• US News & World Report compiled a list of the best places to live in the US in 2025.
• Criteria for the list included affordability of homes, quality of life, and career opportunities.
• Johns Creek, Georgia, tops this year's list, followed by Carmel, Indiana, and Pearland, Texas.

Americans move for all sorts of reasons, whether it's seeking better work-life balance, a more affordable lifestyle, or even a fresh start after a breakup.

Each year, US News & World Report offers a resource to those contemplating such a big change by evaluating 150 American cities on several factors to determine the best places to move.

The publication considers factors including employment opportunities, housing affordability, quality of life, and school rankings.

Johns Creek, Georgia, tops the 2025 list of best places to live for its strong job market and high "desirability" score, a custom index created by US News & World Report to rank factors like weather, accessibility of culture, and average commute times for residents.

The small Atlanta suburb of 81,000 people has been home to stars like Jeff Foxworthy and Usher, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Carmel, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, took second place. The town of just over 103,000 residents previously went viral on TikTok for its massive high school that featured amenities for students like an auto shop, radio station, jewelry-making room, and even a planetarium.

Texas has three cities in the top 10, with Pearland and League City, two suburbs of Houston, and Leander, a suburb of Austin, taking the third, sixth, and eighth spots, respectively.

Here are the 15 best places to live in the US, according to US News & World Report. Residents find plenty to like about these cities, including affordable homes, career opportunities, and relaxed lifestyles.

Sources: Population and income data are from the US Census, median home price from Realtor.com, and median rent from Zillow.

15. Pflugerville, Texas

Population of the metro area: 66,819

Median home price: $395,300

Average monthly rent: $2,195

Median household income: $112,656

Known for: A growing area outside Austin, Pflugerville has more than 56 miles of recreational trails, including those surrounding the 180-acre Lake Pflugerville. The nearby Typhoon Texas Waterpark is also an annual draw for locals and visitors alike.

14. Flower Mound, Texas

Population of the metro area: 79,990

Median home price: $645,600

Average monthly rent: $2,890

Median household income: $157,737

Known for: Named for a local hill covered in wildflowers, the Dallas suburb of Flower Mound is known for its small-town charm just outside the big city. The area boasts a strong public school system and a robust calendar of community events, including a summer concert series.

13. Ellicott City, Maryland

Population of the metro area: 75,947 (as of 2020)

Median home price: $769,000

Average monthly rent: $2,812

Median household income: $157,891

Known for: Under 30 minutes from the bustle of Baltimore sits quaint Ellicott City. Several buildings from the 19th century remain, and there are museums dedicated to everything from turn-of-the-century firefighting to the country's oldest surviving railroad station.

12. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Population of the metro area: 122,756

Median home price: $355,000

Average monthly rent: $1,750

Median household income: $85,220

Known for: One of Tulsa's suburbs, Broken Arrow has long connections to the Muscogee people, who settled in the area after the US government forced them to move from Alabama along the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. Today, its downtown has boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and an annual festival, Rooster Days, that's been held for over 90 years.

11. Sammamish, Washington

Population of the metro area: 66,474

Median home price: $1.9 million

Average monthly rent: $3,845

Median household income: $227,273

Climate Vulnerability Index: 1st percentile, lowest vulnerability

Known for: This picturesque city, home to both the glittering Lake Sammamish and verdant forests, is just a short drive from Seattle. Locals enjoy recreational activities including boating, fishing, and hiking in its multiple parks.

10. Troy, Michigan

Population of the metro area: 89,209

Median home price: $462,500

Average monthly rent: $2,200

Median household income: $119,299

Known for: Not far from Detroit, Troy is home to many companies that support the automotive industry. Somerset Collection is the city's mall, where you'll find upscale stores including Christian Louboutin, Rolex, Versace, and more.

9. Rochester Hills, Michigan

Population of the metro area: 78,330

Median home price: $467,000

Average monthly rent: $1,800

Median household income: $119,054

Known for: With a charming downtown, plenty of nature trails, and a popular cider mill, Rochester Hills has activities for all of Michigan's four seasons. Meadow Brook Amphitheater brings in an eclectic mix of summer concerts, from big-name bands to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

8. Leander, Texas

Population of the metro area: 87,511

Median home price: $403,800

Average monthly rent: $2,195

Median household income: $140,180

Known for: One of the fastest-growing spots in the county, Leander draws people with its good schools and natural beauty. It's a 30-minute drive or a commuter-rail ride from Austin.

7. Apex, North Carolina

Population of the metro area: 75,977

Median home price: $596,000

Average monthly rent: $2,250

Median household income: $138,442

Known for: Apex, North Carolina, a 25-minute drive to Raleigh, is one of the smaller cities on the list, by population, but has a better job market than the national average, according to US News.

6. League City, Texas

Population of the metro area: 118,456

Median home price: $343,800

Average monthly rent: $2,200

Median household income: $119,870

Known for: League City, Texas, is about 26 miles south of Houston and only 30 miles from beaches along the Gulf. It rated highly for value and desirability, according to US News.

5. Cary, North Carolina

Population of the metro area: 182,659

Median home price: $701,500

Average monthly rent: $2,120

Median household income: $129,399

Known for: A suburb of Raleigh, Cary is part of North Carolina's research triangle and attracts people from all over the country — and world — for its robust job market and laid-back lifestyle.

4. Fishers, Indiana

Population of the metro area: 103,986

Median home price: $406,400

Average monthly rent: $2,175

Median household income: $128,141

Known for: Located about 20 miles outside Indianapolis, Fishers has a growing number of tech jobs.

3. Pearland, Texas

Population of the metro area: 129,620

Median home price: $368,900

Average monthly rent: $2,300

Median household income: $112,470

Known for: One of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, Pearland has had its population increase from approximately 19,000 residents to over 100,000 in the last 20 years. It's a suburb of Houston.

2. Carmel, Indiana

Population of the metro area: 103,606

Median home price: $516,600

Average monthly rent: $2,199

Median household income: $134,602

Known for: Carmel, which has a nice civic square, an art and design district, and a network of walking and biking trails, has recently drawn new residents. In 2023, a TikTok video that showed off the local high school's swanky facilities, from big athletic facilities to a radio studio to a café, went viral.

1. Johns Creek, Georgia

Population of the metro area: 81,167

Median home price: $637,500

Average monthly rent: $2,750

Median household income: $160,185

Known for: About 40 minutes north of Atlanta, Johns Creek is the 10th largest city in Georgia and the safest. Fun fact: It wasn't incorporated until 2006.

• Some New York City landlords try to hide their rent-stabilized units to make more money.
• Two frustrated renters wanted to make the availability of stabilized units in NYC more transparent.
• Their new website, RentReboot, alerts users when rent-stabilized apartments are listed on the market.

In February 2024, Ilias Miraoui devised a plan to navigate the hellscape that is apartment hunting in New York City.

The 28-year-old data scientist would populate one browser tab with StreetEasy, the popular Zillow-owned site that has the most comprehensive collection of NYC rental listings. In another tab, Miraoui pulled up the city's official list of buildings with rent-stabilized apartments, which are often cheaper because their monthly rent increases have been capped since 1969.

