You may have a preconception about moving to Omaha. But once you’re in the city, it exceeds expectations and is a place you don’t want to leave.
Omahans enjoy outstanding attractions, such as the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, considered one of the top zoos in the world. With nearly 130 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, the zoo claims to have the world’s largest indoor desert dome and the top indoor rain forest in North America. The African Grasslands and Asian Highlands feature animals in natural settings.
The Durham Museum showcases Omaha’s history, such as its early days as a railroad center and the site of the 1898 World’s Fair, a.k.a. Trans-Mississippi Expedition. Outdoor attractions include Fontenelle Forest, with more than 15 miles of natural trails among the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, as well as the downtown riverfront, which is home to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, one of the longest bridges connecting two states as Nebraska and Iowa meet in the middle of the river.
Omaha’s culinary scene rivals that of many bigger cities in the U.S. With several James Beard Foundation-nominated chefs, you’ll find restaurants featuring fresh handmade dishes from around the world. Farm-to-table dining is popular, with restaurants like The Grey Plume, Dante and Au Courant leading the way. It’s hard to taste better Italian dishes than you’ll find at Lo Sole Mio or Malara’s. South Omaha is ripe with authentic Mexican eateries.
While the city doesn’t have any major league sport, it’s an amateur sports mecca. From the College World Series in June to hosting multiple U.S. Olympics trials, including swimming and curling events, Omaha attracts hundreds of thousands of fans to the area. Omaha is also home to the Storm Chasers, the top minor league baseball team for the Kansas City Royals.
Keep on reading to see if moving to Omaha is a fit, and why you’ll love to live there and strive to keep it “America’s best-kept secret.”
Omaha overview
Omaha is home to four of Forbes Top 500 companies, led by Berkshire-Hathaway. With local billionaire Warren Buffett at the helm, Berkshire-Hathaway is among the top five companies by Forbes. Other top Forbes companies include Union Pacific (No. 141), Mutual of Omaha (337) and Kiewit Corp. (339).
While enjoying major economic success, Omaha maintains a Midwestern small-town feel, where it’s common for people to say hi as they see you on the street and hold the door for you when entering buildings.
While experiencing growth and development in neighborhoods across the city, the Omaha cost of living continues to remain strong, along with steady job growth.
Population: 478,192
Population density (People per square mile): 3,217.9
Median income: $59,266
Studio average rent: $864
One-bedroom average rent: $946
Two-bedroom average rent: $1,173
Cost of Living index: 93.4
Popular neighborhoods in Omaha
Moving to Omaha offers you a chance to explore the city’s history, culture and diversity. While west and southwest Omaha offers the feel of suburbia, Omaha’s most popular neighborhoods remain the oldest and most upscale.
From the riverfront to midtown, you’ll find a mix of older and contemporary apartments and condominiums to call home, while also enjoying easy access to culture, parks, vintage shops and a fun nightlife scene, featuring outstanding eateries and bars.
Old Market: Old Market is the heartbeat of Omaha. The nine-block area hosts one of the Midwest’s longest-running farmers markets each summer and fall. The entertainment district is family-friendly during the day, with restaurants, shops and galleries open, before becoming an adult-centric neighborhood at night, as couples dine out and then hit bars and clubs, creating a fun, party atmosphere.
Benson: One of Omaha’s oldest neighborhoods, Benson is an eclectic mix of art galleries, coffee shops, craft breweries and restaurants. Toss in vintage and unique clothing shops, and you’ve found the city’s “Hipster” area. During “First Fridays,” galleries and other businesses stay open later on the first Friday of each month, along with entertainment and even food trucks lining the streets.
Midtown: Popular with young professionals moving to Omaha, Midtown is a mix of contemporary apartments and condos with older homes. The Midtown Crossing entertainment district is home to some of the best restaurants in Omaha, as well as unique retail outlets. Midtown is the site of the Jazz on the Green festival each summer.
Dundee: Considered Omaha’s first suburb, Dundee is home to classic apartments, as well as modern outlets. With fantastic local eateries, such as Ahmad’s Persian Café, Saddle Creek Breakfast Club and J. Coco, calling the area home, it’s one of the city’s best dining areas. It’s also home to Warren Buffett, whose house in Happy Hollow borders the neighborhood.
Blackstone: Nestled between Midtown and Dundee, Blackstone is one of Omaha’s newest entertainment districts. Heavy on restaurants and bars, such as Noli’s Pizzeria and Butterfish, it also offers excellent spots to relax and enjoy a treat or coffee at Coneflower Creamery and Archetype Coffee.
The pros of moving to Omaha
Omaha offers people excellent attractions, restaurants, outdoor activities and a sports scene that makes other cities jealous. With plans to expand the riverfront, downtown Omaha will rank as one of the most beautiful and fun areas in the Midwest. Here are three reasons why you’ll enjoy moving to Omaha.
Excellent employment opportunities
With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States at less than 5 percent, Omaha is home to major leaders in healthcare, transportation, agriculture and insurance. Several people moving to Omaha are with companies, such as Union Pacific, Pacific Life and Aflac.
Tech companies are finding their way to Omaha, with the city earning the nickname “Silicon Prairie,” as Facebook and Google are among companies opening data centers in the area.
Enjoy the commute
Nicknamed the “15-minute City,” Omaha is easy to get around. The commute is actually about 20 minutes, as the city grows and expands its boundary westward. Regardless, the main thoroughfares, such as Dodge, Maple, Pacific and Center streets, run east-west, while the interstate system continues to add lanes to ease morning and afternoon commute issues.
The cost of living is a huge plus
With a cost of living index rating of 93.4, among the best in the United States, moving to Omaha benefits you financially. Everything tends to cost less here than in other cities of similar size, such as groceries, utilities, rent and gasoline. You can enjoy an evening out on the town without worrying about mortgaging the farm.
The cons of moving to Omaha
While Omaha enjoys economic success, the city faces challenges to keep its young professionals in the area, among other issues. Here are three areas of concern when considering moving to Omaha.
Lack of diversity
Whites make up about 66 percent of the population, while the African American community is the largest ethnic minority, accounting for about 12 percent of the city’s population. Hispanics make up about 11 percent, while Asian Americans and Native Americans account for about four percent.
While Omaha hasn’t experienced racial tensions like other cities, people have targeted minorities as a way of gaining political power, including focusing on undocumented workers or perceived high crime rates. Minority residents have protested unfair treatment by law enforcement and the court system.
Public transportation is a challenge
Omaha is a car city. Without a vehicle, you’ll be challenged to easily get around town. While Uber and Lyft are successful in Omaha, the city’s public transportation system is lacking for many residents.
With bus routes that run east-west, focusing on stops toward downtown, the Metro Transit system doesn’t run 24/7, which impacts people who prefer using public transportation. The new ORBT route runs from the Westroads Mall to downtown, but again, it’s not designed for 24/7 service.
Winter can be severe
Winters in Omaha are hit-or-miss — it may snow a lot or just a few inches. However, when it gets cold and snowy, traffic comes to a standstill. Literally. You’ll find parking lots on some of the main routes, because, as people joke, “two inches of snow shuts down the city.” Snow removal is an annual challenge, as well as the potholes that come with the winter season.
How to get started on your move to Omaha
Omaha’s attractions, culinary scene, sports community and commute are winning factors to consider when it comes to moving to Omaha. Regardless of the neighborhood you choose to call home, you’ll only be minutes from most major attractions, parks and restaurants.
To assist with your move as you pack up to head to the Big O, visit our Moving Center to get free quotes and more information about planning your move. Also check out available apartments for rent and homes for sale – you can’t move if you don’t have a place to live, after all.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments. Data was pulled in December 2020 and goes back for one year. We use a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
Population and income numbers are from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Cost of living data comes from the Council for Community and Economic Research.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Tim is an Omaha-based freelance writer, online content creator and author who loves exploring the Midwest and beyond. In addition to writing The Walking Tourists travel blog, he has co-authored three books with his wife, Lisa: 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die, Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha, and 100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die. Tim is a dad to two daughters and three cat sons. He is an avid sports fan, primarily enjoying football and hockey.
Let’s talk about how sublets work and outline everything you need to know about subletting.
What is subletting?
Subletting is a process where a tenant rents their apartment to someone else for the duration of the lease. The terms and conditions of the original lease stay the same and the original tenant’s name remains on the lease, but the new tenant moves in and becomes responsible for paying rent and utilities. Subletting allows the original tenant to move while renting out their old space to someone new.
A few helpful definitions
Before we explain how sublets work in more detail, here are a few keywords defined.
Subleasing: Subleasing is another term for subletting. Both words refer to the process of renting an apartment or room to someone else.
Lessor: A lessor is someone — commonly called a landlord or property manager — who owns the property and rents it out.
Lessee: The lessee is also known as the renter or tenant. A lessee rents a room or apartment from the lessor.
Sublessee: A sublessee, also called a subtenant, is the person who rents a room or apartment from the lessee when subletting.
Reasons to sublet an apartment
Ideally, when you rent an apartment, you can commit to the terms of the lease. However, life happens and you may find yourself needing to move out prior to the end of the lease. Some situations for moving out early and needing to sublet may include:
Getting married
Having a baby
Graduating college
Relocating for work
Needing more room
Cutting expenses
Moving back home
Regardless of the reason, subletting is a viable option to consider.
How do sublets work?
So, you’ve found yourself in a situation where you need to move, you don’t want to break the lease and you’ve decided to sublet your apartment. Here’s how to go about subletting an apartment.
1. Review your lease agreement
Before you start interviewing candidates for a sublessee, you need to take some time to thoroughly review your current lease agreement. You’ll want to check that subletting is allowed in the first place and fully understand what you can and can’t do.
If you need help understanding the legal jargon of your lease agreement, talk to a lawyer or your landlord. This is a scenario when the fine print matters.
2. Make sure subletting is legal in your state
In some states, subletting is legal, and in others, it’s not. Laws vary state by state so you’ll need to conduct research to understand if subletting is legal in your state.
3. Talk to your landlord
Once you’ve done your homework, reviewed the lease and state laws, it’s time to talk to your landlord and let them know you’d like to sublet the apartment. It’s polite to ask, and not tell them, what you’re doing. Schedule a meeting to let the lessee know your intentions and go over any and all details that are necessary to formally sublet the space.
You can also send them a formal letter requesting permission to sublet.
4. Find a sublessee
Once you’re in agreement with your landlord that you can sublet the apartment, it’s time to find a sublessee. This is your responsibility, not the landlords. You can place ads for a sublessee on social media groups or check out different apps that help you search for roommates or sublessees. Just make sure you find someone you trust as your name is still legally on the lease and your reputation is on the line.
5. Determine the details of your subletting agreement
When you’ve found someone to sublet the apartment, schedule a meeting to go over the details of the subletting agreement. How long will you sublet for? Will the sublessee be responsible for all rent and utilities? When can they move in? Do they need to pay you a security deposit? Get all of the details worked out ahead of time.
6. Get your subletting agreement in writing
Verbal agreements are not sufficient when it comes to subletting. Get all of the details written down so you have a paper trail should things go awry.
7. Coordinate the move with your new sublessee
Have everything in order with your landlord and sublessee? Now it’s time to coordinate the details of when the transition will happen.
Pros and cons to consider when subletting an apartment
As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to subletting an apartment. Because a lease is a legally binding contract, you want to take it seriously and really understand the repercussions — both good and bad — of subletting your apartment.
Pros of subletting an apartment
Keep your lease intact: Subletting allows you to keep your lease intact without breaking the terms and conditions or paying a penalty for breaking the lease early.
Keep your deposits: Subletting allows you to keep the security deposit and first and last month’s rent without forfeiting it. You can save a lot of money by subletting an apartment.
Ability to move as needed: When you find yourself needing to move quickly, subletting allows you to move and still keep your current place of residence. Perhaps you just need to move for three months and want to come back in 90 days? Subletting allows you that freedom.
Cons of subletting an apartment
Difficult to find a sublessee: It can be difficult to find someone trustworthy to take over your lease in a pinch. You want to make sure you trust the sublessee as the lease is still legally in your name.
