Walt Disney once famously said “I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true.”
And while he may have stayed true to these words in all aspects of his life, today we’d like to turn an eye to the homes he imagined into reality. More specifically, the whimsical storybook mansion he built for his family as his animation studio was gaining ground.
Especially since avid Disney fans can now celebrate 100 Years of Disney — the company’s year-long centennial celebration — in the Mickey Mouse creator’s own home.
Walt Disney’s house in Los Feliz, where he lived for almost 20 years and where he and his wife Lillian raised their two children, is currently available to lease.
It doesn’t come cheap though: the storybook mansion is being rented out for $40,000/month. Chase Campen with Compass is in charge of the listing.
“This property was chosen by Walt Disney as the place to raise his family, and also coincided with a transition of Disney Studios from fledgling enterprise toward entertainment giant,” Campen says. “It sits on an acre of land with incredible outdoor space and city views. Its historical pedigree only adds to the magical mystique.”
Speaking of magical mystique, the storybook mansion draws visitors in with its unique architecture from the second they lay eyes on it.
Mixing French Provincial, French Country Tudor, and Neo Gothic styles, the property located on Woking Way in Los Feliz, Los Angeles is a beautiful example of storybook architecture.
Related: Wonderfully Witchy: The Storybook Spadena House in Beverly Hills
The owner of the former Walt Disney house is Timur Bekmambetov, a Kazakhstan-born film director who purchased the home in 2011. And it would seem that creativity flows freely through the 1932-built house, as our sources tell us that the director has been inspired by the home to create a graphic novel and a movie script he is working on about fictional Disney characters who never made it to the big screen.
The storybook mansion has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 half baths across 6,388 square feet of living space, and beautifully appointed interiors that match the whimsical exterior.
The majestic home sits atop a gated drive with parking for 10. A rotunda entrance welcomes residents and guests alike into this magical place, from where they are ushered into the dramatic two-story living room that features vaulted wood beamed ceilings, wood-paneled walls, a brick fireplace, and original windows that look out over the backyard, pool, and downtown Los Angeles.
From there, one wing of the house offers an elegant dining room with French doors to the outside and an artisanally painted ceiling set amidst interlaced beams.
This leads to a gorgeous eat-in kitchen with a center island, marble counters, custom cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and stained glass windows — a perfect mix of modern convenience and old warm charm.
Opposite the living room on the other wing is the still-intact home theater where Walt watched dailies of his productions; the original elements have been preserved, and enhanced with a touch of modern technology.
Upstairs, the spacious primary suite rests above the theater, with city views, ample closets, and a bathroom with dual vanities, a large dual head shower, a centerpiece tub, and period tile.
The other wing features two generous guest bedrooms with a well-appointed bathroom between them. Completing the upstairs is a sunlit family room with vaulted ceilings and access to a former sleeping porch, ideal for an office space or gym.
As is to be expected, the outdoor grounds are incredible, featuring well-landscaped walkways, lush grass lawn, an inviting pool, trellis covered outdoor dining area, and an entire separate area that resembles a private park.
Walt Disney lived in this home longer than any other home from 1932 to 1950.
While his Holmby Hills mansion is most often associated with his persona, Disney’s house on Woking Way is where he raised his daughters and where got the inspiration for Snow White. Diane and Sharon Disney’s original playhouse still sits on the property.
Disney’s Storybook Mansion — also known as the Storybook Cottage — can now be rented for $40,000/month.
Snow White’s cottage in Los Angeles is every Disney lover’s dream
Bacardi heiress lists rare Disney World estate with themed ‘Star Wars’, ‘Frozen’ rooms
Timeless Elegance Meets Whimsical Charm in this $6M Storybook Castle in Los Angeles
Everything’s exciting in Nashville, even the apartment gyms.
Known as the cradle of country music and birthplace of bluegrass, Nashville is home to a diverse population of talented performers, producers and people from all walks of life. With such an assorted population comes a wide variety of workout preferences.
These are the best apartment gyms in Nashville to sling steel, sweat it out and start the process of meeting those fitness goals.
Source: Rent. / 505 Nashville
The fitness center at 505 Nashville is above and beyond. From soaring ceilings to treadmills with a view to the Italian-made Technogym equipment, the attention to detail is apparent from just one look at this luxury gym. Located in the heart of Nashville’s thriving Arts District, just blocks from the Country Music Hall of Fame, 505 Nashville offers residents the best of what the city has to offer inside and outside the complex.
The options for recreation don’t end in the fitness center either. The 505 Nashville complex also boasts tennis and pickleball courts in addition to an area for bocce and a rectangular pool ideal for swimming laps.
Source: Rent. / Brownstone SoBro Apartments
The fitness center at Broadstone SoBro Apartments is all about versatility. It provides equipment for all types of workout regimens. With everything from cardio machines and free weights to more specified equipment like a punching bag, Jacobs ladder and CrossFit rig, no matter what your workout style is, there’s something just for you at Broadstone SoBro Apartments.
It’s located in Nashville’s hip SoBro neighborhood, so if you’re lucky enough to call Broadstone SoBro home, there’s no shortage of options to get moving right at your fingertips. Whether you’re getting your steps outside or enjoying the view from an elliptical in the gym, you can’t go wrong at Brownstone SoBro.
Source: Rent. / Aertson Midtown
Aertson Midtown has a state-of-the-art fitness center. From the modern, light-filled design to the virtual WellBeats fitness system that provides workout, fitness and nutrition guides for people of all ages and body types, this gym is somewhere that everyone can feel at home.
Offering plenty of cardio machines with outside views, a Smith machine that makes benching and squatting without a spotter safe and free weights for days, this Midtown apartment fitness center empowers you to conquer even your loftiest fitness goals.
Source: Rent. / Abberly Foundry
Amidst the exposed brick, pool views and plenty of space to stretch, residents love to sweat and reach their fitness goals at the gym at Abberly Foundry. This complex provides residents with an elevated fitness center experience. Along with all of the traditional equipment you’d expect, the gym also features TRX bands, a punching bag and a dedicated yoga/dance area complete with a mirror wall and barre.
Located in the food and drink paradise of Watkins Park, Abberly Foundry is a great place to call home for active people that still enjoy a little outburst of indulgence on occasion.
Source: Rent. / 805 Lea
Smack dab in Nashville’s desirable SoBro neighborhood you’ll find the luxurious 805 Lea apartment complex. And inside that complex, you’ll find a fitness center with scenic views, Peloton brand stationary bikes and top-of-the-line weight-lifting machines that make working out less of a chore than ever before.
The fitness center at 805 Lea also features a mirrored wall to aid in monitoring form and a walkout terrace, perfect for when you need a breath of fresh air in between sets or want to do a round of walking lunges while you work on your tan.
Source: Rent. / Camden Music Row
Located in The Gulch neighborhood, Camden Music Row benefits from a great location and supplements that with plenty of lifestyle luxuries and recreational amenities within the complex. The fitness center at Camden Music Row leaves nothing to be desired by providing residents with everything they could possibly need to get their heart rates up and stay in shape.
Boasting a rooftop pool, dedicated yoga studio, stationary bike station and commercial-grade equipment, the fitness amenities at this high-end complex are designed to comfortably accommodate the residents of all 430 units and then some.
Source: Rent. / Bells Bluff
Located about as close as you can possibly be to the Cumberland River, Bells Bluff is a great place for nature lovers to call home. The recreational amenities at this riverfront apartment complex include scenic hiking trails with plyometric stations peppered throughout.