The system worked. He scored a one-bedroom rent-stabilized apartment on the Lower East Side for $2,400 a month. Based on the rents of similar but market-rate units he toured, Miraoui estimates he's saved about $600 a month since he moved in.

This process should be easier for everyone, he thought. So Miraoui teamed up with software developer Adam Sebti, 30, to launch RentReboot, a new website that alerts users when buildings on the rent-stabilized list have new listings on StreetEasy.

"The idea is to show that information and make it more public," Sebti said. "So everyone can have a chance."

RentReboot users enter what they're looking for in an apartment, including budget, number of bedrooms, preferred neighborhoods, and building amenities like an elevator or doorman. They receive two emails or texts each day summarizing new listings that fit their criteria for free. For $12 a month, users can get real-time email alerts and three texts a day with their best matches. For $20 a month, users get unlimited texts and first access to any new tools.

The duo said they had 20,000 signups in the two weeks after launching the website in mid-April.

Rent-stabilized apartments can be hard to find

Renters see these diamond-in-the-rough apartments as a saving grace in one of the country's most expensive housing markets.

Citing recent city data, The New York Times reported in April that the typical monthly rent for a market-rate unit is around $2,000, but it's only $1,500 for a rent-stabilized unit.

In February, the median asking price for NYC rentals was $3,645, 2.6% more than the year before, according to StreetEasy. A committee approves annual increases for stabilized units, which can be a maximum of 2.75% on a one-year lease and 5.25% on a two-year lease.

Data from the City of New York shows that, as of 2023 — the most recent year with available data — there were about 2.3 million renter-occupied units in NYC. According to the Rent Guidelines Board, the group that sets and monitors rent increases for stabilized units, only about 1 million of those apartments are rent-stabilized.

For many New Yorkers, finding a rent-stabilized apartment is like discovering the Holy Grail — and just as difficult to secure.

In 2019, New York City repealed a former rule that allowed landlords to raise rents 20% on vacant units, aiming to curb soaring rents. Some housing-market analysts believe this has led certain landlords to keep their units off the market, hoping the rule will eventually return.

The Housing and Vacancy Survey, a report published every three years by the New York Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the US Census Bureau, shows that between January and June 2023, about 33,000 of the city's roughly 2.3 million apartments were vacant and available for rent.

The survey estimated that 26,310 rent-stabilized apartments were left vacant in that time period. While that is less than the 43,000 vacant units in the same survey in 2021, it is not much less than the 33,210 units of all housing that were for rent between January and July 2023.

Some renters have had success challenging landlords who have illegally charged them market-rate rent for what is actually a stabilized unit.

Last year, a New York City renter named Danielle, who declined to share her last name with BI for privacy reasons, reached a $150,000 settlement with her former landlord after discovering she was paying market-rate for a unit that was actually rent-stabilized.

"I already didn't kind of trust landlords, but I guess I had lived in this world where I assumed that people, for the most part, told the truth about stuff," she told Business Insider in 2024.

More features to help renters find rent-stabilized units are on the way

Units on RentReboot come from cross-checking addresses with the city's official list, but some are additionally flagged as verified if their StreetEasy profiles also mention their rent-stabilized status.

Miraoui and Sebti are working on ways to quickly verify a unit's rent-stabilized status with its broker, even if it's not explicitly mentioned in the listing.

They also plan to add additional features to the website using generative AI, like analyzing photos of windows in the listings to figure out which units have the most natural light.

• Helene Sula and her husband, Michael, have visited hundreds of cities across the world.
• Sula said her favorite is a lesser-known German city that feels like it's out of a fairy tale.
• She said she loves Heidelberg's rich culture, beautiful castle, tasty foods, and lively festivals.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Helene Sula, 38, an author who runs travel-advice blog Helene in Between. She and her husband, who moved from Dallas to Europe in 2016, currently livein Montenegro. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

For the past 10 years, my husband and I have been traveling around the world. We live a nearly nomadic lifestyle, spending about 80% of our time on the road.

We've visited dozens of countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and explored hundreds of cities — if not more — including Bangkok, London, New York City, Aix-en-Provence in France, Munich, Marrakesh in Morocco, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Of all the places we've been, Heidelberg, Germany, stands out as my favorite.

When I was 25, my husband and I decided to move abroad. We spent three years saving and planning, and in 2016, we finally made the move to Germany.

We had never set foot in Germany before, and we chose Heidelberg as our new home without knowing how long we'd stay. But the moment we began walking through its streets, we fell in love.

Heidelberg is absolutely beautiful. It's a 17th-century town with cobblestone streets, a river running through it, and a castle perched above. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

Heidelberg has a charming, classic vibe

We spent an entire year researching where to live in Europe, and Heidelberg felt like the best fit for us. It truly was — we ended up living there for three years.

I think the city is incredibly underrated, especially for American travelers. Bigger cities in Germany tend to be more popular because they offer a lot of attractions. They're also beautiful and easily accessible.

Take Munich, for example. You can fly there from almost anywhere. It's close to the Alps, hosts Oktoberfest, and has stunning architecture. The churches are absolutely amazing.

While I highly recommend visiting Munich, I think Heidelberg offers more of that true, classic, charming German feel. It's a place rich with culture that you can fully experience in just a few days without feeling too overwhelmed.

Heidelberg, with about 180,000 residents, is not technically a small town, but I'd still call it more of a medium-sized city. It's easy to get around, and you quickly start to feel like you know the place.

The city sits among hills with countless trails for walking and hiking. Our favorite trail is the hike up to Philosopher's Walk in Neuenheim, the oldest part of the city. It's a steep incline through really nice homes, and you get a good view of the Neckar River and Heidelberg Castle.

The weather in Heidelberg — and Germany in general — has been getting warmer over the years. It can actually get pretty hot in the summer.

While temperatures usually hover in the high 70s, it's not unheard of for them to reach the 90s, though that's still relatively rare. Many of the buildings and businesses still lack air conditioning, and sometimes, you can't find ice, which can be a bit of an inconvenience.

I find the winters to be very manageable. Temperatures can drop into the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, but generally hover around the 40s. Snow is rare, occurring maybe once a year.

It's a down-to-earth university town with friendly locals

One of the main reasons we chose Heidelberg is that it's a university town.

Heidelberg University is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It brings a vibrant, youthful energy to the city, with a great mix of students, artists, and people interested in music and culture.

The city has a rich literary tradition, thanks in part to its status as a major university city.

Fun fact: Mark Twain actually spent quite a bit of time in Heidelberg. While people often associate him with floating down the Mississippi River, he also floated down the Neckar River here in Heidelberg. He loved the city, and his time there even inspired some of his writing.

Heidelberg is quite an affluent area, so you get the best of both worlds: a well-maintained city center and a variety of events. I think it's a really eclectic mix — there's some nightlife, not wild, but enough to keep things interesting.

As for the people, I think Germans can sometimes come off as cold — it's a cultural thing. But one-on-one, they are genuinely incredible and kind.

Once you form a friendship, it's very real and straightforward. For example, if a German says, "Let's get coffee," they mean it, which is very cool. In contrast, Americans might say that casually without intending to follow through.

It's an affordable town to visit and live in

Another reason I love Germany is that it's one of the cheaper European countries. Germany is rarely talked about in terms of budget, but I find the food and lodging in Heidelberg to be quite reasonable.

