As you begin your search for a new apartment, your wish list is probably full of features and amenities that you just can’t live without. Great location, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances – the works.
But have you given any thought to where your particular unit will be located? Does it matter if it’s on the bottom floor, the top or somewhere in between? If you’re not sure, it’s time to start thinking about it. Each level has its perks and some apartment communities let you choose your own unit. If you are ever granted that luxury, we’ve got some great reasons you should indulge in top floor living!
It’s toasty. Did you pay attention in science class? If so, then you already know that heat rises. So all those units below you with their heat cranked up will only make your place warmer. Keep your heat down low and let your neighbors keep you comfortable throughout the winter. Additionally, top floor units usually also get more sunlight, which is yet another source of free heat for you. Now that’s hot! This also means it will be hotter in the summer months, so consider investing in good curtains, fans, and other ways to keep cool.
It’s peaceful. One of the downsides of apartment living is having noisy neighbors above you and hearing a lot of street noise. People outside and your upstairs neighbors must get paid to make as much noise as they possibly can, right? But if you’re already on the top floor, problem solved! Cars honking, traffic noises, foot stomping, running kids, pets and creaky floors are not your concern. It also means any noise you make is less likely to bother people, just don’t push it too much. Enjoy it!
It’s private. Lower floors experience lots of foot traffic. People are constantly passing by to access the stairs, elevator, lobby, management office and to enter and exit the building. Up top, you’re more isolated.
It’s beautiful. Now this totally depends on the apartment community, but many of them offer great views of the city, often on a balcony patio, – skyscrapers, parks, water and snow-capped mountains – a perk you cannot experience down on lower floors. We’re looking at you NYC, San Francisco and Chicago.
It’s healthier (for your neighbors). Do you happen to smoke cigarettes? If so, there’s no neighbors above you to deal with your second-hand smoke. Just like heat, smoke travels upward as well. It’s sure to bother anyone who lives above you. As such, living on the top floor allows you to be a good, considerate neighbor.
Have you ever lived on the top floor? What was it like?
Today we’re going to talk about the “home equity loan,” which is quickly becoming all the rage with mortgage rates so much higher.
In short, many homeowners have first mortgages with fixed interest rates in the 2-3% range.
Now that a typical 30-year fixed is closer to 6%, these homeowners don’t want to refinance and lose that rate in the process.
But if they still want to access their valuable (and plentiful) home equity, they can do so via a second mortgage.
Two popular options are the home equity line of credit (HELOC) and the home equity loan, the latter of which features a fixed interest rate and the ability to pull out a lump sum of cash from your home.
What Is a Home Equity Loan?
A home equity loan allows you to borrow against the value of your property to access needed cash.
That cash can then be used to pay for things such as home improvements, to pay off other higher-interest loans, fund a down payment for another home purchase, pay for college tuition, and more.
Ultimately, you can use the proceeds for anything you wish. The home equity loan simply allows you to tap into your accrued home equity without selling the underlying property.
Of course, like a first mortgage, you must pay back the loan via monthly payments until it is paid in full, refinanced, or the property sold.
Similarly, you can obtain a home equity loan from a bank, credit union, or direct mortgage lender.
The application process is comparable, in that you must provide income, employment, and asset documentation, but it’s typically faster and less paperwork intensive.
Additionally, your credit report will be pulled to determine your credit scores and overall creditworthiness.
Home Equity Loan Example
Property Value $650,000
First Mortgage
Home Equity Loan
Cash Out Refinance
Interest Rate
3.25%
6.75%
5.75%
Loan Amount
$450,000
$70,000
$520,000
Monthly Payment
$1,958.43
$532.25
$3,034.58
Total Cost
$2,490.68
$3,034.58
Home equity loans are typically second mortgages, taken out by an existing homeowner who already has a first mortgage.
This allows the borrower to access additional funds while maintaining the favorable terms of their first mortgage (and continue to pay it off on schedule).
Imagine a homeowner owns a property valued at $650,000 and has an existing home loan with an outstanding balance of $450,000. Their interest rate is 3.25% on a 30-year fixed.
Obviously they don’t want to lose that low, low rate, so they turn to a home equity product instead.
They would have $200,000 in home equity, though not all of it is necessarily available to tap into.
Most home equity loan lenders will limit how much you can borrow to 80% or 90% of your home’s value.
That means a maximum loan amount of $135,000 if maxed out at 90%.
But we’ll pretend you take out just $70,000, or 80% of your property’s appraised value.
Assuming the loan term is 20 years and the interest rate is 6.75%, you’d have a monthly payment of $532.25.
The loan would amortize like a traditional mortgage, with equal monthly payments until maturity.
Each payment would consist of a principal and interest amount, which would change as the loan was paid off.
You would make this payment each month alongside your first mortgage payment, but would now have an additional $70,000 in your bank account.
When we add the first mortgage payment of $1,958.43 we get a total monthly of $2,490.68, well below a potential cash out refinance monthly of $3,034.58.
Because the existing first mortgage has such a low rate, it makes sense to open a second mortgage with a slightly higher rate.
Do Home Equity Loans Have Fixed Rates?
A true home equity loan should feature a fixed interest rate. In other words, the rate shouldn’t change for the entire loan term.
This differs from a HELOC, which features a variable interest rate that changes whenever the prime rate moves up or down.
To that end, a home equity loan provides safety and stability, similar to a 30-year fixed mortgage.
However, home equity loans have higher interest rates to compensate for that lack of an adjustment.
Simply put, HELOC interest rates will be lower than comparable home equity loan interest rates because they may adjust higher.
You effectively pay a premium for a locked-in interest rate on a home equity loan. How much higher depends on the lender in question and your individual loan attributes.
Home Equity Loan Rates
Similar to mortgage rates, home equity loan rates can and will vary by lender. So it’s imperative to shop around as you would a first mortgage.
Additionally, rates will be strongly dictated by the attributes of your loan. For example, a higher combined loan-to-value (CLTV) coupled with a lower credit score will equate to a higher rate.
Conversely, a borrower with excellent credit (760+ FICO) who only borrows up to 80% or less of their home’s value may qualify for a much lower rate.
Also keep in mind that interest rates will be higher on second homes and investment properties. And maximum CLTVs will likely be lower as well.
All that being said, at the moment home equity loan rates may range from as low as 5% to as high as 12% or more.
As a rule of thumb, you should expect a rate 1-2%+ higher than a comparable 30-year fixed given the increased risk of a second mortgage.
But this spread can shrink or widen depending on market conditions.
Do Home Equity Loans Require a Down Payment?
Now let’s discuss some home equity loan requirements.
While no down payment is required on a home equity loan, since you already own the property, a required amount of home equity is necessary to get approved.
After all, the home equity loan relies upon your property as collateral, and if you don’t have any equity, there’s nothing to lend against.
In other words, you need to have a certain percentage of home equity available to get a home equity loan.
Typically, this is at least 20% of your property’s appraised value to allow for an additional loan against the property.
For example, if you own a home valued at $500,000, you’ll want to have at least $100,000 available.
This would mean an existing first mortgage with a balance of $400,000 or less to allow for more borrowing capacity.
Assuming the home equity loan only allowed for a CLTV of 80%, you’d need even more equity.
For example, a $350,000 existing first mortgage that would allow you to borrow an additional $50,000 via the home equity loan.
Do Home Equity Loans Require an Appraisal?
While it will depend on the company, an appraisal isn’t always required for a home equity loan.
The same is even true of first mortgages these days thanks to advancements in technology.
This may save you some money and make the home equity loan process significantly faster.
However, the bank or lender will still need to determine the value of the property to ensure it is a sound lending decision.
Whether you pay for an appraisal, or are paid a visit by a human appraiser, are entirely different questions.
Either way, understand that the company offering the home equity loan will base the loan amount and APR on some kind of appraised value.
This allows them to determine a LTV or CLTV for which to base pricing adjustments, interest rates, maximum loan amount, and so on.
Do Home Equity Loans Have Closing Costs?
As with the appraisal question, it may depend on the company offering the home equity loan.
Some charge origination fees and other closing costs, while others do not charge any fees.
For example, Discover Home Loans says it doesn’t charge appraisal fees or origination fees.
However, it’s important to look at the big picture, aka the interest rate, to determine what the best deal is.
Similar to a first mortgage, closing costs may not be charged, but the interest rate could be higher as a result.
You would then need to weigh the upfront cost versus monthly interest expense to determine what’s the better deal.