Stressful to coordinate: Planning a move is difficult in and of itself, let alone trying to coordinate with a sublessee.
Potential of sublessee backing out: While you’ll want to get an agreement in writing with your sublessee, they still can back out of the agreement, leaving you in a bind.
Subletting is an option to keep in mind
Now that we’ve reviewed how sublets work, you’ll know how and what to do should you ever need to sublet an apartment yourself. Or, if you’re looking for a place to rent but don’t want to sign a lease yourself, being a sublessee may be the right option for you.
Sage Singleton is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading and learning French.
Looking for the best fun jobs that pay well? Many people dream of having a job they love that also pays well. I completely get it – you don’t want to hate working a job that you’ll be at 40 hours a week! I’m very grateful to have a job that I love. I don’t…
Looking for the best fun jobs that pay well?
Many people dream of having a job they love that also pays well. I completely get it – you don’t want to hate working a job that you’ll be at 40 hours a week!
I’m very grateful to have a job that I love. I don’t dread any day of the week, and I genuinely love what I do. Due to that, I hope everyone gets to feel the same about their job as well.
Thankfully, it’s easy to find a job that lets you do what you enjoy and still pays you a good paycheck. Whether you love working online or driving fast cars, there are many job options that let you have fun while also making good money.
Whether you want to make extra income or find a full-time job, there are many fun jobs that pay well that may interest you.
Fun Jobs That Pay Well
When you’re looking for a job, it’s great to find one that you find fun and that also pays well. Here are some top choices to start with:
Bloggers work from anywhere and write about topics such as family, recipes, personal finance, travel, and more. This is what I do, and I think it’s a ton of fun. Plus, it pays very well!
Art therapists use creativity to help others. They draw or paint as a way to support people’s emotional health. This job requires a master’s degree, but it combines art with helping people, which can be very rewarding.
A Ferrari driving instructor teaches others how to drive a luxury sports car. It’s not just exciting; it can also pay between $90,000 and $120,000 a year.
If you like spotting mistakes in content, then finding a proofreading job may be perfect for you. Proofreaders act like an extra set of eyes to read articles, papers, books, ads, and other written content.
Below are over 40 other fun jobs that pay well that I recommend learning more about.
1. Blogger
If you want to find a fun job that pays well, my favorite way is to start a blog. That’s exactly what I do for a living!
A blog is content written on a website. It usually includes articles like what you’re reading here.
You can blog about something you’re passionate about or something you know a lot about. Or even a topic you want to learn more about (people love following others’ firsthand journeys!).
I began Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and since then, my blog has earned me over $5,000,000 over the years.
I started my blog on a whim to share my own money journey. At first, I didn’t even know people could earn money from blogs or how to make a successful one. And now, it’s my full-time job!
There are many ways to make money blogging such as:
Advertising revenue (banner ads that you see in blog posts)
Sponsored blog posts (when a blogger partners with a company to promote a specific item or company)
Affiliate marketing (when a blogger receives income for referring readers to a product)
Selling digital products or services (such as courses, clothing, books, and more)
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Printables designer
Making and selling printables can be a fun way to earn money. When you create printables on Etsy, you only need to make one digital file for each product. After that, you can sell it many times to make more money.
Printables are things you can find online and print at home.
These can be things like a planner, coloring pages, wall art prints, greeting cards, gift tags, and so much more.
I buy printables frequently, and so do others all the time. Recently, I bought a printable for my daughter and it was a useful tool to help teach her the alphabet. I love that I can easily search what I’m looking for and get exactly what I want – plus I can print it right at home quickly!
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Voice actor
A voice-over actor is someone you hear but don’t usually see in things like videos on YouTube, documentaries, radio ads, TV ads, corporate talks, online courses, audiobooks, video games, movies, and cartoons.
Voice actors don’t necessarily need experience for this job (although it can be helpful later on). What’s important is having a voice that matches what the company is searching for.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Voice Over Actor
4. Photographer
As a photographer, you get a special chance to capture moments and tell stories with your camera. Photography has many different areas where you can focus, and they can be both satisfying and financially rewarding.
Here are some examples:
Photojournalist – You document events for media outlets, such as National Geographic.
Wedding Photographer – Your role would be capturing wedding moments in couples’ lives.
Stock photo photographer – Photographers can sell their pictures on stock image sites, which are really popular. These sites let customers purchase pictures for things like websites, TV shows, books, and social media.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
5. Buy and sell flipper
Being a buy-and-sell flipper means you’re into flipping items for profit.
This includes getting undervalued things from flea markets, garage sales, or online places and then selling them for more money.
This could be things like clothing, electronics, furniture, cars, and so much more. Basically, anything and everything!
Your success depends on how good you are at finding good deals, knowing the values in the market, and selling things again for a profit.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
6. Proofreader
As a proofreader, your careful attention to detail can become a rewarding career. Proofreading means going through texts to fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes before they get published. This job is important to make sure written content is clear and doesn’t have errors.
Many people, like authors, website owners, and students often hire proofreaders to make their work better. There’s a big need for proofreaders, and you can find jobs on various platforms.
Even the best writers can make mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why getting a proofreader can be really helpful for almost everyone.
In fact, although I have written over 2,000 articles, I have a proofreader who will have proofread this very blog post.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
7. Freelance writer
Freelance writers create content for clients, like blog posts and advertising. Freelance writing usually involves working independently. Clients give you a topic, you write about it, and then you might receive feedback, like suggestions to improve or add paragraphs.
You can write about any topic that you want to – such as travel, money, home, and so on.
How much you make as a freelance writer depends on your experience and the topics you write about. When you start, you might earn around $50 to $75 for a 500-word article. As you get better, you can charge more. For a 1,000-word article, you could make between $100 and $150. If you do well over time, you can ask for even higher rates.
I was a freelance writer for many years before transitioning to full-time writing here on Making Sense of Cents. It’s a great career where you can mostly work from home on your own.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
8. Graphic designer
A graphic designer is someone who makes designs for people and businesses. As a digital designer, you might create images, social media graphics, printables, T-shirt designs, business cards, stickers, logos, and more.
As a graphic designer, your main job is to communicate through visuals. You use a mix of typography, images, color, and layout to convey messages and brand identities. This field gives you the freedom to express your creativity in different ways, whether it’s through digital designs or print materials.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
9. Social media manager
Being a social media manager is an exciting career choice and your main job is to take care of how a company or person appears online on different platforms. Your tasks include interacting with followers, selecting content, and planning social media posts.
Here are the key areas you typically need to focus on:
Content creation – Create fresh, original posts tailored to each platform.
Engagement – Interact with the audience by responding to comments and direct messages.
Strategy planning – Use data analytics to drive social media strategies, aiming for increased engagement and reach.
The salary can vary, and you can choose to do this job either part-time or full-time.
10. Social media influencer
Related to the above, you can make money with your own social media accounts as well.
Have you ever followed someone on Instagram or TikTok and thought to yourself that it would be fun if you could do something similar?
Social media influencers use different online platforms to create, share, and connect with content that their audience likes. Your success depends on growing a big group of followers and establishing yourself as a trusted voice in your specific area.
As an influencer, you’ll create your brand by sharing your interests, pictures, and opinions on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others.
You can earn money through sponsored posts (when brands pay you to promote their products or services in your Instagram posts), affiliate marketing (earning commissions from sales through your referral links), and by creating digital products like ebooks or online courses.
I’ve been a social media influencer for years, monetizing my Instagram and Facebook accounts. It’s a great experience as I get to collaborate with companies I love and promote products I already use.
11. Veterinarian
If you have a passion for animals, then becoming a veterinarian may be a great fit for you.
Veterinarians have a skilled and fulfilling role dedicated to animal health and welfare. The main responsibility is to provide medical care to animals, diagnose health problems, and perform surgeries.
Vets work in private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and more.
The veterinarian career path is rewarding as it lets you blend a love for animals with the chance to make a positive impact on their lives.
To become a veterinarian, you must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and obtain a state license to practice. This usually involves:
A bachelor’s degree
A four-year veterinary program
The national average salary for veterinarians is around $100,000 per year.
12. Marine biologist
One job that I dreamed of as a kid was to become a marine biologist. It always sounded like so much fun to work with water and sea animals.
Marine biologists study marine organisms and how they behave and interact with the environment. Your work might take you from coastal wetlands to the deepest parts of the ocean.
Here are some of the things they do:
Conduct research on marine wildlife and ecosystems
Monitor the health of marine habitats
Develop conservation plans
Educate the public and policymakers
Marine biologists are important for understanding marine life and contributing to ocean conservation efforts.
13. Mystery shopper
Retailers, restaurants, and financial institutions need mystery shoppers for detailed feedback to improve their customer service and products.
This might not be a full-time job, but it can provide you with some extra money each month.
I remember when I first learned about mystery shoppers. I was working at a clothing store, and we would have mystery shoppers come in to see how we were doing. We never knew who the mystery shopper was, but we would get to read their report afterward and see what they thought of us.
After learning about mystery shopping, I found a website where I could become one as well. It sounded like fun to get paid to shop.
I would make about $150 to $200 per month through mystery shopping, and I also got free items and services, like $100 to spend at restaurants (where I had to provide feedback while I was there), makeup, and more.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Mystery Shopper
14. Architect
Architects have a special mix of creativity and technical skills, allowing them to design buildings that are not just attractive but also functional and safe.
Their role includes making detailed plans, and considering factors like sustainability, budget, and client needs.
To become an architect, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture and you’ll need state licensure, which is obtained by passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
15. Stunt person
A stunt person is a cool job where you use your physical skills to create exciting action scenes for movies, TV, and live shows. It’s a big part of making the action look real and thrilling.
To do this job, you might need lots of training in things like martial arts, gymnastics, or extreme sports. You also have to be good at handling pressure and follow safety rules closely.
16. Professional video gamer
Yes, if you like video games, you may actually be able to make money as a professional video gamer.
While the amount of money you can make will definitely vary, top gamers have the potential to earn from tournament prizes, sponsorships, and streaming content for fans:
Tournaments: Prize pools can be large, reaching into the millions for top-ranking competitions.
Streaming: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube pay through ads, subscriptions, and donations.
Sponsorships: Companies may endorse you and pay you with sponsorships or free items.
You could maybe even find a job working for a video game designer, testing out video games so that companies can improve their video game design.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
17. Chocolatier
Many people at some point in their lives want to become the person who makes chocolate and candy – sounds amazing after all, right?
A chocolatier is someone who uses cooking and art skills to make chocolates. It’s a job that needs creativity, precision, and a good sense of taste.
You might work for yourself, making chocolates, or you may even work for a large chocolate company. I know people who do both!
18. Personal trainer
If you want to find a job that you’ll love, becoming a personal trainer may be it.
Personal trainers play an active role by combining fitness with motivational skills to help people reach their health and fitness goals. This job includes:
Assessing clients’ fitness levels and health conditions
Developing personalized workout and nutrition plans
Demonstrating exercises and routines to clients
Tracking clients’ progress and adjusting plans as needed
How much you earn as a personal trainer can change a lot based on where you work, your qualifications, and the clients you get. Personal trainers usually make an average of $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
19. Supercar driving instructor
Supercar driving instructors have an exciting job where they help people learn how to drive fast cars on racetracks.
The role includes teaching safety and giving an exciting experience as well as explaining how to handle the vehicles, follow track rules, and use advanced driving techniques.
You can usually earn a high income doing this, plus you get to drive some of the world’s most exotic supercars.
20. Toy designer
Being a toy designer is probably most children’s dream career. After all, who hasn’t loved toys at one point in their life?
The toy industry is always looking for creative designers to make new toys that will grab kids’ attention and imagination.
Toy designers have a cool job where they mix creativity with making things work well. The main aim is to create toys that are fun and help kids learn and grow. This special job combines artistic skills with knowing about how children think and learn.
21. Restaurant critic
Restaurant critics evaluate dining establishments and share their experiences through written reviews. Their main responsibility is to provide an unbiased review of the food quality, service, ambiance, and overall dining experience.
To gain experience and get started, begin by developing your taste buds and learning about different cuisines. This can involve:
Going to cooking workshops
Exploring different food places when you travel
Creating your own blog or starting an Instagram dedicated to food
22. Brewmaster
If you love craft beers and enjoy understanding how fermentation works, becoming a brewmaster could be a fun and rewarding career.
