Latest news with #qualityoflife
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sheboygan placed among 250 'Best Places to Live' in the country, U.S. News says
Sheboygan is one of nine Wisconsin cities named to a list of the best places to live in the U.S., according to a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking. For its 2025-2026 Best Places to Live list, the publication expanded its data pool to analyze 859 cities in the U.S. based on quality of life, job market, value of living, net migration and desire to live in the area. Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News & World Report, said in a May 20 statement the expansion "gives consumers a more detailed view into what it's like to live somewhere at the community level." You can read more about the methodology on U.S. News' website. Here's what to know: Nine Wisconsin cities placed on U.S. News' list: 49. Eau Claire 53. Appleton 87. Waukesha 114. Oshkosh 125. Wausau 170. Green Bay 185. Sheboygan 186. Janesville 214. Kenosha More news: SASD will share site plans, renderings of middle school rebuilds at June 3 info sessions Here are the 14 best places to live in Wisconsin, according to U.S. News & World Report: Eau Claire Appleton Waukesha Oshkosh Wausau Green Bay Sheboygan Janesville Kenosha La Crosse Madison Fond du Lac Racine Milwaukee More: These Wisconsin companies are among Forbes' best large and midsize employers for 2025 Here are the top 15 best places to live in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report: John's Creek, Georgia Carmel, Indiana Pearland, Texas Fishers, Indiana Cary, North Carolina League City, Texas Apex, North Carolina Leander, Texas Rochester Hills, Michigan Troy, Michigan Sammamish, Washington Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Ellicott City, Maryland Flower Mound, Texas Pflugerville, Texas More: This southern Wisconsin city is one of the best places to raise a family, study finds This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: US News' 2025 'Best Places to Live': 9 Wisconsin cities make top 250
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Minneapolis launches $3M pilot program aimed at violence prevention, community outreach
The Brief The pilot program aims to prevent violence, connect residents with services, and address quality of life issues. The initial phase includes 10 community safety ambassadors fanned out across south Minneapolis and will cost about $475,000. The program runs through March 2026, but the city has the option to extend it for one or two years and expand it to other neighborhoods. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The city of Minneapolis launched a pilot program on Wednesday aimed at preventing violence, connecting residents with community services, and addressing quality of life concerns. What we know The pilot program launched on Wednesday as 10 community safety ambassadors spent the day walking around several blocks in south Minneapolis, hoping to prevent violence and foster relationships with residents. The ambassadors differ from violence interrupters, who focus solely on violence. The initial phase will focus on the East Lake Street and East Franklin Avenue corridors. How much will it cost The city council approved $3 million for the pilot program. The initial phase focused on south Minneapolis will cost about $475,000. What they're saying "There's street-level activation that shows we actually care about our community, there's hospitality — you know, 'Where's the concert?' in the case of downtown, or on Lake Street it might be 'Where's the best taco place? Where's the library?' Things like that," explained Amanda Harrington, the Minneapolis Neighborhood Safety Department director. "We're also going to find out do people feel safer by having this service in the community, so there'll be surveys. We'll ask people who have had interactions with the safety ambassadors to complete a survey." What's next City officials will review the program after six months and consider whether to expand it to other neighborhoods.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Move To Europe: 8 Secret Towns Where You Can Live Well (For Less)
Villefranche sur Mer, France—a European town where you can live a better life (for less). Think you have to be rich to live in Europe? Think again. A new report from International Living spotlights the best places to live in Europe—eight secret towns across France, Portugal, Greece and Italy. These are places where expats can enjoy a high quality of life, for much less than it costs to live in the U.S. The report is part of the brand's new 'Hidden Places Initiative,' which aims to uncover the next awesome spots. 'At International Living, we're on a mission to find the next great, overlooked expat destinations—the villages, towns, and cities where you can live well for less—before they hit the mainstream,' International Living's executive editor Jennifer Stevens told me in an interview. According to Stevens, the rise of social media has led travelers to crowd the same few hotspots. 'On the one hand, social media has opened up the world to more people—in a wonderful way. But on the other hand, everybody is just following everybody else around,' says Stevens. The result? Overcrowding, homogenization and skyrocketing prices. That's where the Hidden Places Initiative comes in. Backed by on-the-ground contributors, International Living has identified destinations that haven't hit the mainstream—yet. 'To be clear, just because a place is 'unknown' doesn't make it a worthy recommendation,' says Stevens. 'We're looking for places that earn your attention—because they're beautiful, well-connected, offer enough to do and see and occupy you if you were to live there and offer excellent value for your dollars, too.' Here, we've got a recap of International Living's eight European picks. Keep in mind: These towns might not be full of English speakers or Instagram influencers. But each town on this list offers something more meaningful: an authentic lifestyle, a strong sense of community and the chance to live well—without draining your savings. Villefranche sur Mer—an idyllic French Riviera town. Why: Right between Nice and Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a cozy village with swoon-worthy villas. 'But this sunny port city offers all the Mediterranean lifestyle perks—waterfront living, 300+ days of sunshine a year and a thriving food and arts scene—at a far more accessible cost,' writes International Living. 'Residents enjoy a revitalized historic center, trendy bistros, and highlights like Les Halles, a gourmet food hall and Rue des Arts, a creative hub with galleries and performances.' The Cost: According to International Living, a couple should budget at least $3,000 a month. Housing is the biggest cost, with rent starting around $1,457 (€1,300). French healthcare is excellent and cheap—a doctor's visit will cost you $28 (€25). A view of Toulon, France. Why: If Nice is the queen of the Côte d'Azur, Toulon is her scrappy little sister—with all the sun and sea, but no sky-high prices. 