• Alicia Walter and Nathan Stark have traveled to 47 countries.
• They told BI that while many places are stunning, beauty doesn't always make the trip worth it.
• The pair discussed why they didn't plan to return to some places, including strikes, theft, and cost.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Alicia Walter, 28, and Nathan Stark, 41, a couple who have traveled to 47 countries. Together, they run The Passport Couple, a travel blog that chronicles their adventures and offers travel tips and recommendations.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Alicia: So far, we've been to 47 countries.

We've traveled through much of Central and South America, parts of Africa, a good portion of Europe, and most of Southeast and East Asia.

People often think this lifestyle is glamorous. Although we're based in Tirana, Albania, we've been on the road for five years now and have experienced both the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

Anything can happen when you're traveling

Nathan: There's a lot of uncertainty when traveling.

Your environment is constantly changing, and when you're in that situation, you're just more prone to little mistakes — ones that can turn into huge problems, depending on when and where they happen.

Traveling on a budget can be difficult, too. Budget flights are not always on time or give you a proper heads-up when there's a delay. We've missed flights, had them canceled, or even boarded trains only to find a strike.

Alicia: We've also had our fair share of Airbnbs that looked glamorous in the photos, but when we arrived they were nothing like what we expected.

Nathan: When we travel we take the good with the bad, and, honestly, we would return to almost every place we've visited. Still, there are some destinations where we pause to think: Is it worth the challenges for just one vacation?

Egypt

Alicia: We visited Egypt at the end of 2021, flying in from Europe with plans to return there afterward.

When we arrived, we ran into a confusing visa situation — we're still not entirely sure what happened. Thankfully, a family friend was able to help us navigate it.

We spent about two weeks in Egypt, mostly in Cairo and Luxor. We visited some main tourist spots like the pyramids, did some sightseeing, went on a food tour, and even rode horses through the desert.

We were also staying with a family friend, so we got to experience some local activities, like attending polo matches.

We usually do a lot of DIY travel without guides or tours unless it's for something specific. But in Egypt, we had guides the whole time because it was hard to know where we were allowed to go and whether taking photos or walking in certain areas was OK.

Nathan: It's hard to say we wouldn't return to Egypt — it's such a beautiful country, and we had an incredible time with our host family. However, for us, it was one of the most difficult countries to get around.

Mexico

Mexico

Nathan: Mexico's weather is great, the food is incredible, and it's such a beautiful place. The culture is wonderful, and we've experienced some incredible things like visiting World Wonders.

Alicia: While we love Mexico, we've had things stolen from us both times we've visited.

In 2020, our Airbnb was broken into, and they stole our computers, cameras — basically everything. We had to file insurance claims and cancel the rest of our trip. It turned into a huge ordeal.

When we visited in 2023, our phone was pickpocketed while we were out in Playa del Carmen. We had Find My iPhone on, so we could see exactly where it was, but there wasn't much we could do about it.

The theft happened roughly halfway through our monthlong trip, which we eventually had to cancel.

Nathan: Every time we've had a bad experience — whether in Mexico or anywhere else — we've always been met with equal or even greater kindness.

When we were pickpocketed in Mexico, we didn't even tell our hotel what had happened — we just asked how to file a police report. Still, about 30 minutes later, they came up to us with a care package. They even sent a bottle of wine to our room and gave us both complimentary massages the next day.

China

Alicia: We've been to China twice now. Even though about a billion people live there, it's one of the quietest countries we've visited. The locals are incredibly welcoming and helpful —everyone wanted to make sure we weren't lost.

Still, it can be tough to get around or find information. We couldn't access Gmail or any Google services, even with a VPN or a SIM card from outside the country.

Nathan: Apple Maps works, but only when you're in the country. We ended up buying a Lonely Planet guide, which was pretty outdated. We'd take the coordinates from the book and plug them into Apple Maps, but sometimes it didn't work.

It's also difficult to find recent or accurate information about restaurants, transportation, or even visa requirements in the country — things are constantly changing.

Multiple times, we tried to go to a restaurant that either wasn't where it was listed, wasn't open during the posted hours, or had permanently closed.

Alicia: On one of our trips, we got "stuck" in the country for about 24 hours because of a visa issue. We had to cancel our original flights and take a new route home. We estimate it cost us around $3,000, not including the money we lost on our original flights.

Nathan: It took us about 54 hours on six separate flights to leave the country. We were just trying to find the most affordable — though definitely the most inconvenient — way home.

Colombia

Alicia: We've traveled extensively throughout Colombia and have been there several times. It's such a beautiful country, and I always feel really welcome there.

Nathan: We've been on a road trip through the country, which was great. We always love it when a country is drivable.

Alicia: When we visited Colombia, we stayed in a mix of Airbnb and apartments. Some of them were great, but we had to move a couple of times because the Airbnb wasn't what we expected.

Like many countries, Colombia has its share of political unrest. Sometimes, we'd be walking to a restaurant, and suddenly a protest would come down the street — 100 or 200 people waving flags and chanting.

There were also strikes. We couldn't get a taxi a few times because the drivers weren't working because they demanded fair pay or better benefits, or the grocery stores didn't have eggs because farmers were striking.

While we sympathize with the locals and want them to have better wages and a better quality of life, it can — at times — make traveling there difficult.

USA

Alicia: Now that we've traveled all over the world, traveling in the US just isn't that enjoyable — mainly because of how expensive it is.

You could easily spend $500 in a single day between a hotel room, transportation, food, and sightseeing. Meanwhile, that same $500 could last you a week in Thailand.

Nathan: Something else we've heard from our friends from other countries is that healthcare is one of the biggest concerns about traveling in the US. Medical care here is insanely expensive, so if anything happens to you, it can be financially crippling.

Alicia: Transportation in the US also isn't easy. You almost always need to rent a car, and then on top of that, you have to pay for parking and gas — it adds up quickly.

Nathan: In some countries, public transportation is so good that it makes getting around incredibly easy. However, in the US, reliable or convenient public transit can vary wildly depending on your location.

For example, when we were in Japan, it was so easy—you could go anywhere without needing a car.

• UK-based architecture firm Koto makes cabins that are available in the US for the first time.
• The Niwa collection of minimalist tiny homes comes in four sizes from 67 to 403 square feet.
• The sleek cabins, priced from $52,000 to $187,000, could be used as a backyard office or a sauna.

Call it a cross-cultural connection: Koto, a UK-based tiny-home firm that fuses Scandinavian and Japanese design, is now delivering to US customers.

Founded in 2017, Koto specializes in cabins, modular homes, and sculptural small-scale architecture for residential and wellness-focused spaces, including hospitals. Its flatpack collection, Niwa, is a series of sustainably crafted cabins that can be delivered as panels and assembled on-site.

"Our designs are like Ikea," Koto cofounder Jonathan Little told Business Insider. "But instead of a box, they go into a container. They can be shipped around the world and installed pretty much anywhere."

The Niwa comes in four sizes: small (67 square feet), medium (135 square feet), large (269 square feet), and extra large (403 square feet). Prices range from $52,000 to $187,000, with additional costs for custom features and upgrades. It is the brand's first modular design that is available worldwide.

Following a consultation, customers can purchase a design license from Koto, priced between $938 and $2,152. This cost is not included in the cabin price and is refunded after the cabin is purchased. While clients are responsible for securing permits and hiring local contractors for site prep and installation, Koto offers support throughout the process. It can also be hired for concept site design and landscaping.

Each Niwa unit is constructed in a European factory and shipped to the US in panel form. Depending on the location, it is delivered via truck, helicopter, or boat.

Koto began shipping Niwa units — which can be used as backyard offices, saunas, gyms, guest houses, Airbnbs, or anything else — to the US in April. It has already built units for customers in Massachusetts and has other planned installations in Los Angeles.

Tiny homes — also known as accessory dwelling units, or ADUs — are popular across the US. Several states, including California, Vermont, and New York, even offer grants to help homeowners build them on their properties. For some, ADUs provide a more affordable path to homeownership. For others, they offer an income-generating opportunity through rentals or a practical way to create additional living space when the square footage in a main house is limited.

"We're seeing such a diverse requirement for our cabins, both from private individuals all the way up to hotel owners," Little said.

Take a look inside the three Niwa models available in the US.

The design of the Niwa cabins channels clean, contemporary minimalism.

Each Niwa unit has essential features, lighting, and a heating and cooling system. Depending on the size of the unit ordered, a bathroom or kitchenette can also be included.

Koto designed the Niwa collection of tiny homes with nature in mind.

Niwa units are designed to blend into their surroundings and support both on-grid and off-grid living.

Koto builds its cabins using natural materials. The structure is built with sustainably sourced timber. Meanwhile, the exterior cladding is made from Shou Sugi Ban timber — wood treated with a traditional Japanese charring method that makes it fire-resistant.

Koto builds its cabins using natural, sustainably sourced materials. The main structure is made from responsibly harvested timber, while the exterior features Shou Sugi Ban — wood charred using a traditional Japanese method for added durability and fire resistance.

Interior finishes vary by unit type; studio cabins and units people can sleep in typically feature oak or birch plywood, while saunas are finished with hemlock, spruce, or cedar.

Koto wants the people who buy its homes to reconnect with the outdoors.

Little told Business Insider that Niwa's nature-centered design was inspired by his own move from busy London to Norway, where the pace of life is slower, and there's a greater emphasis on the outdoors.

"London has a real fast-paced life," he said. "You work a lot of hours, then go home, rest, and do the same thing the next day. Moving to Norway was the opposite. It was like, yes, get your work done, but be outside with your friends and family, be in the woods in nature."

Each cabin can be installed in under a month.

Niwa cabins typically take eight to 12 weeks to manufacture, with shipping adding another two to four weeks, depending on the destination.

Shipping costs vary by location, but the company estimates US deliveries cost around $9,000.

According to Koto's website, installation for each unit may take four to 14 days.

The collection comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra-large.

According to Koto, the Niwa small unit, which measures about 67 square feet, is ideal for use as a studio or sauna. The ceiling height ranges from 5.9 feet at its lowest point to 11.8 feet at its peak.

The design license fee for this unit is about $940, and the base price starts at $55,286.

The cabins' interior design is simple yet stylish.

The interior finishes of the Niwa units typically feature wood and soft, earthy tones like browns and greens.

This medium-sized Niwa cabin comfortably fits up to six people when used as a sauna.

A medium-sized Niwa measures about 135 square feet and can include a kitchenette, a small bathroom with a shower, and a bed. It's best suited for a single-room sleep cabin, studio, or sauna.

According to Koto, the cabin makes an ideal private office or garden studio. If used as a sauna, it features upper and lower benches with tiered seating for six to eight people. The sauna also includes a separate changing area.

The licensing fee is $1,603, and the cabin's base price starts at about $72,957.

Koto also sells furniture for its cabins.

Customers can also purchase furniture packs from Koto for an additional price. These packs, which range from $7,119 to $9,379, include items like lights, couches, desks, chairs tables, and shelves.

The large Niwa has space for a full-size bathroom.

The large Niwa cabin offers enough space for a living room, a kitchen, and a full bathroom with a shower. Like the smaller models, it's ideal as an office or sleep cabin and can also be used as a gym, according to Koto.

The unit measures about 269 square feet, has a licensing fee of $2,156, and starts at $116,100.

The extra-large Niwa comes closest to a traditional ADU structure.

With 403 square feet of space, the XL Niwa cabin is well-suited as a self-contained studio, gym, or guesthouse. Its generous size makes it the closest match to a traditional ADU within the modular flatpack collection and the best option for long-term stays.

Its licensing fee matches the large model at $2,156, with pricing starting at $187,000.

"I think this one is closer to the ADU market, while the slightly smaller models are better suited for Airbnb or hotel use," Little said.

• Kimberly Kelley, 71, moved from a small town in Arizona to Panama in 2023.
• Kelley lives in a condo on the beach, paying a little more than she spent on housing in the US.
• Her groceries, car-related payments, and healthcare costs are cheaper, and she's much happier.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kimberly Kelley, a 71-year-old retired hypnotherapist who moved from Arizona to Panama in 2023. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm from Arizona — a town called Cottonwood, up near Sedona.

Before I retired, I worked as a licensed hypnotherapist and was also a minister at a spiritual center that my ex and I founded. After living in Cottonwood for years, a number of factors made me want to leave — not just the town but ultimately the US as well.

During COVID-19, many people from California started buying property in Sedona and renting it out short-term, which drove up prices and pushed out local workers. People who could no longer afford Sedona moved to Cottonwood, which then caused prices to rise there, too.

Affordability wasn't the main reason I wanted to leave the US. The increasingly toxic political environment also concerned me. On top of that, my husband and I got divorced after 30 years of marriage, my mom passed away, and the dog I had rescued died — all within three months of each other.

I just tapped out. I needed a fresh start, a sense of adventure — something that would let me reinvent myself.

While I've always been comfortable traveling, my biggest hesitation was missing my family. But after some reflection, I realized that my family is spread out across the US, and I only see them about once a year anyway.

I thought, why not do that from another country like Panama?

My Google searches led me to Panama

Panama came onto my radar through an online search.

I was looking up the best and most affordable places to retire on the beach. Every time I typed something in, Panama kept popping up.

Several things attracted me: the country's natural beauty, climate, and affordability. The fact that they speak Spanish was another big plus. I have a Spanish background and wanted to brush up on my language skills. I'm getting fluent — still not quite there yet, but close.

Panama is also not that far from the US — about four hours from Houston — so it's easy to get back if needed.

The country offers some incredible financial benefits for retirees. The most important ones for me are the 25% discount on round-trip flights originating in Panama, 50% off entertainment, and 25% off healthcare. That's on top of its already incredibly low prices.

I took a scouting trip to Panama in July 2023, and just four months later, in November, I sold everything I owned and made the move.

I'm paying more for housing, but it's worth it

I live about an hour and a half outside Panama City, in a little town called San Carlos. I love it here.

