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New York Post
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
I live in the desert on the edge of Las Vegas — here's what life in the Mojave is really like
The idea of living on the edge of Las Vegas, with the unforgiving Mojave Desert in your backyard, has lately captivated social media, inspiring dozens of TikTok videos; but for Crystal Wojtowich, it's just her everyday life. Wojtowich is one of many Sin City residents sharing videos of breathtaking desert views. Advertisement The hospitality industry worker, who has racked up 5.6 million views on her video alone, tells what it's like living on the periphery of a bustling city, with her porch overlooking a stark, lunar-esque landscape that is far removed from the neon-lit frenzy of downtown Vegas. 'Sometimes, I do look out at the desert and realize that it is pretty barren, but also realize that with my personality, that peace and quiet is definitely something I wish for in every home that I live in,' Wojtowich says. Wojtowich grew up in a small town in South Dakota and moved to Vegas five years ago. For the past three years, she has lived in a home located in a community called Mountain's Edge tucked away in the southwestern corner of Las Vegas Valley. Advertisement There are about 25 homes in the neighborhood but only three on Wojtowich's street. She explains that she was immediately drawn to the area because it offered her privacy, while at the same time being within a short driving distance from grocery stores and parks. 'The home was a perfect fit for my needs, so the thought of the dark, open desert beside me was not an issue,' she said, adding that she does not feel isolated at all and can still hear the typical noises you would have in any normal neighborhood: cars driving by, kids playing, and dogs barking. 'I actually really love where I live,' Wojtowich insists. 'I'm still perfectly close to everything that I need, while still having that privacy.' How to get used to living in a desert Advertisement But acclimatizing to Vegas' notoriously scorching climate took some time for the former Midwesterner, who was far more used to blizzards than heat waves. 'Your body definitely learns to adapt, but that doesn't mean you still aren't going to sweat,' Wojtowich admits. 3 TikTok user Crystal Wojtowich documents her life on the edge of Las Vegas near the Mojave desert. TikTok/yourfaveazn Living in Las Vegas, where summer temperatures routinely climb into the triple digits, and especially steps away from North America's driest desert, Wojtowich says she quickly learned the importance of staying hydrated, cranking up the AC early, keeping the window shades down, and having her car windows tinted. Advertisement Wojtowich says her daily lifestyle is most noticeably impacted by the desert environment during the blisteringly hot summer months. 'Living an active lifestyle and wanting to be outside, the desert can be brutal,' she admits. 'I love to hike and take my dog places, but it definitely is hard to do that when it's 115+ degrees outside and the pavement is even hotter.' So Wojtowich has adapted, opting to go on hikes and walks during the cooler early morning hours, and investing in a set of doggy shoes to keep her pet's paws from being seared by the sizzling-hot pavement. 3 Wojtowich said she enjoys the privacy she has living by the desert. TikTok/yourfaveazn The pros and cons of living on Vegas' edge Another downside to living in the desert-adjacent neighborhood is the commute to downtown Vegas, roughly 15 miles to the north. 'While I do love where I live most days, there are some days where I could be running late, there's heavy traffic or construction, and my commute takes double the time,' explains Wojtowich. 'Most of my commute to work is just driving to the freeway!' But being a homeowner in an arid landscape off the beaten path has plenty of upsides, according to Wojtowich. For starters, landscaping is a breeze, because there is no grass to water — but there are still shrubs and trees to liven up the backyard. Advertisement The biggest perk for Wojtowich is the location itself, which she says strikes the perfect balance between privacy and community. Start and end your day informed with our newsletters Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters 'I get a mix of both lives!' she gushes. 'I have awesome neighbors, my neighborhood is clean, and I love being close to parks so I can attend farmers markets, food events, and even just getting outside.' Wojtowich notes that the relatively isolated location of her neighborhood does tends to attract some rowdy outsiders, who can be heard some nights riding dirtbikes, setting off fireworks in the desert, and even firing guns uncomfortably close to people's homes. Advertisement 'There are a lot of animals and kids nearby, so it does get scary sometimes when you're not expecting it,' she concedes. 