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Entrepreneur
6 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
No. 1 Place to Retire in the World May Not Be On Your Radar
With cost of living, safety and more to consider, a retirement relocation requires careful thought. If relocating is part of your retirement plan, you're not alone. In 2024, 258,000 Americans relocated for retirement, per research from HireAHelper, an online marketplace that connects people needing moving assistance with local moving professionals. But before you plan your move to Florida or one of the other hot spots for retirees in the U.S., you might want to take a look around the globe. Related: Are You on Track for a Comfortable Retirement? Here's How Much Money You Should Save Every Month Depending on Your Age and State. Life insurance company Everly Life released a report last month that unpacked the best places to retire around the world, per Travel + Leisure. The study ranked 137 countries according to cost of living, healthcare quality, safety, air quality, elderly population percentage and retirement visa availability. Each area was rated on a scale of 0 to 100, then averaged to compile the final result. Estonia snagged the top spot with a score of 79.41. "The Baltic nation combines reasonable living costs (55.9 cost index) with strong health care (77.7 index) and impressive safety levels (76.5 index)," the report stated. Image Credit: Alexander Spatari | Getty Images. Tallinn, Estonia. Related: Here Are the Best and Worst States for Retirement in 2025, According to a New Report The Northern European country also has a 20.91% elderly population, which speaks to "a retirement-friendly society," Everly Life reported. "Estonia represents the sweet spot many retirees are seeking," Mariah Bliss, a spokesperson for Everly Life, noted. "You're getting Northern European health care standards and safety without the crushing costs of places like Switzerland or Denmark." Norway and Portugal took second and third place for the best places to retire, according to the report. Spain, Australia, Canada, Latvia, Hungary, Malta and Italy rounded out the top 10. Related: This Buzzy Retirement Strategy Is Helping Young People Escape the 9-5 Before Becoming Millionaires — Here's How to Pull It Off No matter where you intend to spend your retirement, try living on your retirement budget for a few years before you actually retire to identify potential shortfalls or lifestyle adjustments that may be needed, Stacey Black, lead financial educator at Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU), told Entrepreneur
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Home prices are increasing the fastest in these 10 California cities
Home prices have come down slightly in California, according to a new report. In May 2025, RedFin found home prices were down 0.088% yearly, with the median sale price $895,000. Overall, the number of homes sold was down 8.9%, from 26,965 in May 2024 to 24,579 this year. Just over 40% of homes sold in May were above list price, down 9.7 points year over year, and 34.8% of homes had a price drop, up from 24% in May last year. While the data signals a slight respite for potential homebuyers in California's hot housing market, the outlook varies depending on where you look. RedFin has also identified which cities have seen the fastest rising home sale prices in the last year. Tustin Price hike: 30.7% May median sale price: $1.15 million Glendale Price hike: 29.6% May median sale price: $1,393,000 Berkeley Price hike: 22.3% May median sale price: $1,663,000 Sunnyvale Price hike: 20.7% May median sale price: $2.3 million Diamond Bar Price hike: 15.2% May median sale price: $1,040,000 Alameda Price hike: 16.3% May median sale price: $1,412,500 Costa Mesa Price hike: 16% May median sale price: $1,640,000 Los Gatos Price hike: 15.5% May median sales price: $2.7 million Chico Price hike: 13.9% May median sale price: $512,500 San Clemente Price hike: 12.1% May median sale price: $1,895,000 In California, the income needed to afford a home could exceed $250K annually, according to a new report by HireAHelper. By 2030, home prices are projected to outpace income growth in all fifty states, with a national median sale price of $615,000. In California, the outlook is even more stark, requiring an income that is higher than any other state. Looking at housing data within the state, report authors identified Irvine with the highest predicted house price in 2030 of nearly $3 million, requiring a minimum income of $589,862. Along with Montana and Idaho, California is among several Western states poised to become unaffordable for median earners. The number of homes for sale has increased in California over the last year, according to RedFin. In May 2025, were 101,787 homes for sale in California, up 8.5% from last May. The number of newly listed homes was 34,659, down 8.2% year over year. The average months of supply is 3 months, which remained unchanged. The cities with the most competitive housing market are centered around the SF Bay Area and within commuting distance of high-paying jobs in Silicon Valley: Alameda, Daly City, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Danville, Livermore, Hayward, Cupertino, and San Ramon. Citrus Heights, a small city (pop: 86,909) in the Sacramento metro area, was also identified in the Top Ten of most competitive by RedFin. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: These 10 California cities have greatest home sale price hikes
New York Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Here's how much owning a home in 2030 will cost based on stagnant US salaries
