Wednesday, May 30, 2018

4 Luxury Summertime Open House Tours

IT'S SUMMERTIME!

WE'RE CELEBRATING WITH 4 LUXURY OPEN HOUSE TOURS

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018

Open 12-3 & 3-6 PM

We're celebrating summertime with 4 incredible Homes on Tour, Saturday, June 2, 2018. Summertime is our favorite time of the year and we want to make it special for you as well! Our home tours will be open from 12-3 PM, and 1-5 for the Villas @ Dimple Dell Model Home! Come join us for a great summertime celebration!

BRAND NEW LISTING IN HOLLADAY!

OPEN 12-3 PM

2944 E Mount Springs Rd

Holladay, UT 84117

Sq Ft: 5,525

Offered At $1,150,000

This immaculate 1 Owner Holladay Home could be defined as the ultimate in elegance! It is all brick, custom designed and built in a prestigious neighborhood and absolutely stunning! The open and light floor plan gives way to the high ceilings, custom floating staircase, hardwood & heated marble floors, massive fireplace and large beautiful windows everywhere showcasing the surrounding lush garden views. Everything is of the highest quality including the custom cherry wood kitchen cabinets, Caesar Stone Counter-tops, bar tile roof and custom closets throughout. Every room including the main floor master suite, walk-in closet and spa-like bathroom is large, light and spacious. The lower level has a walk-out and a great room that is perfect for all occasions, from entertaining family, to relaxing on the very private patio accented by a lush, mature back yard, canyon walkway & landing, as well as a meandering stream. To top things off you’ll find tons of built-in storage, (2) 2-Car Garages, a fitness room and a home that has been meticulously cared for and loved! You’ll Love It Too!

Beautiful Custom Built 2 Story

Open 12-3 PM

7146 Treasure Ridge Cir

Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

4,829 Sq Ft

Offered At: $649,000

SUMMERTIME SPECIAL- Beautiful custom built 2-Story Cottonwood Heights home located in a quiet cul- de-sac with incredible panoramic valley views. This home features a grand entry foyer with a gorgeous curved staircase that leads up to a second story open balcony. This kitchen is a cook’s dream with granite counters and premier appliances including a gas cooktop and double ovens, while the open and bright living room and formal dining boast newly polished random-width hardwood flooring, The spacious and luxurious master suite offers a closet fit for a Queen, as well as a cozy fireplace and french doors that lead you to a private deck where you can enjoy panoramic views across the valley. From the master, a crow’s nest staircase leads you to a 3rd level that can be used as additional closet space, work space and a special place to watch the 4th of July fireworks. Large deck off the kitchen nook provides a wonderful outdoor entertaining area overlooking the professionally landscaped yard with beautiful lush grounds. Incredible price for so much! Conveniently located within minutes from shopping, dining and freeway access…and just 20 minutes to world class ski resorts.

Gorgeous Cottonwood Heights 2 Story

Open 12-3 PM

6538 S Bouchelle Ln

Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

4,861 Sq Ft

Offered At: $734,900

SUMMERTIME INCREDIBLE PRICE! Absolute perfection lives here in this lovely quality 2-story in Cottonwood Heights. You’ll find a fabulous open and spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, a large main floor family room/W fireplace, a gorgeous updated kitchen with new high-end appliances; granite counter-tops and hardwood floors throughout the main floor and stairway. A Master Suite with a desirable walk-in closet is calling your name. The walk-out basement has recently been completely finished and entertaining will be a joy on the wonderfully constructed newer deck. This home is located on a beautiful flat street with loads of curb appeal, great city views and a superb private yard. COME SEE! YOU’LL LOVE IT!