Brewmasters manage the brewing process, such as creating recipes, choosing ingredients, and making sure the quality is top-notch during production.
To start, you might need formal education, such as a degree in brewing science or a related field. However, some brewmasters climb the ladder from roles like brewing assistants, gaining experience through on-the-job learning.
23. Fashion designer
Fashion designers make clothing, accessories, and shoes, and they draw designs, pick fabrics and patterns, and guide how the products designed should be made.
Fashion designing can be a fulfilling career if you love fashion and enjoy creating. It gives you a chance to express yourself personally and can even lead to getting noticed in the industry.
24. Food stylist
Food stylists combine culinary art with aesthetics, making sure that dishes not only taste good but also look delicious and perfect for photographs.
Their duties include choosing ingredients thoughtfully, preparing the food, and presenting it in a way that’s visually attractive. This is important for different media like advertising, packaging, cookbooks, and film.
25. Event planner
Event planners organize events, from big corporate conferences to small weddings. Their main job is to make sure every part of the event matches the client’s vision, fits the budget, and meets the goals.
According to Glassdoor, the average pay for an event planner is around $50,000 per year. Your salary can change based on things like your experience, where you work, and the size and type of events you handle.
26. Animator
If you’re looking for fun jobs that pay well, then becoming an animator may be it!
Animators make visual creations, and their main focus is on designing characters, environments, and entire worlds in 2D or 3D formats.
Here’s what you may work on:
Character design: Create and develop characters for various media.
Story development: Collaborate on storyboards to plan out visual narratives.
Animation: Work with digital tools to animate drawings and models.
The animation industry values creativity and technical skills and also pays competitive salaries with the opportunity to contribute to exciting storytelling processes. Whether you’re involved in creating animated TV shows, movies, or video games, being an animator can be both enjoyable and financially rewarding.
27. Real estate agent
Real estate agents are professionals who help people buy and sell properties, such as houses and commercial buildings.
I know a few real estate agents, and they all seem to love their jobs. They get to see beautiful new homes and properties and help their clients find their dream property.
Plus, they usually set their own schedule, which can help you create a better work-life balance.
28. Private investigator
Private investigators conduct investigations on various matters, including legal, financial, and personal issues.
This may include doing things like surveilling someone to get information, interviewing people to get details, researching public and legal documents, as well as gathering evidence for cases.
Here are some steps to becoming a private investigator:
Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Perhaps even get a degree or certification in criminal justice or a related field.
Gain experience in a related field such as law enforcement or the military.
Acquire a private investigator license, as required by your state.
29. Romance novelist
Starting a career as a romance novelist can bring both fulfillment and income. If you love storytelling and especially romance, this can be a fun one to think about.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money Self-Publishing Short Romance Novels
30. Interior designer
Interior designers mix creativity with practicality to decorate the insides of properties. Their job is to design and put in place the aesthetic and functional aspects of residential or commercial spaces.
Your job would be to create an environment that looks good and is comfortable for your clients.
31. Airline pilot
Airline pilots have a career that is both exciting and has the potential to make a lot of money. Their main job is to pilot commercial aircraft, flying from one place to another, and making sure everyone on board, including passengers and crew, stays safe.
Some of their daily duties include:
Conduct pre-flight inspections
Navigate the aircraft
Communicate with air traffic control
Monitor weather conditions and aircraft systems
Lead the crew and manage any in-flight issues
32. Drone pilot
Drones have gained popularity lately, not just for recreational use but also for jobs requiring aerial photos and videos. This creates a growing opportunity for individuals to start small businesses and make money with their drones.
Your job as a drone pilot may be to:
Take high-quality images and videos from unique perspectives, such as for real estate, construction, or events.
Perform inspections, surveys, and mapping for various industries like mining or agriculture.
Analyze data and images to give insights to clients.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money With A Drone
33. Sommelier
Sommeliers have a lot of knowledge of wine and can share it in a fun way.
This job is usually found in upscale restaurants, and this role involves suggesting wines that go well with customers’ meals, conducting wine tastings, managing wine service, and taking care of the wine cellar.
34. Chef
Chefs, of course, play an extremely important role in a restaurant kitchen, crafting menus and overlooking meal execution. Their primary responsibilities include tasks like:
Menu Design: They create food menus for a restaurant.
Food Preparation: They oversee and sometimes partake in the detailed preparation of ingredients.
Cooking: They cook the restaurant meals and oversee other cooks in the kitchen.
35. Cruise director
Cruise directors make sure passengers have an unforgettable experience aboard a cruise ship. This job requires a fun personality and excellent skills in managing both entertainment programs and a team of staff members.
Their responsibilities include planning and supervising all onboard entertainment, such as shows, events, and activities.
We went on an around the world cruise recently and had an amazing cruise director. It looked like such a fun job, and they got to travel everywhere that we did (of course!).
Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Travel The World (18 Realistic Ideas!)
36. Astronomer
Astronomy is a field that combines the excitement of exploring the cosmos with the satisfaction of solving complex problems. As an astronomer, you enter a world dedicated to understanding celestial phenomena and the principles of the universe.
Usually, a Ph.D. in astronomy or a closely related field is needed to conduct independent research or work at a university. However, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you might find opportunities at planetariums, observatories, or assisting with research.
37. Netflix tagger
If you’re seeking a fun yet rewarding job, becoming a Netflix tagger could be an interesting option. In this job, you watch Netflix content and assign specific labels to shows and movies, influencing the platform’s recommendation algorithm.
To get started, you will need to apply through the Netflix jobs portal, where available positions are listed. Experience in film and media studies, while not mandatory, can give you an advantage.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Ways To Get Paid To Watch Netflix
37. Geologist
Geologists explore and study the earth’s composition, processes, and history.
Their job can lead to finding valuable resources like minerals, oil, and gas, and they also have an important part in environmental conservation and predicting natural disasters.
38. Dog walker
If you love pets, then this is the fun paying job for you!
Dog walkers do exactly that – walk dogs while their owners are busy, such as at work or on vacation. If you like dogs, then this can be a fun way to spend time with animals and get paid for it.
To become a sought-after dog walker, you should be reliable, good with animals, and you should have excellent customer service skills to build connections with clients. Dog walking allows you to enjoy the fresh air, bond with different dogs, and make money doing something you love.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money
39. Ethical hacker
Ethical hackers think and operate like malicious hackers but with a specific goal: identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
They act as safeguards, testing and securing systems to prevent potential breaches for companies.
This job involves a lot of problem-solving skills, as you are looking for possible security problems.
40. Travel agent
If you like planning trips, then becoming a travel agent may be a great way to have a fun high-paying job.
Travel agents craft and sell travel experiences. They help advise clients on different travel destinations and arrange transportation, hotels, tours, and more. It’s a job that not only pays well but allows you to help others travel.
You may help people plan their honeymoon, a trip to Disney World, an around-the-world cruise, and so much more. There are travel planners for every kind of trip that you can think of.
Your knowledge and skill in handling the challenges of travel planning make you a very important help to travelers who want their experiences to be stress free.
The average annual salary can vary by a lot, and this can be either a part-time or full-time job. There is a lot of job growth too, as more and more people are going on vacations!
41. Personal shopper
Personal shoppers give a shopping service for clients who either lack the time or the style to select their own stuff. As a personal shopper, your job may range from picking clothing to finding the perfect gift.
You may work at a high-end retail store, or you may be a freelance personal shopper – there are many jobs in this field!
42. Park ranger
Have you ever been to a beautiful place like Yosemite National Park and wondered what it would be like to work there?
Park rangers work in places like beautiful national parks and get to enjoy the scenery every single day. Their responsibilities include protecting and managing parks, wildlife, and historical sites and making sure that both the natural resources and the visitors exploring them are safe.
To become a park ranger, you usually need a combination of education in fields related to conservation, environmental science, or wildlife management, and relevant work experience.
Recommended reading: 15 Outdoor Jobs For People Who Love Being Outside
43. Tour guide
Being a tour guide gives you a chance to share your love for travel or history with others, all while making a living. You’ll get to be in different places like historical sites, museums, or outdoor adventures.
This can be a low-stress job with a big fun factor – as you get to explore places that you probably already love and are an expert at.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money as an Airbnb Experience Host
44. Yacht crew
Working on a yacht can be a thrilling job that mixes travel, adventure, and the chance to meet new people, along with the possibility of earning good money.
If you work on a yacht, your job could be as a captain, mechanic, server, cleaner, chef, and more. If you’re on a smaller boat, you might even handle all these tasks.
Jobs on a yacht or big sailing boat are usually hard work, but the perk is that you get to travel with most expenses covered, while also earning a high income.
45. Flight attendant
Being a flight attendant is important for making sure passengers are comfortable and safe. You’re like the friendly face of the airline during flights, taking care of different needs and keeping service standards high.
Plus, you get to enjoy the unique perk of discounted or free travel, which is a big perk of becoming a flight attendant.
Flight attendants can earn a good income, and the benefits are excellent. They usually make between $50,000 to over $100,000 a year. The training to become a flight attendant usually takes around 1 to 2 months.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Flight Attendant And Make $61,640 Each Year
46. Art therapist
Art therapists combine the creative process with psychological healing to provide a unique kind of mental health therapy. They conduct one-on-one or group therapy sessions, and being an art therapist can be very fulfilling as you help people discover their voice and heal through art.
Art therapists work at schools, psychiatric hospitals, veterans associations, and more. Usually, you need a master’s degree to enter this field.
They use art therapy to assist people in expressing their emotions, dealing with complex feelings, and enhancing self-awareness. Their job isn’t just about being artistic; it’s deeply connected to therapeutic practices that help a variety of clients.
Another job similar to this is becoming a music therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find fun jobs that pay well.
What is the most high-paying fun job?
The most high-paying fun job can vary based on your skills and interests. Some high-paying fun jobs include being a blogger, pilot, stunt person, and romance book author.
What are random jobs that pay well?
There are many unique jobs, such as a private island caretaker, yacht captain, or a voice-over artist.
Which is the most exciting and highest paying job in this world?
This will depend on who you ask! Maybe it’s being a pilot, a stunt person, an actor, or something else.
What are some fun jobs that pay six figures?
Some fun jobs that pay over $100,000 may include becoming a blogger, selling printables, photographer, architect, and more.
What are some low-stress fun jobs that pay well?
Jobs like a yoga instructor or a massage therapist can be low stress and fun, and they provide a good income, especially when experienced or working in more affluent areas.
What are some fun jobs that pay well without a degree?
You can pursue jobs such as a social media influencer, a real estate agent, or a personal trainer, which can pay well and be rewarding without requiring a traditional four-year degree.
Best Fun Jobs That Pay Well – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best fun jobs that pay well.
There are many fun careers that pay a part-time or full-time income.
Careers like voice acting, managing social media, and ethical hacking not only pay well but also let you have a good balance between work and life. The key is to know your talents and find the right fit in these exciting jobs.
I have been working a fun job for many years now, and I really really love it. It makes each day enjoyable and I actually look forward to work. I hope that you get to one day say the same as well.
What do you think are the best fun jobs that pay well?
Looking for the best jobs for single moms? Being a single mom can be hard because you have to manage both your job and taking care of your kids. There are not many hours in a day, so it’s probably important to you to find a job that pays you a good income and lets…
Looking for the best jobs for single moms?
Being a single mom can be hard because you have to manage both your job and taking care of your kids. There are not many hours in a day, so it’s probably important to you to find a job that pays you a good income and lets you take care of your children.
The good news is that nowadays, there are many stay at home jobs for moms. This means you don’t have to follow a strict 9-to-5 schedule, making it easier to balance work and family. There are also many in-person jobs that allow you to have a better schedule to match your children’s schedule (such as when they are in school!).
Whatever you may be looking for, there are many flexible jobs for single moms. Continue reading below to learn more!
Best Jobs for Single Moms
Below is a quick summary of some of the best jobs for single moms.
Bookkeeper – You can organize the finances for businesses and have flexible working hours. With quick training, entry-level bookkeeping jobs might start at around $20 per hour, but with experience, you could earn a lot more.