It's kind of a busy area that is known for its beaches. Many expats have settled there, and one of the main hubs nearby is a town called Coronado. That's where all the key amenities are — larger grocery stores (not quite big-box by US standards, but big for here), hardware stores similar to Home Depot, doctors, dentists, hair salons.

It's also a popular vacation spot for locals from Panama City. Many own condos out here that they rent out on Airbnb when not using them.

When I came on my recon trip in July, I had a handler named Angela. She took me all over the area to check out different neighborhoods where I could live. I wanted a condo on the beach — that was non-negotiable.

By chance, we connected with a condo owner, an American who retired in Panama City. She and I hit it off, and she offered to hold a unit until I could move in November.

My condo came fully furnished. There's just one door in, which opens into the kitchen. A balcony overlooks the ocean directly across from it, and I also have a second balcony off the bedroom.

When I first moved in, the rent was $900 monthly, including all utilities. The owner raised it to $1,000 this past year, but it's still a bargain by anyone's standards. It's a beautiful place, not some cheap little unit.

Back in Cottonwood, I lived in a studio apartment attached to the spiritual center my husband and I owned. I paid just $600 monthly, which was a bit cheaper. However, my place in Panama is more than worth the difference.

Besides the views of the Pacific Ocean and all the amenities I get from being near the city, I live in an area where many local fishermen come in. Around 8:30 every morning, they return from their night catch, and I can buy fresh fish straight from them.

I'm saving big on groceries and other expenses

Each month, I set aside money for living expenses such as housing, groceries, my car, personal maintenance fees, entertainment, and my US cellphone plan.

I budget about $300 a month for groceries. Some months, I've spent between $400 to $500, including extras — like food for potlucks, get-togethers, wine, and beach parties. Overall, it's really affordable, especially if you shop locally. If you prefer US brands, you'll pay a lot more.

I purchased a cute little 2012 Hyundai Accent outright for only about $5,000. My car insurance is just over $200.

I spend around $80 a month on fuel. Panama is a small country, and I don't drive nearly as much as I did when I lived in Arizona. That helps keep costs down. Car repairs here are also super affordable — labor runs about $25 to $35 an hour.

Healthcare is affordable, too. When I first visited Panama in July 2023, I got really sick from something I picked up in Belize. I ended up seeing two different doctors, receiving four days of steroid and antibiotic shots, going to the hospital, having X-rays and lab work, and being prescribed multiple medications.

The total cost? Under $300. That kind of care would've been impossible for that price in the US. That amount would have maybe covered a single office visit there.

I am living a dream in Panama

There's so much I love about Panama. First and foremost, the Panamanian people — they're some of the warmest and kindest you can imagine.

Making friends here has been one of the easiest parts. I joined several expat groups on Facebook, including tons specifically for Panama. From there, I found more targeted groups on WhatsApp based on my interests and activities.

Of course, I did have to adjust to a few things. The infrastructure, for example, took some getting used to. Things like trash pickup, potholes, and general maintenance can be a bit inconsistent.

People also don't lock up their dogs like we do in the States. I work with a group called Spay Panama, and we gather as many stray dogs and cats as possible — with permission from their families, of course. We take them to be spayed or neutered and then return them to their owners.

The biggest adjustment was learning to live in "mañana time." There's just a completely different energy here: laid-back and relaxed. I no longer enjoy that rushed, go-go-go mindset.

It takes courage, but it also requires a lot of curiosity and a desire to move somewhere new and reinvent yourself. I think the happiest expats are the ones who are looking for an adventure.

While I pay more in rent than I did for my old place in Arizona, living in Panama has been absolutely worth it.

My environment, peace of mind, and overall quality of life have all improved. Honestly, the lifestyle I have here would've been completely out of reach for me in the US. I feel like I'm living a dream — but this is truly my life.

• In the 1980s, Cynthia Jones wanted to own a home, but her husband didn't. They later divorced.
• After the split, she spent $28,000 on her first home for herself and her young daughter to live in.
• Jones, now 68, has taught her daughter the value of investing in real estate as a single woman.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cynthia Jones, a 64-year-old retired librarian in Toledo, Ohio, who purchased several homes without a cosigner or spouse. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

When I was in my mid-20s, I discovered that my husband had no interest in becoming a homeowner. This, along with other factors, ultimately led to our divorce.

In 1982, as a single woman, I purchased my first property for my toddler and me. Since then, I've bought and sold four homes. Now, at 68, I live in my fifth — and final — home.

I love being a homeowner because whether I use my home equity to make improvements, invest in other ventures, or simply enjoy the stability of ownership, it's mine to do with as I please.

I've also passed this lesson on to my daughter, who happens to be single, too.

Before turning 30, my daughter also purchased her first property alone, without a spouse. Prior to that, she earned her graduate degree. Now, at 44, she's enjoying traveling and her career.

We're two women embracing single life, traveling, and making the most of our future.

I have always encouraged single women to build wealth through homeownership and real-estate investing. Owning property is one of the few investments that allows you to retain the asset while still making money. In contrast, with investments like stocks, you must sell to realize any profit.

Owning a home could also have developmental benefits. Some research has shown that children who live in a family-owned home may fare better in school, among other things. I have seen some of these benefits firsthand.

I didn't need a spouse to be a homeowner

Homeownership wasn't the sole reason my husband and I got a divorce, but it was, as I say, the straw that broke the camel's back.

In 1981, I was living in Toledo, Ohio, in a townhouse with two bedrooms and one bathroom that my ex-husband and I rented for around $500 a month.

At the time, I was considering setting up a private music studio to teach violin lessons from home, which required more space. The apartment was under about 1,000 square feet and felt cramped. Plus, when you share walls with neighbors, you hear them, and they hear you. There was also no laundry facility in the complex, so we had to go to a local laundromat.

With a young child and the possibility of expanding our family, I realized it was the right time to stop renting and start building equity in a place of our own.

While owning a home is a core value for me, my ex-husband never wanted the responsibility of homeownership. He believed it would be too costly. My counterpoint was that while there are expenses associated with owning a home, you can't build equity in an apartment, pay it off, or pass it down.

Buying my first home after the divorce was surprisingly easy. Fortunately, my former boss's wife, a real-estate agent, knew an elderly man who was looking to sell his condo. He offered seller financing, and the process went smoothly with no issues.

In 1982, I paid $28,000 for his two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo. The master bedroom and closet were spacious, and my daughter was thrilled to have her own room. I also enjoyed a nice balcony overlooking a pond, which was a peaceful place to relax.

We lived in the condo for eight years before selling it for around $35,000. Although it was just a starter home, I was thrilled to finally own something. And now, even after all these years, my daughter and I still talk about the memories we made there.

I taught my daughter the importance of homeownership

After my divorce, I remained single and returned to school to study fine arts and business. My focus was solely on my education and raising my daughter.

Over the years, I purchased four more homes, with each sale helping to finance the next. I bought my final home — a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house — for $187,000 in 2019. It's now valued at nearly $300,000, according to Realtor.com.

In the future, it will need a few repairs, so some of my equity will go toward that, and the rest will be saved, perhaps in a high-yield savings account for emergencies. That's the beauty of homeownership — while real estate goes through up-and-down periods, over time, you're generally building equity.

In 2013, my daughter purchased her own home in Toledo for $130,000 — a four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath house in the same neighborhood as mine. My 90-year-old mother and my nephew are currently leasing it. Last year, a house across the street from hers sold for $313,000, so I estimate her home is now valued at around $300,000.

My father passed last August, so we're transitioning my mother to my home, which has a first-floor bedroom and bathroom. Although my daughter's house has a chair lift, my mom is reaching a point where even that could become a challenge. It's safer for her to be here with us.

In this situation, owning a home is definitely a benefit compared to living in an apartment because we can adjust or renovate it to suit her needs. Some apartments have accessibility issues. While some complexes are required by law to make accommodations, this isn't always the case. Even if a landlord agrees, renters can be expected to pay for the upgrades.

My daughter plans to sell her house, and then we'll all be living together in my home. We are joining the ranks of others enjoying a multi-generational household.

Our neighborhood is fantastic. Everyone knows each other and looks out for one another. Plus, we're lucky to be right next to a park that offers plenty of nature. This will definitely be our forever home.

I want to encourage more single women to become homeowners

I've made many financial blunders in my life — but owning homes hasn't been one of them.

My only regret in my homeownership journey is that I sold my previous properties instead of keeping them as rentals. I'd be in an excellent financial position now and could have passed that portfolio on to my daughter.

It would have also helped with retirement. The rental income would have served as my primary source of retirement income, alongside other sources.

A friend of mine, who also bought her first home as a single mother, has paid it off and also owns a paid-off investment property. Now, in retirement, she's reaping the rewards of those smart investments.

Many years ago, I obtained my real-estate license, but due to various circumstances, I didn't pursue using it at the time.

As part of my "encore career" or second act, I plan to return to real estate — not just for income, but to educate women about the benefits of homeownership and investing in real property.

I've kept up with reading about the real-estate market, and I'm aware that single women are outpacing men in homeownership. I think it's because women like me are no longer waiting for marriage or a partner to invest in their own homes. I think, in many cases, they are thinking long-term about securing their retirement and building wealth.

More women understand the financial benefits of homeownership, and as I always say, you'll always need a place to live — so why not make it something you own?

• In 2020, David and Amelia Bay-Brown began renovating RVs to boost their income.
• Since then, they've bought, fixed up, and resold 17 RVs nationwide; the priciest sold for $60,000.
• Now, they're using their skills in redesigning small spaces to fix up New York City apartments.

In 2020, David Bay-Brown and his wife Amelia stepped away from their careers — in Broadway acting and professional hairstyling for theater and television, respectively — to start a new venture: renovating recreational vehicles, or RVs.

"We had careers in New York City, but the pandemic shut everything down," Amelia, 33, told Business Insider. "We were looking for another outlet to make money."

The couple started by spending $3,000 on a 1979 Dodge Cruise Master that they thought they would use themselves to travel the country. They documented the monthslong renovation process on YouTube and Instagram, transforming the dated, falling-apart RV into a stylish space with new flooring, cabinets, and a custom dinette booth. Multiple followers expressed interest in buying it, so the Bay-Browns ultimately sold it for $27,000.

"We told the other people interested in the vehicle that we could make them one just like it or build them a custom one, and that's how our clientele started," Amelia said.

Five years later, the couple has renovated 17 RVs across the country. Depending on the extent of the work and what needs to be rebuilt in the RV, their labor costs can range from $15,000 to $45,000. The cost of materials, based on the level of luxury and quality, can range from $5,000 to $15,000.

"It's definitely nerve-racking to tackle something as unique as a home that moves," David, 37, told Business Insider. "Everything has to be flexible and lightweight, so you don't compromise on gas mileage."

The Bay-Browns have recently expanded their business to non-mobile homes: small apartments in New York City.

Getting started renovating RVs wasn't easy

The Bay-Browns became inspired to renovate RVs after renting a run-down one during a 2020 trip out west. They decided to buy their own, customize it to their style, and use it for their adventures.

The first RV they bought — the Dodge Cruise Master — was in bad condition with water damage, rotting floors, and evidence of a mice infestation. They taught themselves how to restore it through YouTube videos and received help from an active online community of RVers.

They stripped the RV down to a shell and replaced the ceiling, studs, walls, paneling, and subfloor.

"I think we were just dumb enough to give it a try," David told BI. "The rest is history."

Selecting a buyer for the RV was as challenging as designing it.

Originally listed for $19,790 due to its 1979 build, the price went up after 200 people expressed interest in the RV, many willing to pay above the asking price.

In the end, they chose what Amelia called a "sweet family" from Kansas who offered $27,000 and had fallen in love with the RV.

Looking back, the couple admits the labor they put into the renovation likely cost more than they realized.

"It took about six months of full-time work to complete the renovation," Amelia said. "We made a good amount, but when you factor in our time, we probably got paid, like, two cents an hour."

Their pandemic project became a full-fledged business

The Bay-Browns spent two years traveling the country and renovating RVs while living in a motorhome they bought for $23,000 using some of the profits from the sale of the first RV.

"We've helped many people move out of their brick-and-mortar homes — whether it's because they want to live on the road, have a remote job, or a combination of both," Amelia said.

While working on client projects, they stayed in their own RV either on the properties or at nearby campgrounds.

The Bay-Browns told BI that they rarely take on renovation projects that require a complete overhaul. However, they always sand down the walls, reprime, and repaint each RV.

Many older RVs have plain linoleum floors and walls, making them feel less homey. The Bay-Browns renovate their RVs to have an "elevated aesthetic" and personality by using materials like wood, tile, wallpaper, and textured finishes.

"The traditional RV manufacturing process focuses on speed of assembly and is typically not designed with aesthetics in mind for the end user, which often results in bland interiors," David said. "We ask clients, 'What would make this feel like home to you?' and build their dream space."

Their renovations often focus on maximizing space and enhancing privacy in tight spaces. For example, they've soundproofed walls for families with multiple children or created multi-functional rooms. One project involved converting a master bedroom into both a bedroom and wardrobe for a couple who wanted the RV to serve as both a home and a film set trailer.

"What we really like to do is help people come up with unique solutions for their unique needs," David said.

Their clients are from all over the US

In 2021, the Bay-Browns purchased an 18-foot-long RV named Jute, which they envisioned as a "library with a view." They installed a custom desk, a projection screen, and a patio deck, allowing guests to enjoy movies on warm nights.

Once the renovation was complete, they sold Jute for $40,000.

A different RV, called Elle, was renovated for $45,000 in parts, materials, and labor. It was for a couple in Utah who, according to David, wouldn't settle for anything less than total luxury.

To achieve a high-end feel, the Bay-Browns painted the kitchen a rich chocolate brown and added a custom-slatted wood backsplash and butcher block countertops. For the entertainment area, they applied black Italian plaster behind a framed television.