3 A residential neighborhood bordering the desert in Northwest Las Vegas. trekandphoto – Asked about her interactions with the desert's wildlife, Wojtowich recounts spine-tingling moments of discovering a variety of 'creepy crawlers,' including scorpions, ants, cockroaches, and stink bugs, in dark closets and under appliances. 'It is so very important to have pest control in the edge homes of Las Vegas because the desert is their home, and they are just a foot away,' Wojtowich advises. 'With just a wall in between our home and theirs, they are bound to get inside at some point!' Advertisement It's also not uncommon to hear piercing coyote yelps echoing in the open desert in the middle of the night, she says. What appears to capture the imagination of social media users flocking to these videos is the otherworldly emptiness of the desert— just a stone's throw from people's homes on the edge of Sin City. 'I think most people would be surprised to learn that while living on the edge might seem unnatural and dystopian, it really is no different than any other neighborhood,' concludes Wojtowich.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Mary Lou Retton Is Arrested for DUI Just a Few Miles From Her Childhood Home—Less Than 2 Years After Near-Fatal Pneumonia Battle
Retired Olympian Mary Lou Retton was arrested on a DUI charge during a recent visit to her West Virginia hometown—more than 40 years after she soared to gold medal glory at the 1984 Games and less than two years after she faced a series of life-threatening health battles. The 57-year-old former gymnast, who quickly became a household name after making history as the first American to win the women's all-around medal at the Olympics, was taken into custody on May 17 in Marion County and charged with one count of 'driving under influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs; penalties,' according to court documents. Retton, who is currently based in Texas, 1,400 miles away from where she was arrested, posted $1,500 bond on the same day of her arrest. The incident occurred just a few miles from Fairmont, WV, the town in which Retton was raised and lived until the age of 14, before relocating to Houston, TX. Although she made a brief return to the area in 2009, she returned to Texas jut three years later, where she has been based ever since. However, her legacy remains a constant presence in Fairmont, where she has a street named after her—Mary Lou Retton Drive—in honor of her history-making Olympic performance. It's unclear what prompted her most recent visit to Fairmont—nor has she made a public statement about her arrest; however, has reached out to Retton's representatives for comment. The arrest comes less than two years after Retton went through a series of health struggles after being diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia that left her so sick she said she felt as though she had looked 'death in the face.' Her diagnosis was initially revealed by her daughters in October 2023, when they launched an online fundraiser in a bid to secure donations toward their mother's hospital bills, revealing that their mother did not have insurance at the time of her hospitalization. 'She is not able to breathe on her own,' Retton's daughter, McKenna Kelley, told her Instagram followers at the time, while sharing a link to a funding page dedicated to her mother. 'My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life. She is not able to breathe on her own. She's been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured,' Kelley shared. Speaking to NBC in January 2024, months after she underwent treatment in intensive care, Retton said; 'I mean when you face death in the eyes, I have so much to look forward to. 'I'm a fighter and I'm not going to give up. I'm not going to give up. I have no idea what the future holds for me. I don't know if I'm going to have lasting issues with my lungs. They don't know. I wish I had answers. But I would never give up. It's not in me.' At the time of her hospitalization, Retton was not insured and her family quickly set up an online fundraiser seeking donations to her medical bills—a move that came under fierce scrutiny from critics, who questioned exactly what the money was being used for. The former gymnast, who has four daughters, told NBC that her money struggles had begun after her 2018 divorce from ex-husband Shannon Kelley and were exacerbated by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, leaving her unable to afford health insurance. 'I couldn't afford it, I couldn't afford it, I couldn't afford it,' she admitted. 'But who would even know that this was going to happen to me? That's the bottom line, I couldn't afford it.' In total, the online crowdfunding page raised more than $459,000, which Retton's daughter, McKenna Kelley, told USA Today more than covered the cost of her mother's medical bills, adding that the family was planning to donate 'all remaining funds' to charity. Retton defended the funding site while speaking with Entertainment Tonight, noting that her daughters were just 'trying to take care' of her and 'didn't deserve' any hate. 