Blogger – Bloggers get to work from home and make their own schedule, which is great for anyone, including single moms.
Teacher – Teaching probably aligns well with your child’s school schedule. Whether full-time, substitute, or part-time, teaching can be a good choice.
Virtual Assistant – This job involves helping businesses with tasks online, and you can typically make your own schedule.
Childcare provider – If you enjoy taking care of children, providing childcare for others while watching your own can, at the same time, be a way to earn money.
Below, you can learn about each of these, as well as many more of the best jobs for single moms.
1. Blogger
Blogging is one of the best jobs for single moms, and this is because you can work from home, make your own flexible schedule, and be your own boss; these are all reasons why I think it’s one of the best jobs for single moms who stay at home.
Plus, to start, you don’t need a lot of stuff – just a computer and internet.
I do this myself while taking care of my daughter, Marlowe. Blogging lets me travel whenever I want, make my own work schedule, earn good money, write about topics I like, and I really enjoy having a blogging business.
I started Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and since then, I’ve earned over $5,000,000 with my blog. When I began, I didn’t know it would become one of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms. Now, blogging lets me have a flexible schedule and spend lots of time with my daughter. It’s been a great way to balance work and family for me.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
In this free course, you will learn:
Why you should start a blog today
How to decide what you should write about
How to create a blog (this will go over the actual step-by-step process)
How to make income from your blog
How to get people to read your blog
And more!
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Day care (and bring your kid)
Finding a job that lets you bring your child along can save you childcare costs and watching other people’s kids is one way to do it.
You could start your own day care or find a job at a day care.
If you want to start a home day care, then you will want to check your state’s rules for home day cares, such as if you need a license. You’ll also need a safe space for children, as well as toys and games.
You could also try to find a job at a day care in your local area. Many day care centers allow you to bring your child, or they will give you a discounted rate to have your child attend the day care as well while you work.
Another option is to become a nanny or babysitter for a family that allows you to have your child there as well.
Starting a day care, working in one, or becoming a nanny/babysitter can be a win-win. You earn money and don’t worry about finding someone to watch your kid. Plus, your child gets to play and learn with other children.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money on Maternity Leave: 27 Real Ways
3. Sell printables
Selling printables is a great work-from-home business idea for single moms. This is because you can do this while your kids are sleeping or at school and earn passive income too!
Printables are digital files that people buy, download, and print themselves. These can include planners, calendars, wall art, grocery shopping checklists, weekly meal plans that someone puts on their fridge, and educational worksheets for kids.
You can sell your printables on websites like Etsy. This is a way to make money from home because you only need to make one digital file for each product, and you can sell it many times. You don’t have to print or send anything to your customers. You make the digital file; your customer buys it, downloads it, and takes care of the rest.
I recommend reading about this further at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy to learn more about one of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
4. Virtual assistant
As a single mom, you may be looking for a job that fits into your schedule. Working as a virtual assistant (VA) could be your answer, as you get to work from home and choose hours that work for you.
I’ve worked as a virtual assistant before, and I also have virtual assistants who help me with my business. Many parents have told me that a virtual assistant job is one of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms because it’s very flexible, and I agree!
A VA is someone who works from home as an assistant for someone else. Nowadays, many businesses can be operated from home, so it makes sense that an assistant can also work from home.
A virtual assistant can do tasks like managing social media accounts, formatting and editing content, scheduling appointments, handling travel plans, managing emails, and overseeing Facebook groups, among other things.
You can learn more at How Kayla Earns $10,000 Each Month From Home as a Virtual Assistant.
5. Freelance writer
If you’re a single mom looking for a job you can do from home, freelance writing might be a good fit for you. It’s a job where you write articles, blog posts, and sometimes even books for money. You don’t have to work in an office; you can write from anywhere, even your own kitchen table.
I have been a freelance writer for years, and it can be a great career choice for someone who wants to work from home.
When you’re just starting as a freelance writer, you might begin by writing articles that pay around $50 each or even more. However, the amount of money you can earn can vary a lot. You may be able to earn around $50,000 a year, and I know several freelance writers who are moms who make over $200,000 per year.
Many people are searching for freelance writers, and this job has a lot of opportunities for growth. It could be a great career to begin with.
Learn more at 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!).
6. Book author
If you love telling stories or sharing your knowledge, writing books could be an ideal job for you as a single mom. You get to create your own schedule and work from anywhere, even your home. Writing can be done at times that fit your schedule best, such as when your kids are at school or asleep.
For publishing your book, there are two options:
Traditional Publishing – You submit your manuscript to publishers. If a publisher likes your work, they will print, distribute, and market your book for you. In return, you’ll earn royalties from sales.
Self-Publishing – Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing allow you to publish your book yourself. You control every aspect and get a higher percentage of the sales, but you also handle marketing and distribution.
The amount of money that you can make as a book author can vary by a lot. As a first-time author, getting published can be challenging, and earning substantial income takes time. If you self-publish and your book becomes popular, you could make a significant amount. But, this isn’t guaranteed.
Recommended reading: How Alyssa is making $200 a DAY in book sales passively
7. Graphic designer
Graphic design is a creative job that involves making artwork and visual designs. You might create designs for websites (like logos), advertisements, or printed materials like brochures and magazines.
Your work helps companies communicate with their customers through eye-catching and effective visuals.
This can be a great job for single mothers, as you may be able to find a work-from-home job as a graphic designer, or even start your own business where you can make your own flexible schedule.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
8. Social media manager
Becoming a social media manager can be a great fit for single moms looking for remote work jobs.
Social media managers are in charge of social media accounts for businesses or people. Their job is to post on social media, reply to comments, and keep everyone interested.
This can include TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, X (formally known as Twitter), and more.
I have been a social media manager for companies, and it’s a great job that allows you to have a flexible schedule. That means you can work when it suits you – such as when the kids are at school or asleep.
9. Real estate agent
If you’re a single mom looking to balance work and family, becoming a real estate agent might be a great fit. As a real estate agent, you help people buy and sell homes.
To be a real estate agent, you just need a high school diploma and a license.
In 2021, the average pay for this job was $23.45 per hour, which is about $48,770 per year. But, there are many real estate agents who earn much more than this.
10. Proofreader
Proofreaders read documents and check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and they make sure everything is perfect before it gets printed or published online. They review books, articles, blog posts, social media content, newsletters, advertisements, and more.
If you want flexible work hours, proofreading is a good choice. Depending on your experience and the job’s complexity, you can earn between $20 and $50 per hour and more.
As a single mom, this job lets you balance work with looking after your kids. You can usually set your own schedule and work from home, which can make life a little easier.
You can read more at How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere.
There is also a FREE 76-minute workshop where you will learn more about how to become a proofreader with Proofread Anywhere. You can sign up for free here.
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
11. Bookkeeper
If you’re a single mom, becoming a bookkeeper might be a good option for you. Bookkeepers manage money records for businesses by keeping track of all the money that comes in and goes out.
If you work as an online bookkeeper, you could make about $40,000 or more per year. Typically, this involves managing finances for around 12 to 16 clients.
Being an online bookkeeper is great because you don’t need to be an accountant or have any prior experience. Also, virtual bookkeeping is a service that many people are looking for, so there’s a demand for it.
Recommended reading: Online Bookkeeping Jobs: Learn How To Get Started Today
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
12. Transcriptionist
As a transcriptionist, your job is to listen to audio or video files and type out what you hear into text. This is a task that you can do from home, making it a good option if you’re a single mom looking for flexible work.
One of the biggest benefits of this job is flexibility. You can usually choose when and how much you want to work (such as when your kids are sleeping or when they are at school). This can make balancing work and family much easier.
You need to be able to type quickly and accurately and attention to detail is important because you need to catch every single word.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
13. Customer service representative
Customer service representatives help people by answering questions and solving problems on the phone or online, which means they can sometimes work from home.
On average, customer service representatives earn around $35,868 a year as an average salary. This will change depending on where you work and how much experience you have.
Some large companies like Apple, Progressive, U.S. Bank, American Express, and U-Haul hire customer service representatives who can work from home. This means you can do the job from the comfort of your own house.
14. Data entry clerk
Data entry clerks enter information into databases or spreadsheets. They type things like numbers and names into computers to keep everything organized and make sure records are correct.
Jobs in data entry usually pay about $15 to $20 per hour.
Recommended reading: 15 Places To Find Data Entry Jobs From Home
15. Dog walker or pet sitter
If you’re a single mom looking for a job that fits around your schedule, you may want to look into becoming a dog walker or pet sitter. This type of job lets you choose when you work, which is great for making sure you have time for your kids.
As a dog walker, you walk dogs for people who are busy or away from home. You might take them around the neighborhood or to a park. If you’re a pet sitter, you take care of pets while their owners are out of town or at work.
The money you make can vary. Some jobs might pay you each day, like $15 to $25 an hour or a flat rate per day like $75. How much you make could depend on how many pets you care for and how long you spend with them.
Rover is a great company that you can sign up with in order to become a dog walker and pet sitter.
16. BabyQuip
If you’re a mom looking for a flexible side hustle, BabyQuip might be worth looking into. It’s a service where you can rent out baby gear like strollers and car seats to traveling parents – starting is simple: apply online, and BabyQuip will guide you through the process.
As a mom after all, you probably already have a lot of baby gear that you can rent out to make money with.
With BabyQuip, you make money by renting out items you already own or plan to invest in for rentals. Because parents travel, the demand for clean and safe baby gear is always there.
People using BabyQuip can make about $1,000 a month on average, and some even earn more than $10,000 each month.
On BabyQuip, you can rent items like cribs, strollers, car seats, high chairs, toys, bouncers, books, hiking packs, and many other things.
17. Teacher
As a single mom, teaching can be a great career for you. As a teacher, you typically work while your children are in school as well, after all.
Most teaching jobs follow a traditional school year calendar. This means you usually have summers off, along with school holidays, which can help you spend time with your kids.
18. Doula
If you’re a single mom looking for a job, you may want to become a doula. A doula supports women during childbirth, but your work can also extend to helping moms after the baby is born.
They are there to give comfort, encouragement, and knowledge during the pregnancy journey, labor, and the postpartum period.
19. Tutor
If you’re looking for part-time jobs for single moms, then tutoring may be an option to look into.
If you’re a single mom who knows a lot about a specific subject like math, science, or a language, becoming an online tutor could be a smart choice. You can schedule sessions around your life and help students learn. You pick when you work, which is perfect when you have kids at home. You might teach early mornings, afternoons, or even nights.
You will need a quiet place to work, a computer, and a good internet connection.
Income as a tutor ranges, and you may be able to earn $20+ an hour. And, if you specialize in something more advanced, like SAT prep or college courses, you could make more, even up to $50 per hour or more.
20. Photographer
As a single mom, becoming a photographer can be a rewarding job choice for you. With a camera and some practice, you can start taking photos that people will enjoy.
To begin, you need a decent camera. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive one. You also need to learn about lighting and how to frame a good picture. There are lots of free tutorials online, such as on YouTube, if you want to learn more.
One of the best parts about photography is that you can make your own schedule. You decide when to book photo shoots, which can be great for balancing time with your kids. It’s possible to do photo shoots on weekends or during special events like weddings.
You can earn money by selling your photos online or by working with clients directly. Graduations, weddings, family portraits, and even pet photos can be great opportunities. Pricing varies depending on the job, but as you gain experience, you can charge more for your work.
As you grow, you can invest in better equipment and editing software to enhance the quality of your photos. This helps you stand out and can lead to more jobs and higher pay.
I know many moms who are successful photographers, and they love having a photography business.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
21. Instacart shopper
If you’re a single mom looking for a job that fits around your schedule, becoming an Instacart shopper might be a good choice. Instacart is a service that lets people order groceries online, and shoppers like you do the shopping and deliver the orders to their homes.
When you’re an Instacart shopper, you can set your own hours. This means you can work when it’s best for you, like when your kids are at school or sleeping. As a shopper, you get a payment card from Instacart to buy the groceries at the store.
