Have you been thinking, “Should I move to Denver, CO”? You’re not alone. As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, many people are seeing Denver as great place to live. Living here means you’re never far from breathtaking hikes, ski slopes, and an exciting city life that thrives on outdoor fun. However, like any city, Denver presents residents with a mix of advantages and challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Denver to see if it’s the right place for you. Let’s jump in.
Denver at a Glance
Walk Score: 61 | Bike Score: 72 | Transit Score: 45
Median Sale Price: $570,000 | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,180
Denver neighborhoods | houses for rent in Denver | apartments for rent in Denver | homes for sale in Denver
Pro: Outdoor recreation opportunities
Denver is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, it offers unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. Residents can enjoy the scenic beauty of Red Rocks Park or the vast trails of Rocky Mountain National Park. The city’s commitment to maintaining green spaces ensures that nature is never far away, making it an ideal place for those who love to be outdoors.
Con: High altitude
Living in Denver comes with the challenge of adjusting to its high altitude. At over 5,000 feet above sea level, newcomers can sometimes experience altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms like headaches and fatigue. This elevation can also affect athletic performance and daily activities until one’s body adjusts. It’s a unique aspect of Denver life that can take some time to get used to.
Pro: Booming job market
Denver’s economy is thriving, with a booming job market, especially in technology, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Ball Corporation, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) contribute to the city’s job landscape, attracting talent from around the globe. This economic growth is contributing to Denver’s reputation as a place of opportunity and innovation.
Con: High cost of living
As Denver has grown in popularity, so has its cost of living. Currently, the cost of living in Denver is 11% higher than the national average. Rent and real estate prices are significantly higher than the national average, putting financial strain on some residents. This increase reflects Denver’s desirability but also poses a hurdle for those wishing to call it home.
Pro: Amazing craft beer scene
Denver is known for its craft beer scene, boasting more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S. From established names like Great Divide to innovative newcomers, there’s a vast selection of local brews to explore. The city hosts the Great American Beer Festival, attracting enthusiasts from all over. This vibrant beer culture is a significant part of Denver’s identity, offering a unique experience for residents and visitors alike.
Con: Dry climate
Denver’s climate is notably dry, which can be a con for those accustomed to more humid environments. The low humidity can lead to skin dryness and irritation, and residents often find themselves needing to invest in humidifiers for their homes. While the sunny days are plentiful, the arid conditions require adjustments in daily skincare and hydration habits.
Pro: Plenty of sunny days
One of Denver’s most appealing features is its abundance of sunny days. The city provides over 300 days of sunshine a year, more than Miami or San Diego. This sunny disposition encourages outdoor activities year-round, from picnics in City Park to bike rides along the South Platte River. The pleasant weather is a significant draw for those seeking an active and outdoor lifestyle.
Con: Limited public transportation
While Denver has made strides in expanding its public transportation network, it still lags behind other major cities. The RTD system, though improving, does not fully meet the needs of all residents, especially those living outside the city center. This limitation can make commuting and accessing different parts of the city challenging without a car.
Pro: Pet-friendly city
Denver is an exceptionally pet-friendly city, with numerous parks, trails, and businesses welcoming pets. The city’s love for animals is evident in its dog parks, like the expansive Cherry Creek State Park, and pet-friendly patios across the city. This inclusivity extends to many workplaces, making it easier for pet owners to balance work and pet care. For animal lovers, Denver’s welcoming attitude towards pets is a significant plus.
Con: Rapid growth
Denver’s rapid growth has brought about some challenges, including traffic jams and stretched city services. The influx of new residents has put pressure on local infrastructure, leading to concerns about sustainability and quality of life. While growth signifies a thriving city, managing it effectively remains a challenge for Denver, ensuring that it remains a livable place for all.
Pro: Tons of cultural attractions
Denver is rich in cultural attractions, offering a variety of museums, galleries, and theaters. The Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Nature & Science are just two examples of the city’s commitment to arts and education. The thriving music scene, with venues like the Bluebird Theater, showcases local and national talent. These cultural offerings enrich the lives of Denver residents, providing both entertainment and educational opportunities.
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.
With more pet ownership happening across the country, finding the best cities for pets could help you live more comfortably. The best cities for pets provide pet-friendly apartments, as well as plenty of amenities, such as off-leash parks, hiking spots, veterinary hospitals and doggie daycares.
Finding the best cities for pets
In our search for the best cities for pets, we analyzed the percentage of apartments in our database that were pet-friendly and allowed dogs or cats.
We also looked at the average cost of veterinarian services in large metro areas with populations above 100,000 and the number of pet-related businesses and parks per capita. Then, we ranked them accordingly.
Here are the best cities for pets in the U.S.
10. Davie, FL
Just north of Miami, Davie is a town with plenty of scenic parks. Head over to Happy Tails Dog Park, the city’s pristine dog park, where your dog can socialize and run obstacle courses. The park has three different play areas and doggie water fountains.
There’s also Central Broward Park, which features 110 acres of fields and playgrounds, Vista View Park, a hilly green space to spend the day hiking and Peace Mound Park, which has an ancient burial site.
Located in Broward County, Davie is known for its colleges, universities and technical colleges. It’s home to plenty of family-friendly activities, such as hanging at the Flamingo Garden and Everglades Holiday Park.
9. Vacaville, CA
Fast-growing city Vacaville in Northern California, just 55 miles outside of San Francisco and because it’s not in the heart of the city, it’s a lot more affordable, too.
Vacaville is a great place to get on your bike and take your dog on a run through Alamo Creek Bike Trail or Lagoon Valley Park, a green, fenced off area for off-leash dogs to run around.
Besides sprawling, recreational areas and charming parks, you can also spend the afternoon checking out some of the local wineries.
Vacaville even has its own little museum, honoring the local heritage. It’s an ideal place away from the hustle and bustle, but close enough if you ever need to access a bigger city (only 35 miles from Sacramento).
8. Naperville, IL
Naperville is a suburb of Chicago — it sits just 35 miles west of the Windy City and is home to paths and bridges that hug the DuPage River. Just like Vacaville, Naperville is far enough from the concrete jungle of Chicago so residents can enjoy the more scenic vibe of public art, colorful local shops, cafes and restaurants.
Grab the leash and take your dog on a stroll through Naperville Riverwalk, which has a two-mile path that opens up to the heart of the city. It’s picturesque with lots of green space, shopping and places to eat or get takeout along the way.
7. Arvada, CO
When it comes to outdoor activities, you really can’t find a better place than Colorado. Arvada, which is near Denver, offers a unique, small-town feel with a retro vibe. The city has a historic shopping district called Olde Town and offers plenty of parks, trails (it has 125 miles of hiking and biking!) and lakes where you can see the mountains and bald eagles.
You can hike Mesa Trail and see views of the Flatirons or check out Eldorado Canyon State Park to climb amid sandstone cliffs. Because of its close proximity to nature, low crime rate and educated workforce, Arvada is a popular place to live. It encompasses the top 20 of Colorado’s wealthiest ZIP Codes.
6. Scottsdale, AZ
While summers are hot, the rest of the year in Scottsdale is relatively mild, which makes it a comfortable place to live with your pet and get outside. Just outside of Arizona’s capital Phoenix, Scottsdale is well-known for incredible views of rock formations at Camelback Mountain and Hole in the Rock, a geological cluster with big open spaces.
Scottsdale even has a number of popular pet-friendly hotels (for some cool, indoor time for those scorching summers) and is generally welcoming of pets in public places, such as its posh Scottsdale Fashion Square and local wineries.
5. Tyler, TX
In eastern Texas, Tyler is known for its rose gardens and even has a museum dedicated to remembering the rich history of the town’s annual Texas Rose Festival.
Tyler is the kind of place where you can visit popular attractions, such as the Tyler Azalea trail and any of their lakes, such as Lake Tyler and East Lake Tyler.
The city’s location and access to nature make it a great place for pets. The Sunrise Paw Park is a massive dog park — four acres, to be exact. The park, just northwest of Old Jackson Highway, has separate fenced off sections for small and large dogs to play and socialize.
4. Boulder, CO
At the base of the Rocky Mountains is Boulder, CO. The city offers the best of both worlds, with the intricate rock formations of the Flatirons just west and the convenience of Pearl Street’s downtown’s shops, cafes and restaurants.
You can take your furry best friend just about anywhere in Boulder, including hiking trails and picnics with some spectacular scenery.
A dog-friendly must-do hike is the Flatirons Vista and Doudy Draw Trail, which is a beginner-level, 3.7-mile hike that will take about three hours. It’s an incredible way to spend the day, especially in the spring.
3. Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor is near the Huron River and nicknamed “Tree Town” because of its abundance of green space — even their downtown is filled with trees. Known as one of the best places to live in Michigan, Ann Arbor is a welcoming place for young professionals, families and their pets.
A popular destination for dog-lovers is Swift Run Dog Park, which is an outdoor grassy area with 10 acres of freedom for Fido to get some exercise and be off-leash.
Stroll through the coffee shops and historic downtown area that’s lined with vintage clothing shops, independent bookstores and historic theaters. Ann Arbor is also home to the University of Michigan, and its creative, youthful vibe makes it feel like a typical university town.
2. Charleston, SC
For being such an old city, founded in 1670, Charleston is surprisingly pet-friendly, with tons to do and see with Fido, including James Island County Park. This play haven features a dog beach, four acres of grass, a cleaning station and a fenced play area for small dogs.
Besides dog parks, beaches and trails, Charleston exudes an old, historic charm. The port city has cobblestone streets, especially in the French Quarter and Battery districts.
Go for a stroll down the promenade and Waterfront Park for a relaxing view of the Charleston Harbor. There are also tons of local shopping venues, theaters, museums, cafes and gardens.
1. Greeley, CO
The No. 1 city for Fido is in Greeley, a city in northern Colorado, about an hour away from Denver. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to do with your pet, from spending the afternoon at Poudre River Trail or taking advantage of the green space at Rover’s Run Dog Park.
Greeley is a central hub for community events and unlike its more expensive counterparts in Denver and Boulder, it’s considered a hidden gem due to its affordability in housing.