But you can’t always make it into the great outdoors to get your steps in and that’s where the exemplary fitness center comes into play. The fitness center at this Hillwood complex features stationary bikes with pool views, versatile machines with trampoline-style rebounders and a TRX station for those body-weight warriors. Beyond that, Bells Bluff boasts two pools with one specifically designed for swimming laps.
Source: Rent. / Olympus Midtown
Olympus Midtown features a state-of-the-art fitness center and cardio studio that rivals what you would get from an expensive monthly gym membership. As the name suggests, this complex is located in the middle of Midtown and provides easy access to many of the unique attractions that make Nashville such a desirable city to call home.
The cardio machines have outside views, the machines have enough space between them to promote a stress-free experience and the free weights are plentiful so you rarely have to wait your turn to complete your workout. To put it simply, the fitness center at Olympus Midtown is among the best you’ll find in Music City.
Source: Rent. / Atlas at Germantown
Located amid the Victorian buildings and chic restaurants of Germantown, the Atlas at Germantown apartment complex is one of the more desirable places for renters to call home in Nashville. It’s easy to see why with just one look at this 24/7, state-of-the-art fitness center.
With carpeting that dulls the loud thuds of any aggressively dropped free weights, high ceilings and plenty of windows providing natural light, the fitness center at Atlas at Germantown is a great place to work up a sweat with a smile on your face. With everything from resistance cables to medicine balls to flatscreen TVs on the walls, the team behind the creation of this gym thought of everything and will have you canceling your gym membership as soon as you sign your lease.
Source: Rent. / Aspire Gulch Apartments
The tagline for the Aspire Gulch Apartments is “Fresh. Stylish. Sophisticated.” and if the fitness center is any indication of how they have lived up to those lofty descriptors, they’re doing a great job. Located in Pie Town, this 360-unit complex excellently caters to its active resident population.
Boasting racks on racks of free weights, mirrors for monitoring form and machines that can support a full workout circuit in and of themselves, there’s no excuse to not hit the gym when the space is as welcoming and appealing as this.
Never miss a workout in Nashville
No matter how you like to get your steps in or how much weight you’re throwing up at the bench press, there’s an apartment fitness center in Nashville that is up to the task of being your home base while you build the body you want. Find your favorite on the list above and fill out your application today.
Featured image source: Rent. / Brownstone SoBro Apartments
It was always my dream to be paid to travel. I thought I’d write guidebooks or be a tour guide. A few years ago, my wanderlust was acting up again, so I crunched some numbers, adding up the cost of living where I was (New York) versus traveling for month. With some careful planning, I spent a month in Paris and ended up with more money than when I left. The cost of staying in one place I’m sure most of us know our monthly expenditures. Rent, utilities, Internet, cable, Netflix, gym membership, gas, cellphone, and the list goes on. Granted, all of us have different interests and different monthly expenditures, but there’s usually a basic bottom line for all of us. I thought if I could zero that out, then a month away would become more of a reality. Living in New York made it easy to sublet my apartment for a one-month stint. I raised my rent price a couple hundred dollars to cover my utilities, Internet, and cable. I put my Netflix and gym memberships on hold, and at the time, pay-as-you-go was all the rage so my cellphone had no contract. My car stayed parked out back and my gas expense dropped to zero. My monthly expenses dropped from around $1,500 to nothing at all.
Accommodations I knew I wanted to be centrally located in Paris, but didn’t need much more. On Craigslist I found a lot of graduate and doctorate students who had to travel for their dissertations. They were looking to rent out their apartments for cheap, real cheap, just so their rent wouldn’t be a total loss. Not only that, most everyone I talked to was willing to negotiate. I ended up with a small room on the top floor of the building (the former maid’s room) for €150 a month, less than a fourth of my rent back home. The student was traveling to Africa and was happy to have someone to watch his cat. (If you want to go even cheaper than that, you can try house-sitting. Friends of mine have been paid to stay in beach houses in the Caribbean or mountain homes in Montana. I have yet to do this myself, so I’m curious if any of you have stories.) Food, and becoming the invited guest When I travel, everything is new. Yes, five-star restaurants are appealing, but street food gives me the most pleasure. Some of my best meals had been Nutella crepes and crusty baguettes, often for less than €3. At home, not only was I prone to $8 burritos when I didn’t have a chance to make something after work, but I’d also have a small dinner party for friends at least once a month. This often meant having either wine or liquor and cooking for five, a lot pricier than cooking for one.
When abroad, I’m usually the one who’s asked to dinner. Through volunteer work, attending free book readings, or helping someone carry groceries down the street, I found myself being the invited guest to at least one dinner party a week, and it was a great way to try some of the traditional French dishes, learn the language, and interact with people. Put yourself out there, learn some niceties, and you might be surprised how willing people are to want to share their culture and open their doors.
Work One problem with long-term travel, especially when traveling internationally, is that short-term work isn’t much of an option. You need proper documentation, and there aren’t many listings for month-long positions. So not only are you taking time off work, but you’re not working in your place of travel. However, I didn’t want to take a month long vacation, and I definitely didn’t want to end up in the red. This is when my search for Internet work started. Whether it be selling things online, writing, designing, editing, or in my case, translating, with some effort, there is work that travels with you if you look hard enough. GRS has offered advice often enough on making money on the side here, and here, and here. With a few side gigs lined up, I was making less money, but with my living expenses substantially lower, too.
Slowing down That month, I didn’t rush anywhere. It meant slower meals, slower glasses of wine, and more than anything, slower transportation. I walked everywhere. Three miles would be an ungodly distance to walk back home, but that month, three miles was chump change and more scenic than anything I had ever seen. I saved a lot on gas and train tickets. With that slowness, the desire to keep up diminished, too. Not only my desire to keep up with the commuters around me (goodbye road-rage) but my desire to keep up with social norms. I didn’t purchase any clothing, nothing for the home, no luxuries, just because everything seemed so new and held my attention.
There’s a French word, flâner, which is the best travel advice I could ever give. Flâner is hard to translate, something like “to meander about with an eye for beauty, with the eyes of a poet.” It’s the art of strolling, the art of observation. It’s slowing down.
Taking a month off to travel (and spending less money than if I stayed home) was a dream. By planning my trip like this, I was able to spend an month in Europe instead of spending a weekend in upstate New York at some lodge (Which sounds wonderful, but just a weekend compared with an entire month?). Once I compared my living expenses for a month in New York with those in Paris, it was clear it was possible. Have you ever traveled and reduced your living expenses?
Looking to learn how to become a sleep consultant? Here’s how you can find pediatric sleep consultant jobs and work from home.
Sleep is important for a baby’s growth and well-being. And, for the parents too!
But many times, parents struggle to help their child get the sleep that they need.
That’s where pediatric sleep consultants come in. They are experts who specialize in helping families with children’s sleep problems so that everyone can get a good night’s sleep. If you enjoy working with kids and want to make a difference in their lives, becoming a sleep coach could be a great new career choice.
Today, I have a helpful interview about how to become a sleep consultant with Jayne Havens. Jayne is a pediatric sleep consultant and founder of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Management (a baby sleep training program that can help you get started with this rewarding career).
Today’s interview on how to become a baby sleep consultant answers questions such as:
What is a sleep consultant?
What does a sleep consultant do?
Why do families need child sleep consultants?
How much does a sleep consultant earn?
How long does it take to be a sleep consultant?
Is there enough room for new sleep consultants?
Today’s in-depth interview will help you get started with learning how to become a certified pediatric sleep consultant and perhaps even introduce you to a new way to make money from home.
You can learn more about how to become a pediatric sleep consultant by downloading a free ebook from Jayne by clicking here.