'You're welcome to your opinion, but you weren't in that situation. My daughters stepped up to the plate, and they saved my life and all the love and support saved my life, and these finances will only go to medical bills and I said what's left will go to the American Lung Association because I am now a member of the lung disease community. 'It's my daughters who inspire me. They were strong. I can't imagine them seeing me on my deathbed, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I was. 'They've shown me pictures of myself, and I didn't even look like me. They inspire me, and they do every day. They're extraordinary young women. They're my biggest accomplishments. Take my five medals. I'll take my daughters over that any time,' she said at the time. 'I don't care about the naysayers. There are trolls everywhere. It's what makes us America. Everybody's got an opinion, but it is what it is,' she added, before confessing that her career—and finances—took a brutal hit during the pandemic. 'Our job is to be near people and talk to them and so there was no work whatsoever, so I mean, it's not like it used to be. Let's say that like the height of my fame was years ago and I just, you know, doing enough to make it, doing enough to pay my bills,' she conceded. The gymnast then got candid about her health issues while speaking to People, telling the outlet that Kelley and her other daughters, Shayla, 30, Skyla, 25, and Emma, 22, thought she may not make it out of the hospital alive. 'They prayed over me, and McKenna said, 'Mommy, it's OK, you can go.'' I didn't have much of a relationship with my mother, but I can't imagine what that was like, to watch their mom on her deathbed,' Retton revealed in 2024. The gymnast told the outlet that she believed that 'God wasn't ready for [her] yet,' admitting that she will 'never be the same.' She added, 'It's been really hard. My lungs are so scarred. It will be a lifetime of recovery. My physicality was the only thing I had and it was taken away from me. It's embarrassing.' Just two years before her hospitalization, Retton had purchased a newly built home in Boerne, TX—a three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom dwelling where she is understood to have been living when she was diagnosed with pneumonia. The abode—which was purchased for an undisclosed amount—sprawls across 2,255 square feet and comes complete with a two-car garage and brick facade. estimates that the home is now worth $551,300. According to property records, an HOA lien was taken out on the home in 2023—a legal claim that is made when a homeowner fails to pay their HOA fees. The lien was filed in March of that year, stating that Retton owed $1,056.88 in unpaid association assessments, handling charges, and collection costs, noting in the filing that this amount 'may continue to increase.' As the time of writing, the lien was still in effect. Retton purchased the property three years after her divorce from Kelley was finalized—with reports later claiming that the former Olympian had received $2 million from her former spouse as part of their settlement. Court papers viewed by the Daily Mail at the time of her health battle revealed details of her split from the former Texas Longhorns quarterback, stating that the division of property saw her walking away with $1,950,597 after an equal division of their assets. Extreme Weather Disasters Will Escalate Foreclosures and Create Systemic Financial Risk in Mortgage Markets, Study Warns Ohio Homeowner 'Hit the Floor' After Seeing Her Home Value Skyrocket—Now She's Fighting To Abolish Property Tax in the State Coffee Tycoon's $90 Million Palm Beach Megamansion Percolates to the Top of This Week's Most Expensive Homes
New York Post
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
The most affordable beach towns in 2025
Summer is just around the corner, and as kids count down the days until school is out, families across the the country are getting ready to book their long-awaited vacations. But for those who don't find a week or two at a beach quite enough, has crunched the numbers to identify the most budget-friendly towns in the U.S. where vacation-home buyers will get the most bang for their buck. Advertisement For the second consecutive year, Pascagoula, MS, emerged as the leader in beach house affordability. The popular Gulf Shore tourist destination is one of six oceanside towns that made last year's list, which, notably, had only 10 entries. 'Pascagoula has made a concerted effort to revive its downtown district over the last decade. We're seeing the payoff at work,' says Jacqueline Ready, managing broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeService Panoramic Properties. According to Ready, the town has much to offer, from a walkable shopping district to a strong local job market, dominated by Chevron and Ingalls Shipbuilding. 