Greeley is a thriving cultural area, known for its art, entertainment and food-driven events, such as their summer-long Friday Fest and OktoBREWfest in the fall.
Greeley also landed in the No. 35 spot in a well-being index report, which measures community social and health data across populations.
The 50 best cities for pets
If you want to know what other cities made the list beyond the top 10, here are the top 50 best cities for pets.
Finding a pet-friendly apartment
Here’s what you need to know in order to find the best find a pet-friendly apartment for your needs.
Search for pet-friendly amenities
Newer apartment buildings come with all sorts of amenities, beyond a pool and fitness center. Pet-friendly apartments will have on-site dog parks, washing stations and even pet daycare.
Get renters insurance
You may have heard why it’s important to get renters insurance. Consider buying it for the year if you’re ready to move to a new apartment with your pet. It could show your new landlord that you’re responsible and are covered in case your pet causes any damage to the unit.
Depending on the type of coverage and policy you choose, renters insurance may include:
Property damage to the unit
Liability in case someone gets hurt in your unit
Theft of belongings in your apartment and car
Additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable as a result of a covered emergency
Get a recommendation
Ask your former landlord to write a letter of recommendation, highlighting your dog’s behavior and the condition of your previous apartment. You may want to include other types of documentation when talking to your landlord, such as:
Obedience school documents
Pet sitters who took care of your dog
A former neighbor
Pay a pet deposit
This topic will inevitably come up when you look for a pet-friendly apartment. Most apartment buildings will require a pet deposit, which is generally a few hundred dollars.
Take photos of your apartment before you move in
When you find the right place to live, be sure to take photos of your apartment before you move in. This could serve a few purposes for you, including proof that your pet didn’t ruin the unit.
You could show these photos to future landlords to state your case that your dog is well behaved. It could also help you get your security deposit back.
Methodology
To determine the best cities for pets, we looked at all cities with at least 100,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 estimates and then ranked each city by the following factors:
Pet-friendliness (50%)
The percentage of available properties that allow dogs or cats. Listings are from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s November 2020 multifamily rental property inventory.
Veterinarian costs (20%)
Pet businesses per capita (30%)
Businesses include vets, animal hospitals, pet shops, pet training facilities, pet boarding, pet supplies and parks. Counts come from a database of 8 million commercially licensed business listings and may not reflect recent openings or closures.
Each of these factors was weighted differently, and the cities with the best overall score were determined to be the best cities for pets.
What makes a city a great food city? Well, just like with any dish, it takes the right ingredients, which can vary. Perhaps the city is located in an agriculturally-rich area. Or the city is a diverse melting pot, creating a place for expression and creativity where chefs can share recipes from around the world or experiment with fusion cuisines. It also needs to have well-stocked grocers that carry specialty items.
No matter what, a great food city should be a place where chefs are supported by a population that loves dining out and supporting local restaurants. Whether you’re a chef looking for where to launch your next venture, or a food lover looking for the next big thing, here are the best cities for chefs to practice their craft.
Finding the best cities for chefs
So then, where do chefs thrive? There are different factors to consider, like grocery cost, population size and specialty stores where chefs can source high-quality ingredients. Taking all those into account, here are the ten best cities for chefs.
10. Grand Rapids, MI
While Grand Rapids may not immediately jump off the page as a great dining destination, you’d be surprised. There’s a robust craft brewing scene, top-notch cafes and a range of beloved, non-chain dining options.
Sourcing fish and seafood from the nearby Great Lakes and using area farms for fresh produce, seasonality is key. Chefs can even dine where they shop. They can tuck into fish and chips at fishmonger and restaurant Fish Lads, or grab a bite at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market while also shopping for produce, olive oil or spices.
Groceries are also the most affordable of all the cities in the top ten. Not only do chefs get to experiment with fresh, regional ingredients in Grand Rapids, but it’s extremely affordable to do so.
9. Santa Fe, NM
With its blend of cultural influences, the food scene in Santa Fe is unparalleled in the Southwest. With Native and Hispanic cuisines leading the playbill, an excellent supporting cast of other global offerings like Indian and Italian rounds it out. And lovers of spicy food find themselves falling under the spell of New Mexico’s famed Hatch green chiles, which feature heavily in local cuisine.
Against such a gastronomically diverse background, chefs also have a wide range of markets and grocers to choose from. There are 0.23 specialty grocers and 0.5 markets per 10,000 residents. So with a population of over 85,000, there are options aplenty. And that population, plus robust summer tourism crowds in Santa Fe, are only too happy to support local chefs.
8. Napa, CA
Ah, Napa.
As the seat of California wine country, this town of just over 78,000 would naturally be a great place for chefs to create exceptional meals. With a strong focus on high-end fares like Italian, French and New American, there’s an incredible variety of tastes to try. And experimenting with pairing with local wines is another plus.
The area’s agricultural history and current reputation for viticulture give Napa chefs easy access to locally-grown, fresh foodstuffs at local markets and grocers. With 0.89 markets per 10,000 residents, chefs can find everything from fresh produce to meats at spots like the Oxbow Public Market. There are also 23 non-chain establishments per capita, making it incredibly easy to support the local restaurant community.
7. Conroe, TX
Sitting on edge of Lake Conroe, the 91,000-population town of Conroe is a lakeside slice of country living within driving distance of Houston. As with many smaller towns, community and hospitality are important. So the local dining is heavily focused on family-run, feel-good food and service. Obviously, barbecue is huge here, as well as Mexican.
Chefs have their pick of the litter when it comes to specialty markets and grocers, with 0.54 grocers and 0.21 markets per 10,000 residents. And the cost of groceries is one of the lowest on the top ten list, so chefs in Conroe can prepare excellent food on a reasonable budget.
6. Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati chili. Reuben sandwiches. Ice cream. Gooey pizza. Tender ribs. If you love big food with big, bombastic flavor, Cincinnati is the place. From regional treasures like Cincinnati-style chili, which is piled on top of spaghetti or hot dogs, to creative riffs on classics like burgers, chefs here love going big.
As a larger city, grocery costs are elevated, but there’s an abundance of markets and grocers. With 0.42 markets per capita and 0.16 grocers, in a city of over 300,000, there’s always something fresh and delicious close by for chefs to work with. From getting meats and produce at Country Farm Fresh Market to finding global flavors and fun at the famed Jungle Jim’s International Market, accessing the best ingredients is never an issue.
Cincinnati also ranks among the top cities with the most non-chain dining establishments in the top 10. So if you’re a chef looking for a place that welcomes bold flavor and never-say-die energy, head to the Queen City.
5. Asheville, NC
Over the past decade, the Blue Ridge Mountains-based Asheville has emerged as North Carolina’s preeminent food city. This scenic mountain hideaway has it all, from excellent craft brews and comforting Southern fare to elevated fine dining. This dedication to authentic food in all its forms has created a restaurant scene with 35 non-chain restaurants per 10,000 residents.
As a food scene that revels in experimentation and pushing the envelope, chefs in Asheville have an environment in which they can creatively grow and thrive. And the local supply options support that as well, with 0.21 grocers and markets per capita. And don’t forget to try that famous North Carolina barbecue!
4. Pensacola, FL
For seafood chefs seeking new stomping grounds, Pensacola, on the far western end of Florida’s panhandle, has enough attributes to crack the top five best cities for chefs. Sitting right on the edge of Pensacola Bay, fresh seafood is always within reach. The local food scene is rich with delicious seafood spots, as well as Southern and global fare.
With 0.94 markets per capita, chefs can head to specialty stores like Joe Patti’s Seafood and Four Winds International Market for both local and far-flung ingredients. And at 54 non-chain restaurants per 10,000 people, there are plenty of options for the nearly 53,000 residents of Pensacola.
3. West Des Moines, IA
Image source: Rent. / Sun Prairie Apartments
Betcha didn’t know just how vital Iowa is to U.S. agriculture. The Hawkeye State is the nation’s biggest producer of eggs, corn and pork. It also produces 14 percent of cattle in the United States, giving us tender flavorful steaks and beef. With such high-quality produce and meat, it’s no wonder chefs and meat lovers can have a field day here.
In West Des Moines, which forms the western edge of greater Des Moines, chefs will find a particularly hospitable environment for their craft. There’s an abundance of specialty grocers to choose from, like Fresh Thyme Market, providing quality meats, produce and other ingredients. Dining-wise, chefs can express themselves at classic steakhouses and casual brewpubs or branch out into other meat-heavy cuisines like Brazilian. There’s also great Mexican and Asian dining to be found in West Des Moines.
2. Marietta, GA
Snagging second-place for best cities for chefs is the 60,867-strong city of Marietta. Sitting northwest of Atlanta, Marietta is home to a hidden gem food scene. There’s something for everyone, from home-style Southern and farm-to-table to traditional Latin American cuisines.
This gives chefs a large playing field, allowing them to carry on the treasured culinary traditions to American diners, craft dishes from around the world or create exciting combos. Shopping is done at established specialty grocers like Cajun Meat Company, and with 1.15 markets per 10,000 residents, there’s plenty to go around.
One caveat: The cost of groceries is the highest of all the cities on the top 10 list.
1. Greenville, SC
The surrounding states must look on South Carolina with envy, as it’s home to two of the South’s best food cities. First, there’s Charleston (one of our best cities for brunch), and then, No. 1 on the list of the best cities for chefs, is Greenville.
This up-and-coming foodie haven has everything from top-tier Southern comfort food to sophisticated fine dining. Chefs can have fun with flavor at casual neighborhood spots, or get creative with elegant plating at high-end restaurants. And while grocery cost is second only to Marietta on this list, the local population is extremely supportive of their dining scene. There are 59 non-chain restaurants per 10,000 residents, so it’s plain to see that the inhabitants of Greenville love dining out and eating well. Here, chefs are sure to find a supportive and loving audience for whatever they want to cook.
The top 50 cities for chefs
Want to expand your cooking and culinary horizons beyond the top ten? There are many other options for chefs to choose from, as you’ll see from the top 50.