Also note that some lenders may ask that you reimburse them for any waived closing costs if you pay off your home equity loan within 36 months.
This is sort of like a prepayment penalty, though there may be a cap and certain states are exempt.
Just something to keep in mind if you pay off your loan ahead of schedule.
Some home equity loans may have a nominal annual fee, such as $50 per year. And if your loan amount is quite large, title insurance could even be required.
Minimum Credit Score for a Home Equity Loan
Chances are you’ll need at least a 620 FICO score to get approved for a home equity loan these days.
Some lenders may even require a higher credit score, such as a 660 FICO score, in order to get approved.
Also note that your borrowing capacity may be limited by your credit score.
For example, if you have a 620 FICO score, you might only be able to borrow up to 80% of your home’s value.
Meanwhile, a borrower with a 660 FICO might have access to up to 90% of their home’s value.
Additionally, the interest rate will also be dictated by your credit score.
Like a first mortgage, the higher your score, the lower the interest rate. And vice versa.
Do Home Equity Loans Affect Your Credit?
Yes, like a first mortgage, the home equity loan will appear on your credit report.
This includes when the loan was taken out, the outstanding loan balance, and the monthly payment.
Your payment history on the loan will also be tracked over time, which can help or hurt you.
Obviously, if you miss a payment (generally by more than 30 days) it can negatively impact your credit score.
Because it’s a home loan, the impact can be quite severe.
Conversely, if you exhibit a lengthy history of on-time payments, it can bolster your credit scores over time.
How to Get a Home Equity Loan
Similar to a mortgage, many banks and independent mortgage lenders offer home equity loans.
However, they aren’t as readily available as first mortgages, so you’ll need to dig a little deeper.
Simply put, just about all mortgage companies offer 30-year fixed mortgages, but only a handful offer home equity loans.
Chase and Wells Fargo, two of the biggest mortgage lenders out there, don’t offer them at the moment.
That could change as they become more popular, but chances are they’ll be a bit harder to come by.
Additionally, because the terms of home equity loans can vary quite a bit, it’s important to speak to several different companies during your search.
For example, some lenders may only offer home equity loans with loan terms as long as 20 years, or with a minimum credit score of 660. Or their loan amounts might be too small for your needs.
The Rocket Mortgage home equity loan recently launched, but requires a median qualifying FICO score of 680 or higher.
Others come with unique options. The PNC home equity loan allows borrowers to switch between a fixed and variable rate. In that sense, it works as a home equity loan and a HELOC in one loan.
Because this type of product can be a lot more diverse than a standard 30-year fixed, shopping around is probably a good idea.
Rates can also range quite a bit from lender to lender, so put in the time to speak with a local credit union, bank, online lenders, and even mortgage brokers.
Home Equity Loan Advantages
Fixed interest rate
Flexible loan terms (5 – 20 years)
Can borrow large amounts
Little or no closing costs
Fast approvals and fundings
Potential tax write-off
Doesn’t disrupt your first mortgage (e.g. a low rate)
Home Equity Loan Disadvantages
Entire loan amount must be borrowed upfront
You pay interest on the full lump sum
No additional draws permitted
Interest rates higher than HELOCs and first mortgages
Have to manage multiple loans
May have annual fee
Potential early closure fees
Are Home Equity Loans a Good Idea?
As seen in my example above, a home equity loan could be a great idea versus a cash out refinance.
But that assumes you need additional cash and your existing first mortgage features a super low interest rate that is fixed.
This might not always be the case, and it will also depend on the rate you receive on the home equity loan.
Additionally, there might be other options to consider instead of a HEL, such as a HELOC or even a 0% APR credit card.
In the past, I’ve made the argument that a credit card could be used to pay for home renovations.
At the end of the day, a home equity loan is still a loan, and likely an additional loan taken out on top of whatever you’re already paying.
So you need to consider if you really need more cash and if tapping your home equity is the way to go.
Read more: Cash Out vs. HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan
If you are looking for ways to make extra cash at home on a flexible schedule, then I recommend checking out Branded Surveys.
This honest review of Branded Surveys is going to explain what Branded Surveys is, how Branded Surveys works, and how you can make extra money on Branded Surveys each month.
Now, I do want to start by saying that Branded Surveys will not make you rich. No survey site will do that. But, you can easily earn a little extra money in your spare time from home.
The PayPal cash and Amazon gift cards that you can earn from survey sites can help you to have a little bit extra spending money, but still not have to sacrifice too much of your time. Plus, you can take surveys while you’re watching TV or doing some other task that does not need your full attention.
All you need is an internet connection and a device (phone, laptop, computer, or tablet).
In today’s Branded Surveys review, you are going to learn about one of the most popular survey companies – Branded Surveys.
Branded Surveys has already paid out over $37,793,794.07 to their members.
Plus, it’s free to sign up and only takes a few minutes to get started answering surveys.
This Branded Surveys review is going to answer common questions, such as:
Why does Branded Surveys pay you?
How do I earn points on Branded Surveys?
How much money can you make using Branded Surveys?
What kind of questions are asked in paid online surveys?
Can you make $1,000 each week from surveys?
My Branded Surveys review is going to answer all of those questions, as well as talk about paid online surveys a little more at the end, in case you have any other questions about them.
Get the inside scoop below on this online survey site with this in-depth Branded Surveys review. Learn about the platform’s features, earning potential, and user reviews to decide if it’s the right online survey site for you. Read now to make a smart decision and start earning extra cash and gift cards right away.
You can sign up for Branded Surveys here and receive a free 100 point sign up bonus.
Branded Surveys Review
What is Branded Surveys?
Branded Surveys is one of the most popular online survey platforms and they were started in 2012.
Branded Surveys pays you to take surveys, and they have over 3,000,000 users. You can sign up for free and get paid through cash or redeem your points with over 100 different gift card options.
On Branded Surveys, you can make around $0.50 to $5 for each survey you take (depends on the length of the survey).
Branded Surveys is available to people in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Also, you only have to be 16 years old to answer surveys on Branded Surveys, whereas most other online survey sites ask you to be 18 years old.
You can sign up for Branded Surveys here and receive a free 100 point sign up bonus.
Why does Branded Surveys pay you?
Branded Surveys and other market research companies pay you to answer online surveys because they are collecting research.
Companies hire market research businesses to learn what real customers, like you and me, actually think of their products and business. They can use the survey data that is collected to improve their product and business, or even create a whole new product that better suits the needs of their customers.
What kind of questions are asked in surveys?
Are you wondering what kind of questions you might be asked when you answer paid online survey sites?
Well, the type of questions that you receive can vary depending on the survey, but generally, they ask for your opinions on products or services, your preferences on certain topics, and sometimes even personal information such as do you have a dog or children.
For example, here are some survey questions that you may see:
How often do you go to a restaurant in a month?
How important is the price when considering a particular product or service?
What features do you look for when purchasing a _____?
How often do you use a ______?
What is your annual income?
How do you usually spend your spare time?
Have you recently purchased any new electronics or appliances? If so, what did you buy and why?
Do you usually research a particular product before buying?
How often do you shop for groceries each month?
How many hours per week do you spend watching TV shows or movies?
As you can see, they are easy. It is not rocket science!
These are just a few examples of the kind of questions that you may see when you answer a survey. Some surveys may be more focused on a specific product, whereas others may want to learn more about you.
Many times they simply want to just learn more about you, because this can help them figure out why you need a certain product or service.
How does Branded Surveys work?
The sign-up process is easy for Branded Surveys. Here are the steps:
Sign up for Branded Surveys here and receive a free 100 point sign up bonus. You can create a log in or log in with just your Facebook account.
Then, you will be asked to create your profile. This is so that they know what surveys to best match you with. Here, you will be asked your age, if you have children, what your education level is, and more.
Once you match with a survey, you will receive an invite from Branded Surveys that you can take. You will receive survey notifications in your email inbox or by logging into Branded Surveys and looking at your dashboard to see what surveys are available.
Complete the survey and earn points
After you have enough points, you can redeem your points for payout options such as cash or gift cards.
And that is all!
It is easy.
How to earn points on Branded Surveys
You can earn survey points in four main ways on Branded Surveys. The ways include:
By taking surveys. When you first create your account, you will earn points by simply building your profile. After that, you will earn points by answering real surveys.
Inviting friends can earn you 50 points once your referrals earn a silver badge. You will receive a referral link to share.
Answering the daily poll will earn you 5 points. These polls take less than a minute to answer and are asking you a very easy question.