They hand-built and upholstered a curved dinette booth in the dining area after an inspiration piece was too expensive for their clients' budget.

Another RV, named Oakley, is the most expensive the Bay-Browns have worked on; it sold for $60,000.

The 35-foot motorhome belongs to a family of six. The client requested that the entire interior be finished with authentic white oak veneer. The veneer was applied to every surface of the RV, while Italian travertine countertops were added to the kitchen.

In addition, the Bay-Browns designed a custom breakfast nook table with a convertible makeup mirror and a custom bunk bed for the children, complete with rock-climbing holds.

They renovate apartments now

The Bay-Browns sublet their apartment in Queens, New York, while living in their RV.

Now, they've returned to their apartment and resumed their previous careers, but they've also added apartment interior design to their résumés.

"We're taking the skills we've learned renovating RVs — like maximizing small spaces — and applying them to apartment living," said David, whose most famous role was playing Elder Price in "Book of Mormon" on Broadway.

So far, the couple has completed four projects across New York City.

Recently, they overhauled a 150-square-foot children's bedroom on Manhattan's Upper West Side that also doubles as a homeschool area.

To maximize space, they built a custom bunk bed, with one bed cleverly disguised as extra cabinetry.

In Sunset Park, Brooklyn, the couple turned an empty office into a functional living space by adding a custom-built Murphy bed. Designed and built from scratch, the project cost around $12,000, covering labor and materials.

"Designing with limited square footage is more fun than huge mansions," David said. "When you're working with limited space, it becomes a fun brain puzzle. It's extremely stressful but much more gratifying because you're forced to think creatively."

Brian and Kristi Culhane have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on health and wellness amenities for their Scottsdale, Arizona, home.

The couple and their three kids now enjoy a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, UV air scrubbers, a steam room with aromatherapy and light therapy, a cold plunge, an indoor basketball court, and more.

They consider themselves biohackers, part of a group focused on a regimen of diet, exercise, and supplements that they believe will help them live longer.

"When I got into biohacking, I thought, 'Instead of going to the health club every day, why not bring everything to my house?'" Brian Culhane, the 50-year-old cofounder and former president of the real-estate brokerage eXp Realty, told Business Insider. "This wasn't just a novelty anymore; it was a lifestyle. If you're serious about it, you need all your tools at home."

The biohacking movement, most recently popularized by Bryan Johnson — a venture capitalist turned longevity guru who has invested millions in health technologies that he hopes will reverse his "biological age" — is now influencing luxury real estate. Some affluent homeowners are moving beyond traditional features like gyms and adding cutting-edge amenities from infrared saunas to ozone generators to take their wellness to the next level.

More people are integrating wellness-focused amenities into their homes, from wet rooms and private gyms to meditation rooms and gardens, according to Zillow. The real-estate giant found that as of December, the share of for-sale listings mentioning wellness-oriented amenities had risen by 16% from the year before. Homeowners today want more than just attractive spaces — they want places that actively support their physical and mental health.

The Culhanes' house is a case study of the lengths to which some people go to bring healthy habits home. Let's take a look.

Only the best amenities will do

Brian Culhane's desire to be present for his children and outlive his own father, who died at 63, led him to biohacking.

Brian recalled a 2015 conversation with a life coach who pressed him about his dreams: "He asked, 'What's your most probable future?' I answered, 'End up like my dad.' He asked again, 'What's your goal?' I replied, 'To not die young.' That conversation began my commitment to living a healthy life."

That commitment is reflected in the home that the Culhanes have built and refined since 2019 when they paid $546,000 for 1.1 acres in Scottsdale's exclusive Troon at Glenn Moor neighborhood. The couple hired an architect to design a 10,000-square-foot home with five bedrooms and 6½ bathrooms.

Nearly every inch of the home is customized with features they believe are essential for their health, including a built-in smart sound system from Crestron Home, which can cost between $300,000 to $400,000 to install. Brian, who has dubbed himself "The DJ Dad," cues up various "mood music," from techno to reggae to classical. The system also plays megahertz music, which fills the house with vibrations similar to white noise.

"We designed the house with wellness in mind," Brian said.

It has 16-foot sliding doors and 15- to 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, which Brian said were designed to let in natural light that aligns with the family's "circadian rhythms."

Don't forget the three $5,000 Toto toilets and the heated floors. The HVAC system is equipped with UV-light air scrubbers, which, Brian said, clean pet dander, mold, airborne pollen, and carcinogens. For relaxation, there's a rooftop deck for stargazing, a 7-foot-deep heated pool, and a six-person spa.

"My friend asked, 'Why do you ever have to leave the house?' I replied, 'I don't need to,'" Brian said.

Big budget, big benefits

Among all their health amenities, California Pool and Spa's customized six-person cold plunge, worth about $60,000, might be the most covetable.

Cold plunges involve soaking in very cold water, sometimes as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. While some people believe cold plunges improve mood and reduce inflammation, there's not enough evidence to suggest they significantly affect human longevity.

Positioned just steps from their master bedroom and next to the outdoor shower and private patio, the Culhanes' cold plunge is left uncovered and remains frigid 24/7.

"I'd wake up at six, go to the gym, work out for an hour, then spend 20 minutes in the sauna, five minutes in the cold plunge, five minutes in the steam room, five minutes in the hot tub, and another five minutes in the cold plunge," Brian said. "That routine took me two hours every morning. With kids to get ready for school, I realized, 'I need to be able to do this as soon as I wake up.'"

An entire room is dedicated to the sauna, built for about $100,000 by Spa Steam and Sauna, the same company that supplies saunas to the Ritz-Carlton and other luxury hotels.

Finnish saunas are the most widely used saunas worldwide, so more scientific studies on their benefits exist. Research suggests they could help flush toxins from the body, improve heart health, and boost the immune system.

The family said they practice yoga, breathwork, and aromatherapy in the sauna, which features a wall of Himalayan salt they believe is beneficial for the respiratory system. Healthline found that studies on non-dietary uses of Himalayan salt are "relatively weak" and require further investigation.

Another notable feature of the house is the basketball court, which features NBA-grade flooring, a rim, protective pads, a scoreboard, lights, a 100-inch TV, and various gym equipment. The court cost about $250,000, and lighting and additional features were an additional $80,000.

Brian said he grew up playing basketball in a modest Chicago neighborhood, but his family couldn't afford the private courts some of his peers had access to.

"Several of my friends had indoor courts. It was a treat to play there, though they rarely let me," he said. "I thought it was the pinnacle of success and always thought, 'I want that.'"

The Culhanes own multiple infrared light systems, including an advanced LightStim device typically found in luxury spas that they paid $4,411 for. This device uses specialized LED, or light-emitting diode, therapy to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne, and wrinkles.

Kristi uses the machine daily.

"I get up and turn it on first thing in the morning, and it lights up the whole room. I sit under it for about 15 minutes," she said. "It actually improves my mood."

The Culhanes also said their home's extras have not only boosted their quality of life but also increased its value. A 2022 appraisal report valued their home at $6.1 million.

Some people love the house, while others are a bit skeptical

The Culhanes' biohacking journey has gradually won over their friends and family.

"If they're not already converted, they're well on their way," Brian said.

Gaining approval from the neighbors in their community, however, has taken time.

"We're an active family, and it's just not the neighbors' lifestyle," he explained. "It's a quiet community, a golf club with mostly retirees. They all have dated, quiet homes, while we've got this big, bright glass house with a lot of kids and plenty of outdoor activities."

Brian said it was sometimes challenging to follow all of their homeowners association's rules for construction and architecture.

"We probably had 10 complaints against our build and property, ranging from leaving the porta potty open to materials blowing around, dust, and soil erosion," Brian said.

Another wellness-focused construction project lies ahead

The Culhanes also take various supplements every day to enhance their health, including an array of Purium Superfoods for nutrition, Ultimate Human Molecular hydrogen tablets with methylene blue added for its reported antioxidant properties, and activated charcoal for detoxification.

They underwent Viome gut biome mapping, which analyzes blood, stool, and saliva to identify foods to avoid and detect any deficiencies.

"We each got our genetic test once, get our blood work done every six months, and have gut biome testing yearly," Kristi said. "The goal is to get off supplements."

For readers who are interested in trying this kind of supplement regimen, longevity-medicine doctors recommend first getting bloodwork through your primary care physician to check your vitals. Then, start slow — take one supplement for a few months, rather than starting a lot at once.

The Culhanes have joined several Facebook groups for people focused on health and fitness to stay ahead of the latest biohacking trends. Before permanently adding any new element to their regimen, they personally test it and only incorporate it if it fits into their "daily protocol," as Brian put it.

They're already planning their next project. In 2021, the Culhanes purchased a 15-acre ranchette along Oak Creek in Sedona, about a two-hour drive north of Scottsdale, for $900,000.

They took out a $2 million construction loan to build a 4,000-square-foot cabin on the land, which features ATV trails, hiking and biking paths, and areas for kayaking and fishing. In addition, they put in roads and brought in 36 dump trucks of sand to create a man-made beach the size of a football field. They also plan to build a treehouse, plant an orchard, and grow grapevines.

So far, they've spent $250,000 on the Sedona project, Brian said.

Their ultimate goal is to turn the property into an off-grid, self-sustaining health retreat for themselves, friends, and family, with the potential to rent it out.

"I want the best of both worlds," Brian said. "I want to recreate the healing elements we brought into our Troon home and turn our Sedona property into a master retreat. I envision something like being on top of Sedona, tapping into the powerful vortex energy of the earth."

• Azadeh Weber, 44, lives in rural Washington, about 20 minutes from the closest grocery store.
• She built a greenhouse ADU out of rammed earth and plans to grow fruits and veggies this spring.
• She is excited for her family to be more sustainable and self-sufficient.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Azadeh Weber, 44, who built an accessory dwelling unit on her rural Spokane, Washington, property. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

My family and I moved from San Francisco to Spokane, Washington, in 2022.

I'm a clinical psychologist, and both my husband and I have the flexibility to work remotely. We wanted to live somewhere we could buy a larger piece of land.

Our home is in a rural wooded area, with the closest grocery store more than 20 minutes away. We're also in a location where Uber won't pick us up.

We live in a large home of about 9,000 square feet, with four bedrooms and five bathrooms. In 2024, we built a 200-square-foot accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, on our 140-acre property.

We didn't need an ADU for extra space. Instead, my husband and I wanted to make our family more self-sufficient by growing vegetables and fruit on our property.

So we built a passive, solar, rammed-earth ADU that would function as a greenhouse. It will allow us to grow food during the winter when there is less sunlight and warmth in Spokane.

We spent $40,000 on the greenhouse ADU

Rammed earth building is an ancient technique with one of the lowest carbon footprints. It was used to build structures like the Great Wall of China and has been employed in the Middle East.

It's similar to adobe: you take soil, clay, and gravel and mix them together to form solid walls. Traditionally, the walls are held together with lime. However, our project used about 10% cement.

The rammed earth method is better for growing food than a traditional greenhouse because its walls help maintain a more stable temperature.

It took us about a year to complete, and we finished six months ago. We took a lot of breaks, especially during the winter when it snowed.

The project was self-financed. In total, we spent $40,000. Although it took a lot of work, we are happy with the results. The ADU has a modern feel — I absolutely love how it looks.

Construction was challenging but worth it

My father, an architect specializing in passive solar design, inspired this project. In the 1970s, he received a grant from the US Department of Energy to build five rammed earth structures across Utah. In them, he grew fruits and vegetables.

He and my brother helped my husband and me with our ADU construction. We also hired two contractors who assisted with the labor. We spent about $25,000 on labor and $15,000 on materials.

We purchased our materials from a local store, including polycarbonate sheets, doors, Glauber's salt, wood, cement, clay, gravel, soil, PVC pipes, and paint. We also used some of the soil from around our home.

The construction process involved a lot of labor.

To build the walls of the ADU, we filled five-gallon buckets with material, mixed it with water in a mixer, poured it into the forms, and used a pneumatic tamper to compact it. After that, we let it set overnight. We repeated this process until we had enough material to form an entire wall.

The rammed earth walls are one foot thick. To optimize passive solar heating and cooling, the building features two north-south walls twice as long as the east and west walls, with a 10-inch gap between them. Beneath the footing, PVC pipes run between the walls and into the structure.

Holes at the top of the walls create a heat pump that circulates air to enhance passive solar heating. The ADU's roof is also covered with transparent polycarbonate sheets that allow sunlight to enter, while their double panels help retain heat.

In the summer, you can open the vents to release warm air, but in the winter, you close them to keep the air circulating. To further regulate the temperature, we added a Glauber's-salt bin to the ADU, which will maintain the temperature inside within a range of 40° to 85° Fahrenheit.

We're still working on the Glauber's salt system, and its installation is being completed in phases.

We'll begin growing food this spring

We plan to grow our fruit trees and vegetables in the ADU this spring.

In the meantime, we're using the space as a yoga studio. I teach yoga online but don't make much from it. With childcare costs, having a dedicated space at home to teach online is incredibly helpful.

Beyond the practical uses of the ADU, it's been great for my confidence.

I'm from Iran, where rammed earth is an indigenous building method. This technique connected me to my roots and heritage and brought me closer to my identity.

Having the ADU has also provided an opportunity to teach our kids about growing food and the importance of wellness, which is essential because it will allow us to live fuller lives and better pursue our goals.

I don't have any major regrets about the project, but I wish I had been more precise rather than figuring things out as we went along. If I were to do it again, I would try to use more building materials sourced directly from the site.

I would also recommend that anyone consider a rammed-earth building experiment with a test wall or even a fire pit before starting the project, as it can be a difficult process.

Overall, my family is enjoying the ADU. We loved watching our vision come to life and anticipating reaping the fruits of our labor.

