Boston, a coastal city steeped in history and culture, is also a haven for renters seeking walkable neighborhoods. From the charming cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to the lively energy of the South End, Boston offers endless pedestrian-friendly locales. Rentals are expensive, though, with one-bedroom units in Boston costing an average of $3,780.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll uncover the most walkable neighborhoods in Boston, providing insights to help you find your perfect fit. So, get ready to explore the city’s unique neighborhoods, where every corner holds a new discovery.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Beacon Hill
Walk Score: 99
Beacon Hill is the most walkable neighborhood in Boston, with a Walk Score of 99. Renowned for its historic charm, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Massachusetts State House and the famous Boston Common.
Search for Beacon Hill apartments for rent.
2. Chinatown – Leather District
Walk Score: 99
Chinatown – Leather District has a Walk Score of 99, tied for being the most walkable neighborhood in Boston. There’s a lot to love about the area, from its vibrant food scene to its bustling shopping district. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the beloved Chinatown Gate.
See Chinatown – Leather District apartments for rent.
3. North End
Walk Score: 99
North End is the third most walkable neighborhood in Boston. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout North End, like the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from the Boston Harborwalk.
Find North End apartments for rent.
4. Bay Village
Walk Score: 98
Bay Village has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From Elliot Norton Park to the Charles Playhouse, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is the Kings Chapel Burying Ground, which is a historic tourist attraction.
Browse Bay Village apartments for rent.
5. Downtown
Walk Score: 98
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in Boston, Downtown is known for its bustling business district. Consider exploring NOrman B. Leventhal Park or grabbing a bite to eat at the Quincy Market with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this urban community as well, like the New England Aquarium and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.
Discover Downtown apartments for rent.
6. South End
Walk Score: 97
South End has a Walk Score of 97, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Boston. Known for its Victorian brownstone homes, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as the SoWa Open Market and the Boston Center for the Arts. While you’re out, check out the South End Historical Society.
Look for South End apartments for rent.
7. West End
Walk Score: 97
West End is tied as the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Boston. This urban community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the Museum of Science and the TD Garden. While you’re walking, take a moment to smell the flowers along the Charles River Esplanade.
Search for West End apartments for rent.
8. Back Bay
Walk Score: 97
Back Bay has a Walk Score of 97, making it also tied as the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Boston. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite at one of dozens of restaurants along nearby Newbury Street, to taking a walk at the Boston Public Garden. If you’re up for a longer outing, Back Bay Fens is popular among locals.
Find Back Bay apartments for rent.
9. Central Maverick Square
Walk Score: 95
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Boston is Central Maverick Square. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like the East Boston Farmers Market and the Piers Park Sailing Center. It’s also easy to walk over to the East Boston Greenway for a great day out.
Peruse Central Maverick Square apartments for rent.
10. Fenway
Walk Score: 95
Fenway is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in Boston. Local attractions here include Fenway Park, Northeastern University, and the Museum of Fine Arts, providing residents plenty of places to get together and enjoy their urban community.
Discover Fenway apartments for rent.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler sat down with Dan Stewart, founder and CEO of Happy Grasshopper, to talk about the company’s tech strategy in creating content that resonates with consumers. Storytelling is key to the company’s success and Stewart’s own story explains how he stays cool in any market cycle. Turns out being stranded at sea in shark-infested waters puts everything else in perspective.
Sarah Wheeler: What differentiates your technology?
Dan Stewart: When you think of the technical landscape today, specifically for CRM, at the very core, everything does almost exactly the same thing: It segments contacts and it sends messaging. That’s not a significant technical challenge. The challenge is creating and delivering messaging that produces the desired result for the person sending the message. And that’s what we focus on.
Today we’re nurturing about 37 million contacts on behalf of our members. And we’ve built a reporting engine we affectionately call queen bee reporting. We leverage AI to crunch the numbers, because the datasets get so large so quickly. We leverage AI to make sure that our members are sending content that’s most likely to be well-received by the target audience and to produce the conversations that they need to have.
SW: How do you know what the “right” content is?
DS: Looking in the data, it really highlights some key things:
The No. 1 thing that determines the effectiveness of a message is the relationship between the sender and the recipient.
We all have people in our lives, it doesn’t matter what the subject line is, we’re going to pay attention to their message because it’s from them. Right? On the other hand, if your phone rings and it says potential spam, there’s almost no chance you’re going to answer it. So relevancy of that relationship is very important.
The second most important thing is the relevancy to the time that the message is sent. So the cycle of what’s happening in the world becomes extremely important for creating effective messaging. The way to start that conversation is to leverage what I call the formula for engagement — basically we have to raise their curiosity and leave it unresolved.
SW: What are some use cases of the formula for engagement?
DS: So first, as a brand, we create content for agents that’s designed to go to people they know, typically past clients and sphere. And this content is not typically about real estate. It’s about something interesting that’s happening today, that we can use as conversation starter.
The second type of content we send is lead conversion and nurturing content. The timing, the duration, the frequency — all of that gets influenced by the source of the lead and the time of day that the lead is captured.
The third category is the attraction and recruitment of more people to a brand. Whether it’s branch managers to a mortgage firm, LOs to the branch manager, real estate referral partners to the LOs — there needs to be a very clear understanding that the content strategy must be very appropriate to the goal.
SW: What really differentiates your tech?
DS: Happy Grasshopper is a true managed service so our tech is very important, and yet our core belief is that tech alone isn’t enough. Agents have a lot of technology today. But that doesn’t mean they’re using it as well as they could be.
I have three core beliefs that really underpin everything I do at Happy Grasshopper. The first is that whatever we want to achieve in business, it’s most easily achieved through relationship. The second is that relationships only really live in one place and that’s conversation. And the third is that conversations lead to closings. I’ve yet to meet an agent or an LO who will not earn more commission if they have more conversations.
SW:What past experience influences the way you think about tech today?
DS: Prior to Happy Grasshopper, I built and exited a CRM company. We built white label software for franchisors — we gave the brand exactly what they wanted. And then of course, they’d roll it out to their franchisees who would log in once and then almost never come back. Which was what kept me up at night at the time.
Post-exit, I had this realization that we did it in the wrong order: we really should have built from the bottom up. So very intentionally when I started Happy Grasshopper, we focused only on serving the end user. And then we added teams, and then we added brokerages. And now we’re at the true enterprise brand level. And we get lots of usage and engagement in our application, because we’ve built it in such a way that the end user actually gets value from it every time they use it.
SW: How is AI helping you with the actual content you create? Or is that created by humans?
DS: We do not use generative AI to create content for our members. We have a staff of real human writers, college-educated, with 401(k), medical, dental benefits — real, actual people who take the time to interview our members. And we ask our members to review the content that we wrote for them and confirm whether or not it sounds like them.
And then we leverage the AI to really scrub the data — we’re sending messaging to 37 million contacts, we really need help understanding what the results of all that data means. It’s not like we have just one reporting page where you could see what your open rate was on a particular email and make a good decision. We’ve used the API to parse the messaging for tone, for length. And we use that data in conjunction with the data reporting, to help our human writers understand why particular messages are more successful than other messages. And I’m really proud of the results we’ve been able to create for our members.
We have taken the time to really build this, and we’re at the precipice of massive scale. We’re about to grow tremendously. Because it’s, it’s time for the brands to really understand how we can help all of their agents find more transactions. And in a market that’s having fewer deals closed than in years past, relationships are what’s going to lead people through this.
What do we do in our lives in times of crisis? We turn to people we trust. Whatever’s happening in the market, it can always be used to start a valuable conversation and help the right-minded real estate professionals show up as people who provide massive value rather than just attempt to garner commissions.
SW: What’s the profile of your members?
DS: We have members today in about 40 different verticals. Over 90% of our membership is in real estate and mortgage and we create content for buyers agents, listing agents, team leaders, broker owners, regional management, national management. We’ve also written content for brands.
SW: How do you think about cybersecurity?
DS: At Happy Grasshopper we don’t retain mortgage information, financial information — no one uploads that into our system, because it’s not necessary for us to have that information on file. So just from a business case perspective, if we were ever breached, the sorts of things that would be taken, we would just be limited the contact information. And course, that would be a horrible thing. But I know that being diligent and then having a business use case where we’re not really hanging on to any sort of super-sensitive information is an advantage for us.
SW: What keeps you up at night?
DS: Almost nothing. I sleep incredibly well. I’ve lived a very weird life. I moved a lot. As a kid, I had 14 schools before I graduated. One of my formative experiences was when my father’s boss inherited a sailboat. And my dad volunteered to sail it from the Florida Keys up to Sarasota. And the boat sank — we spent the better part of two days thinking that the sharks were going to come in and eat us. I can tell you: there’s nothing that I’ve ever faced in business that scared me as much as that.
SW: What? I think we need more details!
DS: My dad was a West Point grad, a civil engineer. He was an experienced power boater — he was not an experienced sailor. And that didn’t bother him. He thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great family vacation, let’s go.’ And so we left Islamorada, sailing due east. And he sailed us right into the largest barrier reef in North America. It knocked a hole in the side of the boat and the boat went down really quickly. It leaned over on its side and we had this little hump of fiberglass just above the water that we clung to the rest of the day, waving our arms. And then the sun went down and the tide came up — that night was terrifying. [The family was in the water another day] As the sun came up on the second day, there was a Coast Guard cutter, and they came and got us off the reef.
So, how privileged are we to be alive at this particular moment? The poorest of us have access to things the richest people up to 100 years ago couldn’t even imagine. It’s an amazing time to be alive. And I feel really privileged to be part of that fuel that’s connecting people in the digital age.
Looking for the best fun jobs that pay well? Many people dream of having a job they love that also pays well. I completely get it – you don’t want to hate working a job that you’ll be at 40 hours a week! I’m very grateful to have a job that I love. I don’t…
Looking for the best fun jobs that pay well?
Many people dream of having a job they love that also pays well. I completely get it – you don’t want to hate working a job that you’ll be at 40 hours a week!
I’m very grateful to have a job that I love. I don’t dread any day of the week, and I genuinely love what I do. Due to that, I hope everyone gets to feel the same about their job as well.
Thankfully, it’s easy to find a job that lets you do what you enjoy and still pays you a good paycheck. Whether you love working online or driving fast cars, there are many job options that let you have fun while also making good money.
Whether you want to make extra income or find a full-time job, there are many fun jobs that pay well that may interest you.
Fun Jobs That Pay Well
When you’re looking for a job, it’s great to find one that you find fun and that also pays well. Here are some top choices to start with:
Bloggers work from anywhere and write about topics such as family, recipes, personal finance, travel, and more. This is what I do, and I think it’s a ton of fun. Plus, it pays very well!
Art therapists use creativity to help others. They draw or paint as a way to support people’s emotional health. This job requires a master’s degree, but it combines art with helping people, which can be very rewarding.
A Ferrari driving instructor teaches others how to drive a luxury sports car. It’s not just exciting; it can also pay between $90,000 and $120,000 a year.
If you like spotting mistakes in content, then finding a proofreading job may be perfect for you. Proofreaders act like an extra set of eyes to read articles, papers, books, ads, and other written content.
Below are over 40 other fun jobs that pay well that I recommend learning more about.
1. Blogger
If you want to find a fun job that pays well, my favorite way is to start a blog. That’s exactly what I do for a living!
A blog is content written on a website. It usually includes articles like what you’re reading here.
You can blog about something you’re passionate about or something you know a lot about. Or even a topic you want to learn more about (people love following others’ firsthand journeys!).
I began Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and since then, my blog has earned me over $5,000,000 over the years.