Branded Surveys also has a leaderboard for whoever gets the most points on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. For daily leaderboard winners, you get 50 bonus points. For weekly leaderboard winners, you receive 200 points. For monthly leaderboard winners, you get 300 points.
Unlike other survey platforms, Branded Surveys sole focus is just surveys. They’ll even give you bonuses for answering the most surveys!
How much is 1,000 points on Branded Surveys?
Each point on Branded Surveys is worth $0.01.
1,000 points are equal to $10.
500 Branded Surveys points are equal to $5.
Once you have earned a minimum of 500 points, you can redeem your points for rewards. Or, you can save your points and get a bigger reward.
How fast can you make money on Branded Surveys? How much money can you make using Branded Surveys?
On Branded Surveys, you can make around $0.50 to $5 for each survey you take.
Each survey on Branded Surveys typically takes around 5 to 20 minutes to complete. Before you start a survey, Branded Surveys will tell you the estimated amount of time – so you can see before you begin if you think it is worthwhile. Remember, this is just an estimate and sometimes you may spend more time or less time answering a survey.
How many surveys can you do a day on Branded Surveys?
If you are invited to a survey and start it before it becomes full, then you can do as many surveys as you want on Branded Surveys.
The main Branded Surveys problems are that you may not qualify for a ton of surveys, or you may be disqualified from taking a survey. This can be annoying to some people (this is typically the most common area for Branded Surveys complaints), but survey companies do this for a reason. Survey companies often send shorter surveys to see if you will qualify for a full survey. This is to ensure that you are a good fit for the survey.
Can Branded Surveys be trusted? Is Branded Surveys a scam?
Yes, Branded Surveys can be trusted, and they are not a scam.
You can find other reviews of Branded Surveys at Branded Surveys Trustpilot. There are over 74,000 Branded Surveys reviews there with an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
Also, in case you want to look for even older Branded Surveys reviews, Branded Survey used to be called Mintvine.
The Branded Surveys mobile app is available in the App Store as well as the Google Play Store. Or, survey takers can answer surveys right from their desktop computer or laptop.
This is the Branded Surveys dashboard when you first sign up.
Does Branded Surveys actually pay you?
Yes, Branded Surveys does actually pay you. Branded Surveys payout options including being able to receive payment via bank transfer, which is done via direct deposit within just 1 business day.
Or, you can choose to get paid via PayPal cash.
They also have gift cards to places such as Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Delta Air Lines, Disney, Kroger, Lowe’s, REI, Sephora, Starbucks, Target, Walmart, and so many other retailers.
There is also Branded Pay, which is another way to get cash directly to your bank account. You will receive your payment in around 48 hours.
Another option that they have is you can choose to donate your earnings to a charity.
What is the Branded Elite program?
Branded Elite is a special loyalty program offered by Branded Surveys. It is their way of rewarding members for consistently answering their online surveys with the opportunity to earn more points.
Throughout each month, as you take surveys on Branded Surveys, you can get to the Bronze, Silver, and Gold badge levels. You can pass through each level after completing at least 12 surveys each week and you will be awarded bonus points weekly (on top of what you are already earning for taking each survey).
Here is more information on each tier and the extra points you can earn:
For the Bronze level (you reach the Bronze badge once you complete 2+ surveys each month), you will receive a 5% bonus once you complete at least 12 surveys each week.
For the Silver level (you become a Silver member once you complete 10+ surveys each month), you will receive a 10% bonus once you complete at least 12 surveys each week, a 12% bonus once you complete at least 20 surveys each week, and a 14% bonus once you complete at least 30 surveys each week
For Gold members (you reach the Gold tier once you complete 25+ surveys each month), you will receive a 15% bonus once you complete at least 12 surveys each week, a 17% bonus once you complete at least 20 surveys each week, and a 19% bonus once you complete at least 30 surveys each week.
Is Branded Surveys free?
Yes, Branded Surveys is free.
Legit survey sites are always free. I don’t know of any legitimate survey sites that charge you money to sign up. And, they shouldn’t!
Branded Surveys is free – they don’t charge you to sign up, take surveys, or stay a member.
Can you make $1,000 a week from surveys?
No!
If you are looking for a paid survey site to pay you $1,000 a week, you will not find that because it does not exist.
Legit survey sites do not make you any promises to make you rich. They exist to give you some spare spending money in a flexible way, and that is all.
You will most likely earn around $10 or less to answer surveys in your spare time.
How much can you realistically make with surveys?
You will most likely earn less than $100 a month by taking surveys. They don’t take up a lot of your time, and they are not a scam.
If a paid survey site says you can make $1,000 a week, I would be extremely cautious because I have not heard of this yet.
To make the most money by taking online surveys, you will want to sign up for as many survey sites as you can.
Do survey sites actually pay you to take surveys?
Yes, websites do pay you to take online surveys. The paid survey sites below may pay you in gift cards, PayPal cash, and even by check.
Over the years, I have received over 110 gift cards to places such as Amazon, checks in the mail, and PayPal cash for answering online surveys.
There are many other legit survey sites that will pay you as well. I recommend signing up for as many as you can because they all have different surveys that they invite you to, so this can increase the amount of money you can make taking surveys.
Below are some other popular survey sites that I recommend:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
InboxDollars
Pinecone Research
Prize Rebel
User Interviews – This one pays the most, with many paying over $100 an hour.
What other reviews on survey sites do you have?
If you are looking to learn more about each online survey website, I have in-depth reviews on several of them. You can find them below:
Branded Surveys Review – Is Branded Surveys Legit?
I hope you enjoyed this Branded Surveys review.
If you are looking to earn a little extra money but you do not want to commit to a lot of hours or another job, then answering surveys at home may be an option for you to look into.
Plus, Branded Surveys is available to people in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, for anyone 16 years old and older.
Branded Surveys is a legitimate survey platform that pays you to complete surveys, and that’s their only focus. They have plenty of surveys for you to answer. There are a lot of ways to redeem your points, such as many different gift card options and even straight cash.
So, if you are looking for a survey company to join, then Branded Surveys is a survey site definitely worth considering.
You can sign up for Branded Surveys and receive a free 100 point sign-up bonus here.
Do you take online surveys? What other questions do you want me to answer in my Branded Surveys review?
Auctions can be great fun, as well as places for genuine bargains. The key is to know how the auction process works and to take advantage of a bargain if it fits your plans.
Prior to attending an auction, potential buyers should try to find out as much as possible about specific properties they are interested in. While most real estate auctions allow prospective buyers some inspection rights, direct contact with the administrator of the auction is frequently needed to arrange personal inspections.
Know The Property
Be sure to check the features, location and condition of the property. Attempt to discern the current market value of the property by looking at sales of comparable properties in the same area. Compare properties with the same number of rooms, particularly bedrooms and bathrooms, but be sure to allow for price differences due to “extras”-swimming pools or decks, garages, etc. Arriving at an auction well prepared will help you determine your bid price and even help you decide whether to bid on a specific property at all.
A property is put up for sale through an auction format for any number of reasons – a foreclosure action, a tax deed application, a court-ordered sale, provisions in a contract, a divorce resolution, a provision to satisfy the needs of an estate, a dissolution of a partnership or trust or because the owner chooses the auction as a means to quickly dispose of the property.
Get Familiar With Auction Process
Real estate auctioneers employ a variety of auction formats and bidding procedures. Many factors play a part in determining which methods will be used. Following are some of the more common real estate auction formats and bidding procedures used today.
An absolute auction is an auction in which the property is sold to the highest bidder, regardless of how low that bid might be. This type of real estate auction typically attracts the most bidders since the public knows that the property has to sell.
A reserve auction also referred to as a minimum bid auction, sets a pre-determined minimum bid amount prior to the start of the auction.
A subject to owner withdrawal auction allows the seller to bid on the property for himself or herself or to withdraw the property from the auction outright if he or she does not like the amount of money bid.
A silent or sealed bid auction allows bids to be made in advance and submitted for review. No one knows what anyone else is bidding.
In the case of a foreclosure or other court-ordered sale, state laws generally establish a period of time over which the property must be advertised prior to the sale. This serves several different goals. The most important is to give ample notice to draw prospective buyers. The other main reason for such announcement of the auction is to give all interested parties sufficient time to react to protect their interests. However, even with advance notice and advertising, it is rare for an auction to draw many prospective buyers.