Methodology
To determine the best cities for chefs, we looked at all cities with at least 50,000 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 estimates that had at least one specialty grocer, market and non-chain (local) restaurant. That final list included 386 cities spread all across the country. We then ranked each city by the following factors:
The average cost of groceries: The cost of an average grocery bill in the metro area of each city according to cost of living estimates from the Council for Community and Economic Research.
Specialty markets: Per capita and business density calculations in each city from a list of commercially licensed business data. Specialty markets include ethnic, organic and health food.
Food markets: Per capita and business density calculations in each city from a list of commercially licensed business data. Food markets include butchers and farmers markets.
Local restaurants: Per capita and business density calculations in each city from a list of commercially licensed business data. Local restaurants include all dining establishments that are labeled as non-chain.
Each of these factors was weighted equally, and the cities with the best overall score were determined to be the best cities for chefs.
Kyle Joseph, a specialty finance equity research analyst at Jefferies, believes that the worst of the current mortgage cycle may be behind us, a sentiment shared by most analysts covering this industry.
“Barring any sort of unforeseen consequences, I’d like to think so,” Joseph said in an interview. “Obviously, this cycle was fast and furious – for lack of a better term – in terms of how quickly rates went up, and volumes basically got cut into a third of what they were two-plus years ago. It really sent shockwaves through the industry.”
Joseph anticipates potential growth in originations next year, both in purchase and refis.
“If anything, every day seems to be a higher likelihood that rates are not going higher next year,” he said.
Warren Kornfeld, senior vice president of the financial institutions group at Moody’s, provided a detailed forecast, stating, “We will see three to four decreases in the Federal Reserve funds rate next year, starting sometime in the second quarter. Mortgage rates will moderate down to about 6% to 6.25%.”
Kornfeld expects mortgage originations to range from $1.8 trillion to $2 trillion in 2024. On the refinance side, he predicts a moderate increase in cash-out activity as rates decline, with customers using the resources to consolidate debt and extract some home equity build-up.
Kornfeld said that for companies under his coverage, including major U.S. lenders, “The horrible period was the last half of 2022 and Q1 of this year. In Q2 and Q3, they’re okay. Q4 will be down. But once again, not a horrible year for 2023, and with the Fed pivot we’ll see further improvement next year.”
Bose George, managing director at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW), has adopted a more cautious stance for the coming year. He estimates the 10-year Treasury yields may average 4% for the full year, mortgage spreads should tighten “a little bit more,” and mortgage rates will average around 6.75% for the year.
Regarding origination volumes, George said, “Even the MBA numbers, to be honest, look a little bit high.” The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) on Dec. 18 released a $2 trillion forecast for one-to-four family loan originations in 2024.
According to George, there will be “a small amount” of cash-out refinances, and the purchase market might see “a little bit of an improvement,” but overall, 2024 “doesn’t look better.” Additionally, predicting the market recovery’s timing is challenging. “We’re not saying 2025. But it’s possible. It might really be 2026,” George said.
Given these distinct macro forecasts for 2024, what should originators keep in their playbook for next year? HousingWire spoke to analysts covering mortgage companies to gain insights into the challenges ahead.
The macro challenge: Still not much inventory
Analysts unanimously agree that inventory will continue to be a significant issue entering 2024. There are also lingering questions about where home prices will settle, a crucial factor in the current affordability challenges.
Eric Hagen, managing director and mortgage analyst at BTIG, said the “biggest anomaly in the whole episode of rising rates is that we would normally expect housing prices to have some sensitivity” – meaning, a tendency to decrease.
However, in the current market downturn, home prices “had almost the opposite sensitivity that you’d expect,” Hagen said. To exacerbate the situation, he expects the trend could persist in 2024 while “affordability is still tight for the marginal homebuyer.”
Kornfeld agrees that “the biggest wildcard” in 2024 will be related to home sales, with the current “lock-in effect” in place. Individuals with mortgages at 2-3-4% rates are less inclined to move and sell their homes in a higher-rate environment, further limiting the number of homes available for sale.
“The average time to sell is still 3.5 months. Homes don’t remain on the market for very long, which is just so surprising, given how horrible affordability is because of rates and prices. So, the big wildcard is when do homeowners start putting their homes on the market,” Kornfeld said.
Kornfeld added: “We’re talking about our scenario of a mortgage rate of about 6.0% to 6.25% by the end of the year. I think people are still gonna be pretty locked in. And it’s really going to take several years to start seeing more housing activity or existing home sale activity.”
George agrees that inventory will remain a problem. “Unfortunately, a big part of the housing supply issue seems to be related to the fact that all these borrowers are sitting on three-and-a-half percent mortgages, and they don’t want to give that up and move. If rates stay with our expectation here, whatever high six is, that piece doesn’t change.”
The KBW 2024-2025 housing forecast calls for home price growth of 2%, which is below wage inflation, but anticipates home sales growth of just 2%, marking a 41-year per capita low. Meanwhile, it expects a structural supply shortage of 1.5-2.5 million homes.
According to KBW analysts, affordability is 30% below the long run with payment-to-income of 27% compared to 20% between 2002 and 2004. Alongside lower mortgage rates and 3-4% annual wage growth, the estimate suggests it would “take two to three years to normalize affordability.”
The originations challenge: Addressing overcapacity
Reducing capacity may still be a feature of the mortgage lender playbook in 2024, but in a more nuanced approach, analysts said.
According to Kornfeld, “finding continued areas to cut costs without hurting franchise and quality of origination” will be a challenge.
“If you look at companies that we rate, the massive job cutbacks happened last year and into this year. But in the last several quarters, the headcount and compensation have been very flat. We’ll see some additional selective cost-cutting, but not a heck of a lot. For most large companies that we rate, the cost-cutting is over,” Kornfeld said.
Does this suggest these companies will experience stronger profits? It’s possible, but analysts believe that any rise in profit will be due to a slight growth in volume next year, not because there’s room for significant cost reductions.
According to the analysts, many top mortgage lenders retained a bit of excess capacity, anticipating numerous refi booms in the coming years.
“Capacity has come down quite a bit. And I think the best indication is that margins have been somewhat stable – gross margins for the last couple of quarters. In Q4 2023 and Q1 2024, the net margins will probably be lower just because of seasonality,” George said. “It seems like there’s probably more [capacity] that needs to come out. But there are large originators who want to keep some capacity as well.”
Hagen also believes that for the top nonbank originators, “a lot of the capacity has been pretty much right-sized for this rate environment.” Meanwhile, less-scaled companies have tried to “hang on to their stuff for as long as possible in the hopes the market comes back.”
According to Joseph, analysts’ conversations with mortgage executives have shifted from “How much more do you have to cut?” to “Are you going to be able to participate if the industry regrows?” or “Have you cut too much?”
“The outlook, at least from investors, is better, and I would also highlight that if you just look at gain-on-sale margins, they are really stabilized. To us, that implies that supply finally caught up with demand and that there’s an equilibrium in the market.”
The servicing challenge: Managing the MSR portfolio size
According to analysts, lenders facing liquidity issues may have opted to sell their mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) throughout 2023, putting them at a disadvantage when the next refi boom emerges.
Kornfeld anticipates an increase in MSR sales in 2024, driven by the ongoing financial challenges some lenders face. However, according to him, lenders are “getting a short-term gain in liquidity, but at the expense of a weaker franchise in the future.”
Jefferies’ Joseph said, “We’re taking a little bit of a contrarian [view] that if you have a high coupon mortgage that you’re servicing, it’s actually going to be beneficial next year to the origination segment and more than offset any potential negative impacts on the servicing side.”
Regarding these negative impacts, analysts at Fitch said in a report issued in late November that rate declines expected by the end of 2024 could pressure MSR valuations, which could drive modest increases in leverage, especially if earnings from originations remain weak.
According to the report, the balance sheet exposure to market risk is rising above historical levels for some companies, with MSRs as a share of equity up to 180% in some cases.
George adds that regulation will also weigh on the decision of selling MSRs, mainly the Basel III Endgame rules, which increase capital requirements for banks.
“The Basel III Endgame seems to be one catalyst for some of the MSR sales,” George said. “On the other hand, we’re still waiting to see what the final version is going to look like. It’s possible that they make some of that a little less onerous on the banks in terms of MSR holdings and the LTV on mortgages. So, we have to see how that plays out.”
Colorado Springs is a charming mountain city with access to some of the most scenic hiking trails in the Front Range. Home to Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy and the Olympic Training Center, this growing burg is brimming with culture and amenities.
With an average of 300 sunny days per year, Colorado is an understandably desirable place to live and has seen steady growth in population for years. Despite the influx of new residents, Colorado Springs still maintains the welcoming vibe of a small town and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the Centennial State. But does its small-town charm translate to small-town prices?
Right now, the cost of living in Colorado Springs is 3.4 percent above the national average. This number continues to grow. Compared with the nearby city of Denver, housing prices in Colorado Springs are currently 32.1 percent lower than the Mile High City.
Explore the costs of living in Colorado Springs, from housing to food and healthcare, and discover if a move to the Front Range is right for you.
Housing costs in Colorado Springs
The housing market in Colorado Springs is competitive and fast-paced, but renters are in luck.
The average price of a one-bedroom in Colorado Springs is currently $1,024 per month, a decrease of 24.6 percent from the previous year. Of course, this number is dependent mainly on the neighborhood.
Among the most expensive neighborhoods are Kissing Camels, Norwood and Wagon Trails. The average cost-per-month of a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,548 to $1,723.
Areas that price out closer to the city’s average are East Colorado Springs, Garden Ranch and Ivywild, with the average cost of a one-bedroom falling between $1,000 and $1,068 per month in these areas.
If you’re looking for a centrally located home close to downtown, you’ll find the most affordable apartments in Stratton Meadows, where a one-bedroom averages $887 per month, or Shooks Run at $846 per month.
Currently, the median sale price for a home in Colorado Springs is $377,643. As of May 2021, home prices are up 21.6 percent since last year, according to Redfin. The local housing market is highly competitive, meaning that most homes receive multiple offers. Homes are also selling for about 4 percent more than the list price, on average.