I started my blog on a whim to share my own money journey. At first, I didn’t even know people could earn money from blogs or how to make a successful one. And now, it’s my full-time job!
There are many ways to make money blogging such as:
Advertising revenue (banner ads that you see in blog posts)
Sponsored blog posts (when a blogger partners with a company to promote a specific item or company)
Affiliate marketing (when a blogger receives income for referring readers to a product)
Selling digital products or services (such as courses, clothing, books, and more)
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Printables designer
Making and selling printables can be a fun way to earn money. When you create printables on Etsy, you only need to make one digital file for each product. After that, you can sell it many times to make more money.
Printables are things you can find online and print at home.
These can be things like a planner, coloring pages, wall art prints, greeting cards, gift tags, and so much more.
I buy printables frequently, and so do others all the time. Recently, I bought a printable for my daughter and it was a useful tool to help teach her the alphabet. I love that I can easily search what I’m looking for and get exactly what I want – plus I can print it right at home quickly!
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Voice actor
A voice-over actor is someone you hear but don’t usually see in things like videos on YouTube, documentaries, radio ads, TV ads, corporate talks, online courses, audiobooks, video games, movies, and cartoons.
Voice actors don’t necessarily need experience for this job (although it can be helpful later on). What’s important is having a voice that matches what the company is searching for.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Voice Over Actor
4. Photographer
As a photographer, you get a special chance to capture moments and tell stories with your camera. Photography has many different areas where you can focus, and they can be both satisfying and financially rewarding.
Here are some examples:
Photojournalist – You document events for media outlets, such as National Geographic.
Wedding Photographer – Your role would be capturing wedding moments in couples’ lives.
Stock photo photographer – Photographers can sell their pictures on stock image sites, which are really popular. These sites let customers purchase pictures for things like websites, TV shows, books, and social media.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
5. Buy and sell flipper
Being a buy-and-sell flipper means you’re into flipping items for profit.
This includes getting undervalued things from flea markets, garage sales, or online places and then selling them for more money.
This could be things like clothing, electronics, furniture, cars, and so much more. Basically, anything and everything!
Your success depends on how good you are at finding good deals, knowing the values in the market, and selling things again for a profit.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
6. Proofreader
As a proofreader, your careful attention to detail can become a rewarding career. Proofreading means going through texts to fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes before they get published. This job is important to make sure written content is clear and doesn’t have errors.
Many people, like authors, website owners, and students often hire proofreaders to make their work better. There’s a big need for proofreaders, and you can find jobs on various platforms.
Even the best writers can make mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why getting a proofreader can be really helpful for almost everyone.
In fact, although I have written over 2,000 articles, I have a proofreader who will have proofread this very blog post.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
7. Freelance writer
Freelance writers create content for clients, like blog posts and advertising. Freelance writing usually involves working independently. Clients give you a topic, you write about it, and then you might receive feedback, like suggestions to improve or add paragraphs.
You can write about any topic that you want to – such as travel, money, home, and so on.
How much you make as a freelance writer depends on your experience and the topics you write about. When you start, you might earn around $50 to $75 for a 500-word article. As you get better, you can charge more. For a 1,000-word article, you could make between $100 and $150. If you do well over time, you can ask for even higher rates.
I was a freelance writer for many years before transitioning to full-time writing here on Making Sense of Cents. It’s a great career where you can mostly work from home on your own.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs
8. Graphic designer
A graphic designer is someone who makes designs for people and businesses. As a digital designer, you might create images, social media graphics, printables, T-shirt designs, business cards, stickers, logos, and more.
As a graphic designer, your main job is to communicate through visuals. You use a mix of typography, images, color, and layout to convey messages and brand identities. This field gives you the freedom to express your creativity in different ways, whether it’s through digital designs or print materials.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
9. Social media manager
Being a social media manager is an exciting career choice and your main job is to take care of how a company or person appears online on different platforms. Your tasks include interacting with followers, selecting content, and planning social media posts.
Here are the key areas you typically need to focus on:
Content creation – Create fresh, original posts tailored to each platform.
Engagement – Interact with the audience by responding to comments and direct messages.
Strategy planning – Use data analytics to drive social media strategies, aiming for increased engagement and reach.
The salary can vary, and you can choose to do this job either part-time or full-time.
10. Social media influencer
Related to the above, you can make money with your own social media accounts as well.
Have you ever followed someone on Instagram or TikTok and thought to yourself that it would be fun if you could do something similar?
Social media influencers use different online platforms to create, share, and connect with content that their audience likes. Your success depends on growing a big group of followers and establishing yourself as a trusted voice in your specific area.
As an influencer, you’ll create your brand by sharing your interests, pictures, and opinions on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and others.
You can earn money through sponsored posts (when brands pay you to promote their products or services in your Instagram posts), affiliate marketing (earning commissions from sales through your referral links), and by creating digital products like ebooks or online courses.
I’ve been a social media influencer for years, monetizing my Instagram and Facebook accounts. It’s a great experience as I get to collaborate with companies I love and promote products I already use.
11. Veterinarian
If you have a passion for animals, then becoming a veterinarian may be a great fit for you.
Veterinarians have a skilled and fulfilling role dedicated to animal health and welfare. The main responsibility is to provide medical care to animals, diagnose health problems, and perform surgeries.
Vets work in private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and more.
The veterinarian career path is rewarding as it lets you blend a love for animals with the chance to make a positive impact on their lives.
To become a veterinarian, you must complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program and obtain a state license to practice. This usually involves:
A bachelor’s degree
A four-year veterinary program
The national average salary for veterinarians is around $100,000 per year.
12. Marine biologist
One job that I dreamed of as a kid was to become a marine biologist. It always sounded like so much fun to work with water and sea animals.
Marine biologists study marine organisms and how they behave and interact with the environment. Your work might take you from coastal wetlands to the deepest parts of the ocean.
Here are some of the things they do:
Conduct research on marine wildlife and ecosystems
Monitor the health of marine habitats
Develop conservation plans
Educate the public and policymakers
Marine biologists are important for understanding marine life and contributing to ocean conservation efforts.
13. Mystery shopper
Retailers, restaurants, and financial institutions need mystery shoppers for detailed feedback to improve their customer service and products.
This might not be a full-time job, but it can provide you with some extra money each month.
I remember when I first learned about mystery shoppers. I was working at a clothing store, and we would have mystery shoppers come in to see how we were doing. We never knew who the mystery shopper was, but we would get to read their report afterward and see what they thought of us.
After learning about mystery shopping, I found a website where I could become one as well. It sounded like fun to get paid to shop.
I would make about $150 to $200 per month through mystery shopping, and I also got free items and services, like $100 to spend at restaurants (where I had to provide feedback while I was there), makeup, and more.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Mystery Shopper
14. Architect
Architects have a special mix of creativity and technical skills, allowing them to design buildings that are not just attractive but also functional and safe.
Their role includes making detailed plans, and considering factors like sustainability, budget, and client needs.
To become an architect, you typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture and you’ll need state licensure, which is obtained by passing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
15. Stunt person
A stunt person is a cool job where you use your physical skills to create exciting action scenes for movies, TV, and live shows. It’s a big part of making the action look real and thrilling.
To do this job, you might need lots of training in things like martial arts, gymnastics, or extreme sports. You also have to be good at handling pressure and follow safety rules closely.
16. Professional video gamer
Yes, if you like video games, you may actually be able to make money as a professional video gamer.
While the amount of money you can make will definitely vary, top gamers have the potential to earn from tournament prizes, sponsorships, and streaming content for fans:
Tournaments: Prize pools can be large, reaching into the millions for top-ranking competitions.
Streaming: Platforms like Twitch and YouTube pay through ads, subscriptions, and donations.
Sponsorships: Companies may endorse you and pay you with sponsorships or free items.
You could maybe even find a job working for a video game designer, testing out video games so that companies can improve their video game design.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
17. Chocolatier
Many people at some point in their lives want to become the person who makes chocolate and candy – sounds amazing after all, right?
A chocolatier is someone who uses cooking and art skills to make chocolates. It’s a job that needs creativity, precision, and a good sense of taste.
You might work for yourself, making chocolates, or you may even work for a large chocolate company. I know people who do both!
18. Personal trainer
If you want to find a job that you’ll love, becoming a personal trainer may be it.
Personal trainers play an active role by combining fitness with motivational skills to help people reach their health and fitness goals. This job includes:
Assessing clients’ fitness levels and health conditions
Developing personalized workout and nutrition plans
Demonstrating exercises and routines to clients
Tracking clients’ progress and adjusting plans as needed
How much you earn as a personal trainer can change a lot based on where you work, your qualifications, and the clients you get. Personal trainers usually make an average of $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
19. Supercar driving instructor
Supercar driving instructors have an exciting job where they help people learn how to drive fast cars on racetracks.
The role includes teaching safety and giving an exciting experience as well as explaining how to handle the vehicles, follow track rules, and use advanced driving techniques.
You can usually earn a high income doing this, plus you get to drive some of the world’s most exotic supercars.
20. Toy designer
Being a toy designer is probably most children’s dream career. After all, who hasn’t loved toys at one point in their life?
The toy industry is always looking for creative designers to make new toys that will grab kids’ attention and imagination.
Toy designers have a cool job where they mix creativity with making things work well. The main aim is to create toys that are fun and help kids learn and grow. This special job combines artistic skills with knowing about how children think and learn.
21. Restaurant critic
Restaurant critics evaluate dining establishments and share their experiences through written reviews. Their main responsibility is to provide an unbiased review of the food quality, service, ambiance, and overall dining experience.
To gain experience and get started, begin by developing your taste buds and learning about different cuisines. This can involve:
Going to cooking workshops
Exploring different food places when you travel
Creating your own blog or starting an Instagram dedicated to food
22. Brewmaster
If you love craft beers and enjoy understanding how fermentation works, becoming a brewmaster could be a fun and rewarding career.
Brewmasters manage the brewing process, such as creating recipes, choosing ingredients, and making sure the quality is top-notch during production.
To start, you might need formal education, such as a degree in brewing science or a related field. However, some brewmasters climb the ladder from roles like brewing assistants, gaining experience through on-the-job learning.
23. Fashion designer
Fashion designers make clothing, accessories, and shoes, and they draw designs, pick fabrics and patterns, and guide how the products designed should be made.
Fashion designing can be a fulfilling career if you love fashion and enjoy creating. It gives you a chance to express yourself personally and can even lead to getting noticed in the industry.
24. Food stylist
Food stylists combine culinary art with aesthetics, making sure that dishes not only taste good but also look delicious and perfect for photographs.
Their duties include choosing ingredients thoughtfully, preparing the food, and presenting it in a way that’s visually attractive. This is important for different media like advertising, packaging, cookbooks, and film.
25. Event planner
Event planners organize events, from big corporate conferences to small weddings. Their main job is to make sure every part of the event matches the client’s vision, fits the budget, and meets the goals.
According to Glassdoor, the average pay for an event planner is around $50,000 per year. Your salary can change based on things like your experience, where you work, and the size and type of events you handle.
26. Animator
If you’re looking for fun jobs that pay well, then becoming an animator may be it!
Animators make visual creations, and their main focus is on designing characters, environments, and entire worlds in 2D or 3D formats.
Here’s what you may work on:
Character design: Create and develop characters for various media.
Story development: Collaborate on storyboards to plan out visual narratives.
Animation: Work with digital tools to animate drawings and models.