Have a Talk….With Yourself
Once you understand how the auction works, you need to ask yourself: Is this for me? It can be fun to bid, but it can be costly. Never bid because you get caught up in the fever of the moment. Some auctions can be very intimidating. It’s a good idea to go to a few as a spectator, so you get used to the speed of the bidding and terminology used.
There will always be a degree of risk when buying a home at an auction, but with a little due diligence, potential homebuyers could save a lot of money buying in this manner.
Excerpted, in part, from The Real Estate Investor’s Answer Book by Jack Cummings, a McGraw-Hill publication.
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
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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
A credit union is a nonprofit institution that’s owned by its members. Compared to a traditional bank, a credit union tends to offer more personalized service.
You can turn to a credit union for a variety of financial products, like checking and savings accounts, credit cards, car loans, and mortgages. Some regional and federal credit unions also offer wealth management services and other extras.
A typical credit union only accepts members who live in a specific region or work for an eligible employer. For example, they may require that you’re a resident of Atlanta, Georgia or work as a teacher.
The good news is some credit unions require less and make it easy for just about anyone to join. If you’d like to join a credit union but don’t want to worry about the strict membership requirements at most institutions, you’ve come to the right place.
38 Best Credit Unions Anyone Can Join
There are hundreds of credit unions that anyone can join, but we’ve done the heavy lifting and found the best ones for you. The credit unions below, which are overseen by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) may be an option for you, regardless of what you do for a living or where you’re located.
Just keep in mind that you may have to make a donation, join an organization, live in a certain state, or meet some other eligibility requirement. We encourage you to explore this lengthy to list of credit unions anyone can join so you can hone in on the ideal credit union for your unique situation.
1. Alliant Credit Union
Alliant Credit Union made its debut in 1935 to serve the employees of United Airlines. It stands out for it high-interest savings and checking accounts with low minimum opening deposits as well as excellent customer service.
You’ll also receive access to more than 80,000 free ATMs across the U.S. and get reimbursed up to $20 in out-of-network ATM charges per month. Since it only has two brick-and-mortar locations, you should feel comfortable with online banking. If you’d like to join Alliant Credit Union, make a $5 donation to Foster Care to Success.
2. Connexus Credit Union
Connexus Credit Union was founded in 1935 and has a widespread presence in Wisconsin as well as more than 54,000 ATMs across the country. It couldn’t be easier to join the credit union as all you have to do is pay a one-time $5 fee to the Connexus Association, which supports financial education through college scholarships.
As a member, you can open one of its three checking options with high APYs and a traditional savings account or one that’s specifically designed for the holidays.
3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, or PenFed, was founded in 1935 as a credit union for military and civilian government. Today, this Virginia-based credit union has opened it doors to anyone as long as they open a savings account and deposit a minimum of $5. It offers two savings accounts, including the Regular Savings and Premium Online Savings.
In addition, you can find checking accounts, CDs, and money market accounts. Other products include Coverdell Education Savings Certificates, IRAs, credit cards, mortgages, home equity loans, and student loans. Plus, you can enjoy modern perks like mobile check deposits, online bill pay, and instant transfers.
4. First Tech Federal Credit Union
First Tech Federal Credit Union is headquartered in California. The credit union offers many benefits, such as excellent customer service, many branches throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, online banking, and mobile banking.
It also has the Dividend Rewards Checking Account, which gives you 1.00% APY on balances below $1,000. You don’t have to live in California to join as long as you donate to a nonprofit called the Financial Fitness Association.
5. Consumers Credit Union
Consumers Credit Union was established in 1951 as a local credit union. Based in Illinois, it’s one of the largest credit unions in the state with over 100,000 members and more than $1.2 billion in assets.
You can join it, even if you don’t live in Illinois. All you have to do is donate the $5 membership free to an affiliated nonprofit. You can open almost all of its accounts online, except for the checking accounts and IRAs. The credit union also offers a high-yield checking account that offers high interest if you meet certain criteria.
6. Langley Federal Credit Union
Langley Federal Credit Union is based in Virginia and made its inception in 1936. At that time, members of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the predecessor to NASA, chartered the credit union.
Today, Langley offers membership to anyone who pays a fee to support an important cause in Virginia and deposits at least $5 into a savings account. You can choose from a checking account without a monthly fee, a variety of no-fee savings accounts with competitive interest compounds monthly, and Visa Cards with cash back rewards.
7. Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lake Michigan Credit Union made its debut in 1933 by a group of teachers. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it has 51 branches in Michigan and southwest Florida. Since it’s part of the Allpoint ATM network, members can enjoy free access to more than 55,000 free ATM.
To join, donate $5 to the ALS Foundation and deposit $5 into a Member Savings account. Once you do, you can earn perks through the MORE rewards program and redeem them for complimentary checks and free out-of-network ATM transactions.
You may also open the free, no frills Max Checking account. Note that the Member Savings account, which you must open to become a member, requires a minimum daily balance of $300 or you’ll be charged a $5 monthly fee.
8. Lafayette Federal Credit Union
Lafayette Federal Credit Union was founded in 1935 as an alternative to traditional banks. It offers numerous perks, like no minimum balance requirement or monthly maintenance fees, online banking, mobile deposits, free direct deposit, and special discounts.
You can join it if you live, work, worship, or attend school in Washington D.C. If you live outside the D.C. area, you may still become a member as long as you invest in a lifetime Home Ownership Financial Literacy Council (HOFLC) membership for only $10. This nonprofit focuses on helping consumers navigate the path to homeownership.
9. Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union has 26 branch locations across Minnesota. APFCU offers MyPlus Rewards that gives you points if you keep a certain amount of money in your bank account or use its debit or credit card.
To be eligible to join, all you have to do is donate $25 to the Affinity Plus Foundation and open a basic savings account. If you live and work in Minnesota or have a family member in the state, there are other ways to become a member.
10. Chevron Credit Union
Chevron Credit Union has been around since 1935 and has 19 branches that span six states, including California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Utah and Virginia. It operates under two brands: Chevron Federal Credit Union and Spectrum Credit Union.
To become a member, join one of its nonprofit partner organizations, such as the Contra Costa County Historical Society. You’ll also need to deposit $25 into a primary savings account and maintain a $25 minimum balance.
Chevron also offers a second chance checking account called New Solutions for those who need help rebuilding their banking history.
11. Ascend Credit Union
Since its inception in 1951, Ascend Credit Union has offered a variety of products, like checking and savings accounts, a money market account, Christmas Club account, youth accounts, credit cards, and loans.
If you’re interested in these services, join The Nature Conservancy, Tennessee Chapter and you’ll be eligible automatically. Note that there is a one-time fee of $25.
12. Hope Credit Union
Hope Credit Union is a black-owned credit union that was organized in 1995 by the Anderson United Methodist Church in Mississippi. You can join if you pay a $10 membership fee and show a foreign passport, permanent resident card, or Matricula Consular. Plus, you may use an ITIN number instead of a Social Security number.
Hope Credit Union provides a number of personal bank accounts, business banking accounts, and transformational deposits. With its transformational deposits, you can participate in socially responsible investing.
13. Boeing Employees Credit Union
Boeing Employees Credit Union, or BECU, was established in 1935 for Boeing employees and currently caters to more than 1 million members. But despite its name, you don’t have to work at Boeing to join.
Its products and services are available to you if you become a member or donor to the KEXP, which is a nonprofit art organization or the Sea Hawkers Central Council. The most noteworthy benefit of joining is the first-time homebuyer grant in which you can receive $7,500 toward your down payment and closing costs.
14. Hiway Credit Union
Hiway Credit Union made its debut in 1931 to serve employees of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. It offers a free checking account with no monthly fee or minimum balance requirements, a free money market account with a $500 minimum deposit, credit cards, and loans.
You can qualify for a Hiway Federal Credit Union membership if you donate to the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation for $10 per year or the Association of the U.S. Army, which costs $40 for two years.
15. GreenState Credit Union
GreenState Credit Union was founded in 1938. It provides its members with personal accounts, business accounts, credit cards, loans insurance, wealth management services, and more.
GreenState was named one of the fastest growing credit unions in 2021. As long as you live or work in the state of Iowa, you can become a member and take advantage of its services without any issues.
16. Cascade Credit Union
Cascade Credit Union made its debut in 1952 to serve employees of the Cascade Division of the Great Northern Railway. Today, it’s open to many people and offers great perks like members-only sweepstakes, competitive rates, online banking tools, financial counseling, and group insurance benefits.