Food costs in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs boasts a wide array of international cuisine — from authentic Mexican and Indian to German and British fare. There’s an abundance of culinary opportunities with dining options ranging from casual family dining to luxurious special-occasion restaurants.
Outdoor dining is another popular choice here; between the city’s breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the famously sunny weather, there’s no shortage of patio seating.
Groceries in Colorado Springs will cost you around 3.4 percent less than the national average. You can expect to pay $3.57 for a loaf of bread, $1.27 for a dozen eggs and $4.33 for ground beef.
Locals often hunt for bargains and ultra-fresh produce at one of the many farmer’s markets in the city.
Utility costs in Colorado Springs
Colorado has some of the best skiing in the world, but all that snow means your heating bill will see a jump in the winter.
Overall, the utility costs in Colorado Springs are just 0.9 percent below the national average. You can expect your total energy cost to come in around $165.12 per month.
Transportation costs in Colorado Springs
Traffic in Colorado Springs is surprisingly uncongested for a city of its size.
Commuters spend an average of four extra minutes per 30 minutes of commute-time during the morning rush hour and seven more minutes in the evening, with an average commute of around 22 minutes.
Heavy congestion on major roads is rare, and many members of the community choose to drive. You can expect to pay $2.41 for a gallon of regular unleaded at the pump.
Downtown Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City employ parking meters, with the parking charge per hour starting at $1.25 closest to the city center. Meters on the periphery of downtown will cost you $0.75 per hour. City-operated garages downtown charge a daily maximum of $9 or $70 per month. Parking outside of the city center is typically free.
Colorado Springs public transportation
Those who prefer public transit can take the Mountain Metro Transit, the city’s bus system, with a comprehensive route traversing most of the town. The basic cash fare for adults is $1.75, while youths, seniors and Medicaid or disabled folks will pay $0.85. Transfers are free and issued upon request with paid fare and are good for 2 hours or three rides on one-way trips.
Discount Metro tickets can also be purchased. Unlimited ride Day Passes coming in at $4 and unlimited 31-Day Tickets at $63. The city’s transit score is 20.
Colorado Springs has a bike score of 46 and a walk score of 37, with miles of paved bike paths inside and around the city for recreational cycling and walking. The mostly-paved Pikes Peak Greenway runs through the center of town, connecting to the Santa Fe Trail in the north and the Fountain Creek Regional Trail in the south. Other inner-city bike paths include the Cottonwood Creek Trail, Shooks Run Trail and the Midland Trail. Interactive bike maps make planning your commute or joyride a breeze.
Overall, the cost of living for transportation in the city is 9 percent above the national average.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has been a destination for health-seekers since its early days as a haven for tuberculosis patients. Many doctors in the 19th century believed that high altitude and sunshine were a cure for TB. Coincidentally, the influx of wealthy TB patients to the then-resort town of Colorado Springs was instrumental in putting the small city on the map.
Today, Colorado Springs is home to the award-winning UCHealth Memorial Hospital and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. Kids can receive high-quality care at the new Children’s Hospital Colorado Springs location.
Calculating average healthcare costs is difficult because these costs vary widely depending on each person’s health situation. The local healthcare costs are 4.6 percent higher than the national average.
A regular doctor’s visit might cost an average of $126.71, while a trip to the dentist will cost $105.77 on average. Prescription drugs, without insurance, cost an average of $471.44, and a bottle of ibuprofen will cost around $9.03.
Goods and services costs in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs boasts a wide selection of fitness facilities and opportunities, whether you’re a CrossFit aficionado or more of a Pilates person. Yoga enthusiasts can expect to pay a little more than $15 per class.
If you want to save a few bucks and still be healthy, check out the nearby hiking trails. Colorado Springs boasts several open spaces within the city limits, many of which contain trail systems for easy access hiking.
Garden of the Gods, located on the west side of town, is an iconic landmark and recreation hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Admission is free for this city-owned National Natural Landmark.
If you’re a pet owner, you can expect to pay an average of $56.54 per routine vet visit. Pet licensing —required for all dogs and cats over the age of 4 months — can cost anywhere from $10 to $75 depending on a variety of factors.
Overall, the cost of goods and services in Colorado Springs is about 3 percent more than the national average.
Taxes in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs resides entirely within El Paso County. The Colorado sales tax rate is currently 2.9 percent, while the El Paso County sales tax is 1.23 percent.
Colorado Springs recently reduced its sales tax to 3.07 percent. Therefore, the minimum combined sales tax for Colorado Springs is now 8.2 percent. So, when you spend $100 at the Promenade Shops at Briargate, for example, you’ll pay $8.20 in sales tax.
Colorado does not tax most groceries.
How much do you need to earn to live in Colorado Springs?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city is $1,024.
Most financial advisors recommend spending no more than 30 percent of your annual income on rent. This means you would need to earn around $40,960 per year to comfortably afford a one-bedroom apartment in Colorado Springs.
To give these numbers some context, the median household income in Colorado Springs is about $65,000 and the per capita median income is around $34,000.
Use our rent calculator to quickly discover how much you can afford to spend on rent with your current salary.
Living in Colorado Springs
Recently ranked fourth Best Place to Live by U.S. News & World Report, Colorado Springs is a mountain oasis. Gorgeous weather and miles of surrounding natural beauty make this city a unique treasure in the heart of the American West.
With a growing economy and an increasing demand for tech-talent labor, there’s never been a better time to relocate. Find your ideal Colorado Springs apartment to rent today.
Cost of living information comes from The Council for Community and Economic Research.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments in April 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Michigan has caught a bad rap with all the water crises and gradual auto industry collapse. But the Great Lakes State still has plenty to offer. Explore the cheapest places to live in Michigan and see how these rent prices stack up against the rest of the country.
Michigan average rent prices
The great news is that the cost of housing in Michigan comes in far below the national average. Things look poised to change though — rent prices are up 22 percent since last year, with the average one-bedroom apartment coming in at $1,315 per month. So, maybe sign a rental agreement sooner rather than later?
The cheapest cities in Michigan for renters
Cities all over Michigan are affordable for renters. Sure, a cheap rental is not right on the banks of one of the Great Lakes, or whatever, but it’s still possible to find a great unit! Let’s dive right into this list of the cheapest places to live in Michigan for renters.
10. Livonia
Photo source: Livonia Community / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,056
Average rent change in the past year: n/a
This Detroit suburb is in southeast Michigan and has a population of just under 95,000, making it the 9th largest community in Michigan. Currently, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Livonia is $1,056.
Livonia has a lot going on — there are major employers like Ford Motor Company, Amazon and Trinity Health providing lots of jobs for area workers. In all, more than 4,000 businesses are in the area, among them several corporate headquarters.
The city also boasts more than 1,300 acres of nature preserves and public parks, behind only Detroit in the entire state. One particular gem is Greenmead Historical Park, which features a working farm and a number of historically significant buildings. The park also hosts lots of great outdoor events and has a full spate of recreational facilities.
For entertainment, Livonia is home to a ton of great breweries, restaurants and shopping (especially antiques and flea markets). Soccer enthusiasts may also choose to join the Livonia City Soccer Club, which has more than 1,300 players currently.
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9. Royal Oak
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,029
Average rent change in the past year: 6.95 percent
Rent is creeping up in the Michigan city of Royal Oak, with a one-bedroom apartment running 6.95 percent more than this time last year. Currently, such a unit will set you back $1,029 per month. Just north of Detroit, Royal Oak is ideal for people who need to work in the city, but who want a quieter way of life in their downtime.
The most popular spot in Royal Oak is undoubtedly its ultra-walkable downtown area. Here you will find many lofts and high-rises available for rent. In addition to an almost overwhelming array of dining options (more than 45), Downtown Royal Oak has entertainment galore with the Royal Oak Music Theatre, Emagine Theater and Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.
The city also puts on a popular farmer’s market stocked with fresh produce from local farms. It’s also not unusual for a community art fair or another special event to liven up the streets of Downtown Royal Oak on the regular.
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8. Kalamazoo
Average 1-BR rent price: $1,018
Average rent change in the past year: 11.67 percent
The last city on our list of the cheapest places to live in Michigan that breaks the $1,000 threshold, Kalamazoo is about as fun to live in as it is to say. Smack in between Chicago and Detroit, Kalamazoo County is in Western Michigan. The word is out about this eclectic area, however, so rent is up 11.67 percent since last year for a one-bedroom apartment. The average rent for such a unit is about $1,018.
Kalamazoo has a lot of great things going for it. Notably, the water and water reclamation systems are award-winning (a big deal compared to some other areas of Michigan). There are also many parks, golf courses and lakes to enjoy during the delightfully mild summertime months.
An ideal place to work, Kalamazoo offers positions in a wide array of industries to choose from such as craft beer, pharmaceutical and medical science, among others.
The only problem with Kalamazoo is figuring out what to do first. Take in a concert or show at the Kalamazoo State Theatre downtown. Or, take in nine or so innings of Kalamazoo Growlers Baseball (summer collegiate league) at Homer Stryker Field. If the sport of curling is more your game, join the Kalamazoo Curling Club!
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7. Greenville
Average 1-BR rent price: $990
Average rent change in the past year: n/a
The smallest city so far on our list is Greenville. A small city of under 10,000 people in west-central Michigan (about 25 miles inland from Lake Michigan), this city checks in at under $1,000 per month! A one-bedroom averages about $990.
Greenville is known for its access to outdoor opportunities. A scant seven miles northwest of Greenville is the Woodbeck chain of lakes, where visitors can swim, boat and fish to their heart’s content. The swimming beach at Baldwin Lake is another popular spot during the summer months. Then there’s the Edwards Creek Mountain Bike Trail, which is sure to challenge even seasoned cyclists.
Greenville’s quaint downtown area is another hotspot for local shopping and dining. With over 70 retailers and other businesses, it’s just big enough to get the job done without being overwhelming. It’s also picturesque enough for any movie — Greenville takes great pride in its adorable, newly renovated streetscape!
