Washington, D.C. is our nation’s capital, not to mention one of the largest cities in the country. It’s a place where history happens on a regular basis, and also boasts a ton of businesses. With all the action that happens within city limits, it’s easy to see why people love going to DC. But, is it actually a good place to live?

Cost of living is a main factor that many people use to determine whether they want to live in one location versus another. When it comes to Oregon vs. Colorado, both states have much to offer potential residents including uniquely incredibly landscapes, pleasant climates, and ample recreational opportunities. But, how do these two states stack up when it comes to cost of living?

Smart thermostats are a beautiful thing. But they can come with a hefty price tag, especially if you have a multi-zone HVAC system. Both Ecobee and Nest created pared-down versions of their original thermostats that are more budget-conscious.

Alamo City, River City, Mission City; no matter what you choose to call it, San Antonio possesses a unique spirit. Featuring incredible food, a rich history, and exciting entertainment opportunities, it’s no wonder over 1.5 million people call it home. But, even a city that seems to have it all can have downsides, but does the good outweigh the bad?

Panama City often gets confused for Panama City Beach even though they are different places. Panama City Beach is the vacation hotspot flocked by people whenever spring break or summer rolls around. Meanwhile, Panama City is more in line with a typical Florida town.

Arizona is a state that is filled with bright sunshine, beautiful desert scenes, and elegant houses. Yuma is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona, much to the delight of local authorities. Of course, if you want to get the right home for your lifestyle, it’s crucial to know what to expect. Did you ever wonder what it’s like to live in Yuma?

If you are thinking of moving to a new area, the process can be stressful, especially if you do not know much about the area that you are moving to. You do not want to end up in a city that is not going to be ideal for you and your circumstances or life goals. However, once in a while, there is that seemingly perfect city to move to that seems to have it all. In this case, it is Olympia, WA.

Are you thinking of moving to Iowa City? If you are and aren’t familiar with the area, you should consider the pros and cons of living there before you decide to move.

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.

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.

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.

Ohio often gets forgotten about, but it actually has contributed a lot to the economic welfare of the United States. Located in the Midwest, Ohio is one of the more urban Midwest states with three major cities. These cities include Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland; with Columbus being the largest city in Ohio. Located just an hour and a half away from Columbus is Dayton, Ohio.

The first distinction worth noting about West Palm Beach, is that it differs from famed Palm Beach, home to billionaires and five-star hotels. While Palm Beach offers Atlantic beaches, West Palm Beach is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Ring doorbells have made countless homeowners feel safer and gain peace of mind. They require little to no maintenance and work reliably, although certain aspects can be confusing. So, what does a Ring light flashing blue when charging mean?

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.

Best known for its booming music industry, Nashville has also become one of the best places in the country to start a career and raise a family. The city is home to nearly 700K residents and continues to grow each year. According to U.S. Census statistics, about 95 new people move to Nashville every day. Since Nashville continues to blur the lines between big city and small town, it is able to maintain much of its charm and draw in visitors and potential future residents from all over the country.

When it works perfectly, AirPlay allows users to stream content from Apple devices to other multimedia devices. If you have a Vizio TV, you can display audio, video, photos, and anything else from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop directly to the TV. Unfortunately, technology rarely seems to work perfectly. That’s why we’re going to talk about what to do when Vizio AirPlay is not working.

New Jersey is one of the most expensive states in the nation. It’s also considered to be one of the least retirement-friendly places in the Union, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t retire here. There are families who continue to live the Jersey way well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s. The question remains, where can you retire comfortably in a place like New Jersey?

With breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mountain View, California, is a primary city in Silicon Valley. It’s also home to Googleplex, and Google provides the entire area with free WiFi. This is a good thing since the cost of living in Mountain View is more than triple the US average. 

Ah, the dreaded error blink code- you hate to see it but can’t avoid it. Most Emerson TVs are easy to use and dependable; however, sometimes, they won’t turn on and blink red. Why does this happen, and what are your options?

As the capital city of Washington state, Olympia is located about 60 miles from Seattle and at the southern end of the Puget Sound. Because of its proximity to beaches and mountains, Olympia is a city where outdoor activities are plentiful. But Olympia has much more than a beautiful landscape and access to outdoor adventures.

Grand Rapids is one of those cities that most people tend to hear about when they have visited there. A major tourist hotspot, Grand Rapids is mostly known for having awesome attractions, great sights, and friendly locals. In recent years, it was named one of the top 100 places to live. But, it’s still a city where you should be aware of the perks and pitfalls of life in this city. After all, living here isn’t a typical vacation…

Gastonia, NC is a city of approximately 80,000 people located A few miles west of Charlotte, NC, on Interstate 85. Being within easy commuting distance of Charlotte, NC, has led Gastonia to become one of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina.