How To Become a Sleep Consultant
1. Please give us a little background on yourself and how you got started as a sleep consultant.
My journey to becoming a sleep consultant began when my first child was born. He was a really good sleeper as a newborn, but then he hit that classic four month sleep regression that so many babies experience and as a new mother I had no idea what was going on! He went from sleeping through the night to waking every hour on the dot. He wasn’t hungry, a quick pop of the pacifier put him right back to sleep but I was exhausted.
I remember heading to the book store and sitting on the floor surrounded by books about infant sleep. I read everything I could get my hands on as I was motivated to get my baby sleeping again.
After much research, I figured it out. With guidance from books, and support from friends, I sleep trained my son. The experience was life changing.
Teaching my son to fall asleep and back to sleep independently was the best thing I could have done for him and our entire family. He was rested, and I was rested too.
I found it to be such an empowering experience that I decided to help friends. For years it was just a hobby. I would support friends and even friends of friends through the sleep training process. I was good at it, and it felt so nice to help other moms.
Four years later, my daughter was born and thankfully I knew so much more the second time around. I was able to establish healthy sleep habits for her early which was such a relief.
That being said, after four years of staying home with my children, I was itching to get back to work. My husband travels a lot for his job and it felt really impossible to head back to an office job with two young kids at home, so I decided to turn my passion into a career.
I went online, took a sleep consultant certification course and within a few months I got my business up and running. My intention was to have a bit of a side hustle or passion project but my business grew rapidly and within two years I was earning six figures in my business. It was such a blessing because I really was able to grow my business while being the primary caregiver for my children at the same time.
I love that my children are watching me grow a business. We have extra income to take more vacations, make updates to our home, and do all the things that we as a family like to do together.
2. What is a sleep consultant? What does a sleep consultant do?
A sleep consultant supports parents through the process of establishing healthy and independent sleep hygiene for their children.
Depending on the child’s age and the family’s unique circumstances, sometimes this just involves helping the family get into a good routine with naps and feedings during the day, sometimes it’s coaching parents through sleep training, and sometimes it’s supporting parents as they set what I like to call “loving limits” around bedtime with their older children.
A good sleep consultant will meet their clients where they are, and support them to reach their unique goals in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them.
Some sleep consultants will physically go to their clients’ homes and support the family in person, but most sleep consultants support their clients virtually.
At Center for Pediatric Sleep Management, we specifically teach the virtual model of the business. Our students learn how to get onto a discovery call and speak to a prospective client in a way that would make them want to hire you. You will learn how to write a written sleep plan, and coach your clients to achieve their personal goals. The beautiful thing about working as a sleep consultant is that this work can largely be done from your phone or tablet. You can set up FaceTime or Zoom meetings, or phone calls if you prefer. Our day to day support is largely provided via email and text!
3. Why do families need sleep consultants?
Families don’t necessarily need sleep consultants, but the service and support we provide is invaluable.
So many families are struggling to navigate their baby or toddler’s sleep. Their children are up sometimes a dozen times overnight and they lack both the information and support that is necessary to resolve this struggle. There is so much information online, and every single mom-friend is giving different advice.
Sometimes it’s so hard to figure out what to do!
A sleep consultant will look at the family’s unique set of circumstances and provide a plan that is tailored to their needs. Then once a strategy is in place, they will provide a high level of support as parents work to make changes in their home.
This combination of information and support is the perfect recipe for success!
4. How much does a sleep consultant earn?
Some sleep consultants do this work part time and others work full time.
When you work for yourself, the possibilities are endless.
Some graduates of Center for Pediatric Sleep Management make $500-$1,000 each month while doing this on the side of their full-time jobs while others make $15,000 each month or more doing this work full time.
We even have a graduate who earns $40,000 each month from selling online courses to parents who do not want to work 1:1 with a coach. Really anything is possible!
The key to growing a successful sleep consulting business is to take it one day at a time. Set micro-goals for yourself and allow yourself to grow at a pace that is realistic for you. If you keep working on your business and you are committed to your own success, you will achieve your own goals!
5. How long does it take to be a sleep consultant?
Center for Pediatric Sleep Management is a self-paced program and our students have lifetime access to the course curriculum and our Facebook group for students and grads.
The information is delivered via an online platform and the curriculum is a combination of reading and video content.
Everyone finishes their studies on a timeline that works for them, but we estimate the course to be about 50 hours of coursework.
Many of our students complete their training in 4-6 weeks. If you have a busy life and a hectic schedule, no problem. If it takes you longer to complete the course that is entirely ok.
6. How do you qualify as a sleep consultant?
You need no prior education to become a certified sleep consultant. The course curriculum is robust so you must be willing to work hard and learn.
7. Is there a demand for sleep consultants? Is there enough room for new sleep consultants?
Sleep consulting is an up-and-coming field.
Most new parents have never even heard of a sleep consultant so there is lots of room for growth in this field. There will always be way more tired parents than there are sleep consultants, so it’s up to us as sleep consultants to normalize this type of support and show parents why it’s life changing for them to hire a sleep consultant.
Just like with any profession, I don’t believe in an over-saturation of the market. Sure, there may be tons of lawyers, real estate agents, dentists, occupational therapists etc. but if you are good at your job, you can grow a clientele and a successful business.
There is not a finite number of seats at the table of success!
8. How does a sleep consultant find customers?
The secret to growing a successful consulting business is making sure that as many people as possible know that you have a business and how you can serve your target audience.
Some sleep consultants grow an audience on social media, connecting with prospective clients online.
Other sleep consultants really avoid social media and prefer to connect in real life. Pediatricians, occupational therapists, feeding specialists, preschool teachers, daycare directors, family photographers, little gym owners etc. are all great referral sources for sleep consultants.
If you are willing to network with professionals that already support parents in other capacities, you will have no trouble building a client base for your own business!
Once you have supported a handful of families, chances are they will have such a life-changing experience that they will scream your name from the rooftops! Client referrals are the best kind because these new families have already heard first hand how helpful you have been to someone they trust.
9. Do you need a college degree to become a sleep consultant?
No degree necessary!
10. Can you list the steps needed to get started as a sleep consultant?
The first step is to enroll in a sleep consultant certification course. Once you have enrolled, commit to finishing your course. Once you have completed your training and all assignments, the next step will be to get your business up and running.
This can feel daunting and overwhelming, but not to worry as it’s all outlined in the business section of the program. You will take care of some logistical tasks such as forming an LLC, setting up your business bank account and perhaps a website and social media accounts.
More importantly you will start making some connections. Announce to friends and family that you have launched your own sleep consulting business and don’t be afraid to ask people you know to share your business with their circle. Word of mouth is so powerful.
When you land that first client, make sure to take great care of them as you will want them to have a positive experience and share your name with their friends who may also benefit from your support.
11. What other tips do you have to share?
I always like to say, the secret to getting ahead is GETTING STARTED!
There is no sense waiting around as that will only delay your success. When you commit to starting something new, even if it feels a bit scary and outside of your comfort zone, that’s the first step that will be one of many that ultimately leads you in the direction you wish to go.
As entrepreneurs we all fear the unknown. We also fear failure. In order to succeed, you have to be willing to try!
12. Can you tell me more about the sleep consultant business training that you offer? Why did you decide to start a course?
I decided to create my own sleep consultant certification course because I noticed that there were some major gaps in other programs offered at the time.
Some courses only teach one approach, which is an approach that they deem to be the best. The problem with this is that there really is no one size fits all approach to sleep training. The key to success with this process really is meeting families where they are and coaching them through methods that align with their parenting style.
