Lifestyle

San Pedro, a small community in Los Angeles, is known for its diversity and proximity to outdoor recreations. However, there are drawbacks to choosing to live in San Pedro. However, there are many issues that might make you reconsider a move to San Pedro. Or Los Angeles in general, given all the pros and cons.

Los Angeles County is one of the most expensive places to live in America, and it encompasses many cities. One such city is Glendale, where housing, driving, education, and utility costs are quite high. With how well-known and beloved Glendale is, how much does it cost to live in this southern California city?

Lexington, Kentucky is the second largest city in Kentucky and the 57th largest in the United States. Known as the “Horse Capital Of The World,” it is surrounded by 450 horse farms and rests in the heart of the famous Kentucky Bluegrass Region. With its culture and beauty, it’s a bucket-list destination for many.

As we continue to progress into the future, the regular use of smart technology throughout homes and businesses has steadily increased across the globe. In fact, there are around 40 million Alexa users in the United States alone and over 100 million around the world as of 2021.

Being home to about 165,000 residents, Fort Collins, CO, is a mid-sized city located in the County of Larimer. Fort Collins is a picturesque city boasting beautiful natural landscapes. From its Rocky Mountains, natural trails, roaring rivers to the green valleys, Fort Collins has breathtaking sceneries to behold.

Located along the Hudson River and situated in Westchester County, Yonkers has become a hub of activity in New York State. Yonkers is one of the more populous cities in all of New York. More people are being drawn to it on a regular basis and you may find it to your liking as well.

Arizona is fast becoming a destination, particularly for retirees. Given the warmer year-round climate, that should not come as a surprise. We know about cities like Phoenix and Tempe, the two largest cities in Arizona.

When looking for diversity in everyday life, one can look no further than the state of Georgia. The Peach State is defined by various landscapes, flora, and history. Since it was the last and southernmost colony of the original thirteen colonies across the state, Civil War history can be found and how the cities have evolved.

The Florida Keys are an archipelago, part of the Straits of Florida. The Straits of Florida, also known as Florida Straits, is located south of North America and Cuba. Key West is the southernmost point of the Florida Keys. This area sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean and includes a string of islands, from North Key Largo to Key West.

Chattanooga is a city in southeast Tennessee, located along the Tennessee River and the Appalachian Mountains. There is a lot of scenic beauty in Chattanooga, and like many of its Southern counterparts it is a friendly city. There is a lot to do and see, especially outdoors.

When I first was gifted an Echo Dot, I’ll be honest. I wasn’t impressed. I thought that it was a Gen Z gadget and was all “crotchety old lady” about it. But, I quickly learned to love it. That’s why I flipped out when my Echo Dot started to be mysteriously silent. Ever wonder what causes that?

Nest has several error codes that may appear on the screen to let you know something is amiss. While it can be alarming, there are usually plenty of ways to troubleshoot the problems yourself.

Deciding whether or not to upgrade your lighting to smart lighting is a big decision. There is, of course, the initial investment. At $30 or $40 a bulb, switching your entire home over to smart bulbs is no small price to pay. But the benefits are numerous.

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.

Sometimes called Salt Lake or SLC, Salt Lake City is the capital and most populous city in Utah. With over 200,000 residents calling the area home, this city is the central hub for culture, entertainment, and more. The city also serves as the center for the Salt Lake City metro area, which is home to over 1.2 million people in total. It’s not a small area, and with such a busy city often comes crime.

Bellingham, Washington, is the last major city in the northern United States before crossing over to the Canadian border.  Not much is known about the city of Bellingham compared to its famous neighbor, Seattle.  But for Bellingham residents, this quaint town of 90,000 people is as close to paradise as it can get.

At UpgradedHome, we love to focus on big cities, but most of us know this is not always an attainable goal. Sometimes outside of a city can be more budget-friendly and even safer. If you are curious about towns outside of Sacramento, one of your go-to options should be Folsom, California.

People have always considered Florida as a great place to retire, relax, or take in some rays. Consequently, Pensacola is no exception! According to a US News survey, people voted Pensacola “the 4th most desirable location to live in Florida.”

Often when planning your vacation, you may look for the ideal hotel or vacation rental. It’s easy enough to reserve an Airbnb, but what do you do if the Airbnb host doesn’t respond? There are a lot of steps in getting the perfect Airbnb, from reserving, checking in, and checking out.

If you love warm weather, long beaches, and all-year-round summer days, then you’re probably dreaming about living in Florida. However, not only the weather is there to love about the Sunshine State – other perks of living here include affordable costs of living, the housing market, and of course, the lifestyle on the whole.