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6. Wixom
Photo source: Wixom, MI – Government / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $965
Average rent change in the past year: 7.97 percent
About 20 minutes northwest of Detroit, the city of Wixom is teeny-tiny compared to Motor City. At under 15,000 residents, Wixom is far less metropolitan and far more of a tight-knit community — probably why it’s coming in hot on our list of the cheapest places to live in Michigan. Currently, a one-bedroom rental averages $965, up 7.97 percent from one year ago.
Indeed, Wixom puts on a slate of events rivaled by any city in the state, such as seasonal festivals, movies in the park and dog-friendly events. The summer concert series is very popular!
There are seven public parks located throughout Wixom, each with amenities ranging from sledding hills to sand volleyball courts. The Wixom Trail System is especially beloved by local runners, skaters and bikers, as is The Wixom Habitat, a 300-acre nature preserve.
Don’t forget to stop by downtown to take in an authentic Italian meal at the beloved Volare Ristorante.
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5. Flint
Average 1-BR rent price: $929
Average rent change in the past year: 30.89 percent
Bad news first. Yes, this is “that” Flint. The one with the five-year-long water crisis that exposed thousands of people to lead and other unsavory things in their drinking water. However, things are under control in the area now, which is why rent has jumped more than 30 percent up to about $929 for an average one-bedroom rental.
Located 60 miles northwest of Detroit, Flint is appropriately located on the banks of the Flint River. The city’s population is just under 100,000, making it one of the larger cities in Michigan.
To the surprise of some, Flint is home to a thriving cultural arts community. The Flint Institute of Music includes the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint School of Performing Arts and Flint Youth Theatre — this is just one component of the 30-acre Flint Cultural Center. Don’t forget to stop by the Longway Planetarium, Sloan Museum and other culturally significant offerings!
Locals also love to hike around the one-of-a-kind attraction that is Stepping Stone Falls, a man-made waterfall area and dam that holds back the Flint River, thus creating Mott Lake, which is fully stocked with fish. There’s even an evening riverboat cruise!
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4. Ypsilanti
Average 1-BR rent price: $922
Average rent change in the past year: -18.52 percent
Known by locals simply as “Ypsi,” this eastern Michigan city is also mere minutes (seven miles) from the destination town of Ann Arbor. In case you were wondering, you pronounce Ypsilanti like “IP-sill-ANN-tee” — in honor of a Greek hero from the Greek War of Independence.
Currently, people haven’t been fighting over rentals in Ypsi, so rent has fallen by 18.52 percent over the last year. The average one-bedroom apartment here costs $922 — making it one of the cheapest places to live in Michigan.
Ypsi is obviously a college town, but the students and other populations are largely separated. There’s plenty to do for people of all ages. Stop by Depot Town for classic car events, not to mention a regular farmer’s market. Depot Town also hosts a bunch of vintage, novelty and shopping options.
Don’t forget to pop by the local apple orchard or strawberry patch. Here you can pick until your heart’s content. Afterward, take the kiddos to hit the Michigan Firehouse Museum for an authentic look at past and present firehouse efforts.
Adults can top it off with a stop at any of the local bars and breweries Ypsi is known for. Cheers!
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3. East Lansing
Photo source: The City of East Lansing / Facebook
Average 1-BR rent price: $906
Average rent change in the past year: 1.17 percent
Expect to see lots of green and white in East Lansing, since the city is home to the Michigan State Spartans and all of the students and school spirit that go along with it. As a result, housing is pretty affordable. The average one-bedroom rental is about $906 per month, up 1.17 percent from last year.
Although MSU is the centerpiece of East Lansing, there’s plenty more going on in the area. The city is family-friendly, with attractions such as the Family Aquatic Center, an “interactive outdoor water facility.” It even has a 190-foot-long tube water slide!
Then there’s the East Lansing Film Festival, which draws people from all over to watch all kinds of movies made around the world. Be sure to explore the hopping downtown area in all its food, shopping and entertainment glory.
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2. Lansing
Average 1-BR rent price: $850
Average rent change in the past year: -25.45 percent
The capital city of Michigan is a steal right now, with rent prices down 25.45 percent from last year. A typical one-bedroom unit rents for $850 a month!
Although Lansing got put on the map thanks to the founding of Olds Motor Vehicle Company in 1897, modern Lansing has a much wider slate of job opportunities, including other forms of manufacturing, education, banking and healthcare, among others. As a result, it’s easy to live, work and play in Lansing.
Lansing is also delightfully diverse, culturally speaking. In fact, Lansing is known for celebrating Black and minority culture year-round. There is an annual African American Parade here, plus historic sites such as the Malcolm X Homesite and the Michigan History Museum.
There’s plenty for people of all ages and persuasions to do around town. Families love Potter Park Zoo, as well as all the outdoor fun that Lansing River Trail offers. The 4-H Children’s Gardens at MSU is another awesome place to stop by with the kiddos.
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1. Saginaw
Average 1-BR rent price: $698
Average rent change in the past year: -1.68 percent
Topping our list of the cheapest places to live in Michigan, the mid-state city of Saginaw boasts the cheapest rent by more than $150 per month (compared with second-place, Lansing). Rent in Saginaw dropped 1.68 percent over the last year to about $698 for an average one-bedroom apartment.
The city was originally inhabited by the Sauks. So, the word Saginaw literally means “Land of the Sauks.” The area was originally a major lumber hub, thanks to easy water access. Today, it’s known for its technical innovations. In fact, it hovers at the top of the list of most registered patents per capita in the country.
Locals especially love Saginaw’s proximity to waterways. The city is on the banks of the Saginaw River, and Saginaw Bay serves as an inlet to Lake Huron. Ultra-popular Ojibway Island is downtown on the river and plays host to lots of events and people who just want to stroll or bike the area. There’s even ice fishing in the winter!
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The 10 most expensive places to live in Michigan
Although on the whole Michigan is more affordable than many other U.S. cities, it still has some relatively swank areas. Take a look at this list of the most expensive cities in Michigan.
Methodology
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of May 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from this report.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
To the native Wintu people it was Bohem Puyuik, the “Big Rise,” and no wonder. Mt. Shasta towered above everything else, her loins delivering the natural springs and snowmelt that birthed a great river.
The Sacramento River provided such an abundance of food that the Wintu and many neighboring tribes — the Pit River, Yana, Nomlaki and others — had little to fight over. They thrived in pre-colonial times, on waters that ran silver with salmon, forests thick with game and oaks heavy with acorns.
But centuries of disease, virtual enslavement and murder wrought by European and American invaders scrambled the harmony that once reigned along the Upper Sacramento River.
Today, three tribes here are locked in a bloodless war. At issue is a proposal by one Indigenous group to expand and relocate its casino and whether the flashy new gambling hall, hotel and entertainment center would honor — or desecrate — the past.
The casino envisioned by the Redding Rancheria and its 422 members would rise nine stories on 232 acresalong Interstate 5. The rancheria — home to descendants from three historic tribes — began planning the development nearly two decades ago, envisioning a regional magnet for tourists and gamblers.
But the proposal has been buffeted by influential opponents, including the city of Redding, neighborhood groups and the billionaire next door — who happens to be the largest private landowner in America. The naysayers list a cavalcade of complaints against the new Win-River casino complex, saying it would despoil prime farmland, exacerbate traffic, increase police and fire protection costs and threaten native fish in the Sacramento River.
Those complaints have helped stall, but not kill, the project, whose fate rests almost solely in the hands of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. And now the BIA’s obscure bureaucrats have been confronted with an explosive new charge from two neighboring tribes: that construction of the casino would desecrate what the tribes say should be hallowed ground — the site of an 1846 rampage by the U.S. Cavalry that historians say probably killed hundreds of Native people.
The Sacramento River massacre has not received the attention of other atrocities of America’s westward expansion, such as the one in 1890 at Wounded Knee, S.D., where U.S. troops killed as many as 300 Lakota people. Estimates of the carnage, recorded over the decades from witness accounts and oral tradition, range from 150 to 1,000 men, women and children slaughtered along the banks of the Sacramento River.
If the higher estimates of the death toll are correct, it would rank as one of the largest single mass killings of Indigenous people in American history.
“In my heart, I find it hard to believe that there are Wintu people that are willing to build a casino on … the blood-soaked dirt of the massacre site,” Gary Rickard, chair of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California, told a state Assembly committee in August. “There are dozens of other places along the I-5 corridor and the Sacramento River.”
Redding Rancheria Chair Jack Potter Jr., himself part Wintu, called the claim that his tribe would build its casino on the massacre grounds “a slander that will not be easily forgotten.” He told state lawmakers that the real massacre site is miles away. Rancheria leaders said their opponents have manufactured the controversy for a less honorable reason: to block what would be a sparkling new competitor.
“Gaming in Indian country can be a tide that raises all of our canoes,” insisted Potter, who appeared at times to fight back tears as he spoke at the Sacramento hearing. “We should not battle against one another, in that spirit.”
Column One
A showcase for compelling storytelling from the Los Angeles Times.
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Friendships that go back decades and tribal ties of a century or more have been imperiled by the casino furor. Native people normally aligned against a hostile or indifferent U.S. government — “We’re all the children of genocide,” as one elder put it — have watched sadly as their conflicts turn inward.
It’s a dynamic that has played out before. Robbed of their ancestral lands, tribes now sometimes fight when one tries to claim new territory, often as a base for a lucrative modern endeavor: gambling.
The friction is exacerbated by the peculiar history of the Redding Rancheria — and by opponents’ eleventh-hour invocation of the Sacramento River massacre, 19 years after the rancheria began to assemble parcels for the project.
The Redding Rancheria refers to a nearly 31-acre stretch of land near the south end of Redding that the federal government bought in 1922 for “homeless Indians” who came to the area as seasonal workers for ranches and orchards. The rancheria sits in a relatively obscure location compared with the interstate-adjacent site of the proposed casino, more than three miles by car to the northeast.
In 1939, the Wintu, Pit River, Yana and other Indigenous peoples formed a rancheria government. It was recognized by the United States. But in 1958, an act of Congress “terminated” recognition of multiple California groups, including the Redding Rancheria, in an attempt to force Indians to disperse into the general population. It took a landmark 1983 court settlement to formally restore recognition of 17 rancherias, including the one in Redding.
