river excursions along with self-guided kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. There are also plenty of river-side hiking and bike trails.
Fort Wayne has no shortage of parks to enjoy as well. Some local favorites include:
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is yet another spot in Fort Wayne to connect with nature. Located in the city’s Southwest area, the Conservatory features seasonal flowers and plants beside a tropical garden, desert garden and more.
Other hidden gems across Fort Wayne
Source: facebook.com/brassrailfw
Suggestions for other hidden gems in Fort Wayne can really help you find places that cater to your interests. The city’s diverse assortment of restaurants, music venues, bars and more allow anyone to enjoy their favorite pastime. Our local experts had a diverse assortment of recommendations to share.
For foodies:
Cebolla’s Mexican Grill — a recommendation from Lori Eddy of Coutour Cottage, has multiple locations around town. That gives you options when you’re craving burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas or any of the restaurant’s specialties.
Paula’s on Main — a casual restaurant and seafood market in the Nebraska neighborhood.
Nawa — a locally-owned Thai restaurant with signature dishes and drinks to excite the palate.
Asakusa — the first sushi bar in Fort Wayne, with sushi, teriyaki, tempura, katsu and many other Japanese specialties.
For entertainment seekers:
The Clyde — live music, comedy and performance venue
Brass Rail — a live music venue specializing in rock music
For beer drinkers
Henry’s – wood-adorned pub-style tavern that serves American food
Deer Park Pub — an Irish pub with a unique character entirely its own
Hop River Brewing Company — a brewery beside Lawton Park specializing in true-to-style beers
Where to next?
Find the Fort Wayne hidden gem for you
Not entirely convinced that a mid-size Midwestern city has enough to offer? Get out there and check it out yourself. The variety of activities and emerging small business scene make Fort Wayne a city that you need to experience for yourself. If you stop by one of the hidden gems on this list, tell them we sent you!
Lesly Gregory has over 15 years of marketing experience, ranging from community management to blogging to creating marketing collateral for a variety of industries. A graduate of Boston University, Lesly holds a B.S. in Journalism. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, two young children, three cats and assorted fish.
For anyone who can appreciate Colorado already, Denver is an ideal home base. You get all the amenities from living in a city with plenty of snow-capped peaks to ski down just up the road. A veritable paradise for those who cherish the outdoors, this stunning city is quite a looker thanks to its surroundings. More than its natural beauty, though, Denver is a place where things happen.
As it continues to grow, Denver attracts all kinds of people ready to delve into the area’s strong economy. Is it the right place for you? Here are a few reasons to move to Denver.
1. The cost of living isn’t all bad
As the area continues to grow and develop, putting it in high demand, the cost of living in Denver has risen. It’s an expensive city by some standards, but you’ll also still find certain things that are more budget-friendly. And, although the overall cost of living is high, both food and utility prices hit below the national average. Not only that, but rent prices are actually decreasing when it comes to an average two-bedroom apartment.
What this means is that, even though you may end up paying a little more in rent than you’re used to, there are ways to cut costs and save money to level out your budget and live comfortably in Denver. A definite reason to move to Denver.
2. Every community has character
Overall, Denver is a young and hip place, and once you drill down to the neighborhood level, you’ll discover a varied group of unique communities. From the landscape to the people, every spot in Denver brings something special to the mix, making it hard to narrow down which neighborhoods are actually the best.
A few neighborhoods to consider are:
Capitol Hill — this densely-packed community is a favorite for Denver newbies and has an eclectic mix of residents. It’s also cool to live in the center of Colorado’s capital city.
Sloan Lake — a perfect community for nature lovers, the city’s largest lake makes up a portion of this neighborhood.
Five Points — a historic neighborhood, that’s also close to the city center. Here you’ll find great breweries and a thriving arts scene. The community also housed the city’s jazz scene for most of the 20th century.
University — if you want to live close to the University of Denver, here’s where you should go. Whether studying or working nearby, this area is full of shops, restaurants and bars.
There’s also Downtown Denver to consider, which itself is one large community that’s sometimes broken up into smaller sections. You may gravitate toward the Central Business District with its high-rise apartments, or lean into Lower Downtown, affectionally called LoDo, where you’ll find all the business folk after hours out for a good time.
3. The job market is growing
As the city grows, so does the job market in Denver. Opportunities are branching out into new industries, while established companies like Google and HomeAdvisor provide consistent jobs.
Denver is a popular spot for tech startups, wine and craft beer businesses and even the aerospace industry. You can also find a thriving hospitality industry here along with businesses focused on food and agriculture.
The median household income in Denver is $72,661, which is nice to see, given the higher rents and the cost of an annual ski lift pass. Income like this also demonstrates the health of the job market and the potential for job stability.
4. You can ski whenever you want
Calling all ski bums! There’s something special about living in a city where a perfect mountain is less than two hours away. A big reason to move to Denver is that it gives you snow-capped mountains you can see from your apartment window.
Fabulous ski resorts are so close you could hit the slopes every weekend, living out your skier fantasy every Saturday and Sunday.
Some popular, nearby resorts include Echo Mountain Resort, south of Idaho Springs, and the more extreme Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, which is perfect for more experienced skiers.
Further out, you’ll find the popular towns/ski resorts of Breckenridge and Vail. Each is less than two hours from Denver.
5. Water sports are popular here, too
Denver may have plenty of mountains to provide hours of outdoor activity, but it’s not your only option. White water rafting is pretty popular throughout the area in the warmer months, and there are some serious rivers to go down.
Fly fishing is also popular throughout Denver and nearby cities. Within the city limits, you have access to the Dream Stream, a stretch of the South Platte River that’s known for epic fishing.
White water rafting locations close to Denver include Clear Creek, Fraser River and Blue River, all less than two hours away.
6. There’s more than the run-of-the-mill museums
For those who want a hefty dose of culture in their home city, Denver does it up a little differently. Yes, you’ll find a fantastic collection of modern and contemporary art at the Denver Art Museum, and a family-friendly experience waiting at the Denver Nature and Science Museum, but there’s more.
If you want to immerse yourself in modern culture, and have an experience like no other, get tickets for Meow Wolf Denver. Also known as Convergence Station, this art museum is one of three unique experiences you can have in the U.S. The other two Meow Wolf museums, in Santa Fe and Las Vegas, combine with the Denver installation to tell a creative story through art about the merging of our world with another. You can see the museums in order — Santa Fe first, then Las Vegas and Denver — to get a complete story, but the Denver Meow Wolf definitely stands alone.
7. There’s a legendary music venue in your backyard
A geological phenomenon in its own right, Red Rocks Amphitheater is a music venue unlike any other. Set in Red Rocks Park, you’re surrounded by some 738 acres of deer, pines and prairie. The views are spectacular, and the music is even better.
Red Rocks is the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world. It has played host to thousands of concerts and events in the more than 80 years of its existence. Musical icons like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews Band have performed in this rocky location, and the annual concert lineup each year is worth checking out.
8. Sun even when it snows
What often surprises those new to Denver the most is the weather. It then quickly becomes one of the many reasons to move to Denver. Denver sees over 300 days of sunshine per year, and the city itself gets only 8-15 inches of annual precipitation. Low humidity makes the warm temperatures more bearable, and winters don’t often reach freezing temperatures.
Even when snow does fall, it doesn’t stay on the ground long, thanks to that powerful sun.