When considering places to settle down, Seattle and Dallas may be at the top of your list. Both cities have much to offer potential residents and are among the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is surrounded by lush green forests, snow-capped landscapes, and features excellent culinary offerings, an outdoor lifestyle, plenty of entertainment, and four wonderful seasons.

Life is good until our Internet or cable, or both stop working. Yes, we know, that is your life. And in today’s world, that isn’t so far from the truth. For many of us it is our connection to work, to each other, how we shop, how we pay, oh no, the bills! Don’t worry, for every  TV and cable problem, there is a solution. Even for that orange data light on the Xfinity cable box.

If you’re an AT&T customer, you already know how quickly you can reach the limit on your personal hotspot. This can leave you without internet connection when you may need it the most and potentially saddle you with extra money on your bill. For many people, the solution to this problem has been simply to switch service providers and be rid of AT&T once and for all. That said, if you’re not wanting to go through the hassle, we’ll tell you how to bypass an AT&T hotspot block.

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.

Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It’s called the Mile High City and is located along the Rocky Mountain Front Range, so the scenery is beautiful. Denver has a strong economy and a lot of appealing elements to life there, including the beautiful weather.

Does your Samsung TV keep turning off every 5 seconds? How frustrating! Samsung is a brand well-known for supplying a long list of different smart devices. Their high-quality displays make them a popular choice for smart TVs, but high-quality is only useful if you can  actually watch it.

Wisconsin is one of those states that people tend to make jokes about, even though they don’t really know much about it. Though the state is famous for its cheese and sports teams, the truth is that most people don’t really know what it’s like to live here. Is it really all about cheese in Wisconsin? We did a little reading to find out what the truth about life in Wisconsin is all about.

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?

While Virginia Beach is best known for white sand and endless waterways, this place has a lot more to offer. Aside from having multiple beaches, Virginia Beach is composed of seven beautiful districts, each with its unique features and personality.

Whether you’re visiting New Orleans or planning on relocating to the city, the first thing that comes to mind when choosing a neighborhood to stay in is likely safety. When it comes to New Orleans, crime rates are notoriously high; the city even earned the seventeenth slot on CBS News’ “ The most dangerous cities in America, ranked.” So, if planning a visit or moving to the Big Easy, what are the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans?

There is little argument that Samsung Smart TVs are some of the most popular on the market. The reliability and quality of these TVs are unquestioned. However, like any appliance, Samsung TVs are subject to their share of problems and issues. One of the most often asked about problems is the black screen of death.

Having any sort of internet issue can be frustrating, mainly because we’re so dependent on it in this day and age. But luckily, we have up-to-date devices that can tell us what’s wrong with the connection. Take a Cox Panoramic, for instance– sometimes you will see the Wi-Fi blinking orange. But what exactly does that mean?

You might have seen both Atlanta and Settle on television. Heck, you might have even taken a quick trip there before. It’s easy to see why so many people tend to like visiting these two major tourist hotspots. Both cities are booming in both entertainment gigs as well as interest from people trying to move in. Curious to find out which is the best option?

Redmond, Washington, is home to Nintendo and Microsoft. It’s also close to Seattle, so many of the job opportunities are tech-related. Money Magazine at one point ranked Redmond as one of their top small towns in America, and it’s also considered one of the safest places to call home in the Pacific Northwest.

It’s very rare that you will hear of a town that sounds cozy and welcoming, just by the name alone. Such is the case with Homestead, a small town in Florida that’s home to over 65,000 people. Located right near Miami, it’s easy to see why so many people are flocking to the area. But, is it really as good of a place as the name suggests, or are there reasons to try to find a different place to call home?

Home to the University of Wisconsin and the state’s capitol, Madison is the second-largest city in Wisconsin. With over 7 million acres of water, Wisconsin is home to the famous Great Lakes, offering residents over 1,000 miles of beautiful shoreline. The city of Madison is known as “The Four Lakes City” because of its enviable proximity to Lakes Mendota, Waubesa, Monona, and Kegonsa.

The city is a major career center for big-city workers and provides educational and employment opportunities. Philadelphia has an exceptional cultural, sports, and music scene and a substantial, timeless history and place in the nation’s history. Adding in a multitude of character-filled neighborhoods, it comes together to form a unique 21st-century experience. Philadelphians use the word “jawn” to describe anything beyond words.