The Villas @ Dimple Dell

Sandy's Newest Luxury Home Development

MODEL HOME

OPEN 1-5 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,

Open 3-6 PM (Saturday)

Located At: 1600 S. 1700 E, Sandy, UT 84092

(Just Below Pepperwood)

'Main Floor Living At It's Best'

'The Laurel'

10655 S Dielsdorf E Rd #26,

Sandy, Utah 84092

3,285 Sq Ft

Offered At $579,990

The much anticipated “Laurel” model is finally here and ready to view. This is such a fabulous main floor living floor plan for those looking to downsize, a second home, ski home, or just want an executive style home with so many upgrades included in price! Chefs kitchen includes 6 cm granite block island, stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, all open to the stunning great room with beautiful gas fireplace and dining area, plus large walk in pantry, convenient laundry room on main and over-sized master suite with large walk-in closet plus a 2nd full bathroom on main could allow for the office to become a 2nd main floor bedroom. There is just too much to mention about all the features in these lovely homes. There are other floor plans available in price ranges starting at $575,990. Call for your private showing or come visit us at an open house. These are truly memorable won’t last long! *All info subject to change and verification.

Watch Video:

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lindasecrist.com

Linda Secrist’s Salt Lake City Real Estate Home Page • Salt Lake City Real Estate • Draper Utah Real Estate • Holladay Utah Real Estate • Sandy Utah Real Estate • South Jordan Utah Real Estate • Salt Lake City’s Top Real Estate Agent

Linda Secrist & Associates is the top selling team in luxury homes in the SLC Market. They have received countless awards over the past 20 years, including “Sales Team of The Year” for over 10 years including 2017! Linda Secrist is #54 in the top 100 Agents in the World in luxury residential real estate. If you’re searching for homes in Sandy, Salt Lake, Cottonwood Heights, Millcreek, Draper, South Jordan, Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington or anywhere in northern Utah, Linda Secrist & Associates are the real estate agents to call. If you’re buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to text or call us at 801-455-9999!

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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Children Have Big Say In Real Estate Decisions

Children Have Big Say in Real Estate Decisions

The opinion of homebuyers’ children has a big sway in real estate decisions, a new survey finds. Fifty-five percent of homeowners surveyed say that their children under the age of 18 have an opinion on which home to buy, according to a new Harris Poll Survey commissioned by SunTrust Mortgage of more than 2,000 adults.
Seventy-four percent of millennial parents between the ages of 18 and 36 report their kids have even more of an influence. And 83 percent of renters said the opinion of their children will be a factor in which home to buy, the survey finds.
The top requests of children include their own bedrooms (57 percent); a large backyard (34 percent); proximity to parks and activities (25 percent), close to schools (24 percent), close to friends (24 percent), and a swimming pool (21 percent).
“As a parent of two kids, I know from experience that including children in the homebuying process is not only fun for the whole family but also educational for our home buyers of tomorrow,” says Todd Chamberlain, head of Mortgage Banking at SunTrust.

Linda Secrist & Associates will always consider your entire family's needs and opinions when assisting you with your home search.

This Article was written and publish by:
DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2018

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lindasecrist.com

Thursday, May 24, 2018

2 MEMORABLE LUXURY OPEN HOUSE TOURS, SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018

2 "MEMORABLE" LUXURY OPEN HOUSE TOURS

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018

FABULOUS COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS 2-STORY

SATURDAY, MAY 26

OPEN 12-3 PM

7146 Treasure Ridge Cir

Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

4,829 Sq Ft

Offered At: $649,000

"Memorable" *NEW PRICE! Absolute perfection lives here in this lovely quality 2-story in Cottonwood Heights. You’ll find a fabulous open and spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, a large main floor family room/W fireplace, a gorgeous updated kitchen with new high-end appliances; granite counter-tops and hardwood floors throughout the main floor and stairway. A Master Suite with a desirable walk-in closet is calling your name. The walk-out basement has recently been completely finished and entertaining will be a joy on the wonderfully constructed Trex deck. This home is located on a beautiful flat street with loads of curb appeal, great city views and a superb private yard. COME SEE! YOU’LL LOVE IT, IT'S TRULY MEMORABLE!