Homeownership is about to cost an arm, a leg — and a second salary. A new analysis from HireAHelper, using Redfin housing data, paints a sobering picture of the next housing decade: by 2030, the cost of a median home will far exceed income growth in every US state. The national median home price is projected to climb to $615,103 by decade's end, while income gains lag behind — leaving households across the country priced out of homeownership unless their earnings rise dramatically. 7 A new study predicts that by 2030, home prices will outpace income growth in every US state, creating significant affordability gaps across the country. Jaruwan photo – Nowhere is the affordability crunch more severe than in Montana, where home prices are forecast to hit roughly $932,584. To keep up, the average household income would need to jump by an eye-popping 144%, reaching nearly $191,000. 7 According to a Redfin data analysis by HireAHelper, the national median home price is expected to hit $615,103, while wages won't keep up — especially in Western states like Montana and California. Konstantin L – Once considered a haven of affordable living, the state's housing market has spiraled upward amid a pandemic-fueled influx of remote workers. California, long a poster child for housing sticker shock, isn't far behind. The Golden State is projected to see its median home price climb to more than $1.23 million, requiring households to bring in more than $250,000 annually — nearly a 140% increase in average salary — to afford a typical property. While California boasts some of the country's highest wages, they haven't kept pace with the runaway market, the report notes. 7 In Montana, the median home is projected to cost over $932,000, requiring a 144% income increase for affordability. Andrew Kornylak – 7 California follows closely, with expected home prices topping $1.2 million and incomes needing to exceed $250,000. Rich – New York, to no one's surprise, is also poised for a pricing crunch. By 2030, the median home is expected to cost more than $780,000, while the income needed to buy it will need to surge past $179,000 — a 103% leap. Much of that growth is concentrated in dense metro areas like New York City, where demand continues to outstrip supply. Rhode Island and New Jersey round out the top five states with the biggest affordability gaps. In Rhode Island, median home prices could approach $855,000, with income requirements nearing $190,000 — a near doubling of current average earnings. 7 New York, which has long been expensive, will only become more so. goodmanphoto – 7 Even smaller states like New Hampshire and Wyoming are not immune, with affordability gaps growing due to stagnant wage growth and surging housing demand. K Issa/Wirestock Creators – And in New Jersey, residents will need to earn more than $210,000 annually to manage projected housing costs nearing $845,000. That would make it the second-most expensive state in terms of income required to afford a home, behind California. Even states not typically associated with sky-high real estate markets are feeling the squeeze. New Hampshire's projected home prices — just over $832,000 — would necessitate nearly $196,000 in annual income, while Utah's median home price is set to surpass $958,000. 7 Pandemic-era migration, remote work trends, and low housing inventory are contributing to the spike, especially in states like Idaho. Jeremy – Washington State, where housing demand remains strong in cities like Seattle, is expected to see median home prices top $900,000, with income needs nearing $187,000 — up 79% from today.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Homebuyers rush to state with top fall foliage, remote work perks and cash to move... if you can handle woke politics
For remote workers, nothing beats great scenery and high-speed internet. Americans are realizing Vermont offers the best of both and have made it the No 1 state for homebuyers. It also doesn't hurt that the state has influencer-approved foliage, plenty to do outdoors, farm fresh food, plenty of rivers and lakes, a lower cost of living than most other states — and you can even get paid to move there. The new residents to the area join those who bought homes during the pandemic era boom and then stayed because they loved it. The median house price in Vermont is $388k, according to Zillow. The national average home price in the US is $416k as of the first quarter of 2025. 'We have people coming from the tri-state area for second homes for skiing and we ask every winter if they can't take the cold and want to sell and no one wants to,' Vermont realtor Lynn Rawson tells 'Since Covid we've had everybody running up here and I have not had anyone say they're leaving. Rawson adds that people usually choose the area on a whim then end up growing old there. 'Usually when people will buy a home here and they don't really know anything about it then they're moving here full-time.' Highspeed broadband internet and a nature-filled lifestyle are a huge draw. In fact, the state tops a list of places people are moving to, with 61 percent more people moving into Vermont than out of it, according to a study by Hire a Helper moving company. Most of the movers bought a home in the state and moved because they preferred the area, not because it was necessary. Even big stars have called Vermont home when they needed to escape the intensity of Hollywood. Ana de Armas revealed last year that she is happier than ever following her move to a rural area in Vermont, where she quietly purchased a $7 million home last year. While reflecting on leaving Hollywood for a quieter life, the actress said she wanted peace and quiet. 'I feel like nowadays, we all want to go away from the craziness of the world,' she said at a premiere at the time. She continued: 'We all want to have the chance to build your own safe space. I've made that decision myself.' 'I can collect myself and only bring there who I want to be with. I have my little cocoon there,' she said of her sprawling six-bedroom home, complete with eight bathrooms, a swimming pool, mountain views and open meadows. Many like the lower cost of living and its stunning fall foliage. Vermont is known for its natural landscape, which is mostly covered in lush forests. One of the ways the state keeps its beauty beautiful is by refusing to allow roadside billboards. Vermont became the first in the United States to ban billboards in 1968 because they were adamant about reducing visual clutter. Instead of billboards, travel information signs to guide drivers to destinations. The state is also known for promoting a healthy lifestyle. Vermont tops a list of places people are moving to for its chill and affordable lifestyle 'Spring summer and fall are amazing here and we've had some really beautiful days lately and you see everybody's outside,' Rawson says. Vermont is a farming state and farmers' markets and farm to table restaurants and grocery stores are a prominent part of the state's culture. Hillside farms are scattered throughout the state where cows and goats can be seen grazing. The state works support local farmers and traders with tax breaks and local farm programs. It's very eco-friendly with a very low amount of pollution. There are very little natural disasters. 