13 Pascagoula, MS, emerged as the leader in beach house affordability, and on the list for the second year in a row. Advertisement 'There are gorgeous waterfront and water-view homes, both historic and new build. The ancient oaks are just stunning, rivaling Savannah,' she says. 'It's absolutely a success story.' And most importantly for prospective homebuyers, the asking prices in Pascagoula are more affordable than in most beach towns in the Southeast. This year's newcomers to the list include Long Beach, WA, in the Pacific Northwest, and the small but iconic East Coast resort destination of Ocean City, MD. The expanded roundup of the nation's most affordable beach towns has entries across seven states, including New Jersey, Florida, and the Carolinas. How we determined the nation's most affordable beach towns Advertisement To zero in on the nation's most budget-friendly resort towns, economists started by analyzing a federal database of beaches and their locations before creating a list of coastal cities and towns. Then, those were ranked by median list prices in April for single-family homes, including condominiums but excluding mobile homes. Only cities with at least 50 active listings for the month were considered, to ensure adequate inventory. To guarantee geographic diversity, we included only two beach towns per state in the top 12 rankings, excluding additional entries from states already listed. 13 Pascagoula has been home to pirates, presidents and Jimmy Buffett. Advertisement April 2025 median list price: $165,610 Known as Mississippi's Flagship City, Pascagoula is a Gulf Shore city of 22,000 people that boasts a rich history going back 300 years—and an impressive antebellum architecture to match. Pascagoula is named for the Native American tribe that lived in the area when Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto founded the settlement in the 1540s. Over the centuries, Pascagoula has been home to pirates and presidents, as well as the nation's most beloved beach bum, Jimmy Buffett. In fact, the city's main public beach is named Buffett Beach in honor of the late 'Margaritaville' singer who was born in Pascagoula. 'We're seeing many natives who left for higher education or work return to Pascagoula to plant roots and invest,' says Ready, the area broker. Pascagoula has no shortage of attractions besides the beach, including the Pascagoula Country Club with a nine-hole golf course. Nature lovers would enjoy the B.B. Jenning Park and the Petit Bois Island, a federally protected wilderness area accessible by boat, while history buffs could spend hours exploring the early 18th-century La Pointe-Krebs House offering a panoramic view of Krebs Lake. Swimming in the ocean or playing a round of golf works up an appetite, and Pascagoula's food scene does not disappoint, offering a wide array of options, from top-rated seafood restaurants to barbecue joints and taquerias. 13 Located in Broward County, Deerfield Beach has the award-winning 'Blue Wave' beach. Advertisement April 2025 median list price: $211,750 Located in Broward County, Deerfield Beach offers its 87,000 residents an urban feel tinged with coastal living, with a wide selection of coffee shops, eateries, and green spaces. The small town, which is home to a mix of young professionals with families and retirees, has no shortage of attractions, especially for the adventurous and outdoorsy types. They include an award-winning 'Blue Wave' beach, the nation's longest cable ski courses, hiking trails, and a fishing pier that's nearly 1,000 feet long. Craving some culture? Take a tour of the Historic Butler House, check out the Deerfield Beach Historical Society Museum, or get in on old-timey hijinks at the Florida Renaissance Festival. Advertisement 13 Atlantic City is known as the 'Las Vegas of the East Coast' due to its casinos and nightclubs. April 2025 median list price: $242,450 Although best known as the 'Las Vegas of the East Coast' thanks to its many casinos and nightclubs, Atlantic City by now has cemented its place among the nation's most affordable beach towns. The city of just under 40,000 people boasts wide, well-maintained public beaches along the Jersey Shore, as well as one of the region's most iconic wooden boardwalks lined with amusement park rides, shops, and snack shacks. Advertisement Those looking to indulge in some gambling have plenty of options to choose from in Atlantic City, including the celebrated Borgata Hotel Casino, MGM Tower, and the classic Hard Rock Hotel. Most of the city's high-end resorts also offer relaxing spa treatments and top-notch dining options. 13 Port Richey has roughly 3,500 inhabitants. April 2025 median list price: $254,925 Advertisement Located in the suburbs of Tampa and St. Petersburg, the tiny town of roughly 3,500 inhabitants is a peaceful spot with a laid-back vibe and a strong sense of community. The town's big selling point is its affordability, especially compared with other coastal areas in Florida. In more good news for homebuyers, the surrounding Pasco County has lower property taxes and living costs than other parts of the region. With its many beaches, parks, and nature preserves, Port Richey is ideal for those who love to spend time outdoors. 