9. A night sky you can’t look away from
Nighttime in Denver is a sight to behold. The sky is crystal clear, especially if you drive a little way out of the city, and stargazing is intense. You can see the whole arc of the Milky Way in the right spot, in addition to shooting stars, meteor showers and maybe even a UFO.
Gazing up into the night sky is just one way you can connect with nature here, and it’s pretty amazing.
10. Bike your way around town
Although you’ll want a car to explore the areas around Denver, while you’re in the city, take advantage of the fact that it’s a highly walkable and bike-friendly place. Denver has a walk score of 71 and a bike score of 78.
The downtown area is especially friendly to pedestrians, and the city boasts a wide variety of bike paths. There are also 196 miles of on-street bike lanes.
The most popular bike trails are in Cherry Creek and along the South Platte River. These two bike arteries follow Denver’s major waterways and connect right downtown. You also never have to fight for road space with cars.
Not having to drive everywhere can help you save some money, and keep you in great shape — a win-win.
11. Cannabis isn’t a crime
Cannabis in Colorado is more than just a legal recreational activity. In Denver, it’s also a great business venture. Recreational use became legal in 2012, and since then, green medical crosses light up city streets, pointing you to available dispensaries.
If you’re interested in getting into the marijuana business, watch out for some competition. There are already some 200 dispensaries in Denver. Even if you can’t start from scratch, though, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved in the industry.
As a consumer, legally, you’re able to have one ounce of marijuana at a time, and kept within a sealed container when in your car.
12. Sports to cater to any fan
Being such a big city, Denver is also home to plenty of professional sports teams. No matter what’s your favorite, you can most likely find a home team to cheer on.
For football lovers, there’s the Denver Broncos
Basketball fans have the Denver Nuggets
The Colorado Rockies play baseball right in Downtown Denver
You can also cheer on three-time Stanley Cup winners, the Colorado Avalanche, the local NHL team.
13. Craft beer is everywhere
Beer is big in Denver and the city has one of the largest craft beer scenes in the country. So, if you like to try a new tap every night, it’s possible. There are some 150 craft breweries within Denver’s city limits, and just about every type of beer has a local brand.
To expose yourself to the local beer scene, though, you can take a beer tour to go to a tasting as you acclimate to living in Denver. Find your favorites and always know where you want to go for a cold one.
14. Food represents
There’s a lot of food synonymous with Denver, and a lot of it plays into the fact that the city is a cultural melting pot when it comes to cuisine. Some local favorites include anything with green chilies, as well as smothered burritos, bison and elk and the Denver omelet. You may be tempted to try Rocky Mountain Oysters, but make sure you know what you’re eating before you dig in (it’s not oysters!)
Overall, the city is full of food from barbecue to Mexican, Asian to seafood and steakhouses to Ethiopian. You can easily satisfy any craving.
15. It’s a beautiful place to live
With the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, all the positives of living in Denver are even better with the surrounding natural beauty. Among all the reasons to move to Denver, getting to live somewhere that every day shows you the majesty of nature is pretty fantastic.
Living here gives you more than 200 mountain peaks within range without binoculars and more than 100 panoramic miles of natural excellence. Not only can you easily get out in nature when living in Denver, but you’ll find plenty of nature in the background of your everyday errands and daily commute.
Making the Mile High City home
Locals already have a ton of reasons to move to Denver they’re willing to share with outsiders, but what’s going to convince you? Once you know all the insider secrets, and make your own list of positives, will it be the weather, the city, the skiing or something else that drives you to call Denver home? You’ll have a hard time narrowing down your list. This city truly has so much going for it.
Known for the Mississippi River, the state of Mississippi has many riverfront and beachfront cities located along the river and the Gulf Coast. With blue waves and sandy coves, boating and fishing, there are countless amazing Mississippi beach towns to check out. Whether you’re moving to the state or hoping to move to the coast, there’s a beach town for you in Mississippi.
But if you’re not sure where to start on your hunt for the best Mississippi beach town, we’re here to help. Redfin has put together a list of 10 Mississippi beach towns from Biloxi to Pascagoula. Let’s explore some of the state’s top beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.
#1: Bay St. Louis
Median home price: $352,000 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $975 Bay St. Louis, MS homes for sale Bay St. Louis, MS apartments for rent
First up on our list is Bay St. Louis, located along the Gulf Coast. Living in Bay St. Louis, you can take a riverboat tour, stroll through downtown, check out the Bay St. Louis Historic L & N Train Depot, or spend the afternoon at Bay St. Louis Beach.
#2: Biloxi
Median home price: $246,000 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $937 Biloxi, MS homes for sale Biloxi, MS apartments for rent
Another one of Mississippi’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Biloxi, where there are about 49,200 residents. There are plenty of beaches to visit like Biloxi Beach and Gulfport Scenic Byway. Living in Biloxi, you’ll want to explore the Deer Island Coastal Preserve, check out some of the museums in town, and stop by the Biloxi Lighthouse.
#3: D’Iberville
Median home price: $334,450 D’Iberville, MS homes for sale D’Iberville, MS apartments for rent
Just north of Biloxi is the bayfront town of D’Iberville. With about 13,200 residents living in the city, there are lots of beaches to explore on a sunny Mississippi day like Riverside Park. If you find yourself moving to D’Iberville, make sure to take a fishing charter and check out the charming downtown.
#4: Gautier
Median home price: $178,000 Gautier, MS homes for sale Gautier, MS apartments for rent
Home to beautiful beaches like Graveline Bay Coastal Preserve, there are countless places to spend a beach day in Gautier. With roughly 19,000 residents in Gautier, make sure to also spend the day exploring Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, stop by some of the historic buildings throughout the town, and dine along the riverfront.
#5: Gulfport
Median home price: $215,000 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $835 Gulfport, MS homes for sale Gulfport, MS apartments for rent
The picturesque coastal town of Gulfport has about 72,100 residents, making it another great option to consider if you’re looking to live by water. In Gulfport, you can take a cruise to historic landmarks like Fort Massachusetts, explore the downtown area, enjoy a beach day at Gulfport Beach, and spend the day at Ocean Adventures Marine Park.
#6: Long Beach
Median home price: $292,450 Long Beach, MS homes for sale Long Beach, MS apartments for rent
With roughly 16,860 residents, Long Beach is a great beach town to consider living in. There are lots of activities to do in this coastal city like checking out Long Beach Pier or grabbing a meal along the waterfront, among many other local favorites.
#7: Moss Point
Median home price: $197,500 Moss Point, MS homes for sale Moss Point, MS apartments for rent
Next up is Moss Point, located just north of Pascagoula. With a population of roughly 12,000, Moss Point is an amazing coastal town to live in where you can check out waterfront spots like Pascagoula River Audubon Center. Make sure to spend some time exploring the river views once moving to the area.
#8: Ocean Springs
Median home price: $285,000 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $935 Ocean Springs, MS homes for sale Ocean Springs, MS apartments for rent
You’ll find beautiful beaches in Ocean Springs such as Davis Bayou and Ocean Springs Beach, all perfect for soaking up the sun. Be sure to explore the Davis Bayou Area, check out the local shops and restaurants, or hike along one of the nature trails once living in Ocean Springs.
#9: Pascagoula
Median home price: $136,000 Pascagoula, MS homes for sale Pascagoula, MS apartments for rent
Just about 21,800 people live in this city where you’ll find beaches like Pascagoula Beach Park. Other popular things to do in Pascagoula include checking out some of the museums and historic sites, visiting River Park, or fishing at one of the piers.