Forcing parents to implement sleep training techniques that don’t feel comfortable for them is the fast track to failure! At CPSM we are fully committed to teaching all sleep training methods and techniques. This best prepares our students for success!
I also noticed upon graduation from a sleep consultant certification course that many students were craving a higher level of mentorship and support than what was being provided through these programs. Students and graduates had questions that were being answered by others who didn’t necessarily have the experience or the qualifications to be giving sound advice. It felt like the blind leading the blind. When I launched my own program I knew I wanted to do it better. I am committed to making sure that my students always feel supported and that they always have answers to their questions.
Lastly CPSM places a very heavy emphasis on business building and entrepreneurship. I recognize that most who decide to become sleep consultants have no prior experience with launching or growing their own small business. This feels very overwhelming and scary to them. We address this head on inside our curriculum by teaching sales, marketing, business growth strategy and mindset work inside the course. Our students come to us as apprehensive and nervous beginners and we turn them into confident experts. It’s the greatest feeling in the world seeing their transformation before my eyes. I hope you will join us!
You can learn more about the course at Center for Pediatric Sleep Management.
Do you want to learn how to become a sleep consultant?
Need easy access to a gym so you stay motivated to maintain your workout routine? Find a place to live with a fitness center built-in.
The best way to live an active lifestyle in Miami is to find an apartment community that includes a fitness center among its amenities. One of many of Miami’s secrets, this is a great way to stay in shape and save money on a gym membership.
Want help finding the best gyms in Miami? Look no further than the communities on our list.
Source: Rent. / Square Station
With Body Solid strength training equipment, CrossFit Boxes, and a row of cardio machines, the fully-equipped fitness center at Square Station is a great option. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the large space bright, and an 80-foot lap pool completes the workout facilities.
This Downtown Miami community is within walking distance of just about everything within the city center, making it easy to get those steps in each day. It also gives Square Station some amazing panoramic city views.
Source: Rent. / Flamingo Point
Three rows of cardio machines look through massive windows onto lush palm trees and greenery at Flamingo Point. This South Beach community has Precor fitness equipment and a steam room and salon for after your workout.
Embodying the laidback culture of the area, Flamingo Point also has a garden courtyard with local art installations, a dog park and pool with private cabanas. This all looks out on Biscayne Bay.
Source: Rent. / Panorama Tower
Even those thinking of living in the vibrant and eclectic Brickell neighborhood need access to the gym. At Panorama Tower, the sleek design of the fitness center, with its red carpet, creates a unique space. There’s a pilates studio, spin studio and main exercise area with a long row of treadmills and elliptical machines.
Living here you’ll have a gourmet market on site for healthy eating. Community amenities also include a children’s playroom, ocean and sunset view pools, a pet spa and hotel and three private movie theaters.
Source: Rent. / Strata Wynwood
An impressive gym with plenty of cardio machines and floor-to-ceiling windows, the fitness center at Strata Wynwood is pretty stocked. There’s also strength training equipment, a small climbing wall, a CrossFit Box and a boxing trainer. For those interested in spin classes or pilates, there’s a separate studio.
Located in the Wynwood Arts District, the entertainment and cultural center of Miami, Strata Wynwood has additional amenities that include a pool with a large deck and lounge areas, a library and a game room with billiards.
Source: Rent. / Cascade
Within the beautiful neighborhood of Golden Pines, you’ll find Cascade. This 37-story, smoke-free community is full of things to do. There’s a pool, playground, indoor children’s activity area and game room with ping pong tables.
When it’s time to exercise, you can shoot some hoops in the half-court basketball court and take advantage of the bright, well-stocked gym. With high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s plenty of room to move around between the cardio and strength equipment. Windows look out onto the pool for a soothing view.
Source: Rent. / Watermarc at Biscayne Bay
In the quiet, waterfront community of Edgewater, you need a solid place to live. Watermarc at Biscayne Bay does not disappoint. The fitness center overlooks Biscayne Bay, which you can easily see through the gym’s floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a nice variety of MATRIX exercise equipment as well as a yoga/spin studio and boxing trainer.
Watermarc at Biscayne Bay takes full advantage of the great view through its rooftop, resort-style pool (with cabanas) and rooftop outdoor social lounge.
Source: Rent. / Yacht Club at Brickell Apartments
Open 24 hours, the fitness center at the Yacht Club at Brickell Apartments includes rows of cardio machines that look out onto palm trees and the water. There’s also strength training equipment and a CrossFit Box. For some additional exercise options, the community features a racquetball court and an outdoor tennis court.
Also in Brickell, the Yacht Club at Brickell Apartments has an on-site convince store as well as a billiards room, pool and hot tub and playground.
Source: Rent. / Flamingo South Beach
For another option in South Beach, check out the upgraded fitness center at Flamingo South Beach. This gym has high ceilings and two-story windows. The space feels large, bright and airy. Cardio machines face out toward Biscayne Bay and there are plenty of other equipment options.
This pet-friendly, smoke-free community has a paradise swimming pool and hot tub and its own dog park on its amenity list.
Source: Rent. / WYND 27 & 28
A sporty theme dominates the fitness center at WYND 27 & 28. You can spring down the green straightaway in the center of the gym before using a variety of strength and cardio equipment. The long and narrow space keeps everything nicely organized.
Another community in the Wynward Arts District, living here gives you access to on-site dining and retail options, a courtyard with wall mural, private pods within a co-working lounge and more.
Source: Rent. / Camden Brickell
One more gem in the Brickell neighborhood, Camden Brickell is a gated, non-smoking community with street-level retail shops and a rooftop terrace.
The fitness center has a sleek and modern design with pops of grey and teal. A motivational, artistic message is up on the wall in this nicely-spaced gym. Overlooking the pool, you’ll find cardio and strength equipment, free weights and a CrossFit Box.
Grab a workout in one of the best gyms in Miami
It’s no secret that the cost of living in Miami is high, but this doesn’t mean you have to ditch your workout.
Skip paying for a gym membership and instead settle into an apartment that comes with a complete amenity package, including a nice fitness center. It will make Miami feel more affordable right from the start.
Simple living is great. Avoiding shopping malls in favor of clothing swaps, cooking meals at home with your spouse, holding a music jam with friends instead of shelling out big bucks for a concert — all these activities not only save you money, but they also connect you more deeply with what you love.
In a sense, they make you more alive. Which is what getting rich is ultimately about: not simply achieving material wealth, but living a rich life.
Pay now, save later Some things just shouldn’t be scrimped on, though. There are expenses that save you money down the line. Some also save you time and improve your quality of life. It might be tempting to cut corners on this stuff, but the truly frugal person knows that laying out cash up front will pay off in savings later.
Consider these expenses an investment in your life. You’ll reap material as well as personal rewards when you keep up with these areas of your life:
Your health. Preventative health care saves thousands on major medical costs every year. In addition to keeping up with your annual physical, be sure to get your teeth cleaned regularly. Dental insurance typically offers only partial coverage of major dental work, and those crowns can add up to huge dollar amounts in a hurry. Taking care of your health also means eating well and getting enough exercise. These things can be done relatively cheaply: You don’t have to spend a fortune at Whole Foods or join a trendy gym to keep fit. It’s worth putting some money into eating well and keeping your body moving, though. Look for bargains at your grocery store, but don’t eat Fruit Roll-Ups instead of fresh fruit just because you have a coupon. Over time, you’ll save money by staying healthy.