When we moved to Heidelberg in 2016, we rented a one-bedroom apartment with a large living area downstairs and a furnished kitchen for three years for $1,300. The landlord never increased the price.

Food is affordable in Germany, too. I mean, you can get a delicious butter pretzel for $1.69, or you can have a cup of coffee and cake — "kaffee und kuchen," as they call it — for under $3.39. You can even get a full meal for under $23, and that's going to include your glass of wine.

Germany is still very much cash-based, but it's changing.

Germany has an amazing public transportation system, which is an inexpensive and great way to get around. However, we moved our dogs abroad, too, so if I want to take them into the countryside for a walk, that can be really difficult. To get them out to the country — a journey that should take 15 minutes by car— can take 45 minutes to an hour by public transportation.

I moved to Germany thinking we wouldn't buy a car. Once we arrived and lived there for six months, we learned the necessity, especially for taking the dogs around and getting to smaller, more rural places.

Gas in Germany, and Europe in general, is pretty expensive compared to the US. Right now, it's $1.04 per liter in the US, versus $2.21 in Germany — so it's double the price.

There's always something to do in Heidelberg

Heidelberg has incredible castles, something you just don't find in the US.

The most famous is Heidelberg Castle, which has a lot of myths and legends. One involves the town mascot, a court jester named Perkeo from the 1800s. According to local legend, he is said to have only ever drunk wine, and the moment he took a sip of water, he died.

You can spot Perkeo all over the city. He's featured on the Christmas market displays and appears in various decorations at the castle and local restaurants.

Heidelberg has amazing food. You've got your typical sauerkraut and sausages. But there's also Käsespätzle, which is basically an elevated mac and cheese. Also, since Heidelberg is so close to the border with France, one of my favorite things to eat is Flammkuchen, which is kind of like a pizza, but has a very thin crust with sour cream and bacon.

It always made me laugh how often the city shuts down for festivals or markets.

Heidelberg has many festivals, not just Oktoberfest: There's a spring wine festival featuring "new wine"; a castle festival with fireworks that light up the city in summer; and the autumn festival, Herbstfest, in the old town — one of my favorites.

Another of my absolute favorite experiences is the Christmas market. Before moving to Germany, I had no idea how magical these markets could be. The stalls are hand-carved wooden huts, filled with music and glühwein, which is hot, spiced mulled wine.

I love Heidelberg so much that I return every year, even though we now live in Montenegro. My husband and I organize river cruise ships, and we bring our Instagram followers to the city. I think everyone should experience the magic of Heidelberg, especially at Christmastime.

• LendingTree analyzed property tax increases in the 50 largest US metro areas from 2021 to 2023.
• The online lending marketplace ranked the metros by the amount of taxes and by the change over time.
• Birmingham, Alabama, was at the bottom of the tax scale, while New York City was at the top.

So, you've finally bought your dream home.

With still-high home prices and mortgage rates, it probably cost you a pretty penny.

You might think you're in the clear — but not quite. Property taxes are another major expense to keep in mind. For new US homeowners, the property tax sticker shock can be real. And if you've owned your home for years, you've most likely seen your tax bill steadily climb.

Property taxes — which are based on a home's assessed value — can fall or rise over time because of several factors, including the strength of the local real estate market, any home improvements, or changes in local tax rates.

According to data from LendingTree, property taxes rose by 10.4% nationwide from 2021 to 2023, the most recent year data is available. Homeowners in the 50 largest US metropolitan areas in 2023 paid a median of $2,969 annually, or about $247 monthly, in property taxes, regardless of whether they had a mortgage. In many areas, however, homeowners paid hundreds or even thousands more.

The biggest increase was in Tampa, where property taxes jumped 23.3% in the two-year span. Next was Indianapolis, with a 19.8% increase; Dallas, with 19%; and Jacksonville, Florida, with 18.7%. Atlanta and Miami tied for the fifth-biggest increase, with 18.6%.

To illuminate how property taxes vary across the country and how the increases have ranged, we've highlighted the five metros on the list with the highest property tax costs and the five with the lowest.

As it turns out, relatively smaller Southern metros — which often also have a lower overall cost of living — tended to have the lowest property taxes, while more populous and expensive areas in the Northeast and on the West Coast had the highest ones.

Birmingham, Alabama, was at the bottom of the tax scale. With a median home sale price of $213,250 — well below the national median of $430,848 — and a median property tax of $1,091, homeowners had relatively lower bills. At the top was New York City, one of the priciest real estate markets in the world and also home to the nation's highest property taxes.

Below are the large US metros with the lowest and highest property taxes, along with how much they increased in each one from 2021 to 2023, according to LendingTree.

The typical home sale price as of February, the most recent available, is from Redfin, and the 2023 population figures are from the US census.

Metros with the lowest property taxes

5. Nashville

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $1,976
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 14%
• Median home sale price: $470,200

• Metro population: 687,788

4. Phoenix

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $1,927
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 13.3%
• Median home sale price: $470,225

• Metro population: 1,650,070

3. Louisville, Kentucky

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $1,912
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 14.5%
• Median home sale price: $248,500

• Metro population: 246,161

2. Memphis, Tennessee

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $1,856
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 8.9%
• Median home sale price: $180,000
• Metro population: 618,639

1. Birmingham, Alabama

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $1,091
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 13.4%
• Median home sale price: $213,250
• Metro population: 196,644

Metros with the highest property taxes

5. Boston

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $6,696
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 10.2%
• Median home sale price: $858,000
• Metro population: 653,833

4. Austin

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $6,973
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 13.8%
• Median home sale price: $512,500
• Metro population: 979,882

3. San Francisco

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $8,156
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 16.5%
• Median home sale price: $1,392,750
• Metro population: 808,988

2. San Jose, California

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $9,554
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 16.5%
• Median home sale price: $1,444,000

• Metro population: 969,655

1. New York City

• Median property taxes paid in 2023: $9,937
• Percentage change from 2021-2023: 11%
• Median home sale price: $852,500
• Metro population: 8,258,035

• US News & World Report ranked the best states to live in the US in 2025.
• It weighed 71 metrics across eight categories, including education, healthcare, crime, and nature.
• Utah was named the best state to live in the US for the third year in a row.

Where you live is one of the biggest decisions of your life.

People choose where to put down roots for all sorts of reasons — whether it's to cut costs, find better jobs, enjoy nature, or have greater access to public transportation.

Finding the right place isn't always easy, but data can make it a whole lot simpler. Each year, US News & World Report ranks all 50 states based on factors including their economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, crime, and their natural environment. Researchers considered 71 different metrics to rank the best state to live in.

In 2025, most of the best states to live in were in the Midwest and New England. Utah took the top spot for the third year in a row, with New Hampshire close behind at number two for the second straight year. Idaho moved up to third from its 2024 position, while Minnesota held steady at fourth. South Dakota was the only new addition to the top 10.

Despite the South's booming economy and long-standing reputation for affordability and job growth, Florida was the only southern state to make the list. This may signal a broader shift in the region's appeal, as market forces, as well as political and social shifts, continue to reshape the cost of living, school systems, and culture of the South.

Read on for more about the 10 best states to live in the US, according to US News & World Report. While each state has strengths and areas to improve, many offer good schools and hospitals, strong public safety, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

The population data is from the US Census.

