Located in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley, Fresno stands as a testament to the Golden State’s agricultural heartland. As the fifth-largest city in the state, Fresno offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. From the sprawling vineyards of nearby wine country to the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains on the city’s doorstep, Fresno is a gateway to outdoor adventure and natural beauty. With the city holding so many amazing qualities, it’s no wonder people are asking themselves, “Should I move to Fresno?”
If you’ve been wondering about making the move to Fresno, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of living in this city to help you decide if Fresno is the right choice for you. Let’s dive in.
Fresno at a Glance
Walk Score: 47 | Bike Score: 58 | Transit Score: 33
Median Sale Price: $385,000 | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,360
Fresno neighborhoods | Houses for rent in Fresno | apartments for rent in Fresno | Homes for sale in Fresno
Pro: Fresh local produce
Because of it’s location in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Fresno is a haven for fresh produce lovers. The city’s farmers’ markets, such as the Vineyard Farmers Market, overflow with locally grown fruits and vegetables. This agricultural abundance supports a dynamic local cuisine scene, with farm-to-table restaurants showcasing the region’s best. The availability of fresh, quality ingredients is a significant perk for residents who value healthy and sustainable eating.
Con: Air quality concerns
One of the challenges of living in Fresno is dealing with its air quality. With it’s position in a valley, the city often finds itself grappling with smog and pollution, particularly during the hot summer months. This can affect outdoor activities and pose health concerns for people with respiratory issues. Despite efforts to improve the situation, air quality remains a concern that locals must find ways to navigate.
Pro: Growing job market
In recent years, Fresno has seen growth in its job market, particularly in the healthcare, education, and agricultural sectors. New businesses and industries are setting roots in the city, offering a range of employment opportunities. This economic development is promising for residents and attracts individuals looking for new ventures. The evolving job market is a sign of Fresno’s potential for future prosperity.
Con: High cost of living
The cost of living in Fresno is 9% higher than the national average. The cost of utilities, such as electricity, water, and gas, tends to be higher compared to other cities in California. For instance, residents may find themselves paying more for electricity bills due to the region’s warm climate, which requires extensive use of air conditioning during the hot summer months. Additionally, water bills can be elevated due to the need for irrigation in agricultural areas surrounding Fresno. These higher utility costs can strain household budgets and make it challenging for some residents to manage these extra expenses.
Pro: Proximity to national parks
Fresno’s location is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It serves as a gateway to some of the country’s most stunning national parks, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. These natural wonders offer endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. The ability to take a day trip to such iconic destinations is a unique advantage of living in Fresno, providing an easy escape to nature whenever the city life becomes too much.
Con: Extreme summer heat
Residents of Fresno must prepare for the extreme heat that envelops the city during the summer months. Temperatures frequently soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making outdoor activities uncomfortable and sometimes hazardous. This intense heat can limit recreational options and increase reliance on air conditioning, subsequently raising utility bills. The summer heat is a significant factor to consider for anyone thinking about moving to Fresno.
Pro: Unique local cuisine
Fresno’s culinary scene is a hidden gem, with a unique blend of influences from its diverse population and agricultural roots. Local specialties include dishes inspired by Mexican, Southeast Asian, and farm-to-table cuisine. Restaurants like The Annex Kitchen, which offers Italian-inspired dishes made with local ingredients, highlight the city’s innovative and delicious food offerings. For foodies, Fresno offers a delightful exploration of flavors that reflect its cultural diversity and agricultural abundance.
Con: Public transportation limitations
The public transportation system in Fresno, while present, doesn’t always meet the needs of all its residents. Coverage can be sparse, and frequency of service is often lacking, especially outside of the city center. This can make it challenging for those without personal vehicles to navigate the city efficiently. The limitations of public transportation can impact daily commutes, access to services, and overall mobility within Fresno.
Fresno boasts a strong sense of community, with locals often coming together to support small businesses, schools, and charitable causes. Neighborhoods host block parties, community gardens, and local markets that foster a sense of belonging. This community spirit is evident in the city’s response to challenges, where neighbors are quick to lend a hand. Living in Fresno means being part of a community that cares and connects, enhancing the quality of life for its members.
Con: Limited nightlife and entertainment options
While Fresno has its charms, it may fall short for those seeking a bustling nightlife or a wide array of entertainment options. The city has some bars, clubs, and cultural events, but the variety and frequency might not match larger cities. This can be a drawback for anyone who thrives on the energy of a vibrant night scene. Residents often find themselves traveling to nearby cities for concerts, festivals, and other entertainment pursuits.
Jenna is a Midwest native who enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, crocheting, or backpacking with her fiancé.
A soft opening Feb. 3 brought customers into the RD International Market who shopped the food, décor and houseware aisles, the fresh produce, refrigerated foods, frozen and fresh meats and fish – and the 70 live seafood tanks.
Crab, eel, geoduck (a large clam), shrimp and other live seafood were available along with other fresh options.
Owner Steven Yuan said business was good. “There are a lot of people,” he said, surveying the renovated Winn-Dixie at 7534 Beach Blvd.
The Asian and international supermarket is in the Beach Boulevard Shopping Center along Beach Boulevard at Hogan and Parental Home roads near the eastern access to the Hart Expressway.
Winn-Dixie closed in 2017. Yuan has leased it as his second RD International Market, with the first in Lake Worth.
The city issued a permit June 2, 2023, for Master Contractors Inc. of Lake Worth to renovate the 52,600-square-foot store at a construction cost of $980,000. The architect is Sandra Puerta of Lake Worth.
Yuan equipped the store with new flooring, shelving, freezers, refrigerators, checkout stations and carts with swivel casters that allow for easy guidance.
Some shelves and cold cases were not full yet Feb. 3; the hot food area in the back was not set up; and the 13 food court tenants were not operating. The sign was up for one of the tenants, Teppanyaki House. Tables and chairs are being prepared for setup.
Yuan said the store should be fully open in 20 or 30 days with the food court open within a month. He is considering a grand opening event.
From housewares to meats
In addition to food, the store carries housewares, toys, décor, tea sets and tea tables and chairs.
Meats include traditional cuts as well as frog legs; duck feet; pork belly, intestines and snouts; and other specialty varieties.
