A thriving, exciting community of nearly 140,000 residents, Waco, Texas is located almost directly in the center of the state. While the population of Waco is smaller when compared to its sister cities — Austin and Dallas — Waco is big on Texas charm.

Alaska has much to offer, and there is a lot of it. Those who live in Alaska though, live a different kind of lifestyle. Anyone considering living in Alaska, as they would for any city or state, needs to consider the pros and cons of the decision. Every town, every city, and every state has its upsides and its downsides. Here is a look at some of the pros and cons of living in Alaska.

Home security has advanced significantly in the last several years now that it is affordable and accessible. Companies such as Google Nest and Ring allow you to add a layer of security to your home without spending a fortune. So, is it possible to record a Nest cam locally?

There are hundreds of cities in California in which  to live. Though the heaviest concentration of the population is in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, there are more than a few towns that fly under the radar. Paradise, CA is one such city. Prior to 2018, it was a burgeoning little town tucked away in the northeastern Sacramento Valley. It has since been devasted by wildfire not once, but twice. The town of Paradise is in a rebuilding effort that is ongoing to this day.

Alexa is a popular cloud-based voice service that is available on millions of devices made both by Amazon and third-party manufacturers. It is used to stream music, listen to daily weather reports, control smart appliances, provide information, and more. One of the best aspects of Alexa is your ability to customize its features to better suit your lifestyle. One of these features is whether Alexa speaks back to you after being delivered a command or not.

Albuquerque is a city of year-round sunshine, vibrant cultures, and a diverse community. There’s an energetic downtown scene and friendly neighborhoods nestled in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. Albuquerque’s communities have much to offer virtually anyone, but what are the safest neighborhoods in Albuquerque?

Idaho is not the kind of state that most people think of when it comes to anything “urban.” This heavily rural state is mostly famous for potatoes, and not much else other than that. (Sorry, Idahoans.) However, this doesn’t mean that urban exploration is a no-go. The truth is that you can find a fair number of interesting, quirky, and spooky places that have been abandoned within the state’s borders.

About 90% of all households in the United States have a heating and air conditioning system, which makes it one of the most popular—and essential—pieces of home equipment. That makes thermostats a hot commodity, too, as they play an important role in making sure your HVAC system runs properly.

California is one of the most expensive states in the United States. The cost of living is much higher in California than in most states, but it is worth it for what you get. Santa Barbara is among the most beautiful, unique, and cultured California cities, but what is the cost of living?

Are you interested in living in a lake town with mountains nearby? Do you enjoy gambling and prefer cooler climates to warm beaches? If so, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, may be the perfect hometown for you. Unlike many other lake and alpine towns, the cost of living in Coeur d’Alene is actually close to the national average and more attainable for people with modest or average incomes, although the median income is quite low there. 

Located in Jackson County, Oregon, the city of Medford is the county seat. The town had a population of 78,557 as of July 1, 2014, and its metropolitan area had a population of 208,545, making it the fourth-largest metro area in Oregon. Many residents love it there, but is it a good place to live?

When people think of places to retire, they don’t immediately jump to Minnesota. They might for Florida or Hawaii, but not this place. However, there are plenty of people who choose to retire to this state every year. This state offers a lot of benefits for snowbirds who want to have a more affordable retirement in their old age. It’s all about choosing the right place to move…

Brooklyn is a perfect area for residents in New York that want to avoid the craziness of Manhattan. You get the benefit of a short commute without the exorbitant costs and rampant crime. So, what are the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn?

If you ask any Texan what the best city in the state is, they’ll probably tell you Dallas. Along with having football teams like the Dallas Cowboys, this glowing town is known for being one of the most expansive cities in the United States. Urban sprawl means that this has a ton of neighborhoods that are often the size of small towns—or even were formerly known as small towns in the past.

One of the trademarks that have enabled the success of Vizio and their televisions is an exceptional user experience. So, of course, when that whenever-we-want wherever-we-want right-now service is anything but, we panic. Don’t. In most cases, if a  Vizio TV has connection or signal issues it isn’t an end of the world problem.

The Sony TV blinking a red light 6 times is usually an indication of error. While there are many possible causes and fixes, some require the user to be more technically inclined than others.

San Antonio is such a gorgeous city known for its host of wealthy neighborhoods, some of which celebrities such as Shaq and Kyle Rote call home. But, what is it like to live in these neighborhoods? Which ones are the wealthiest in San Antonio?

Rockville, Maryland boasts the charms of a small town with the opportunities of a big city. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. makes it a prime location for commuters seeking to live away from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital.

Between historic venues and charming towns found in Connecticut and beautiful vistas and outdoor adventure in Colorado, it can be tough to choose a winning state. Considering the high quality of life in each, coupled with the opportunity for growth, both of these states are top contenders.

When most people think of California, it doesn’t take long before they picture the gorgeous beaches that populate the state. Those beaches are signature features of California and tourists flock to them regularly. Of course, you can opt to live near California’s beaches instead of just visiting them.