The Villas @ Dimple Dell

Sandy's Newest Luxury Home Development

MODEL HOME OPEN HOUSES

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

Open 1-5 PM

Located At: 1600 S. 1700 E, Sandy, UT 84092

(Just Below Pepperwood)

"Main Floor Living At It's Best"

"The Laurel"

10655 S Dielsdorf E Rd #26,

Sandy, Utah 84092

3,285 Sq Ft

Offered At $579,990

"Memorable"-The much anticipated “Laurel” model is finally here and ready to view. This is such a fabulous main floor living floor plan for those looking to downsize, a second home, ski home, or just want an executive style home with so many upgrades included in price! Chefs kitchen includes 6 cm granite block island, stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, all open to the stunning great room with beautiful gas fireplace and dining area, plus large walk in pantry, convenient laundry room on main and over-sized master suite with large walk-in closet plus a 2nd full bathroom on main could allow for the office to become a 2nd main floor bedroom. There is just too much to mention about all the features in these lovely homes. There are other floor plans available in price ranges starting at $575,990. Call for your private showing or come visit us at an open house. These are truly memorable won’t last long! *All info subject to change and verification.

Watch Video:

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lindasecrist.com

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

High-Resale Value Projects You Can Tackle In a Weekend

Home Projects- “There’s no place like home,” as the old saying goes. That’s especially true when it comes to an investment.

You live in and love your home, but there might come a time when you have to leave it. And when that time comes, you’ll want to get as much money as you can for your property so you can move onward — and upward.
In order to increase your abode’s value, you might think you have to put in a ton of time, effort and money, but that’s not entirely true. Instead, you can take on weekend projects over time to spruce the place up so when it’s time to sell, you have a completely updated property that’ll end up selling itself.
Ready to get to work? Roll up your sleeves and start on one of the following five weekend projects.

1. Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Home Projects- When it comes to smart investment in your home, the kitchen is one of the best places to start. Buyers expect kitchens to be updated. Stone countertops, stainless appliances and sleek flooring all make a space feel modern. Obviously, these changes require a lot of money and, sometimes, a lot of time. That’s why you can tackle it in bits and start first with your cabinets.
Old wooden cabinets with equally dated hardware — think oak doors with shiny brass handles — don’t require a complete gut job. Instead, spend a weekend repainting them a more neutral hue. Finish the project off with new metallic knobs and pulls to complete the modernized look.

2. Make the Eye Go up With Crown Molding

Most homes have roughly the same ceiling heights, but there’s a little trick to make yours look bigger — crown molding. Yes, that white line at the top of your painted walls will draw eyes upward, making the room appear airier than it may very well be.
The project is easy enough to complete, too. You might not be able to install molding throughout your entire home over a single weekend, but you can certainly tackle the project on a room-by-room basis. Again, start with the spaces likely to draw in the most moolah:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living spaces
Master bedrooms

These tend to be the make-or-break rooms when it comes to a big purchase. Crown molding adds a bit of detail, a feeling of luxury that’ll certainly add to the bottom line.

3. Boost Curb Appeal — and Backyard Bonuses

No one will come in your home unless the first impression is stunning. Another DIY project should be a landscape overhaul of your front yard. It can be something as simple as adding a path of pavers to your front yard or sprucing up your flowerbeds with colorful blooms. All of this will catch the eye of potential buyers — and fatten up the bottom line of the offers they make.
Another easy fix — your garage door. If it’s street-facing, it’s another area for prospective buyers to look at, and it has a great return on investment.
You don’t have to stop with the front of your home. Especially if you live in a climate that permits lots of outdoor activity, you’ll want a backyard to match. Some may require you rent or buy tools for landscaping and other applications, but imagine the payoff with, for example, the beauty of a functioning fire pit in your backyard. Not only will you be able to enjoy it while you’re still living in your home, but potential buyers will easily be able to envision themselves sitting around a fire.

4. Beautify the Bathrooms

Bathrooms have a big effect on buyers. They expect clean, modern updates, just like in the kitchen. Overhauling your powder room is an easy weekend task that might require small swaps, such as a new modern light fixture over the vanity or a new vanity altogether.
Your full bathrooms will require a bit more attention if you want them to be up to snuff. Again, look in the familiar places:

Lighting fixtures
Cabinets
Hardware
Countertops
Tile

You don’t have to shell out a ton of money to have someone else re-tile a wall or backsplash in your bathroom, either, if you have the patience to demo and tile the space yourself.