10. Washington

Population: 7,958,180

Known for: Economic opportunities driven by Seattle's tech sector often draw new residents to Washington. The Pacific Northwest's ample landscapes and outdoor recreational activities are appealing, too.

Erin Sanchez said she found the best of both worlds in her Seattle suburb in a Business Insider essay published in December 2024.

"We live on a quiet street where the towns of Covington and Maple Valley meet, and suburban life blends with nature. We have ample space for a garden, and hiking and biking trails are minutes away," Sanchez wrote.

Ranked high for: Natural environment (7th out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Opportunity (40th out of 50 states)

9. Massachusetts

Population: 7,136,171

Known for: With major universities, world-class hospitals, and a bustling tech innovation sector concentrated in Boston, Massachusetts' economy is a major draw for residents.

In 2019, writer Jamie Evan Bichelman moved to Boston with his partner. He ultimately moved to the nearby suburb of Sudbury to save on housing. Boston's job opportunities were an important stepping stone.

"Despite the downsides we experienced, we have a lot to thank Boston for, too. We grew into adulthood and advanced our careers there," Bichelman wrote in a 2024 Business Insider essay.

Ranked high for: Healthcare (second out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Infrastructure (39th out of 50 states)

8. South Dakota

Population: 924,669

Known for: Affordable, family-friendly towns with unspoiled access to nature are a major draw for residents of South Dakota.

Single mom Kseniya Melnikova moved to South Dakota from New York City with her daughter in 2023.

"Nature here is less curated and more accessible. Parks are protected as wild zones rather than meticulously manicured gardens, fostering a more symbiotic relationship with nature and wildlife," Melnikova wrote for Business Insider in an essay published in April of 2024.

Ranked high for: Infrastructure (second out of 50 states)

Ranked high for: Healthcare (46th out of 50 states)

7. Vermont

Population: 648,493

Known for: Abundant space, small-town charm, and relatively affordable housing have attracted people to Vermont.

In 2024, Taylor and Tatum Barnes left their Brooklyn studio for a one-bedroom home on 2.6 acres in Hartford, Vermont, near Dartmouth College.

The millennial couple paid $160,000.

"Compared to New York City, the mortgage is half that of what we paid for rent," Tatum said.

Ranked high for: Opportunity (first out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Fiscal stability (41st out of 50 states)

6. Florida

Population: 23,372,215

Known for: Living in a tropical, palm-treed paradise year-round is one reason Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the US. Five of its metropolitan areas — including Orlando and Panama City — experienced some of the biggest population increases in the country last year.

Data analyst Allie Hubers and her husband moved from the Midwest to Destin, Florida. "We still can't believe we live 10 minutes from the ocean, let alone some of the best beaches in the US," she wrote in an essay for Business Insider published in April.

Ranked high for: Economy (first out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Opportunity (47th out of 50 states)

5. Nebraska

Population: 2,005,465

Known for: While Pawnee, Nebraska, recently announced a program that pays people to move there, other parts of the Cornhusker State need no such incentives.

Native Nebraskan Bill MacKenzie told Business Insider in 2024 that he and his husband looked at retiring to California, Florida Texas, and Arizona, but couldn't find a place that fit their budget and tastes. They chose to spend part of the year in Nebraska and part in Mexico.

Ranked high for: Infrastructure (first out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Economy (29th out of 50 states)

4. Minnesota

Population: 5,793,151

Known for: Being the "land of 10,000 lakes."

Amena Ahmed moved to Minneapolis from Ewing, New Jersey, in 2019 for college and stayed put after graduating. She found that she enjoyed hanging out at the lake more than at the beach.

"But I've grown to love these freshwater lakes way more than 'real' ocean beaches," she said in 2023. "The privacy and calm environment make the experience way more enjoyable than what I'm used to on the Jersey Shore, which feels less clean and more hectic."

Ranked high for: Opportunity (seventh out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Economy (28th out of 50 states)

3. Idaho

Population: 2,001,619

Known for: Idaho may be synonymous with potatoes to the uninitiated, but it has a lot more to offer. The state is climbing in favorability, up from the fifth spot on the 2024 list of best states to live in.

A family that moved from California to Idaho found it clean and quiet, with good school options for kids.

Ranked high for: Economy (fourth out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Education (29th out of 50 states)

2. New Hampshire

Population: 1,409,032

Known for: The "Granite State" has picturesque landscapes and relatively little crime.

Business Insider contributor Kelly Burch moved to rural New Hampshire after living in a Boston suburb and has found it a better place to raise her children.

"Our small town has a very close community made up equally of people who grew up here and transplants like us," she wrote in 2024.

Ranked high for: Crime and corrections (first out of 50 states)

Ranked less high for: Fiscal stability (37th out of 50 states)

1. Utah

Population: 3,503,613

Known for: Utah yet again took the number one spot as the best state to live, according to US News & World Report's rankings.

It has a range of places to live, from Salt Lake City, with a population of over 200,000, and more quaint towns like Midway, a popular ski destination.

A millennial mom who moved to Salt Lake City from San Diego said the costs of living and childcare were lower; she was drawn to Utah's natural beauty, safety, and family-friendliness.

Best at: Fiscal stability (first out of 50 states)

Worst at: Opportunity (19th out of 50 states)

• A legal ruling about how real-estate agents are paid has opened new possibilities in real estate.
• Home sellers have more flexibility in how and how much they pay their agents and buyers' agents.
• These startups promise to save home sellers money compared to the traditional commission structure.

Last year, a landmark court decision rocked the real estate world.

The National Association of Realtors, which represents 1.5 million agents nationwide, settled multiple class-action lawsuits over claims that its practices unfairly drove up commissions for both homebuyers and sellers.

As a result, NAR created new rules that give sellers more flexibility in how they pay their agents. Instead of home sellers paying the standard 5% or 6% of a home's purchase price — which pays their agent, who in turn passes along half to the buyer's broker — sellers now have more options that could reduce those costs. Also as a result of the settlement, buyers may be more likely to have to cover their broker's fee themselves.

In reality, not much has changed so far. Many real estate brokerages have found workarounds to ensure their agents keep getting the highest commissions. Only 6% of sellers listed their homes for sale by owner, and 86% of homebuyers still used an agent, NAR found, according to 2024 NAR data.

Startups have long tried to challenge the traditional model of buying and selling homes and its reliance on real estate agents. The court settlement gives their missions new relevance.

For example, a newly launched online marketplace called Galleon allows sellers to list their homes for sale by owner.

Listwise, meanwhile, allows sellers to put out a call for their dream agent, including the level of experience they desire and their ideal commission structure. Agents then bid for the opportunity to sell the home, and the seller has the option to choose one offering lower fees.

Below are six startups, listed in alphabetical order, that are trying to save home sellers money by shaking up the role and pay of the traditional real estate agent.

Galleon

Think Craigslist, but for homes — that's the idea behind Galleon.

Galleon is an off-market, for-sale-by-owner residential marketplace that lets homeowners name their prices to see if any buyers bite.

"We believe that there should be a free and open consumer-led marketplace," Amanda Orson, the CEO and founder of Galleon, told BI.