If you’d like to join, simply become a member of the Great Northern & Cascade Railway Association (GNCR) and pay an annual membership cost of $40. The credit union can help you fill out your application online or in-person at a local branch.
17. Wildfire Credit Union
Wildfire Credit Union began in 1937 as Saginaw Telephone Employees Credit Union, its original credit union name. Its first location was in the basement of the home of Hank Kosk, the credit union’s treasurer.
After some office upgrades, the credit union opened the doors to its current location on Bay Road in Saginaw and merged with Flint Telephone Employees Credit Union that same year. Today, Wildfire Credit Union offers several deposit accounts as well as personal banking and business banking services. You can join if you live, work, worship, or attend school in Michigan.
18. Nextmark Credit Union
Nextmark Credit Union made its debut in 1958. Its offerings include personal and business checking, home equity loans, personal loans, credit cards, gift cards, and more.
To join, you must live in a qualifying county in Virginia or make a donation to Herndon Elementary PTA, a Title I school.
19. Technology Credit Union
Technology Credit Union, or Tech CU, was established in 1960. It’s based in Silicon Valley and provides its members with no shortage of benefits. These include competitive rates, online banking, access to fee-free ATMs, free credit score monitoring, conference room space, and easy online appointment booking. To become a member, join Financial Fitness Association for only $8.
20. Veridian Credit Union
Veridian Credit Union was established in 1934. Most of its members are those who live or work in Iowa or certain counties of Nebraska. However, it’s open to anyone who is a registered user of Dwolla, a financial technology company. This means you can join as long as you sign up for a personal account at Dwolla.
You’ll also need to open a savings account and deposit at least $5. If you’re already a member of a credit union or bank but would like to switch to Veridian Credit Union, the switch kit may be helpful.
21. Harborstone Credit Union
Harborstone Credit Union’s roots date back to 1955, when it was known as McChord Federal Credit Union and served airmen on the McChord Air Force Base. In 1996, the credit union expanded its membership to anyone in the state of Washington and changed its name as a result.
As long as you live, work, or worship in Washington, you may join Harborstone Credit Union and enjoy a variety of financial products and digital tools.
22. NASA Federal Credit Union
NASA Federal Credit Union began in 1949 to serve NASA employees. Since then, it’s grown to more than 177,000 members. While the credit union is headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Massachusetts, there are 12 branches in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Its product lineup includes a simple checking account with no minimum opening deposit, a savings account with a great rate, and several CDs. You can also monitor your credit score and make deposits with the mobile app. If you don’t work for NASA, you can still join. Simply sign up for a one-year membership at the National Space Society (NSS).
Hanscom Federal Credit Union opened in 1953. The credit union has over 20 branches in and around Boston as well as one in McLean, Virginia. It offers fee-free checking accounts, savings accounts with rewards, credit cards, and loans.
To join, you’ll need to support one of its partner organizations, such as the Burlington Players, a volunteer theater group. In addition, you’ll be required to deposit $25 into a free primary savings account.
24. Pen Air Federal Credit Union
Pen Air Federal Credit Union was founded in 1936 to support civil service employees of Naval Air Station Pensacola. It has 16 locations in northwest Florida and southeast Alabama. You may be surprised to learn that you don’t have to be an active duty or retired military member to join.
You’ll be able to take advantage of Pen Air Federal Credit Union if you become a member of the Friends of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and deposit a minimum of $25 into a savings account. As a member, you can enjoy the Pen Air Platinum Mastercard, Share Savings account with the Round It program, and more.
25. State Department Federal Credit Union
State Department Federal Credit Union was founded in 1935. To join, you can become a member of the American Consumer Council for $8. This is a non-profit organization with a focus on consumer education and financial literacy.
The State Department Credit Union offers a long list of products and services, including basic, advantage, and privilege checking, a money market account, share certificate accounts, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), credit cards, and loans.
26. United Nations Federal Credit Union
United Nations Credit Union made its debut in 1947. As long as you join the United Nations Association of the United States of America, you can become a member.
UNFCU has a vast product lineup that includes a checking account, membership savings account, credit cards, debit cards, and loans, like car loans and debt consolidation loans.
Other membership perks include loyalty rewards, credit card rewards, and the member referral program.
27. Premier Members Credit Union
Premier Members Credit Union was established in 1959 for members of the Boulder Valley School District. You’re eligible to join if you make a donation to Impact on Education, a charity in the Boulder Valley School District, and open an online savings account or youth savings account.
As a member, you can expect perks, such as high interest rates on checking accounts, no monthly service fee, no overdraft fees, and free overdraft protection. The credit union also offers an extensive network of branches and ATMs for your convenience.
28. SRI Federal Credit Union
SRI Federal Credit Union is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. It was founded in 1957 and offers membership to anyone who joins the Financial Fitness Association for $8 per year.
The credit union’s account offerings include a checking and savings account, money market account, IRA, health savings account, and youth, teen, and gradate accounts.
29. United States Senate Federal Credit Union
United States Senate Federal Credit Union has been around since 1935. Its mission is to “improve the financial wellness of members throughout all stages and circumstances of life.” Its products are similar to what most credit unions offer.
As a member, you can enjoy access to a number of checking and credit union savings accounts, mortgage loans, personal loans, auto loans, Visa debit cards, and business advisory services. To join, you’ll need to become a member of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society for $65.
30. Wings Financial Credit Union
Wings Financial Credit Union was founded in 1938 by seven employees from Northwest Airlines. To date, it serves more than 320,000 members with more than $7.5 billion in assets. You can join if you donate $5 to the Wings Financial Foundation, even if you don’t work in the aviation industry.
There are no fees on its basic banking accounts, including its checking and savings accounts, a money market account, and CDs. Its high yield savings and checking accounts offer competitive rates to help you grow your money.
31. Skyward Credit Union
Skyward Credit Union was chartered in 1941. It offers a share savings account with competitive rates, an aim higher checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, affordable mortgage and home equity loans.
It also offers online banking, a variety of insurance products, and access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Like most credit unions require membership, so does this one. To become a member, join the Kansas Aviation Museum.
32. San Diego County Credit Union
San Diego County Credit Union has been around since 1938 and has over 430,000 credit union members. It’s considered the largest locally owned financial intuition in San Diego.
As a member, you can enjoy a free checking account, secured and unsecured credit cards, a wide range of account options with no service fees, and access to over 30,000 ATMs without ATM fees. To join San Diego County Credit Union, become a member of the Financial Fitness Association.
33. Bellco Credit Union
Bellco Credit Union is a Denver-based credit union that opened its doors in 1936. You can join it even if you don’t live in Colorado as long as you donate at least $10 to the Bellco Foundation, pay a one-time $5 membership fee, and deposit at least $25 in a savings account.
Once you do, you’ll have access to several noteworthy products, like the Boost Interest Checking account, which offers a competitive interest rate, the Premier Money Market Account, and two, no-fee credit cards.
34. Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Bethpage Federal Credit Union was founded in 1941 and currently has over 30 branches across Long Island and New York City. It has a reputation for competitive rates on it money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).
The credit union also offers three checking accounts, a few savings accounts, retirement planning services, IRAs, insurance, and more. You don’t have to live in New York to join if you open a $5 savings account. As a member, you may meet with credit union staff virtually and bank on the go with a handy mobile app.
35. First South Financial Credit Union
First South Financial Credit Union opened its doors in 1957 to serve those on the Millington base. Since then, it has become of the safest financial institutions in the U.S., as stated by independent rating agencies. While the credit union has locations throughout Tennessee and Mississippi, its online banking services make it a suitable option if you live elsewhere.
Like other credit unions, it offers a full suite of checking, savings, CDs, and IRA accounts. To join, become a member of the Courage Thru Cancer Association, which supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
36. Dow Credit Union
Dow Credit Union was founded in 1937 in Midland, Michigan. It provides numerous products, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), HSAs, deposit trust accounts, and loans.
Fortunately, you don’t have to work at Dow Chemical to take advantage of them. To join, make a $10 donation to the Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union Endowed Scholarship Fund.
37. Blue Federal Credit Union
Blue Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1951 as Warren Federal Credit Union. If you’re looking for a high-yield checking account, you’ll appreciate its Blue Extreme Checking Account with no minimum opening deposit or monthly service fees.
Other perks include a tiered membership rewards program and round-the-clock customer service. The easiest way to become a member is to donate $5 to the Blue Foundation and open a Membership Share Savings Account with $5.