The result is that there are Redding Rancheria members with Wintu blood, like Potter, 52, who firmly support the casino, while other Wintu descendants who are not descended from the original rancheria families, like Rickard, 78, adamantly oppose it. Rickard grew up with Jack Potter Sr. and has known his son since he was a boy.
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Cordiality prevails, at least outwardly, when Rickard and Potter meet today. But the bad blood between their groups has become fierce, exacerbated by the yawning wealth disparity between the rancheria and the Northern Wintu.
Rancheria members have thrived largely because of the success of their existing Win-River Resort & Casino, which operates 550 slot machines, a dozen table games, an 84-room hotel and an RV park.
The complex is the biggest income producer for the rancheria, which also owns a Hilton Garden Inn and a marijuana dispensary in Shasta County. Sources familiar with the tribe said each enrolled member receives a monthly “per capita” payment of at least $4,000 and perhaps as high as $6,000.
The rancheria’s chief executive, Pitt River descendant Tracy Edwards, 54, declined to discuss the amount of the payments.
That income, along with health clinics and other benefits, makes the Redding Rancheria members the envy of Indigenous groups with comparatively paltry assets. Rickard’s Northern Wintu claims roughly 560 certified members, but like many groups across America, the tribe has been laboring for years and still has not received formal recognition from the U.S. government. That means the tribe can’t put land into trust, a prerequisite to casino development and also a shield against federal, state and local taxes.
“We don’t have the resources in order to obtain the things we need,” said Shawna Garcia, the Northern Wintu’s cultural resources administrator. “We don’t have the revenue to assist our members with things like college, housing and other assistance.”
Historians and ethnographers say the Wintu were the predominant tribe around the site proposed for the casino complex, an expanse of meadow and scrubland that locals dub the Strawberry Fields because of its agricultural history. And Rickard questioned why the “pure-blood Wintu people” he represents have been left to struggle, while the rancheria — representing an amalgamation of tribal groups — stands poised to create an even bigger cash cow with its new casino.
Rancheria leaders like Edwards, a UC Davis-trained lawyer, have emphasized how the tribal group has supported Native and non-Native people, both as one of the largest employers in Shasta County and through its charitable foundation.
In just one year, 2018, the rancheria said it gave more than $1.2 million to community organizations, helping serve the homeless and victims of the Carr fire. During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rancheria donated $5,000 each to 60 businesses struggling to stay afloat.
At a cost of $150 million, the rancheria’s new casino would feature 1,200 slot machines — more than double the number at its current casino — and with 250 rooms, the new casino hotel would be more than triple the size of the existing hotel. The tribal group has pledged to close its current Win-River casino when the new one opens.
The rancheria’s outsized community presence has created substantial goodwill around Redding, but a portion of residents have stepped forward — via petitions and ballot measures — to express disdain for large developments they feel could harm the rural character of their community.
Among the more powerful opponents is Archie Aldis “Red” Emmerson, president of logging giant Sierra Pacific Industries, whose sprawling estate looms along the Sacramento River, just south of the casino site.
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In 2020, an Emmerson-allied company purchased property from the city of Redding that included a portion of a road that would be the north entry to the casino site and created an easement that would have barred access to the rancheria land for all but agricultural purposes. The easement effectively would have thwarted the casino by blocking vehicle access to the development.
But in 2022, a Shasta County Superior Court judge voided the deal, saying that in selling the land (for just $3,000 to the billionaire) the city had violated its “own processes, procedures and the relevant law.” The ruling nullified the easement, preserving the rancheria’s unrestricted access to the property.
The Redding City Council and neighboring homeowners have maintained their opposition to the project for years, while a new conservative majority on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors recently reversed the county’s earlier objections. The supervisors supported the casino, despite admonitions from the sheriff, fire chief and county counsel that the agreement with the rancheria did not provide sufficient compensation to cover the increased costs of serving the big development.
The rancheria agreed to make one-time payments totaling $3.6 million to support Shasta County, the Sheriff’s Department and fire and emergency services. That initial infusion would be supplemented by recurring payments: $1,000 for each police service call and $10,000 for each fire/emergency service call.
No issue has unsettled intra-tribal relations, though, like the debate flowing out of the terrible events along the Sacramento River 177 years ago.
Oral histories of the Wintu and neighboring tribes recall how Native families and elders had gathered along the river known as the Big Water each year in early April for the spring salmon run. Traditionally, the season signaled rebirth.
But Capt. John C. Fremont had other ideas.
Fremont diverted his men from their ordered assignment: completing land surveys in the Rocky Mountains. The Americans instead went adventuring to California, where, in the spring of 1846, they responded to sketchy claims from settlers that they were endangered.
About 70 buckskin-clad white men set upon the Native people, the locals far outgunned by the invaders, each toting a Hawken rifle, two pistols and a butcher knife, according to UCLA historian Benjamin Madley‘s detailed account of the massacre.
The horsemen completed their grisly work with such evident pride that legendary frontiersman Kit Carson later bragged that the coordinated assault had been “a perfect butchery.”
The massacre marked the beginning of “a transitional period between the Hispanic tradition of assimilating and exploiting Indigenous peoples and the Anglo-American pattern of killing or removing them,” according to Madley’s “An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe.”
Fremont (later a U.S. senator from California and a Republican presidential candidate) would say that his party attacked the natives because of reports of an “imminent attack” upon settlers. But the “battle” was one-sided, with the federal troops suffering no known casualties. Afterward, according to Madley’s account, Fremont’s men feasted on the Native people’s larder of fresh salmon.
In the nearly two centuries since, the tragedy would be more forgotten than remembered. There is no historical marker around Redding noting the event.
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The Wintu people believed to have been the principal victims have preserved memories of the mass killing in their oral history. But no ceremony marks the atrocity. And at the Wintu cultural resource center in Shasta Lake City, a wall-size timeline of the group’s history makes no mention of the 1846 bloodshed.
There’s also the now-pressing question — pushed to the fore by the casino feud — about precisely where the massacre occurred. The Northern Wintu and another outspoken opponent, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, insist that the Strawberry Fields property was a key location in the atrocity.
The Paskenta commissioned a study by a retired anthropologist from Cal State Sacramento that drew on research from the late 1800s by a linguist from the Smithsonian Institution who, in turn, got much of his information from a Wintu elder who survived the massacre. The report, by Dorothea Theodoratus and a colleague, said that the “center” of the massacre was “opposite the mouth of Clear Creek” in the Sacramento River, a point roughly two miles south of the proposed casino location.
But other accounts from participants and witnesses said Fremont’s soldiers chased down victims after the initial assault, leaving the exact range of the bloodshed unknown. The Theodoratus report says that six villages, including two on the proposed casino property, were so thoroughly intermingled that all “would have had some direct involvement with that massacre.”
Andrew Alejandre, chair of the Paskenta Band, told the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee in August that his tribe is seeking to have the state and federal governments designate the Strawberry Fields a sacred site, off-limits to development. Alejandre, 35, said his tribe vehemently opposes building a casino “on top of men, women, children and elders. The spirit of these ancestors … Let them rest!”
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In rebuttal, Potter and rancheria CEO Edwards note that during the many years that they and others have pursued developments in the region, the rival tribes never mentioned the massacre. Divisive fights over a proposed auto mall and a sports complex (both scrapped) came and went without any discussion about desecration of a mass grave site.
“I would never disrespect the remains of my ancestors,” Potter said.
Fifty miles south of Redding in rural Corning, the 288-member Paskenta Band opened the Rolling Hills Casino and Resort two decades ago. The luxe gaming hall is just one part of an economic surge by the tribe, which has also opened an equestrian complex, an 18–hole golf course, a 1,400-acre gun and hunting center and a 3,000-person amphitheater, where Snoop Dogg performed in May.
Potter charged that the fight over the historic massacre is really a ploy by the flourishing Paskenta to squelch the Redding Rancheria’s hopes for a shimmering destination casino “because of the mistaken belief that it … will cut into the profits of their gaming facilities.”
Paskenta’s Alejandre, a designer who once ran a clothing company, denied that is the case.
While representatives for the Paskenta and Northern Wintu tribes bashed the casino proposal at the August hearing, representatives of at least eightother California tribes argued in support of the Redding Rancheria. One said the Redding group had proved itself a good steward of cultural resources.
Another speaker at the hearing was Miranda Edwards, the 28-year-old daughter of the rancheria CEO. The Stanford-educated Edwards and her mother spoke about the importance of moving the tribal group forward for the “Seventh Generation,” future descendants whose livelihoods must be planned for today.
“We work hard every day to provide for this rural community and make it the best that we can for everyone that lives there,” Miranda Edwards told legislators. “It’s disheartening to hear from those that choose not to see that. But it will not stop our work.”
Potter, the rancheria’s chairman, had a sardonic take on the dispute.
“We always talk about crabs in a pot,” Potter said. “We are like all these crabs, stuck in a pot. When one tries to get out of the pot, all the others reach up and pull him back in.”
Will arguments about the Sacramento River massacre sway the final outcome of the Redding Rancheria’s casino quest? A BIA spokesman said only that “these issues are under review.” Nearly two centuries after representatives of the U.S. military decimated a civilization here, the federal government still retains ultimate authority over the fate of Native people.
Watch L.A. Times Today at 7 p.m. on Spectrum News 1 on Channel 1 or live stream on the Spectrum News App. Palos Verdes Peninsula and Orange County viewers can watch on Cox Systems on channel 99.
Mmmmm donuts. Homer Simpson was onto something, for sure.
Whether it’s glazed, sprinkles or jelly-filled, donuts are one of the most iconic breakfast treats in the country.
Best cities for donuts
Our rankings go beyond favorite shops around the U.S. We looked at the 150 most populated cities in the country. Then, to create our top 10, we looked at the proportion of donut businesses in a city, donut businesses per capita and donut businesses per density.
Take a look at our top 10 best cities for donut lovers — you won’t be able to walk away without your favorite donut hole.