#10: Pass Christian
Median home price: $256,000 Pass Christian, MS homes for sale Pass Christian, MS apartments for rent
The seaside city of Pass Christian has a population of 5,900 and there are lots of beaches to spend time outside at like Pass Christian Beach. You’ll also have plenty of activities to explore during your free time, like take a fishing charter.
Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Mississippi. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
The rest of the country is catching on to what Montanans have always known — it’s a beautiful and affordable place to live, and not as wild as it seems on the show, “Yellowstone.”
Montana is known as The Treasure State for its literal on-site treasures, like silver, gold, sapphire and so on. But it’s a hidden gem for many more reasons than that. First, it’s home to some of the most stunning and unspoiled landscapes in the country. For the more practical renter, however, much of the state falls well below the national average in cost of living.
Affordable beauty? Yes, please! Here are some of the best places to live in Montana, and they’re about as wide and varied for a state that sports so much land.
Population: 54,539
1-BR median rent: $2,257
2-BR median rent: $2,532
Median home price: $693,000
Median household income: $67,354
Life in the southern Montana city of Bozeman splits the difference between big-city and rural living. As the fourth-largest city in the state, apartments in Bozeman can be found at a range of price points and styles.
Termed the “most livable place” in Montana, Bozeman has plenty to offer people of diverse interests. Obviously, its proximity to the legendary Yellowstone National Park begets its people access to all kinds of outdoor activities. That said, Bozeman has also cultivated impressive nightlife opportunities for a city its size, not to mention a booming cultural scene complete with art galleries, museums and a symphony.
Bozeman boasts a great selection of housing options, especially when it comes to luxury rentals like Icon Apartment Homes at Ferguson Farm, 19th and Graf and Madison Park, all of which feature up-to-date rentals with plenty of upgrades.
Population: 117,445
1-BR median rent: $1,341
2-BR median rent: $1,513
Median home price: $360,000
Median household income: $63,608
Billings is far and away the most populated city in Montana by tens of thousands of people. Living in Billings is obviously more affordable than in Bozeman, a welcome revelation for the renter looking for a good value. Also found on the southern end of the state, Billings keeps its local population entertained via a spate of events, such as the Yellowstone International Air Shot, MontanaFair and the Magic City Blues Festival, among others. There are also plenty of spas and such to help a local relax following a tough day hiking the trails or climbing rock faces.
There are plenty of apartment options in Billings, from a furnished studio at Billings-West End to one of the more spacious options at Interurban Apartment Homes or Farmstead Apartments.
Population: 34,786
1-BR median rent: $900
2-BR median rent: $950
Median home price: $250,000
Median household income: $50,661
Life in Butte is a picturesque one, as the smaller city is found right between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. It features some of the best fishing and boating opportunities in the world, not to mention more than a dozen scenic trailheads for hiking, jogging and biking.
Butte’s restaurant scene is larger and more diverse than one would expect from a city its size, including a variety of chain spots mixed in with locally owned and operated eateries. The film industry is also alive and well in Butte as more and more television shows and movies are choosing to set up shop there.
Butte’s apartment scene is a bit more limited than some of the larger Montana cities, but there are still plenty of places to lay your head. This three-bedroom unit has clearly been renovated recently, and this spacious two-bedroom apartment rents for far less per month than the same type of unit would in another city.
Population: 33,120
1-BR median rent: $999
2-BR median rent: $1,175
Median home price: $430,000
Median household income: $59,712
The capital city of Montana is small but mighty. It’s similar in both population and price point to Butte, making it ideal for people who want some neighbors, but not too many.
It’s one of the historic centerpieces of the state and has a lot of attractions to prove it. The lovingly maintained downtown area has a colorful history, best told by any of the walking tour experts available for hire. Then there’s the stunning Mansion District, which is an experience all on its own. Just north of the city are the significant “Gates of the Mountains,” a stop on Lewis and Clark’s historic exploration route, which can be viewed via boat tour. That’s all in addition to the locally owned shopping, dining and other establishments that have become the norm for quaint towns like this one.
Apartments in Helena are available at all price points, including the ideally located Element 79 Apartments, which is close to so many coffee shops and restaurants. Or, there are plenty of units within larger houses to look at. Inventory is lower given the size of the city, but the patient renter can find something to suit and prove the wait worthwhile.
Population: 60,403
1-BR median rent: $1,290
2-BR median rent: $1,595
Median home price: $255,000
Median household income: $53,126
Living in Great Falls doesn’t require as much in the bank compared with some other Montana cities, as the median home price is lower to match a slightly lower median income. So named for the stunning waterfalls, courtesy of the Missouri River, the area is home to the state’s largest urban Native American population and is also the site of the Little Shell Chippewa tribe’s headquarters.
Indeed, Great Falls, like many other areas of the country, has a sad history related to Native Americans, but today’s citizens do their best to preserve the complicated history and encourage the traditions to continue. Locals appreciate the four distinct seasons that the area enjoys, with cold winters but delightfully mild summertime temps. It’s easy to stay busy year-round with tons of scenic drives, trailheads, outdoor activities and festivals to choose from.
Much like other cities in Montana, there aren’t a ton of huge apartment communities to choose from. One good traditional option is Talus Apartments, which has multiple floor plans and a lot of the standard amenities that renters have come to expect. Or, there are furnished units available at Sunnyside Apartments.
Population: 74,822
1-BR median rent: $1,295
2-BR median rent: $1,595
Median home price: $542,000
Median household income: $54,423
Just east of the Idaho border on Montana’s western edge is Missoula, a mid-sized city with big aspirations. Buying a home in Missoula is a pricier prospect than it is in a lot of other parts of the state, with a median home price of $542,000.
It’s not as pricey as Bozeman, but it’s nipping at its heels. Fortunately, there are lots of other reasons people choose to live in Missoula. First, it’s still pretty affordable to rent an apartment in Missoula. It’s also a generally fun and whimsical place to hang out. Shoppers and fans of local goods love to bundle up and hit Missoula’s Winter Market, held at the Fairgrounds. Then there are plenty of hot springs to soak in, gold and gems to mine and even ghost towns to tour.
812 Toole Ave sometimes has chic units available for rent, and 712 Spruce St also has apartment options at a range of price points. Once again, availability is a bit limited as Missoula is far from what people would refer to as the “big city.”
Population: 26,110
1-BR median rent: $1,250
2-BR median rent: $1,650
Median home price: $499,000
Median household income: $55,411
Unlike many other cities on our list, the city of Kalispell is located in the northwestern corner of the state. Only 32 miles from Glacier National Park, this mountain town is also home to the western U.S.’s largest natural freshwater lake, Lake Flathead. Obviously, between the two there is an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy in Kalispell and its stunning surrounding areas.
Locals and visitors also love to stroll the quaint area of downtown Kalispell for food, shopping and general ambiance. The area is also ultra-friendly to dogs and families, thanks to an abundance of parks and recreation opportunities.
For a city its size, Kalispell actually has a nice range of apartment homes to consider. The Meridian Apartments is a pet-friendly, smoke-free establishment that features beautiful in-unit flooring. Or there’s Stillwater Crossing, which offers covered carports, video monitoring and lots of design upgrades.
Population: 8,492
1-BR median rent: $1,400
2-BR median rent: $1,850
Median home price: $913,000
Median household income: $64,595
The housing market is booming in the city of Whitefish, which has a median home price of $913,000, up more than 30 percent since last year. Situated around Whitefish Lake, this city is a popular ski destination but sees tourism year-round thanks to its proximity to Glacier National Park.