Shoppers usually earn about $11 to $20 per hour. It’s important to remember that as an independent contractor, you will have extra costs like gas and vehicle maintenance that you need to think about when figuring out your earnings.
You can learn more at Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
22. Paralegal
As a single mom, you might find the role of a paralegal interesting. It’s a job where you work in a law firm or legal department, helping lawyers by preparing legal documents and doing research.
Your typical work hours are most likely Monday to Friday, fitting well with a school-week schedule.
Paralegals earn around $30,000 to $35,000 a year.
23. Dental assistant
As a single mom, if you’re looking for a job that lets you help people and have regular hours, you might like being a dental assistant. In this job, you work in a dentist’s office and help the dentist with patients.
Your tasks could include getting the tools ready, making sure patients are comfortable, and teaching them how to care for their teeth.
Your week would be busy, but you usually wouldn’t have to work nights or weekends. This is great because it matches up with your kids’ school schedule.
24. Travel agent
As a single mom, you may find that being a travel agent is a job that fits well with your life. It’s a job where you get to plan and book trips for others. You could work from home or an office.
Travel agents plan vacations, business trips, and getaways for clients and they find the best deals on flights, hotels, and fun activities.
The money you earn can vary because some agents get paid hourly and others get a commission, which is a part of the trip cost.
25. Nurse
As a single mom, you might worry about balancing work with taking care of your kids. As a nurse, there are jobs that can fit your life.
Some examples include:
School nurse – You can work the same hours your kids are in school. You’ll care for sick children, keep track of health records, and help with health checks.
Doctor’s office nurse – Working here can be less stressful. Usually, the hours are regular, Monday to Friday, so you can be home with your kids in the evenings and on weekends.
Home health care nurse – You’ll visit patients in their homes, which can give you a flexible schedule.
Public health clinics – These places look after the community’s health. Hours can be more regular, meaning you won’t have to do lots of night shifts.
Nurse educator – If you love teaching, this lets you work in a classroom instead of a hospital. You’ll have a steady schedule, perfect for family time.
26. Speech pathologist
A speech pathologist helps people with speech and language issues. You would work to improve their communication skills, which can be very rewarding.
You need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and certifications vary by state.
Your work may take place in schools, hospitals, or private clinics. Some speech pathologists work from home providing virtual sessions.
27. Sleep consultant
Sleep is really important for the growth and well-being of babies, and it’s important for parents too. But sometimes, parents find it hard to make sure their child gets the sleep they need.
Pediatric sleep consultants are very helpful in solving children’s sleep problems, making it easier for families to have peaceful nights. If you really enjoy working with kids and want to make a positive difference in their lives, becoming a sleep coach could be a great career option.
I have personally learned from sleep consultants in the past, and I know many others who have hired a sleep consultant as well. These are typically moms who have firsthand experience with improving a baby’s sleep.
Learn more at How To Become A Sleep Consultant And Make $10,000 Each Month.
28. Run a dog treat bakery
If you enjoy cooking, starting a home bakery could be a way to make money from home. It allows you to use your cooking skills to create dog treats and earn some income.
You can make dog treats, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more.
Starting a dog treat bakery business could potentially help you earn an extra $500 to $1,000 a month or even more. It’s a niche small business idea that taps into the love people have for their pets.
I also recommend reading How I Earned Up to $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find jobs for single moms.
What should a single mom do to handle financial stress?
I get it – as a single mom, you may have a lot of financial stress. It is hard to be a single mom and manage everything all on your own after all. To manage financial stress, I recommend trying to find jobs that pay well but also have flexible hours or work hours that match up with your children’s school schedule. Jobs that allow you to work remotely can also help lower your childcare expenses as you can work from home.
How to work as a single mom without help or childcare?
If you don’t have help or childcare, then you may want to work during hours when your kids are at school or asleep. This may include looking for jobs or employers who understand your situation and have flexible schedules or the ability to work from home.
What are the best work from home jobs for single moms?
I think one of the best ways for a single mom to make money is to work from home. This is because you may be able to make your own schedule, and you may be able to find a job that allows you to take care of your kids at the same time.
The best work-from-home jobs include jobs like virtual assistants, freelance writers, and bloggers.
What are jobs for single moms without a degree?
Jobs for single moms without a degree include administrative support, customer service positions, and sales roles as these jobs usually give on-the-job training.
How can a single mom go back to college and what degrees are best?
You can go back to college by looking for online degree programs, or classes when your children are at school, that fit your schedule. Popular degrees that balance well with being a single mom could be in fields like education, business, or healthcare, which have the potential for career growth.
Best Jobs for Single Moms – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to find the best jobs for single moms.
Whether you are looking for full-time or part-time jobs for single moms, there are many options that may fit what you need.
As you probably noticed above, jobs for single moms vary and include different types of work. Some jobs are creative, like writing or graphic design, while others are more regular, such as customer service or bookkeeping.
If you enjoy telling stories and writing, you could be a blogger or a freelance writer. If you’re good with organizing and numbers, you might like being a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper.
If you prefer doing your own thing, you could start a home day care or sell printables online.
As you can see, this is a long list of the best jobs for single mothers! There are many different job ideas that you could try that have a good work-life balance.
What do you think are the best jobs for single parents?
When you live in an apartment, you most likely won’t have a backyard or lots of outdoor space. However, a lot of apartment complexes include a patio on the ground level so you can step outside and enjoy some fresh air. Even if a patio is small, it doesn’t mean it can’t be grand. If you are looking for ways to spruce up your patio and turn it into a luxurious outdoor space, here are some small patio ideas to consider.
Small patio ideas you’ll love
Whether you opt for all of these ideas or choose only a handful of these small patio ideas, you can turn any mundane patio into a place you’re dying to spend all your free time.
Just be sure to check with your landlord first before installing or building anything!
1. Add a table and chairs
First on the list is finding a set of chairs and a table. Patio furniture comes in all shapes and sizes. You can get wrought iron, plastic or rattan to name a few. No matter what kind of patio furniture you choose, a table and chairs are essential because it’ll be the place you sit to eat, drink, read or simply relax.
2. Consider multi-use furniture
If your patio is small, you’ll want to consider purchasing furniture that has multiple uses. For example, you could get a foot pedestal that also used as a small table, a footrest and a place to hold plants for decoration. If you can get each piece of furniture to serve more than one purpose, you’ll save money in the process, too.
3. Find foldable furniture
Are you short on space on your patio? This small patio idea is perfect for those with cramped quarters. Buy foldable furniture that you can easily store when you’re not using it. You can easily access and use it when you need to, otherwise, you can quickly fold it and store it to add more space to your patio.
4. Decorate with a mattress
Mattresses don’t just belong in a bedroom. Putting a mattress on your patio is a great way to create a Bohemian-style feel on your patio. Take a blow-up or regular mattress, put some sheets over it, add some blankets and you’ve got created a comfortable and chic patio.
5. Use pillows for comfort and decor
Pillows add both decoration and comfort to any patio space. Get some oversized pillows and add them to your patio, like this idea from Pinterest. You can put them on your chairs or use them as poofs to sit on. Pillows are a great way to add a pop of color to your patio as well as adding an element of comfort and design.
6. Get a blanket basket
Like pillows, blankets are another way to spruce up any patio. On summer nights as the sun sets and it starts to get cooler, people will want to grab a blanket to drape over their lap as they continue chatting and hanging out into the night. Get a basket to fill with outdoor blankets and you’ve got yourself some small patio decor that’s practical and cute.
7. Set up a speaker system
Music can set the mood on any occasion. From outdoor date nights to a casual gathering with friends on the patio, you need music to create ambiance. Invest in an outdoor speaker system for your patio. This could be a small speaker you plug your phone into, a smart home device like Alexa or even a full-blown speaker system. Regardless of what you choose, a speaker is a great small patio idea.
8. Watch movies on a movie projector
Movie projectors are a fun purchase to splurge on for your small patio. You can project a movie onto the wall of the apartment and watch it from the comfort of your patio. They don’t take up too much space but are a fun way to get outside more often.
9. String up a hammock
Opting out of traditional patio furniture? Consider hanging a hammock on your patio. If you’re cramped for space or simply like to hang from a hammock, this is a great small patio idea to go for.
10. Install a privacy screen
Given that patios are on the ground floor, you won’t have as much privacy as on a balcony. But, you can easily install a privacy screen, shutters or even curtains to your patio to create some privacy. Plus, you can have fun with the decorating process as you choose what color of the curtain you want or what color of paint to use on the privacy screen.
11. Burn some candles
Candles are a great small patio idea. They don’t take up much space but add a lot of ambiance to any patio. Get a variety of sizes, shapes and colors and use candles to both decorate and light up your patio.
12. String up lights
Strings of lights are another easy way to decorate your small patio. You can hang the lights from end-to-end, drape them around the table and chairs or hang them above the doorway. White string lights are cute, sparkly and practical and will make any patio feel like a fairy garden.
13. Add a rug
Rugs are a great way to decorate a small patio. First of all, they can add a pop of color to the patio. Second, they can cover up the ugly cement they likely were made of. And third, they make the space feel cozier.
14. Prop an umbrella
Your patio may already be shaded, but adding an umbrella is a great small patio idea. Umbrellas easily move so you can block out the sun anywhere it comes through on the patio. Umbrellas also come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.
15. Pot some plants
Potted plants add charm to any patio. You can buy pots of all sizes, depending on how large your patio is. From small pots that fit on a table as a centerpiece to giant ones that take up lots of space, using pots as a small patio idea is a great way to add greenery to your patio.
16. Get flower window boxes
If you don’t have a garden but want to plant some flowers, you can buy a few flower boxes for windows, ledges or gates. Add the window box and fill it with your favorite flowers.
17. Think vertically
Because patios often are small and short on space, think vertically when decorating. You can use ladders, tall planter boxes or racks and decorate upward instead of outward. This allows you to have lots of decorations without taking up too much space.
18. Buy a barbecue
Barbecues go hand-in-hand with summer nights. Barbecues are a great product to invest in and add to your small patio. They may take up some space but it’ll be well worth it when you’re cooking and entertaining all summer long.
Just make sure they are allowed at your property before investing the money. Some cities do not allow grills on patios due to fire codes.
19. Build up a bar cart
Bar carts are a fun item to have on your patio. You can choose a bar cart and start building up the contents over time. You can add different types of drinks, mixers, cups and ice containers to it. Not only is it a great small patio idea, but your friends will also love coming over and mixing themselves up a drink.
20. Splash some paint
If your landlord permits, you can paint your patio. Consider painting the floor a fun color or one of the walls. This takes up no space and allows you to add more color into the space.
Decorating with our small patio ideas
It doesn’t take a full-blown renovation to turn an ordinary patio into a place of relaxation and rest. Your patio can become your outdoor oasis with these easy ideas for decorating your small patio. Any one of these small patio ideas will surely turn it into a place you want to spend all your free time.
Sage Singleton is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading and learning French.
Ready to simplify your year by cutting back on some of the excess stuff? Here’s where to minimize first.
Is decluttering on your list of resolutions for 2024? (Ours too!) If you don’t know where to start, we’ve got great ideas for you.
1. The pantry
You probably have so many seasonings and food items that you haven’t used in ages. Start with cleaning out your pantry and getting rid of anything you no longer use or eat.
If you have old food or beverages that you have no use for anymore, simply throw them out. Check expiration dates, because it’s likely that you also have expired items that you never even used.
2. Bathroom drawers
Listen, we all know how cluttered and unorganized bathroom drawers get throughout the year. Before the new year, deep clean your drawers and throw out any personal items you don’t need anymore.
Items such as makeup, old toiletries and accessories often get thrown into bathroom drawers without notice. Sooner or later, you realize that your bathroom drawer has become your junk drawer.
3. Kitchen drawers
Similar to bathroom drawers, kitchen drawers can also often become “junk drawers” by accident. Go through your kitchen utensils and cooking appliances to see if there’s anything you don’t use anymore.
More times than not, kitchen items just end up collecting dust. Make sure you actually utilize the utensils you choose to keep.
4. Closets
This is a tough one. Going through your closets might take some time, but it’ll be worth it in the end. Consider giving away clothes that you no longer wear. You can donate the items to different charities.