'I've had buyers tell me they're coming and investing here because apparently we have been identified as the state with the least likely amount of damage to happen from global warming,' Rawson says. 'It's disaster free.' Despite the influx of residents, Vermont still has one of the lowest populations in the US, so it never feels overcrowded. Vermont is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, bike, and ski the many trails in the state. Covered bridges, grassy meadows, and gorgeous red maple trees line the roads. They often have buckets attached for collecting sap for maple syrup. Vermont is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, bike, and ski the mountains Vermont makes more than half the country's maple syrup, which is more than any other state. In 2024, the state produced a record of 3.1 million gallons of the stuff. The area offers plenty to do in downtime, many weekend vacation getaways are cozy log cabins for rent. Breweries are popular in the state and most towns have a charming village street filled with local shops, cafe's and bookstores. Vermont is famous for being home to the original Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, which offers guided tours and tastings. Their mountainside grounds offer space to enjoy your ice cream, play on the playground, and pay your respects in the Flavor Graveyard for expired flavors. For nature lovers, summit of Camel's Hump Tour houses the biggest granite quarry in the world. The state offers incentives to move there, too. The Worker Relocation Incentive Program was signed into law in 2022. It provides grants to recruit remote workers and workers moving to the state to fill a position with a Vermont employer up to $7,500. The state is also known for promoting a healthy lifestyle where many people hike Often referred to as 'granola,' Vermont is known for it's outdoorsy style of dressing and progressive politics. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders kicked off his career there, eventually rising to Burlington's mayor, a member of the United States House of Representatives, and then the United States Senate. Over that time, voters fell in love with Sanders and his progressive ideas. The Vermont Progressive Party was formally established in 2000. That's a major draw for some, especially in the current political climate. Rawson says she recently sold famed author John Irving's house to a lawyer from Miami, who was fed up with red state politics and wanted a more liberal place to live. 'He mentioned politics was a big part of the move,' she says.
CNET
06-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
4 Tips to Avoid Moving Company Scams
Take it from me: Moving homes is a massive pain. As someone who's done it many times over the last few years, moving is already draining and unpleasant, and the absolute last thing you'll want to worry about is falling victim to scams from moving companies. You might not have considered the possibility of a moving-related scam -- I certainly didn't -- but they are a very real thing, and in some ways, they are a lot scarier than more traditional scams. Why? Well, a fraudulent moving company won't just make off with your money; they may also put all your belongings at risk. As recently as 2023, moving scams were on the rise, with 12% more people filing complaints that year than in 2022, according to findings from the Better Business Bureau and Hire-A-Helper. The number declined by 9% in 2024, though data also indicated that victims were losing more money overall, a total of around $32 million. From inflated price estimates to mishandling items to straight-up failing to show up, moving scams can take a lot of different forms. So to help you avoid them, we've compiled a few key tips to help keep your money, your peace of mind and all your stuff safe during a move. For more, check out CNET's tips for moving as a first-time renter. Make sure you get an in-home estimate One common way shady moving companies try to pull one over on you is by overcharging. And they'll often do that by giving you an estimate for the cost of their services without actually going to your home to take stock of everything. These sorts of estimates are commonly conducted over the phone. Make sure the company you intend to work with conducts an in-home estimate before you proceed with them. And an itemized list of fees On a similar note, these companies will also squeeze you for more money after the move by hitting you with a bunch of surprise fees. Usually, this sort of scam, typically referred to as a bait-and-switch, will offer a really good deal for the service up front to entice you, only to reveal additional fees once the move is finished and you're stuck dealing with their terms. To avoid this, it's best to work with moving companies that will provide you with an itemized list of fees that might be incurred during your move. This will give you a full sense of what the service will cost and help you determine if the company you're working with is honest and reputable. Be thorough when searching for a moving company A key way you can avoid trouble is by doing thorough research into whatever company you hope to use for your move. Often, it's a good bet to go with nationally recognized companies that many people have used. In our most recent recommendation list, CNET named National Van Lines the best overall moving company for 2025. If you're looking for a smaller or more local option -- perhaps to get a more competitive price -- you'll want to do your due diligence first. Check out the reviews for the company: They can alert you to a history of fraudulent behavior and are an overall indicator of quality service. Also, be thorough before signing the contract Above all, you'll want to make sure that you take the time to go through your contract and see everything it entitles you to -- and what all the costs are. Moving companies likely to scam you are known for operating off relatively thin contracts that don't give you a lot of guarantees. If you're not sure about the extent of the guarantees you should be receiving from a reputable company, you can start with the information about consumer rights provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. For more information about how to handle your next move smoothly, find out where to get boxes for free and how to make your move more eco-friendly.