38. Digital Federal Credit Union
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU), based in Marlborough, Massachusetts, was established in 1979. Today, it is known for its comprehensive range of financial products that includes checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and wealth management services.
Perhaps one of DCU’s standout features is its commitment to digital banking, offering robust online and mobile platforms that compete with larger, nationwide banks. This makes DCU a fitting choice for those who prefer online banking, no matter where they live.
Membership is open to those who are a part of participating organizations or live, work, worship, or attend school in eligible communities. If you don’t fit those criteria, you can still join by becoming a member of a participating nonprofit organization, such as Reach Out for Schools, which requires a nominal donation.
See also: Best Nationwide Credit Unions of 2023
Bottom Line
Not all credit unions are created equal. Some have strict membership criteria, while others are more flexible. Before you join a credit union (or several credit unions) on this list, be sure to consider numerous factors.
You’ll want to look at eligibility requirements, branch location, monthly maintenance fees, accounts offered, interest rates, mobile banking, digital banking, reputation, and customer service. Best of luck as you explore the best credit unions and search for the perfect credit union.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can civilians join Navy Federal Credit Union?
Yes, civilians can join the Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), the largest credit union in the U.S. However, this is limited to immediate family members of service members in all branches of the armed forces. This broad eligibility criteria is one of the reasons why NFCU has grown to be the largest credit union in the country.
Can anyone join American Airlines Credit Union?
No, not anyone can join the American Airlines Credit Union. Membership is limited to those who work in the air transportation industry, including airlines, airports, and related businesses, as well as their family members. While this broadens the scope beyond just American Airlines employees, it still doesn’t include everyone.
Replacing worn or outdated furniture and household items can be fun and uplifting. But many new mass-produced items, sometimes referred to as “fast furniture” sold at big-box chain stores, are usually made with cheaper composite materials or chemical stain repellants that will off-gas once they are in the home. Off-gassing is the airborne release of chemicals and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs (architecturaldigest.com/story/what-is-off-gassing).
Much like trendy “fast fashion” clothing, fast furniture isn’t made for durability. Once worn or broken, these items are typically destined for the landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that in 2018, the most recent data available, 9,680 tons of furniture was landfilled, up from 2.2 tons in 1960 (tinyurl.com/5xhk999p). Because new furniture is often manufactured overseas, it generates carbon emissions from being shipped across the globe.
For those that want to circumvent mass-produced furniture, home décor and kitchen items, buying used items from local thrift and resale stores is a good place to start. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, with locations in Franklin, Wauwatosa and Greenfield (milwaukeerestore.org), offers used furniture, lighting, building materials, home accessories and more. Proceeds from ReStore sales go toward Habitat for Humanity’s affordable home ownership programs.
Thrift stores such as Value Village, Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul, each with multiple locations through Milwaukee, carry furniture and home décor. Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood is a haven for shops selling used furniture and home décor: Spectre Vintage (437 E. Stewart St.), Tip Top Atomic Shop (2343 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), R Vintage N More (2653 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), Ormson Supply (2866 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.), BC Modern (3116 S. Chase Ave.) and Good Land Antiques (3391 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.).
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Also on the South Side, Dupree’s Vintage (915 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee) has furniture and home decor. Walker’s Point is home to several antique sellers such as Dime A Dance (1134 S. First St.) and Farm Girl Art & Antiques (803 S. Fifth St.). On the north and west sides of town, Dandy (5020 W. Vliet St.), D&R Affordable Used Furniture (5718 W. Center St.) and A-1 Furniture & Appliance (5601 W. National Ave.) offer used furniture. Out in the suburbs, there’s Antique 2 Modern Used Furniture (13819 W. National Ave., New Berlin).
Some resale stores are only open during select hours, so call ahead.
New Wares Made Sustainably
Sometimes resale and thrift stores don’t always have what we’re looking for. When seeking sustainably made new items, The Sustainable Furnishing Council recommends looking for seals of third-party certifiers, such as Forest Stewardship Council, to be sure wood used to produce the items is sourced in an environmentally sound manner. Look for furniture with little to no VOC finishes, and textiles made from natural fibers (sustainablefurnishings.org/content/questions-to-ask-answers-to-look-for).
Sustainably minded stores in the Milwaukee area that sell new furniture and home décor include La Lune Collection (930 E. Burleigh St.), founded by interior designer Mario Costantini. His collection of rustic wood seating, cabinetry, beds and more are crafted by hand in Wisconsin by skilled artisans. La Lune harvests only fast-growing and invasive wood species, and products are made as ordered.
Il Bosco (225 S. Second St.) offers environmentally conscious furniture and home goods, and repurposed or upcycled handmade stools, tables and shelves. Olsen House (4326 N. Oakland Ave.) features a curated collection of blankets and pillows, kitchenware, holiday items, vases and planters by artisans, and furniture designers with a focus on Scandinavian aesthetics.
For kitchenware and household décor, Ursa Milwaukee (2534 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) and Sparrow Collective (2224 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) has glassware, art, mugs and tea towels made by eco-conscious artists and small producers. Murray Hill Pottery Works (2458 N. Murray Ave.), a pottery studio with classes and workshops, has a small retail space with artists’ products like plates, mugs and home décor.
Green Life Trading Co. (1039 S. Fifth St., in the former Glass Pantry space), and natural foods grocers Beans & Barley (1901 E. North Ave.) and Outpost Natural Foods (multiple locations) carry kitchen items and gadgets made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials, and fairly traded items. Plowshare Fair Trade Marketplace & Education for Peace (219 W. Main St., Waukesha offers fair trade dish cloths and gifts.
Credit card pre-approval makes signing up for your first credit card a lot easier.
The credit card marketplace is crowded, and every issuer is advertising to get your attention. But they may not tell you (or only tell you in the fine print) which cards you’re actually likely to get approved for, or which will score you the best interest rates.
A little research into good credit cards can help you cut through the noise, and the pre-approval process helps you narrow down which cards are the best fit for your (cloth or virtual) wallet. It’s a low-risk opportunity to pick the credit card with the features you want — and to make sure you qualify.
What’s Ahead:
What is pre-approval?
Credit card companies are always on the lookout for new customers. One way they find potential cardholders is by pre-screening credit reports from the major credit bureaus.
They identify consumers whose credit scores and reports are in the ballpark of what the company looks for — like no bankruptcies, no delinquencies for several months, and a score below the company’s minimum cutoff.
Then they’ll send a pre-approval card offer to these consumers.
It’s important to remember that pre-approval doesn’t mean you’re automatically qualified for the card. But it does mean you’ve made the “first cut” by fitting the credit card issuer’s most basic requirements.
What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Some issuers use the term “pre-qualified” instead of “pre-approved.” Though these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe different types of offers based on who initiates the process.
Pre-qualification for a card means the customer (you) makes the first request.
If you’re interested in a specific card, you can go to the company’s website and fill out some basic info. The company responds by showing you the cards and offers you might qualify for if you made a formal application. At that point, you’re “pre-qualified” and can decide whether or not to apply.
Or a lender may invite you to find out if you pre-qualify for their card (through an advertisement, for instance). This isn’t pre-approval, since the lender hasn’t screened your credit yet to see if you’ve made the first cut.
Pre-qualification may be the route to take if you’re brand new to credit — without a credit score, you’re probably not getting on pre-approval mailing lists.
Pre-approval means the credit card company reaches out to you first because you meet their basic requirements. Once they’ve scanned consumers’ credit scores, they let certain consumers know they’ve been “pre-approved.”
Lenders often tap into their existing customer base to find people to pre-approve, as well. If your current bank is rolling out a new credit card, for example, they might send you a pre-approval offer.
Which is better, pre-approval or pre-qualification?
Neither of these processes is better than the other, or more likely to get you final approval. They’re just different ways to review your credit card options.
For both pre-approval and pre-qualification, you’ll go through a soft credit check — a check that doesn’t impact your credit score. This means both processes are relatively risk-free.
The hard credit check, the one that knocks a few points off your score, doesn’t happen until you fill out the longer application for the card.
Read more: Soft pull vs. hard pull – how each affects your credit
How do I get pre-approved for a credit card?
Respond to an offer from a credit card company
If you have time to pick a card and don’t have a lender you prefer, you can wait for the credit card company to come to you.
Companies do still send offers by snail mail, though not as much as they once did. So it’s worth taking a look at any mail offers before dropping them in the recycling bin.
Pre-screened offers are different from the general mailings that companies send to everyone on their marketing list. Look for the words “pre-approved,” “pre-qualified,” or “pre-screened.” The offer may include an invitation code you’ll need to apply for the card online.