The animation industry values creativity and technical skills and also pays competitive salaries with the opportunity to contribute to exciting storytelling processes. Whether you’re involved in creating animated TV shows, movies, or video games, being an animator can be both enjoyable and financially rewarding.
27. Real estate agent
Real estate agents are professionals who help people buy and sell properties, such as houses and commercial buildings.
I know a few real estate agents, and they all seem to love their jobs. They get to see beautiful new homes and properties and help their clients find their dream property.
Plus, they usually set their own schedule, which can help you create a better work-life balance.
28. Private investigator
Private investigators conduct investigations on various matters, including legal, financial, and personal issues.
This may include doing things like surveilling someone to get information, interviewing people to get details, researching public and legal documents, as well as gathering evidence for cases.
Here are some steps to becoming a private investigator:
Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Perhaps even get a degree or certification in criminal justice or a related field.
Gain experience in a related field such as law enforcement or the military.
Acquire a private investigator license, as required by your state.
29. Romance novelist
Starting a career as a romance novelist can bring both fulfillment and income. If you love storytelling and especially romance, this can be a fun one to think about.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money Self-Publishing Short Romance Novels
30. Interior designer
Interior designers mix creativity with practicality to decorate the insides of properties. Their job is to design and put in place the aesthetic and functional aspects of residential or commercial spaces.
Your job would be to create an environment that looks good and is comfortable for your clients.
31. Airline pilot
Airline pilots have a career that is both exciting and has the potential to make a lot of money. Their main job is to pilot commercial aircraft, flying from one place to another, and making sure everyone on board, including passengers and crew, stays safe.
Some of their daily duties include:
Conduct pre-flight inspections
Navigate the aircraft
Communicate with air traffic control
Monitor weather conditions and aircraft systems
Lead the crew and manage any in-flight issues
32. Drone pilot
Drones have gained popularity lately, not just for recreational use but also for jobs requiring aerial photos and videos. This creates a growing opportunity for individuals to start small businesses and make money with their drones.
Your job as a drone pilot may be to:
Take high-quality images and videos from unique perspectives, such as for real estate, construction, or events.
Perform inspections, surveys, and mapping for various industries like mining or agriculture.
Analyze data and images to give insights to clients.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money With A Drone
33. Sommelier
Sommeliers have a lot of knowledge of wine and can share it in a fun way.
This job is usually found in upscale restaurants, and this role involves suggesting wines that go well with customers’ meals, conducting wine tastings, managing wine service, and taking care of the wine cellar.
34. Chef
Chefs, of course, play an extremely important role in a restaurant kitchen, crafting menus and overlooking meal execution. Their primary responsibilities include tasks like:
Menu Design: They create food menus for a restaurant.
Food Preparation: They oversee and sometimes partake in the detailed preparation of ingredients.
Cooking: They cook the restaurant meals and oversee other cooks in the kitchen.
35. Cruise director
Cruise directors make sure passengers have an unforgettable experience aboard a cruise ship. This job requires a fun personality and excellent skills in managing both entertainment programs and a team of staff members.
Their responsibilities include planning and supervising all onboard entertainment, such as shows, events, and activities.
We went on an around the world cruise recently and had an amazing cruise director. It looked like such a fun job, and they got to travel everywhere that we did (of course!).
Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Travel The World (18 Realistic Ideas!)
36. Astronomer
Astronomy is a field that combines the excitement of exploring the cosmos with the satisfaction of solving complex problems. As an astronomer, you enter a world dedicated to understanding celestial phenomena and the principles of the universe.
Usually, a Ph.D. in astronomy or a closely related field is needed to conduct independent research or work at a university. However, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you might find opportunities at planetariums, observatories, or assisting with research.
37. Netflix tagger
If you’re seeking a fun yet rewarding job, becoming a Netflix tagger could be an interesting option. In this job, you watch Netflix content and assign specific labels to shows and movies, influencing the platform’s recommendation algorithm.
To get started, you will need to apply through the Netflix jobs portal, where available positions are listed. Experience in film and media studies, while not mandatory, can give you an advantage.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Ways To Get Paid To Watch Netflix
37. Geologist
Geologists explore and study the earth’s composition, processes, and history.
Their job can lead to finding valuable resources like minerals, oil, and gas, and they also have an important part in environmental conservation and predicting natural disasters.
38. Dog walker
If you love pets, then this is the fun paying job for you!
Dog walkers do exactly that – walk dogs while their owners are busy, such as at work or on vacation. If you like dogs, then this can be a fun way to spend time with animals and get paid for it.
To become a sought-after dog walker, you should be reliable, good with animals, and you should have excellent customer service skills to build connections with clients. Dog walking allows you to enjoy the fresh air, bond with different dogs, and make money doing something you love.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money
39. Ethical hacker
Ethical hackers think and operate like malicious hackers but with a specific goal: identifying and fixing security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
They act as safeguards, testing and securing systems to prevent potential breaches for companies.
This job involves a lot of problem-solving skills, as you are looking for possible security problems.
40. Travel agent
If you like planning trips, then becoming a travel agent may be a great way to have a fun high-paying job.
Travel agents craft and sell travel experiences. They help advise clients on different travel destinations and arrange transportation, hotels, tours, and more. It’s a job that not only pays well but allows you to help others travel.
You may help people plan their honeymoon, a trip to Disney World, an around-the-world cruise, and so much more. There are travel planners for every kind of trip that you can think of.
Your knowledge and skill in handling the challenges of travel planning make you a very important help to travelers who want their experiences to be stress free.
The average annual salary can vary by a lot, and this can be either a part-time or full-time job. There is a lot of job growth too, as more and more people are going on vacations!
41. Personal shopper
Personal shoppers give a shopping service for clients who either lack the time or the style to select their own stuff. As a personal shopper, your job may range from picking clothing to finding the perfect gift.
You may work at a high-end retail store, or you may be a freelance personal shopper – there are many jobs in this field!
42. Park ranger
Have you ever been to a beautiful place like Yosemite National Park and wondered what it would be like to work there?
Park rangers work in places like beautiful national parks and get to enjoy the scenery every single day. Their responsibilities include protecting and managing parks, wildlife, and historical sites and making sure that both the natural resources and the visitors exploring them are safe.
To become a park ranger, you usually need a combination of education in fields related to conservation, environmental science, or wildlife management, and relevant work experience.
Recommended reading: 15 Outdoor Jobs For People Who Love Being Outside
43. Tour guide
Being a tour guide gives you a chance to share your love for travel or history with others, all while making a living. You’ll get to be in different places like historical sites, museums, or outdoor adventures.
This can be a low-stress job with a big fun factor – as you get to explore places that you probably already love and are an expert at.
Recommended reading: How to Make Money as an Airbnb Experience Host
44. Yacht crew
Working on a yacht can be a thrilling job that mixes travel, adventure, and the chance to meet new people, along with the possibility of earning good money.
If you work on a yacht, your job could be as a captain, mechanic, server, cleaner, chef, and more. If you’re on a smaller boat, you might even handle all these tasks.
Jobs on a yacht or big sailing boat are usually hard work, but the perk is that you get to travel with most expenses covered, while also earning a high income.
45. Flight attendant
Being a flight attendant is important for making sure passengers are comfortable and safe. You’re like the friendly face of the airline during flights, taking care of different needs and keeping service standards high.
Plus, you get to enjoy the unique perk of discounted or free travel, which is a big perk of becoming a flight attendant.
Flight attendants can earn a good income, and the benefits are excellent. They usually make between $50,000 to over $100,000 a year. The training to become a flight attendant usually takes around 1 to 2 months.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Flight Attendant And Make $61,640 Each Year
46. Art therapist
Art therapists combine the creative process with psychological healing to provide a unique kind of mental health therapy. They conduct one-on-one or group therapy sessions, and being an art therapist can be very fulfilling as you help people discover their voice and heal through art.
Art therapists work at schools, psychiatric hospitals, veterans associations, and more. Usually, you need a master’s degree to enter this field.
They use art therapy to assist people in expressing their emotions, dealing with complex feelings, and enhancing self-awareness. Their job isn’t just about being artistic; it’s deeply connected to therapeutic practices that help a variety of clients.
Another job similar to this is becoming a music therapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to find fun jobs that pay well.
What is the most high-paying fun job?
The most high-paying fun job can vary based on your skills and interests. Some high-paying fun jobs include being a blogger, pilot, stunt person, and romance book author.
What are random jobs that pay well?
There are many unique jobs, such as a private island caretaker, yacht captain, or a voice-over artist.
Which is the most exciting and highest paying job in this world?
This will depend on who you ask! Maybe it’s being a pilot, a stunt person, an actor, or something else.
What are some fun jobs that pay six figures?
Some fun jobs that pay over $100,000 may include becoming a blogger, selling printables, photographer, architect, and more.
What are some low-stress fun jobs that pay well?
Jobs like a yoga instructor or a massage therapist can be low stress and fun, and they provide a good income, especially when experienced or working in more affluent areas.
What are some fun jobs that pay well without a degree?
You can pursue jobs such as a social media influencer, a real estate agent, or a personal trainer, which can pay well and be rewarding without requiring a traditional four-year degree.
Best Fun Jobs That Pay Well – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best fun jobs that pay well.
There are many fun careers that pay a part-time or full-time income.
Careers like voice acting, managing social media, and ethical hacking not only pay well but also let you have a good balance between work and life. The key is to know your talents and find the right fit in these exciting jobs.
I have been working a fun job for many years now, and I really really love it. It makes each day enjoyable and I actually look forward to work. I hope that you get to one day say the same as well.
What do you think are the best fun jobs that pay well?
When it comes to California, there’s no denying the diverse and vibrant energy that fills the state. From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the laid-back vibes of San Diego, California offers something for everyone. With a population of nearly 40 million, the Golden State is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and lifestyles. Whether you’re drawn to the tech hubs or the iconic landmarks, California’s unique charm and endless opportunities make it an exciting place to call home. So, if you’re considering a move to California, this Redfin article will guide you through the biggest cities in the state.
1. Los Angeles, California
Population: 3,898,747 Median Sale Price: $959,000 Los Angeles, CA homes for sale Los Angeles, CA houses for rent
Living in Los Angeles means enjoying a diverse cultural scene, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife. The city is known for its entertainment industry, with Hollywood being a major attraction. With diverse neighborhoods, such as Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, unique charm and attractions are all around.
2. San Diego, California
Population: 1,386,932 Median Sale Price: $875,000 San Diego, CA homes for sale San Diego, CA houses for rent
San Diego is known for its beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and laid-back lifestyle. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and sailing. For another vibe, visit Balboa Park, with its museums and gardens, is a cultural hub, and the Gaslamp Quarter offers a lively nightlife and dining scene.
3. San Jose, California
Population: 1,013,240 Median Sale Price: $1,300,000 San Jose, CA homes for sale San Jose, CA houses for rent
Moving to San Jose in the heart of Silicon Valley promises an immersive experience within a thriving tech industry and a diverse community. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with neighborhoods like Willow Glen and Santana Row offering unique shopping and dining experiences.
4. San Francisco, California
Population: 873,965 Median Sale Price: $1,177,500 San Francisco, CA homes for sale San Francisco, CA houses for rent
Living in San Francisco means enjoying a beautiful arts and culture scene and stunning bay views. The city has iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island that attracts visitors annually. Explore the historic architecture, visit museums and art galleries, and enjoy the city’s renowned food scene.
5. Fresno, California
Population: 542,107 Median Sale Price: $360,000 Fresno, CA homes for sale Fresno, CA houses for rent
Fresno offers a more affordable living cost than other California cities, with a strong sense of community and a growing arts scene. With nearby national parks, such as Yosemite and Sequoia, outdoor recreation opportunities awaits.