Your home. You don’t need to live in a mansion. A smaller, cheaper home can often bring you more joy because it comes with fewer financial headaches and less labor to keep it clean. Whatever roof you choose to lay your head under, you’ll need to maintain it. Unless you rent, or have a condo association managing it for you, it’s important to stay on top of upkeep on your property. Like your health, preventative maintenance can go a long way towards saving you money and guarding against real harm in the future. Fixing your leaky roof promptly, replacing your water heater as needed, and cleaning your heating system each year will cost you in maintenance fees. But it’s a small fraction of the cost you’ll pay if you let those things slide until they become emergencies.
Your marriage. Divorce isn’t just painful, it’s expensive. A divorce typically lowers each former spouse’s net worth by 70%. (But it sure boosts the net worth of the lawyers!) Putting some resources into keeping things strong between you and your partner is a great investment, in financial terms as well as emotional. Set money aside for time together, for small thoughtful gifts to let your beloved know you’re thinking of her. If you have kids, spring for a babysitter to create some much-needed time alone. If your marriage is in trouble, consider therapy. The therapist’s fee may seem steep, but it’s a fraction of the hourly rate a divorce attorney will charge, and the end result will likely be happier.
Your career. Typically, your career is your greatest source of money. But it also creates expenses. These range from having the right clothes for your office environment to taking graduate courses. There’s an art to knowing which expenses will pay off. Do you really need $200 shoes to fit in at work? Is that new laptop an essential business expense or a neat toy? While it’s easy to overspend on your career, especially if you’re self-employed, work is an area where some investment up front can bring you huge returns over time. If a graduate degree will help you step into a higher paying position, or even switch careers entirely, it’s probably worth the cost of tuition bills in the here and now.
Your happiness. You can’t live entirely in the future. While you save for your long-term goals, be sure to put some energy into being happy in the present. That doesn’t mean splurging on expensive whims to buy yourself a moment of happiness in a bleary day. Spending money you don’t have won’t make you happy. Debt is a major cause of stress and sadness in people’s lives. But as you take control of your finances, be sure to also tend to the joy in your life. That’s best done by fostering close relationships and engaging in activities you love. Unlike the other “life investments” I’ve talked about here, this one comes with a small price tag or none at all. A talk with a close friend, a trip to the library, or a free movie at your local university can all bring big doses of happiness for free.
Investing in these core areas pays off in a better quality of life and saves you money on emergencies. A healthier, happier life is also a cheaper one.
Budgeting for now and later To get the long-term financial and personal gains of this approach, you’ll need to do some careful budgeting. Make sure you leave room for “unexpected” expenses like home repairs and dental work. A review of your last few years’ spending records should give you a pretty clear idea of what your family typically spends on these periodic maintenance items. By budgeting for them, you’ll have the cash on hand when you need it.
You can also make your life easier by funding a three- to six-month emergency fund to tap into when life throws you a big curveball like a suddenly failed appliance You shouldn’t rely on your emergency fund to cover your new running shoes or evening computer classes, though. Budget for these “life investments” and they’ll fit more easily into your life.
As with any expense, it’s important to make these choices with care. Yes, you’re investing in your life. Keeping your health, your home, your marriage, and your career strong will bring you more happiness every day. But like any investment, take care not to overextend yourself. Sometimes last year’s running shoe is just as good as this year’s — and for half the price. Getting the most out of your money without shortchanging your quality of life is the truly frugal approach.
Where will you work out when you move to Tampa? How about in your own apartment community!
Having a fitness center in your apartment community can lead to all sorts of lifestyle perks. You won’t have to sacrifice your workout and you’ll have access to one of the best gyms in Tampa.
Here are some of the best apartment gyms in Tampa that will help you reach your fitness goals.
Source: Rent. / Olympus Harbour Island
Funky windows and colorful accents give the sleek workout space at Olympus Harbour Island a fresh look. Open 24 hours, you’ll find both cardio and strength machines in the main area, with a separate spin studio that offers fitness classes on demand. The gym also contains a CrossFit box and punching bags.
Located on an island in Southeast Tampa, there are plenty of taverns and restaurants in this quiet and walkable area. A trolley connects the island to the mainland. Olympus Harbour Island also provides its own recreation with an impressive pool area with a lot of lounge chairs, a giant chess set and cabanas.
Source: Rent. / Azula North
In Temple Crest, a more established community on the northeast side of Tampa, you’ll find the bright green-and-turquoise-accented gym at Azula North. This multi-sectioned fitness center has a row of cardio machines that wrap around the entire space. A CrossFit box and strength training equipment are toward the back. A separate yoga studio space has a massive mirror and soothing art.
Azula North also provides residents with a resort-style pool, planned social events, lake views and more.
Source: Rent. / AVE Tampa Riverwalk
The two-story gym at AVE Tampa Riverwalk has plenty of windows that extend all the way up. A smoke-free community in Northeast Tampa, the fitness center also has a Zen Yoga Room. Within the main section, a row of cardio machines face out, and an astroturf section with CrossFit boxes sits beside all the strength training equipment.
When it’s time to relax, the pool at AVE Tampa Riverwalk sits on a palm-tree-lined courtyard with a nice lounge area. There’s even a pet spa to pamper your furry friend.
Source: Rent. / Bell Channelside
Within the very urban and walkable neighborhood of the Channel District, you’ll find the amenity-laden community of Bell Channelside. There’s a pet spa and bark park, furnished guest suits, a 24-hour java bar and lounge and tranquil courtyards, just to name a few special features.
The fitness center at Bell Channelside consists of two rooms. The first contains all the strength training machines and equipment, while the second is full of cardio machines, a small kitchenette and a spin studio. Bright and colorful, with pops of orange and red, the fitness area totals 2,700 square feet.
Source: Rent. / Cortland Bayport
With free group classes and lighted tennis courts, Cortland Bayport is so much more than a basic place to live. The fitness center itself is nice and bright with funky mirrors and hints of burnt orange on the equipment. The community also has an on-site resident market, resort-style pools, a waterfront boardwalk and a community dock with boat slips.
Located in Town N County Alliance, this area is right off Old Tampa Bay, slightly apart from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Source: Rent. / The Pointe on Westshore
Fresh towels and funky, modernistic lighting greet you at the fitness center at The Pointe on Westshore. There are also two rows of cardio machines, free weights, a CrossFit box and more in this fitness-on-demand facility.
A Southwest Tampa gem, The Pointe on Westshore also features two heated pools, a car wash, a pet spa and lounges. Sandwiched between Old Tampa Bay and Hillsborough Bay, the surrounding area provides a ton of water views and beachfront access.
Source: Rent. / The Oasis at Highwoods Preserve
A little ways from the city center, the quiet and suburban neighborhood of West Meadows sits to the northeast. Here, you’ll find The Oasis at Highwoods Preserve with a theater room, two dog parks, a saltwater pool and a game room with arcade games and billiards.
The gym doesn’t disappoint either. It’s open 24 hours and is a large, bright space with great lighting and nice windows. Equipment-wise, the gym provides a colorful and extensive assortment of all kinds of workout machinery.
Source: Rent. / Mezzo of Tampa Palms
An impressive space, with a nice assortment of equipment of all kinds, the fitness center at Mezzo of Tampa Palms is nicely stocked. Accented by wood panels, the main area contains cardio and strength machines. A glass entryway leads into the fitness studio with spin bikes and CrossFit boxes. Fitness-on-demand classes are available here too. There are also tennis and racquetball courts on the property.
Known for its golf courses and green spaces, you’ll find Mezzo of Tampa Palms in New Tampa. Specifically, this area is home to the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Reserve with hiking trails and picnic spots, and the New Tampa Nature Park with a zip line and climbing wall.
Source: Rent. / Arbor Walk
Also in the neighborhood of Temple Crest, Arbor Walk is a green community with a resort-style pool, sundeck, bark park and cyber cafe with WiFi.