North or South? That seems to be the question of the day today. People are beginning to move across the country in record numbers. Some are choosing Chicago. Others decided to go with a city like Houston. Both cities recently saw a major influx of people moving in. In many cases, people are starting to see people who have the option of going to one or the other. Which choice is best?

All Ring doorbells, except for the Ring Doorbell Pro and the Ring Doorbell Elite, run on batteries, even if they are hardwired to the home. The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion pack that charges via a USB cable. The battery charge should last an average of 6 to 12 months, but frequent use discharges them sooner.

As someone who’s always surrounded by New Yorkers and lives near upstate New York’s borders, I know the joke about upstate New York. The joke is that it’s considered to be all of the parts of New York outside of the city! My husband and I enjoy our trips upstate, though. The allure of this part of the Empire State is easy to see. But, is it just as attractive a place to live as it is a place to visit?

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?

The State of Texas is known for its educational opportunities, business opportunities, low tax rates, and a great cost of living. A majority of these statistics come from thriving cities such as Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. Outside of these cities are suburbs that contribute to their thriving economy and make Texas such a great place to live. McKinney is one of those contributing suburb cities.

When people think of moving to the Northeast, they tend to think about all the nice attractions. This is especially true of places like Vermont, where tourists regularly flock to. Vermont is famous for having gorgeous leaves in the fall, tons of maple syrup, and for being the home of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

The Honeywell RTH230B is easy to use, and it works reliably most of the time. Thermostats of any kind can quit working optimally or at all at the most inconvenient times, and they can be tricky to troubleshoot. So, what does it mean when your Honeywell RTH230B isn’t working, and what should you do?

Orlando is one of the most sought-after cities in Florida because of the climate, location, and entertainment opportunities. The economy in Orlando is constantly thriving because of how much money enters the city, but not every neighborhood is safe. So, what are the safest neighborhoods in Orlando?

While Oklahoma has a productive economy, moderate living expenses, and enjoyable four-season living, Texas is culturally diverse, centrally located, and offers abundant job opportunities. If you’re trying to relocate and can’t decide whether Oklahoma or Texas is right for you and your family, cost of living is an important consideration.

For as smart as they are, smart thermostats occasionally do some silly things. Ecobee users noticed their thermostats sometimes blew cold air instead of hot air. When you’re expecting heat on a chilly day, cold air is most unwelcome. So, why does this happen?

Kansas City is one of the largest cities in Missouri, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always an easy place to live. Much of the city suffers from urban blight, low employment, and high crime rates. However, that’s not to pan the entire city. Truth be told, there are some suburbs around Kansas City that would make most people turn a little green with envy towards people who live there. But, which are the best?

Chattanooga is a well-known city in Tennessee and is a widely popular destination to visit and live in. This area has rivers all along the edges and is close to the mountains providing a fantastic number of outdoor activities to choose from. The University of Tennessee is nearby, and the cost of living is relatively low compared to other places in the United States.

The continued boom of home security options has made it easier and easier to keep a home safe, and the owner informed. Smart technology allows you to see who is ringing your doorbell with a video on your cell phone.

HarMinneapolis is the county seat of Hennepin County and is considered the largest city in Minnesota. It is a city that started and grew based on the nearby sawmills and flour mills. The first significant military presence, Fort Snelling, also increased residency in the area. The city grew to have approximately 83 neighborhoods, all with their own culture and economic structures.

One of the many jewels of New England, Connecticut is home to some of the most beautiful sights in America. Connecticut is historic, and its prevailing New England charm is enough to keep the 3,565,287 residents happy. While Connecticut has so many natural beauties and rich cultural charms, it also boasts a high cost of living.

The Sunshine State is home to more than just sandy beaches, vacation spots, and nightlife. In fact, Florida holds some highly dangerous cities that are also major hotspots for tourists.

Heater season is upon us! If you have an Ecobee thermostat, you may notice an alert pop up after running the heater for a few weeks: “Aux heat running too long.” It should be noted that “Aux” stands for auxiliary, a secondary heating system. Once the temperature outside reaches a certain low point, your compressor switches over to auxiliary heat.

You may not know much about South Carolina, but it is becoming a trendy place to move to in the United States. This is a state that offers awesome weather, tons of outdoor activities, and a place you can focus on family. The economy in South Carolina is very strong, and you will be able to find homes that are affordable. If you’re curious to learn which cities may be the most appealing to you, this guide will help you figure it out.

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.

Utah is widely recognized as one of the friendliest states in the USA. With its proximity to several major players in the vacation destination game like Nevada, California, and Colorado, Utah is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live.

Memphis is an iconic and historic city in Tennessee that is unfortunately quite dangerous. It can be difficult to feel safe when you settle into a community in Memphis considering how much crime there is. So, what are the safest neighborhoods in Memphis?