Produce includes mushroom varieties, bok choy tips and a large selection of vegetables and fruit.
The live seafood is sourced from its native areas, such as cold water from the north and warm water from Florida.
RD International intends to carry Florida-sourced fish and produce to the extent available.
Staff can clean and cut the seafood for customers and in the future will be able to cook it for eating in the food court or to take home.
The store is open in time for the Feb. 10 Lunar New Year for the Year of the Dragon. The celebration concludes with the Feb. 24 Lantern Festival.
The Chinese New Year also is known as the Spring Festival.
RD International Market is stocking seasonal items for the celebration.
Hours are posted as 10 a.m to 9 p.m. daily but those may change. Yuan said the Jacksonville store has been opening earlier than that.
The state’s second RD International
Last June, when starting work on the store, Yuan said the market would include fresh produce, a bakery, 13 to 14 food-court operators, a hot food bar, groceries and – its specialty – 60 fish tanks for live seafood, including lobster, shrimp and crab.
The first market opened five years ago in Lake Worth. It has 30 live seafood tanks. At 11,000 square feet, the Lake Worth store is about a fifth of the size of the Jacksonville location.
Yuan and Irene Zhang, his sister and a company representative, expect the center to create 80 jobs.
The website says the market will host community events throughout the year.
“A lot of grandparents take the kids as a field trip to our store,” Zhang said previously.
While the store has a strong inventory of Asian food, the goal is to serve an international market.
“There is a large Asian population in Jacksonville,” Zhang said, in sharing how they chose the location.
While there are smaller Asian and international groceries, there is no large one with a wide selection of live seafood, she said.
“Jacksonville is a big city,” she said, and the Beach Boulevard address is conveniently located.
The U.S. Census reports that as of 2022, the Asian population in Jacksonville is estimated at more than 47,500, or 4.9% of the city’s population. That is up 35% from 35,200 in 2010.
The ZIP codes with the highest Asian population include 32256, 32246, 32207, 32258 and 32216, where the store opened, which is central to the others.
With Jacksonville’s waterfront and fishing, “it is a very good place to have a seafood market,” Zhang said.
The property owner is 1980 Union Port Associates LLC of New York City. Goldstein Commercial Properties Inc. is the landlord representative.
There are plenty of trends that used to be mostly popular among the low-middle income people that changed when they became popular with rich people. Whether it is a band, a clothing style, or a hobby, nothing remains the same once wealth and status get involved. But what are some of the things that poor people loved before they were spoiled by the wealthy? Here, we look at 20 things that once brought joy to those without much money—until their newfound popularity caused them to be re-crafted as symbols of luxury and extravagance.
1. Industrial, Warehouse Apartments
One user shared, “Living in warehouses in the industrial, rundown side of town.”
Another user agreed and commented, “Yes! They tore down all the real lofts to build condos they call lofts.”
2. Etsy
“Etsy,” posted one user.
Another user commented, “There are SO many accounts for cheap stuff from China that you could get on many other websites as well. No, I come to Etsy for homemade stuff and to support artistic individuals.”
One user added, “Yep, I remember trying to avoid the temptation of Shein by almost buying some unique pearl belly dance waist chains from there for 20 dollars. Dear reader, they were from Shein, without the tags and with a hefty 200% price increase. Thank God for the reviewer who exposed them.”
3. Food banks
One Redditor unfolded the riches’ hack and posted, “Food banks. My local food bank put out a news article basically saying that rich people need to stop using the food bank as a ‘life hack’ to lower their grocery bills.”
One user grasped and commented, “OMG. That’s so evil. Some people really have no conscience.”
4. Living in Arty Neighborhoods
One Redditor shared, “Living in arty neighborhoods.”
Another user replied,” This is what I was looking for. Creative poor people have been investing in poor neighbourhoods forever. They use their talent to make it an excellent place they enjoy living in. The rich say, ‘Hey, I want to be cool, let’s buy this.’ And then they price the poor out of the haven they created and turn it into a stale, crowded, overpriced place. TL;DR—Gentrification”
5. Champion Brand Clothes
“Champion brand clothes. I had a lot when I was a kid because it was the cheapest possible, and now all that s- is considered ‘vintage,’” posted one user.
Another responded, “Reminds me of Fila and Puma.”
6. eBay
An online Redditor commented, “Ebay. It used to be so useful to get all kinds of cheap or unique things. Then more and more big commercial sellers joined the club, and eventually, eBay itself forgot about what and who made their platform a success in the first place.”
“I’ve had my eBay account since ’98 when you had to send physical checks/money orders through the mail. It felt like an online flea market or garage sale where you’d get to know certain buyers and sellers. Feedback was critical, and you never bid on something you didn’t plan to buy because any hit to your reputation was a huge deal.
“It was a nice little collecting community until they allowed resellers of knock-off goods in and turned the whole thing into another Amazon. I occasionally still sell collectibles, but the number of people who don’t bother paying is huge now. I miss old eBay,” stated one user.
7. Blue-Collar Residential Neighborhoods
One user also shared, “Blue-collar residential neighborhoods in the city.”
Another user commented, “Yes! This is my answer, too. Not just houses in general but poor neighborhoods, in particular, are being f- over. You can see the tale here in the property history on Realtor.com. Lots and lots of houses were previously on the market for $50,000, bought, and then flipped and listed for $250k to $300k in a ZIP code where the median income is $34.5k, a good $20k less than the median income for the city. Shockingly, no one wants to spend $300k for a s- remodel in the ‘hood, so most of these houses sit empty unless/until they’re put on Airbnb.”
One added, “I think the problem with gentrification in the US is twofold: a failure to provide a path to ownership for often at-risk residents (which leads to slumlords) and a failure to protect the at-risk pop who DO own property from massive tax hikes.
“No one is opposed to tearing down condemned houses and building new ones, but the neighbours who have been there should not get affected by massive tax increases.”
8. Rural Lake Cabins
“Quiet out-of-the-way country cabins sitting by lakes. Now they are overpriced Airbnbs,” posted one user.
Another user commented, “I’d even say Airbnbs themselves. They started as a potentially cheap alternative to hotels run by people with extra space they aren’t doing anything with. Now people build guest houses specifically for Airbnb and treat It like a full-on rental.”