The gym is a bright and open space with a variety of machines wrapping around two walls of windows. Cardio and strength machines sit together, with a separate space for free weights and a CrossFit box.
Source: Rent. / Camden Bay
Surrounded by a 1,000-acre nature preserve, Camden Bay is an impressive place to live. Also in Town N County Alliance, the community provides private boat ramps with direct channel access to Tampa Bay. There’s also separate boat parking when you’re not going out on the water.
Camden Bay has lighted tennis courts and a fitness center that’s open 24 hours with neat rows of equipment. A cool space with wood paneling on the ceiling and faux greenery on the walls, the gym has a separate yoga studio complete with large mirrors.
Grab an apartment workout at one of the best gyms in Tampa
There are certain things Tampa locals all know to be true, one of which is that where you live matters. You want your home to be located near a beach and have fun places to go. You also want your home to offer you conveniences, like access to a gym.
There are plenty of Tampa apartments that can fulfill all your needs, and all you’ve got to do is start looking. Good luck!
Featured image source: Rent. / AVE Tampa Riverwalk
A couple of months ago, I shared some of the things I choose to spend my money on now that I’ve paid off my debts, saved for emergencies, and am funding my retirement. Most folks seemed to get my message: I cut back hard on the things I don’t care about (cable TV, clothes, newspapers and magazines) so that I can afford to spend on the things that do matter to me.
As I say, most people seem to get this, and understand that I’m not saying, “Hey you! Go spend a lot of money on whatever you want!” Because I’m not saying that. That’s not my message at all. I’m simply saying that if you can afford it, and if it’s something you’ll use and enjoy, there’s nothing wrong with spending on what you want — even if it’s expensive.
In fact, I’d argue that in some cases, the expensive option can actually be the most frugal choice. (The frugalest choice?) What do I mean?
Let’s take my physical fitness, for instance. As you know, I’ve struggled with both diet and exercise for decades. I’ve had success now and then, but mostly I’ve failed. And I’ve spent a lot of money to fail.
I’ve purchased weights and DVDs and exercise balls and gym memberships and fitness machines and fancy shoes and, well, a lot of Stuff. Most of this has been a waste of money. Why? Because I never use it.
I’m not completely stupid. Eventually I caught on that buying running shoes didn’t make me a runner, and that buying dumbbells didn’t give me muscles. So, instead of buying new Stuff, I started finding exercise equipment for free (or cheap).
For example, when my neighbors decided to simply give away their exercise bike, I took it. And when they gave away their other exercise equipment, I took that too. But you know what? I saved money, sure, but I was just as fat and sedentary as I always was — and now I had a lot more exercise equipment taking up space around the house. Free Stuff is still Stuff.
Sidenote: In what I consider a hilarious development, I eventually gave this free exercise equipment to another neighbor. For free. Now she doesn’t use it. I wonder if she’ll pass it on to somebody else on the street.
In April, I visited a local gym that uses the Crossfit methodology. (I’m not going to explain the system now — go read about it at Get Fit Slowly.) I tried Crossfit for a week. It killed me, but I loved it. It just felt right. It felt like something I could stick with. I asked how much it cost to join.
When the owner quoted me a price of $200 a month, I hesitated — but only for a moment. I signed up, and I’ve been paying $200 a month ever since.
Two-hundred dollars a month?!? Am I nuts? How can I possibly justify such an expense when other gyms cost $40 or $50 a month? Especially since I could do a lot of the Crossfit exercises for free at home? Easy. I’m okay spending $200 a month for Crossfit because it works.
I’ve lost 35 pounds this year, with more to follow. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. I’m faster than I’ve ever been. I feel good. This is worth two-hundred bucks a month to me. Because I can afford it, cost isn’t an issue. In fact, I’d argue that this is a frugal expense because I use what I’m buying.
On the other hand, I have mountains of exercise equipment at home that I’ve bought and never used. (Okay, “mountains” is an exaggeration, but you know what I mean.) And all that free gear I got from the neighbor? That may have been cheap, but it wasn’t frugal. Cheap things you never use are no bargain! And something with a steep price tag can be a steal — if you get good value from it.
When you buy something, whether it’s an object or a service, ask yourself how much you’ll really use it. (And watch to see how much you actually do use it.) If there’s something you use a lot, it’s okay to pay for it, especially if it’s important to you. But I’d argue that if it’s an item or service you seldom use, you’re better off paying as little as possible.
Important note: Of course, the most foolish purchases are those that are both expensive and seldom used. If I were paying $200 a month for Crossfit but never attending, and if my weight were staying the same, then that would be just plain dumb.
Can you think of costly items and services that are actually good deals for you? Do you have collections of cheap things you never use? How have you learned to tell the difference?
For some, it’s the smell of freshly cut grass and the brush of leaves in the breeze, creating an escape from daily stressors. For others, it’s a competitive arena where precision skills are honed. It’s where business is sealed with a handshake, lifelong friendships are forged, wagers are won—and drinking is not only permitted, but encouraged.
It’s been called “a good walk spoiled” (Mark Twain), “the most fun you can have without taking your clothes off” (Chi Chi Rodriguez), and “an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle” (many, many folks).
If the allure of golf has you in its grip, as it does for so many, perhaps you’ve entertained the fantasy of living near a golf course. Affordable real estate with great proximity to a course might sound too good to be true, like hitting a hole-in-one with your first swing of the day (or ever). But we’re here to correct that notion.
The data team at Realtor.com® found the places in the U.S. that have the best balance of great access to golf courses, relatively affordable real estate, and weather best suited for days on the greens. Some of these towns you’ve surely heard of and might assume come with a high price. Others are hidden gems you might not have thought of as great golf markets.
Whether you’re a near pro, a weekend duffer, or someone who just likes the idea of living near a course, you might just find your dream home on the green. Even if you’re not a golfer, these cities offer a lot to appreciate, from excellent weather to a high quality of life.
“In most residential golf communities, it’s only about a quarter of residents who are active golfers,” says Brad Klein, a golf course design consultant and golf journalist. “So what that tells you is that a lot of people are drawn to the golf community, even if they don’t play golf.”
Most golf communities draw a highly diverse group of homebuyers who nonetheless share certain bonds: They’re physically active and crave regular social interaction, says Klein.
“If you have golf, you probably also have pickle ball, swimming, platform tennis, a gym, and a social center at the local clubhouse,” he says. “Even if you don’t play, you have all kinds of options living near this sort of community.”
The cities on our list aren’t just golf havens. Many are also places with a high quality of life, where a cost of living below the national average makes them affordable not just in terms of real estate, but also in terms of everyday expenses.
We found these places by first rounding up all the real estate listings on Realtor.com from the past year within a 10-minute drive (in normal conditions) from one or more of the 6,445 public and private golf courses in the nation that we were able to map out. Then we aggregated home price data for those listings by city.
Then we factored in the number of golf courses clustered in those areas and weighed the climate and weather patterns—favoring places with more warm days to hit the links. Finally, we selected just one place per state, to ensure geographic diversity. (Otherwise, the list would be mostly Florida towns, along with some Mississippi locations and a couple of spots in Arizona.)
Let’s tee off into our top 10 locations for finding affordable homes near a golf course.
Nearby golf courses: 28 Median list price* for homes near golf courses: $299,900
Sun City, known for decades as a golf lover’s dream community, has year-round golf weather, a staggering number of nearby courses, and real estate that’s priced about 9% below the national average, vaulting it to the top of our list.