For all of the athletic endeavors that can be enjoyed here, there’s also an exceptional arts and culture scene. The Whitefish Theatre Company puts on shows regularly ranging from plays to musicals. Boating enthusiasts in particular flock to the area’s Whitefish Woody Weekend, specifically put on to showcase classic boats. So although Whitefish boasts some of the best skiing in the world, it also has a lot of other things going for it.
Fortunately, apartment rents in Whitefish haven’t inflated the same way as local real estate has. The new construction units at Whitefish Apartment Homes are pristine and ideally located. Or there are a number of individual units available for rent, like this one on Cottonwood Ct.
Population: 9,491
1-BR median rent: n/a
2-BR median rent: $806
Median home price: n/a
Median household income: $44,809
Only slightly larger than Whitefish is the southwestern Montana city of Anaconda. Known for its iconic smokestack, the city of Anaconda is one of Montana’s best-kept secrets. Originally, Anaconda grew as a result of copper mining in nearby Butte, as Anaconda became the site of critical copper smelting jobs.
Like most of the rest of the state, Anaconda is firmly ensconced in some serious natural beauty. It’s found in the Deer Lodge National Forest, so there’s obviously plenty of outdoor fun to be had. A bit of modern sport is also available at the Old Works Golf Course, however.
Anaconda’s a pretty small city by most people’s standards, so rental options are somewhat limited. There are single units available if you know where to look, such as this one on 4th Street and this one on Locust Street.
Find an apartment for rent in Montana
Montana is thoroughly its own state, thanks to its unique beauty and culture. Anyone who’s interested in adopting a quieter, but still exciting way of life should consider looking at apartments for rent in Montana.
Methodology
The rent information included in this summary is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com as of April 2023.
Median home prices are from Redfin as of April 2023. Population and median household income are from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The information in this article is for illustrative purposes only. This data herein does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Welcome to the vibrant city of Tacoma, where the beauty of the great outdoors seamlessly intertwines with the convenience of urban living. From downtown Tacoma apartments to charming houses in the suburbs, residents here have access to the best of both worlds. But what truly sets Tacoma apart is its plethora of exhilarating outdoor activities that await adventurers of all kinds. Get ready to immerse yourself in nature’s playground as Redfin unveils the top outdoor experiences that will leave you awe-inspired and yearning for more. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking hikes, thrilling water adventures, or tranquil moments in serene parks, Tacoma has it all right at your doorstep.
1. Exploring the Tacoma waterfront:
The Tacoma waterfront is a captivating destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an array of activities to enjoy amidst stunning natural beauty. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, savoring breathtaking views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. Activities such as biking, rollerblading, or jogging along the paved pathway are also great ways to enjoy the waterfront
For those seeking a water adventure, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular options, allowing you to explore the tranquil waters and marvel at the city’s skyline from a unique perspective. With numerous parks dotting the shoreline, finding the perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon in the sun is a breeze. The Tacoma waterfront truly offers a playground of outdoor activities amidst a backdrop of natural splendor.
2. Kayaking on the Puget Sound:
Kayaking on the Puget Sound near Tacoma is an exhilarating experience. With its stunning natural beauty, including forests, mountains, and abundant wildlife, the sound offers a picturesque backdrop. Paddling along calm waters, you can spot seals, sea lions, and even orcas. Explore the Sound’s islands, coves, and pristine beaches for a memorable adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, this destination promises unforgettable moments in nature.
3. Biking the Foothills Trail:
This scenic trail stretches through the picturesque foothills of Mount Rainier and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As you pedal along the well-maintained path, you’ll be immersed in nature’s beauty, passing through lush forests, tranquil rivers, and charming small towns. The trail provides a mix of terrain, making it suitable for riders of various skill levels. Along the way, you can take breaks at designated picnic areas or explore points of interest such as historical sites and local attractions.
4. Camping at Mount Rainier National Park:
Nestled in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier National Park offers an unforgettable camping experience just a stone’s throw away from Tacoma. During the day, you can lace up your hiking boots and explore the park’s breathtaking trails, where alpine meadows, majestic glaciers, and pristine lakes await your discovery. From exhilarating summit hikes to serene nature walks, Mount Rainier National Park provides an outdoor haven for adventurers of all levels.
5. Hiking the Point Defiance Park Trails:
Embark on a thrilling adventure as you lace up your hiking boots and delve into the captivating wilderness of Point Defiance Park trails in Tacoma. Nestled within this urban oasis, a network of trails awaits, leading you through lush forests, along sparkling waterways, and to breathtaking viewpoints. From leisurely walks to more challenging hikes, there’s something for every skill level. Discover hidden beaches, scenic overlooks, and peaceful ponds along the way. .
6. Ziplining at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park:
Unleash your inner adventurer and embark on a thrilling ziplining experience at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Tacoma. Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest, this unique outdoor activity promises an adrenaline rush like no other. As you glide from platform to platform, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, lush forests, and perhaps even catch glimpses of the park’s resident animals, such as elk, bison, and deer. The professionally guided zipline tours provide a safe and thrilling experience for participants of various ages and skill levels.
7. Paddleboarding on Lake Tapps
Paddleboarding on Lake Tapps near Tacoma provides a serene and refreshing water adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this expansive lake offers ample space for exploration and a chance to spot wildlife. Enjoy the serenity of a leisurely paddle or challenge yourself with a more vigorous workout.
8. Rock Climbing at Exit 38:
Rock climbing at Exit 38 near Tacoma is a thrilling and scenic experience. With a variety of routes for all skill levels, climbers can enjoy stunning views of mountains and forests. The sense of freedom and connection to nature that rock climbing at Exit 38 provides is truly unparalleled, making it an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts in Tacoma.
9. Sailing on Commencement Bay:
Set sail on a thrilling maritime adventure as you navigate the pristine waters of Commencement Bay. The bay’s tranquil waters provide the perfect playground for both experienced sailors and beginners alike, offering a chance to learn the art of sailing or simply bask in the serenity of the open sea.
10. Birdwatching at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge:
For nature lovers and bird enthusiasts, a visit to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a must. Just a short drive from Tacoma, this vast wetland sanctuary provides a haven for migratory birds, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. Grab your binoculars and wander along the well-maintained trails, keeping an eye out for bald eagles, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, and more.
There are plenty of reasons to love living in Louisville, but will the Derby City fit your lifestyle? Let’s see how the cost of living and culture stack up.
Set alongside the Ohio River, Louisville is a great city, full of history. Home to the Kentucky Derby, and a lot of bourbon, Louisville offers up urban amenities, parks, foodie-friendly restaurants and more, all at a relatively affordable cost of living.
All combined, the cost of living in Louisville is 4.9 percent below the national average. This is almost identical to Lexington, the other big Kentucky town, and exactly the same as its close, big-city neighbor, Cincinnati.
This means that all the key factors that contribute to the cost of living in Louisville should be pretty reasonable as well, but sometimes we find surprises. Let’s take a closer look at how a budget could play out.
Housing costs in Louisville
Overall, housing in Louisville is very reasonable. Even with apartment rents rising significantly over the last year, housing costs are 21.7 percent below the national average. This is identical to costs in Lexington and less than a percentage point below costs in Cincinnati.