6. Sacramento, California
Population: 524,943 Median Sale Price: $456,250 Sacramento, CA homes for sale Sacramento, CA houses for rent
With a mix of urban and suburban living, Sacramento boasts a rich history and a growing food scene. The city has many tree-lined streets and historic architecture, with neighborhoods like Midtown and Land Park. You can also enjoy the nearby riverfront and explore the city’s many parks and outdoor spaces.
7. Long Beach, California
Population: 466,742 Median Sale Price: $795,000 Long Beach, CA homes for sale Long Beach, CA houses for rent
From its iconic waterfront to its urban life, Long Beach includes a laid-back beach culture, eclectic neighborhoods, and a rich maritime heritage. The city has waterfront attractions, such as the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
8. Oakland, California
Population: 440,646 Median Sale Price: $825,000 Oakland, CA homes for sale Oakland, CA houses for rent
Oakland stands as a city with spirit amid the iconic San Francisco skyline. This city offers a mix of historic and modern architecture, with neighborhoods like Rockridge and Temescal offering unique shopping and dining experiences. Its proximity to the Bay Area allows residents to enjoy many urban amenities, including cultural events and trendy cafes.
9. Bakersfield, California
Population: 403,455 Median Sale Price: $385,000 Bakersfield, CA homes for sale Bakersfield, CA houses for rent
Another affordable city in California is Bakersfield. Explore the nearby national parks, such as Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and enjoy the city’s diverse food scene. The city also hosts various events and festivals like Village Fest, which provides music, food, and drinks.
10. Anaheim, California
Population: 346,824 Median Sale Price: $869,000 Anaheim, CA homes for sale Anaheim, CA houses for rent
Anaheim is home to Disneyland, offering fun any time of year. The city also also hosts various events and festivals, such as the Anaheim Packing District and the Anaheim GardenWalk which locals love. Enjoy nearby beaches and explore the city’s diverse culinary offerings, there’s a lot to discover in Anaheim.
The largest credit union in the US has the widest disparity in mortgage approval rates between White and Black borrowers of any major lender, a trend that reached new heights last year, a CNN analysis found.
Navy Federal Credit Union, which lends to military servicemembers and veterans, approved more than 75% of the White borrowers who applied for a new conventional home purchase mortgage in 2022, according to the most recent data available from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. But less than 50% of Black borrowers who applied for the same type of loan were approved.
While many banks also approved White applicants at higher rates than Black borrowers, the nearly 29-percentage-point gap in Navy Federal’s approval rates was the widest of any of the 50 lenders that originated the most mortgage loans last year.
The disparity remains even among White and Black applicants who had similar incomes and debt-to-income ratios. Notably, Navy Federal approved a slightly higher percentage of applications from White borrowers making less than $62,000 a year than it did of Black borrowers making $140,000 or more.
A deeper statistical analysis performed by CNN found that Black applicants to Navy Federal were more than twice as likely to be denied as White applicants even when more than a dozen different variables – including income, debt-to-income ratio, property value, downpayment percentage, and neighborhood characteristics – were the same.
The Virginia-based Navy Federal, which was originally founded in 1933 to serve Navy employees, is now open to all members of the armed forces, Department of Defense personnel, veterans, and their relatives. It has about 13 million members and more than $165 billion in assets.
Bob Otondi, a Black business owner in Texas who was denied a mortgage by Navy Federal in 2021 – and then approved by another lender in about two weeks – said the rejection “didn’t make any sense at all.”
“I thought it could have been racial discrimination,” he told CNN, “but I could never prove it.”
In total, the credit union rejected about 3,700 Black applicants for home purchase mortgages last year, potentially blocking them from homeownership just as interest rates spiked. And Navy Federal also approved Latino borrowers at significantly lower rates than White borrowers.
In a statement, Navy Federal spokesperson Bill Pearson defended the credit union’s lending practices.
“Navy Federal Credit Union is committed to equal and equitable lending practices and strict adherence to all fair lending laws,” Pearson said. “Employee training, fair lending statistical testing, third-party evaluations, and compliance reviews are embedded in our lending practices to ensure fairness across the board.”
Pearson said that CNN’s analysis “does not accurately reflect our practices” because it did not account for “major criteria required by any financial institution to approve a mortgage loan.” Those factors included “credit score, available cash deposits and relationship history with lender,” he said.
But that information is not available in the public mortgage data. Navy Federal declined to release additional data about its loans to CNN that included borrowers’ credit scores or other variables. In addition, most of the Navy Federal applications that were denied are listed as being rejected for reasons other than “credit history.”
By some measures, Navy Federal has been successful at lending to minority borrowers: A fourth of its conventional mortgage applicants are Black, and about 18% of the conventional loans it originated went to Black borrowers – a larger portion than almost any other large lender.
But because of the large racial disparity in Navy Federal’s approval rates, even though more Black borrowers are applying for conventional mortgage loans from the credit union, most of them are getting denied.
Experts in mortgage lending and advocates for fair housing said that the racial gaps in Navy Federal’s approval rates were surprisingly large and raised questions about the institution’s lending practices. Lisa Rice, the president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance, an advocacy group, said the racial gaps in Navy Federal’s lending identified by CNN were “some of the largest I’ve seen.”
“That is a quite stark disparity,” Rice said. “It’s unusual for us to see instances where the lender denies more loans than it approves.”
Experts said that Navy Federal’s racial disparities appeared to be an especially extreme example of a larger national problem. The credit union’s gap between White and Black approval rates has jumped significantly in recent years – and among all lenders, the racial approval rate gap has also grown.
More broadly, the gap in homeownership rates between White and Black Americans is larger today than it was before the Civil Rights era – and it’s a key driver of wealth disparities between White and Black families.
Navy Federal member says rejection left him feeling shocked and hurt
When Bob Otondi went house hunting in the summer of 2021, he immediately knew when he found his “dream house.” The three-bedroom home in a lakeside neighborhood of a Dallas suburb had an open kitchen, an expansive backyard with a pool, and – most importantly – it was in a great school district where Otondi’s son had long aspired to attend high school.
Otondi was thrilled when his bid for the home was approved, and expected that his mortgage application with Navy Federal would be smooth sailing. The relative of Navy servicemembers, Otondi had been a Navy Federal customer for years. The credit union had pre-approved him, he said he’d successfully paid off several previous Navy Federal vehicle loans, and he had budgeted a downpayment of more than 20% of the home’s value.
But then, just weeks before he was scheduled to close on the purchase, Otondi got bad news: Navy Federal was denying his application. The credit union told him in a form letter that it had concluded his income was not high enough to account for his debts.
Otondi said the last-minute denial didn’t make sense. According to documents he provided to CNN, he was making more than $100,000 a year from his logistics business and had a credit score above 700. He said he didn’t have significant debts.
In the heat of the pandemic-era housing market, Otondi feared he would lose the home. “I was stunned, I was shocked, I was hurt,” he said. He had been driving by the house with his son and daughter every week, and the kids had already planned out decorations for their rooms. “To go back home and tell them, ‘guys, we lost the house?’ I mean, devastating,” Otondi said.
But Otondi’s realtor, Angela Crescini, connected him with another mortgage lender who approved him for a loan in about two weeks – and the purchase went through.
“There was no real reason he shouldn’t have gotten the loan” from Navy Federal, Crescini said. “How can one lender get a loan done within 15 days and this other one couldn’t at all? It didn’t ring right to me.”
Pearson, the Navy Federal spokesperson, declined to comment on Otondi’s denial, saying that “our members’ personal and account information are private and confidential.”
As he sat in the airy living room of the three-bedroom home last month, Otondi said he was still frustrated by the mortgage denial. He said he submitted complaints to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – the federal agency that oversees consumer lending – as well as a Texas state agency, both of which went nowhere.
Hearing about the larger racial disparities in Navy Federal’s mortgage approvals made him think the credit union was “inhibiting veterans and their families from just uplifting themselves,” Otondi said.
CNN’s analysis doesn’t prove that Navy Federal discriminated against any borrowers. But it does show significant disparities in the credit union’s approval rates for borrowers of different races – and that it has larger racial gaps than many other large financial institutions.
The analysis was based on data collected under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, which requires most financial institutions to report anonymized information on mortgage applications to the government, including applicants’ race. CNN’s analysis focused specifically on conventional home purchase mortgages for homes intended to be used for a primary residence, and not intended to be used for a business or commercial purpose. CNN only analyzed loan applications that were ultimately approved or denied by lenders, not those that were withdrawn by borrowers before a decision was made.
In 2022, according to the data, Navy Federal approved 77.1% of White applicants, 55.8% of Latino applicants, and 48.5% of Black applicants. The 28.6-percentage-point gap between Black and White applicants was by far the largest gap among the 50 financial institutions that originated the most conventional home purchase loans last year, which includes Navy Federal.
In comparison, Wells Fargo had a roughly 19.5-percentage-point gap between its Black and White approval rates, US Bank had a 10-point gap, and Bank of America had a 3.5-point gap. The second-largest credit union in the country, State Employees’ Credit Union, had a 5.4-point gap.
Navy Federal’s racial disparities remain even when comparing only applicants with the same incomes or debt-to-income ratios. The credit union approved 59.3% of applications from Black applicants making $140,000 or more – those in the top quarter of applicants by income – and 59.8% of White applicants making less than $62,000 – those in the bottom quarter.
CNN’s analysis found that Navy Federal had statistically significant racial disparities in its mortgage approval rates while holding constant more than a dozen different variables including the applicant’s income and debt-to-income ratio, the loan amount, the property value, and the neighborhood’s socioeconomic makeup. Even among applicants who were identical among all those variables, the analysis found, Black applicants were more than twice as likely to be denied as White applicants, and Latino applicants were roughly 85% more likely to be denied than White applicants.
The analysis did not take applicants’ credit scores into account because the public data released under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act does not include credit scores due to privacy concerns. That means that at least part of the racial disparity could possibly be explained by differences in credit scores between White and minority borrowers. Black borrowers in particular tend to have lower credit scores, in part due to the impact of historical discrimination and a continuing lack of access to traditional financial institutions in Black neighborhoods, according to researchers.
The data does, however, include information on the reasons that applicants were denied. Of the Navy Federal applications from Black applicants that were rejected, less than a fourth were listed as being denied because of “credit history.”
Notably, the racial disparities in Navy Federal’s approval rates have increased over time. In 2018, the difference between the White and Black approval rates was only 11.5 percentage points – far smaller than the 28.6-percentage-point gap in 2022.
José Loya, a UCLA professor who has studied racial gaps in mortgage approvals and reviewed CNN’s analysis, called the disparities in Navy Federal’s lending “alarming.”
“It does surprise me that they’re doing significantly worse than other big lenders,” because of Navy Federal’s status as a credit union, he said.
What may be widening the gap
The decision to approve or deny a mortgage application is largely made by automated underwriting systems, and advocates have been pushing lenders like Navy Federal to improve those systems to reduce racial disparities.
In recent years, some banks have changed their underwriting systems to take into account additional data that can reduce those racial disparities – such as including an applicant’s history of paying rent in a calculation of their creditworthiness. Pearson, the Navy Federal spokesperson, said rental history was “incorporated” into the credit union’s underwriting process, but did not provide additional details.
Some experts pointed out that Navy Federal’s member base of servicemembers, veterans, and their families may have a different financial picture than the general public that large banks serve, which could explain some of the racial disparities.