13 Port Lavaca is a top bird-watching destination. DeVon Wilson April 2025 median list price: $292,000 Sitting near the center point of the 275-mile Texas Gulf Coast, Port Lavaca is a charming getaway that invites visitors to take a breather from the chaotic pace of modern life. Although the town is small, with just 11,000 year-round inhabitants, it is not short on attractions and activities, from relaxing on Magnolia Beach to taking a stroll in Bayfront Peninsula Park. But Port Lavaca is perhaps best known as a top bird-watching destination due to its location on a major migratory flyway for 400 species of birds. Not interested in looking for warblers and vireos through binoculars? No worries, because Port Lavaca is also a haven for history enthusiasts, with Calhoun County Museum, La Salle Monument, and Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse found around town. 13 Myrtle Beach has a string of uninterrupted sandy beaches. April 2025 median list price: $299,000 South Carolina's famed resort city, Myrtle Beach is the epicenter of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile string of uninterrupted sandy beaches. For homebuyers, Myrtle Beach's abundance of condos keeps this popular beach destination relatively affordable, with the median list price below $300,000. The city's crown jewel is its beachfront boardwalk featuring seafood restaurants, souvenir shacks, the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park, and the 187-foot-tall SkyWheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the U.S. But Myrtle Beach is not all about the beach lifestyle. Celebrated as 'the Golf Capital of the World,' the city and its surrounding areas boast more than 80 golf courses, among them the top-ranked Caledonia Gold and Fish Club and The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, and the Jack Nicklaus–designed Long Bay Club. Other points of interest in Myrtle Beach include Ripley's Aquarium and the Hollywood Wax Museum. 13 Ocean Springs is part of the Pascagoula metro area, near Biloxi, as pictured here. April 2025 median list price: $302,500 Located just 2 miles east of Biloxi, Ocean Springs is part of the Pascagoula metro area. Despite its small size, Ocean Springs has made a name for itself as a quaint, walkable town that is home to a thriving arts community, independent shops, and restaurants. Nicknamed the 'City of Discovery,' Ocean Springs is home to many art galleries, studios, and museums, including the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, the Ocean Springs Museum, and the G.I. Museum of military history. Outside cultural heritage sites, the town of 19,000 offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature, from the Gulf Islands National Seashore to the Fort Maurepas State Park, the site of the first French settlement founded in 1699. 13 Corpus Christi is the most populous city on this year's list. April 2025 median list price: $310,000 With more than 300,000 people calling Corpus Christi home, it is by far the most populous city on our list this year. But don't be fooled by the numbers, because it still offers an affordable coastal lifestyle with a relaxed atmosphere. In fact, Corpus Christi's biggest draw is its beaches, more than 100 miles of them. Parts of both Padre Island National Seashore and Mustang Island State Park fall within Corpus Christi's city limits, offering plentiful opportunities to frolic in the surf, camp, fish, kayak, and bird-watch. Notably, Padre Island features the longest uninterrupted beach in the U.S., measuring more than 65 miles in length. Want a break from nature? Head over to the Texas State Aquarium to marvel at sea creatures; visit the USS Lexington, a decommissioned World War II-era aircraft carrier; or spend an afternoon at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Music fans might also be interested in paying homage to Selena Quintanilla at the Selena Museum, which features the late singer's outfits and recording studio. 13 Surfside Beach is nicknamed 'the Family Beach.' April 2025 median list price: $310,925 For those looking to live on South Carolina's Grand Strand but don't want to deal with the hustle and bustle of the bigger and flashier Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach just might be the spot. Nicknamed 'the Family Beach,' the cozy, laid-back resort town of roughly 4,000 people offers 2 miles of pristine oceanfront with a good mix of relatively affordable single-family homes and condos. The town is home to a popular fishing pier, multiple parks, and even a small museum. 