Juneau is a coastal city located in Alaska with a population of about 32,000 people. Juneau is also the capital of Alaska and the third largest community in the state. The city also has a large tourist population, as people often visit while on Alaskan cruises.

Living near the beach is a dream many of us harbor. The thought of being able to go to the beach whenever you want is a pleasant one to ponder. You can make that dream a reality if you choose to live in Delray Beach, Florida.

Baton Rouge is the state capital city in Louisiana and a beautiful place to live. If you are looking at living in Baton Rouge, you will want to know where the safest neighborhoods are and what each has to provide for you. This state has a lower cost of living than most places in the United States, a strong economic system, and one of the best places to call home. Baton Rouge has some of the best cuisine, fantastic culture, and some friendly neighborhoods to settle down in.

Utah is a beautiful state with its fair share of wealth and gorgeous views. Despite all of the natural beauty in Utah, not every city is an idyllic place to live. Unfortunately, there is a lot of crime, but what are the worst places to live in Utah?

Many satisfied Vizio TV users are willing to tell you how much they love their TVs. However, you will also hear some stories about problems. Often these complaints detail high-pitched sounds coming from inside the Vizio TV.

New York is a city that’s deeply understood, and I say this as someone who’s squatted in a BedStuy warehouse before. While we are known for being rude, snobby, and aggressive, we’re also known for fine restaurants. That’s pretty constant. You know what isn’t constant, though? The neighborhoods that need to be avoided. I mean, look at BedStuy. It used to be pretty bad in terms of crime, but it’s now a major hipster place. So, which neighborhoods are the ones to avoid?

Mobile, Alabama is a town that is mostly famous for being a place where a “leprechaun” was spotted years ago. As people start to leave major cities like New York and San Francisco, almost every other small to medium city gained a little bit of interest as a place where people can move to. Mobile can potentially be a little slice of “Sweet Home, Alabama.” But, it can also be a bad place to live. So, what’s the deal?

Slow internet can ruin your entire day- if your business relies on speedy service, you know how this feels. If you have Metro PCS, there are a few explanations for why there’s a rather sudden change of internet pace.

The American Southwest is known for many things—Native American reservations, hot weather, and absolutely breathtaking views of the local scenery. That’s why so many people tend to come here as tourists. This is especially true of Arizona, where celebrities tend to go when they want to kick back at a luxury spa or resort. It’s easy to love AZ.

As one of the top five best places to retire in the country, Venice dotes some excellent amenities, including beautiful parks, fine, sandy beaches, and lots of fun outdoor activities. While it is primarily thought of as a vacation spot, one might wonder what it would be like to live here. If this is something that interests you, it’s essential to know the pros and cons of living in Venice.

When the time comes to pick a place to settle down and retire, you want to make sure that you pick the right one. After all, retirement is considered a prize after many long years of hard work and should be enjoyed properly. Small towns allow to escape the crowds and traffic of large metropolitan areas, while still retaining the necessary services, health care options, and stores that make retirement easier.

Maine is a place famous for tasty lobster, delicious seafood, and quiet lighthouses overlooking the sea. When it comes to the state’s reputation, you’d never guess that spookiness could thrive here. (Well, aside from Stephen King, anyway.) Believe it or not, the area has tons of abandoned places that could send a chill up anyone’s spine. Wondering what the creepiest ones are?

Valdosta/Lowndes County has traditionally been a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The abundant and lovely soil of this area has tempted people to construct their homes here since the Creek and Seminole Indians, Spanish missionaries, and American pioneers.

In general, Oregon is thought of as being a highly liberal place. That’s primarily because of the reputation of Portland as being very progressive. Even so, more people in Oregon identify as being moderate or conservative than liberal, according to a Gallup poll. That poll found that among Oregon residents, nearly 35% described themselves as moderate, almost 34% as conservative, and around 28% as liberal.

Countless homeowners will do anything to update their technology and appliances. Smart technology has crept into every aspect of the home, and that includes lighting fixtures. So, can smart bulbs be used in any lamp?

Greensboro, North Carolina, makes up part of the Triad, a trio of cities in the North Carolina Piedmont region that also includes Winston-Salem and High Point. Greensboro’s population has grown by over 20,000 people between 2010 and 2019, and it continues to grow.

The Lone Star State has three major cities that people tend to move: Dallas, Houston, and Austin. When it comes to Houston and Austin, the issue of choosing one of these two cities tends to be a little tough. After all, they look pretty similar on paper and they are both in the same state. So, what’s up with these cities? Which is better?

Alabama comes in at number 8 as one of America’s most dangerous states. Sadly, Alabama would not be as dangerous as it is if it did not have such dangerous cities. There are 169 cities divided amongst 67 counties in Alabama.

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.