In addition, unlike large banks, Navy Federal isn’t subject to the Community Reinvestment Act, which encourages lenders to make loans in low and middle-income neighborhoods. While federal regulators review banks’ lending under the act, they don’t do so for credit unions and other non-bank lenders.
Some advocates and banking groups have been calling for years for revisions to the law to require credit unions to follow the same rules. “Our legislators have given a huge pass to credit unions, on the assumption that they’re serving and meeting the needs of their members,” said Rice, the fair housing advocate.
In other cases, racial disparities in mortgage lending have been linked to loan officers helping White borrowers more than Black ones, said Sara Pratt, a lawyer at the law firm Relman Colfax who previously led the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s civil rights enforcement efforts.
“A particular loan officer might make exceptions or just work harder for some peoples’ loans,” such as telling applicants to pay down credit cards or increase their downpayment if they’re on the edge of getting approved, Pratt said. “Loan officers might give this advice to a White borrower, and with a Black borrower, they’re less likely to do that.”
She noted that she had no evidence that Navy Federal employees were doing that but said the disparities in Navy Federal’s approval rates should “require a lender to offer justifications for how the disparity occurred.”
According to federal law, lenders don’t have to be intentionally engaging in racism to break fair lending rules. A “disparate impact” on minorities can also lead to discrimination claims.
“It’s bad business to discriminate because if people are genuinely qualified – as in many cases they are – then lenders are missing the opportunity to make loans,” said Pratt. “Lenders who look more carefully at these issues can see they’re losing business that somebody else is getting.”
Pearson said that the credit union was proud of the large portion of its loans that went to Black borrowers, and that more than half of its branches in the US are located in “minority communities.”
“As a not for profit, member centric, membership organization, we are focused on expanding awareness and access to home ownership across the country,” he said. “Navy Federal is a trusted financial partner for all its members and advises each member based on their unique financial needs.”
‘I thought we were going to lose the house’
CNN’s analysis found that Navy Federal had larger racial disparities in its approval rates for conventional mortgages than for VA home loans, which each account for about half of the loans it originated last year. VA loans, which are backed by the federal government, are designed to allow veterans to get mortgages that they might not qualify for in the conventional market.
But racial disparities still existed among Navy Federal’s VA loan business. Last year, Navy Federal approved 84.2% of its white home purchase VA loan applicants, compared with 73.8% of Latino applicants and 71.6% of Black applicants. Its Black-White approval rate gap was larger than all but one of the 50 lenders that originated the most VA home purchase loans. Like in Navy Federal’s conventional business, the racial differences were statistically significant even when accounting for factors like income, property value, debt-to-income ratio, and downpayment percentage.
Ted Spencer, 42, applied for a Navy Federal mortgage in 2019 as he purchased a home in Raleigh, North Carolina. Spencer, who is Black, had been banking with Navy Federal since he joined the Navy two decades earlier and had good experiences with the credit union, so it was an obvious choice for a loan. He was preapproved for a VA loan with no downpayment.
On his first weekend house hunting, Spencer toured a four-bedroom home in North Raleigh with a woodsy yard big enough for his dog and space for the kids he and his girlfriend would later adopt. “We walked through the house, and we were both like, yeah, this was the one,” he said. Their offer was accepted right away.
After Spencer submitted his paperwork to Navy Federal, he ended up waiting weeks. He said he repeatedly emailed, called, and messaged his loan officer without any response. Then, finally, he heard back that the mortgage was denied, with a letter from the credit union that he showed CNN citing his credit history and debts.
“It was pretty much the 11th hour,” Spencer said. “I really thought we were going to lose the house.”
But like Otondi, Spencer found another mortgage lender who quickly approved him for a new loan, at a lower interest rate than Navy Federal was going to charge him – and he and his girlfriend were able to close on the loan only a week late.
Spencer said he never thought the denial had anything to do with his race, and that the data CNN showed him about racial disparities in the credit union’s lending practices “blew my mind.” He said it made him think about family stories he’d heard about his grandfather’s experience dealing with redlining as he tried to buy a home after returning from the Korean War.
Some realtors who specialize in serving minority and veteran homebuyers said that Spencer and Otondi’s experience of being denied by Navy Federal and then easily approved by another lender wasn’t uncommon.
“If a client calls and says ‘I was disapproved by Navy Federal,’ the first thing we say is ‘let’s get you in with another lender,’” said Anthony Reanue, a California-based realtor. “In the military community, many people know that Navy Federal is not the best when it comes to mortgages.”
The credit union has previously faced scrutiny over racial disparities. An analysis by the nonprofit news outlet The Markup using 2019 data found that Navy Federal was among the large lenders with the biggest racial gaps in approval rates – and CNN found that the gap has only grown since then. Navy Federal said at the time that The Markup’s analysis did not accurately reflect its practices.
Navy Federal has also faced legal action over allegations of aggressive lending practices and other banking violations. In 2016, it paid about $28.5 million in redress and fines after the federal government found it had falsely threatened borrowers over debt collection and froze them out of their accounts.
Some of the Black borrowers denied by Navy Federal said they saw homeownership not just as a financial accomplishment but as a larger life goal. As an immigrant from Kenya, Otondi said that buying his house felt like living “the American dream right here.”
But after his rejection from Navy Federal, he said he couldn’t help but think about other Black borrowers who weren’t able to get another loan.
“What about the ones who are denied? What about the ones who now can’t get their own dream house?” Otondi asked. “It’s something that’s going to affect generations, all the way down to their kids.”
HOW WE REPORTED THIS STORY
CNN analyzed data on millions of mortgage applications to evaluate racial disparities in lending at Navy Federal Credit Union and other lenders. The data was released by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, and CNN used the snapshot data for 2022 and prior years.
Reporters analyzed conventional, first lien, one-to-four-unit, conforming, home purchase loan applications. The review only included mortgages for homes intended to be used for a primary residence, and not intended to be used for a business or commercial purpose. Applications that were not fully submitted and acted upon were excluded.
CNN’s statistical analysis evaluated the likelihood of applicants of each racial and ethnic group being denied when more than a dozen other variables were held constant. The other variables, all of which are included in the HMDA dataset, were: the applicant’s income, the applicant’s debt-to-income ratio, the loan amount, the loan term, the loan-to-value ratio, the property value, the presence of a co-applicant, the applicant and co-applicant’s sex, the credit scoring model used to generate the applicant’s credit score, the primary applicant’s age, the minority population percentage of the property’s census tract, the median age of housing units in the property’s census tract, and the difference between the median income of the metro area and the median income of the property’s census tract.
The analysis classified applicants as Latino if they reported Latino ethnicity, no matter their race. Mixed-race applicants and applications from co-applicants of different races or ethnicities were excluded from the racial categories. Alternate methods of defining race and ethnicity – such as looking only at the demographics of the primary applicant and not any co-applicants – did not substantially change the results.
A shift in demographics. Affordable apartments transformed into luxury condos. A coffee shop called something like “Brew Slut.”
The signs of gentrification take many forms. A newly opened art gallery can serve both as a communal space and a harbinger of the displacement to come. Remodeled homes might boost a street’s curb appeal but then drive up rents in the ensuing months and years.
There are plenty of ways to tell when gentrification is coming to a community; rising home prices and an influx of trendy shops are classic omens. But in the modern market, developers are flipping houses at the highest rate since 2000, and the houses they churn out are often homogeneous: boxy, black and white, minimalist. They’re adorned with trendy house number fonts and chic drought-tolerant gardens, and they can be an obvious sign of gentrification on the way.
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Take a stroll through your neighborhood and keep an eye out for these trends. If you spot a few, gentrification may be on the way. If you spot a bunch, it might be well underway.
The gentrification font
If Neutraface starts speckling the homes and fences around your neighborhood, your rent might soar soon.
The sleek typeface and its many knock-offs have become so commonplace that they’ve become a meme, and the Guardian even declared it “the gentrification font.” It crowns countless brand-new builds across L.A., and like certain wines and cheeses, it pairs well with cheaply done fixer-uppers or the aforementioned box houses.
“The Shake Shack font has invaded,” said Steven Sanders, a Highland Park resident who has lived in the rapidly changing neighborhood since 2015. When Sanders moved there, the median single-family home value was around $463,000, according to Zillow. Today, it’s $1.002 million.
There’s nothing specifically wrong with the font; it’s clean, modern and easy to read. Ironically, it’s named after Richard Neutra, an iconic architect who often stressed affordability in his work.
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If a for-sale house has a Neutraface house number, the listing price will probably be anything but affordable.
Gentrification bonus point: if the font is also brass or gold.
Black-and-white paint jobs
Gentrification, in terms of housing, has become a monochromatic movement. Gone are the green-colored Craftsmans or the pink-hued bungalows of old; today, newly built homes are overwhelmingly white, black or a brutal combination of the two.
“Taste aside, a black house in an era of climate change is ridiculous,” said Adam Greenfield, a transportation and land-use advocate.
Gentrification bonus point: if a black-and-white exterior comes with an accent door — a splash of bright blue, yellow or turquoise to showcase that the property isn’t completely devoid of character. Just mostly devoid of character.
Excess security cameras
If you’re taking a stroll down your street and feel watched — not by anyone specific, but by a small army of Ring doorbells, Nest cameras and other electronic eyes making sure you don’t pick a Meyer lemon or your dog doesn’t defecate on the decomposed granite — brace for a new brand of neighbor.
Surveillance systems and the context behind them, in which owners view their neighbors and passersby as potential package-stealers, are all too common in gentrifying communities. For if it were truly a high-crime place, there would still be chain link and barred windows.
There’s plenty of evidence that smart doorbells lead to racial profiling, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with security systems, they generally detract from the community feel instead of adding to it.
“It’s the degradation of the social fabric that for so long we all took for granted,” Greenfield said. “It’s legitimate to walk up to a neighbor’s door to ask for or offer something, and security cameras and warning systems discourage that. We can’t let fear win in our society.”
Gentrification bonus point: if they come with a speaker with a disembodied voice that barks at passersby in a condescending tone: “Hi! You are currently being recorded.”
Privacy fences
Sometimes, surveillance systems aren’t enough. Many modern homeowners moving into new neighborhoods don’t even want to be seen by neighbors, so they install privacy fences or towering hedges to shield themselves from anyone walking by.
Greenfield calls them “f— you fences.”
“Many people were raised in the suburban sprawl, where they don’t have as much access to other people. Then they move to denser areas and import those suburban norms of separation and privacy,” Greenfield said.
Lola Rodriguez, a Lincoln Heights resident who grew up in the area, said if a home in the neighborhood is ever hidden from view, it’s usually someone who just moved in.
Gentrification bonus point: if the privacy fence is chic and stylish, like the horizontal trend that has taken over in some areas.
Box houses
One of the more uninspired architectural trends of the last century, modern box houses forgo attempts at character or ornamentation, instead serving as shrines to simplicity. They worship at the altar of minimalism, squeezing out as much square footage as zoning laws will allow.
They’re clean, they’re simple, and they’re a likely sign that a new demographic is moving into a neighborhood.
“It’s jarring seeing a bright white box house jammed between older houses with more character,” Rodriguez said. She prefers the neighborhood’s stock of century-old bungalows over the new homes being built.
The polarizing style isn’t for everyone, but it’s a hit for deep-pocketed buyers eyeing extra space. And box houses are quicker and cheaper to build for profit-minded developers, who will keep cranking out supply as long as there’s demand.
Gentrification bonus point: if the box house includes a glass garage door.
Drought-tolerant gardens
To be clear, the ecological benefits of drought-tolerant landscaping make it a net positive for Southern California. Limited water usage is absolutely a good thing.