A one-bedroom apartment in Louisville averages out to $1,128 per month, up 19 percent over last year. A two-bedroom apartment, up a little less with a 24 percent increase, has an average monthly rent of $1,287. To compare, average apartment rent in Lexington is $1,262 for a one-bed, and $1,453 for a two-bed.
Equally affordable are home prices for those who are looking to shift away from renting. The median sale price in Louisville is $239,950, up 8.1 percent over last year.
Apartment hunting around Louisville
Throughout Louisville, you’ll find no shortage of great neighborhoods to call home. Even better, with such a low average rent, you’ll have a large number of locations accessible to almost any housing budget.
At the high end of the rent spectrum, you’ve got The Highlands. This popular neighborhood is considered one of the most unique areas in Louisville, and is also home to “Restaurant Row.” The average one-bedroom rent here is $1,558 per month.
More closely aligned to the city’s rent average, Clifton Heights, has one-bedroom apartments with an average monthly rent of $914. This neighborhood boasts more of an urban feel, with access to everything from a botanical garden to parks, galleries, bars and restaurants.
Other popular neighborhoods include the highly walkable Deer Park, with an average one-bed rent of $1,199. Germantown, whose rent is nearly one third less, on average, still holds an annual Oktoberfest. At $795 in average rent for a one-bed, Tyler Park has a 13-acre green space at its center. Even Clifton, with all its boutiques, local shops and restaurants has an average one-bedroom rent of $695.It’s nice to know you’ll have options when apartment hunting in Louisville.
Food costs in Louisville
With the Kentucky Derby as the biggest event of the year in Louisville, you can’t talk about food without sharing the ingredients for a mint julep. It’s super easy to make. All you need is bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint and crushed ice. Muddle the first three ingredients, add the ice and you’re good to go.
Another unique food you may encounter while eating out in Louisville is a hot brown. A favorite brunch entree, this is actually a warm, baked, open-faced sandwich consisting of a single slice of bread, turkey, tomato, bacon and Mornay sauce, which turns creamy and bubbly when heated.
When you’ve had your fill of drinking and eating out, though, it’s good to know that the cost of living in Louisville when it comes to groceries is 6.7 percent below the national average. This can make your shopping list pretty affordable, especially with the average price of staple items like a loaf of bread ($3.79) or a pound of ground beef ($5.64) both costing less than they would in nearby Lexington.
Utility costs in Louisville
Louisville has four seasons that are very distinct. You’ll see peak temperatures in the hot and humid summer and extreme colds in winter. This movement up and down the thermometer means there’s a good chance your heater and AC will take turns working pretty hard.
It’s a good explanation for why utility costs are 7.3 percent above the national average, and a typical energy bill can come to $205.56. This average is over $55 more than what you’d pay in Cincinnati, just two hours away.
Transportation costs in Louisville
You definitely need a car to get around Louisville. Even with a bike score of 51, the rating only means some places are accessible by bicycle. The walk score is even lower, at 46, so don’t plan on many walkable spots (though there are some).
Having a car though means having to deal with parking. Louisville has plenty of metered spots with a cost of $2 per hour for the first two hours and $3 an hour for any additional. Meters are free on Sunday though. If you’re headed to the downtown area, you can also park in one of 15 parking garages and two surface lots.
If public transportation is more your thing, and you live close to it, the Transit Authority of River City, or TARC, offers a long list of local, frequency, express and circulator bus routes. A single-way cash fare is $1.75, but most locals use a myTARC card, paying only $1.50 per ride. You can also buy a MyTARC card pass. A seven-day pass costs $15, while a 30-day pass is $50.
Regardless of how you get around, when it comes to the cost of living in Louisville for transportation, you’re paying 18.8 percent above the national average. This is a 7.4 percent increase over last year and almost 20 percent more than people are paying in Lexington.
Healthcare costs in Louisville
Healthcare is a big industry and major employer in Louisville, but when comes to being the patient, the final bill can get a little scary. However, that’s not often the case here, where healthcare costs are 23.9 percent below the national average. This is an 8.2 percent decrease over last year.
How this impacts your personal healthcare costs will vary though based on your insurance coverage, your medical history and your current healthcare needs. Everyone’s costs are different in this category, so it’s always good to budget accordingly.
To help, you can use average costs (without insurance) as a guide. That means in Louisville, a doctor’s visit is $82.20, a dentist visit is $88.33 and an optometrist appointment is $61.67.
Goods and services costs in Louisville
In Louisville, goods and services are 6.4 percent above the national average, so they can get a little pricy. While this total is slightly less than in Lexington, you still may pay more for certain extras than you would elsewhere.
For example, a movie ticket in Louisville is $12.28, while a haircut is $16.65. Grabbing a pizza out will cost you about $12.99, and a bottle of wine averages out to $8.49.
Taxes in Louisville
Kentucky is somewhat of a unique state when it comes to taxes in that it sets tax rates as a whole. Counties don’t add anything when it comes to sales tax, keeping the rate relatively low. In Louisville, and across the state, the sales tax rate is 6 percent. This means that for every $1,000 you spend furnishing your new apartment, $60 will go straight to taxes.
This same statewide approach is also applied to income tax. The entire state’s flat rate is 5 percent.
How much do I need to earn to live in Louisville?
With a lower cost of living in Louisville when it comes to housing, your biggest expense, it’s okay to assume you won’t need that much income to live comfortably. To get exact information on what you can afford when it comes to rent, take advantage of our rent calculator.
For a general estimate of what you’d need to make to afford an average-priced one-bedroom apartment, we’ll take the advice of most experts. They suggest you put about 30 percent of your annual income toward rent. Using this formula, at $1,128 per month, you’d need to earn $45,680 per year.
This is entirely possible given that the median household income in Louisville is $54,929.
Free things to do in Louisville
The affordability of Louisville becomes even better when you consider how much fun there is to have throughout the city for free. Louisville offers free activities that connect you to history, culture, the outdoors and more. Some places to consider include:
Filson Historical Society Museum: Giving free, guided tours every weekday at 2 p.m. your tour will include Ferguson Mansion and Wood Carriage House. The historical society itself works to preserve the history and culture both of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley.
Carnegie Center for Art and History: Free admission to this museum is something special. Here, art and history collide. Exhibits focus on the heritage of Floyd County as well as the visual arts.
Louisville Nature Center: Situated across from the zoo, free admission here gives you access to a sensory garden, rain garden, play area, nature library and a bird blind, where you can view birds through one-way tinted glass.
Big Four Bridge: A part of Waterfront Park, Big Four Bridge is a footpath that crosses the Ohio River, ending in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Originally a railroad bridge, it’s now the perfect place for a two-mile (per way) stroll.
Beechmont Open Air Market: Yes, you may end up tempted to buy some fresh produce or an artisanal candle, but a stroll through the market is totally free and a perfect Saturday morning activity.
You also have the option, when looking for free activities in Louisville, to take advantage of one of the more than 120 public parks throughout the metro area. Some sidle up to the Ohio River, and others are perfect pockets of green space, providing spots for picnics and relaxation.
Living in Louisville
First, you figure out if the cost of living in Louisville will work for you. Then, you start thinking about where you want to live in the city. Next, it’s time to craft a budget and you’re off, transforming yourself into a Louisville local. It’s as simple as that, made easier by the fact that overall, this is a pretty affordable place to call home. So, when are you moving?
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 November 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
When a credit card’s annual fee is over $600, many people raise an eyebrow and question whether its benefits make that fee worth paying.