• Leslie Redmond, 38, moved from Anchorage, Alaska, to Winnipeg, Canada, in 2022.
• Redmond said Canada is similar to the US but has more of a collectivist mentality.
• She feels caught in the middle of the tense, emotional Canadian-American tariff debate.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leslie Redmond, a 38-year-old assistant professor at the University of Manitoba who moved from the US to Canada in 2022. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm originally from Virginia, but in 2019, I moved to Alaska to work at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. I loved it there and thought it would be my forever home. But after three months, I met my future husband by coincidence, and everything changed.

At the time, he worked for the federal government in the Yukon, a remote Canadian territory roughly an eight-hour drive from Anchorage. After a year of dating, we got married, which coincided with his placement in the Yukon ending in 2020. At that point, we had to decide what was next.

We concluded that living in Canada made the most sense.

As an academic, it would be easier for me to find a job there than for my husband to find one in the US. Being Canadian, he wouldn't immediately have had the same clearance or career opportunities in the federal government.

Canada's culture also appealed to me, as it feels more progressive. As someone working in public health nutrition, its collectivist mentality also aligns with my values.

Immigrating to Canada was fairly easy

I've always enjoyed adventure. I've moved around a lot, going to places I knew nothing about and where I knew no one.

For me, moving to Canada was more exciting than stressful. The anxiety I felt mainly stemmed from the legal process — there were so many details to manage.

Living with my husband in the Yukon, where the nearest grocery store was a 10-hour round trip, made gathering paperwork like police records, taking English, and getting medical exams even more challenging, especially during COVID-19.

There are several ways to immigrate to Canada, including marriage, but we didn't want to take that route. Instead, we applied through Canada's Federal Skilled Worker Program, designed for skilled professionals in high demand.

The process is based on a points system, where factors like education and age can help you score highly. We felt my credentials were competitive, and this pathway would be faster than applying solely based on our marriage.

Despite the paperwork, the process was relatively easy for me. I'm fortunate to be healthy, have English as my first language, and have plenty of resources. I recognize my privilege in having such an easy experience. I understand that people from countries with different governments or languages and fewer resources face far more barriers.

In 2022, I moved to Manitoba, a prairie province of Canada, and received permanent residency. The process took significantly longer due to COVID since many workers were out or working from home, and the building had capacity limits, causing extended wait times. I believe the process has become more reasonable recently.

Canadians have a 'collectivist mentality'

If you can picture North and South Dakota, you can picture Manitoba. I live in Winnipeg, the capital city of about 700,000 people.

Winters here are typically -20° Fahrenheit and can reach extreme lows, with prairie winds bringing temperatures down to -40° Fahrenheit.

Many movies are made in Winnipeg, as the area is often used to represent historic downtowns of cities like Chicago or Minneapolis.

I'm working as an assistant professor in nutritional science at the University of Manitoba. We live in a neighborhood near the university in a single-family, four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home that we purchased for just over $500,000. You can definitely find homes here that cost much more.

Our home is not a new build; it was constructed around 1984. Given the housing shortages and rising demand, it's possible the price was a bit inflated, but we still feel comfortable with what we paid and believe it was a fair value.

I've noticed there are many similarities between the US and Canada, like higher education, career opportunities, and cultural values. From sports to music, the social and entertainment scenes are quite alike, making it easy for someone from the US to fit right in.

The biggest difference, which I'm more attuned to because of my profession in nutrition, is the collectivist mentality here. The people I met in Canada seemed more focused on the common good. This is evident in aspects like healthcare, where many accept that it might be more expensive, but it's available for all.

There's a sense of, "I'm not just being taken care of, but my neighbors are, too." Many people are generally happy to support systems that ensure access to healthcare and childcare. While this mindset exists in the US, I find it more prevalent here.

The cost of living is rising in Canada

Winnipeg is considered one of the most affordable cities in Canada, and many people justify living here despite the harsh winters.

However, I'd say it's more expensive than living in the States, mainly due to taxes that fund social services and various environmental initiatives, such as carbon taxes.

Still, like many Canadians, I'm OK with it because I'm contributing to a system that benefits everyone.

Food prices have risen recently, and grocery shopping in Winnipeg is significantly more expensive than across the border in North Dakota — at least twice as much. However, my husband and I both have well-paying jobs, so we're in a good position to adapt to these challenges.

Winter also brings added costs, like the need for winter tires and increased car maintenance — something many living in a cold climate likely experience.

On the bright side, heating and electricity are more affordable than expected, thanks to being primarily hydro-powered.

Canadians aren't happy about US tariffs

Many Canadians are confused about the tariffs and the presidential election. I often hear colleagues and friends express disbelief, asking, "How did America let this happen?"

I can only speak from my own experience. As an American living here, I'm in a unique position, hearing perspectives from both sides of the border — from my American and Canadian friends and family.

I think many people in Canada initially saw American politics as a spectator sport, watching with interest, almost like reality TV, but remaining detached. I found that frustrating because I knew there would be consequences for everyone.

Now, many Canadians are realizing they'll be affected. I hear strong opinions that are completely valid.

Overall, my family and acquaintances here still see Americans as decent people but are shocked and disappointed by the presidential administration's lack of respect for Canada.

This has become a rallying cry for many to unite, show patriotism, and take action. Many support Canadian-made products, buy locally, and stand firm rather than just complain.

Moving to Canada was a great decision

My husband and I plan to continue living in Canada despite the changes. We have an 18-month-old and another baby on the way.

There are great benefits to raising children here. For example, I get a generous 12-month maternity leave with full pay, which is standard. There's also subsidized childcare, costing just a few dollars a day, compared to the several thousand a month my friends pay in the US.

Looking back, I don't think I would have taken the initiative to move to Canada on my own. I would have kept quiet and just talked about it, but the opportunity to live here has offered many benefits.

It was a great choice, and I don't regret it.

• Cara Celeste West, 33, felt she lacked the support and resources needed to raise a child in the US.
• In 2023, West and her husband moved to Portugal for a more affordable and relaxed life.
• In Europe, her daughter is thriving, and West feels like she has finally found a community.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cara Celeste West, a 31-year-old content creator who moved from Houston to Portugal in 2023 and is now based on a Greek island. She shares life abroad with her 119,000 Instagram followers and helps people who live overseas find remote work. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

It all started when I became a mom in 2022. The stress of being a new parent in the US, combined with the lack of support and high cost of living, made everything overwhelming.

My husband and I lived in a two-bedroom apartment near downtown Austin, paying $1,600 monthly with utilities included. To save money on childcare, we worked opposite schedules. Despite our efforts, expenses like car payments, insurance, and paying down debt kept us spending around $8,000 a month.

I considered the possibility of moving abroad to live more affordably and comfortably. I didn't want my child to attend a traditional public school in the US, and I wanted to teach her through travel and real-life experiences.

We weren't ready to fully relocate, so I thought living abroad temporarily could be a good option, though I wasn't sure how that would look.

In the summer of 2022, a friend invited me to join a Facebook group for "world-schooling" families. I was amazed to find a community around the idea I'd always had in my head.

I joined the group and asked if anyone kept a home base in the US while traveling part-time throughout the year. A family responded, sharing their experience with the Boundless Life program, which offered housing, education for children, and coworking spaces for a fee of about $3,400. It took them to Portugal, and they were now moving to Greece.

It was exactly what I'd been looking for.

We tested out life abroad before committing to a full-on move

In 2023, my husband and I joined Boundless Life for a three-month cohort in Portugal. Before we left, we took a few steps to prepare.

I kept my job in the travel and hospitality industry while my husband took a three-month sabbatical. To make living abroad more affordable while maintaining a home base in the US, we downsized and moved from Austin to Houston.

We rented a one-bedroom apartment, converting the living room into a bedroom for us and the bedroom into a nursery for our daughter. The rent was $1,410 a month.

When we moved to Portugal, the company provided us with a one-bedroom apartment for $1,572 a month, a schooling program for $1,518, and a coworking space for $488.

We were likely spending the same or a bit more since we were still maintaining our apartment in the US, but our quality of life improved tremendously.

We had more freedom in Portugal

We were pleasantly surprised by how amazing our experience in Portugal was. We lived in Lisbon, which felt like San Francisco but with cleaner streets.

We could walk to everything we needed, and the slower pace of life was refreshing. Most people we encountered, especially the younger generation and those in hospitality, spoke English, making it easy to navigate.

The cost of living in Portugal was significantly lower than in major US cities. Little daily pleasures, like getting a coffee or pastry without worrying about money or driving, made a big difference.

Being in the European time zone was great for personal growth. I worked as a luxury concierge, helping people plan vacations in Europe during Eastern Standard Time hours, which meant I didn't start work until 2 p.m.

The Boundless Life program also provided childcare, which allowed my husband and me to have time for ourselves — me to work on my business and him to work out or handle personal tasks.

After two weeks in Portugal, we knew we'd made the right decision and were ready for bigger changes.

My husband and I became digital nomads

After returning to the US from Portugal, we put everything in storage by the end of June 2023 for about $170 a month. We moved out of our place and joined Noma Collective, a similar program to Boundless Life, in Belize for about a month before heading to Greece.

In Greece, we joined another Boundless Life program in Syros where we had a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment for about $2,006 a month. The city was truly one of the most magical places we've ever been — who wouldn't want to live on a beautiful island in the middle of the Aegean Sea?

After the program ended, we returned to the US but moved back to Greece in the spring of 2024. Within two weeks of being there, we applied for digital nomad visas and officially received our residency cards in June 2024.

Now, we live in a two-bedroom, two-bath home in Syros, Greece, paying $1,464 a month. The summer months are complicated with tourism — it's hot and crowded — so we rent our home to visitors and stay away during that time. Last year, we spent the summer in Albania.

Overall, our monthly living expenses in Europe are about the same as in the US. However, instead of allocating money towards things like insurance or a $450 car payment, we now put that $450 towards paying off our credit card debt.

My husband left his job and is now a full-time stay-at-home dad. I now work full-time as a contractor for an American company and earn income through content creation.

Before, I was an established food blogger, documenting my life through food on Instagram. It was an easy transition to add travel to my content. People are fascinated by our everyday activities, like laundry and grocery shopping, and enjoy seeing what life is like in a different part of the world.

I have several income streams, which can vary from month to month. These include brand sponsorships — often three- to six-month contracts — YouTube AdSense, blogging, and other platforms. However, our biggest source of income comes from digital products; I help people move abroad through eBooks, courses, and one-on-one coaching.

Our quality of life has improved in Europe

A big reason we gravitated toward Portugal and Greece is because of the local attitudes.

The people are welcoming, kind, and genuinely hospitable. As a Black woman, I often feel like I'm being watched in the States. In Europe, I feel liberated and able just to be myself.

Another huge difference for me is the absence of gun violence. The first time I went grocery shopping in Portugal, I felt a sense of relief and could finally let my guard down, free from the constant tension I often experience in public spaces in the US.

Watching my daughter grow has been incredible, too.

She's three now, knows words in multiple languages, and has experienced traditions like Portugal's Carnival.

But the biggest takeaway I hope she gets from living abroad in places like Portugal and Greece is kindness. I can't count how often strangers have helped me just because they saw I had a little one with me.

The biggest change for us living in Europe has been building a community.

As digital nomads, it's tough to leave behind a support network, but we've made many friends, both locals and fellow nomads, wherever we've lived. In the US, everything was go-go, and I had to plan lunch dates months ahead. But it's much easier here, especially since many of our friends have the same flexible schedule.

We plan to stay in Greece year-round but travel during the summer. This works well for us, as we want to explore and plant roots. After five years, we'll be eligible for permanent citizenship through Greece's digital nomad visa.

This summer, we're planning to spend a few months in Tbilisi, Georgia, to see if we can establish a second home base.

• Justin Mauldin built an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, in his Austin backyard for $41,500.
• Mauldin said the ADU office allows his family of four to live comfortably in a smaller home.
• The ADU also boosted his home's property value, according to his real-estate agent.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Justin Mauldin, 40, who built an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, in his Austin backyard. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm the founder and CEO of Salient, a PR agency that partners with tech startups.

By 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak, my team had already shifted to a mostly remote setup, with many freelancers working from home or shared office spaces like WeWork. My wife and I decided to make the most of our property and build a dedicated home office.

Our property is within Austin city limits. We live on a quarter-acre lot with a relatively small main house of about 1,200 square feet. At the time, our large backyard was undeveloped, with only a small farmhouse shed on the property.

We added an accessory dwelling unit of just under 200 square feet to our backyard. The cost for the ADU was $32,542, which covered the products, shipping, and installation. I believe prices have increased since then, but we were able to take advantage of a sale and a 10% discount at the time. The total cost of the entire project was about $41,500.

It's been the best decision we could have made for our property. We purchased our home in 2020 for around $450,000, and its value has definitely increased. When we asked our real-estate agent for an estimate, she said it could be worth $750,000 today. (Editor's note: The median home price in Austin has increased 12.8% since 2020, according to Redfin.)

Working from the ADU has been fantastic — it's allowed me some quiet time. We have two young children, so I can "go to work" without being in the main house with all the chaos and noise. It's truly been a game changer.

The construction process was simple and fast

Even though it's separate from the main house, the home office is the most beautiful room on the property — everyone who sees it is completely wowed.

I went all out with super-tall, dramatic ceilings and a massive wall of windows. We also built a fire pit in front, which has become a real focal point.

When we decided to build an ADU, COVID made it difficult to get bids, materials, and reliable contractors, so a pre-fabricated option seemed like the best choice. I went with Studio Shed, a Denver-based company that builds the structure in their warehouse and then ships it to be assembled on-site.

The process was simple, like building with Lego bricks or designing a car. You pick your model, customize the size, ceilings, and windows, and select your upgrades. You can go as basic or as fancy as you want. It's all done online — just like ordering anything on Amazon — and you get the price immediately.

Before the ADU arrived, I cleared the site and poured the concrete pad, which cost about $1,500.