But such gardens aren’t always cheap, and if they start popping up in neighborhoods where most residents can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars, sometimes tens of thousands, on their yard, it could be a sign of gentrification.
Most carry the same look: a handful of shrubs, succulents and cacti surrounded by gravel or decomposed granite, giving it a sandy, desert-like quality.
Kerry Kimble and Steven Galindo, two real estate agents with the Agency, said they’ve noticed an increase in drought-tolerant gardens in neighborhoods such as Echo Park, Highland Park and Silver Lake, where displacement has already been happening for years.
The majority of Kimble’s listings are in northeast L.A., and she said she’s noticed a surplus of succulents.
Galindo said some developers add drought-tolerant gardens to attract potential buyers.
“Developers remodel homes for the taste of the gentrifier,” he said.
The pair are currently listing a 106-year-old duplex in Angelino Heights, a neighborhood protected by a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, which preserves a community’s architectural feel by limiting new building designs and renovations. But not every neighborhood enjoys such protection.
Gentrification bonus point: if the garden is riddled with Firestick plants — the trendy, orange-tipped succulents that seem to anchor every lawn in those “up-and-coming” neighborhoods.
Little Free Libraries
Listen, these are lovely. Unlike surveillance systems and privacy fences, little libraries actually evoke a sense of community, bringing neighbors together over a shared love of literature (even though most generally seem to be stocked exclusively with James Patterson novels and unreadable how-to books).
The charming, birdhouse-like structures certainly don’t cause gentrification, despite what a handful of critics have claimed over the years. But they definitely seem to be a product of gentrification, usually popping up in areas where home prices are rising and well-to-do residents are moving in.
Gentrification bonus point: if a smart doorbell camera watches over the library, making sure nobody takes more than their fair share of books.
Pointed listing language
Sometimes, the clearest sign of gentrification is hearing how people are talking about a neighborhood and the homes within it. There’s a wealth of such examples posted daily on Zillow, Redfin and other listing sites as real estate agents take on certain tones to market properties to potential buyers.
For example, if a listing brags about the home being some kind of port in a storm, a refuge from the area around it, a ship of gentrifiers might be sailing in. One listing in Boyle Heights is touted as an “urban oasis.” Another in South L.A. promises to add “a touch of serenity to urban living.”
Also pay attention to whether a listing is marketed as an actual place to live or simply an investment opportunity. This listing near Leimert Park asks potential buyers to “come see your future investment today.” An Elysian Heights listing touts its use as an Airbnb.
Gentrification bonus point: if the language sounds like an extra flowery wellness ad, such as this listing in East L.A.: “Imagine stepping into a world where every corner whispers tales of renewal.”
Little-Known Mortgage Option For Family Members Who Couldn’t Qualify on Their Own
Thinking of purchasing a house for a disabled adult child or parent?
Are you unable to qualify for a mortgage due to a disability?
While this program no longer has a brandable name, it’s the perfect fit for specific borrowers.
Let’s set the stage with my scenario:
Currently renting, my prospective client wants nothing more than to be a homeowner. Disabled from a young age, the sense of independence that comes with homeownership has become rare air. The problem? Never enough income to qualify.
A couple of sentences in Conventional guidelines make a world a difference for prospective homebuyers with disabilities:
Fannie Mae will consider the residence to be a principal residence even though the borrower will not be occupying:
Notice how they use the term “adult child?” The disabled occupant can’t be a minor.
In that same vein, determining legal agreement competency must be addressed. When a party to the purchase contract is mentally disabled in a manner that disqualifies their competency in entering legal agreements, he/she is ineligible to sign purchase and mortgage documents.
Back to my scenario: This disabled adult has family that is glad to help out, but dropping a 25-30% down payment for an Investment Property gets far too expensive. Add Conventional pricing adjustments (LLPAs) to the closing costs and the well-intended family member’s idea gets even further out of reach.
This is the perfect example scenario for this program, so talk to a lender about adapting yours, and make sure that they have experience with this sort of transaction. There are particular nuances about the loan application that must be observed for smooth sailing and meeting purchase process deadlines.
Yes, this technically means that you can own two principal residences at one time. Thanks goes out to Ted Rood for originally documenting this program here: https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/guest/07102015-fannie-mae-program
Inside: Do you want to claim your partner as a dependent on your taxes? This guide will explain the rules of claiming dependents whether girlfriend or boyfriend and help you take the necessary steps to do so.
Navigating the waters of tax credits can be tricky, especially when it involves claiming an unmarried partner as a dependent.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does permit the declaration of a non-relative adult as a dependent, provided certain conditions are met.
And that is where it gets tricky for the tax novice.
That is where we are going to reference the IRS guidance, so you can determine whether or not you qualify for this deduction.
By pointing you in the right direction, you can understand the specific tests and requirements to avoid any tax-related complications.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Understanding dependency in the context of taxes
The word “dependent” might remind you of a newborn baby or an elderly family member. But in tax terms, the meaning broadens.
In the IRS terms, a “dependent is a person, other than the taxpayer or spouse, who entitles the taxpayer to claim a dependency exemption.” 1
This might be a child, an adult family member, a significant other, or even a close friend. This term “qualifying relative” is crucial in IRS parlance for its implications on your tax dues.
Typically, any person can qualify as a dependent if more than half of their financial support, including living and medical expenses, is taken care of. Also, it’s an opportunity to boost one’s tax return by up to $500 with the Other Dependent Tax Credit.
What qualifies a person as a dependent?
The IRS bases dependents on two categories: “Qualifying children” and “Qualifying relatives.”2 You might think of a qualifying child as your son or daughter. Expanding the scope, a qualifying relative can be a sibling, a parent, or even a significant other.
The essence lies in their financial reliance on you and the nature of your relationship. They ought to:
Be related to you via blood, marriage, or adoption;
You provide over 50% of their financial support including housing, food, medical care, and other expenses
They are U.S. citizen.
The income of the possible dependent.
These nuanced rules might sound overwhelming, but IRS guidance and tax experts like TurboTax can help lighten the load.
Now, let’s address this sticking point: Can you actually claim your partner as a dependent? The following section unravels the mystique.
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Can I Claim My Partner as a Dependent?
You can claim your partner as a dependent on your tax return, provided they meet certain criteria explained by the IRS, including passing the non-qualifying child test, the citizen or resident test, the joint return test, the income test, and the dependent taxpayer test.
I know this is where it gets difficult to follow for the average person.
So, we are here, to break this terminology down into layman’s terms, as such you can then make the best decision for your tax situation.
If you are still confused, then consult with an online tax software like TurboTax or a tax professional for guidance on your personal taxes.
Basic requirements for claiming your partner as a dependent
This essentially means that your partner should be financially dependent on you, where you bear more than half of their living expenses.
In essence, claiming your partner as a dependent revolves around these fundamentals: 2
Residency: Your partner must have been living with you for the full tax year.
Income limit: Your partner’s gross income should not exceed $4,700 for the year 2023.
Support Requirement: You are the main pillar for your partner’s financial needs by covering over half of their total expenses.
Anyone Else Claiming Them: None else should claim your partner as their dependent.
Unmarried. Your partner must be unmarried legally.
All fulfillment of these criteria moves you a step closer to enjoying some tax relief.
Confirm with an accountant or tax expert as exceptions can exist, such as temporary absences due to illness, education, business, and others.
Common scenarios where you can claim your partner as a dependent
Claiming a partner as a dependent isn’t as fancy as it sounds, but it’s plausible. Here are common scenarios enabling you to do so:
Co-habiting Before Marriage: You and your partner share a home, and you pay more than half of your partner’s living costs. However, your living situation cannot violate local laws, as in some states, “cohabitation” by unmarried people is against the law.
Unemployed Partner: Your partner’s tie with working life is severed (e.g., due to health issues or being laid off), and you bear most of the living expenses.
Supporting Student Partner: Your partner pursues their education, and you shoulder the majority of their expenses.
Take this interactive IRS quiz to determine whom I may claim as a dependent.
How much will I get if I claim my girlfriend as a dependent?
Now the pivotal question: what’s the advantage in dollars and cents?
In essence, claiming your partner as a dependent will slash your taxable income by $500 with the Other Dependent Tax Credit. 3
If you already qualify for Head of Household status with another dependent, then it is possible your deduction may be more. 4
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. When tax complexities strike, consult an expert!
Is it better to claim my girlfriend as a dependent?
Honestly, like most tax questions, the answer is: it depends.
If you’re covering your partner’s majority expenses and they’re fulfilling all IRS criteria, then claiming them can bring solid tax savings.
Yet, bear in mind:
If your partner earns substantial income (greater than $4,700), they might lose personal benefits by becoming your dependent.
By claiming your partner, their Social Security or medical benefits may take a hit.
So, assess your partner’s income, benefit entitlements, and your tax situation. Then, tread wisely.
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Important Rules to Keep in Mind When Claiming Your Partner
When filing taxes, it’s crucial to understand that both parties are responsible for the accuracy of each other’s tax reporting and liability.
It’s worth noting that tax advantages and disadvantages exist in the scenario of being married and filing jointly, such as potential reductions in your tax bracket and sharing of business losses. So, it may be something to consider.
Can I claim my girlfriend as a dependent if she has no income?
In a nutshell, yes! If your girlfriend had no income in the tax year, you might claim her as a dependent. Given you provide over half of her total support and she lived with you all year, you’re golden.
For 2023, your partner’s gross income should not exceed $4,700.
However, keep in mind that in cases where public assistance or Social Security benefits are her primary financial sources, claiming her could negatively impact those benefits.
Learn the answer to do you have to file taxes if you have no income.
Remember: tax waters are often murky. When in doubt, lean on a tax professional’s shoulder!
Support factors
Answering the support question plays a hefty role in determining who qualifies as a dependent.
You shouldn’t just share the living cost; you should pay more than half of it. Remember, it includes an array of expenses, like food, clothing, education, or medical expenses.
The implication of your partner being claimed by someone else
Here’s a key rule: if someone else is claiming your partner as a dependent, you’re out of the game. The IRS rules say a person can be claimed as a dependent by only one taxpayer in a single tax year.
This could happen if your partner perhaps lives part of the year with someone else like a parent.
Another possibility is if your partner is legally married still, then they would have to file a married, filing separately return.
So, if your partner qualifies as someone else’s dependent, even if they don’t claim them, you can’t claim your partner.
Frequent Situations Where You Can’t Claim Your Partner as a Dependent
Considerations for Non-resident or Non-citizen partners
If your partner isn’t a U.S. citizen, resident, or national, the dependent claiming game changes. Notably, nonresident aliens cannot be claimed as dependents.
However, if your partner is a resident of Canada or Mexico or a U.S. national, you may claim them. But they should be living with you full-time. 2
This rule extends to partners awaiting changes in their residency or citizenship status. In such cases, you must wait until their status changes before claiming them.
When your partner earns more than the stipulated income threshold
When your partner’s income level sails past the IRS limit ($4,700 in 2023), claiming them as a dependent slips off the table. 2
Any part-time job, seasonal work, or income source counts, even those seemingly negligible. As soon as they cross this threshold, regardless of how heavily they rely on you or where they reside, they can’t qualify as your dependent.
Make sure to stay updated on IRS rules. They adjust the income limit for inflation annually, which changes this income ceiling. Keep an eye peeled for those IRS updates!
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This is how I have filed my personal taxes for many years.
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How to Officially Claim Your Partner on Your Taxes
To officially claim your partner as a dependent on your tax return, you will do this when you file your taxes.
Thankfully, this is made easier with online software companies like TurboTax or H&R Block.