It’s also a great idea to go through your closet floors and get rid of any items you forgot were even there to begin with. If you haven’t even looked at something in over a year, it’s a telling sign that it’s probably not something you need.
5. Magazines and books
Some people keep a lot of magazines or books in their apartment which is fine, but it’s good to purge this pile every year and start fresh. Old magazines and books serve little to no purpose in that bin next to your couch. Go through all of them and see what you actually want to keep, then decide what to get rid of.
6. Toiletries
This especially applies to people who travel a lot. If you travel often and have a toiletry bag that you re-use for trips, it’s important to clean this out each year. In general, toiletries are worth going through because it’s likely that you have a lot of old items you don’t need anymore. Toiletries need to be replaced often, so take some time to decide what you need to replenish.
7. Storage Areas
Similar to closets, this is another area that might take some time to purge. Whether it’s your storage closet, a garage or another space you keep storage items in, there’s always a lot of junk you can clean out each year. The idea is to only keep items you actually need, not things that just take up space in a storage closet.
All of your items should serve a purpose. This is why we recommend purging your entire apartment for the new year, so you don’t hold onto extra things you don’t use or need anymore. Decluttering will help you start the year fresh and in turn, you’ll feel a lot more organized going forward.
Linzi Martin has been a freelance writer for over five years. A Florida native, Linzi resides in Delray Beach, where she works as a content marketer and writer for small-to-medium sized businesses around the globe. Her work has been featured by the Porcaro Law Group, VoyageMIA and The Connect Magazine, just to name a few.
Outfitting a new place with pictures and paintings can get expensive, but nowadays, there are plenty of cheap wall art options for your apartment that are inexpensive yet chic.
Once you’ve found the perfect apartment to rent, signed the lease and moved in, the fun part of decorating your new home can begin. If you’re wondering where to buy art for an apartment, we’ve put together a list of 25 places to find cheap wall art online. Browse these galleries or peruse in person and find cheap wall art for your apartment that’ll give it personality and color.
Where to buy art for your apartment
One day, you may be able to afford an original painting by your favorite artist, but until then, there are lots of places to find cheap wall art that’ll spice up your apartment without breaking the bank. Here are some places to consider when looking for art for your apartment.
1. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace where vendors can sell their arts, crafts and vintage supplies directly to buyers. While you’ll have to search and filter through lots of options, Etsy has a huge collection of art available and is a great place to browse when looking for cheap wall art.
2. Thrift shops
Your local thrift shop is a great place to start when looking for art for apartments. Because of the nature of thrift shops where products are constantly being donated, each time you go to the local thrift shop, you’ll find different art available for purchase at an inexpensive price point. Thrift shops will offer a wide range of art genres and you’ll never know what you’re going to find when you walk in. This makes it a fun place to check out frequently and see what you’ll stumble upon
3. Yard and estate sales
Like thrift shops, local yard and estate sales are great places to go and browse for cheap wall art. You don’t know what you’re going to find, but it is a fun surprise when you find something unexpected that you love.
4. Antique stores
Looking for something vintage and antique to decorate your apartment with? Antique stores can offer one-of-a-kind pieces of art that’ll make your apartment stand out from other homes. Antique art hunting requires patience, but when you find a fabulous piece of art, the hunt is worth it.
5. Society 6
Society 6 is a website for independent artists to showcase their work. Here, you’ll find a variety of art options — from paper prints to framed art to tapestries — to buy and decorate your apartment with.
6. Target
Who doesn’t love going on a Target run? Whether you’re looking for cheap wall art online or looking to wander the aisles, Target offers a variety of art that’ll work when decorating anything from a nursery to the living room in your apartment.
7. Bed Bath and Beyond
Bed Bath and Beyond is another big-box store that offers a little bit of everything, including cheap wall art. Here you can purchase framed art or canvas prints that’ll look high-quality hanging in your home but won’t cost the same as a gallery piece would.
8. Art.com
Art.com is a great place to start when you’re looking for art for your apartment. This website offers thousands of pieces — from classics artists like Van Gogh and Picasso to unknown artists selling flowers or signs — Art.com is a great place to browse as you’ll find almost anything your heart desires.
9. Rifle Paper Co.
Rifle Paper Co. is a brand that features whimsical designs and sweet florals on a variety of products. From paper prints to licensed products, check out Rifle Paper Co. offers a nice selection of art to hang in your apartment.
10. Wayfair
Wayfair is where to look when you’re searching for anything from furniture to art to match. If you don’t know what style of art you like, Wayfair is a great place to start because you can match it to your furniture style.
11. Artfinder.com
Do you like to support local artists from around the world? If so, Artfinder.com is a great place to find cheap wall art online. You can find styles that you like and feel good about supporting local artists at the same time. Also, lots of times you’ll find art on sale, which is always a perk.
12. Minted.com
Minted.com offers limited edition prints, meaning the prints won’t always be available for purchase. If you like unique art at a stellar price point, check out Minted.com when browsing for cheap wall art online.
13. Overstock
If you’re in the mood to browse online at endless options, Overstock.com is the place for you. This online gallery offers thousands of options and you’re bound to find a piece of art (or two) that are great for your new apartment.
14. Christmas Tree Shops
Christmas Tree Shops offers so much more than holiday art. If you’re looking for canvas art that’ll look upscale and elegant in your home, this is a great website or store to check out.
15. Circle Graphics
Circle Graphics is a digital printing company and art vendor that can help you decorate your home with art or photos. Looking for art? Great. Looking to print your own photos on canvas? You can do that, too!
16. Home Goods
Home Goods is another place to browse online and in-store to find both cheap wall art and decorative elements for your apartment.
17. Great Big Canvas
Great Big Canvas is another online art gallery that allows you to search by subject, color, size or room. This is a great way to filter your art options and find the perfect piece for every wall in your apartment.
18. Abstract Art Gallery
If you want an original piece of art but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, Abstract Art Gallery is a great place to find abstract-style art for under $500. Check out this site if you’re looking for an original piece for your apartment.
19. Paper Source
Paper Source is a boutique paper store that sells print art and fine paper that can easily be styled into wall art. Find a piece of paper or pattern that you love, buy a frame to match and voila, you’ve got yourself a cheap piece of wall art. This is a great option because you can easily swap the art out seasonally and have new art regularly.
20. Urban Outfitters
Looking for something a little more hipster? Check out Urban Outfitters art and decor section and you’ll find a wide selection of posters, prints and frames to decorate your apartment with.
21. iCanvas
iCanvas offers people a large selection of options to find cheap wall art online. You can purchase prints that feature iconic movie and TV scenes, abstract art or classics.
22. Uprise Art
If you’re the type of person who wants to spend money on one beautiful piece of art that is a statement piece, Uprise Art is a great source to check out. With art for under $800, you can get a wonderful piece of art that’ll last you forever.
23. Vertical Gallery
Vertical Gallery is a digital art gallery where people can browse and see a variety of artists month over month. This is a fun way to purchase cheap wall art because the collections change and provide you with new options.
24. Big Lots
Big Lots offers art and home decor for inexpensive prices. This is a great place to start looking for art if you aren’t sure about your style and don’t want to invest in an expensive piece yet. You can purchase a few pieces of art, see what you like, and then commit to a more expensive piece down the road.
25. Dollar Tree
Last but not least is Dollar Tree. If you’re looking for cheap wall art, try Dollar Tree. You can get prints for literally one dollar and outfit the entire apartment wall-to-wall if you want.
Decorate your apartment with cheap wall art
Whether you’re looking for one statement piece of art or multiple pieces you can swap out seasonally, there are plenty of places to find cheap wall art. These 25 places are a great place to start when looking for places to buy art for your apartment.
Sage Singleton is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading and learning French.
To rent or not to rent? That is a very personal question: This rent vs. buy calculator can help.
Both the cost of rent and U.S. home prices soared during the pandemic. After historically high home prices and rising mortgage interest rates in 2023, the rent vs. buy calculator now favors renters for the first time in decades. But just barely.
Paying a mortgage builds home equity. That’s the difference between the current value of the home and the amount of money paid in, minus any liens on the property. When a homebuyer sells, they pocket any surplus, after expenses. For years, home ownership has been a way to build individual and generational wealth.
Paying rent doesn’t build equity. But that doesn’t mean it’s a waste of money, despite what some financial gurus might try to tell you. Home prices are high and the availability of affordable properties hit an all-time low in 2023. So renting is a smarter financial decision for many U.S. residents right now.
The rent vs. buy calculator
Personal finances and the national housing market aren’t the only things to consider. The rent vs. buy calculator includes many variables. They vary from person to person and year to year.
Age, lifestyle, career outlook and financial risk tolerance matter. Where you want to live both factor into the decision. Take a look at Redfin’s rent vs. buy calculator to evaluate which option makes more sense for you.
Reasons to rent in 2024
Many renters will benefit from extending their lease into 2024. Here are six reasons why renting is a good choice right now.
Renting is more affordable in most markets
Redfin reports that buying a home costs 25 percent more than renting in 2023. In fact, last year was the most expensive year for home prices in Redfin’s records. A buyer making the country’s median wage would need to pay 41.4 percent of their income for a home. That’s well above the 30 percent recommended by experts.
Record high home prices were only part of the issue. High interest rates and low inventory kept home prices elevated through the end of 2023
In contrast, nationwide rent prices actually fell late last year. According to the December Rent Report, rent prices dropped .57 percent month-over-month. Rates were also down 2.09 percent from December 2022.
In cities, the price difference between buying and renting is even steeper. It was more expensive to buy a home than to rent one in all but four major metropolitan areas in May 2023.
Renting costs less upfront
Purchasing a home is a major financial investment. Buyers typically need a 20 percent down payment to secure a mortgage. When housing stock is low, they may also need to offer more than the asking price. They might also need to compete in bidding wars or be able to pay a percentage in cash to secure the house they want.
Renting is more cost-effective for many. A typical apartment lease includes a security deposit. Rents get this security deposit back when they move out if there’s no damage, outstanding fees or rent owed. Fees for parking spaces or having pets in the apartment added. A rent calculator can help determine your budget.
Fewer monthly costs
It’s usually cheaper month to month as well. Business Insider reports that U.S. homeowners pay a median of $2,690 each year in property taxes. Property taxes, mortgage interest and home repair costs are tax deductible. But these costs add up.
Renter’s insurance is almost always cheaper than homeowner’s insurance. NerdWallet states that the average price for renter’s insurance in the United States is $148 a year. That breaks down to just $12 per month. The same outlet reports that homeowner’s insurance typically costs $1,820 a year. Rates vary state to state.
A lease may also include some (or all) utilities. This means fewer bills to pay and a more predictable household budget.
No repairs or maintenance
A homeowner has to pay for emergency expenses like a broken water heater or a new roof out of their own pocket. They also have to file their own insurance claims. Then they need to make any necessary repairs – or hire professionals to do so. But renters can pass these responsibilities on to their landlord or property manager.
In addition, renters don’t need to stress about lawn care, landscaping, or snow removal either. That saves a lot of time, stress, and money over the course of a lease.
As a bonus, many rentals offer communal amenities. These can include workspaces and lobbies, rooftop patios and grills, pools and playgrounds. Residents can also enjoy perks like gyms, dog wash stations or bike storage. Residents get all the benefits without membership fees or maintenance.
Renting is flexible
Building home equity is an investment with higher upfront costs. So experts recommend that residents stay in their home for at least five years to break even. But high housing costs and high interest rates mean that reaching the break-even point may take even longer.
To recoup their investment, homeowners need to commit to staying in one place for years. Homes usually appreciate in value, but there’s no guarantee homeowners will turn a profit..
Renting is best for people who need flexibility. Applying for a mortgage requires a stable job and regular and predictable paychecks.
People planning a major career change may be better off renting for now. The same goes for people facing job insecurity. Going back to school, retirement or caregiving can also influence income. A renter can re-evaluate before signing a year-long lease. Homeowners are tied to a 15- or 30-year mortgage.
You can try before you buy
Renting is a great way to explore different neighborhoods, home types and amenities. Location is the one thing about a home that buyers can’t change. So it’s smart to rent in a neighborhood before committing to a mortgage. Or you could experiment with the best of both worlds with a rent-to-own home.