When it was delivered, I didn't want them to just drop off the materials and leave me to figure it out, so I paid a few thousand dollars for them to assemble the structure. The walls, windows, and roof were up in just two days.

After the structure was assembled, a local handyman and I worked on the finishing details, including installing the flooring, painting, adding door handles, electrical work, and other touches. Since the ADU was too far from the main house to connect to our central AC, I also added a mini-split system that I purchased for $600 and paid about $500 to install.

Everything was built and finished quickly. The ADU was delivered on February 1, 2021, and completed by the end of the month.

The ADU allowed our family of 4 to live more comfortably in a smaller house

Given the price of our home, it's clear we're not in a fancy, McMansion-filled neighborhood. Most homes here are 1950s bungalows.

When we first moved into our home, instead of following the common trend — where people tear down these homes to build new constructions — we took the opposite approach.

We wanted to preserve the character, so we did a lot of renovations: replacing the siding, repainting, completely redoing the interior, and reworking the landscaping. I think the neighbors really appreciated that.

Still, we have two girls, so a 1,200-square-foot home with just one bathroom can be a challenge, especially when we have visitors.

Of course, we'd love a bigger home, but with prices still unaffordable, it's tough. When we bought our home, our interest rate was locked at 2.5% — rates now are much higher. Most homes in desirable areas are in the $1.5 million range, and with the high property taxes here, it's just not realistic. We could not afford a place in Austin now without doubling or tripling our housing costs.

For now, we're happy with our place, and maybe we'll add a bathroom one day.

ADUs are becoming popular in Austin, and I can see why

Austin has a housing crisis, yet people still want to live here and continue moving to the city. I think creative solutions like ADUs are necessary.

Over the past few years, the city has made it much easier to add ADUs to properties, especially the type I built, which is under 200 square feet.

Historically, with a permit, you could divide a quarter-acre or smaller property into two lots — one for your main home and the other for an ADU, often for uses like Airbnb. But now, with relaxed regulations, you can simply add a small structure in the back of your property without needing a permit.

While some may have concerns about homes being closer together, I believe this is the best solution for making it easier for people to build ADUs and own homes — and it's working well.

The office has certainly made living in our house much more comfortable.

In today's world, there's so much background noise, whether you're at the office or working remotely, making it hard to focus and be creative. You can try blocking it out with headphones, but there's a big difference between that and being in a truly quiet space.

I'm used to my kids running in and out — that's just part of being a dad — but when I close the door, it's so serene.

Beyond avoiding interruptions, sometimes you just need real focus time, especially for the creative stuff. With all the noise around us, having a quiet space feels like a complete escape.

• Nnedinma Obiwuru, 31, isn't letting renting prevent her from living in the home of her dreams.
• Obiwuru turned her white-box rental apartment into a chic oasis via DIY projects and thrifted finds.
• Some millennials sink time and money into renovating rentals when homebuying seems out of reach.

If Nnedinma Obiwuru is going to rent, she's going to do it in style.

Obiwuru, a 31-year-old marketing specialist, and her partner have spent $7,000 transforming their rental apartment in Austin into a Parisian-inspired sanctuary. Her goal: Take the $3,000-a-month, two-bedroom unit from a white box to a chic boutique hotel.

Her inspiration for the primary bedroom — with its vintage hand-carved bedframe, a hand-me-down from her fiancé's grandmother, and a $130 chandelier from Amazon— was a suite at Paris's famed Relais Christine. Rooms at the 17th-century mansion turned luxury hotel with ornately decorated go for around $650 a night. For the guest room, she handmade red velvet banquette chairs and a DIY bar that can fold up and be stored in a closet when not in use. The projects in the 1,300-square-foot space have taken a total of five years.

"Our guests always freak out when they visit," Obiwuru said. "Every time they come, there's something new. People usually stay for at least six hours."

As the US real-estate market remains historically expensive, some young Americans have put off or given up on their dreams of homeownership. Instead, they are redirecting their resources toward renovating their rental properties. They may spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars, along with a lot of time and effort, to make their homes reflect their personal styles.

In Austin, where Obiwuru lives, home prices have dipped but remain well above the US median. The high cost of homeownership has led many residents to opt for long-term renting.

"Owning a house in Austin feels more like a 10-year dream," Obiwuru told Business Insider. "Renting is where I'm at, and many of my friends are in the same situation. That's why I focus on making my place feel like home."

The guest room took the most DIY work

Before the renovation, the guest room looked like just another standard room you'd find in an apartment — nothing special, with plain cream walls and a tan carpet.

Now a bar-and-restaurant-themed space, Obiwuru and her fiancé, John, built most of the furniture themselves. The red velvet booth seating, made of wood, foam, and fabric, cost $700 to create.

"It was the first piece of furniture I've ever made," she said. "I wouldn't necessarily recommend it — it was a lot of work. But I really wanted restaurant-style seating, and everything online was over $4,000, and I just couldn't justify spending that much for something to sit on."

Obiwuru spent just $80 building a collapsible bar made of "just plywood and hinges. She went to Home Depot, had workers cut the wood to size, then added paneling to the outside and painted it brown herself.

She said she stores the bar in her closet and typically brings it out when she's making drinks and hosting friends.

"The cool thing is that everything I build and design in the apartment is renter-friendly," she said. "We're thinking we can later move the bar into our living room or kitchen area. It's easy to move and leaves no marks."

Renovating a space to look high-end doesn't have to be expensive

Obiwuru's design style is deeply shaped by her love for travel and the hotels she's visited.

"I'm a first-generation Nigerian-American," Obiwuru said. "My parents provided everything we needed, but with five siblings, travel wasn't a top priority. When I began exploring the world and staying in hotels, I truly began to feel more like myself."

She's recently turned to Maison Metier, a five-star hotel in New Orleans where rooms are about $250 a night, as a blueprint for how to layer seemingly eclectic pieces of furniture and art.

Obiwuru said most of the pieces in her home are thrifted from local stores and cost between 49 cents and about $20.

However, she has splurged on a few larger items, like the large brown leather couch in her living room, which cost $1,000 from Wayfair.

The gallery wall in one bathroom wall is also lined with thrifted items.

"I love it when I go to a bar, and it feels like you're transported somewhere else," Obiwuru said. "Bathrooms, or powder rooms, are where designers can really get creative because they're contained spaces. I knew I wanted to fill mine with frames."

With a budget of just $100, she and her fiancé visited several Goodwill stores in the Austin area, where they found 51 picture frames. To fill them, they sourced Harlem Renaissance and Prohibition-era artwork, spanning from the 1920s to the mid-'30s, both online and around town.

She does have a few renovation regrets

Obiwuru loves her home, and many others do, too.

She told BI that a maintenance worker in her apartment complex remarked, "This is the best apartment he's ever seen."

Obiwuru said she doesn't need her landlord's approval for her projects because they leave no permanent damage. Whenever she moves out, she added, she'll leave the apartment as it looked when she moved in.

Still, she would do a few things differently knowing what she knows now. She painted some rooms before she had a complete design plan in place.

"I didn't have a full vision when I moved in and designed based on the vibe I had at the time," she said. "I've learned to move more slowly."

She also mentioned that renovating an apartment while living next door to neighbors has its challenges.

"I'm an early riser, so I want to start my projects at 5 a.m., but that's just not possible," Obiwuru said. "You have to work around regular hours, and that's the tough part about doing loud projects while living close to others."

During the renovation, she started documenting and sharing parts of the process on Instagram under the username @everylastlayer. She now has more than 38,000 followers, and some of her projects are sponsored by brands.

Still, Obiwuru and her fiancé plan to continue renting for the long haul.

"We can absolutely save for a house, but our priorities are more experiential, at least for now," she said. "We'd rather travel and spend our money on things like day care for our dogs than save for a down payment."

She added, "The majority of the people I'm around are renting for the foreseeable future. I think the stigma around it is going away."

• Many Americans tell Business Insider how they moved abroad for more affordable and fulfilling lives.
• Mercer consultants identified cities that offer low costs of living and a high quality of life.
• The eight spots range from Old-World gems in Eastern Europe to a Canadian hub for food and culture.

As inflation continues to drive up the cost of everyday necessities, more Americans are looking abroad, hoping to find places where their money goes further and life is sweeter.

But where to go?

Researchers at HR and financial consulting firm Mercer analyzed over 200 everyday expenses, including housing, food, healthcare, and entertainment, in 226 cities worldwide to identify the most and least expensive spots. Mercer also weighed safety, infrastructure, environmental friendliness, and connectivity to determine eight cities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas that offer a balance of low living costs and high living standards.

To give readers a feel for day-to-day expenses in each city, Business Insider used cost-of-living data from Numbeo. Numbeo combines user-submitted spending figures with data from government institutions and service companies to estimate prices for various things, such as what it would cost a single person or a family to live in the city center. It also provides typical prices for everyday items like coffee, a meal for two, and a gym membership. While the methodology relies on crowdsourced data, which may vary widely, it can be a useful tool for getting a general sense of what it costs to live around the world.

Read on to learn more about eight cities that offer opportunities to live both cheaply and well, according to Mercer. They are presented in alphabetical order.

Business Insider used the latest population estimates from Demographia for all cities except Ljubljana, which uses a Slovenian government estimate. Numbeo expenses have been converted from local currency into US dollars.

Budapest, Hungary

Population: 2.407 million

Known for: Budapest is the largest city in Hungary and the nation's capital. It's known for its Gothic architecture, bohemian nightlife, and historic thermal baths.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $670

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $704.40

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,490.90

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.49

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $52.34

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $54.72

Someone who lives there said: Budapest has a vibrant social atmosphere all year long, according to Sabrina Arnold, who lived there for four months. "There are so many things to do, even in the winter and summer. In the summer, there's lots of street food, festivals, lots of concerts and music, or you can just chill next to the river," she said in a YouTube video posted in late 2023. "In the winter, there's lots of Christmas markets and ice rinks."

It might be hard to live there because: That hustle and bustle may not be for everyone. "It's very touristy. There's always a lot going on in the city especially on the weekends. If you don't like that, then Budapest might not be right for you," Arnold said in her video.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Population: 9.387 million

Known for: The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is known for its rich multiculturalism, blending native cultures along with Indian, Chinese, and Western influences. The city, nicknamed KL, goes all out for major festivals including Diwali and Lunar New Year.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $499.60

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $573.90

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,035.40

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.89

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $27.13

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $43.56

Someone who lives there said: Kuala Lumpur's range of cultures translates to an unbeatable food scene. "A city after my own heart, the best activity in KL has to be eating! Malaysians love their food, and so do expats! Thanks to the diversity of the city, you'll find Malaysian, Indian and Chinese food all over, as well as western options and everything in between," blogger Lynne Lessar wrote in a post about living in Kuala Lumpur.

It might be hard to live there because: It can require some patience, especially with items and etiquette more common in other parts of the world. "The entertainment industry isn't exactly supported in Malaysia and alcohol is relatively expensive for the region," Lessar wrote. "Still, there are pockets of great nightlife and plenty of great things to do. Just bear in mind that Malaysia is not known for customer service, so keep your spirit light and patience high while you're out, as service takes time here."

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Population: 288,382

Known for: Ljubljana is the largest city and capital of Slovenia, a country located just east of Italy and sandwiched between Austria and Croatia. Ljubljana stands out for its charm and ease compared to other major European cities that get more flooded with tourists.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $931.11

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $885.40

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $3,023.90

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.34

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $63

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $45.45

Someone who lives there said: Aaron Arnold — who moved from Texas to Slovenia, where he lives as an expat — maintains that Ljubljana is one of Europe's best-kept secrets. "Although Ljubljana is growing in the tourism world, it's definitely not as big of a place like Budapest. I think of all the European capital cities that I know — Ljubljana is much more chill and more of a hidden gem," Arnold said in a YouTube video.

It might be hard to live there because: Adapting to Slovenian culture can be an adjustment for Americans, in part because locals may not be especially welcoming right off the bat, Arnold said in a different video. "I didn't actually make a friend from Slovenia until three weeks after my arrival," Arnold added.

Montreal, Canada

Population: 3.75 million

Known for: Montreal is a French-Canadian hub known for its vibrant cafés, nightlife, and packed schedule of summer festivals. The city is also dotted with historic architecture and European-style sights.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,201.41

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $973.10

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $3,593

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.52

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $69.93

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $37.12

Someone who lives there said: Montreal is a epicenter of vibrant culture. "No matter which neighborhood you live in, you're guaranteed that a trendy local spot is just around the corner," writer Rosemary Twomey said on the Montreal site MTLblog.com.

It might be hard to live there because: Winters are no joke in Montreal — the city averages 85 inches of snow a year. "Although the snow that never seems to disappear is one of the downfalls of Montreal, the city and the people in it are always up to the challenge of having fun in the cold," Twomey wrote.

Panama City

Population: 2.067 million

Known for: Panama City is the capital of Panama. It is known for its coastal lifestyle and, of course, its eponymous canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,050

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $831

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,965.1

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.50

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $55

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $47.43

Someone who lives there said: "The city, Latin America's answer to Miami, is a place where towering skyscrapers meet the ocean, and palm trees sway to the rhythm of a unique cultural blend — Spanish vibes with various splashes of indigenous, African, North American and Caribbean influences," according to a blog post from the Nomad Capitalist, a site with advice and information for people who can work remotely and want to live abroad.

It might be hard to live there because: Panama City's laid-back vibe may be a good thing most of the time. However, expats have shared online that things get done at a slower pace than they're used to.

Santiago, Chile

Population: 7.099 million

Known for: Santiago's modern city center stands in contrast to the craggy Andes mountains in the distance.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $503.71

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $729.50

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,581.6

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.05

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $52.98

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $35.18

Someone who lives there said: "Santiago's mountainous backdrop makes for one dramatic skyline. I've lived here for a year and a half now, and (when I can see them) these mountains still surprise me every day," Lauren on Location, who calls herself a serial expat, said in a 2017 blog post.