The same is true when you are trying to figure out how to file taxes without a W2.
Necessary steps to claim your partner on your taxes
You will first identify them as “other qualifying dependent” or “other qualifying relative”.
Gather the facts first: Confirm your partner’s income, residency, and who has been supporting them for more than half the year.
Document expenses: Keep track of all relevant bills and receipts to demonstrate your majority support.
Use tax software or a professional: Follow prompts about dependents in tax software like TurboTax. They could guide you through the process and specifics.
Complete relevant Tax Forms: Prepare the necessary forms such as Form 1040 and Schedule H and have proof of residency, financial support, gross income information, and certification of your domestic partnership to support your claim.
File your return: Don’t forget to include your partner’s details and tick the correct boxes.
Remember, the devil is in the details. So carefully evaluate your situation to avoid missteps, and consult with a tax professional when in doubt.
Pitfalls to avoid while filing tax returns
While preparing to file your tax returns, beware of these common pitfalls:
Incorrect income calculation: Ensure you tally your partner’s gross income accurately. Reminder: it should not eclipse $4,700 in 2023.
Overlooked Living Qualification: Your partner must have resided with you the entire year. Temporary absences (illness, education) can be exceptions.
Ignoring Other Claimants: If someone else is poised to claim your partner as a dependent – even if they don’t – you can’t claim them.
Emergency Funds Consideration: If your partner taps into their savings for a large expense, this could speak against you providing most of their support.
Forgotten Documents: Maintain a record of bills, receipts, and other expense documents.
The IRS overlooks no mistakes, so take care and stay informed. When in doubt, professional tax help is a button away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Intriguing question! Here’s the short answer: Your partner’s marital status may indeed affect your ability to claim them as a dependent.
For instance, if your partner is married and files a joint tax return with their spouse, you can’t claim them as a dependent.
Remember, tax rules are lock-key specific, and bending them can lead to penalties. Always seek advice from a tax professional.
While you might be able to claim your partner as a dependent, laying claim on their children as dependents is unlikely. IRS rules are clear: you can claim a dependent only if they’re your child or relative.
Since your partner’s children don’t fulfill this requirement, you can’t claim them unless they can be considered your qualifying relative AND you provide more than half of their support.
As always, it’s best to run this by a tax professional for clarity on your unique situation. All we tax-seers can do is guide; the decision falls on your shoulders.
Here’s the hard truth: if your partner didn’t live with you all year, you couldn’t claim them as a dependent. IRS rules are stringent about this: your partner must have the same home as you for the entire year. That is 365 days, no less.
However, IRS grants a green light to temporary separations due to special circumstances like illness, education, military service, or even a holiday. The key lies in their intent to return and, of course, their follow-through.
Stay wise and stay informed, and consult with a tax analyst to seal your decision with assurance.
Get Online Help
Navigating tax rules and regulations doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the advent of online help, understanding whether you can claim your partner as a dependent becomes considerably more manageable. Here are a few benefits of seeking online help:
Convenience: With online help, you can access the information you need anywhere, anytime. No need to schedule appointments or deal with traffic to get to a tax office. You can get the updates and instructions right from the comfort of your own home.
Accessibility: Some great examples of accessible platforms are TurboTax, e-File, and H&R Block which provide 24/7 support and resources. They offer a wealth of information and experts at your fingertips.
Expertise: Apart from the convenience, these websites employ tax experts who deliver professional analysis and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Specifically, you can use TurboTax Live Full Service for someone to do your taxes from start to finish. Or you can ask questions with TurboTax Live Assisted.
File your own taxes with confidence using TurboTax. This can greatly simplify the process and minimize potential missteps.
Now, Can I Claim my Unmarried Partner as a Dependent is Up to You
As they say, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse”. The same holds true for tax rules.
Falsely claiming a dependent can lead to severe penalties, not just a dinging of your wallet. You’d be sailing the choppy waters of tax evasion, which can bring on hefty fines or even dark days behind bars.
In blatant cases, the IRS could impose a Civil Fraud Penalty. That means a penalty amounting to 75% of the unpaid tax amount resulting from fraud. 5
In short, play by the rules! Accurate and clear tax filing may seem tedious, yet it will steer clear of any legal trouble. Remember, it’s always safer to ask if you are unsure!
Now, are you wondering why do I owe taxes this year?
Source
Internal Revenue Service. “Tax Tutorial.” https://apps.irs.gov/app/understandingTaxes/hows/tax_tutorials/mod04/tt_mod04_glossary.jsp?backPage=tt_mod04_01.jsp#dependent. Accessed October 23, 2023.
Internal Revenue Service. “About Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information.” https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-501. Accessed October 23, 2023.
Internal Revenue Service. “About Publication 501, Dependents, Standard DeductionUnderstanding the Credit for Other Dependents.” https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/understanding-the-credit-for-other-dependents. Accessed October 23, 2023.
Intuit TurboTax. “Guide to Filing Taxes as Head of Household.” https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/guide-to-filing-taxes-as-head-of-household/L4Nx6DYu9. Accessed October 23, 2023.
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Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
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Are you a nurse who is looking to make extra income? Looking for the best side hustles for nurses? Whether you are looking for a part-time side gig or a full-time extra income stream, there are many ways to make extra cash as a nurse. Whether you are looking to pay off your student loans,…
Are you a nurse who is looking to make extra income? Looking for the best side hustles for nurses?
Whether you are looking for a part-time side gig or a full-time extra income stream, there are many ways to make extra cash as a nurse.
Whether you are looking to pay off your student loans, save for a vacation, retire earlier, or whatever else, there are many reasons why you may want a side hustle.
As a nurse, though, you may be wanting something that will fit into your already busy and tiring schedule.
When it comes to finding side work, there is no shortage of options for nurses. But, not all side jobs for nurses are created equal.
Related content on side jobs for nurses:
Best Side Hustles For Nurses
Medical transcription
Transcription is when you turn audio files or video content into a text document. As a medical transcriptionist, you would be converting voice recordings from doctors and others in the medical field into formal reports.
Medical transcriptionists are required to be knowledgeable about medical terminology, HIPAA, and more, which makes this a side hustle that a nurse would be somewhat familiar with.
Medical transcriptionists earn around $20 to $25 an hour.
There are also other types of transcription work that are not medical related. There are many businesses looking for transcriptionists – since general transcriptionists convert audio and video to text for virtually any industry, there really isn’t a typical client. Examples include marketers, authors, filmmakers, academics, speakers, and conferences of all types.
You can learn more at How To Become A Transcriptionist From Home.
Lactation consultant
A lactation consultant is someone who specializes in breastfeeding.
A hospital may have you on call, you may go in person to people’s homes to assist them with breastfeeding issues, you may start a website where you help families online, and more.
My lactation consultant at the hospital when I gave birth to my daughter Marlowe also happened to be a healthcare worker at the pediatrician’s office that we brought her to. So, she definitely had more than one form of income!
Night nanny
A night nanny (or sometimes called night nurse if they are a nurse) is someone who helps new parents take care of their children overnight.
You would be employed by a family, usually for a few weeks or a few months after a baby is born. You would be helping parents at nighttime so that they can get more sleep as well as learn how to take care of their new infant.
You will be changing diapers, feeding the baby, helping the baby go to sleep, and more.
A night nanny typically works 8-12 hours overnight.
Night nannies are sometimes licensed practical nurses or registered nurses, as new parents many times want the skills and expertise that a nurse has.
You may be able to find night nanny jobs through word of mouth, or on websites such as SitterCity.com or Care.com.
Telehealth nurse
Telehealth nurse jobs are in high demand and will continue to grow. A telehealth nurse is a nurse who sees patients online, such as by video or phone. You may be working part-time or full-time as a telehealth nurse.
As a telehealth nurse, you would be assisting patients with minor health problems as well as advising them if they should go to the emergency room or urgent care, for example.
A telehealth nurse may work from home (and simply require an internet connection), at a physician’s office, hospital, and more.
As a telehealth nurse, you are still required to be a registered nurse and to have passed the NCLEX examination.
Start a blog or website
I know a few nurses who have started blogs, and this is because a blog can help you make income in your spare time with a flexible schedule.
So, what is a blog? A blog is a website. A blog is content that is written on a website. It usually consists of articles, like the one you are reading right now.
Blogs can vary from person to person. You may create a blog to journal, to teach on a topic, to sell something, to tell a story, and so on. There are no exact rules about what your blog has to be used for.
You can blog about many different topics such as personal finance, travel, lifestyle, food, family, home, DIY, and more.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
Become a caregiver
As a registered nurse, you have highly valuable skills that make you in demand for caregiving jobs, such as taking care of children and adults.
As a caregiver, you may be helping the elderly, helping people get ready for the day, taking care of them for a day, grocery shopping for them, and more.
You may be able to find caregiving jobs through word of mouth (as nurses are very desirable for these positions) or on websites like Care.com and Craigslist.
Sell printables on Etsy
A printable is a digital product that someone can download and print at home. Examples of printables include grocery shopping checklists, gift tags, candy bar wrappers, printable quotes for wall art, budget templates, and patterns.
What makes this great for a nurse looking to make extra income is that you just need to create one digital file per product, and then you can sell it an unlimited amount of times.
So, this can be a great way to make money without having to use up all of your free time outside of work.
You can sign up for this free ebook that helps you figure out where to start when it comes to selling printables on Etsy.
You can also learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Make Canva templates
Making Canva templates is similar to selling printables – you just need to create them once, and you can sell them an unlimited amount of times.
Canva is an online graphic design website. On Canva, you can sell premade designs to other Canva users so that they can edit and customize them.
Some examples of Canva templates include ebooks, workbooks, Pinterest pins, and more.
People all around the world use Canva to help with the graphic design side of their business, and templates make their lives so much easier.
You can head to this article to learn more at How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates.
Sell stickers
Selling stickers could be stickers that you have printed out and are shipping to customers, or you may be selling stickers for them to print on their own. You would be creating your own designs on stickers and can sell them for years to come.
Stickers are extremely popular right now and will most likely be for years. Stickers are used for so many different reasons, and you don’t need a lot of equipment to start a sticker business.
You don’t need graphic design skills either – this is something that you can learn quickly and even teach yourself.
You will need a cutting machine (perhaps you already have a Cricut cutting machine?), a printer, sticker paper, and ink to get started.
You can learn more at How To Make $1,000+ A Month Selling Stickers Online.
CPR instructor or First Aid instructor
As a CPR instructor or First Aid instructor, these may be classes that you are hired to teach part-time. It may just be a few hours a week and you would be teaching others CPR and First Aid.
There are classes for those who are expecting a child, prepping for the wilderness, for employees in all industries, and even classes for those who are getting into sailing (I personally have taken these sailing classes!).
Rent out spare rooms or a home
You may be able to earn extra income by renting out a spare bedroom or by investing in rental property to rent out in whole (such as an apartment or a house).
You can learn more at How This Woman In Her 30s Owns 7 Rental Homes.
Rent out your stuff
There are other things you can rent as well.
Renting out your stuff can feel somewhat passive, and if you’re not using it then it may make perfect sense for you.
Here is a list of things to rent out and which platforms are best:
Home bakery
You may be able to make extra cash by making baked goods at home.
In fact, I know someone who is a nurse, and on the side, she decorates and sells amazing-looking cookies for events. She started out decorating cookies simply as a hobby, and people started asking if they could hire her to make specialty cookies for baby showers, weddings, and more. This is now a side hustle for her that she loves.