5. Out With the Really Old

Some accents once considered fresh and fashionable now give your home a dated appearance. You probably already know what in your home screams 70s, 80s or 90s. Whatever it is should go in due course.
The list of outdated design elements is truly endless, but some of the biggest offenders are old-school wallpaper, the floor-to-ceiling wood paneling that may or not be actual wood, and, of course, popcorn ceilings. By removing these three offenders alone — a popcorn ceiling doesn’t take much effort — your home will snap right back into 2017.
Once people start envisioning themselves living in your home, you won’t have to envision offers pouring in — they’ll start coming thanks to your hard work. You go, weekend warrior.

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Thursday, May 17, 2018

2 Luxury Open Houses- Saturday, May 19, 2018 12-3 PM

2 Luxury Open Houses

BEAUTIFUL COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS 2-STORY

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Open 12-3 PM

LUXURY OPEN HOUSES- SATURDAY, MAY 19, 12-3 PM

6538 Bouchelle Ln

Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121

4,861 Sq Ft

Reduced Price- $734,900

Open Houses- 12-3 PM *Reduced Price! Absolute perfection lives here in this lovely quality 2-story in Cottonwood Heights. You’ll find a fabulous open and spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, a large main floor family room/W fireplace, a gorgeous updated kitchen with new high-end appliances; granite counter-tops and hardwood floors throughout the main floor and stairway. A Master Suite with a desirable walk-in closet is calling your name. The walk-out basement has recently been completely finished and entertaining will be a joy on the wonderfully constructed Trex deck. This home is located on a beautiful flat street with loads of curb appeal, great city views and a superb private yard. COME SEE! YOU’LL LOVE IT!

The Villas @ Dimple Dell

Sandy’s Newest Luxury Home Development

MODEL HOME OPEN HOUSES

TUE’S, WED’S, THUR’S, SAT’S

1-5 PM

Located At: 1600 S. 1700 E, Sandy, UT 84092

(Just Below Pepperwood)

“Main Floor Living At It’s Best”

“The Laurel”

10655 S Dielsdorf E Rd #26,

Sandy, Utah 84092

3,285 Sq Ft

Offered At $579,990

OPEN HOUSES-The much anticipated “Laurel” model is finally here and ready to view. This is such a fabulous main floor living floor plan for those looking to downsize, a second home, ski home, or just want an executive style home with so many upgrades included in price! Chefs kitchen includes 6 cm granite block island, stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, all open to the stunning great room with beautiful gas fireplace and dining area, plus large walk in pantry, convenient laundry room on main and over-sized master suite with large walk-in closet plus a 2nd full bathroom on main could allow for the office to become a 2nd main floor bedroom. There is just too much to mention about all the features in these lovely homes. There are other floor plans available in price ranges starting at $575,990. Call for your private showing or come visit us at an open house. These won’t last long! *All info subject to change and verification.

Watch Video:

SEARCH ALL UTAH Homes

lindasecrist.com

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Home-Buying Millennials Face Fresh Set of Struggles

An astounding 98 percent of home-buying millennials surveyed for the report are being kept out of the market, with barriers including credit (cited by 26 percent of millennials), a down payment (31 percent) and prices (40 percent).
Given the hurdles, millennials are compromising on their wants: 84 percent, for example, would give up a feature in their home-buying so that they could buy in their desired location, the report reveals. (The No. 1 do-without feature? A garage, followed by a kitchen that has been updated.) By comparison, just 25 percent of boomer buyers and 35 percent of Generation X buyers would do the same. Strikingly, 24 percent of millennials would accept a higher crime rate in exchange for their ideal property.
The majority of millennials (89 percent), similarly, would give up a feature of their neighborhood so that they could buy their desired home, like activities (e.g., block parties), good schools and proximity to restaurants and shops. Only 15 percent of boomers and 22 percent of Gen Xers would follow suit.
“For millennials, the dream of homeownership is alive and well, but with prices going up and inventory continuing to shrink, this new generation of home-buyers are facing more obstacles than any other demographic,” says Cheryl Young, senior economist at Trulia. “With tight budgets and fewer choices on the market, most millennials are forced to make trade-offs, and are more willing than other generations to give up home and neighborhood features in order to find their ideal home.”
Aside from the concessions, many millennials are having to put off their search, the report shows. More than three-quarters (79 percent) have delayed their plans to purchase—a higher rate than both boomers (48 percent) and Generation Xers (64 percent). Across generations, however, the obstacles overlap: a not-so-distant 32 percent of Gen Xers and 36 percent of millennials delayed due to the down payment, and an almost-identical 26 percent of Gen Xers and 27 percent of millennials held off due to prices.
Beyond costs, millennials are postponing a purchase for fear of “not having a stable job”—a byproduct of coming up in the recession. Debt, however, is less of a roadblock; just 9 percent of millennials say student loans are stopping them.
Despite the hurdles, 86 percent of millennials are planning to purchase, and, of those, 35 percent are aiming to do so in the next year, and 57 percent are hoping to in the next two years, according to the report.
“In markets where the economy and job growth are thriving, we may see some of these financial challenges start to dissipate as millennials mature into their careers,” Young says. “If anything, millennials can hold out hope that the encouraging housing starts we saw in 2017 can lead to some relief in the starter home segment.”