It might be hard to live there because: Santiago is located on the San Ramón Fault and experiences somewhat frequent earthquakes. According to Earthquake Track, the city had 43 earthquakes in the last 365 days.

Warsaw, Poland

Population: 2.028 million

Known for: Warsaw is Poland's capital and most populous city. It has a rich history and many cultural attractions.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $1,052.87

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $820.20

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,694.10

Cost of a cappuccino: $3.94

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $50.54

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $39.55

Someone who lives there said: "First and foremost, Warsaw has got some lovely parks and plenty of museums," Richard Blanks, a native of Great Britain living in Poland, said in a blog post about Warsaw life as an expat. "There's no chance that you'll get bored here easily."

It might be hard to live there because: Warsaw can have stretches of fiercely cold temperatures. "The weather can be a significant drawback, with cold and long winters, and relatively short summers," Joshua Wood said on Expat Exchange, a site he cofounded.

Zagreb, Croatia

Population: 691,000

Known for: Zagreb is a city where Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Europe meet.

Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom home in the city center: $748.67

Monthly costs for a single person (excluding housing): $797.50

Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding housing): $2,768

Cost of a cappuccino: $2.18

Cost of a three-course meal for two: $62.87

Monthly cost of a gym membership: $42.35

Someone who lives there said: "Zagreb is the cultural, political, and economic hub of Croatia. While it might be overshadowed by the Adriatic's coastal gems, this city has its own allure: grand Austro-Hungarian architecture, sprawling parks, and a blend of old-world charm and contemporary dynamism," Jonelle Simunich. a California native with Croatian heritage who has lived in cities around the world, wrote in a blog post.

It might be hard to live there because: Zagreb is heavily reliant on tourism, according to blogger Nicola Curtis, and some local businesses shut down during low season. "Most of the bars and restaurants close down from the end of October until the beginning of April, and while it's a chilled-out time, it can be a little boring at times," she wrote.

• Ila Corcoran lived in California but bought a four-bedroom home in Texas where prices were lower.
• She's a house hacker, living in one bedroom while renting out the others to cover her monthly costs.
• In 2024, she bought a second property using the rental income she earned from her primary residence.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ila Corcoran, 26, who purchased her first home in 2021 and used the income from renting out its rooms to help buy a second property in 2024. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

When I was 18, I earned my real-estate license and later became a property manager at an apartment complex in Los Angeles. I lived in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit valued at $2,300 a month, but my rent was covered as part of my salaried role.

I used the money I saved by not paying rent to build up a down payment so I could invest in real estate. At 22, I started house hacking by buying properties and renting out rooms in them.

In March 2021, I bought my first home for $250,000 in Forney, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. I used a Federal Housing Administration mortgage, or FHA loan, because it made the purchase more affordable. I put 3.5% down on the home and secured a 2.8% interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage.

I eventually moved to Texas to live in the home — since FHA loans require the home to be your primary residence — and began renting out the extra rooms. I've earned a total of $110,000 in rental income over the past four years. However, I do have property taxes to pay and a homeowners association, or HOA, fee of about $400 a year.

In January 2024, I bought my second property. It's a two-bedroom, two-bath, 1,300-square-foot home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I got it for $190,000 with a 10% down payment, a 6.5% interest rate, and a seller-financed 10-year mortgage. The HOA fees for this home are $250 per month, and I'm unsure of the exact property-tax bill since I've owned the home for just under a year. I rent out the entire house to a single tenant for $1,500 a month and have earned $25,000 so far before expenses.

I use the money I make from renters primarily to cover the mortgages and utilities for my homes. Any extra income goes toward building my fintech company, BySengo, which helps founders seeking funding connect with investors interested in private businesses across the beauty, fashion, wine, and hospitality industries.

In the long term, I'll put the rental income profits into investing in more real estate.

I had to leave California to afford to buy a home

I decided to buy property outside Los Angeles because I knew I could more easily afford homeownership elsewhere.

Although I had never been to the Dallas area, I chose it for its population growth, emerging communities, and affordability. It also stood out because it had a high proportion of renters compared to homeowners, which made it seem like an easier market for renting out property.

I found my property through a real-estate agent. It was a new construction home that had yet to be built.

In October 2020, I flew to Dallas to visit the site. During the trip, I put down a $1,500 deposit to reserve the land. In March 2021, I closed on the home, bringing about $9,000 to the table.

I split my time between California and Texas, traveling back and forth from March 2021 until I officially moved in September 2024. It was difficult leaving my home state, but I realized this was what it took to build wealth, and I was ready to make it happen.

The home is two stories and has four bedrooms, which are all occupied. Over time, I've had about seven different roommates. At the moment, I'm charging $1,000 a month for the primary bedroom and $900 for the downstairs bedroom. I'm not charging rent for the fourth room, as my best friend, who recently moved from California, is staying with me while she gets settled. I've previously charged $750 for that room.

Living with roommates isn't always smooth sailing

I found most of my roommates through the app Roomster, which helps people find rentable rooms or lease out their homes, and I have also used Facebook groups.

I screen all my roommates and have them sign individual leases. Most leases are for six months to a year, after which they can become month-to-month. My renters can stay as long as we both agree, but we need to give notice if either party wants to terminate early, with no fees involved.

For my contracts, I've drawn from my experience as a property manager in California and tenant law. I've also consulted with local lawyers who've reviewed my documents and given me recommendations.

Things aren't always perfect with roommates. I've definitely faced my share of challenges. For example, one roommate might complain about another, saying things like, "I don't like when they do this" or "It bothers me when they do that." It's definitely something I deal with on an ongoing basis.

Communication is key in situations like these. It's all about establishing boundaries, talking things through, and letting people come to me privately to make sure everyone feels heard. I'm not easily angered, so having patience really helps.

I used a seller-financed mortgage to buy my second home

I chose to buy my second home in Tulsa because I learned about Black Wall Street and its historical significance in the city.

I also came across a YouTube video discussing up-and-coming cities. Because of its municipal bonds, government investment, and corporate interest, Tulsa was mentioned as a city on the rise.

There were many benefits to purchasing the home with seller financing. The process was similar to a traditional closing. The key difference is that I make my payments directly to the seller, who holds the lien, rather than a bank. If I fail to make my payments, the seller has the right to foreclose.

I chose this route because I am self-employed, which can make it harder to get a traditional mortgage. Seller financing allowed me to avoid the long documentation process and had fewer requirements. I was also able to put down less money and avoid private mortgage insurance.

The home seller benefited because they didn't have to pay taxes on the entire lump sum from the sale at once. Instead, by receiving monthly payments, they spread out the income and pay taxes gradually. This lowers their tax liability each year, allowing them to keep more of the money.

I am proud of myself of investing in real estate so young

When I bought my first home, everyone told me not to do it. They said prices were too high, and I was overpaying. They suggested I wait until rates went up and the market cooled down. But I'm glad I didn't listen.

There's always going to be a "better deal" or a "better time," but if you let that hold you back, your opportunity cost becomes even greater. All the time spent deliberating on the best possible outcome can prevent you from even starting and achieving anything.

I do think people should be cautious but also take the risk of investing in themselves.

I know real-estate investing isn't for everyone, but as a Black woman, I feel like I'm helping to address some of the inequality in homeownership in America — particularly the disparity between Black landowners and non-landowners.

Investing in real estate and house hacking has also been incredibly beneficial for me. Without the equity from my real-estate investments, I wouldn't have built much of a net worth — at least not as quickly.

I've had my family's support, but I've done this financially on my own. Honestly, I feel great about it.

I still have goals of getting married, having a family, and becoming a wife and mother — goals women are often encouraged to prioritize. But by pursuing real estate on my own, I feel more confident about dating and marriage because I already have a strong foundation and feel established.

• Shawna Lum, 31, knew the American obsession with climbing the career ladder wasn't for her.
• In 2016, Lum moved to Spain to escape the rat race and carve out her own path.
• In Spain, she is happier, spends less money on housing, and has started her own business.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shawna Lum, a 31-year-old from Los Angeles who moved to Spain in 2016. She founded Move Overseas Now, a company that helps people move to Europe and Latin America. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm originally from Los Angeles but went to Washington State University. In 2015, I moved to Spain for a semester to study abroad, and that experience completely changed me.

During my six months in Spain, I fell in love with Europe. The ability to travel so easily — like catching a round-trip flight from Bilbao, the city in northern Spain where I was living, to Amsterdam for just $80 or London for $100 — was incredible.

On top of that, the community and my social life were amazing. Going out for tapas, enjoying a glass of wine, and having a meal was so affordable compared to the US. I also loved the walking culture; there's no need for a car. That's something I never realized I was missing until I lived there.

After my studies in Spain, I returned to the US and worked in corporate jobs for about a year and a half, first in Texas, then in Chicago and Louisiana. Throughout that time, I couldn't shake the memory of my time in Spain.

The typical American dream wasn't resonating with me — the "checklist" of getting a corporate job, saving for a house, and getting married. I asked myself, "Why must I follow this path?"

I moved to Europe and came to terms with some downsides of American life

At the end of 2016, I moved to Spain and have been living here ever since.

When I first moved here, visa options were limited. There are many more now, like digital nomad visas and passive income visas for retirees. Back then, a student visa was my best option.

Although I didn't want to go back to school, I decided to pursue a master's in entrepreneurship and innovation in Barcelona. After completing my degree, I kept renewing my visa.

Along the way, I started doing side hustles and diving into digital marketing. I eventually realized I didn't have to work for others and launched a web design agency.

In 2021, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, so I returned to Los Angeles to take care of him. He passed away shortly after.

While grieving, I also became frustrated about life in the US. Coming back to the States was a tough adjustment. I started noticing the toxic culture — people seemed unhappy with their lives, and many of my high school friends were on antidepressants. It also felt like everything revolved around money, even healthcare.

I missed the sense of connection and community I had experienced In Spain. Living overseas showed me that life could be different — the stress levels and the divide between work and home were much more balanced.

I felt like many people could resonate with my reasoning. So, when I returned to Spain, I started Move Overseas Now, a business that helps others make their moves.

I help other people move abroad

As a relocation coach, I help people move permanently to Europe and Latin America through online master classes that outline the steps.

Most people who sign up for my courses are 35 and older with established careers, freelancing or working on a 1099.

Affordability is a huge reason my clients move abroad, especially retirees on fixed incomes. Many of them find that in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama, they can live comfortably on their Social Security check — something that isn't possible for them in the US.

In Spain, you can rent a nice one-bedroom in a midsize city for about $650 to $980 a month or under $1,300 in the major cities. In Panama, some of my clients live in beautiful condos just steps from the sea with two balconies and air conditioning in an expat-friendly community for around $900 a month. Private healthcare is also a game changer: Many clients pay just $80 to $200 a month for coverage, with no copays or deductibles.

By spending less on housing, healthcare, and daily expenses, they experience more freedom, less stress, and a better quality of life — things they feel are out of reach in the US.

I don't see myself ever living in the US again

I feel like my life has improved living abroad.

I always felt different in the US, like I didn't fit in. Everything has fallen into place in Europe. I married my husband, who has permanent residency in Spain. Through him, I was granted a partnership visa, also known as a family reunification visa.

During COVID, we lived in a friend's guest house in France for about five months. We also spent six months as digital nomads in Asia, living in Thailand, Nepal, and mostly India. Overall, it was an incredible journey.

Right now, we're renting a one-bedroom, one-bathroom duplex just outside Barcelona's city center for 300 euros, or about $314, a month. We got a great deal because we know the landlord. We're planning to buy a home eventually, so for now, we're focused on saving up for that.

Living abroad makes me feel freer. The weather, the greenery, and the greater safety as a woman are all amazing. I also feel better spiritually because interactions feel less competitive and transactional. It's really allowed me to slow down and give myself more grace.

I don't see myself returning to the US — at least not willingly unless it's for an event, like a funeral, or to take care of something serious for a couple of weeks.

• I'm hosting a dinner party and thrifted vintage china to add a stylish touch to the event.
• I paid $65 at a secondhand store for 11 dinner plates, 12 salad plates, teacups, and more.
• I later figured out the pieces were from a discontinued collection and valued at nearly $1,000.

I almost gave up on celebrating my birthday this year.

Then, while doom-scrolling through Instagram, I saw a video from Toronto-based influencer Isabelle Heikens, who hosts a multi-course dinner at her home each month. Heikens — who has more than 300,000 followers — prepped for her "winter citrus-themed" dinner party by making basil-infused olive oil, gutting grapefruits, whisking eggs, and setting her table with elegant plates.

In a separate video, her guests enjoy cocktails while Heikens puts the final touches on the meal. They all sit around the table, devouring the food, as Heikens beams with pride.

I was sold. For my birthday in March, I've decided to host a three-course dinner at home, inviting my closest friends. I'll be the chef, and my husband will be the sous chef.

To set the mood, I needed place settings — but I was on a budget. I ended up thrifting a 61-piece set that I later figured out was worth close to $1,000. Here's how it happened.

I was on the hunt for the perfect dinnerware

Fine china is a must to make my vision come true.

However, with half a dozen guests to feed, I couldn't splurge on high-end dinnerware. I decided to visit Thrift Giant, a secondhand store in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, hoping to find affordable pieces that would work beautifully together.

Thrift Giant was overflowing with pre-loved clothing, furniture, and electronics. Dishware made up the smallest section of the store, so I wasn't expecting much. To my surprise, I hit the jackpot.

On a dusty bottom shelf, I found two bundles with 61 pieces of porcelain bone china, each stamped with "Oxford" on the bottom. Each bundle was $29.92.

The collection included 11 dinner plates, 12 salad plates, 12 bread and butter plates, 12 teacups with saucers, and a vegetable bowl with an attached underplate. The total cost at checkout was just $64.78 after tax.