While similar to platforms like Zillow and Redfin, Galleon removes brokers and agents entirely — a move the company said can save sellers $30,000 or more, presuming a typical 6% commission.

Galleon doesn't post days-on-the-market data for its listings, which Orson said gives sellers "no incentive not to try" going without a broker. On traditional platforms, a high days-on-the-market figure on a listing might lead prospective buyers to think a property is either priced too high or that something is wrong with it.

Creating a listing on Galleon's app or website is free.

For $299, sellers can upgrade their listings with professional photography, a digital yard sign with a QR code so sellers don't have to post their phone numbers publicly, and featured placement on Galleon's website for added visibility.

For those wanting more support, Galleon's $899 package includes tools like a scheduling calendar for inspections and appraisals, an offer management dashboard, in-app e-signing, and access to legal support — all aimed at simplifying the sales process and cutting down out-of-pocket costs for the seller.

"We don't think there is a future without agents," Orson told BI. "We think that there is a minority of people who want to be able to transact without one. That's who we're here to support."

The platform is free for home buyers and available nationwide.

Listwise

Listwise isn't trying to push real estate agents out of the picture — its aim is to help home sellers find the right one.

The platform, aimed primarily at sellers, uses an incentive-based commission model designed to boost competition between agents and improve transparency for home sellers.

Here's how it works: On Listwise's digital platform, sellers share the commission amount they're willing to pay a listing agent and what they're looking for in one — including number of years of experience, importance of local market knowledge, or whether they prefer someone from a big-name brokerage or a smaller local firm. Sellers also propose how much they are willing to pay the buyers' agent.

Listwise then matches the sellers with qualified listing agents in its network who meet those preferences.

Each listing agent then bids for the listing by submitting a personalized offer that includes their commission charge. If a seller chooses one of those agents and the home sells, that agent pays Listwise a referral fee or commission for helping them win the business.

Off-Markt

Alison Bernstein first got the idea for a real estate app when a friend sent her a fitness influencer's Instagram video.

Bernstein liked the flow of the influencer's apartment and messaged her directly to see if she'd be interested in selling. They ended up closing an off-market deal. Bernstein then found an off-market buyer for her own apartment.

It inspired her to create an Off-Markt, an app with an Instagram-like interface that lets homeowners show off their spaces and attract prospective buyers year-round — without ever formally listing them.

"The consumer should own the story of their home. They should own that digital footprint," Bernstein, who is based in New York City, told Business Insider.

On Off-Markt, a user creates profiles for their home. They can post photos showing off the best features of their property. Bernstein's hope is that homeowners feel like they can "own the narrative" of their space and better attract future buyers.

"The average consumer is very savvy," Bernstein said.

Real estate agents create a profile on the app for $50 a month and offer their services to users who might need extra help.

Off-Markt declined to share how many homes and cities are currently listed on the site.

Redy

Josh Altman, a real estate agent featured on "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles," cofounded Redy in 2020 to encourage transparent competition among agents.

On Redy, agents compete for the opportunity to sell your home by offering incentives like a "cash bonus" and competitive commission prices.

"For the first time, sellers get paid cash to pick an agent; as a result, agents are directly invested in the sale," Altman said in a 2024 press release. "All agents have the opportunity to own local seller listings, which will, in return, help them own the local market they operate in and level the playing field for listings. When you own local seller listings, you own your local market."

Kenneth Bloom, who used Redy to sell two homes in Michigan, told BI in 2024 that he appreciated having agents come to him. Otherwise, he said, he would've had to do a lot of legwork to find the right person to sell his homes.

He said he was able to find an experienced agent who was familiar with his area and could get his homes sold fast, which was a priority for him. He ended up finding a buyer for one of the homes in one day through the agent he found on Redy.

Bloom said he received a $1,200 cash bonus for the first house he sold through Redy and $1,040 on the second. He estimated he saved nearly $10,000 on broker commissions between the two transactions.

Ridley

When the tech entrepreneur Mike Chambers wanted to sell his Boulder, Colorado, home in February, he didn't see the point in using an agent.

He described his five-bedroom, four-bathroom home as a "turnkey house in a desirable neighborhood." He wasn't sure how much an agent would have to do besides uploading the home's photos online and unlocking the door for tours.

So Chambers listed the home himself for $2.725 million and started an Instagram called @realtorshateme to document his for-sale-by-owner adventure. The account, which has nearly 18,000 followers, quickly drew the ire of local Boulder agents. Chambers told BI he saw videos of agents on social media saying they wouldn't take clients to his house.

Chambers found an out-of-state buyer through Instagram, but his family ultimately decided to pull their house off the market and stay in Colorado.

The experience opened Chambers' eyes to the possibilities of — and appetite for — a broker-less way to sell your home.

Enter Ridley, a new app that's set to launch by the end of May. It will offer homeowners a suite of AI agents who can help people who want to list their property for sale by owner, or FSBO.

"Technology has basically made almost every step of this process more efficient, and there's been no reflection in the price or in the costs associated with these transactions to reflect that," Chambers said.

The AI agents can do things like write a listing description or book photographers. Sellers would pay a one-time fee of $999 or $1,999 to add an on-call lawyer.

"A product like this that empowers consumers to take control of this process and save lots of money is really good," he added.

Turbohome

Turbohome is a real-estate brokerage that pays agents a salary rather than a more typical commission-based compensation and gives buyers the option to pay a flat fee.

"They have healthcare, they have a salary, and they have consistent work," Ben Bear, Turbohome's cofounder and CEO Ben Bear, said of his agents.

"It's appealing for people who just like working with clients without that pressure of knowing how they're going to pay their next rent check," he told BI in 2024.

Instead of paying a percentage commission, buyers pay a flat fee to the Turbohome agent — between $5,000 and $10,000 — and the commission given to the agent is then credited to the buyer.

Turbohome's site has a "cash back calculator" that shows buyers their refund based on a home's price. For example, a buyer would be refunded $35,000 on a $1.5 million home purchase.

Arnab Dutta used Turbohome to buy a home in the Bay Area in 2024 after trying the traditional route without success in years past, and his offer beat out other offers because he said the seller didn't have to pay his agent's commission, he previously told BI.

Turbohome launched in 2024 and had raised $3.85 million as of March. The brokerage currently operates in California, Texas, and Washington.

• In 2021, Florida resident Shannon Moore sold her $2 million real estate portfolio.
• Moore then bought an 11.5-acre campground in a small North Carolina town for $290,000.
• She opened a tiny home vacation park. Although business is slow, she's confident in her choice.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shannon Moore, 52, the owner of the Magical Mountain Resorts, a tiny home vacation rental village in Hayesville, North Carolina. Hayesville is a small town about five hours west of Raleigh and around three hours northeast of Atlanta. The conversations have been edited for length and clarity.

I lived in Florida my whole life. But after I divorced and turned 50, I just got tired of it — call it a midlife crisis.

I had been a real-estate agent in Florida for 20 years and built a portfolio of three duplexes and two small homes. But over the years, the cost of insurance and maintaining the rental properties had greatly increased. I started to think, "Maybe it's time to cash out."

In 2021, I sold my real-estate portfolio for about $2 million. I wanted to use that money to buy a campground or a property with little cabins somewhere in the mountains, like Tennessee or the Carolinas.