Now, this does come with a caveat: Generally, residents must be aged 55 and up, because this planned community on the northwest corner of the Phoenix metro area is aimed at retirees. The rules for who can live there are a bit complicated, so be sure to read up on the details.
This desert oasis has been drawing golf-minded retirees since it was established in 1960. Sun City was the first active retirement community in the United States, and it earned its pioneering developer, Del Webb, a place on the cover of Time magazine in 1962.
“What’s most impressive about it is how difficult it was to get golf courses out there with so little water,” says golf expert Klein. “The course superintendents getting grass to grow out there, on decomposing granite in the middle of the desert, is just amazing. People must have thought they were crazy.”
The Sun City South Golf Course is one of the most well known of the 28 golf courses in the area.
This 1,700-square-foot, two-bedroom home that backs up to the course is listed for $325,000.
Nearby golf courses: 12 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $245,000
Situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, a little north of Fort Lauderdale, and just south of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach has great access to golf courses and the shore. (See our annual affordable beach towns list, in case that also strikes your interest.)
The median home price for Deerfield Beach listings within 10 minutes of a golf course is $245,000, far below the national median of around $430,000. That’s because the vast majority of listings are cheaper condos and townhomes under 1,000 square feet.
The climate in Deerfield Beach is classified as a tropical rainforest, with warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters, making it an ideal location for all kinds of outdoor activities year-round.
“I was just in Deerfield Beach,” says Beth Daly, a real estate agent at Re/Max Experience in Fort Lauderdale. “We had the bluest sky, and the ocean was like a glass of water you could see all the way to the bottom.”
Daly says she frequently hears about the golf culture that buyers—especially out-of-towners—are looking for.
“I just had some golfers from Buffalo Grove, outside of Chicago,” Daly says, “They wanted a full-service club to live near, and they had plenty of options to choose from.”
Nearby golf courses: 11 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $215,000
Biloxi is a city that we see often when we look for affordable housing markets with standout quality-of-life features. Homes here are very inexpensive, at just about half of the national median list price.
And the Gulf coast climate means you golfers can hit the links just about anytime of the year. And when taking a day off from playing golf, residents here can enjoy the Biloxi beaches, with the neighboring Gulfport leading our most affordable beach towns list.
This three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house on a third of an acre, for $324,900, is near the Sunkist Country Club’s championship 18-hole course.
Nearby golf courses: 11 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $319,000
One of the most iconic Southern cities takes a top spot on our list, with year-round golf weather, homes priced about 25% below the national median, and plenty of opportunities to hit the fairways. The coastal, Gothic city is also known for its antebellum architecture and arts and culture scene.
The whole southeastern Atlantic seaboard is thick with golf culture and an abundance of world-class courses.
“Savannah, and the areas north into the Charleston area—where we hear it called ‘Lowcountry’ golf—is really popular right now,” says Tom Coyne, a New York Times bestselling golf author. “There’s so much more to this area than just the buddy trip for one or two rounds.”
But it’s not just exclusive or high-priced courses that people should think of in the area.
“There’s a sneaky-good public golf course in Savannah, called Bacon Park, which is just really charming and very affordable, and I believe it was designed by Donald Ross [we checked, and it was], a famous golf course tech,” Coyne says. “To be able to play a Donald Ross course for whatever the greens fee is there, it’s just awesome.”
Home shoppers can find a three-bedroom home about a half-mile from the Bacon Park Golf Course for $328,000.
Nearby golf courses: 7 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $194,900
Mobile, located on the Mobile Bay spilling out into the Gulf of Mexico, has the most affordable golf-proximate real estate on our list. Home prices here are less than half the national median of $430,000 in April. And while the home prices aren’t high, the area is rich with golf history.
“Alabama is known for the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, where they have a literal trail of courses designed by the great Robert Trent Jones,” Coyne says. The famous golf course architect designed more than 500 courses between the 1930s and the 1990s.
Mobile and the surrounding areas have a subtropical climate, which means lots of rainfall, so it’s no wonder the area has been a center of golf culture since early in the 20th century.
Nearby golf courses: 22 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $290,000
The first thing golf expert Klein asked when he heard about our list: “Do you have Myrtle Beach on the list?”
Myrtle Beach has been referred to as “The Golf Capital of the World” due to the sheer number of courses and the rich golf history in the area. The economy in this oceanfront South Carolina city is driven in large part by the vibrant tourism industry, which is mostly centered on the attraction of the area’s world-class golf courses as well as its amusement parks and famed beach.
Boasting courses from the Pine Lake Country Club to TPC Myrtle Beach, this popular vacation spot is practically synonymous with the sport.
Plus, with home prices per square foot not too far from the national median figure, this golfer’s dream is not just for the well-heeled. And with a population just topping 35,000, Myrtle Beach is the smallest of places on our list, which adds to the homey feel.
For less than $100,000, golfers on a budget can find a two-bedroom condo that’s walking distance from the famous Pine Lakes Country Club.
Nearby golf courses: 13 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $569,900
About an hour east of Los Angeles, in the center of the San Bernardino Valley, you’ll find Riverside. It’s the namesake of Riverside County and the most populous city in what’s called the Inland Empire—a broad swath of Southern California’s noncoastal desert region.
With year-round golfing weather and access to more than a dozen courses within 10 minutes, Riverside has the best combo of prices, nearby golfing, and climate in the Golden State.
To be sure, Riverside is the most expensive place on our list, with homes priced more than 30% above the national average, and even more per square foot. But, in the context of California’s real estate prices, Riverside is cheap. It’s around 20% less expensive than the California average and 40% less expensive than neighboring Los Angeles.
Those looking for a place near downtown Riverside but also close to a golf course might want to look at the Jurupa Hills Country Club, where buyers can find a three-bedroom home near the greens for $455,000.
Nearby golf courses: 35 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $229,000
The last three cities on our list are all in the Midwest, where homes have historically been more affordable than in other parts of the country. In Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, homes within 10 minutes of a golf course are still 40% less expensive than the national average. And there are a surprising number of golf courses in this region.
Midwestern winters can be brutal, but the average monthly temperature is still above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for more than half of the year. While that might mean residents consider golf more of a seasonal pastime in these final three cities, the prices are less than half of what you would find in a city like Riverside, CA.
One of the most notable Indianapolis courses is built into the site of the Indianapolis 500, mixing golf with another of the town’s iconic draws.
Saddlebrook Golf Club is one of the closest to downtown Indianapolis, and for just shy of $230,000, home shoppers can get a three-bedroom home on a quarter-acre about 1,000 feet from the course.
Nearby golf courses: 26 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $239,900
Cincinnati, located on the Ohio River, boasts low home prices—and low-cost opportunities to play golf on a good public course.
“It’s so much more affordable than golfing in a place like New York or Chicago or L.A.,” says Klein of playing in smaller Midwestern cities.
Moreover, the Rust Belt city has an indelible golf tradition, in part due to the golf royalty from the area.
“In Ohio, you have a great golf history,” says Coyne. “Anyone who’s done anything big in the sport of golf has left a stamp in Ohio. And Jack Nicklaus hails from Columbus, so there’s got to be something good going on in Ohio.”
The Camargo Club, on the northeastern end of the Cincinnati area, has been ranked one of the best in the state. While the homes nearest to the course include custom-built, multimillion-dollar mansions, a three-bedroom home can be found about five minutes away for just under $280,000.
Nearby golf courses: 23 Median list price for homes near golf courses: $249,950
Golf might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city located on the Missouri River. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. It also boasts one of the best zoos and aquariums in the world.
But there are many options in Omaha for those looking for a home near a golf course, says Chris Bauer, a local Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. He’s found buyers are looking for either a more affordable option, usually near a public golf course, or access to pricier private clubs.