Florida is a state that’s both popular as a tourist location and a place to retire. It’s easy to see why. There’s good food, entertainment venues, cool sights to see, and affordable pricing. That’s why Sarasota is becoming increasingly popular too—it’s a slice of classic Florida. But that doesn’t mean that you should immediately move there. Like any other city, it’s a good idea to look at both the perks and pitfalls of this city before you move in.

Dallas and Chicago are two cities that are currently undergoing a major renaissance. Top companies are moving back to these cities just because they can, and the truth is, it’s good for everyone. People are starting to move to these cities in record numbers. Some even have a choice on which city they can choose. Are you wondering which city is the best one for you?

When people think of places that are abandoned, they generally don’t think of cities where the rent is through the roof. I mean, who would, right? Believe it or not, San Diego has a serious issue with abandoned places. For real estate investors and house hunters, this is bad. Kind. For people who like checking out urban scenes, it’s great. But, where can you go in San Diego?

Do you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because your Honeywell thermostat won’t go below 70? This can be frustrating, especially during those scorching summer months. We’re here to help!

Oregon, located in the majestic Pacific Northwest, bordering Nevada, Washington, Idaho, and California is becoming more and more popular among people wanting to relocate. And with the beauty and other good things the state has to offer, this is not surprising.

Nothing is more frustrating than buying a new appliance or other item and finding that the package is incomplete. Missing or inadequate screws are one of the most often found missing items. This is true for Samsung TVs, especially the screws to mount the Samsung TV to the legs or a wall mount.

While it may be most well-known for having the same name of a city in the state right next to it, Kansas City, Missouri has plenty of things to do and see that makes it stand out against its namesake neighbor.

With the advancement of smart technology and software, smart homes are becoming extremely popular. Whether you want to go all out with a smart home or simply include one or two pieces of smart technology, a Nest thermostat is a great place to start. While they offer many advantages over other thermostats, Nest thermostats still have their fair share of problems. One of these problems is when you suddenly have no power to the Rh wire.

If you’ve ever gone to the South, then you know that this section of the United States is rich in lore. Such is the case with North  Carolina, a state that has a rich history as well as a slew of abandoned buildings that never quite made it to the modern age. Some are haunted, while others are just haunting to look at. Are you ready to take a road trip with us and learn about some of the cooler ones we’ve found?

Bluffton, South Carolina, is a growing city with a population of over 25,000. Since 2010, the population has shot up over 59 percent. People will recognize a few things when looking into Bluffton when visiting or deciding to live there.

When your internet goes out, you may have a problem that you can fix from the comfort of your home. Cox internet is often very dependable, but like most companies, minor difficulties can occur. So, what do you do when Cox internet keeps going out on you?

Many people dream of retiring to a beachfront community with year-round warm weather and a safe and friendly neighborhood. Those moving to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, can find the best of all worlds, combining safety, affordability, and unbeatable scenic views from just about everywhere in the town.

You can call it paradise, the Aloha State, or Hawaii, but 974,563 people call it home. Hawaii consists of several islands that are each unique in their own right as far as the benefits that they have to offer. Of course, you won’t find anywhere to live that isn’t without its flaws, and that applies to Hawaii.

There are few states that have as much history to it as Pennsylvania. Once home to the original capital of the United States, this area still remains a major stronghold when it comes to our political process. Living in Pennsylvania means you have a lot of territory. Two peoples’ experiences might be totally different. So, what can you expect from moving to this state?

California has a reputation that tends to precede it when it comes to crime. We’ve all heard about the high crime rates in places like Compton, Oakland, and even Los Angeles. But when it comes to Sacramento? This city never quite has the sordid crime reputation that other cities in California tend to have.

Syracuse is one of the five major cities in upstate New York which also include, New York City, Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo. As part of upstate New York, Syracuse is a city that will show you that it can be just as appealing as its surrounding and sometimes more famous counterparts.

It seems as though living in Oregon is high on almost everyone’s list nowadays, and for good reason. In fact, Bend, Oregon is the second fastest growing city in the country. The state is known for its breathtaking scenery, numerous recreational opportunities, excellent breweries, and, overall, a very laidback lifestyle.

In search of a new place to live, a lot of people tend to look to the coasts. That’s understandable given that the east and west coasts are known to feature the glamour states. Still, you cannot disregard the potential benefits of moving South.

Honolulu is a beautiful, bustling city with a stunning coastline. It’s the capital of Hawaii located on the south shore of Oahu. Hawaii’s a nice, warm, and safe place to live. In addition, it has the second-lowest violent crime rate in the Pacific region at 2.9 incidents per 1,000 people.

With the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, year-round sunshine, and palm tree-lined streets, Los Angeles has long been considered a dream city to live for many. In fact, people travel here from all over the world with dreams and desires of becoming rich and famous.

It’s no secret that we need reliable internet in this day and age. This fact makes it all the more frustrating when your WiFi unexpectedly stops working. If you have an Altice One router that is not working, you’re in the right place to learn about how to troubleshoot issues with WiFi connectivity.