That's when I found a listing on Zillow — a Hayesville, North Carolina property. It was 11 and a half acres, and on the market for $290,000. It came with five tiny cabins, a larger house, a pavilion, and 20 RV slots.

All the cabins looked like they would fall. A friend who works in real estate flew to Hayesville to check out the property with me. He was like, "Do not do it." He said, "This place just needs to be torn down. It's a shithole."

But I had my own plan. I bought the property in November 2021 and moved in soon after.

I followed my dreams of building a tiny-home park

I decided to turn the property into a tiny-home park for vacation rentals.

I had money left over from selling my real-estate portfolio and used every dime to rehab the Hayesville property.

The campground wasn't operational when I bought it — it hadn't been for about 15 years. I had to install new sewer lines, gravel roads throughout the park, and new plumbing and electrical systems. I also gutted the five existing cabins on the property and added new appliances, furniture, and decor to each one.

I designed a Florida-themed camper for myself to live in, and brought in two tiny homes on wheels. One is a double-decker bus from southern England, and the other is a small, tiny house on a trailer. So, I have seven rentable units on the property.

When styling the village, I wanted it to be something unique. I didn't want "black bear cabins" with rustic furniture and bear blankets on the couch.

I wanted something whimsical and cool, so I decided on a fairy-tale village.

My tiny village is one of a kind

Before decorating the cabins, I researched copyrights because I didn't want to get a letter from Disney or Warner Bros.

I discovered that Lewis Carroll's original "Alice in Wonderland" is in the public domain, meaning there are no copyrights. That means I could use imagery inspired by it, like mushrooms, rabbits, and the Queen of Hearts.

I have two cabins at the front of the property that are "Alice in Wonderland"-themed. One is Alice's White Bunny Cottage, painted pink and blue. Outside, mushrooms and flowers light up with solar-powered lights, and you'll find little hedgehogs, mushrooms, and tiny keys scattered throughout the flower beds.

There's also a Harry Potter-themed cabin called The Caretaker's Cabin — renamed for copyright reasons — and a double-decker bus called The Midnight Bus, which resembles the Knight Bus from the series.

I also have a Snow White Cabin, one of the tiny homes on wheels. It's a white cottage decorated with baskets of apples and red poppies.

Then two Candyland-themed cabins look like gingerbread houses, with frosting dripping off the roofs.

Over 250 local and international artists have contributed to the property's artworks or furnishings. The doors for the "Alice in Wonderland" and Candyland cabins were hand-carved in Turkey.

My visitors come from all walks of life

The village opened to visitors in March 2023. I often run promotions, and right now, I'm offering a rate of $99 per night.

My guests are typically grandparents traveling with their grandchildren, nuclear families, university groups, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and birthday celebrations.

Disney, Warner Bros., and Harry Potter fans also frequently visit — it's a fun and diverse crowd.

Honestly, business can be pretty up and down. Sales tend to slow in September when kids return to school, and again during the winter months when it gets colder, but things usually pick back up in the spring and summer.

I did well from March through August last year, but when Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina, no one came, even though my property didn't suffer any damage.

Business is currently down because people are worried about the economy. However, it's starting to pick back up — I was almost fully booked for March and April.

I haven't made a profit, but I'm hopeful business will pick up

I haven't made a profit compared to how much I've invested in the property.

Electricity costs me about $1,700 a month on average. Thankfully, water is free since I have a fresh spring well flowing from a nearby mountain. But there are always extra expenses — for example, I'm currently redoing the roads, a $10,000 project.

After covering the bills, I usually reinvest any remaining revenue into the property. I've added many amenities to make the village more appealing to visitors. In August, I built a large barn with a fenced area and brought in two miniature horses, a donkey, three Nigerian dwarf goats, two Kunekune pigs, and two Patagonian cavies.

I also created a massive fairy garden, which cost about $5,000 to build, and I refurbish it every few months.

Despite everything, I feel like I'm building both a dream and my retirement, and who wouldn't be happy about that?

I live on a beautiful property. The front borders a certified trout creek, and the back connects to the Nantahala Forest. I lived on the beach for 50 years, which was great, but I wanted a different vibe — new scenery, a fresh experience. Now, I live in a cute, quaint little town.

Sure, I could've taken the $2 million and put it into stocks or a 401(k), and just lived off the returns. But for me, creating a place where families can make memories is far more meaningful. Some guests come back two, three, or even four times — and you can't put a price on that.

• Isheeta Borkar and her now-husband met when she lived in Vancouver and he lived in Seattle.
• When they married in 2019, they decided Canada was the best place to build their life together.
• In Canada, Borkar feels more accepted and like she can travel without being excessively questioned.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Isheeta Borkar, a 33-year-old working in human resources and travel blogger living in Vancouver. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

My husband and I are originally from India, but moved separately to the US and Canada over a decade ago.

When we met in 2018, he lived in Seattle, and I lived in Vancouver. We dated for over a year, going across the border every weekend to meet. After our wedding in 2019, he moved to Canada to be with me.

We travel often to the US because my husband works for a major tech company and has work commitments there, and my sister lives in Seattle.

Since obtaining Canadian citizenship in 2017, I haven't encountered any challenges crossing the border — until recently.

When we visited Seattle from Vancouver in February, political tensions between both countries were noticeably rising, and we were asked significantly more questions than usual at the border.

Instead of the typical inquiries like "Where are you going?" or "What's the purpose of your visit?", we faced more probing questions such as, "Why are you going there?", "Are you planning to work from there?", and "How many days off are you taking?"

The extensive questioning made us feel considerably more nervous than before. Now I feel a knot in my stomach whenever we cross the border.

I felt more comfortable living in Canada.

When I got married, my parents were very surprised that my husband moved to Canada instead of me moving to the US.

After all, the US is the land of opportunities. There are seemingly more job prospects for ambitious, career-minded people, and the salaries are often higher.

As an immigrant, I believe there's a trade-off to living in the US. I have many friends and family members who live there, all of whom are immigrants. Over the years, I've noticed that regardless of their visa status — a tourist visa, H-1B, or green card — they rarely feel confident or secure about leaving the country and returning.

Recently, there's been much more questioning about when immigrants travel to and from the US. There's always a sense of nervousness for them: "Will I be allowed back in?" or "What if they don't let me return?"

I haven't had to worry about that in Canada. I can travel freely — leave and return easily.

Canada has its pros and cons.

Canada and the US are similar in many ways, but they are also very different. Both countries receive a lot of immigrants. However, I think they differ in their societal attitudes toward newcomers.

Many years ago, I spent two or three months living with my sister in Seattle. I never felt completely welcome or at home enough to build a life there.

However, in the part of Canada where we live, people make it easier to feel at home because of their warmth and welcoming attitudes. It also feels easier to get permanent residency in Canada, blend in, and be part of the community.

Canada also has other great things, like universal healthcare, but some cons exist.

Over the next 10 years, I don't envision having as many opportunities as I would have in the US, not just in terms of a higher salary or career prospects, but also in everyday services.

Food delivery and access to Indian groceries or other services are more limited in Canada, in my experience. Sure, there are more options in larger cities like Vancouver, but you won't find much when you go to smaller cities within British Columbia.