I later learned that Oxford was a division of the Lenox Corporation, which produced fine china from the late 1920s to the early 1990s.

I found pieces with my exact pattern, called Spring, on Replacements, Ltd., a North Carolina-based online marketplace for fine china, crystal, silverware, and collectibles, both still in production and retired.

On Replacements, each dinner plate was $24, salad plates $14, bread and butter plates $10, teacups with saucers $10, the vegetable bowl $80, and the gravy boat with an underplate $190. Overall, my thrifted set seemed to be valued at about $950.

What's more, the items I saw on Replacements were discounted by 25% due to imperfections — so it appears the set may actually be worth even more.

I'm not the only millennial into thrifting and dinner parties

Let my millennial friends and I be the first to tell you: The dinner party is making a comeback — and I'm not talking about potlucks.

Instagram and TikTok are filled with pictures and videos of everyday people and content creators — including Heikens and another influencer, Olivia McDowell, who has nearly 200,000 followers —sharing their chic culinary soirées and offering tips on hosting a flawless event.

The interest in entertaining has, in turn, revived interest in fine china, which was once reserved for the upper class but is now more accessible thanks to thrift stores, estate sales, and vintage shops. It coincides with a broader cultural shift toward nostalgia and secondhand shopping as Gen Z and millennials move away from fast fashion and overconsumption in favor of a more sustainable, timeless style.

May Eason, founder of the Facebook group Beautiful Table Settings, with over 263,000 followers, told food and drink publication Eater in 2022 that the affection for vintage china is also simply about the love of sharing beautiful things.

"You're doing this for your family and your friends, so you want to make your table presentable and pretty," Eason said. "And it's fun to play with it. I think younger people are finally realizing you can change it up."

I completely agree.

I want the evening to be exquisite

While I've hosted dinners before, I've never put together an evening as curated as the ones Heikens throws.

I've spent hours researching ideas on social media, screenshotting everything that catches my eye — from overflowing tablescapes filled with serving platters and colorful drinks to the perfect playlist.

My husband and I only have a couple of chairs, so I'll rent extras. I'll visit Home Goods or Anthropologie to find tablecloths and napkins.

To further enhance the evening's vibe, I also purchased stylish drinking glasses from another thrift shop.

I found Poco Grande glasses, martini glasses, grappa glasses, coupe glasses, café au lait glasses, milkshake glasses, and more, all priced between $0.95 and $2.99. I also scored a cake stand, serving platters, and bowls — each under $10. I walked away with a total of 30 pieces for just $100.

Altogether, including the china set, I've spent only $168 on dinnerware for my party, far less than I expected. That leaves plenty of room in my budget of under $800 for groceries and decorations — and maybe a new outfit, too.

• Some older Americans said they moved abroad because they couldn't afford a comfortable retirement in the US.
• They cited high costs for medical insurance and housing as reasons for their moves.
• Four retirees who moved to Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Spain shared how moving helped their wallets.

Amy Glenn felt like she had no choice but to leave the US.

Glenn, 72, said she couldn't afford life in Texas after years of teaching political science and economics at a university and over a decade of caring for her parents full-time. She feared her $1,200 in Social Security wouldn't be enough to live comfortably in the US.

In January 2023, she paid $165,000 for a house in Costa Rica. Each month, she spends $300 on groceries, $70 on electricity, and $80 on medications and doctor visits.

"I would have never bought this much property in the US, and that takes a huge weight off my mind because I know that I'm not going to be homeless," Glenn said. "The financial stress is gone."

Over the last few years, dozens of American expats have told BI their reasons for moving abroad. Many, including retirees, have mentioned higher US living costs as a major motivator for relocating to relatively cheaper countries like Mexico, Ecuador, and Spain.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that consumer prices have risen by over 23% since 2020. Inflation typically hits older Americans harder because they often depend on fixed incomes from retirement savings or Social Security.

Over 760,000 Americans abroad receive Social Security benefits yearly. Data from the Social Security Administration shows that Americans' average monthly Social Security benefit was $1,976 as of December 2024.

"We have a substantial number of people who don't have sufficient retirement savings to supplement their Social Security," David John, a senior strategic policy advisor at AARP, previously told BI. "Social Security is it for a substantial number of people. That means, essentially, that they may not have the kind of retirement that they dreamed of."

The predicament has left many older Americans considering moving abroad as the key to a fulfilling retirement.

Retirees want to live where costs are low and quality of life is high

Some older Americans have the financial means to live in the US but realize it may not be the best investment or align with the lifestyle they envision long-term.

Shawna Lum, a Spain-based relocation coach who has helped retirees move abroad, told BI that lower living costs are especially appealing to retirees on fixed incomes.

"Affordability is a huge reason my clients move abroad, especially retirees on fixed incomes," Lum said. "Many of them find that in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama, they can live comfortably on their Social Security check — something that just isn't possible for them in the US."

Take Sandy Berenhaus, a clinical audiologist who retired from her consulting practice in 2024 at age 73. She had substantial savings and investments spread across multiple assets.

Although Berenhaus could have continued living in her $4,000-a-month luxury apartment in New Jersey — a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with its own indoor garage and a community pool — she knew that relying on Social Security as her main income might make retirement in the US financially challenging.

"My savings and investments might be viewed as 'substantial' by some but clearly stood the risk of being significantly depleted over time without making significant changes to my lifestyle, not to mention the occurrence of unforeseen emergencies," Berenhaus told BI. She added, "I'm not a millionaire. If I lose my Social Security, that's a big deal."

Beyond finances, Berenhaus said the divisive politics in the US began to turn her off. She wanted to live in a place where she felt she could truly enjoy life.

After consulting with Lum this year, Berenhaus packed up and moved to Barceloneta, a seaside neighborhood of Barcelona, Spain. She lives in a two-bedroom sublet with beach views and pays $2,000 monthly.

"Barceloneta is the perfect starting point for my next life chapter," she said. "Living here allows me to pursue many personal passions at a fraction of NYC prices. I have music, dance venues, and beautiful beaches at my doorstep. Plus, there are friendly locals and a huge array of similar-minded expats from around the world."

Healthcare costs have pushed some older Americans out

Stephen Vargha, now 66, left his job at a North Carolina television station in 2020. He expected to work for a few more years before enjoying his retirement in the mountains, where he bought a home in West Jefferson.

However, Vargha struggled to find work. Despite being open to a pay cut, he said he received "not a single phone call" when applying for jobs, which he said was worrisome. While doing the math for his retirement, he and his wife discovered their monthly health insurance premium of $1,930 — not including deductibles — would cost about $150,000 over the next seven to eight years.

Vargha and his wife decided the best action plan was to leave the US and move abroad, where they could better afford daily expenses and healthcare. He took his monthly Social Security income of $2,400 and relocated to Cuenca, Ecuador. He receives a net pension of $570 after taxes. He and his wife had about $850,000 in combined assets before leaving.

In Cuenca, a city in the Andes mountains, they bought a 1,200-square-foot condo for about $150,000. Vargha said each month, they spend $177 on health insurance, $22 on property taxes compared to $285 in the US, and $39 on homeowners' insurance compared to $145. Groceries are somewhat similar to the US, about $600 monthly, and they devote about $300 to restaurants and entertainment.

"We're able to do more than we ever could in the US when we were both working," Vargha said. "We ate out maybe once a week because that was all we could afford. We're now eating out eight to 10 times a month."

Brenda Price, 59, also said healthcare costs also pushed her to move abroad from Minnesota.

Price worked in international finance for most of her career and retired early at 55. She grew tired of paying over $1,000 in insurance premiums per month on top of an annual deductible of $10,000, in addition to $2,200 monthly plus utilities for a studio apartment.

"We would have been able to make it work, but it would have been a very different lifestyle because the costs are so much lower than they would have been in the US," Price said. "We were limited, and we couldn't spend much."

Price and her husband moved to Valencia, Spain, two years ago. They rent a 1,200-square-foot apartment with a balcony and terrace for $1,500 a month.

She said groceries cost 30% to 40% less, while health insurance is about $200 monthly. She said public transportation is about 40 cents a ride, while a museum visit runs her $2. She estimates they spend about $200 monthly on activities and about $300 on Spanish classes. She's also enjoyed the cost of travel, once flying to Morocco for about 80 euros, or $83.

"I am very much a budgeter, and I know what we have to spend and what we should spend," Price said. "We're very happy here, and we have no plans right now to leave."

• Kaitlyn Sundberg and her husband, Jack, felt they couldn't afford to buy a home in California.
• In 2023, they moved to Kansas and eventually settled in Neodesha, a town of about 2,000 residents.
• Kansas' lower cost of living allowed them to buy their first home and build up their savings.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kaitlyn Sundberg, 27, who moved from California to Kansas with her husband in 2023. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

For a couple of years, my husband and I lived with his family in a 300-square-foot studio apartment that we built in his parents' garage in Hesperia, California, about two hours outside San Diego.

At that time, buying a house wasn't even on the table, and studio apartments were going for about $2,000 a month.

We were very thankful for the opportunity to live with my in-laws, as they charged us very little rent, which helped us grow our savings. However, his parents had a full house, and although we had our own space, it felt cramped with little privacy.

After getting married in 2022, we started thinking about starting a family. We realized that to find an affordable home with enough space and build our own life, we'd have to leave California.

We were really hoping to move to places like Washington state, South Carolina, Oregon, Northern California, Utah, Colorado, or even Arizona. My husband applied for jobs in those states, but no opportunities came up. We also looked at housing in those areas, and many had prices similar to what we were seeing in Southern California.

In 2023, Jack found a job he really liked. After telling me all the positives, he finally mentioned it was in Kansas — which was one of the states I didn't want to move to because I was afraid of tornadoes.

Still, I told him, "Go ahead, go for it. What's the worst that could happen?"

He applied for the job. The following week, they flew him out for an interview, and two months later, we moved.

We found the perfect home

At first, we were living in an apartment in Wichita. Eventually, we started looking for a home, which felt like a big task.

We drew a large square on the map and began searching on Realtor.com. We'd find houses we liked, but by the next day, they'd be gone.

I eventually found a home in Neodesha that I really liked. We called our real-estate agent, who agreed to meet us at the house.

As we drove through Neodesha, we saw a softball game, kids riding their bikes, and the neighborhood pool full. It had such a great hometown vibe. I teared up in the car — it felt like a scene from a movie.

When we pulled up to the house and walked in, it was another moment of tears. It felt like trying on a wedding dress — everything seemed so perfect and fit so well. We put an offer on the house that day, and it was accepted the next day.

We paid $240,000 for the home. It's a four-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch-style house with about 2,300 square feet, and we're on roughly 0.7 acres.

We'd never be able to buy a house as nice as this one in California. I looked into it, and our Neodesha house is comparable to an $800,000 or $900,000 home in California.

Overall, the cost of living is much better here. We're saving thousands a month on housing compared to what we would have paid in California. Gas and groceries are much cheaper as well, even with recent price increases, and we've been saving by eating out less.

It took time to adjust to small-town living

Neodesha is a small town with about 2,000 people. The closest big cities are Wichita, Kansas City, and Tulsa, Oklahoma — all about one and a half to two hours away.

It was definitely a culture shock coming from California.

Growing up, my dad was in the Coast Guard, so I moved around a lot and was used to adapting to new environments. Even still, I remember going to the grocery store in Neodesha and thinking, "Why do these people want to know my whole life story?" I just wanted to buy my oranges and get out of there.

But slowly and surely, my husband and I started warming up to it. Now one of my favorite things is just talking to people and getting to know everyone. It's nice to know that everyone looks out for each other here.

I've made a life for myself here

I graduated with my bachelor's in Liberal Studies, focusing on elementary education. When my husband and I moved to Kansas, I thought, "What am I going to do now?"

At first, I worked as the director of a childcare center in Iowa, Kansas — about an hour's drive from our house in Neodesha. I was commuting an hour there and an hour back.

One day, my neighbor shared a job posting for an early learning center opening just around the corner from my house. I applied for the director position and got the job.

In my role, I've been involved in everything from the building process to ordering furniture, hiring teachers, enrolling students, and helping open the center.

I also joined the Neodesha Area Chamber of Commerce and now sit on its board, which has really helped me get to know people.

I go to a lot of community events and see parents and kids every day. Now I can't go anywhere without running into someone I know.

It's a small-town thing, and I love it.

We love small-town life but miss some big-city amenities

Before we moved, my mom was worried about tornadoes in Kansas. But having lived in so many places and experienced nearly every natural disaster — hurricanes, blizzards, and fire days in California — I wasn't too concerned.

At first, burn piles in Neodesha stressed me out, but over time, I've felt safer. Tornadoes are less common here, and although I still lock myself in the closet during warnings, I feel it's a quick event with enough notice before they happen.

Honestly, I haven't found much to dislike about Neodesha, except that people I know well see me around town without makeup on the weekends.

That said, it would be nice to see more shops on Main Street — little boutiques, mom-and-pop stores, and more restaurants. That's something we, coming from California, really miss.

Having a few more businesses would be great. It would help bring more people into town.

There's also no Target nearby, so more options for shopping would be nice, too.

We're never moving back to California

Kansas truly feels like home in a way California never really did. I feel like my husband, and I have come into our own and have established a life here.

We plan on staying in Neodesha. We think it's a great place to raise kids. I also love my job. I helped build the learning center and told my husband he'd have to drag me out of this town because it feels like my baby.

It's tough being away from family. But my in-laws love it here, and we're doing our best to convince them — and the rest of our family — to move here, too.

I honestly don't know how Jack and I lived in California for so long. Unless we were being paid a lot of money, I don't think we'd ever move back.

I visited recently, and I hated it. There were people everywhere, and they weren't as friendly. When I went to Target, I was the weirdo smiling and trying to talk to everyone, but no one was having it.

Also, driving in California stressed me out. The worst traffic in Neodesha is getting stuck behind a tractor.