13 Long Beach is the home of the world's longest continuous peninsula beach. Dmitry Sytnik April 2025 median list price: $403,188 Long Beach, a town of just under 1,800 residents in Pacific County, is celebrated as the home of the world's longest continuous peninsula beach stretching more than 28 miles in length. Like many spots in the Pacific Northwest, Long Beach is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors, with hiking trails, parks, and wetlands teeming with birds. Plus, history aficionados would enjoy walking in the footsteps of 19th-century explorers Lewis and Clark along the aptly named Discovery Trail. Long Beach also has plenty of attractions catering to kids, including the colorful World Kite Museum, Cranberry Museum, and Funland Family Fun Center 13 Ocean Shores is a coastal town and offers recreational activities. GoogleMaps April 2025 median list price: $409,900 A second entry from Washington state on the 2025 list, Ocean Shores is a charming coastal town of under 8,000 that has much to offer in recreational activities. Ocean Shores is flanked on one end by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by the north bay of Grays Harbor, with direct access to both, allowing visitors to enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and clamming. Besides its beaches, the town is known for a network of picturesque interconnected canals and lakes. Bird-watchers, take note: The shore pine trees and dunes of Ocean City State Park on the north side of town draw great numbers of migratory birds, while the Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area and Damon Point to the south feature nesting sites for snowy plovers. 13 Ocean City is the only one on the list with a median price that surpassed April's national median of $431,250. Chester P Wiker Jr April 2025 median list price: $454,500 Rounding out the 2025 list of the 12 most affordable beach towns in the U.S. is Ocean City, a popular resort town wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and Isle of Wight Bay. Although the town's year-round population is just under 7,000, in the summer months it swells to roughly 350,000, temporarily making Ocean City Maryland's second-most populated city, after Baltimore. The city has much to recommend itself, from miles of pristine beaches and a bustling boardwalk, to attractions for the whole family, including Jolly Roger Amusement Park and the classic Trimper's Rides attractions. Those who enjoy outdoor adventures and water sports will have their hands full with fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities. It's important to note that Ocean City's housing inventory skews heavily toward condominiums, with single-family homes making up just 11% of all active listings. Ocean City is also the only entry on the list with a median price that surpassed April's national median of $431,250. However, compared with most waterfront towns, it is still relatively affordable.
New York Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
This is the fastest-growing town in the US — and it's affordable
What was once a quiet, rural outpost in Texas is now one of the fastest-growing towns in the nation—and it's struggling to keep up with the influx of residents. In just a year, Princeton, TX, about 40 miles from Dallas, has seen its population skyrocket, sparking a construction boom and pushing local leaders into overdrive to manage the rapid pace of growth. Advertisement 'While Texas cities have been leading in population growth, Princeton's rapid ascent to the top spot was mostly unexpected,' the town's mayor, Eugene Escobar, tells Princeton's population grew 30.6% from July 2023 to July 2024, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes it the fastest-growing town in the nation with a population under 37,000. 7 The population of Princeton, Texas, has skyrocketed, sparking a construction boom. AP To put that growth in perspective, in 2020, the town had only 17,000 residents. In 2013, the area had only two traffic lights, Escobar adds. Location makes Princeton a magnet Advertisement For new residents, Princeton's location adds to its appeal. 'Fast-growing Princeton offers buyers ample for-sale home options at a lower price tag than the nearby North Dallas suburbs and Dallas itself,' says Hannah Jones, senior economic research analyst at 'Buyers hoping to be on the north side of the Dallas metro can take advantage of low home prices in Princeton, without sacrificing access to the amenities and job opportunities in the ever-expanding greater Plano area.' 7 This 1,500-square-foot, four-bedroom home in Princeton, Texas, is listed for $255,000. Advertisement With a median home list price of $337,000, Princeton is more affordable than the nearest large metro of Dallas ($437,000), but it also hits a lower price point than the neighboring towns of Allen ($549,700), McKinney ($550,000), Plano ($556,000), and Frisco ($727,000). Most homes for sale (96.1%) are single-family. There were 330 homes for sale in Princeton in April, up 72.9% year over year, and up from just 88 homes for sale in April 2019. Many of the listings are new construction with builders such as KB Home, DR Horton, and Starlight Homes (a subsidiary of Aston Woods) all creating new developments in recent years. 