Many Canadians are concerned about tariffs and the looming trade war

My husband and I first felt the impacts of the trade war after putting our apartment in Vancouver up for sale in February.

It's been on the market for about three months, and we've had a couple of showings and a few open houses, but we haven't received any offers.

I believe it's because many people are waiting to see how things play out economically and politically. Many people fear what Trump will decide regarding tariffs and what kind of retaliation might follow.

If there are more tariffs, people may expect life to become more expensive. That could make more people think before they spend.

The real-estate market is also down, which is contributing to people's uncertainty about purchasing property.

Canadians are finding different ways to support the local economy, though.

For example, the BC Liquor Store, the provincial liquor store in British Columbia, has shifted its inventory. It now stocks more BC wines than international selections, such as those from California.

People are also supporting Canada in terms of travel. Some of my friends, who enjoy visiting warmer places like Hawaii or Florida, have canceled their trips there.

We don't plan on moving to the US anytime soon.

My husband and I will continue traveling the US, especially to visit my sister. For her, leaving the country might be more difficult than it is for me to meet her. I work remotely, and she doesn't.

However, if it becomes more difficult to visit her, I'll have to reduce my visits from once a month to maybe every three months.

For now, we're planning to stay in Canada. However, we never say never about living in the States one day.

If something changes, like if we have an extraordinary opportunity — a position that would advance either of our careers in the US — and if that's our priority, we could probably make something work temporarily.

• Stacy Spahr put his property on Neighbor, a site where people can rent storage or parking spaces.
• Since then, about 60 people have parked RVs, buses, and other vehicles on his land.
• He charges each between $90 and $200 a month, earning him a total of about $74,000 since 2022.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Stacy Spahr, 57, who owns an insurance company in Portland, Oregon. Since 2022, Spahr has used the storage and parking platform Neighbor to rent land on his property to people who need a place to park their vehicles or boats.

It has been edited for length and clarity.

I own a two-acre property about 30 minutes from downtown Portland that has a small rental home on it. I purchased it from my parents in 2022.

Before I bought the property, my dad had used the land to store belongings for some of his friends — things like trailers. He was old-school, so the arrangements were made with just a handshake.

As the new owner, it made sense to continue. There are about 21 lots on the property, and I didn't have enough friends to fill them. I knew I needed to bring in other renters, ideally through a platform that could take much of the work off my plate.

I stumbled across Neighbor on Google. The platform helps property owners find renters who need parking spaces. The company acts somewhat like a property manager, mediating between me and the renters.

I don't really deal with renters directly, except through the app's messaging feature, which I use very little. Honestly, it almost feels like the renter is running the show — I'm just making the space available and collecting money.

I started renting out my property in 2022. I've had RVs, travel trailers, boats, and even a bus parked on the land, and I've made about $74,000 so far.

Renting my yard out on Neighbor is a low lift

I use Neighbor on my phone as an app, but it's also available online.

The platform works pretty simply: I list my available spaces, and Neighbor suggests how much I should charge, though I can adjust the price. The company verifies renters through their driver's licenses. The renter pays Neighbor, and then 30 days after payment is collected, Neighbor deposits the money into my checking account.

The company takes a small cut of the rent and charges the renter a service fee.

A cool thing about the platform is that Neighbor guarantees payment.

A couple of times, renters have fallen behind on payments. When that happens, Neighbor sends me a notification and asks me to stand by for instructions. They might ask for a photo of what's in the spot, and as long as I follow their requests, like sending photos of the lot or allowing a tow truck to come to the property, I still get paid.

People have tried to steer me outside the app occasionally, like, "Hey, here's my phone number, can we work something out directly?" They're usually trying to avoid fees. But I always say no. Using the app provides insurance coverage and records all our conversations. If there's ever an issue, Neighbor stands behind it.

The spots on my land are constantly booked

I started in June 2022 with one spot. It was rented in a day, so I started another spot. It rented quickly. I kept adding to the spots, and now I have about 21.

The lots on my property are almost always full. I currently have one open, which is rare.

Each lot is a little different. For example, I have one covered and a few larger ones, so pricing can vary. My cheapest space rents for $90 a month, and the most expensive goes for $200.

This June will make three years working with Neighbor. In 2022, when I started, I made $7,660; in 2023, I made $25,436; in 2024, I made $29,743; and through May of 2025, I expect to have made $11,572.

My mortgage payment on the property is around $2,500 a month. My daughter, a traveling nurse, rents a home that sits on the property from me.

On average, I make around $2,500 a month from the Neighbor renters.

After covering taxes and a few other expenses — maybe around $500 — I'm left with a couple of thousand dollars a month, free and clear.

I'm reinvesting my earnings back into my home

I'm not using the money I make from Neighbor to supplement my income or pay off debts, mainly because, other than my house, I don't have any debt. I work in insurance and financial planning, so retirement savings is already in my wheelhouse.

That said, everyone's situation is different. Renting out your yard could be a great way for others to supplement their income or save for retirement.

This started out as a fun project for me, and honestly, it turned out better than I expected once I got Neighbor involved.

I own property that increases in value each year, and I'm using the money I make from Neighbor to improve it. I enjoy fixing things up — landscaping, adding gravel, and all that.

Unless something crazy happens — like my home doubling in price — I don't see myself selling the property or leaving Neighbor anytime soon.

In a few years, I might retire and move to Arizona. If that happens, I'll definitely consider hiring someone to manage the home and keep the property running for me.

• Alicia Walter and Nathan Stark have visited 47 countries across the world.
• Their favorite is Albania, a small European country that remains under the radar of most travelers.
• The couple loved Albania's culture, beauty, and cheaper cost of living, so they moved there.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Alicia Walter, 28, and Nathan Stark, 41. The couple has visited 47 countries and moved from San Diego to Tirana, Albania, in 2023. Together, they run The Passport Couple, a travel-advice blog.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Alicia: My husband and I have traveled through much of Central and South America, parts of Africa, a good portion of Europe, and most of Southeast and East Asia.

We've visited 47 countries, but our favorite is Albania, an underrated country in the Balkans.

Albania is absolutely gorgeous and still feels untouched by mass tourism, especially compared to other European destinations like Barcelona, Paris, London, Rome, and even Prague. The food is some of our favorite anywhere, and the locals are incredibly welcoming and have treated us like family.

It's not perfect. The country is still developing after its communist era ended in the 1990s, so you'll still see bunkers scattered across cities. A major earthquake near Tirana, the capital, in 2019 also destroyed many homes, apartment buildings, and businesses, so there's still a lot of ongoing construction.

That's part of what makes it so unique — every time we return, it feels like discovering a new place.

Albania has stunning nature and good weather

Alicia: Albania is across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, bordering Greece and Montenegro.

It's a relatively small country, probably about the size of Portugal. You can easily road trip the entire country in a week or two.

It has a mild climate, typical of the Mediterranean region. Winters are generally mild, and summers can get quite hot inland, but along the coast, the weather is much more comfortable.

The country is probably best known for the Albanian Riviera — a stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea with crystal-clear blue waters. Theth National Park is also stunning. We drove through it in the fall, and it felt like a magazine.

Albania has mountains, including the Albanian Alps, the Korab Mountains, and the Tomorr Mountains. While there aren't any ski resorts, the mountains get snow and are great for hiking.