Renting can also allow residents to experience different house types. They can experience living in apartments, townhomes, duplexes and single-family homes).
Reasons to buy in 2024
Renting is a smart option for many. But there are certain instances when the rent or buy calculator favors purchasing a home instead.
More homes mean lower prices for buyers
Housing experts say that the number of homes available will increase in 2024. More housing stock means home prices could tick downward. That’s a plus for buyers.
Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors (NAR) chief economist, predicts that 1.48 million new housing projects will begin in 2024. That number includes 1.04 million single-family units.
Interest rates should stabilize or drop
Mortgage interest rates have been holding steady for the last several weeks. Rates hovered around the 7 percent mark for 30-year fixed rate mortgages and just over 6 percent for 15-year fixed rate mortgages. That’s down from last year’s high.
“Many of the factors that made 2023 the least affordable year for homebuying on record are easing,” said Redfin Senior Economist Elijah de la Campa. “Mortgage rates are under 7 percent for the first time in months, home price growth is slowing as lower rates prompt more people to list their homes, and overall inflation continues to cool. We’ll likely see a jump in home purchases in the new year as buyers take advantage of lower mortgage rates and more listings after the holidays.”
But it’s important to note that these available properties are at the high end of the market. Affordable housing numbers remain historically low.
More options in key metros and affordable markets
More housing stock and lower interest rates will help push home prices lower. Housing experts predict certain markets will rebound first.
“Metro markets in southern states will likely outperform others due to faster job increases,” says Yun, NAR chief economist. “While markets in the Midwest will experience gains from being in the most affordable region.”
The takeaway
Choosing whether to rent or buy is a personal decision that depends on many factors. For many U.S. residents, renting is a more affordable and flexible option right now, but investing in a home is never a bad idea.
Check out houses and apartments for rent.
Looking to buy? See homes for sale here.
Alicia Underlee Nelson is a freelance writer and photographer. Her work has appeared in Thomson Reuters, Food Network, USA Today, Delta Sky Magazine, AAA Living, Midwest Living, Beer Advocate, trivago Magazine, Matador Network, craftbeer.com and numerous other publications. She’s the author of North Dakota Beer: A Heady History, co-host of the Travel Tomorrow podcast and leads travel and creativity workshops across the Midwest.
Want to learn how to make $200 fast? Having some extra income can be useful for unexpected needs or saving up money. Maybe you need money for rent, something broken on your car, or a medical bill. Maybe you have something that you’re saving for, and you just want to make some extra cash. If…
Want to learn how to make $200 fast?
Having some extra income can be useful for unexpected needs or saving up money. Maybe you need money for rent, something broken on your car, or a medical bill. Maybe you have something that you’re saving for, and you just want to make some extra cash.
If you want to make $200 fast, there are many ways to do it: You could sell things you don’t need, create and sell handmade items, use your car or home to make money, and more.
There are lots of ways to make $200 fast!
My top picks to make $200 fast
Selling items from around your home, such as clothing, an old cell phone, furniture, and more. You can learn how to flip your stuff in this free webinar.
Make $65+ per hour in a focus group sharing your opinions with User Interviews.
Rent out your RV with RVShare.
Freelance proofread and learn how to become a proofreader in this free webinar.
Start a blog (this is what I do!) and learn how in my free How To Start a Blog course.
Best Ways To Make $200 Fast
Below are the best ways to make $200 quickly.
Selling items from around your home
The quickest way to make $200 fast is to find stuff you already own and sell it.
When you’re in a pinch for cash, your home can be a treasure trove of items you can sell. Start by gathering gently used items or those you no longer need, such as electronics (phones, laptops), furniture (couches, coffee tables), clothing and accessories (especially branded ones), gift cards, and collectibles and antiques.
You can sell on Craigslist (ideal for bulkier items like furniture, tires, cars, etc., where local pickup is more practical), Facebook Marketplace (great for reaching a large local audience quickly), eBay (perfect for unique or more valuable items where shipping isn’t an issue), thrift stores (get cash on the spot at places like Plato’s Closet), having yard or garage sales (typically get less per item but can get rid of a lot of things at once), and more.
I have sold a ton of used items over the years such as clothing, jewelry, car tires, furniture, and more. It is easy and someone probably wants what you’re selling.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Selling Apps For Selling Stuff Online And Locally
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
Rent out your storage space
If you’ve got extra space in your home, be it an attic, basement, or spare room, renting it out for storage is an excellent way to earn extra cash.
A site to use to rent out your space is Neighbor. This website helps you earn money by renting out space you’re not using.
You can make up to $15,000 a year by renting out your garage, driveway, basement, or even a closet with Neighbor. You get to choose the prices and decide which reservations you want to say yes to and host.
Take paid online surveys
Earning $200 a day just by answering surveys isn’t normally possible (unless you are doing focus groups or paid research studies), but you can reach your goal by combining survey earnings with other ideas.
When I was repaying my student loans, I answered lots of surveys each week. I did this before work, during lunch, or after work. It was convenient because I could do it whenever I had free time.
Survey companies pay you for answering surveys, watching videos, and testing products. Sometimes, you might even receive free products to evaluate. The best part is that joining survey companies is free!
Some of the paid online survey companies I recommend are:
Here are 11 Paid Online Survey Sites if you want to learn more.
Answer questions in a focus group
A focus group is like a paid online survey, as I mentioned before, but you can make a lot more money from it.
I’ve done a focus group in the past that paid me around $400 for 75 minutes of my time. While that’s a bit more than usual, most focus groups pay anywhere from around $50 to over $100 per hour. Compensation differs significantly depending on the study’s length and topic, but higher-paying studies do exist.
Lots of consumer research companies pay people like us to share our opinions. The companies use our feedback to make their products and services better.
One focus group company that I recommend is User Interviews. User Interviews recruits participants to answer surveys and share their feedback.
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
Play games on your phone
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, your smartphone can be a surprisingly interesting way. By playing games on your phone, you can earn real money.
Game apps pay real money rewards because they make money from ads and in-app purchases. They share a part of their earnings with you to motivate you to keep playing their games.
The best game apps that pay real money include KashKick, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars.
When picking gaming apps to make money, check reviews and learn about how you get paid. Be careful with apps that ask you to pay to play or promise rewards that sound too good to be true. Also, keep track of the time you spend playing games to make sure it stays worth it.
Rent out your unused RV
If you have an RV that’s sitting idle, you may want to turn it into income by renting it out. Many people have RVs they don’t use very often. Instead of letting it just sit there, you might make extra money by renting it out. Yes, you could potentially make $200 a day by renting your RV to others.
Popular sites such as RVshare work similarly to Airbnb, connecting you with potential renters. They handle the bookings and insurance, making the process easier.
Another idea is to park your RV somewhere and list it on Airbnb. I’ve seen many RVs, campers, trailers, and more on Airbnb available for rent. Just make sure that you can rent it out in the location you want to leave it, as not all campgrounds or neighborhoods may allow it.
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RVshare is one of the best money-making sites because it helps travelers save money by cutting out the middleman and offering RV rentals directly from RV owners. If you have an RV that is sitting around, then you may be able to make $100 to $300+ a day.
Proofread
If you like finding mistakes in written content and want to know how to make $200 a day, proofreading could be a good fit for you. It can be a part-time job or a full-time work-from-home career too.
It’s a job where you can make $200 in a day, and many proofreaders earn around $40,000 a year or even more.
Proofreaders check for mistakes in articles, ads, books, student papers, emails, transcripts, and more.
To become a proofreader, all you need is a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and the ability to spot mistakes and errors.
I recommend signing up for the free 76-minute workshop, where you can learn more about becoming a proofreader. You can sign up for the free How To Become a Proofreader workshop here.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
Virtual assist
A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who helps a person, company, or business owner with administrative and business tasks, making sure everything runs smoothly. They’re just like in-person assistants, but they work from home and online.
I used to work as a virtual assistant for small business owners. I didn’t have prior experience, but I learned the skills while on the job. It not only helped me earn a good income but also allowed me to work from home. I also have virtual assistants who work for me, so I know how helpful they are! This is a very in-demand job field to get into.
Virtual assistant tasks may include:
Managing a company’s Facebook account
Managing a calendar
Scheduling appointments and meetings
Creating slideshows and presentations
Managing an email inbox and handling customer support
And more.
Typically, when you begin working as a virtual assistant, you might earn around $15 to $20 per hour. However, in some cases, you could start with twice or even three times that amount. It depends on the type of work you do and the services you provide.
This can be a full-time job or a side hustle too!
You can learn more at How I Earn $10,000 Per Month From Home as a Virtual Assistant.
Selling handmade goods and crafts
If you want to earn an extra $200 fast, selling the things you make by hand, like crafts or handmade goods, is a great idea.
A popular place to sell handmade goods includes Etsy, which has a worldwide audience looking to purchase unique handcrafted items. You can also sell via social media or even rent a booth at a local craft fair.
You can sell all different kinds of handmade items such as jewelry, soap, furniture, art, photography, clothing, personalized gifts (such as engraved items), and more.
I have personally bought handmade goods all of these ways.
Freelance write
A person who freelance writes can make $200 in a single day.
Freelance writers work for clients, like websites, magazines, marketing teams, book publishers, and others. They write different things such as articles, blog posts for search engine optimization (SEO), marketing content, newsletters, press releases, and more.
You can find freelance writing jobs in many ways such as by searching on Fiverr or Upwork, looking to see if any of your favorite sites are hiring writers, networking with people in the industry you want to write in, and more.
I’ve been a freelance writer for a long time, and many of my friends also have this job. It’s a great way to make $200 a day or more all from home.
You can learn more about how to find freelance writing jobs below:
Transcribe
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, transcription could be a great option. With a fast typing speed and strong language skills, you can convert audio files to text for pay.
Transcription is when you change spoken words from audio or video into a written document. Many businesses need transcriptionists because they need to convert audio and video into text.
New transcriptionists usually make about $15 per hour when they begin, and the good thing is, you don’t need any previous experience to get started.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
Blog
Starting a blog doesn’t instantly make you $200 on the first day because it takes time to set it up. However, with time and effort, bloggers can make $200 a day in the future.
A blog is a website with articles, like what you’re reading now. You can create a blog on topics such as personal finance, recipes, travel, pet care, family life, and more. There are many different types of blogs out there.
You can make money from a blog by partnering with companies for sponsorships, showing ads, doing affiliate marketing (for example, selling a product listed on Amazon), and selling products like ebooks, candles, T-shirts, and more directly on your blog.
This is what I do to make money, and I earn well over $200 a day online. It did take me around 6 months to make my first $100 with my blog, so it does take time to get started. It took me about a year to reach around $5,000 a month and around 2 years to get to $10,000 a month.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
Another idea similar to this is to start a YouTube channel, TikTok, Instagram, and more!
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
Dog walker
Becoming a dog walker is a fun way to make some quick cash if you love pets, especially dogs. You can easily get started by signing up with well-known dog walking apps dedicated to connecting dog walkers with pet owners.
Here are some steps to help you begin:
Register on Dog Walking Apps – Platforms like Rover are great for finding dog walking jobs. You could earn around $15 to $18 per hour depending on your experience and the local demand for dog walkers.
Create a Profile – Highlight your experience with dogs and any references you might have.
Set Your Availability – Decide on the days and hours you’re available to walk dogs and set your schedule.
My sister as well as my husband’s mother are both dog walkers on Rover, and they both enjoy this side hustle.
Sell printables on Etsy
Selling printables on Etsy can be a quick way to earn some extra cash.
Printables are digital files that customers can download and print themselves. These can include things like planners, art prints, stickers, learning tools, worksheets, invites, and organizational tools.
You most definitely have used printables in your life, and so have most people. I buy printables all the time because they make my life so much easier – and it’s so nice to just print things out and have them more easily accessible for when I need them.
One great thing about selling printables is that you don’t have to print and send anything yourself. The customer pays for the design, and they print it out on their own.
Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Find Your Niche
Determine what kind of printables you’re passionate about. Many people specialize in a certain type of printable, such as home, wedding, organizing, education, etc.