One user suggested, “If you do decide to go to an Airbnb as a getaway, I’d recommend looking for one on a farm. From what I’ve seen, they’re usually run by the farmers as a sort of side gig and not some company or wealthy person.
“The last one I went to was out in the middle of nowhere with like 70 acres that you’re free to explore, and it was actually at an animal rehabilitation center. They rented out their spare room as an Airbnb as a way to bring in more money to put towards the animals. It was insanely cool.
“They had a ton of animals that were being rehabilitated. The living room had a giant window that looked straight into the snow macaque enclosure. It was their inside feeding area, so you could watch them chill and eat like 2 feet away. There was a flock of chickens that would follow you around; most of them were bald or had b-m legs or other issues that would get them slaughtered at a farm. There were storks, peacocks, a very playful otter, spider monkeys, a d-head heron that kept pecking at my boots, boxes, and a lot more, but they even had tigers. Apparently, they were rescued from a carnival and couldn’t be released into the wild. It was so calm and also sweet to know that you were contributing a bit just by staying there.
“Edit: guess I should’ve included it in the original comment. It’s called ‘The Suite at the Ridge’ in Hocking Hills, Ohio. The Airbnb itself wasn’t crazy lovely or anything, but it was perfectly fine, and you’re there to be around the animals anyways. Unfortunately, I can’t post pictures here because I have some I’d love to share.
“Edit 2: I can’t seem to get the listing to show up in a search, only by looking through messages and it says that the host ‘no longer has access to Airbnb’ so I’m not sure what happened. We went in January, so it wasn’t even a year ago. But if you want to look at other sites, the sanctuary is Union Ridge Wildlife Center.
“Edit 3: Don’t Google the name of the wildlife center unless you want my happy post to become a sad post. Turns out it wasn’t as wholesome as I thought it was.”
9. Van Life and Tiny Houses
One online user stated, “Van life and tiny house living.”
Another user replied, “It’s like they gentrified the trailer park.”
Another user commented, “Not where I live. We still have proper trailer parks loaded with meth, pit bulls and domestic violence.”
10. Modernizing a Historic Home
A user commented, “Buying a “fixer-upper” home and spending weekends working on it. I was really looking forward to that.”
One user responded, “I’ve seen so many nice period houses completely gutted on the inside by modern renovations. If I buy a 1930s house, I don’t want a stupid Scandinavian minimalist interior!”
11. Thrift Shopping
“Thrift shopping. I’m not *thrifting* I’m f- broke,” one user commented.
Another user added, “Sometimes I feel like it’s cheaper to buy clothes at Target or Walmart brand new than it is to buy from a thrift store.”
12. Counterculture-Based Festivals
A Redditor stated, “Counterculture-based festivals. Burning Man was on my bucket list until rich folks started showing up with bodyguards and started establishing private zones.”
One user added, “Counterculture as a whole seems to be getting gentrified. In the Netherlands, there are a lot of places you can go to that have a ‘counterculture aesthetic’ or more specifically, ‘squat aesthetic’ but have exorbitant prices. Squatting used to be vast, and multiple venues in the Netherlands (like Paradiso and Melkweg) have their humble beginnings as a squat. Ruigoord, a village close to Amsterdam that got squatted 50 years ago, also completely lost its soul and is filled with yuppies.
“Counterculture is being gentrified, sanitized and sold back to people at exorbitant prices as something ‘new, weird and hip.’”
13. The Farmer’s Market
One user posted, “Going to the farmers market.” A user replied, “I went to a farmer’s market where only one vendor sold fruits and vegetables. There were three boutique honey stands and an old white lady selling ‘native’ art. St Philips Plaza in Tucson, for anyone who knows what I’m talking about. So dumb.”
14. Houses
“Houses. We poor people would work our entire lives to own one. Property became a great investment and a way to increase wealth, so rich people bought them. Not to live in as intended but to rent to the poor and keep them poor by renting so they will never be able to save enough to afford their own.” a user added to the thread.
15. Fajitas
One Redditor shared, “Fajitas. I remember being able to get skirt steak really cheap and sometimes for free.”
One user replied, “That goes for any ‘cheap’ cut of meat.”
16. Pickup Trucks
“Pickup trucks. They used to be much cheaper,” one user posted.
Another user replied, “They’re luxury minivans now.”
17. Unrestricted Land
One user posted, “Unrestricted land. Everything gets an HOA now, and they try to force you into their jurisdiction.
“My family fought an HOA targeting my grandmother’s house. She had lived there for ten years before the HOA was even an idea, or the new area with big houses was cleared for construction before that.
“We ended up having Rock in her house, skirting, and rock under her deck due to insufficient money to fight an HOA she never signed on to.
“If an HOA comes out where I live (which might happen in the next 15 years), I will fight them tooth and nail for spite alone.”
18. Cheat Cuts of Meat
“Off cuts of meat,” shared one user.
Another user replied, “I remember when chicken wings were 10 cents because they could not give them away. Now, they are an industry. They break a wing in half and call it two wings.”
19. Concerts and Festivals
One user shared, “Concerts and festivals.”
Another Redditor added, “I agree with this one. I have lost all interest in the concert/festival experience.”
20. Brisket Burnt Ends
“Brisket burnt ends. BBQ joints used to toss them or give them away for free,” One commenter added.
Another user replied, “BBQ used to be poor people’s food. Nobody wanted to eat ribs and brisket because they are hard to cook. Now every upper-middle-class person has a smoker, and BBQ costs an arm and a leg.”
Do you agree with the things listed above? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Reddit.
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As many college students will attest, regularly buying food on campus is not only expensive, but often unhealthy. Buying your lunch for 10 dollars a day at the fast food restaurants, pizza joints, and coffee shops on campus can really add up, and most have limited healthy menu options. Taking the time to plan out your lunches and pack healthy meals for college students can make a huge difference in your energy levels throughout the day. Best of all, there are easy meals for college students that you can whip up on a budget.
The following meal plan shows how to eat on a college budget and offers healthy lunch recipes and easy meals for college students. The guide features tips from Jacqueline de Grave, a former student and college athlete who is passionate about cooking and eating well on a budget, and it’s also been reviewed by Kathryn Alp, a registered dietitian.