There is no shortage of reasons why Maine’s 1.34 million residents have stayed in the coastal New England state. Maine offers beautiful sights, remarkable food, beautiful autumnal seasons, and a low cost of living to top it off. No matter which way you slice it, Maine is an inviting state where you can comfortably live for little money.

When one thinks of arguably the most famous Florida city, what comes to mind is the white sand beaches, art deco architecture, Cuban food, vibrant culture, and tropical atmosphere. Miami has so much to offer its residents and visitors, both on and beyond the beaches. Situated on the southern tip of mainland Florida, Miami is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay to the east and the Everglades National Park to the west.

Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina and home to about 90,000 people. It is one of the five cities located in the metro area. Though Asheville is a charming area with a Southern feel, it boasts both pros and cons.

As a native New Jerseyan, I definitely understand the charm of the Garden State. I love the pungence of the state, not to mention all the wonderful foodie-friendly places that you can find within a driving distance. Waldwick is one of those towns that people often overlook, especially in city-heavy Bergen County. However, this is a shame. It’s an amazing place to live. Here’s why.

Orlando may be known for its theme parks and tourist attractions, but there’s more to this central Florida city than that. It’s often rated as a top city for young professionals, and it combines elements of both suburban and urban living, which is appealing to residents. The median home value is around $240,000, with a median rent of close to $1,200, making it an affordable city for many people who live there.

Rhode Island is currently the smallest state in the Union, and it’s one of those places where people tend to assume they are not going to find much. Oh, how much of a misconception this is. Rhode Island has a lot of crazy stuff packed in its tiny borders. During its history, there have been tons of places that have become a part of history.

Cincinnati, Ohio, is a Midwest city with a relatively strong job market and a low cost of living. In 2019, Cincinnati was ranked as the 10th most affordable city in the country. It’s known for a vibrant craft beer scene, with more than 40 breweries throughout the city. Plus, Cincinnati has a huge park system which is great if you love to get outside.

It can be highly frustrating when your broadband connection starts bugging out and blinking red. It’s even more frustrating when there are different blinking lights, and you don’t know what they mean. So what does it mean if your AT&T broadband connection has a red light that’s blinking?

Miami and Philadelphia are cities that many would consider to be polar opposites. One is a party-hardy city right next to the beach, and the other one is a historically significant place with a lot of Ivy League glory. If you find yourself in a situation where you have an option to move to one of these two cities, you might be wondering which choice is for you. Don’t worry, we have the details.

Maine is the northernmost state on the East Coast, and to a point, often is regarded as a cousin of Canada. There’s no denying that living in Maine is a deep culture clash for most people in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, but that isn’t always a bad thing. The state’s lifestyle is actually pretty highly regarded. But, is it actually a good place for YOU to move to?

Cost of living is a factor that is often used to determine how expensive one location is versus another. As such, it is commonly used by people who are trying to decide where they want to live. If you’re considering Texas, you’re not alone as roughly half of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. are located in Texas. The state is highly desired for its excellent job opportunities, cultural diversity, central location, both urban and rural living, and amazing food.

Erie, Pennsylvania, is the fourth largest city in the state and is known as “Flagship City.” At UpgradedHome, we tend to focus on big cities, not the fourth largest city, so my research came as a surprise. If you have been thinking about moving to Pennsylvania but don’t want to live in the bustle of Pittsburgh, you should consider living in Erie.

If you’re like me, your wi-fi is your life. You want to make sure that your router gives the best signal possible. Unfortunately, routers don’t exactly look stylish. They can be a major eyesore. That’s why people often try to make them easy to hide. Cabinets are a common method, but is this really the best possible method?

In 1863, West Virginia joined the Union as our 35th state.  The Mountain State was previously a part of the United States when it was considered part of Virginia.  However, counties voted, and most chose to secede from the larger state during the tumultuous Civil War.   

Lexington, KY, is in Fayette County in the Bluegrass Region of the state.  The city has a lot to offer, but what exactly is it that makes Lexington, KY a good place to live?

It’s no secret that everything is bigger in Texas. However, that doesn’t apply to the shockingly low housing costs. So, why are houses in Texas so cheap?

Ordinarily, we don’t have to do too much to our Comcast  cable box. And most of the time, it requires very little knowledge to operate and use. From time to time, however, it is good to understand what our magic little box is doing. Like when it has a flashing blue light.

Iowa is one of those states that is often overlooked when choosing places to move. The truth is many people are attracted to the idea of living in Iowa for many different reasons. Iowa has good education with decent public schools, lower cost of living, affordable houses, and most cities have low crime rates. We wanted to keep this information in mind but also find the fastest-growing cities in the state. If you have not yet looked at Iowa state, this guide may entice you to learn more.

A beautiful and exciting state to live in, Minnesota, has a lot to offer its residents, from bars to retail to restaurants to parks. Minneapolis and St. Paul together form the Twin Cities; the population of Minneapolis is around 430,000. The area offers a variety of neighborhoods that residents should explore before they decide where to settle. However, the top five wealthiest neighborhoods in Minnesota all reside in Minneapolis.