Found all throughout Florida are several major cities and tourist hubs. In the North Central region of the state, Gainesville is the place to be.

I have two little Echo Dots, each which has that classic setup with Amazon Alexa. Once in a while, I’ll see something strange happen. The little light ring on my two Dots starts turning a color. It’s usually blue, and the blue seems to spin in a light like a siren on a police car. What does this even mean?

It can be a bit spooky when your Vizio TV starts turning itself on by itself. Several issues can be at the bottom of a Vizio TV that seems to have a mind of its own. A Vizio TV that turns itself on isn’t a common problem. However, if you are experiencing these issues, there are some common causes.

Seattle is one of the cultural epicenters of Seattle, and there’s no shortage of things to do. With that said, this northwestern city is known for its high cost of living. As expensive as Seattle is, what are the richest neighborhoods in the city?

As with almost everything in life, the best neighborhoods in Austin depends on many things. Your budget, preference, needs, among other things, all play a huge factor in choosing the neighborhood that will provide you with everything you are looking for.

New York City is among the greatest cities in the United States, but it can be an expensive hassle to live there. Luckily, there are several neighborhoods in New Jersey that offer a safer, more affordable alternative to living in NYC. So, what are the safest New Jersey neighborhoods close to NYC?

It seems as though the vast majority of Florida is a tourist destination or a college town. Miami and Tampa are two of the largest cities in the country, both with large populations and tourist attractions. Orlando itself is nearly entirely a tourist destination.

Pensacola, Florida is a waterfront city with a population of 53,250. Located along the Pensacola Bay, there’s more to Pensacola City than just beaches. There’s no end to activities for history buffs, families, and outdoorsmen alike. With mild weather year-round, it’s a popular tourist destination no matter the season.

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. 

It’s not unusual to experience issues with your WiFi, which is why it’s important to know how to fix the problems as quickly as possible. One of the common issues you may run into is your Cox Panoramic modem blinking a different color. In this article, we’ll be talking about what to do if a Cox Panoramic WiFi green blinking light.

Would you like to relocate to Minneapolis? A city renowned for its parks, biking capabilities, and abundance of breweries and restaurants, Minneapolis is the perfect place for singles and young professionals. But, where should you live? What neighborhoods are best for you if you’re career-focused?

It’s time to fly the nest and find your own place, or you and the love of your life are looking for a cute starter home. Or perhaps you’re ready to make the leap from renting to home ownership. There are many reasons that can push you into the housing market, but don’t go in blindly. Keep a level head when buying your first house.

The city of Little Rock, Arkansas is the state’s capital and largest municipality. There is no end of things to do in Little Rock. You can visit the Little Rock River Market to check out restaurants, museums, and shops galore. Indoors and out, you can get a fill of Arkansas history and culture in the capital city of Little Rock.

Kentucky has a reputation for horse racing, bourbon, and moonshine; this state knows how to have a good time. It also has a low cost of living, making it appealing to the over 4.5 million residents. Of course, there are also lots of tornadoes, but all of the pros seem to make living here worth it.

Thermostats are a modern luxury and lifesaver when you need to quickly adjust your HVAC system. They generally run on batteries, but modern smart thermostats are wired directly to your grid because they require so much power. Considering how advanced modern thermostats are, will one work without batteries?

If you love the great outdoors, then Nebraska might be the perfect state for you. The “Cornhusker State” features countless opportunities for recreation and adventure, including windsurfing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and more. It also has friendly people, breathtaking views, low unemployment, and it’s one of the most affordable places to live.

Look to Long Beach, California for diverse and distinct neighborhoods, and of course, a sunny climate with beach access. Long Beach encompasses more than 30 distinct neighborhoods. With so many options, it can be hard for newcomers and seasoned residents alike to choose a part of the city to call home.

Comparing two Southern cities is tricky, especially two cities as vibrant and exciting as Dallas and Nashville. Both offer fantastic culture, plenty of entertainment, and generally lovely weather all year. But, upon closer examination, Dallas is a better city to live in for the average person.

We love our cable, and as Americans, we love our television programs enough to schedule our week around our favorite shows. After all, there is no way anything can be planned on Tuesday, because that is the season finale, right? What happens though when our cable box stops being that reliable and beloved device? Don’t panic, this is fixable, and it won’t be long before you get tuned back in.

Houston is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country, despite the terrible politics. While the city continues to expand, people are starting to snap up all the properties. Some areas are better than others. So, what are the safest neighborhoods in Houston this year?