Monday
Rice and Beans
How to eat on a college budget starts with this quick and easy meal that you can make in a big batch a night or two in advance. It’s just what you’re looking for on a busy week with back-to-back tests and papers. Choose brown rice to hike up your fiber intake and add all sorts of veggies like corn, avocado, tomatoes and peppers for even more nutrition and flavor. Black beans and kidney beans work well, but you can also try other varieties like navy, white or chickpeas. Bean dishes can be perfect healthy meals for college students—and they can be done on a college budget.
Tuesday
Super Salad
It’s time to revamp your tired bowl of greens by topping it with tasty sources of protein and fiber. In addition to your favorite fruits or vegetables, try adding chickpeas, chicken breast, canned tuna or a sliced hard-boiled egg to keep you full throughout the day as you go from class to class. Hemp hearts are another great source of protein that are delicious sprinkled on top of salads. You may even be able to throw one of these together at your cafeteria’s salad bars when you’re on the hunt for easy meals for college students.
One of de Grave’s creations is a super simple orzo pasta salad with ground turkey, veggies, and feta cheese.
“Salads don’t have to be boring,” de Grave says. “I love to have fun mixing up ingredients that vary from pasta salads, chickpea or bean salads, to chicken salad sandwiches or chicken salad on a bed of greens. As long as you are willing to get creative with your ingredients, salads can take on many shapes and flavors and be perfect for light snacks or heartier meals that are easy to carry around.”
Wednesday
Pita Pockets
Sounds like the perfect budget meal to accompany a marathon study session, right? You can also put it on your list of healthy meals for college students. Variations include marinated tofu for vegetarians or sliced chicken breast or pork chop for meat eaters. Stuff the pita with bean sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and Greek yogurt and voila: You’ve got a quick, easy lunch that’s cheaper and healthier than an sandwich or burger at any campus fast food joint. Go ahead and get creative with your fillings.
“I sometimes replace the pita with romaine lettuce,” de Grave says. “Topping it with veggies, chicken, ground turkey, or chicken and homemade dressings is a super simple way to throw together a quick and affordable meal.”
Thursday
Egg Salad and Tuna Sandwich
How to eat on a college budget? Look no further than this mashup of two classic (and inexpensive) sandwich toppers: egg salad and tuna. You can splurge on your favorite veggie toppings. Use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and hearty whole grain bread to make this an even healthier option.
“Carbs provide us with the only source of fuel for our brains,” Alp says. “If you eat enough high-quality carbs like whole grains, fruits and vegetables—that’s going to be your brain food,” she adds.
Friday
DIY Fresh Spring Rolls
These are a little bit more time consuming to prepare, but totally worth it if you’re looking for healthy meals for college students. Simply roll up vegetables and your favorite protein in rice paper, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. You can use any filling you like including chicken breasts, avocado, or cherry tomatoes. Tofu is a great alternative because it can be cheaper than meat and can absorb any flavor, making it very versatile.
Daily Snacks
When learning how to eat on a college budget, it’s important to curb your hunger with healthy snacks throughout the day. For a well-balanced snack, Alp recommends including a food high in protein or fiber combined with carbs from fruits or vegetables. Need a few ideas to get you going? Get started with these:
Healthy Granola Cookies
Granola-based cookies can be tailored to all taste buds. Make them sweet by adding cacao nibs and plenty of dried fruit like cranberries, blueberries, and raisins, or opt for higher protein with peanut butter, coconut flakes, slivered almonds and pumpkin seeds. Buying the dried fruit, nuts and seeds at your nearest bulk store can make them more affordable.
Overnight Oats
Make this delicious and inexpensive snack in a mason jar and leave it in your fridge overnight. You can get creative with this one and add anything from cocoa to pumpkin puree to fresh fruit and peanut butter.
Homemade White Bean Dip
Make this dip in a big batch in advance and store it in sealed containers for up to three days. Serve with pita, sliced veggies or crackers.
Ants on a Log
Nope, it’s not just for kids. This one is a fun, easy meal for college students. Top celery stalks with peanut butter and raisins the good old fashioned way or experiment with other toppings.
If eating on campus is your only option, keep these tips in mind for eating well in a pinch…
Alp says there is one key area where college students often slip up. “Drinking your calories. If I could tell everyone to quit juice, I would,” she says.
Alp suggests avoiding soda or juice because these drinks can contain added sugar that can slow you down over the course of the day. Even so-called “sports drinks” can pack a lot of sugar into just one bottle.
And when you need an extra caffeine kick, consider avoiding energy drinks or sweet coffee drinks. Not only do these drinks cost a pretty penny, many pre-made coffee drinks have more sugar than a can of soda.
“If students choose water over juice, extra sugar in their coffee, energy drinks or pop they would be cutting quite a lot of calories out of their diet,” Alp says.
Because sometimes it’s impossible to avoid the food court when you’re stuck on campus all day, Alp has some guidance for choosing the healthiest option from fast food restaurants.
“Choose tomato-based sauces over cream sauces. Choose the grilled option over the fried option. And choose the whole wheat option whenever possible,” she says.
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I am a huge fan of simple living and of the do-it-yourself ethic. It’s no surprise then that I am fascinated by homesteading, the lifestyle of “agrarian self-sufficiency”. This article was written for Get Rich Slowly by Phelan, host of A Homesteading Neophyte, a blog about learning to homestead. Phelan is a regular commenter to this site.
Modern homesteading is a great way to save some of your hard-earned cash. That is if you are not afraid of a little hard work and waking before the rooster. The fast-paced convenient world of today can and will lead you down the path to debt. Four years ago I found myself in a terrible situation: How does one go about feeding a family of four on one hundred dollars for two weeks? Did we have enough money to buy gasoline just to get to work? It was scary not knowing where my family was going. Yet when I planted my first tomato, a thought sprouted in my mind.
My first homesteading goals were just to preserve my garden for the winter, insuring that there was always something to eat. But as my garden grew, so did my ideas.