10. McKinney, TX
Historic downtown McKinney will capture your heart with its charm. Visit one of the many stores on Main Street, followed by a bit of barbecue and a concert at the McKinney Performing Arts Center.
The quiet town is only 45 miles from Dallas with about 15 donut shops per 100,000 residents, so you’ll have your pick. Get in line for one of The Donut Kitchen‘s apple cinnamon donuts that tastes just like fall.
9. Philadelphia, PA
We’ll never know if our forefathers enjoyed a good donut, but Philadelphia, indeed, has many options when you look both at density and per capita rank. You’ll get a unanimous “Beiler’s Doughnuts” on where to go first if you ask anyone in the city. The Amish bakery serves Pennsylvania Dutch doughnuts like an apple fritter, chocolate glazed cake and famous peanut butter and jelly.
For the vegan inclined, Dottie’s Donuts offers lemon lavender, vegan maple bacon, cinnamon sugar and even a vegan Boston Creme.
8. Orlando, FL
Orlando is currently a hub for some of the best donut shops in the country — Portland’s Voodoo Doughnut at Universal and the Salty Donut hailing from Miami with delicious cake donuts.
Or, Seattle’s Dochi Japanese Mochi Donuts serving donuts made with rice flour that are chewy inside and crispy outside. But it also has some delicious local options like DG Doughnuts‘ fluffy yeast donuts or Valkyrie Doughnuts‘ cronuts and vegan offerings.
Orlando has one of the highest per capita numbers in our top 10 list, with about 23 stores per 100,000 residents.
7. Boston, MA
Boston enjoys a high city walk score of 89, making it easy to hop from donut shop to donut shop in the mornings with a bit of cardio in between. The city has 11 stores per 100,000 residents and a high density of donut shops at 1.6.
Union Square Donuts takes the cake for most original with brioche-style dough that resembles more pastry than a donut but is equally good.
If you’re just looking for a cup of joe and a traditional donut, try Demet’s Donuts.
6. Newark, NJ
Newark isn’t just an airport layover stop — it’s also home to more than 25 Dunkin’ locations just minutes from each other. The density of Dunkin’ in Newark and how many hot and fresh donuts they’re making each morning pushes Newark to No. 6 on our list.
If you want something more unique, stop by Suissa. This small Portuguese bakery makes a deep-fried sonho, a sugar-topped donut you’ll love.
5. Buffalo, NY
In Buffalo, Paula’s Donuts reign supreme. Among the favorites? Paula’s peanut sticks, a cake donut stick coated in peanut. The menu also includes classic sprinkles, Bavarian-style donuts, glazed and jelly donuts. In a recent Buffalo News survey, one reader said that they would drive 1,800 miles for one.
You’ll have choices beyond Paula’s as Buffalo has 18 donut stores per 100 residents.
4. Providence, RI
Despite having a population of fewer than 200,000 residents, Providence has an impressive density of donut shops. For gourmet donuts, visit PVDonuts, a local favorite that serves brioche-style donuts along with seasonal offerings. Similarly, Knead Doughnuts makes fresh donuts every day via pre-order like maple sea salt, butternut squash fritter and spiced sour cream.
3. Jersey City, NJ
Sure, you could go to Krispy Kreme, but Jersey City has so many more donuts to offer. Taking the No. 3 spot on our list, Jersey City has both coffee shops and donut shops to choose from. The Grind Shop carries donuts from New York’s Doughnut Plant with flavors like matcha green tea, red velvet, PB&J and more.
Or, head to The LoDG, where very creative flavors rotate monthly. Don’t miss the Lil’ Chickies (chicken and waffles cake donut), What’s the Flan and Reverse O-S’moresis.
2. Rochester, NY
Family-owned and secret recipes are the name of the donut game in Rochester. Since 1958, Donuts Delite has baked their famous cannoli donuts. The donut is filled with fresh cannoli cream and chocolate chips. Ridge Donut Cafe, operating since 1977, boasts over 30 varieties, including the classic glazed, coconut and powdered blueberry.
Rochester has a pretty high density of shops, so these two will get you started on a delicious tour.
1. Worcester, MA
And our No. 1 best city for donut lovers is Worcester, with an impressive density of shops that offer hot donuts. Worcester also has a whopping 22 stores per 100,000 residents — that’s a lot of donuts near each other. Glazy Susan, a newer specialty shop in the city, slings flavors like cannoli, pumpkin cheesecake, maple French toast cake and, of course, chocolate sprinkle. Get there early, as the shop tends to sell out.
The 50 best cities for donut lovers
Your city didn’t make the list? D’oh! Don’t worry, check out the 50 best cities for donut enthusiasts below and find the nearest spot to you.
The top 10 worst cities for donut lovers
A lower density of donut shops leads to long lines, sold-out inventory and you missing out on a Saturday morning treat. Here are the top 10 worst cities.
Methodology
To find the best cities for donuts, we looked at the 150 most populated cities in the U.S. according to the Census Bureau’s population estimates. We then used a database of more than 8 million business listings to determine the count of donut shops in any given city.
Then, we calculated the proportion of donuts (donut shops compared to all businesses), donuts per density (donut shops per square mile) and donuts per capita (donut shops per population) in each area. We weighted these factors, and the cities with the best overall score were determined to be the best cities for donuts in America.
Business listings may not reflect recent openings or closures.
Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about technology and its intersection with arts and culture. She’s worked on content for startups like Mailchimp, Patreon, Punchlist, Skillshare, Rent. and others. Muriel has also contributed to The Washington Post, Eater, DWELL, Outside Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, AIGA Eye on Design, Bitter Southerner and more.
Young professionals are becoming a major part of the workforce. Ranging in age from early-20s to mid-30s, young professionals are typically classified as working in a professional or white-collar field. However, as new careers emerge, the very definition and work of a young professional are changing and evolving on a daily basis.
It’s an exciting time for a young person in the workforce, with plenty of innovative opportunities, new directions and forward-thinking workplaces. To start their work lives off on the right foot, young professionals want to situate themselves in a good city with ample work opportunities in various fields.
But it’s not all about work. Young people want to have fun, as well! That’s why it’s imperative that a city wanting to cater to young professionals has a happening social scene. This can include everything from great restaurants to sports, live music and entertainment. A vibrant cultural scene gives young professionals a chance to let their hair down after work and connect with others in their community.
From a thriving jobs market to great after-work hours fun, these are the best cities for young professionals.
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These are the 10 best cities for young professionals
To be a good place for young professionals, a city needs to have a diverse job market. But it isn’t enough to have plenty of companies and job openings. You need chances for advancement within fields and companies. Plus, you need plenty of fun things to do outside of work that appeal to a hip, youthful crowd. These 10 cities rank highest as the best cities for young professionals in America.
10. Boston, MA
Massachusetts’ capital city is one of the best cities on the East Coast for young people to live and work. With thriving industries in IT, tech, finance, insurance and healthcare, young professionals working or hoping to work in these fields have tons of options. It’s an especially good location for the healthcare field, as Boston is home to some of the best hospitals nationally and around the world.
Another big plus: Boston is the home of Harvard, MIT and other top universities. This gives young professionals the chance to pursue advanced degrees in their field or change career paths.
Boston’s city life is one of the most diverse and vibrant on the East Coast. The city is full of history, which you can experience in its architecture and museums. But it’s also fully in the present and looking to the future in giving its residents a good quality of life. In 2017, Boston was named one of the most innovative cities in the world, which is felt everywhere from its work and educational institutions to its urban planning and cultural offerings.
It’s also an extremely health-conscious city, with tons of parks, bike paths and pedestrian-friendly areas. It boasts of a renowned art, theater and live music scene, as well as great dining and nightlife. Neighborhoods like South End and Allston/Brighton offer affordable, trendy places to live.
9. Madison, WI
Once overlooked as young professionals flocked to major coastal metropolises, Midwestern cities like Madison are showing that they have a lot to offer ambitious young people. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has highly regarded tech and IT programs, fueling a citywide industry.
Alongside education, young professionals here have their choice of many interesting, cutting-edge industries like healthcare, energy, aerospace and agriculture. Madison’s proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee also allows young professionals to make connections and network with companies in larger cities while enjoying Madison’s more relaxed and affordable quality of life.
Outside of work, Madison bustles with the energy of a college town. Sports are huge here (Go Badgers!), with football, basketball, hockey and baseball. Be sure to watch all those games while enjoying a cold, locally-made beer. Alongside its love of brats and cheese curds, Madison is known for its craft brews.
To burn off all those good eats, hit the paths of Madison’s many parks, especially the scenic ones along the shores of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. For the more artistically inclined, you can find live music, museums and art exhibitions in abundance.
8. Atlanta, GA
Pursuing a career in Atlanta is bound to set young professionals up for success in life. The city positively crackles with expectation and energy. People living here are all about big ideas and big dreams, setting the stage for innovation and collaboration. Healthcare and finance are major industries here. But it’s also a great spot for young professionals looking to break into communications, media, film and entertainment.
The young workforce can take advantage of local groups like the Young Professionals of Atlanta for guidance, networking and giving back to the community. The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which is a major hub, also allows for easy work travel.
Beyond that, Atlanta just knows how to have a good time. There’s always something going on, from a concert to a new restaurant to try. So, there’s always an incentive to go out. Live music is king here. Atlanta’s dominance in the hip hop, live music and entertainment scenes is undeniable. It has great sports teams like the Falcons, Hawks and World Champion Braves.
From southern comfort food like fried chicken and barbecue, Atlanta is all about the good eats. With its lush parks set against towering skyscrapers, it’s a great city to explore on foot. Finally, neighborhoods like Cabbagetown and Old Fourth Ward have affordable living close to work in the downtown area.
7. Austin, TX
Austin’s cultural scene is enough of a draw to get young people to move there. The city has seen tremendous growth over the past decade and for good reason. Austin is a town for creatives, from its live music to visual art to multi-discipline experimentation. Local museums, the University of Texas at Austin and the famous SXSW Festival foster a highly creative environment. And let us not forget how good the tacos are.