It's just so beautiful here. Every time we head out into nature, away from the city centers, we're blown away by how stunning it is, and how little we'd heard about it before.

Albania's architecture is quite diverse. In towns like Berat, known as the city of 1,000 windows, you'll find well-preserved Ottoman architecture — white stone buildings with dark-tiled roofs and wooden-shuttered windows, some dating back nearly 2,000 years.

In contrast, Tirana's architecture is a mix of styles. There are remains of communist-era buildings and new, modern developments with many green spaces.

Living in Albania is incredibly affordable

Alicia: We moved to Tirana in February 2023. We had been traveling full-time for three years, just living out of suitcases, and wanted to settle in Europe.

We live in a brand-new apartment complex in a fully furnished 740-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit. We pay 450 euros, about $520, in monthly rent. Utilities — internet, water, and electricity — cost us around 100 euros, or $115, monthly.

Housing in Albania is way more affordable than in the States. In 2019, before traveling abroad, we lived in San Diego and rented a 630-square-foot, one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit about an hour from the city center for $1,250 a month — the cheapest rent we could find.

The value for money here is incredible.

International food in the city can be a bit more expensive, but traditional Albanian meals are super affordable. You'll usually get five or six shared dishes, served family-style, along with a liter of wine, or some beers, and rarely spend more than $50.

Public transportation is also great and affordable in Tirana.

Nathan: I've been surprised to see how many electric-vehicle taxis are here; they have become the main ride-share form.

Alicia: The city was recently added to Google Maps, which has made navigating even easier. Riding a bus within the city costs just 40 cents per ride. There are shuttles for trips to other towns — we took one to the port city of Durrës for about $10.

We can walk most places and don't really need a car in Tirana

Alicia: Our neighborhood is super walkable, with bike lanes and sidewalks almost everywhere. Our day-to-day needs are within walking distance, which is amazing coming from San Diego.

We've got a grocery store just down the street, a bakery where we can get fresh bread for about $1, and a produce stand nearby for fruits and veggies. There's even a bookstore that sells English books about a 25-minute walk from us.

There isn't much of a nightlife scene in Albania. Though to be fair, we're not big nightlife people ourselves.

Instead, people here really value what are known as "third spaces." Many Albanians live in multi-generational homes, where extended families live together. These third spaces are often green areas within apartment complexes, like shared courtyards, where everyone gathers, especially around sunset.

There's something called "xhiro," which is like an evening social hour. At that time, everyone heads outside: kids play; parents chat; neighbors catch up. People often go to cafés, which are a big part of the culture here. They'll order an espresso and a glass of water, and just sit and relax for hours.

There are some trade-offs to life in Albania, but the pros outweigh the cons

Nathan: The money we save on food and living expenses in Albania has greatly affected our lives.

It's allowed us to travel and invest more in our travel business. Part of the reason we left the US to pursue this dream is that we simply couldn't afford to do it there.

There are some trade-offs to living here, though. For example, we have to go to different places to get everything we need: one store for dry goods, the produce market for fruits and vegetables, a bakery for bread, and another grocery store just to get coffee. Convenience can be a challenge.

We also don't have shipping here. There's no reliable way to get packages delivered because we don't have proper addresses — just a street name that everyone on the street uses.

Still, there are a lot of advantages to living here.

A big one is Albania's visa policy. US citizens get a 365-day visa on arrival. Plus, our Schengen visa days reset whenever we leave Albania and travel to the EU. For example, we can take a $100 flight to Rome for the weekend, and when we return, we can start fresh with more time in the EU.

Alicia: Beyond that, locals have been incredibly supportive and genuinely helpful to us getting settled here.

Ultimately, our dream is to buy a home in Italy, but there are a lot of steps before we get there. Right now, we're just really happy here in Albania.

• John Lovell is a professional traveler who has lived in or visited 89 countries worldwide.
• Of all places, he told Business Insider that Salzburg, Austria, is his absolute favorite.
• He said the area's natural beauty, culture, and warm welcome from the locals make it worth visiting.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with John Lovell, 60, who has traveled to 89 countries and hundreds of cities in his lifetime. Lovell is the president of Travel Leaders Network, a company that sells luxury travel, cruises, and tours.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Over the years, I've visited 89 countries and lived in many cities. There isn't a single country I've visited that I did not like — but some I just happen to like more than others.

I've been to isolated places like Tahiti, home to some of the most beautiful beaches and incredible overwater bungalows. I've also been to smaller countries like the Vatican and traveled to South Africa, which has some of the world's best vineyards and game preserves.

I've also visited more popular and famous European cities like Paris and London, where I once lived. I love both cities, and if I had to choose my top five, they'd both be on there. However, if I could live anywhere full-time, it would be in Salzburg, Austria.

Salzburg is at the top of my list because it's smaller and more intimate. There are fewer tourists than in London or Paris, so it's easier to experience the city and its culture — plus, the people are incredibly welcoming.

Salzburg's natural beauty is breathtaking

Salzburg is located in Central Europe, right at the foothills of the Alps. The landscape is green and lush, and the scenery is truly stunning. The city is surrounded by lakes, with rivers flowing through its heart.

While the winters can be a bit cold for me, the overall climate is quite pleasant, similar to upstate New York, so fairly temperate for the most part.

Salzburg is rich in history, has wonderful museums, and is the birthplace of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It's also known for its Gothic and baroque architecture and beautiful catholic churches.

Salzburg is also famous because parts of "The Sound of Music" were filmed there. In the 1965 film, the von Trapp family — based on a real Austrian musical family — escapes Nazi-occupied Austria. A popular scene in the film, where governess Maria and the children sing "Do-Re-Me," was shot at Mirabell Gardens and the Pegasus Fountain.

There's something for everyone

The city isn't overly expensive, partly because it's a bit off the beaten path. Most hotels range from mid- to high-end, with prices typically between $100 and $400 per night. Visiting won't necessarily break the bank for many travelers.

Salzburg is also a well-known getaway spot if you're into skiing and similar winter activities. While there's no skiing right in the city, it's just a short trip into the mountains.

For the younger crowd, you'll find options if you're into nightclubs and dancing. There are also plenty of great restaurants. So, even though Salzburg isn't a massive metropolis, it still has plenty to offer.

The locals make you feel welcome

Salzburg has many cultures. Many people speak English, German, and sometimes French.

I think it's a great place to get a true sense of European culture in a midsize town.

Of all European cities, I'd compare Salzburg to Prague or Edinburgh — but those cities don't have the sheer natural beauty of the mountains and rivers surrounding them.

The people of Salzburg truly embrace travelers. You can walk into a local pub, have some schnapps with them, and by the time you finish your drink, it feels like you've known them forever.

The first time I visited Salzburg, I met some people from Florida. One was an older, retired gentleman who owned a home in Austria. He invited me to visit him and his wife and stay at their house.

They introduced me to people in the local community, showed me around, took me to restaurants, and hosted me on a boat ride. I fell in love with the area and have returned to that city four times.

I've never had a bad interaction with anyone there. It's always been very positive — everyone is helpful and genuinely interested in you: where you're from, why you're visiting. It's such a nice feeling to be so welcomed, and that's why I keep returning.

• 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.