Research what’s popular and in demand. See what kind of printables people are actually buying right now.
Step 2: Create Your Printables
Use design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.
Make sure your design is original and appealing.
Step 3: Set Up Your Etsy Shop
Create a memorable and easy shop name.
Set up shop policies and fill in all the details.
Step 4: List Your Products
Take attractive product photos or create digital mockups.
Write clear and compelling product descriptions so that potential customers can find your printables.
Price your printables competitively.
Step 5: Promote Your Shop
Utilize Etsy’s built-in SEO by using relevant keywords in your listings.
Share your printables on social media platforms.
Consider Etsy Ads for additional promotion.
You can learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
Deliver groceries and food
Grocery delivery is a service that is becoming more and more popular. I’ve used it several times myself when I didn’t have time to shop or didn’t have a car available. This service is likely to keep growing.
If you’re looking to make quick cash, you can try delivering groceries and food. You have the flexibility to create your own schedule, and payment can be received pretty quickly – sometimes even within an hour.
Delivering groceries is a popular extra job, and all you need is a valid driver’s license and a car.
You get paid for each delivery and keep all your tips. Platforms like Instacart and Shipt can help you earn around $15 to $20 per hour.
Here are a couple of options for you to start earning with food delivery:
Instacart: As an Instacart shopper, you can choose to shop for groceries or both shop and deliver to customers. Being able to cash out your earnings instantly is a big plus.
Shipt: Enjoy shopping at stores like Target and CVS? With Shipt, you can earn by shopping for others. It’s a great way to combine earning with a task you already enjoy.
Sign up to become an Instacart shopper here.
Related to this: You can also deliver restaurant meals in your spare time through companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Drive for Uber or Lyft
Earning $200 quickly may seem hard, but you may be able to reach this goal by driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Here’s what you need to know:
Sign Up – Both Uber and Lyft require you to have a valid driver’s license, meet age requirements, pass a background check, and have an eligible car.
Flexibility – You have the freedom to choose your working hours. Whether it’s an hour, over the weekend, or throughout the week.
Earnings – Income can vary, but it’s possible to earn between $20 to $25 per hour on average. At this rate, driving for 10 hours can help you reach your $200 target.
Maximize Promotions – Keep an eye out for special promotions or peak time surge pricing (such as by driving during weekend nights or during a baseball game) as these can really boost your earnings.
Expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance will come out of your earnings, so it’s important to work efficiently and choose high-demand times and areas to increase your income.
Tutor
Tutors who know subjects well, like math, language, science, graphic design, and more, help students get better at those subjects.
Becoming an online tutor depends on the subject you want to teach. You need experience in that area, but there are options for beginners too. Tutors for advanced subjects, like calculus or college entrance exams, usually earn more than those teaching simpler topics.
Rates vary from $15 to over $100 per hour, depending on the subject and where you offer your tutoring services.
Read more at 11 Best Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs (Make $100+ an hour).
Sign up for quick Craigslist jobs
You can make $200 quickly using your local Craigslist, which has short-term jobs and side hustles listed under “gigs.”
Some gigs I’ve seen include painting a room, running errands, passing out flyers, handyman work, loading a moving truck, shoveling snow, pet sitting, transporting a boat, and more.
You can also find quick gig side hustles through a company called Taskrabbit as well!
Note: When using Craigslist for odd jobs, be cautious of scams. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, no one is likely to pay you $2,000 for a mystery shop or a 30-minute survey. It’s important to stay alert and choose opportunities that are realistic and trustworthy. Simply skip it if you have doubts!
Get a roommate
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, getting a roommate can be one way to do so, and if you have an extra room at home, you can make extra money by renting it out on platforms like Airbnb or finding a long-term roommate.
Renting out a room long-term could earn you around $200 or much more, depending on the room and its location. It’s a good way to utilize your extra space for additional income.
I have personally had several roommates in the past, and it was a good source of income. Plus, we had the extra space anyway that was unused. We charged around $400 a month per room, but nowadays you can definitely get a lot more (especially depending on where you live).
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to finding a roommate and getting paid:
Advertise Your Space – You will need to find ways to get the word out about the spare room you want to rent out. You can do this on Craigslist, your personal Facebook page, placing a post in a local Facebook group, and more.
Vet Potential Roommates – You don’t want just anyone living with you as they will be sharing your space! Here are some ways to vet potential roommates:
Interviews: Have a conversation to make sure everyone is compatible.
References: Ask for and check personal and rental references.
Discuss Financials – This is all about money, so money definitely needs to be talked about and agreed on. You’ll want to think about things like:
Rent: Determine the monthly charge for rent.
Utilities: Decide how you’ll split costs like electricity, internet, and water. Will the monthly rent include all of the bills or will you split the utilities?
Set House Rules – Rules like quiet hours, guest policies, and cleaning responsibilities help avoid conflicts.
Create a Formal Agreement – Writing an agreement will lay everything out so that there is no confusion later.
Lease Addendum: If you have a lease, add your roommate officially.
Roommate Agreement: Outline terms of rent, bills, and house rules.
To learn more about renting out your spare room, I recommend reading A Complete Guide To Renting A Room For Extra Money.
If you want to take it a step further, you could even get into real estate investing. You can learn more about this option at How This 34 Year Old Owns 7 Rental Homes.
Rent out baby items, such as a crib
If you’re looking to make $200 fast, you can rent out your gently used baby items to traveling families. By listing a crib, stroller, or car seat on rental platforms, you can help ease the travel burdens for parents while earning extra cash.
Here are some ideas of what you can rent out:
Cribs
Strollers
Car seats
High chairs
Toys
A website called BabyQuip lets you rent out baby equipment. On average, people using BabyQuip can make about $1,000 a month, and some earn over $10,000 monthly.
Redeem credit card rewards
If you have a credit card, then there’s a good chance that you are earning points by simply spending like you normally do.
Or, you could even sign up for a new card that has a good signup bonus to earn more points.
With rewards credit cards, you can turn your points into cash back. Here’s how it works: whenever you use your credit card to buy something, you earn points as a reward for spending money.
I have rewards credit cards and I earn points every single time I shop or pay a bill, and I don’t have to do anything special. Just pay my bills and expenses like I normally do! In fact, I just signed up for a new rewards credit card with a great signup bonus today with a signup bonus value of over $800.
Two credit cards that I personally like include:
Important note: Making the most of credit card rewards is smart only if you use your credit card responsibly. It’s not a good idea to accumulate debt just to get rewards because debt with interest is neither free nor beneficial. To really earn money from credit card rewards, you will want to make sure to pay your credit card balance in full every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to make $200 quick.
How can I make a quick $200?
If you want to learn how to make $200 fast in a day, then I highly recommend finding items from around your home to sell, like clothing, jewelry, and video games. This is the easiest way to get started as you probably already own things you can sell.
How can I make an extra $200 a week?
If you want to make an extra $200 a week, I recommend freelance work, which might include writing, graphic design, or proofreading. Also, renting out things you already have, like a spare room, can be a great way to make passive income.
What items can be sold to quickly earn $200?
Look around your home for electronics, clothing, or collectibles that are in good condition but you no longer need or want. You may be able to find lots of things to sell (and have a yard sale) and/or find one or two big things to sell.
How to make $200 fast online from home?
I’ve done a lot of things on the list above to make $200 fast online from home, such as freelance writing, blogging, selling items online, taking part in a focus group, and more.
How To Make $200 Fast – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make $200 fast in a day.
As you learned above, you can earn $200 fast by doing a lot of different things, such as by freelancing, starting a business, renting out something you already own, playing games, and more.
The key is to choose what fits your life, how much time you have, and your money needs right now.
What do you think is the best way to make $200 fast?
We’re well into the 2020s now, and many apartment communities are getting with the times by adding eco-friendly amenities to units. This is a clear win/win for everyone involved — the renter, the property manager and Earth as a whole. If only all decisions were so clear-cut!
Green amenities for eco-friendly renters
The list of available eco-friendly amenities is constantly growing and changing. Here are a few of the most common green features that renters can find during their apartment search.
1. Non-smoking buildings
Cigarettes and their smoke are not only bad for people’s lungs — they’re also terrible for the planet, too. Toxic cigarette butts are not only unsightly litter but they also pollute the land, water and air with nasty chemicals. E-cigarette waste is now also a growing concern.
To protect people and the planet, many apartment communities are designating all or some buildings as “non-smoking.”
Featured communities that offer non-smoking buildings:
2. On-site recycling
One would certainly hope that in this day and age on-site recycling is a given, but not all apartment communities offer it.
Definitely check to see if this ultra-important amenity is available. If not, inquire with your landlord about how to get it started!
Featured communities that offer on-site recycling:
3. ENERGY STAR® certified appliances
If an appliance dies nowadays, chances are good that the apartment community will replace it with an ENERGY STAR® certified version. The federal government backs such models because they provide the necessary function (dishwashing, clothes drying, refrigeration, etc.), but in a more energy-efficient manner.
Although these models are more expensive up front, they actually save the landlord money over time because it costs less to power them. In fact, 2019 alone saw ENERGY STAR products save about $39 billion in energy costs.
Featured communities that offer ENERGY STAR® certified appliances:
4. Certified efficient windows
Another in the portfolio of ENERGY STAR products certified efficient windows can save money and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing single-pane windows can save $101 to $583 per year and thousands of pounds worth of carbon dioxide!
Featured communities that offer certified efficient windows:
5. Electric vehicle charging stations
Electric vehicles are finally on the upswing in the U.S. Savvy apartment communities are adding EV charging stations to their list of amenities to attract eco-minded renters. This is a big deal because the majority of charging happens at home, rather than at public charging stations.
So, if a community can’t accommodate a potential renter’s car charging needs, the tenant will keep looking until they find a place that can.
Featured communities that offer EV charging stations:
6. Solar panels
It wasn’t that long ago that solar panels were too expensive for anyone but the very affluent to afford. Now, they’re coming down in price and many apartment communities are taking advantage.
Although installation still isn’t cheap, over time solar installations save a lot of money on utility costs. Then, of course, there are the environmental benefits, like lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
Just be aware that this eco-friendly amenity often comes with higher rent prices to cover the installation cost, so you’ll probably pay more for peace of mind.
Featured communities that offer solar panels:
7. LEED certification
More common among brand-new or newly renovated properties, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a green building rating system used all over the world.
To get LEED certification a property must meet a bunch of standards, designed to improve indoor air quality, reduce pollution, limit exposure to chemicals and lower energy consumption, among others. The typical renter pays up to 20 percent more per month on rent for these green upgrades, but definitely reap the physical benefits, so there’s that.
Featured communities that offer LEED certification:
8. Smart thermostats
Here’s one eco-friendly amenity that isn’t pricey at all to install. Smart thermostats take the guesswork out of heating and air conditioning.
For one, they sense once you’ve left the building and adjust the temperature setting accordingly (no sense paying to overly heat a space no one’s occupying at the moment). You can also easily set a schedule and check on or adjust it remotely.
All of these perks mean that energy is saved (not to mention the dollars saved for whoever pays the bill too).
Featured communities that offer smart thermostats:
9. Upgraded HVAC filtration
HVAC systems have come a long way in recent years. So when the old ones die (or become woefully inadequate) property managers often opt to replace them with upgraded versions. An ENERGY STAR-certified system is ideal because they are 10 to 15 percent more efficient than the unrated versions. Every bit of efficiency saves money and energy because it more seamlessly cools and heats the space.
Featured communities that offer upgraded HVAC filtration:
10. Community gardens
Many renters are no longer stuck only growing whatever fits inside or on their tiny porch. Instead, lots of apartment communities have established community food and flower gardens as a way to encourage community, healthy eating and good old-fashioned outdoor time.
Some even include community compost heaps, where residents can responsibly dispose of compostable waste like eggshells, veggie scraps and coffee grounds!
Featured communities that offer community gardens:
Eco-friendly amenities are here to stay
Every eco-friendly amenity really adds up when it comes to helping the planet. Even if the unit you’re in (or the one you’re looking at) doesn’t sport some of these, broach the subject with the landlord. It can’t hurt to inquire, and maybe some positive changes will result!
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.