7 Construction workers lay fiber optic cable in Princeton, Texas. AP Advertisement Escobar credits the popularity of Princeton to its relative affordability, combined with its proximity to bigger cities with better job opportunities; nearby Lavon Lake, where many come to vacation; high-quality schools; and the area's 'small-town feel despite its growth.' The mayor says those moving in are mostly well-off, younger professionals. The city has a median household income of approximately $90,809, with a median age of 33.2 years—'indicating a youthful and economically active population.' 'Princeton is drawing a wide range of buyers,' Dallas-based Harrison Polsky, of Douglas Elliman, tells 'From young families priced out of Dallas' urban core to professionals seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing access to job markets. We're also seeing buyers coming in from California, Illinois, and parts of the East Coast—markets where affordability and taxes have become pain points.' 7 The town mayor, Eugene Escobar, says one of the reasons for Princeton's popularity is its relative affordability combined with its proximity to bigger cities with better job opportunities. AP KB Home is one of many builders that have descended upon the once-sleepy town. It opened its 10-plan Princeton Estates there in 2024 and homes are still being built on site. 'Princeton is quickly emerging as one of the most desirable areas in Collin County, thanks to its highly rated schools, access to new jobs, and family-friendly atmosphere,' Marcia Dillon, president of KB Home's Dallas Division, tells Local real estate agent Jennifer Vokolek, of Re/Max DFW Associates, notes other reasons for the area's growth spurt: USDA financing (rural development); access to the new 402-acre EPIC Muslim community in unincorporated Collin and Hunt counties (which Gov. Greg Abbott opposes); and the large amount of new construction that can offer pricing incentives that older homes can't compete with. 7 According to local real estate agent Jennifer Vokolek, the large amount of new construction can offer pricing incentives. AP Advertisement In fact, so many builders—and new residents—fell in love with Princeton that last year the town put a pause on new residential development to give time for infrastructure to catch up. 'The city is working on updating water and wastewater plans, improving road conditions, increasing public safety, and addressing development standards,' said the mayor's office of the construction pause (which does not affect commercial building). It also raised a $109 million bond program to benefit the city's parks. Despite the pause on new-home construction, the mayor noted that about 10,000 houses are in the pipeline. 7 Construction workers build apartments in Princeton, Texas, on May 16. AP Is a slowdown coming? Advertisement Still, there are signs things are slowing. The April 2025 median home list price was down 6.2% year over year, and houses are lingering longer on the market: 45 days, a 44% increase over last year. For example, a brand-new four-bedroom, 2.5-bath house (96% of listings are single-family) in the Princeton Estates built by KB Home has had its price slashed four times since February, from $387,259 to $357,444. (All four of the active Princeton Estates listings have seen price cuts.) Vokolek says the residential building moratorium pushed homebuyers into nearby towns Anna, Celina, and Melissa. It's all of Texas Advertisement Princeton isn't the only Texas town to see incredible growth. Other towns in the top 15 include Fulshear (26.9% increase in population); Celina (18.2%); Anna (14.6%); Fate (11.4%); Melissa (10%); and Hutto (9.4%). It's not only rural areas that saw growth. Big cities such as Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Georgetown, and San Angelo also saw high population increases. In fact, almost all Texas cities with populations of 20,000 or more saw population increases from 2023 to 2024. 7 This four-bedroom home in Princeton, Texas, is listed for $355,000. Only nine areas in the Lone Star State lost residents, and the loss was less than 0.3% of their population. Other metros with population surges Advertisement But it's not just cities in Texas experiencing a growth spurt. The Census Bureau lists plenty of other cities that saw significant growth in one year. Urban cores that had residents fleeing at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic are now seeing a reversal: New York City again tops the list of major cities adding residents, an increase of 87,184 from 2023 to 2024. Rounding out the top five gainers were: Houston (43,217), Los Angeles (31,276), San Antonio (23,945), and Fort Worth (23,442). Florida and Texas continue their major gains that started with the pandemic. Seven cities crossed the 100,000-population threshold, with five of them in those two states: Deltona, FL (population 100,513); Plantation, FL (100,694); Sunrise, FL (100,128); Georgetown, TX (101,344); and San Angelo, TX (100,159). Two others are in the West: Tracy, CA (100,136), and Federal Way, WA (100,252).
