Georgia Has the No. 2 Best City in America for Renting
If you’re looking for a city with a thriving economy, low rent costs and a good quality of life, then look no further than the South. In fact, one Georgia city has been named one of the best cities for renting and having a thriving economy, according to experts. According to a new report from experts, the South actually has 38 of the top 50 best places to live in 2024 if you’re looking for those factors and more.
Georgie Has the No. 2 Best City for Renting, Experts Say
The experts at RentCafe.com have put together a roster of the best cities to rent in 2024 using the factors of cost of living and housing; local economy; and quality of life. “When looking for the best place to rent in 2024, factors such as the size of apartments, employment or the quality of schools can really make a difference in the vetting process,” they stated. “And while no city has everything, there are quite a few that come close and rank high for renters searching for options that better fit their wallets and lifestyle.” In general, the Sun Belt ruled, offering the best rankings on their tally. They included both big and smaller cities in their study, adding that no matter if “you’re drawn by the energy of a big city or the relaxed vibe of a small town, there’s a place that’s perfect for your housing needs.”
So, which city was named the best for renting and having a thriving economy in America? It’s Charleston, which is a repeat No. 1 on the tally. This is the city’s second year in a row snagging the honor. So, what puts Charleston ahead of other cities? It has a strong, thriving economy, with RentCafe.com saying it’s the No. 2 best in America. It also has a great affordability ranking at No. 7, and the cost of living is below the national average. But, the good news is that Georgia isn’t far behind when it comes to the best cities for renting and having a strong local economy. Atlanta came in at No. 2 on the tally. “Besides its high scores in local economy and cost of living and housing,” where it’s ranked No. 4 and No. 9, respectively, “the City in a Forest has been a recurring presence in our rental activity report, proving itself as a prime renting spot to many apartment seekers,” the outlet states. No. 3 on the tally is Sarasota, Florida; followed by McKinney, Texas; and Scottsdale, Arizona. I’m happy Atlanta made the cut, and it’s especially rare to see a major city have reasonable rent costs, which makes it that much sweeter.
Simple Habits of Millionaires, According to Experts
They Buy Their Cars (Instead of Leasing) and Keep Them As Long As Possible
Cars lose their value quickly. That’s why buying a used car is usually much less expensive than a new car. The second that car is off the lot, it’s considered used and drops in value thousands, even with just another mile on the car. That said, according to CNBC.com, wealthy people buy, don’t lease, their cars and keep them long-term. That way, they can save money between car purchases.
They Buy Their Cars and Keep Them
They Delay the Pleasure of Having the Finer Things in Life
According to RamseySolutions.com, “Millionaires spend most of their lives sacrificing temporary pleasures for long-term success. They have no problem buying an older used car, living in a modest neighborhood, and wearing inexpensive clothes. They don’t care about keeping up with the Joneses.” So, instead of picking up all the hot, expensive new stuff, wait it out.
They Delay Pleasure
They Educate Themselves on Money
If you’re a newbie to financial planning, listen to some podcasts on the subject or find a helpful book. Finance.yahoo.com says, “knowing how to become a millionaire isn’t innate, even for most wealthy people.” Research from certified financial planner and CPA Tom Corley shows that “63 percent of wealthy people listen to audio books during their commute to work versus 5 percent of poor people,” says Finance.yahoo.com.
They Educate Themselves on Money
They Network and Meet New People
In the same Finance.yahoo.com story, Corley says that networking is huge when it comes to becoming a millionaire. “On his Rich Habits blog, Corley revealed 79 percent of wealthy individuals network at least five hours per month, compared with only 16 percent of poor people,” they explain. So, get out there, and meet new people who could make up your network.
They Network
They Live Below, Not Within or Above, Their Means
Millionaires are frugal. They don’t splurge like you might expect. According to RamseySolutions.com’s The National Study of Millionaires, nearly half of millionaires in their poll said they save at least 16% of their monthly income. They often use it for an emergency fund or liquid cash.
They Live Below Their Means
They Make Use of Their Money By Investing
CNBC.com’s Select asked Faron Daugs, certified financial planner, founder and CEO at Harrison Wallace Financial Group, “about the financial habits his wealthiest clients all share that could apply to the average person.” One big thing he mentioned was building up emergency funds and then investing. “Daugs says his clients have organized investment plans, whether its in stocks, bonds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs),” CNBC explains. He also recommends having a “monthly or bi-monthly automatic transfer of cash from your checking account into an investment account.”
They Invest
They Invest in Particular Things
According to Fool.com, the wealthy “invest in stocks, real estate, and their own businesses.” They add that, “Millionaires put their money into appreciating assets (assets that can grow in value).” Also, “people with net worths of $1 million or higher tend to have more of their money” in stocks and mutual funds; real estate; and business interests.
They Invest in Specific Things
They Look at the Bright Side
Whatever your financial situation, look at the bright side. Look for opportunities for working with what you have and growing your nest egg. Reach out to experts in the financial field if you’re really stumped and see how they can make your financial dreams come true.
They Stay Positive
Don't Give Up
Wherever you are on your financial journey, don’t give up. It can be temping to just throw everything to the wind, but if you take a more level-headed approach, you’ll have a better chance of coming out successful. Good luck on your financial journey.
They Keep Trying