One advantage to applying for a pre-approval offer is that they’ll sometimes give you an introductory deal associated with the offer, like a sign-up bonus or a few extra months of 0% interest.
These deals aren’t always advertised to the general public, so they’re a nice pre-approval perk.
Request pre-qualification on a credit card company’s website
Inquiring about a pre-qualification offer may be the best way to get credit card pre-approval if:
You’re new to credit and opening your first credit card.
You’re rebuilding a low credit score.
You want to go through a certain bank or apply for a specific card, and you haven’t received an offer.
You want to check out a wider range of card options.
Most major card issuers that offer pre-qualification have an online link to a simple form. Usually, you won’t enter more than your:
Name.
Address.
Date of birth.
Social security number.
Why is it important to get pre-approved or pre-qualify?
If you’re shopping around and considering lots of different cards, pre-qualification is a risk-free way to compare initial offers before you fill out any applications.
The pre-approval stage allows you to:
Rule out any cards or issuers that you don’t qualify for, so you don’t waste time applying.
Figure out the interest rate range you’re likely to get.
Compare potential sign-on bonuses, loyalty rewards, and other credit card features.
Double-check the card company’s requirements for cardholders, which are more detailed than their pre-approval requirements.
When you take the next step of a formal application, you’re officially applying for new credit. This means the company is required to run a hard credit check. They’ll ask your permission first.
Hard credit checks do show up on your credit score, usually knocking it down only 10 or 20 points. That’s not a huge deal if it happens once in a while.
But if you apply for credit pretty frequently — more than two or three times in six months — your credit score takes a bigger drop.
With pre-approval, you can make sure you’re only committing to the hard credit check if you’re likely to be approved for new credit.
Picking the right credit card to apply for
As a savvy MoneyUnder30 reader, you probably know this already, but I’ll remind you just in case: pre-approval or pre-qualification doesn’t mean the card is the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.
First, spend some time figuring out what you want in a credit card. I suggest asking yourself questions like:
Are you likely to use it for big expenses like travel, or everyday costs like groceries?
Do you want a card where the rewards category matches up with the way you spend?
Is your main goal to start building credit?
Once you know what’s important to you, you can use the pre-approval process to find cards that are a good match.
This is especially helpful if your credit card pre-approval offer suggests multiple cards from the same company. These cards will all have slightly different terms, so take the time to do your research about their differences.
Read more: Best credit cards for young adults & first-timers
How do you apply for a credit card after you’re pre-approved?
The pre-approval or pre-qualification process doesn’t require much info.
You’ll usually enter your name, birth date, address, and your social security number (either the last four digits or the whole number) to confirm your identity.
The official application is a lot more thorough. At a minimum, be prepared with:
Income information. You may or may not need to submit proof of income, depending on the issuer. But you’ll at least have to estimate how much you earn every year.
Housing payment information. This should include how much you’re paying in rent or mortgage a month.
Employment status.
Income details for a co-signer, if someone is co-signing for the card with you.
Read more: How to apply for a credit card (and approval requirements)
What credit score do you need?
It depends. There’s no minimum score that applies to all issuers, so if you have any credit at all, it may be possible to pre-qualify for a card. Of course, the better your credit is, the more offers will be available.
If you don’t have a credit history, it’s a little trickier. Some card issuers consider alternative credit data, like income and work history, to determine financial responsibility.
Read more: What credit score do you need to get approved for a credit card?
After you get approved
If you make the final cut and get approved, not just pre-approved, it’s time to double-check your card terms.
Credit card companies are required to provide the same terms listed in the initial pre-approval offer if they accept you. This means you should get the same interest rate, fee, or bonus that was stated in the offer. Many pre-approvals show a range of interest rates, so they’re required to give you a rate somewhere within that range.
Read more: The best credit cards – MU30’s top picks
Are you guaranteed approval when pre-approved for a credit card?
Not necessarily. A pre-approval or pre-qualification is an invitation to apply, not a guarantee of acceptance. It means there’s a strong chance you’ll meet the standards for cardholders, but the lender needs to know more before actually extending you credit.
Can you get denied after pre-approval?
Remember, pre-approval is just the first step in the process. You can get denied after submitting a formal application, even if you were pre-qualified or were pre-approved.
According to a 2019 report, only around 40% of credit card applicants made the final cut and got approved for a card.
When you officially apply, you’re giving credit card issuers a lot more information about your financial status than you did in the pre-screening stages. This means they’ll judge you a little more strictly.
Here are some of the most common reasons pre-approved candidates get their applications declined:
Your monthly or annual income doesn’t meet the issuer’s minimum cutoff.
Your reported payments are too high relative to your income.
Your credit data has changed significantly since the pre-approval offer.
You’ve taken on debt or missed several payments since the pre-approval offer.
Your income has dropped since the pre-approval offer.
The lender should send you a letter telling you why they made the decision, so it won’t be a mystery.
What if I can’t get pre-approved for a credit card?
If you don’t get any card pre-approvals or pre-qualifications, don’t sweat it. Credit lenders may be looking for cardholders who fit a particular financial profile, and that doesn’t reflect on your general creditworthiness. You still have a number of options.
Try pre-qualifying with another credit card company. Their terms may be more generous or suited to what you need.
Apply anyway. This is a risk because the issuer will run a hard credit check. But if you have stable employment, good income stats, or a co-signer with strong credit, these factors may make up for a less-than-perfect credit score.
Work on improving your credit. Make rent, bill, and loan payments on time. If you’re brand new to credit, you can take out a credit builder loan (as long as you’re able to pay it back on schedule!). Or ask a trusted family member or partner if you can be an authorized user on their account.
Read more: How to build credit the right way
Apply for a secured credit card
For credit newbies, secured credit cards are a nice bridge into the world of credit, and a lot of major card issuers offer them.
You’ll “secure” the card with a deposit — this amount can vary, but think around $200 — which gives you access to a credit line up to that amount. Then you spend just as you would on any other card.
After several months of responsible use, you’ll usually be eligible to transition to an unsecured credit card from the same company.
Read more: Best secured credit cards
Credit card companies that offer pre-approval
Most of the bigger credit card names have pre-approval or pre-qualification forms that are easy and quick to fill out online.
Keep in mind you may not be able to seek pre-approval for every card in the lender’s collection, but they’ll offer a decent range of cards to choose from.
Summary
Whether you’re getting your first credit card or adding one to your collection, it’s worth going through the pre-approval process first. You’ll save time, preserve your credit, and hopefully end up with a great card that will help you achieve financial stability.
As affordability challenges conspire to keep would-be buyers out of the housing market, the nation’s two largest mortgage lenders have rolled out programs that allow borrowers with modest incomes to qualify for a loan with just 1 percent down.
Rocket Mortgage, the largest lender in the U.S. in 2022, announced its ONE+ program this week. United Wholesale Mortgage, the No. 2 lender, launched its Conventional 1% Down loans in April — then made them significantly more generous following Rocket’s announcement.
The rival programs piggyback off of Fannie Mae’s HomeReady mortgages and Freddie Mac’s Home Possible loans. Those initiatives allow borrowers who make less than 80 percent of their neighborhoods’ median income to obtain a conventional loan with just 3 percent down.
Both programs come at a time when home prices remain near record highs and mortgage rates are more than double what they were two years ago.
“With affordability being tougher, people are getting boxed out,” says Bill Banfield, executive vice president of Capital Markets at Rocket Mortgage. “Free money helps people want to buy a home.”
How the 1% mortgages work
To make 1 percent down a reality, both lenders cover 2 percent of the 3 percent down payment needed to obtain a HomeReady or Home Possible mortgage. The borrower supplies the remaining 1 percent.
Rocket offers this scenario as an illustration: A buyer of a $250,000 home with a HomeReady or Home Possible mortgage needs at least 3 percent down, or $7,500. Under its new program, Rocket covers $5,000, or 2 percent of that down payment, through a grant. The borrower then needs to put down just $2,500, or 1 percent.
Rocket’s program also covers private mortgage insurance (PMI) at no cost to the borrower. Typically, lenders require borrowers to pay these insurance premiums if their down payment is less than 20 percent. On a $242,500 loan, those premiums can run as much as $245 a month, according to Rocket.
ONE+ is available to first-time and repeat homebuyers, and there are no limits on assets, just income (more on that below).