There are initial costs when it comes to living a self-sufficient life. But all of the things that must be purchased will pay for themselves — the time that takes depends on how you manage them. We purchase our items slowly. Big items come with our tax returns, and only after any outstanding bills are paid. Smaller items are bought on an individual basis, depending what we can afford at the time, usually when we are out buying feed for our livestock. Because of the way we have built our homestead piece-by-piece, and the manner in which we have preserved our foodstuffs, we have money left unspent. Four years ago we would have never have believed this possible.
Homesteading isn’t something that can be done only in rural areas; even urban dwellers can benefit from simple self-sufficient activities:
Buy food stuff in bulk or on sale and preserve them by canning, freezing or drying.
Purchase a layer (standard-size chicken or bantam) for eggs and/or meat. Many cities allow you to have a chicken or two.
Container garden and create a neighborhood co-op, bartering different vegetables with one another.
Some of our start-up costs have been purchasing chickens, seeds, canning jars and equipment. My hot water bath and pressure canner came from someone that was no longer using them. The best advice I can give when it comes to your planning stage, is to talk openly about what you are wanting to do. You might be surprised on what some people have stashed in their attic and are willing to give freely. Check freecycle, your local paper, rural estate sales, garage sales and even try placing an ad in a free, or cheaply-priced paper for your wants/needs.
Once your chickens and seeds are purchased, your only costs will be feed and water (if you are not on a well). Seed saving will insure your next year’s garden. Allowing your hens to hatch eggs will replenish your stock. Be creative when it comes to reusing materials. We use our un-repairable refrigerator to store our feed, a broken fan stand for a sprinkler stand, and cracked hoses for deep soak waters. Save your glass jars to store dried goods in, and milk cartons to start seedlings. Just remember: it’s not white trash, it’s imaginative, frugal and eco-friendly.
My family might be an extreme when it comes to simple living. We are building a new home, a green shelter. Using only locally produced and recycled construction materials and building it ourselves will save us more than half the cost of paying someone else to build it. With a fire place, underground water cooling systems (air-conditioning) and going solar powered, our out of pocket expenses will drop dramatically.
Some other things to reduce expenses are:
Raiding a wood lot and building a wattle fence
Buy fruits and vegetables from a “U-Pick” farm
Making your own pasta, juices, vinegars, wine and dyes
Creating wooden toys
Make your own soap
Making your own yogurt and cheeses
These things do take time and dedication, but just the act of making your own dinners from scratch will save you money. Using flour, eggs, and water to manufacture your own noodles will cost you less than buying the same amount in the pre-made versions. This can be said about most things that you can create from scratch, the base components while at first seem more expensive, are cheaper when compared to their convenient counterparts.
While homesteading can seem daunting at times, it will save you money as well as bring your family closer together. At home, self induced family entertainment, is another benefit of living simply. It also comes with free educational experiences that are rarely taught in a public school system. Check in with your local extension office for free or inexpensive classes for you and your children. Take a drive in the country and look for hand made signs boasting of wares for sale, they can lead you to a wealth of knowledge and new friendships.
Modern homesteading is not for everyone. Yet taking a few of these suggestions and applying them to your own life will make a significant difference on the way you view the world, and the impact on your wallet.
You can read more about Phelan’s adventures in homesteading at her blog, A Homesteading Neophyte. She has also written articles for other publications:
If you’d like to read more along the same lines, I also recommend Pocket Farm, a weblog from a couple looking to achieve Voluntary Simplicity on a farm in Maine. You might also like homestead.org or the forums at Homesteading Today.
Three months ago I wrote about the high cost of being fat. I had spent $4500 over four years because of my weight. The problem wasn’t just costing me money — it had caused sleep apnea, a torn ACL, and mild depression, three conditions which eroded my quality of life.
Then a reader issued a challenge. Lauren Muney wrote to provide her services as a wellness coach free for one month: “I’m offering this to you because I’ve been reading your blog daily and I want to give back,” she said. She continued:
Most people think that coaching is bull. It’s amazing how much money people will spend on diet books, fad equipment, diet pills, and the like — and never budge an inch. I just talk to my clients. They drop 10, 20, even more pounds of weight, plus they retain the weight loss and make life changes they never thought possible. But it is they who do the work and they who take the glory. I know you understand the value of getting rich slowly but carefully. It’s the same with fitness and lifestyle changes — the good stuff is slow, but it sticks.
For years I’ve complained about being fat. People are sympathetic, but nobody had ever laid it on the line like this before. It felt strange. Lauren was offering to help me, but only if I were willing to take responsibility for my actions. I was scared. I realized that an impartial third-party — an expert third party — was exactly the sort of motivation I needed to succeed. (I’ve always worked best under supervision.) I decided I’d be a fool to refuse her offer.
Lauren had me begin by keeping track of everything I ate. (This is similar to my admonition to track everything you spend.) I knew my diet was poor, but I never realized how poor until I began to keep a food journal: donuts for breakfast, candy bars for lunch, Safeway Chinese food for dinner. I recorded everything in gory detail. After Lauren looked at the data, we spent an hour by phone discussing my habits, exploring ways I could change them. Among other steps, she had me:
Eliminate excess sugar. It was clear that I’d become a sugar junkie. Eating donuts and candy bars and sucking down soda was giving me more refined sugar than my body could handle.
Reduce alcohol consumption. I’d been having a drink or two most nights. On Lauren’s advice, I cut back to almost nothing. (I still have a drink at parties or on special occasions.)
Reduce caffeine consumption. So long, soda. So long, tea. I used to be a Diet Pepsi junkie. I had a weakness lapsang souchong. Now caffeine is a rarity.
Eliminate processed foods. Most of my meals were from one of two food groups: canned or frozen. Canned soup, canned chili, canned pasta, canned vegetables. Frozen pizza, frozen lasagna, frozen chicken patties, frozen fish. Lauren had me purge processed foods from the house. (This was difficult for a frugal person like me — each discarded TV dinner was like throwing away money.)
Introduce whole foods into my diet. I’ve always struggled to eat enough fruits and vegetables. Even with this program, I’m not getting as much as I should, but I’ve gone from eating a couple a week to eating a couple a day. That’s a huge improvement.
Drink water. Humans are ugly bags of mostly water. I wasn’t getting enough of it. By drinking more water, my hunger subsided.