That’s certainly the case with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card — the premium card in the Marriott credit card family. Along with announcing several new and enhanced benefits in late 2022, we saw the annual fee jump from an already-pricey $450 to an eye-catching $650 (see rates and fees).
The truth is, cobranded hotel cards usually aren’t the best for maximizing your spending beyond purchases with a given hotel chain. But when a credit card offers a premium free night award each year and elite status that can provide suite upgrades and free breakfast, people pay attention.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card proves that it’s possible to get significant value from at least one premium hotel card by offering generous perks such as automatic top-tier elite status and weekend reward nights. After its recent changes, we’re breaking down whether the same holds true for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant below.
The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Welcome bonus
Let’s start with the introductory bonus offer to examine whether the card is worth it.
With the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, you can earn a welcome bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months; plus, earn 50,000 points after you stay six eligible paid nights at Marriott hotels through Jan. 31, 2024. This offer ends Aug. 9.
TPG values Marriott points at 0.84 cents apiece, meaning this bonus is worth $1,680.
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Some of the best uses of Marriott Bonvoy points include free nights at properties such as The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, The West Hollywood Edition and the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. Those who enjoy time on the powder may love ski-adjacent options at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, The St. Regis Deer Valley or The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.
Remember that American Express has restrictions that will limit your ability to collect a new-member bonus if you’ve had other Marriott products before. Fortunately, there’s a pop-up that will tell you if you are not eligible for the bonus when you apply before Amex runs your credit — and our chart can help clarify things as well.
Related: Marriott’s dynamic award pricing is live — here’s what that means for travelers
Annual free night award
Each year after your card renewal month, you’ll receive a free night award worth up to 85,000 points.
In case you need some inspiration for what that can get you, this can include the luxurious St. Regis New York and St. Regis Deer Valley in the U.S., The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos for a Caribbean getaway, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto in Japan or idyllic overwater bungalows at the St. Regis Bora Bora or The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.
That said, due to Marriott’s dynamic pricing model, you’ll want to do a calendar search for flexible dates in order to find nights that cost 85,000 points or less.
The annual free night award has significant value, but it’s also worth pointing out that you can only use this award to stay for a single night. This could be challenging if you have plans to stay two nights or longer. If you maximize this award night and stay at a property costing 85,000 points, you have three less-than-ideal options for subsequent nights:
Pay 85,000 points from your Marriott balance.
Pay the cash fee (which can be quite high).
Move to a different hotel.
For this reason, people have differing opinions on the value of free night awards that are worth a single night at a luxury property.
Related: 9 places to maximize the new 85,000-point Marriott award night certificate
Up to $300 in dining credits per year
In the past, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex cardholders had an easy-to-use annual credit for up to $300 to use on spending with Marriott-affiliated properties. But when the Brilliant underwent its changes in 2022, this changed to monthly dining credits. While the maximum value per year ($300) remains the same, the credits are now given as up to $25 per month.
This means that the credits are now more complicated to use, as you must remember to use them monthly rather than simply paying for hotel stays related to the hotel program affiliated with the credit card at any time during the year.
That said, just about everyone spends at least $25 per month at restaurants, so as long as you remember to use the credits each month, this can help to offset nearly half of the card’s $650 annual fee (see rates and fees).
Related: How to use Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant’s $25 monthly dining credit
Elite status and related perks
The card offers automatic Marriott Platinum Elite status. In terms of Marriott’s status tiers, this is the level where valuable perks start to kick in.
Platinum Elite members are eligible for late checkout and early check-in, when available, plus room upgrades based on availability at arrival — including eligibility for upgrades to suites. At the Platinum level, you also have access to welcome gifts at check-in and free breakfast at select properties.
Unfortunately, you are not entitled to a Choice Benefit (the most valuable of which are five Suite Night Awards) just by having this card. You can, however, earn a Choice benefit by spending $60,000 on your card in a calendar year or, alternatively, by reaching 50 elite night credits. You’ll automatically get 25 credits by having your card, so you’ll need to stay just 25 additional nights to qualify for the Choice benefit.
Note that you can only earn one set of elite night credits from personal Marriott cards, regardless of how many you have. However, this benefit can stack with the 15 elite night credits given to cardholders of a Marriott business card — like the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
If you have both the Bonvoy Brilliant and the Bonvoy Business cards, you’ll have 40 elite night credits, so you’ll only need to stay 10 qualifying nights to get the Choice benefit.
And if you’re shooting for Titanium Elite status, you’ll need 75 qualifying credits. The 40 elite credits you’d get from holding both the Brilliant and the Business cards will get you over halfway there.
Related: Your complete guide to earning Marriott elite status with credit cards
Other perks
Other built-in perks of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card include a Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you and two guests unlimited access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, as well as an up-to-$100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
The Priority Pass membership is not a massive value-add if you already receive the benefit through other cards. However, if you already have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck because you received it for free with another credit card, you can use this credit to cover a friend’s or family member’s application fee. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex’s earning structure is similar to the other Marriott cards but with two additional bonus categories: dining and airfare. Cardholders earn 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Based on TPG’s valuations, that’s essentially a return of 5% on Marriott purchases, 2.5% on restaurants and flights and 1.7% on everyday spending. Those rates aren’t earth-shattering but aren’t bad for a cobranded card.
Related: Earn bonus Marriott points on your Uber rides and food delivery orders
Bottom line
While it might not be the best card for everyday spending, there’s plenty of value in the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card if you frequently stay in Marriott properties and place value in the elite perks the card offers. In fact, it may be a no-brainer for the program’s most loyal guests.
Depending on how you value these benefits, you could love the status, dining credits and more valuable free night award. Still, you may also think the annual fee is too much because you don’t see yourself maximizing them. Be sure to calculate the value you’ll get from the card before deciding to add it to your wallet.
Official application link: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card with 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months; plus, earn 50,000 points after you stay six eligible nights at Marriott hotels through Jan. 31, 2024. Offer ends August 9.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, click here.
Additional reporting by Emily Thompson, Ryan Wilcox, Summer Hull, Jennifer Yellin and Benji Stawski.
For some, it’s the smell of freshly cut grass and the brush of leaves in the breeze, creating an escape from daily stressors. For others, it’s a competitive arena where precision skills are honed. It’s where business is sealed with a handshake, lifelong friendships are forged, wagers are won—and drinking is not only permitted, but encouraged.
It’s been called “a good walk spoiled” (Mark Twain), “the most fun you can have without taking your clothes off” (Chi Chi Rodriguez), and “an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle” (many, many folks).
If the allure of golf has you in its grip, as it does for so many, perhaps you’ve entertained the fantasy of living near a golf course. Affordable real estate with great proximity to a course might sound too good to be true, like hitting a hole-in-one with your first swing of the day (or ever). But we’re here to correct that notion.
The data team at Realtor.com® found the places in the U.S. that have the best balance of great access to golf courses, relatively affordable real estate, and weather best suited for days on the greens. Some of these towns you’ve surely heard of and might assume come with a high price. Others are hidden gems you might not have thought of as great golf markets.
Whether you’re a near pro, a weekend duffer, or someone who just likes the idea of living near a course, you might just find your dream home on the green. Even if you’re not a golfer, these cities offer a lot to appreciate, from excellent weather to a high quality of life.
“In most residential golf communities, it’s only about a quarter of residents who are active golfers,” says Brad Klein, a golf course design consultant and golf journalist. “So what that tells you is that a lot of people are drawn to the golf community, even if they don’t play golf.”