'This sunny port city delivers all the perks of coastal living at a much more accessible cost,' writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, a two-bedroom rental starts around $950, and couples can live comfortably on about $2,800 a month—including healthcare, groceries, dining out and endless aperitifs. The beautiful medieval and artistic city of Ascoli Piceno—an affordable place to live in Europe. Why: Set in the Marche region, Ascoli Piceno is older than Rome and packed with beauty and culture. 'Expats are drawn by the flat, walkable layout, active cultural life, highly rated healthcare and proximity to Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains,' writes International Living. 'A small but happy expat community enjoys year-round festivals, Italian language schools and excellent restaurants—don't miss the local delicacy, olive all'Ascolana.'writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, a two-bedroom rental in the historic center runs $650 to $1,200 per month. Couples can live comfortably on about $2,000 a month. And if you want to buy a house and move in for good, you're in luck: You can find a countryside home for under $200,000. The beaches of Esposende, Portugal. Why: Located in northern Portugal's Braga District, Esposende is a peaceful coastal town with a laid-back lifestyle and strong appeal for creatives, retirees, and remote workers. 'It feels more like a beach town than a city,' writes International Living, 'with walkable terrain, ocean breezes, and a slower pace that's perfect for unwinding.' The Cost: According to International Living, a two-bedroom rental ranges from $872 to $1,090 per month. Healthcare is affordable for legal residents, and everyday living costs are low enough that many couples can live comfortably on a modest budget. Saint Tiago Square (Praca Sao Tiago) is the main square of historical center of Guimaraes, Portugal, an affordable place to live in Europe. Why: Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães blends medieval charm with modern livability. 'It's a walkable, culture-rich city where Gothic architecture meets contemporary cafés and boutiques,' writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, couples can live well here on about $1,800 a month. Rent is modest, and the city's size makes it easy to get around without a car—saving even more. S. Bento monastery in Santo Tirso, Portugal, an affordable place to live in Europe, Why: Set along the River Ave in northern Portugal, Santo Tirso is a peaceful town with history and natural beauty. 'It blends thermal spas, riverside parks, and small-town charm—with a lower cost of living and a relaxed pace,' writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, furnished one-bedroom apartments rent for around $925 a month, and daily expenses are low. Healthcare access is excellent, with a 24-hour hospital in town and top clinics nearby in Porto. Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal—an affordable place to live in Europe. Why: Just 20 minutes from Porto, Vila Nova de Famalicão is an up-and-coming city combines modern infrastructure with small-town friendliness. 'It's well-connected, walkable and full of green spaces—plus it's got a youthful, creative energy,' writes International Living. The Cost: According to International Living, one-bedroom apartments start at $179,000 to buy, and four-bedroom rentals go for around $1,516 a month. With co-working spaces, a solid expat community, and affordable living, it's a smart pick for remote workers and families. A traditional stone house with blooming pink oleander flowers in the village of Litochoro, Greece. M Why: Set between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus, Litochoro is all about stunning views, outdoor adventure and lovely little villages. With snow-capped peaks towering above, a charming village nestled in the foothills, and the Aegean Sea minutes from town, it's a breathtaking setting,' writes International Living. 'The surrounding nature and welcoming community blend seamlessly, creating a place full of adventure and warmth.' The Cost: According to International Living, two-bedroom rentals range from $270 to $380 per month. Meals out cost as little as $11, and healthcare is both accessible and affordable.
Arab News
5 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Urban initiative's green spaces transform Jeddah
JEDDAH: The Jeddah municipality is stepping up efforts to adopt a human-centered approach through the Bahja project — an initiative aimed at improving quality of life by transforming open and underused spaces into urban parks. The project encourages healthier lifestyles and supports the Quality of Life Program under the Kingdom's Vision 2030 reform plan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. Municipality spokesperson Mohammed Al-Buqami said the initiative is guided by strategic goals, including strengthening the connection between people and their surroundings, promoting healthy cities, increasing opportunities for physical activity, and designing public spaces that reflect local identity. He said that the project includes the development of five waterfronts and more than 442 parks across the city, which have become popular spots for families and community events. Walking paths with essential services and safety features have also been introduced to encourage active lifestyles and social interaction, Al-Buqami added.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Looking for a STEM job in Utah? Try these cities, WalletHub says
SALT LAKE CITY () — Three cities in Utah have been ranked among the country's best locations for professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A evaluated 100 of the largest cities in the country across several categories, including 'STEM-friendliness,' job opportunities, and quality of life. The best cities in Utah for STEM jobs are as follows: Salt Lake City (No. 12) Ogden (No. 65) Provo (No. 70) While Provo scored significantly lower than Salt Lake overall, the two cities tied for fourth place for the highest math performance. Provo was also ranked the highest out of all 100 cities for median wage growth among STEM workers. Salt Lake City ranks among the top 10 cities to start a career: WalletHub Salt Lake was ranked third in terms of professional opportunities, which WalletHub ranked by looking at job openings for STEM graduates per capita, job postings, STEM employment growth, and annual median wage for STEM workers, among other metrics. Salt Lake was also ranked in the top 25% for quality of life, which was ranked by looking at things like housing affordability, opportunities for recreation, and family-friendliness, among others. Another category used to determine a city's overall ranking was STEM-friendliness, which compared mathematics performance (with Provo taking first place), engineering schools, invention patents per capita, disparity of women and men in STEM occupations, and more. 'The top metro areas for STEM professionals have high-quality schools, an abundance of jobs and high pay,' WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said. 'They're also great places to live, but since many STEM jobs can be done remotely, you might also consider working in one of these areas while living elsewhere.' An interactive map of all the cities and their respective rankings can be viewed below: Source: WalletHub For the full breakdown of the methodology and why each city earned its rank, visit . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