Eat balanced meals. Lauren emphasized the importance of having a protein, a carbohydrate, and a fat with every meal. I thought this change would be pointless, but have been surprised at how effective it has been at satisfying my hunger.
Exercise portion control. I have a natural tendency to eat huge portions. Lauren coached me to reduce my portion sizes so that I’m not overeating.
Lauren’s advice wasn’t all about food, though. She stressed the importance of physical activity. She had me do the following:
Obtain a complete physical. We were particularly curious if I showed signs of diabetes. (My addiction to sugar, and my reaction to it, are worrying.) I don’t. My cholesterol is borderline, but other than that things look fine.
Buy a pair of running shoes. I’d been walking and jogging in a pair of fashionable sneakers. Lauren had me actually get fitted for shoes that matched my stride.
Meet with a running expert. I made an appointment with the owner of the running store. He spent time demonstrating proper form, showing me how to improve my stride.
Practice mindfulness. A lot of my behavior was reflexive. I was just eating whatever I felt like, or whatever was in front of me. Lauren urged me to slow down, to question my actions.
Over the course of one month Lauren and I spoke weekly about my progress. During each session she praised my success and helped me to learn from my failures. After each conversation, she drafted an e-mail that summarized the goals we’d set for the coming week. This process worked wonders.
Lauren helped me see the barriers I had created: “I can’t eat breakfast because I don’t have time”, “I need to eat all of the leftovers”, “It’s too cold and wet to exercise”. These barriers still exist, but now I recognize them for what they are. And I’ve learned something: 80% of wellness is mental. Just as with personal finance, physical fitness is about overcoming mental barriers.
I learned not to bring temptations into the house. I’m good about saying “no” to the big things — a package of cookies at the grocery store — but I’m terrible at saying “no” to the little things. A single cookie at home becomes two, which becomes three, which becomes an entire plate. I have the discipline to resist an entire package of cookies, but not to resist them individually, so I keep them out of the house completely.
I’ve stuck to the plan for three months now. I had a ten-day lapse around Christmas — all the cookies from friends were too much to resist — and I need to ramp up my exercise, but things are going well. I’ve lost thirteen pounds. I have more energy. I’m not foggy-headed from sugar. Best of all, I’m no longer suffering from the depression that has dogged me for the past two years.
I couldn’t have done this without the help of a wellness coach. Because Lauren exists outside my daily life, outside my family, outside my circle of friends, she’s able to point out problems without the baggage of other relationships. There’s still a lot of work to be done. In early March, when spring begins to peek its head through the Oregon rain, I’ll contact Lauren to set up another month of coaching, but this time as a paying customer!
As the proprietor of Physical Mind, Lauren Muney specializes in lifestyle improvement and increasing human performance for personal, professional, and business endeavors. She’s also a crack whip artist! And a fire-eater!
I recently posted two articles for frugal carnivores: a guide to cheap cuts of beef and another on on how to buy a side of beef. GRS-reader Sally has produced an introduction to eating vegetarian for cheap. Though her tips are for herbivores, many are useful to omnivores, as well.
About a year-and-a-half ago, for health reasons, my husband and I committed ourselves to a mostly vegetarian lifestyle. At home we eat entirely vegetarian; when we eat out we allow ourselves to choose meat. It’s also a priority for us to avoid the pesticides in non-organic produce and the hormones that come with non-organic dairy products. Here’s how we eat a ton of fruits and veggies at a fraction of the price you might expect.
Our top strategy is to eat locally-produced foods as often as possible. (Actually, eating locally is a priority for us based on both our physiological needs and the need for Americans to reduce oil consumption. Produce at the grocery store has traveled, on average, 1500 miles to reach us!) Because we live in an Atlanta apartment with no yard or porch, we are unable to grow anything ourselves except for herbs — so we seek out local farmers. (If you’d care to try an urban garden, this video is a good resource.) Locally-grown foods are sold to us at the peak of their flavor and nutritional value, making them more enjoyable. Buying from local farmers, we are also able to ask whether the foods we are buying have been grown using pesticides. (The organic certification process is expensive for small farmers, so some small farmers may use organic methods but not have government certification for years, if ever.)
Local farmers are able to provide us organic fruits and veggies at a fraction of the grocery store price because the foods have not been sent through any middlemen — ConAgra, anyone? — and because the foods have not had to travel long distances to reach us.
There are three primary ways we get local foods:
We shop at the local farmers market when it convenes on Saturday mornings. We buy what’s in season there and bring it home, and then I figure out our meals based on what we have purchased. (One great tool for that part is to use allrecipes.com, which lets me search for recipes that contain whatever ingredients I want to use.) I have developed a palate for many foods I had never before considered eating when we began to buy local, in-season foods this way.
We are also able to purchase local foods through joining a community-supported agriculture program, or CSA. With a CSA, we are purchasing a share of a particular farmer’s (or set of farmers’) crops. The produce is delivered to us once a week at a pick-up spot near our apartment. This month we will start the spring CSA round, getting our fruits, vegetables, and eggs — all organic — for $24/week for two people. You can easily find farmers markets and CSAs in your area by visiting Local Harvest.
The last way to get local, inexpensive fruits and vegetables is to pick them ourselves. Last summer, for example, my husband and I spent a lovely afternoon picking organic blueberries for $1/pound. In the 60 miles around Atlanta there are places to pick everything from pecans to raspberries to apples, so I hope we will utilize these methods more often in the future. (You can find places to pick your own by going to Google and typing “u-pick” with the name of the food and your state. Or search at Pick Your Own.) Two of my goals for this year are to procure an energy-efficient deep freezer, and to learn to can produce so that we can store our local bounty for longer periods of time!
Eating local foods is our top strategy for saving money, but we have several methods of trying to keep our grocery costs reasonable.
We buy frequently-used items in bulk at Costco (a membership-based store, similar to BJ’s and Sam’s Club) and, if those foods will spoil too quickly, split the items and the cost with friends. Costco has recently developed a much more extensive collection of organic foods than they previously offered.