Most golf communities draw a highly diverse group of homebuyers who nonetheless share certain bonds: They’re physically active and crave regular social interaction, says Klein.
“If you have golf, you probably also have pickle ball, swimming, platform tennis, a gym, and a social center at the local clubhouse,” he says. “Even if you don’t play, you have all kinds of options living near this sort of community.”
The cities on our list aren’t just golf havens. Many are also places with a high quality of life, where a cost of living below the national average makes them affordable not just in terms of real estate, but also in terms of everyday expenses.
We found these places by first rounding up all the real estate listings on Realtor.com from the past year within a 10-minute drive (in normal conditions) from one or more of the 6,445 public and private golf courses in the nation that we were able to map out. Then we aggregated home price data for those listings by city.
Then we factored in the number of golf courses clustered in those areas and weighed the climate and weather patterns—favoring places with more warm days to hit the links. Finally, we selected just one place per state, to ensure geographic diversity. (Otherwise, the list would be mostly Florida towns, along with some Mississippi locations and a couple of spots in Arizona.)
Let’s tee off into our top 10 locations for finding affordable homes near a golf course.
Nearby golf courses: 28 Median list price* for homes near golf courses: $299,900
Sun City, known for decades as a golf lover’s dream community, has year-round golf weather, a staggering number of nearby courses, and real estate that’s priced about 9% below the national average, vaulting it to the top of our list.
Now, this does come with a caveat: Generally, residents must be aged 55 and up, because this planned community on the northwest corner of the Phoenix metro area is aimed at retirees. The rules for who can live there are a bit complicated, so be sure to read up on the details.
This desert oasis has been drawing golf-minded retirees since it was established in 1960. Sun City was the first active retirement community in the United States, and it earned its pioneering developer, Del Webb, a place on the cover of Time magazine in 1962.
“What’s most impressive about it is how difficult it was to get golf courses out there with so little water,” says golf expert Klein. “The course superintendents getting grass to grow out there, on decomposing granite in the middle of the desert, is just amazing. People must have thought they were crazy.”
The Sun City South Golf Course is one of the most well known of the 28 golf courses in the area.
This 1,700-square-foot, two-bedroom home that backs up to the course is listed for $325,000.
Nearby golf courses: 12 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $245,000
Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, a little north of Fort Lauderdale, and just south of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach has great access to golf courses and the shore. (See our annual affordable beach towns list, in case that also strikes your interest.)
The median home price for Deerfield Beach listings within 10 minutes of a golf course is $245,000, far below the national median of around $430,000. That’s because the vast majority of listings are cheaper condos and townhomes under 1,000 square feet.
The climate in Deerfield Beach is classified as a tropical rainforest, with warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters, making it an ideal location for all kinds of outdoor activities year-round.
“I was just in Deerfield Beach,” says Beth Daly, a real estate agent at Re/Max Experience in Fort Lauderdale. “We had the bluest sky, and the ocean was like a glass of water you could see all the way to the bottom.”
Daly says she frequently hears about the golf culture that buyers—especially out-of-towners—are looking for.
“I just had some golfers from Buffalo Grove, outside of Chicago,” Daly says, “They wanted a full-service club to live near, and they had plenty of options to choose from.”
Nearby golf courses: 11 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $215,000
Biloxi is a city that we see often when we look for affordable housing markets with standout quality-of-life features. Homes here are very inexpensive, at just about half of the national median list price.
And the Gulf coast climate means you golfers can hit the links just about anytime of the year. And when taking a day off from playing golf, residents here can enjoy the Biloxi beaches, with the neighboring Gulfport leading our most affordable beach towns list.
This three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house on a third of an acre, for $324,900, is near the Sunkist Country Club’s championship 18-hole course.
Nearby golf courses: 11 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $319,000
One of the most iconic Southern cities takes a top spot on our list, with year-round golf weather, homes priced about 25% below the national median, and plenty of opportunities to hit the fairways. The coastal, Gothic city is also known for its antebellum architecture and arts and culture scene.
The whole southeastern Atlantic seaboard is thick with golf culture and an abundance of world-class courses.
“Savannah, and the areas north into the Charleston area—where we hear it called ‘Lowcountry’ golf—is really popular right now,” says Tom Coyne, a New York Times bestselling golf author. “There’s so much more to this area than just the buddy trip for one or two rounds.”
But it’s not just exclusive or high-priced courses that people should think of in the area.
“There’s a sneaky-good public golf course in Savannah, called Bacon Park, which is just really charming and very affordable, and I believe it was designed by Donald Ross [we checked, and it was], a famous golf course tech,” Coyne says. “To be able to play a Donald Ross course for whatever the greens fee is there, it’s just awesome.”
Home shoppers can find a three-bedroom home about a half-mile from the Bacon Park Golf Course for $328,000.
Nearby golf courses: 7 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $194,900
Mobile, located on the Mobile Bay spilling out into the Gulf of Mexico, has the most affordable golf-proximate real estate on our list. Home prices here are less than half the national median of $430,000 in April. And while the home prices aren’t high, the area is rich with golf history.
“Alabama is known for the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, where they have a literal trail of courses designed by the great Robert Trent Jones,” Coyne says. The famous golf course architect designed more than 500 courses between the 1930s and the 1990s.
Mobile and the surrounding areas have a subtropical climate, which means lots of rainfall, so it’s no wonder the area has been a center of golf culture since early in the 20th century.
Nearby golf courses: 22 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $290,000
The first thing golf expert Klein asked when he heard about our list: “Do you have Myrtle Beach on the list?”
Myrtle Beach has been referred to as “The Golf Capital of the World” due to the sheer number of courses and the rich golf history in the area. The economy in this oceanfront South Carolina city is driven in large part by the vibrant tourism industry, which is mostly centered on the attraction of the area’s world-class golf courses as well as its amusement parks and famed beach.
Boasting courses from the Pine Lake Country Club to TPC Myrtle Beach, this popular vacation spot is practically synonymous with the sport.
Plus, with home prices per square foot not too far from the national median figure, this golfer’s dream is not just for the well-heeled. And with a population just topping 35,000, Myrtle Beach is the smallest of places on our list, which adds to the homey feel.
For less than $100,000, golfers on a budget can find a two-bedroom condo that’s walking distance from the famous Pine Lakes Country Club.
Nearby golf courses: 13 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $569,900
About an hour east of Los Angeles, in the center of the San Bernardino Valley, you’ll find Riverside. It’s the namesake of Riverside County and the most populous city in what’s called the Inland Empire—a broad swath of Southern California’s noncoastal desert region.
With year-round golfing weather and access to more than a dozen courses within 10 minutes, Riverside has the best combo of prices, nearby golfing, and climate in the Golden State.
To be sure, Riverside is the most expensive place on our list, with homes priced more than 30% above the national average, and even more per square foot. But, in the context of California’s real estate prices, Riverside is cheap. It’s around 20% less expensive than the California average and 40% less expensive than neighboring Los Angeles.
Those looking for a place near downtown Riverside but also close to a golf course might want to look at the Jurupa Hills Country Club, where buyers can find a three-bedroom home near the greens for $455,000.
Nearby golf courses: 35 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $229,000
The last three cities on our list are all in the Midwest, where homes have historically been more affordable than in other parts of the country. In Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, homes within 10 minutes of a golf course are still 40% less expensive than the national average. And there are a surprising number of golf courses in this region.
Midwestern winters can be brutal, but the average monthly temperature is still above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for more than half of the year. While that might mean residents consider golf more of a seasonal pastime in these final three cities, the prices are less than half of what you would find in a city like Riverside, CA.