“Those are two different sets of buyers,” he says. “For the avid golfers who would only buy on a private course, you have Shadow Ridge, Deer Creek, Happy Hollow, or the Omaha Country Club.”
And for those looking for somewhere to live near a public course: “Pacific Springs, The Knolls, or Johnny Goodman. Those are all popular. There’s a wide spectrum here,” he says.
Watch: The Best Cities in the U.S. for Home Sellers Right Now
* Median list prices are from the last year on Realtor.com.
Make sure you’re getting the best outdoor space in your next Minneapolis apartment.
Hunting for an apartment in Minneapolis should be fun and not stressful. The first step is to narrow down where you want to live, and maybe seek out a few nearby hidden gems. Next, you need to decide what matters to you in an apartment. Do you want one of those stellar Minneapolis views? Do you need a place that’s pet-friendly?
As you create your list of ‘must haves’ for your next Minneapolis apartment, don’t discount the need for a solid outdoor space. Whether it’s a garden, courtyard or something else, it’s always a bonus to have a place to hang outdoors without leaving home. To help narrow down your options, check out these hot spots with some of the best courtyards and gardens in the city.
Source: Rent. / Dock Street Flats
Chic and ideal for a gathering of any size, the courtyard at Dock Street Flats prioritizes comfortable seating. Pods of couches fill every open space, with a see-through fireplace front and center tying everything together.
Staying focused on the outdoors, this Warehouse District community also provides residents with a community garden for those with a green thumb. Heading out, this neighborhood offers a blend of downtown energy and sophisticated style, giving you plenty of options when it comes to restaurants, cocktail bars, boutique shops and more.
Source: Rent. / Ironclad Residential
Labeled the Great Lawn, this little bit of courtyard at Ironclad Residential is an ideal outdoor gaming spot. There’s a separate, open patch of green that’s perfect for frisbee, as well as this reserved spot already set up for cornhole. Shaded seating off to the side provides a cooler area when it’s time to take a break from the sun.
This Downtown East community is only steps away from so much. Thankfully, it’s a highly walkable neighborhood too, making it easy to get to US Bank Stadium for a concert or a football game, Guthrie Theater for a show or Mill City for shopping and dining. You’re also near the 7.5-acre Gold Medal Park with its stunning views of the Mississippi River and the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
Source: Rent. / Lowa46
While it’s not exactly on the ground floor of Lowa46, this courtyard-like space has quite the amenity package. The swatch of green is just the right length for a bocce game, while the stone-covered spaces include seating areas, an awesome fire pit and a massive outdoor dining table beside the gas grills. You’re also only steps away from the community hot tub.
For true outdoor enthusiasts, Nokomis is the neighborhood for you. Living here puts you beside the city’s best trails, lakes and riverside parks. You can bike along the Greenway, check out Lake Nokomis and Minnehaha Falls or head to the Mississippi River for a scenic walk.
Source: Rent. / New Boston Square Apartments
Multiple courtyards occupy the open space at New Boston Square Apartments. At the front of the building, you’ll find a nice open space with large, healthy trees and thoughtfully designed plant beds. To the back, the railed-off courtyard space is full of grills, red umbrella-topped tables and even a few loungers. Mature trees also help fill in this space as well.
Situated in Minneapolis’ arts district, this Windom Park community provides easy access to downtown without skimping on the local amenities. You’re surrounded by fabulous shopping, excellent restaurants and even a great public library. Windom Park, the neighborhood’s namesake, is also a great place for football, tennis and even ice skating and hockey.
Source: Rent. / Tralee Terrace
The possibilities are endless when you have this much green space to work with. This park-like area at Tralee Terrace is perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic or even a few outdoor games. Limited patches of bushes and trees mean more lawn to use and more nature to enjoy.
Beyond this fantastic open space, Tralee Terrace also has a large playground, with a jungle gym and swings for the kids to enjoy, as well as an outdoor basketball court. There’s something for everyone to entice them to stay outside and have a little fun, whether relaxing or getting a little exercise.
Source: Rent. / Calhoun Beach Club
The cool courtyard at Calhoun Beach Club does more than deliver a superior outdoor space, it also has killer views. The space seems to run right into Lake Bee Maka Ska. Beautiful landscaped trees and grass along with funky patterns in the stonework give this area a modern touch and exude a super relaxing vibe.
Having a beach across the street from your apartment is quite a luxury, but that’s what you get in the Cedar Isles-Dean community. You can swim, boat or simply enjoy laying out in the sand just steps from your own front door. With several lakes and parks within the area, there’s no shortage of spots for scenic strolls or outdoor recreation.
Source: Rent. / Somerset Oaks
When an apartment community truly feels like a neighborhood, you’re doing something right. At Somerset Oaks, this happy vibe comes out thanks to the expansive lawn that separates buildings. It’s like having a front and back yard all in one, masquerading as a courtyard. A wide stretch of green grass that’s perfectly manicured is offset by a few stately trees and oversized bushes. It’s the perfect pop of nature.
About seven miles from downtown Minneapolis, you’ll find Saint Louis Park. This chill and outdoorsy suburb features a 160-acre Nature Center and over 80 parks for hiking, picnicking and more. You’ll find Somerset Oaks closest in the Oak Hill neighborhood where the park is full of paved trails, open fields, a splash pad and more.
Source: Rent. / Oaks Station Place Apartments
For a sweet gathering spot, you need to check out the courtyard at Oaks Station Place Apartments. Abutting a massive green space, with manicured trees and nicely grouped flowers and bushes, this bricked area offers ideal seating for everyone. You can relax on the lounge chairs, gather on the couches or use the grill to cook a meal you can enjoy at any of the tables.
Another Nokomis community with great promise, the outdoor space here also accommodates those with an active lifestyle. There’s a bike trail and jogging trail on the property. Should you need to head into the city proper, living here puts you right on a bus line, with the train station within a mile. This can help ease the commute since you won’t have to drive all the time.
Source: Rent. / Eitel Apartments
A complete urban feel flows throughout the courtyard at Eitel Apartments. Landscaping is minimal and mostly done in raised planters that hold a variety of small trees and bushes. Limited grass reminds you you’re living in the urban jungle. A nice, large pergola sits roughly in the center, offering a shaded space for hanging out.
Located in Loring Park, this is a neighborhood that takes its green space seriously. You get an expansive area with a lake and walking and cycling paths to keep you busy in the fresh air. There’s also a vibrant art scene here, with plenty of recreational activities and delicious restaurants.
Source: Rent. / Park Glen
There are plenty of well-maintained, garden-like spots all over Park Glen. You’ll find flowering trees and plenty of leafy greens surrounding the fire pit, but the real on-site garden sits just beside the pool. Within this serene garden, you’ll find wide stone walkways that take you around two little pools, large river rocks and beautifully shaped bushes. It’s a little zen and a little local beauty all rolled into one.
Another Saint Louis Park community, you’ll find Park Glen in the Wolfe Park neighborhood. Centered around another great local park, here, there are not only walking trails and a fishing pond but plenty of athletic facilities. There’s space to play basketball, pickleball and sand volleyball. There’s also a playground, picnic shelters and a rentable event space.
Get an apartment with one of the best gardens in Minneapolis
It’s easy to see why Minneapolis is so popular for renters. There are so many cool places to live and there is so much to do indoors and outside.
As you begin to narrow down your list of favorites though, don’t forget to take into account that outdoor space. You’ll definitely want to look at places with solid courtyards and gardens in Minneapolis to take full advantage of what the city does best.