We make liberal use of cheap vegetarian proteins: four servings of organic tofu will set you back $2; beans are even cheaper than that. Tofu and beans poorly prepared can be boring or even disgusting, but they can be marvelous when they are well-prepared. And eggs — oh, glorious eggs! A fried egg placed on some peppered asparagus or a frittata loaded with eggs, cheese, and vegetables can be a transcendent experience.
We attempt to keep our meals as empty of refined foods as possible. Pre-packaged meals, store-bought sauces, etc. are sometimes ridiculously expensive. Keeping many of our meals based on foods close to their natural state (steel-cut oats instead of instant, flavored oatmeal, for example) helps keep costs down.
We freeze leftovers in individual-sized, labeled containers (we use tupperware-like containers from Ikea and Sharpie’s erasable label system) and take those leftovers to work to microwave for lunches. Doling a dinner’s leftovers into individual portions and freezing them right after dinner prevents us from having rotting leftovers wasting away in our fridge.
Last, and possibly the least intuitive, we buy high-quality, high-cost items when doing so will mean the difference between an okay meal and a great one. We never want to feel deprived by our meals. Sometimes a small amount of an expensive ingredient makes all the difference. A small amount of pricey, freshly grated parmesan from Italy might be just the thing to give life to some steamed vegetables, or an incredible curry sauce might be costly until you consider that it gives you a satisfying Thai restaurant-like experience for $1 a serving. Sometimes paying a little more is worth it to keep yourself feeling satisfied with lower prices in the long run.
In my early twenties, I developed a hormone-linked cancer. In the process of researching different life elements that create or fight cancer, I realized that if I were to lead a long life, my lifestyle of high meat, processed carb, and dairy consumption had to go — and I had to get rid of the pesticides and added hormones in my diet. The switch to a mostly vegetarian, mostly organic lifestyle has decreased my cholesterol level and blood pressure, reduced my weight, and increased the level of my health. It’s also possible the shift in my lifestyle has prevented the return of cancer. With the exception of prevented medical expenses, those are benefits that are difficult to measure in dollars. Certainly, though, the value to my quality of life is much higher than the cost of increasing my vegetable intake has been.
Vegetarians of all stripes may be interested in The Veg Blog. If you’d like to grow your own vegetables, be sure to check out my wife’s recent GRS article on starting a garden.
A few weeks ago I wrote about my realization that I have too much Stuff. For two decades, I had been a willing participant in our consumerist culture, buying books and magazines and video games and compact discs and George Foreman grills. After twenty years of this, all I had to show for it was a mountain of debt and a home filled with Stuff.
Recently, Kris and I have been working to purge our Stuff. While we’ve discarded some of it as trash, we’ve also managed to sell some of it. We’ve donated some of our Stuff to charity. We’ve given other Stuff to friends.
At first this was painful. Then it became appalling. It was shocking to think that I’d paid tens of thousands of dollars to buy this Stuff, and then paid even more in interest fees. Now I’m casting much of it aside, shipping it off to a landfill.
This has made me realize that Stuff has more than just a personal financial cost. Every time I buy something, it has an impact on the world around me. When I buy a new kitchen appliance, for example, there’s an environmental cost for the manufacturing process, for the packaging, for the transportation, and for the marketing. By reducing my role as a consumer, couldn’t I help myself and help the environment? Here are five strategies that I’ve developed to help me accomplish both goals at once:
Reduce your consumption — buy less stuff. Such a simple notion, yet so powerful. The less you buy, the less money you spend. When you buy less, you’re also reducing your environmental impact. Buying fewer things means a little more money in your pocket, and a little less pollution in the world.
Reuse the things you have. Last week, Amanda encouraged us to get value from the things we own. Before you buy a new computer game, ask yourself if you’re finished playing the last one you bought. Before you buy a new bicycle, consider taking your old bike in for a tune-up instead. If you currently buy disposable diapers, disposable razors, or paper towels, consider switching to re-usable alternatives.
Recycle the Stuff you no longer want or need. If you replace your 1996-era 19″ Sony television with a new widescreen model, don’t set the old TV out in the trash. Find another home for it. Put it on Craigslist. Set it outside with a “free” sign on it. If you really want to save money, place yourself on the other side of the equation: look for Stuff that people are getting rid of. You can find nearly everything you need for much less than you’d pay new. You just need to know where to look!
Embrace imperfection. We like the things we buy to be perfect. But that perfection comes at a price, both financially and environmentally. Learn to look beyond the surface:
Hand-crafted goods may contain minor imperfections.
Organic fruits and vegetables often have visible blemishes that do not affect the quality of the food.
The things you find at garage sales and thrift stores will often require mending.
All of these flaws can be disconcerting at first, but in time you may find yourself wondering why they once bothered you.
Pursue quality. I used to buy a pair of $3 gardening gloves every spring because I didn’t see the sense in spending more. They’d work fine for a couple months, but by the end of the summer, they’d be worn to pieces. Then one year I bought a $15 pair of gloves. I haven’t bought another pair since. We often assume the least expensive option is the best way to save money. That’s not always the case. Quality items usually have a higher initial cost, but the total cost of ownership can be much less than a cheaply-made equivalent.
These rules can be difficult to follow — I’ve been working on some of them for years. Most of the time, I still think like a consumer. But because it’s important to the environment, and because it’s important to my bottom line, I’m willing to keep trying.
Last year I asked, “How much do you spend on food?” Answers varied widely. Some commenters couldn’t comprehend that others could spend so much — or so little. I’ve always believed that buying produce at the farmers market is a good way to cut food costs. But is it really? This weekend I decided to find out.
Over the past two days, I’ve surveyed produce prices at five different locations: the farmers market, a produce stand, and three different grocery stores. I did my best to compare apples to apples (so to speak), but I cannot guarantee that my methodology was flawless. Still, this survey was accurate enough for me to draw general conclusions about my personal shopping. Here are the places I scouted:
The nearby farmers market is a great source for produce, but it’s not exactly convenient. It’s open every Sunday from 9:30am to 2:00pm between May and October. The market is a crowded, bustling place with dozens of local growers offering their wares. Quality is good, and most items are raised organically. The market also features cheese-makers, bakers, and the all-important knife man. (We take our blades to be sharpened at the end of every summer.)
