Should You Rent Or Buy? In North Carolina This Is The Better Option
You typically think of renting as being the most cost-effective (at least short-term) option for living. But if you’re like me with your rent steadily increasing year to year in a way your paycheck just isn’t. So it begs the question, would I better off just buying something? Turns out that is the better option on average in Charlotte. According to data shared with us by Today’s Homeowner, it’s actually cheaper to buy a home and pay off a 30-year mortgage in Charlotte than rent long-term. But with rent being so astronomical how can you even save up the money for a down payment?
Our friends at Today’s Homeowner analyzed the differential between the cost of owning and renting over a 30-year time period. They also surveyed renters about the barriers keeping them from home ownership. In Charlotte specifically, homeowners spend an average of $1,536 less than renters on housing costs yearly. And you may want to sit down for this fact- The average homeowner in Charlotte will spend a total of $1,143,134 over the course of 30 years. It’s not much cheaper than renting which will cost you $1,189,224. And I would wager it will end up being more with the cost of everything rising exponentially.
Some other interesting tidbits from the study are that rent costs Charlotte residents on average $1,845 a month. Well, I’m glad mine is below average but it’s still way too high. Still, just under 80% of renters have aspirations to own a home. But Today’s Homeowner says these are the biggest barriers keeping them from home ownership.
- 59% say they cannot afford a down payment on a home
- 47% say interest rates are too high right now
- 34% say there is nothing affordable near them right now
- 20% say consumer debt, like credit card debt, is holding them back
I personally agree with the 1/3 of people who say that there is nothing affordable. The prices are outrageous for seemingly nothing. Hopefully this calms down soon. You can read the full Today’s Homeowner study here.
These Four Small South Carolina Towns Were Named The Most Romantic In The US This Fall And Winter
There is just something so romantic about the fall and winter seasons. When the weather gets cold it’s the perfect time for curling up by the fire under a blanket with the one you love. Those dark early evenings provide the perfect ambiance for date night. And is there anything more romantic than walking under twinkling Christmas lights? Fall and winter are the perfect times for a romantic getaway. America has a lot of small towns that are perfect for a romantic getaway. And while sure a big city can certainly be romantic. Sometimes a small town can offer a little more in the way of privacy and romance. Which is why it’s a good thing that four South Carolina towns were named the most romantic in the US.
The Most Romantic Small Towns
Small towns feature a slower pace of life, smaller crowds, and with that more privacy and charm. This is why the travel experts at New York Travel Guides conducted a study to find the 140 most romantic small towns in America. So you can know and take advantage of them. And just because 140 is a lot doesn’t mean, states are equally represented. Far from it in fact. North Carolina (home to many renowned small towns) only had one included on this list. Compared to the four South Carolina towns deemed romantic.
These small towns included on this list are home to cozy coffee shops, beautiful hotels and spas, and romantic waterfront restaurants. They also offer that holiday romance mentioned previously. So if you are planning that romantic fall or winter getaway look no further than these four South Carolina towns. Towns on this list were determined by New York Travel Guides from a total of 600 small towns. Towns were graded on the following metrics: romantic places to stay, romantic activities, historic architecture and scenery, and cozy coffee shops and restaurants.
Keep reading to see the four South Carolina towns that made the most romantic list. As well as a few others nearby to consider for you next getaway! You can view the full New York Travel Guides list here.
Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.