Economic Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Inside Netflix's ‘Sirens': where Julianne Moore and Kevin Bacon's luxe mansion is actually located
The estate featured in Netflix's Sirens, starring Julianne Moore and Kevin Bacon, is actually the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Lloyd Harbor, transformed with CGI magic into a lavish mansion Julianne Moore's character might be keeping secrets in Netflix's Sirens , but the show's true scene-stealer is no mystery to sharp-eyed architecture fans. The moody thriller, which debuted May 22, has already garnered praise for its A-list cast, elegant styling, and a haunting setting that feels as luxurious as it is elusive. Set in a fictional waterfront enclave of extreme wealth, the series uses real-life Lloyd Harbor, New York, as its backdrop. The exclusive hamlet is known for housing celebrities and titans of industry, and Sirens taps into that aura of old money and hidden sins with delicious precision. Also read: Sirens Season 2: Is it happening? Here's what to know about the new Netflix series The jaw-dropping mansion belonging to Moore and Kevin Bacon's characters, Michaela and Peter Kell, is not a mansion at all. In reality, the imposing property shown throughout the Netflix series is the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. Built in 1921, this historic estate originally served as a country club and hunting preserve before becoming a New York State park meticulous use of CGI, producers morphed the property's stately brick and stone into a modern Cape Cod-style estate complete with sleek architecture, a glossy black facade, and an elegant pool, none of which exist in real life. The home features prominently in Sirens , where it functions as a social hub for the show's elite characters. In real life, the estate remains a serene filming location and preserved piece of Long Island history, surrounded by lush forest and stunning coastal views. With a population of just 4,000, Lloyd Harbor is a tiny town with an outsize reputation. The area was once home to Billy Joel, Angelina Jolie, and Jerry Seinfeld. Real estate listings from show that homes here range from $675,000 to nearly $20 read: Grey's Anatomy Season 21: When will it stream on Netflix? Here's streaming release date in US and where to watch Season 21 nowKnown for its pastel-colored facades and lavish amenities like pools, tennis courts, and sprawling lawns, Lloyd Harbor offers the perfect canvas for Sirens ' world of secrecy, seduction, and social climbing. The show has sparked a fresh wave of interest in the area, drawing attention to its cinematic potential and celebrity-friendly seclusion. While the estate's exterior was shot in Lloyd Harbor, the series' chic interiors were built from scratch at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn. There, production designers constructed spaces worthy of the show's powerful cast. Priceless paintings, sleek sculpture work, and shadowy lighting all add to Sirens ' immersive and stylish atmosphere. Early reviews for Sirens have been largely positive, with critics praising its 'fine performances' and 'complicated depiction of bickering and bruising sisters.' Rotten Tomatoes has already clocked the show at 78 per cent, and buzz continues to build around the layered performances of Meghann Fahy and Milly Alcock. Also read: Liam Payne on Netflix: One Direction member's final show 'Building the Band' is releasing on OTT. Details here Netflix's Sirens is not just a thriller, it's a showcase of architecture, lifestyle, and luxury living. Between its haunting score, tense family dynamics, and picture-perfect setting, the series is fast becoming a benchmark for high-end streaming drama. Whether you're here for the plot twists or the prestige real estate, Sirens is giving viewers more than enough reason to keep watching.