One of the most notable Indianapolis courses is built into the site of the Indianapolis 500, mixing golf with another of the town’s iconic draws.
Saddlebrook Golf Club is one of the closest to downtown Indianapolis, and for just shy of $230,000, home shoppers can get a three-bedroom home on a quarter-acre about 1,000 feet from the course.
Nearby golf courses: 26 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $239,900
Cincinnati, located on the Ohio River, boasts low home prices—and low-cost opportunities to play golf on a good public course.
“It’s so much more affordable than golfing in a place like New York or Chicago or L.A.,” says Klein of playing in smaller Midwestern cities.
Moreover, the Rust Belt city has an indelible golf tradition, in part due to the golf royalty from the area.
“In Ohio, you have a great golf history,” says Coyne. “Anyone who’s done anything big in the sport of golf has left a stamp in Ohio. And Jack Nicklaus hails from Columbus, so there’s got to be something good going on in Ohio.”
The Camargo Club, on the northeastern end of the Cincinnati area, has been ranked one of the best in the state. While the homes nearest to the course include custom-built, multimillion-dollar mansions, a three-bedroom home can be found about five minutes away for just under $280,000.
Nearby golf courses: 23 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $249,950
Golf might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city located on the Missouri River. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. It also boasts one of the best zoos and aquariums in the world.
But there are many options in Omaha for those looking for a home near a golf course, says Chris Bauer, a local Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. He’s found buyers are looking for either a more affordable option, usually near a public golf course, or access to pricier private clubs.
“Those are two different sets of buyers,” he says. “For the avid golfers who would only buy on a private course, you have Shadow Ridge, Deer Creek, Happy Hollow, or the Omaha Country Club.”
And for those looking for somewhere to live near a public course: “Pacific Springs, The Knolls, or Johnny Goodman. Those are all popular. There’s a wide spectrum here,” he says.
Watch: The Best Cities in the U.S. for Home Sellers Right Now
* Median list prices are from the last year on Realtor.com.
Thinking of calling the Valley of the Sun home? Make sure you have all the important amenities, like an on-site gym, at your fingertips.
When you’re looking for an apartment in Phoenix, you want to make sure you find a place to live that has all of the amenities you need.
While most people go straight to the pool (and why not, with the year-round Sunshine in Arizona!), but don’t overlook the fitness center. If you pick a community with a great fitness center, you can get in a full workout without the hassle of driving to your gym.
These are the 10 best gyms in Phoenix that can be found in apartment communities.
Source: Rent. / Desert Club
Sharing space with the Sonoran Preserve in Desert View, the Desert Club is a great Phoenix location to call home. The fitness center is bright, with soft blue and cream tones. You’ll find two rows of cardio machines, with another row of strength training equipment right behind. There are plenty of windows and an entire wall of mirrors. You also have over 30 miles of trails in the Preserve to use when you want to take your workout outdoors.
Additional amenities within the Desert Club include a clubhouse, pool and grilled areas. This is also a green community.
Source: Rent. / Reveal
A nicely manicured soccer field — aka Community Sport Court — and fitness center make up just part of the fitness space at Reveal. You also have access to tennis courts and can even do laps in the heated pool. Other amenities at Reveal include a bocce ball court and a covered playground.
Located to the north of the city center, in Deer Valley, this area has a strong community feel with many locally owned businesses with their own personality.
Source: Rent. / Acero North Valley
At the northern entrance to Phoenix is North Gateway, the home of Acero North Valley. This community has a large pool area with a hot tub, a game room with shuffleboard and an arcade table, a covered playground and a dog park.
The gym at Acero North Valley comes equipped with a nice assortment of cardio and strength machines, a CrossFit box, free weights and exercise balls. There’s also a separate spin studio with on-demand classes.
Source: Rent. / Vela on Camelback
In one of the most popular neighborhoods in Phoenix, you’ll find the amenity-filled community of Vela on Camelback. The building itself has a funky design, with art-deco and metallic accents. There’s a sleek pool and hot tub with in-water lounging, an outdoor lounge with corn hole, pet wash and an outdoor dining area with a kitchen and grilling station. There’s even a game room with billiards, electronic darts, and arcade games.
This Camelback East community has a massive fitness center as well, with floor-to-ceiling windows. A long row of cardio machines, and another equally long row of strength training equipment dead end into a separate yoga space.
Source: Rent. / Ventura Vista
With no shortage of colors when it comes to its decor, the gym at Ventura Vista is full of high-end equipment, a CrossFit box and free weights. There are big windows and a carpet with a funky design.
Situated in Paradise Valley, with its great mountain views, Ventura Vista also has a pool with lounge chairs galore, a hot tub, a grilling area and a coffee bar with Starbucks coffee.
Source: Rent. / Acero at Algodón Center
A sand volleyball court and spin studio add a little something extra to the fitness amenities at Acero at Algodon Center. The multi-room gym has an outdoor section that extends CrossFit capabilities, in addition to having a massive CrossFix box. There are also plenty of cardio machines.
With its own outdoor community garden, this West Phoenix community taps into the local vibe of being both urban and outdoorsy. The area has plenty of places to walk, jog, hike and bike, while Acero at Algodon Center itself has a pool, hot tub and massive sun deck for when it’s time to relax.
Source: Rent. / The Logan at Osborn
Along the Central Avenue Corridor, close to downtown and full of active residents, you’ll find the impressive gym at The Logan at Osborn. It’s a two-story fitness center with a bright, industrial feel. Cardio machines on the top level look down onto the strength training equipment and CrossFit box below.
For those who like to toss in a walk outside, The Logan at Osborn is near Murphy’s Bridle Path, a nicely-shaded dirt running trail that’s about 2.6 miles each way.
Source: Rent. / Arcadia Villa Apartments
With a recreation room with billiards, a landscaped courtyard, two pools and an outdoor lounge, Arcadia Villa Apartments is pretty stacked. The workout space here has all the basic cardio and strength equipment you’ll need. There’s also a colorful, separate fitness studio with a vibrant mural on the wall.
You’ll find Arcadia Villa Apartments in Arcadia Lite, a neighborhood known for its trendy food and drink scene.
Source: Rent. / Ascent at Papago Park
Another great apartment in Camelback East, the gym at Ascent at Papago Park is big and bright. The cardio machines face out through large windows, and there’s a variety of strength training equipment. A separate fitness/yoga studio brings in a pop of blue and has plenty of mirrors.
The additional amenities at Ascent at Papago Park cater to almost anybody. There’s a game room with billiards and shuffleboard, a cinema room, putting green, dog park, pool and hot tub and an outdoor fire pit with lounge space and a grilling area.
Source: Rent. / Seven Apartments
Lime green accents throughout the gym, and other bright colors, give the gym at Seven Apartments a light and happy vibe. The windows look out to the pool. Nicely organized, there’s a row of cardio machines, with a CrossFit box and some additional strength equipment right behind.
This Deer Valley community hosts its own resident events and has a resort-style pool and spa open 24 hours. There’s also a large dog park, barbecue and picnic areas and a business center with a conference room.
Grab an apartment workout at one of the best gyms in Phoenix
Among the many hidden gems in Phoenix, that perfect apartment gym may feel a little elusive. However, knowing what you want in your next home can help you narrow down your prospects and save you time.
Enjoy the search for the perfect Phoenix apartment — with all the right amenities.