United Wholesale Mortgage’s program is similar, following the same guidelines as HomeReady and Home Possible. The lender pays 2 percent of the purchase price, up to $4,000. That means the down payment benefit maxes out at $200,000; a borrower who takes a $400,000 loan under the program would get 1 percent of the down payment from United Wholesale Mortgage, and need to come up with 2 percent.
When United announced its program in April, the down payment assistance was limited to borrowers making less than half of area median income. After taking criticism on social media — and after Rocket rolled out its more generous income limits — the lender boosted its income limit to 80 percent.
What are the income limits?
To qualify for the 1 percent down programs — or any HomeReady or HomePossible loan — you can’t make more than 80 percent of the median income in the area where you’re buying. Those figures vary widely throughout the U.S. A few examples of the 80 percent limit:
Atlanta
No more than $76,560
Chicago
No more than $84,560
Dallas
No more than $76,480
New York City
No more than $90,080
San Francisco
No more than $120,880
To see income limits in your area, enter an address into this map on Fannie Mae’s website.
Is there a catch?
These programs are a sweet deal for borrowers — so much so that there’s no guarantee the terms will stay the same, as evidenced by United Wholesale Mortgage’s decision to boost income limits.
What’s more, the down payment assistance is so generous that the nation’s two largest lenders could decide to pull the plug.
“Some of the features on this are costly for the lender,” says Rocket’s Banfield. “We’ll have to see how it all plays out.”
Another risk for borrowers: They could find themselves owing more than their homes are worth. Median home prices shrank 1.7 percent from April 2022 to April 2023, and home values could keep declining. For homebuyers who put just 3 percent down, a 5 percent decline in local home prices could put them underwater.
The Great Recession infamously played up the dangers of buying with little equity — but it’s worth pointing out that the mortgage market and housing sector are on much firmer footing now than they were 15 years ago. What’s more, borrowers still must qualify based on such factors as debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.
“There’s no stretching the underwriting,” says Banfield.
More lenders are getting creative
In another nod to the challenges facing buyers in a still-expensive market, Movement Mortgage this month announced it’s now allowing FHA borrowers to take out a 10-year second mortgage to finance the 3.5 percent down payment required for FHA loans. In effect, this eliminates the need for borrowers to put down any money upfront. To qualify, you must have a credit score of 620 or higher.
That offer is just one way lenders are responding to the one-two punch of an affordability squeeze and a sharp slowdown in mortgage applications since 2021. Lenders have been rolling out all manner of mortgage promotions, including rate buydowns paid for by the seller and discounts on future refinances.
In another variation on the theme, Rocket earlier this year unveiled a new credit card that allows homebuyers to earn up to $8,000 towards closing costs and a down payment. The Rocket Visa Signature Card offers a generous 5 percent back on all purchases, up to the limit — with the stipulation that the rewards are worth full value only if you ultimately get your home loan from Rocket Mortgage.
Other low-down payment mortgage options
Mortgage lenders and regulators recognize that down payments are one of the primary obstacles to homeownership, so there are several low- and no-down payment loan options. Loans backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for instance, don’t require a down payment.
Aside from HomeReady and Home Possible conventional loans, here are other options for buyers looking to make low down payments:
FHA loans: Insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), FHA loans allow borrowers to put down just 3.5 percent with a credit score of 580 or higher, or at least 10 percent with a score as low as 500. However, FHA borrowers with less than 20 percent down have to pay FHA mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) for the life of the loan.
USDA and VA loans: USDA and VA loans don’t require any down payment, but they’re only for specific types of borrowers: USDA loans for borrowers in certain rural areas and VA loans for active-duty service members, veterans and surviving spouses. Neither charge mortgage insurance, but USDA loans come with guarantee fees and VA loans come with a funding fee.
North Dakota is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history and grade A college towns.
It may come as a surprise to some that North Dakota is home to some of the most vibrant college towns in the country. In this article, we will explore the most exciting college towns in North Dakota, where students, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a unique blend of culture, entertainment and education.
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the scenic beauty and cultural bounties of these stunning North Dakota college towns.
First on our list of college towns in North Dakota is the bustling city of Grand Forks. Home to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks boasts a lively atmosphere and a strong community spirit. The vibrant downtown area offers plenty of restaurants, bars and shops that cater to both students and locals, making it a popular gathering spot for those looking to unwind after a busy day on campus. The city also hosts events throughout the year, including art walks, outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets, ensuring there’s never a dull moment in Grand Forks.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to love about this North Dakota college town. Grand Forks is situated along the beautiful Red River, offering ample fishing, kayaking and hiking opportunities. The nearby Turtle River State Park is another popular destination, with its stunning landscapes, scenic trails and abundant wildlife. UND’s campus is equally picturesque, featuring beautiful green spaces, historic buildings and state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the university’s commitment to excellence in education and research.
Next up on our tour of the best college towns in North Dakota is Fargo, the state’s largest city and home to North Dakota State University. Fargo has earned a reputation as a thriving cultural hub, thanks in part to its active arts scene and an impressive display of museums, galleries and theaters. The historic Fargo Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace, is a must-see for film buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. Meanwhile, the Plains Art Museum houses a diverse collection of contemporary and Native American art.
But Fargo is more than just a cultural oasis in the northern plains; it also offers a vibrant nightlife and a growing food scene that caters to a variety of tastes. Downtown Fargo is home to an eclectic mix of bars, breweries and restaurants, including the legendary Dekker Brewing Co. NDSU students are known for their school spirit and you can often find them cheering on the Bison at various sporting events. With its exciting blend of arts, culture and entertainment, it’s no wonder Fargo consistently ranks among the best college towns in North Dakota.
Known as the City of Bridges, Valley City is another charming North Dakota college town that deserves a mention. Home to Valley City State University, this picturesque community is nestled in the Sheyenne River Valley and offers a tranquil setting for students and residents. Valley City’s historic downtown district features a unique blend of architectural styles, including Victorian, Romanesque and Art Deco buildings.
Beyond its quaint downtown, Valley City boasts ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway winds through the area, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and offering access to a variety of parks and serene outdoor spaces. In the winter months, the Sheyenne River Valley becomes a haven for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. With its combination of natural beauty, rich history and welcoming community, Valley City is undoubtedly one of the most charming college towns in North Dakota.
Our next stop on this journey through North Dakota’s top college towns is Minot, affectionately known as the Magic City. Minot is home to Minot State University and boasts a thriving arts scene, making it an attractive destination for students and visitors alike. The city’s downtown area is a hub of activity, with a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues that cater to diverse tastes. The annual North Dakota State Fair, held in Minot, attracts thousands of visitors and showcases the best of the state’s agriculture, art and entertainment, further cementing Minot’s status as a lively college town.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Minot as well. The city is home to numerous parks and green spaces, including the stunning Scandinavian Heritage Park, which celebrates the region’s rich cultural history. The Roosevelt Park Zoo, a popular destination for families and animal lovers, features a variety of species and educational exhibits. In addition, the Souris River, which flows through the heart of Minot, provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, making this North Dakota college town an ideal destination for all.
Bismarck is the state capital and home to the University of Mary and Bismarck State College. As the political and cultural heart of North Dakota, Bismarck offers an eclectic mix of entertainment, dining and shopping options that appeal to students, residents and first-time visitors alike.
Bismarck’s location along the Missouri River allows easy access to top-notch outdoor recreation resources. The city boasts an extensive network of parks and trails, including the popular Keelboat Park, which offers stunning views of the river and the nearby bluffs. In addition, Bismarck is just a short drive from the spectacular Theodore Roosevelt National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring North Dakota’s natural wonders.
As an added bonus, we’ll briefly mention Jamestown, another gem among North Dakota’s college towns. Home to the University of Jamestown, this quaint city offers a tight-knit community feel and a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Jamestown’s charming downtown area features a variety of shops and restaurants. The nearby Jamestown Reservoir and Pipestem Reservoir provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating and camping, making this college town a haven for nature lovers looking to get a great education.
Now’s the time to make the move to an ND college town
The college towns in North Dakota featured above offer a diverse array of experiences that cater to students, locals and passersby alike. From the bustling city life of Fargo and Grand Forks to the tranquil beauty of Valley City and Minot, each of these vibrant communities provides a unique blend of culture, entertainment and education. Whether you’re a prospective student, a lifelong resident or simply passing through, you’re sure to find something to love in each of North Dakota’s best college towns. So, pack your bags and get ready for a rollicking ride through the Peace Garden State’s most exciting and charming college towns.
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