You can learn more about this topic at How To Make Extra Money By Starting A Home Bakery. Here, you’ll learn about the equipment needed to start a bakery, food laws, tips on pricing your baked goods, and more.
I also recommend reading How I Earned Up to $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!) if you are wanting to make dog treats.
Pet sit
With this, you may be watching pets in your own home or the pet’s home, or you may be walking them during the day, playing with them when the owners are gone, giving them their medicine, feeding them, and more.
While it would most likely be hard to be a pet sitter or pet walker on a day when you have a nursing shift, this may be something that you can schedule for on your days off, as you can pick your days and hours by selecting clients that best fit your schedule.
If you’re interested in watching pets in your home, Rover is a platform where you can list your services and find clients.
Become a virtual assistant
A virtual assistant is an assistant who works from their own home (instead of in person).
As a virtual assistant, you may find part-time or full-time work, and you may be able to be flexible with your hours. I have virtual assistants and they all have flexible hours, which can be great for someone who is a nurse and may not be able to work on days when they have a long shift.
As a virtual assistant, you may be helping a company manage their social media, scheduling appointments, managing their email inbox, data entry, and more.
You can learn more at How To Earn $10,000 Each Month From Home as a Virtual Assistant.
Start a TikTok account
I follow a few TikTok accounts that are all about being a nurse, and they are very informative and entertaining. Or, you can start a TikTok that’s not related to being a nurse at all!
There are over 1.5 billion users on TikTok and many people are able to earn an income on this social media platform doing many different things.
From personal finance tips to comedy, day in the life to travel, and more, there are many different topics you can cover on your own TikTok account through making social media content.
Learn more at How To Make Money On TikTok.
Begin a YouTube channel
As a YouTuber, you may decide to start a channel about being a nurse, or about anything else!
There are many different types of YouTube channels out there.
A great positive of starting a YouTube channel is that, like blogging, you can create your own schedule, and work only on the days that you want. So, it does not have to interfere with your schedule as a nurse.
You can learn more at How I Grew From 0 Subscribers To Over $100,000 On YouTube In Less Than One Year.
Cosmetic nurse
As a cosmetic nurse, such as an aesthetic nurse injector, you may be working in a doctor’s office or medical spa.
You may be doing injections, photofacials, microneedling, and more.
Resell items online
If you are looking for a flexible job as a nurse, one to look into may be reselling items online, such as on Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. There are many other online marketplaces as well.
Plus, it’s something that anyone can start because many of us own things that we could probably sell.
My friend Stacy Gallego was a nurse who resold items in her spare time. She made over $100,000 in sales by flipping used items too and actually retired as a nurse so that she could pursue her flipping side hustle full-time! You can read more about her story at How I Made $100,000 Selling Used Items.
Stacy learned how to build a flipping business from my other friends Melissa and Rob. They are the flipping experts! Some of the best items that they’ve resold include:
Something they bought for $10 and flipped for $200 just 6 minutes later
A security tower they bought for $6,200 and flipped for $25,000 just one month later
A prosthetic leg that they bought for $30 at a flea market and sold for $1,000 on eBay the very next day
A lift that they found in the trash (and asked the owner for permission to take) that they sold online for $7,500
They have a helpful free webinar, Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days, I recommend checking out.
Tutor
As a tutor, you can help a nursing student with their nursing degree, pass an examination, and study for a certificate, for example.
To become an online tutor, you can simply create a tutor profile on a tutoring platform, create a listing on Fiverr, reach out to people that you know, and more.
Learn more at The Best Online Tutoring Jobs – A Flexible Way To Make More Money.
Freelance write
Freelance writing is when you write for different clients, such as a website, magazine, and more.
Many people start with no previous experience, so this can be a great one to begin for you.
Plus, as a freelance writer, you can create your own schedule and take on as many or as few clients as you would like, so you can determine how much money and time you want to spend on this side hustle.
You may be able to become a health writer or write about any of the other thousands of topics out there.
You can learn more in the article How To Become A Freelance Writer.
Mystery shop
Mystery shopping won’t be a huge source of extra income, but it can be something that you can do whenever you have some spare time. There’s not a huge commitment to this either, which can be great if you are looking for something flexible.
Another positive of mystery shopping is that there are mystery shops that can be conducted both in person, online, and on the phone.
As a mystery shopper, you would get paid to evaluate companies from when you walk through the door to after you get your receipt. Or, you may be evaluating how they answer the phone when you pretend that you are a customer inquiring about a service that they offer.
The company has no idea that you are a mystery shopper – this is so that the company can truly evaluate how they are doing and see what they need to improve.
As a mystery shopper, you may be completing mystery shops for clothing stores, department stores, restaurants, car dealerships, salons, amusement parks, and more.
You can learn more at How To Become A Mystery Shopper.
Join a focus group
There are many market research companies that pay people like you and me to share their opinions. Companies then use these opinions and feedback to improve their products and services.
Sometimes focus groups are looking for a specific person too, such as a healthcare professional or someone who uses medical devices. Or, they may be looking for anyone who works in any field.
User Interviews pays very well for market research studies. Over 2,000 studies are launched each month and they have paid over 72,000 participants in the last year.
Pinterest, Spotify, Macy’s, Home Depot, Trip Advisor, and more all use User Interviews to gather feedback from users about their latest products, apps, and websites.
Participants can earn $50 to $100 per hour or more for sharing their opinions and feedback. The average pays over $60.
You can learn more in my User Interviews Review.
Similar to this, there are many paid online surveys you can take as well. These will pay much lower than a focus group, though.
Immunization nurse
An immunization nurse is a nurse who gives vaccines, such as flu shots. You may be working part-time or full-time, such as at a travel vaccine clinic or curbside clinic.
Immunizations will always be around, which means that there will always be a demand for immunization nurses.
Camp nurse
As a camp nurse, you would typically be working in the summer (because that is when camps usually take place). A camp may last a few days or even weeks or months.
You may be taking care of campers, such as doing first aid.
Many camps go without medical professionals because they are unable to find a nurse to fill the role – so there is a demand for camp nurses.
Sign up for extra nursing shifts
This one is the most common as a nurse, so I saved it for almost last. As a nurse, you may have the option to work overtime and make extra money.
Since you are already in the profession, this may be the easiest to get started with.
Travel nurse
Okay, so this is not a side hustle, but I do think it’s somewhat related enough to include in this article!
A travel nurse may be able to earn more than $3,000 per week. They tend to make much more than a nurse who has a permanent job at a hospital or other facility.
Travel nurses are RNs working short-term positions at healthcare facilities. Whenever there are nursing shortages, which happen often in the medical profession, travel nurses help healthcare facilities fill these roles.
I have had several friends become travel nurses, and I’ve also met a few travel nurses while traveling.
Travel nurse jobs usually last around 3 months and can come with many benefits, and they also tend to pay quite well.
Recommended reading: 25 Best Travel Jobs To Make Money Traveling
Common questions about nurse side hustles
Below, I answer some common questions that you may have about side hustles for nurses.
How can nurses earn extra from home?
There are many ways that a nurse can earn extra money from home. This may include:
Medical transcription
Telehealth nurse
Answering medical surveys
Blogger
Freelance health writer
Selling printables
Rental real estate
Creating a nurse TikTok
Medical coding
And so much more.
Can nurses be entrepreneurs?
Yes, nurses can definitely become entrepreneurs. There are many options above, such as starting your own lactation consultant business, a night nurse business, becoming a health coach, and more.
Can a nurse have more than one job?
As a nurse, you may be working 3 days a week, which leaves you with 4 days off each week.
This may lead you to wonder – can you work two jobs as a nurse?
Yes, you may be able to work two jobs as long as you can realistically fit them both into your schedule.
As a nurse, though, you are working long hours. So, while you do have more free days than average, you would want to make sure that you are able to manage a good work-life balance.
How to make 6 figures as a nurse?
There are many ways to make over $100,000 each year as a nurse.
To start off – where you live can greatly impact your salary as a nurse, as some areas will pay more.
Other ways to increase your income as a nurse are to get into travel nursing, enter a specialty (such as becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner), work overtime, and of course start a side hustle.
What can a nurse do as a side hustle?
Whether you are looking for a part-time or full-time gig, there are many different side hustles for nurses to fit your schedule so that you can make extra money.
As a nurse, you have skills, training, and expertise that are highly desirable in many different jobs and fields, which can allow you to earn a high income.
There are many different jobs that a nurse can do. Some of the best side jobs may include:
Medical transcription
Lactation consultant
Night nanny / Night nurse
Telehealth nurse
Blogger
Caregiver
Printables designer
Templates maker
Sticker designer
CPR instructor
First Aid instructor
Real estate investor
Baker
Pet sitter
Virtual assistant
TikToker
YouTuber
Cosmetic nurse
Reseller
Tutor
Freelance writer
Mystery shopper
Focus group participant
Immunization nurse
Camp nurse
And more.
What do you think are the best side hustles for nurses?
The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has released details of a new program to expedite short sales.
The program consolidates Fannie and Freddie’s current short sale programs, including the original Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) programs and other proprietary ones.
The new streamlined approach will be known as the “Standard Short Sale/HAFA II,” and is designed to make short sales easier for those most in need.
Short Sales for Those Still Making Payments
First and foremost, the new guidelines will allow homeowners with Fannie or Freddie mortgages to pursue a short sale, even if they are current on their mortgage payments, assuming they have an eligible hardship.
At the moment, it’s difficult (but not impossible) to get a short sale going unless you fall behind on your payments, which kind of defeats the purpose of attempting to avoid full-blown foreclosure.
With HAFA II, loan servicers will be able to quickly qualify such borrowers without any additional approval from Fannie or Freddie.
Common hardships listed by the FHFA include unemployment, divorce, long-term disability, increased housing expenses, disaster (natural or man-made), business failure, and death of a borrower or household wage earner.
The streamlined process will also work for those who are transferred to a job or accept a new career opportunity more than 50 miles away.
This should help more borrowers conduct short sales without the massive credit score hits associated with multiple missed mortgage payments.
[Short sale vs. foreclosure with regard to credit]
Fannie and Freddie have also agreed not to pursue a deficiency judgment in exchange for a small financial contribution (assuming the borrower has sufficient income/assets).
It’s unclear how small it may be, but I would venture to say that most homeowners won’t want to pay it.
Service members who are relocated will also be automatically approved for short sales, even if current on their mortgages (and they won’t be subject to paying the contribution).
Quicker Short Sales for Those Already Behind
HAFA II also addresses those who are already behind on their mortgage payments and sailing full steam toward foreclosure.
These borrowers will enjoy an expedited approach to better deal with the time sensitive nature of the foreclosure process.
This means the documentation needed to demonstrate hardship may be reduced or even eliminated in some cases.
To further speed things up, or at least not unnecessarily slow things down, Fannie and Freddie will offer up to $6,000 to second mortgage holders to accelerate the short sales.
At the moment, a secondary lien holder can slow down a short sale by negotiating for a larger chunk of the outstanding balance, effectively stalling the entire process.
So hopefully the $6,000 will be enticing enough to speed along the process in most cases.
The new guidelines will also provide clarity on processing a short sale if a foreclosure sale is pending so borrowers can get last minute offers in and avoid losing their home.
Currently, loan servicers are required to review and respond to short sale offers within 30 days of receiving them.
They must also provide weekly status updates if the short sale is still under review after 30 days, and must finalize decisions within 60 days of the receipt of the offer.
Note: Borrowers who take part in the program will not be eligible for another mortgage backed by Fannie or Freddie for at least two years after the short sale occurs.
The HAFA II program will be effective come November 1, 2012.