You won’t find out-of-season or out-of-region produce at the farmers market. Ginger and bananas and asparagus are nowhere to be seen. You can, however, find a dozen different types of tomatoes, or sample the fall raspberries before you buy. Prices are good on some things, poor on others. For us, it’s worth paying a little extra to support local farmers and businesses with our food dollars.
This high-end grocery store is tucked at the edge of a wealthy neighborhood. We shop it a couple times a year, generally before dinner parties. It stocks a variety of interesting items, and has the highest-quality meats of any nearby source. New Seasons sells a lot of organic and “health” foods, but is less concerned with local items.
The produce here is high quality, but it’s expensive. I have friends that refuse to shop for groceries anywhere else because they support the ideals New Seasons represents. This hinders their ability to economize, but it’s a price they’re willing to pay. I find it difficult to justify the forty minute round trip and the higher costs.
Safeway (Oak Grove store)
Safeway is the closest source of food for us. It’s a mile from our house, and I often walk to the store if our grocery list is light. The prices are decent, especially on sale items. Kris usually plans her weekly shopping list around the Safeway sale inserts.
While the store stocks some organic items, these are costly. The concept of local produce — or local anything — doesn’t enter into the picture with Safeway; we’re treated to woody California strawberries even during the peak of Oregon’s berry season. Produce quality here is good but not great. Safeway’s real competitive advantage is that it sells just about anything we cold possibly need for our home.
Grocery Outlet (Oak Grove store)
Just beyond walking distance is a discount grocery store that features nick-and-dent items, as well as products approaching their expiration dates. We don’t shop here much because Grocery Outlet mostly sells processed food. They do have a small produce section in the back of the store, and their prices are excellent. I can’t vouch for quality, however, as I’ve never purchased any fruits or vegetables from them. On the downside, you must purchase produce in bulk. They don’t sell Costco-sized packages, but still — does anyone really need three pounds of plums?
The Willamette Valley is an agricultural region, and there are produce stands all over, even in the middle of the city. I pass three on my daily commute. Produce stands offer local high-quality organic fruits and vegetables. Selection is mostly seasonal, though; you’re usually limited to whatever is ripe. For this survey, I chose the closest produce stand, which is located across the road from a fish market.
At each location, I jotted prices and observations. After compiling the data, I created a spreadsheet. I had hypothesized that the farmers market would have the lowest prices, but I was wrong. Click below to open the results of the survey in a new window:
Based on my past experience with each produce purveyor, and based on this new research, I charted the pros and cons of each supplier:
My arbitrary system for evaluating my options.
The choice seems clear. During the peak of the harvest, at least, the produce stand offers the best balance of quality and cost, with the best price on 33 out of 63 items. But will it still be a smart place to shop in February? Instead of berries and tomatoes, perhaps the stand will stock yams and winter squashes, cabbages and turnips. Some produce stands shut down completely in the off-season.
Another advantage of shopping exclusively at a produce stand or farmers market is that there are fewer temptations that fall outside the realm of healthy eating. One vendor at the farmers market sells fresh bakery cookies, but that’s as bad as it gets. The produce stand carries bottled soda (including my beloved Mexican Coke), honey stix, wax-paper-wrapped cubes of caramel, and carob balls, but there are few other distractions. Grocery stores — even high-end natural food stores — are warrens of processed food.
What’s the cheapest source of produce in your town? Who has the best quality? Are you willing to pay more to support causes that are important to you? Do you always buy from the same source? Or do you shop around based on price and convenience?
Nestled in the East Bay region just east of San Francisco, Brentwood, CA, is a hidden gem that blends small-town charm with the amenities and opportunities of big-city living. Known for its idyllic weather, high quality of life, and ample outdoor recreation, Brentwood has plenty to offer everyone looking to call it home. From its rich agricultural history and focus on local produce to its robust calendar of community events, there are countless reasons to consider a move to this thriving city.
So, if you’re looking for homes for sale in Brentwood, apartments for rent, or are just curious about what the area has to offer, this Redfin guide is for you. To give you a taste, here are 6reasons to move to Brentwood, CA, and why you’ll love living here.
1. Weather
Brentwood has a Mediterranean climate, making it popular for people who love plenty of sunlight and limited rainfall. Winters are generally mild and wet, while summers are hot and dry with cool evenings. This kind of weather allows for plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year, including biking, hiking, and picnics. The sunlight is also perfect for gardening and agricultural activities, contributing to the area’s rich produce.
2. Location
The city is situated just east of the San Francisco Bay Area, providing a balance of urban and suburban life. Living in Brentwood means you can enjoy the tranquility of a smaller city while still having access to the amenities and opportunities of larger cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Jose. The city’s location also makes it an excellent place for people who love scenic drives and enjoying the natural beauty of coastal California.
3. Agriculture and local produce
Brentwood is famous for its agricultural heritage. The area is rich in farmlands, producing a variety of fruits and vegetables, including peaches, cherries, and corn. These fresh and locally grown items are a regular feature at the city’s farmers’ markets and roadside fruit stands. It’s a food lover’s paradise, particularly for those who appreciate fresh, organic, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
4. Outdoor recreation
Brentwood is nestled between Mt. Diablo and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, making for beautiful contrasting scenery and plenty of recreational possibilities. The Marsh Creek Regional Trail, for example, provides a great place for jogging, cycling, or leisurely walks. Round Valley Regional Preserve, meanwhile, offers beautiful trails and picnic spots, making it perfect for weekend hikes and family outings. The nearby Delta area is also a hub for water-related activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking.
5. Community events
The community spirit in Brentwood is strong, with numerous local events throughout the year that encourage community participation and engagement. The annual Harvest Time Festival, for instance, celebrates local farms and their bounties, providing residents with U-Pick, tours, and more. Another popular option is the weekly Brentwood Farmers’ Market, which offers an array of fresh local produce and artisan goods. And if you like music, Concerts in the Park provides weekly concerts every summer in the heart of the city.
6. Growth and development
Brentwood has seen significant growth and development in recent years, with its population growing by nearly 300% since 2000. This has contributed to economic stability and increasing job opportunities. Continuous development has also led to new restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues, enhancing the city’s appeal. If you’re seeking a place with plenty to offer and lots of room still to grow, Brentwood may be an excellent choice.