But it’s not all play, no work. By many metrics, Austin is one of the best cities for young professionals to learn skills, gain experience and develop their careers. It’s fast becoming a major center for tech, advanced manufacturing, digital media, start-ups and space technology. Even Tesla is transplanting its headquarters to Austin.
But for a town that’s so tech-focused, it’s still affordable with a rent-to-income ratio of about 10 percent. Young professionals can expect to earn high incomes here but will be shelling out less of their money for rent and cost of living. Austin’s population growth has been a cause for concern for its affordability, but there’s no denying it’s a great place to live as a young professional.
6. Minneapolis, MN
Alongside Madison, Minneapolis is another Midwestern city showing its chops. With a diverse job market, young professionals are here not only for work but also for the low cost of living and cultural landscape. The live music and nightlife scenes rival those of major coastal cities. And sports lovers enjoy games cheering on the Vikings and other local teams like the Minnesota Twins.
Healthcare, banking, finance, data centers and biosciences are just some of the fields young professionals can work in here. Young people hoping to go into the medical field should definitely have Minneapolis on their radar. Nearby Rochester is home to the internationally-renowned Mayo Center.
You can pursue higher education at local universities like the University of Minnesota. From top-tier career opportunities to a vibrant social scene, Minneapolis has everything young professionals need to launch their careers while enjoying their youth.
5. Washington, D.C.
If you’re a young professional looking to get into politics, there’s nowhere better than the nation’s capital. From internships to working in the offices of congresspeople, opportunities abound. And as politics revolve around connecting with people, networking is practically an art form here. At power lunches and events, young professionals can make valuable connections to parlay into prized job positions. But politics isn’t the only game in this town. Healthcare, communications, higher education and tech also have strong footholds here.
Apart from work, Washington, D.C., is a hit among young people for its nightlife, dining, arts and culture. Good public transit also allows for easy connection between neighborhoods and business districts. With D.C. having a high cost of living, this gives young professionals the chance to live more affordably outside the city center.
4. Denver, CO
The Mile High City also ranks very high on our list of the best cities for young professionals. For outdoor lovers, there’s nowhere better. The Rocky Mountains are right next door, with hiking, climbing and skiing. But there’s plenty of fun in town, as well, from dining to craft brews to cheering on the Denver Broncos. The nightlife here is hot.
When not out climbing peaks, young professionals can climb the ranks at work. Top industries in Denver include telecommunications, healthcare, financial services, IT and aerospace. Hip neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Highland are centrally located, with easy access to downtown for work. An average commute of 25 minutes also means that living outside the city center isn’t a deal-breaker.
3. San Francisco, CA
The City by the Bay is a great place for young professionals to put down roots. This is especially true if they’re in the fields of tech, IT, software, digital and social media, international business and biotech. Thanks to its proximity to the tech hub of San Jose, San Francisco has become an outpost for innovative, forward-thinking young professionals all working on the next big thing.
It’s no secret that affordability is not San Francisco’s strongest suit. However, due to the in-demand careers and work opportunities present in the area, the median household income is $112,449. So, even with the high cost of living, it’s still possible to earn enough to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. And most locals will say the high rents are the price you pay for living in such a dynamic place. With historic neighborhoods, parks, a robust performing arts scene and a food scene spanning cuisines from around the world, San Francisco is a great place for young professionals with active social lives.
2. Charleston, SC
The city of Charleston is known for its historic architecture, Southern cuisine and abundant history. But it’s fast getting a reputation as a great hub for young professionals. The city is home to major industries like aerospace, tech, defense and life sciences.
Housing here is also very affordable for renters. In popular neighborhoods like Harleston Village, North Charleston and James Island, the average rent is around $900 to $1,100. You can find higher education opportunities at the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina.
Charleston also boasts of a very lively social scene. That classic southern hospitality makes it a great place to go out and meet people. Young people living here have tons of activities to choose from in their free time. Charleston has a much-lauded dining scene, with tons of restaurants and cuisines to try.
The city also has a growing nightlife scene that will greatly appeal to the young crowd. Arts and culture lovers can get their fill at Charleston’s many museums and galleries. Live music is also getting a foothold here, offering something for the late-night crowd besides dancing and bars.
1. Seattle, WA
It’s called the Emerald City, but it’s taking home the gold as the best city for young professionals. Seattle is one of the West Coast’s top cities for industry and business. But it also provides unbeatable access to the great outdoors, art, culture, dining and live music. While Seattle is an expensive city, it has plenty of affordable neighborhoods that young professionals can call home.
Seattle is famously home to multiple Fortune 500 companies. Just to name a few, there’s Amazon, Starbucks and Microsoft. Many other household name companies are also based here, giving young professionals plenty of highly sought-after jobs to go after. The aerospace industry, tech and IT are also big players.
Beyond the competitive job market, young professionals in Seattle enjoy taking advantage of the city’s multicultural food scene, live music, theater and art. Heading out into the forests, waterways and mountains of Washington state is another popular way people living here unwind.
The top 50 cities for young professionals
Do the cities in the top 10 not have the right opportunities or connections you’re looking for? Craving a different type of scene? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options for great cities for young professionals.
The worst cities for young professionals
Not every city has the right tools for the job as one of the best cities for young professionals. Plenty of cities fall short due to factors like bad income-to-rent ratio, high rental rates and high unemployment rates among young people. These are the worst cities you can live in as a young professional.
Young professionals can have it all in these cities
Young people launching their careers want good opportunities. But they also want to enjoy the trappings of youth, like going out to parties or concerts. These cities provide the best of both worlds for young professionals.
Methodology
Cities were ranked based on a weighted scoring system using four broad categories: Demographics, Housing Costs to Income, Recreation and Community and Economics. Each category was weighted to account for 25 percent of the final score. Among the categories, features were weighted as follows:
Demographics: 25 points
Percent of the population age 25-34: 12.5 points
Percent of population with a bachelors degree or higher: 12.5 points
Housing Costs to Income: 25 points
Rent to income ratio: 25 points
Recreation and Community: 25 points
Bars and restaurants per capita: 6.25 points
Art/culture and nature/parks per capita: 6.25 points
Inbound migration, different state, 1 year: 6.25 points
Inbound migration, abroad, 1 year: 6.25 points
Economics: 25 points
Laborforce participation, Age 25-34: 8.33 points
The unemployment rate, Age 25-34: 8.33 points
Percent change in median income, 2015-2019, Age 25-44: 8.33 points
Data on population, educational attainment, migration, labor force participation, unemployment and median income are from the U.S. Census’ 2019 American Community Survey 1-year Estimates. Median income data from the U.S. Census’ 2015 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates were used in calculating the percent change in median income.
Recreation data, including estimates of bars, restaurants, art and cultural institutions, and natural amenities are from commercially licensed business listings and are based on NAICS categories for Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages), Full-Service Restaurants, Independent Artists, Writers and Performers, and Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions.
Cities with insufficient data were excluded.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, is an economic measure representing the total value of all goods and services that a country or region produces in a specific time period, usually a quarter or a year.
The GDP of the United States was $26.49 trillion at the end of Q1, 2023, an increase of 1.3% over the previous quarter, according to the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
GDP can serve as a quick, numeric shorthand for explaining a country’s economy’s trajectory, and investors can use it as a factor, along with market trends and other analysis, in making their investing decisions. It’s important for investors to know more than just the definition of GDP in order to have context about what the number truly means.
Calculating GDP
When calculating the GDP of a country, economists look at a wide range of factors, including: Public and private consumption, government spending, investments, growth in private inventories, construction spending, as well as the balance of foreign trade (exports minus imports).
The GDP formula can be complicated, so to enable comparisons, countries typically follow a set of internationally accepted guidelines, known as the 1993 System of National Accounts, created by the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United Nations, and the World Bank.
In the United States, the BEA uses data collected by other federal agencies, including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Treasury. It also gathers information directly from private industry, including trade groups and companies that specialize in sales data for a wide range of products, from prescription drugs to cars.
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Multiple Measures of GDP
There are several ways to measure GDP.
Real GDP
Real GDP is an inflation-adjusted measure of the value of the amount of goods and services produced by a given economy. This is the number typically released by the United States.
Nominal GDP
Nominal GDP uses current market prices to compare countries’ GDP. It does not adjust values based on inflation. If a country’s output remains steady, but the value of what they produce changes, then its nominal GDP would change. That makes it much harder to compare GDP in two different time periods.
Purchasing Power Parity GDP
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) measures GDP as adjusted for the differences in both local prices and local living costs. This metric allows economists to make more meaningful correlations from country to country about the impact of GDP on the people who live there.
Per Capita GDP
This breaks down the GDP by the number of people in a country’s population. As such, it shows the average output or income of each person in that country, and is often used to paint a picture of the relative wealth or poverty in a given country.
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What GDP Means for Investors
When the GDP makes the financial news, the number in the headline is usually a percentage, namely how much the GDP rose or fell in the most recent quarter. The standard definition of a recession is two quarters of consecutive declines in the GDP.
During a period of rising GDP, employment tends to increase because companies staff up for expansion. This means that more people have more income to spend. That creates more business, which keeps the growth cycle spinning. But when GDP is in decline, the opposite tends to occur, with fewer people working, and wages depressed, leading to a downward cycle.
While there is not a direct cause-effect relationship between the GDP and stock or bond prices, some investors use a strategy known as business-cycle investing to determine how to allocate their portfolio.
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Equity Investors
Many stock investors prefer an economy where the GDP is steadily rising, since it often means a healthy economy and higher company earnings, which can boost the stock market. In contrast, a falling or stagnant GDP can be bad news for stock prices.
Bond Investors
Fixed-income investors may have a different view of GDP. That’s because GDP growth often comes with more borrowing by both consumers and businesses, which can create inflation. Inflation often leads to higher interest rates, which have the effect of driving down bond prices. With sinking GDP, the opposite tends to happen, resulting in higher bond prices.
The Takeaway
GDP is essentially an economic scorecard for a country. By understanding how a country’s GDP is changing over time, and how it compares to other countries, you can get a sense of its overall economic health. Investors can consider GDP trends when planning their investing strategy.
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