• LendingTree ranked the top US cities for households with children using data from the Census Bureau.
• The company considered factors like median household income and childcare costs across 50 of the largest US metros.
• Large, underrated cities like Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and Cincinnati top the list.

Buying a home is a major undertaking that demands a lot of effort and, in today's real estate market, a significant amount of money — so it's important to get it right.

When moving with kids, there are many additional factors to consider, like if the area has quality schools and healthcare.

The economic research team at LendingTree analyzed data from the Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey to identify the best US cities for families among the 50 largest metropolitan areas.

LendingTree considered several factors, including median household income for families with children, the average childcare costs for an infant and a 4-year-old, and the time it takes individuals to commute to and from work.

The research team found that the cities where families thrive the most aren't the bustling, glittering metropolises of the East and West Coasts. Instead, they tend to be more laid-back cities in the Mountain, Midwest, and Southern regions; the top five cities are Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Kansas City, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Matt Schulz, LendingTree's chief analyst, told Business Insider that these cities are generally more affordable for raising children compared to others the company found less ideal, like Miami, Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles.

"It's really expensive in New York City and other big cities in California," he said. "In those places, the cost of childcare may be more costly. In many cities on the coast, even if you're making a higher income, paying the bills can still feel difficult."

Below are the 10 best big US cities for families, according to LendingTree. Indianapolis and San Jose share the 8th spot on the list. While San Jose has a higher median home price compared to the other cities on the list, it also boasts the highest median income and a low percentage of children living below the poverty line.

For each city, Business Insider used the most recent population estimates from the US Census and median home price data from Redfin.

10. Louisville, Kentucky

• Population: 246,161
• Median home price: $255,000
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 71.5%
• Median income for families with children: $86,595
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 18.1%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $1,567
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 49 minutes

8. San Jose

• Population: 969,655
• Median home price: $1,387,027
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 52.8%
• Median income for families with children: $205,285
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 7.5%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $2,899
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 55 minutes

8. Indianapolis

• Population: 879,293
• Median home price: $240,000
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 71.1%
• Median income for families with children: $102,418
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 13.3%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $1,970
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 51 minutes

7. St. Louis

• Population: 281, 754
• Median home price: $220,000
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 74.2%
• Median income for families with children: $107,086
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 13%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $1,998
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 50 minutes

6. Austin

• Population: 979, 882
• Median home price: $536,500
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 71%
• Median income for families with children: $133,266
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 10.6%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $1,770
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 54 minutes

5. Raleigh, North Carolina

• Population: 482,295
• Median home price: $456,000
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 73.9%
• Median income for families with children: $129,979
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 9%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $1,955
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 53 minutes

4. Kansas City

• Population: 152,933
• Median home price: $255,500
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 72.4%
• Median income for families with children: $103,180
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 10.6%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $1,903
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 47 minutes

3. Cincinnati

• Population: 311,097
• Median home price: $226,000
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 73.3%
• Median income for families with children: $106,971
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 13%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $1,868
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 48 minutes

2. Minneapolis

• Population: 425,115
• Median home price: $318,000
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 78.7%
• Median income for families with children: $132,055
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 8.9%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $3,131
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 48 minutes

1. Salt Lake City

• Population: 209,593
• Median home price: $525,000
• Share of children living in owner-occupied homes: 75%
• Median income for families with children: $112,342
• Share of children living below the poverty line: 10.7%
• Average childcare costs are for an infant and a 4-year-old: $1,646
• Average round-trip commute to and from work: 47 minutes

• Business Insider spoke with four agents about their experiences as women in real estate.
• While their reflections differ, they spoke about challenges in being respected and taken seriously.
• They said at times they have to prove themselves, especially when finances or construction come up.

Women make up the majority of real-estate agents in the US, but some say it isn't always the easiest workplace.

About 65% of all real-estate agents in the US were women in 2023, the most recent year data is available, according to the National Association of Realtors, the industry's largest trade organization. (There are about 2 million brokers in the country, a figure that includes both NAR members and licensed agents who aren't members.) Despite this dominance, women remain relatively underrepresented in leadership roles.

While women have made significant strides in real estate, as well as other male-dominated fields like tech, enduring inequalities and biases still create a culture where some may feel uncomfortable and, at times, marginalized.

A series of accusations of misconduct over the past year and a half has cast a spotlight on how women in the real-estate industry are treated. It's prompted some to look inward and consider whether the profession's traditional practices and lack of uniform safety precautions may have contributed. At the same time, President Donald Trump's administration and other major companies are rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that may benefit women.

To highlight the nuanced, layered reality of being a woman real-estate agent, Business Insider spoke with four brokers from across the country. They candidly shared their experiences, which included being undermined by male colleagues and feeling unsafe during showings.

You'll hear from the agents in their own words, though their reflections have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Bess Freedman, 55, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens in New York

Before becoming Brown Harris Stevens's CEO, I was an agent in New York City. I quickly learned that you have to hustle twice as hard as a woman.

I got a listing early in my career and was excited about it. I recall going to show the apartment, and the seller asked me out on a date. I declined politely and was respectful, and he was too, but it was still unprofessional.

I recall pitching a listing another time when my daughter was just a baby. The seller questioned me incessantly about whether I would have enough time to show the apartment and be available to do my job because I was a new mom.

I thought to myself, "I'm a professional — so what if I have a baby? I can still do my job."

The double standard may have diminished a bit, but if you talk to women all over this country, for the most part, if they're working, they're also managing a household and their kids' schedules.

Regardless, we're still expected to show up with all the weight of our household agendas and be professionals.

The real-estate industry has changed a lot over the years, and women have made incredible progress and gained a lot of power — I don't want to diminish that, but inappropriate comments still exist.

To say we're treated exactly the same or that it's truly equal… I think there's still work to be done.

Danielle Andrews, 30, a broker in Tallahassee, Florida

I was a middle school social studies teacher when I first got my real-estate license. I've been in the industry for nine years.

Initially, I only planned to do real estate part-time to supplement teaching — just summers and a little extra income. However, I discovered my passion for it and have been fully immersed in the industry since 2016. I opened my own brokerage in 2022.

Navigating the industry as a woman has meant balancing breaking stereotypes and maintaining authenticity. It's been a whirlwind journey — not easy, but incredibly rewarding.

Even though the average profile of real estate agents is female, they tend to be more male-dominated when it comes to related fields like inspections, construction, and development. I've lost count of how often a contractor or client has tried to "man-splain" something I'm already well-versed in.

I've had experiences where I've spoken to male inspectors or contractors, and they'll say things like, "Well, you don't or wouldn't know anything about that," or they try to speak above me — as if we're not colleagues and on the same level. Those moments have taught me the value of preparation and confidence.

Safety is another critical aspect of this industry. As real-estate agents, we often meet new people in unfamiliar locations, so it's essential to prioritize our well-being.

Sometimes, sellers forget to secure weapons or belongings, and occasionally, sellers' agents fail to communicate that the seller will still be home during a showing. Entering someone's home can be alarming, and in some cases, people may react out of fear.

I've learned to always share my location with a trusted person, along with the name and details of the person I'm meeting. Most importantly, I've learned to trust my instincts. If something feels off, I take precautions.

I'll do some due diligence, especially if I get a gut feeling that something isn't quite right.

We have a benefit through our local board association called Forewarn. It's an app that allows you to search for someone by name or phone number and shows their criminal history and public records.

I also tend to do research on social media if I'm unsure about someone, especially if they weren't referred to me by a family member or someone I know.

If something still seems off, my last two measures are to take another agent with me — preferably a male. Sometimes, my husband has come along to showings for added presence.

No transaction is worth compromising your safety.

Lindsey Harn, 38, a real-estate agent in San Luis Obispo, California

I love real estate because I believe there is endless potential for all agents regardless of their education, socioeconomic status, gender, or sexual orientation. You don't need a fancy degree if you are willing to work hard to make it happen.

In many ways, I think being a woman in this business is a huge advantage. Buying or selling a home is someone's biggest investment and can be very emotional for both the buyer and seller. Women can be a bit softer, more sensitive, and more detail-oriented regarding homebuying and selling.

That said, having entered the business at a young age, I know that older men sometimes view younger women as weak or unknowledgeable enough to enter negotiations.

I remember when I was about 22, I came to a showing with a local attorney, and he said, "Oh my god, you're the youngest real-estate agent I've ever seen."

Another time, while working with a male colleague, I had a client in his 70s who was ready to make an offer. You could tell he wasn't comfortable discussing finances or finalizing the deal with a young woman. So he asked my business partner to step in for what I guess he considered "manly" negotiations.

As my age and confidence grew, situations like this became less of a factor. But I definitely remember those moments when being young and female felt like a disadvantage.

Mallory Bogard, 39, a broker in New York

I started my real estate team at the beginning of 2020 with my husband.

I have the unique perspective of running my company with a man by my side, which has really shed light on how people receive messages from men versus women.

Women can be just as capable — or even more capable — but the buy-in is often higher when a man says it. Men sometimes have an influence over people that women struggle to garner. I've witnessed how this plays out in business many times.

Sometimes, I can deliver the same message as my husband, but how it's received changes depending on who delivers it.

For example, sometimes, we have to make recommendations that go against what our client wants. This could be about price, timeline, or entering a challenging market. We may need to deliver tough news, like, "I know you need this number, but I don't think we'll be able to get it right now."

When my husband delivers the bad news, clients are often more accepting, thinking, "OK, he's done everything he can." However, they feel I need to do more when I deliver the same message.

I'm cognizant of removing emotion from message delivery. To be quite frank, I feel like I have to provide more facts and do more research when having tough conversations than my husband does.

I'm doing everything I can to teach the women on my team how to combat this double standard.

• Kenneth Graham, 57, lost his home and all of his belongings in the Eaton fire.
• Graham paid $163,000 for the house in 1996 and has spent hundreds of thousands on renovations since.
• He said that while he's insured, he'll need to postpone retirement to help cover rebuilding costs.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kenneth Graham, 57, the Forestry Superintendent of Pasadena, whose Altadena home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I've been with the City of Pasadena's Urban Forestry team since 1989 and have worked through every season since then.

We always prepare for storms, some of which are mild, but this one ended up being one of the largest windstorms I've encountered in my 36-year career.

I worked all night into the morning, and on my way home, I got a call informing me that my house was on fire.

My house was behind a three-story building that had burned to the ground, along with the apartments next door and five neighboring properties. When I reached my place, I saw it, too, had been destroyed.

I bought my house in 1996 to create a lasting legacy for my family that could be passed down through generations.

My home was about 75% paid off, and I was all set to retire — but this devastating setback has delayed my plans by at least four years.

I was working during the fire

As the Forestry Superintendent, I lead a team of 16 city employees, including four arborists and three contract service teams.

We're responsible for maintaining over 60,000 trees throughout the city — overseeing tree planting, removal, and trimming. We also respond to citywide emergencies, such as the recent windstorm.

When the Palisades and Eaton fires started, we were already tracking the weather report and knew a windstorm was coming — though we didn't know how severe it would be.

Over 300 trees fell, blocking roads and damaging houses, cars, and private property. The situation was urgent, especially with traffic disruptions and people trapped in their homes or cars.

I was assigned the midnight to 6 a.m. shift and worked about 18 to 19 hours. We cleaned the streets throughout the city, requiring a lot of coordination to make sure everyone could safely leave and return to their homes.

My entire life burned down

When I got to my Altadena neighborhood, the whole block was on fire, and there were no fire trucks in sight.

My family had evacuated with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Everything — our home, three classic cars, family photos, furniture, jewelry — was lost. My mom had just passed away, and we lost her pictures and my father's ashes.

The damage from the fire totals over $1 million. I have insurance, but it doesn't replace everything.

There is some good news: One of my two dogs survived the fire. She was scraped up pretty badly, but he was alive.

I was building generational wealth with my home, now I'm hopping between Airbnbs

I purchased my home for $163,000 and renovated it into a three-bedroom, two-bathroom. Over the years, I invested several hundred thousand dollars into the property.

I added an extra bedroom, resurfaced the pool, retextured the entire house, remodeled the kitchen and bathroom, installed hardwood floors, and updated the air conditioning and plumbing. We had also recently spent about $15,000 on an asphalt overlay for the driveway.

At first, my wife, daughter, her husband, child, and I were staying in a hotel, but we are now moving from Airbnb to Airbnb week to week.

It's hard to secure permanent housing because everything has gone up three times its normal price, and landlords want you to have three times the monthly rent and a high FICO score.

My home is destroyed, but I'm determined to rebuild

Right now, I'm using the savings I had set aside for retirement just to survive. I'll likely have to go back to work for at least a few years to make it happen.

I visited my house the other day, and it looks like we'll have to wait a long time before we can move back in. One of my main concerns is our safety and whether we'll be protected if another fire happens.

Still, I really love our neighborhood. It was the perfect place to raise my family and be close to my job. It was a peaceful, close-knit community with wonderful neighbors — there was so much to appreciate.

Moving back to Altadena and rebuilding my home will take a lot of money and years.

'Everything changed in just 1 day'

Normality in my life feels like a long way off.

Throughout the day, memories pop into my head, and I realize, "Wow, that's something I lost." It's hard to cope.

What keeps me going is seeing so many others facing the same struggles. Knowing that a lot of other people are in the same situation makes this experience much easier.

My Forestry crew has also been a great support, keeping me and my family grounded and helping us stay on our feet. They started a GoFundMe for us, and we've raised $34,000 so far.

The way they've rallied behind me has been truly beautiful.

I'm not considering moving away from Altadena. I'm invested in the area.

It's just strange not being able to quickly go home. It feels like everything changed in just one day. I used to be able to get to work in seven minutes or less, but now, because I am living further away, there's traffic, and I don't even want to deal with it.

It's a different life now.

That said, I do have hope. I've been through many struggles before and won't let this one defeat me. I'm determined to prevail, return to Altadena, and reclaim my life.