For more information, please visit www.trulia.com.

Suzanne De Vita is RISMedia’s online news editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at sdevita@rismedia.com. For the latest real estate news and trends, bookmark RISMedia.com.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

MOTHER'S DAY DREAM HOMES

3 LUXURY 'MOTHER'S DAY DREAM HOMES'

Presented By: Linda Secrist & Associates

Are you looking for a 'Dream Home' for mom or just looking at 'Dream Homes'? Either way, Linda Secrist & Associates is the place to start. Linda Secrist and her Team are specialists in finding you the perfect home of your dreams, large or small. Since joining the real estate industry in 1991, Linda Secrist has become one of the most decorated and successful realtors in the Nation, let alone the Wasatch Front. Linda Secrist & Associates are Berkshire Hathaway Utah's #1 Sales Team, and currently ranked in the top 100 luxury sales agents in the country!

Dream Home # 1

GORGEOUS LUXURY RETREAT LIFESTYLE

628 Walnut Brook DR,

Murray, Utah 84107

6,850 Sq Ft

Offered At $1,290,000

Gorgeous all brick immaculate rambler with amazing floor plan and all main floor living. You'll find 6 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, new high-end appliances, updated kitchen with an abundance of quality cabinetry and custom moldings. Hardwood floors and multiple french doors leading to a huge covered deck. 10 ft ceilings up and down, tons of moldings, large windows open and light and family room with beautiful built-ins. Lower level includes a 2nd kitchen, steam shower, theater and exercise room with a walk-out to the lush, private yard with pool, hot tub, waterfall, patio, deck and gardens. Bonus room and incredible storage space. Large 3 1/2 car garage. Million dollar dead end street in Murray’s finest neighborhood! Schedule your private tour today!

Dream Home #2

Majestic Maple Hills Custom Estate

2960 S Maple Cove E Ln

Bountiful, Utah 84010

11,342 Sq Ft

Offered At: $2,380,000

Hidden in the breathtaking and majestic hills of Bountiful, 20 minutes to downtown SLC or the SLC International airport is this masterfully crafted one-of-a kind custom built estate, in the prestigious Maple Cove development. Panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and city lights from nearly every window! Quality built and personal residence of a well respected Commercial Builder. Professionally designed and decorated throughout. Accessed by a private lane surrounded by pine trees and scrub oak, this home is nestled on a flat portion on over 2.5 serene and private acres. With 6 Bedrooms, 8 Baths, over 5 patios, 2 decks (1 heated), it is an entertainer’s paradise. Two enormous great rooms with fireplaces, pool table and fusball areas, a stunning home theater, kids gaming area and home gym overlook the indoor basketball court. The open concept gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight with top of the line appliances, Subzero refrigerator, warming drawers, ice makers, double ovens, pot fillers, etc..etc.. Skylights throughout this home only enhance the oversized picturesque windows and sliding doors throughout. A women’s office in the center of the home as well as an upstairs sewing/craft room could double as nanny quarters or a mother-in-law apartment. Main floor master suite with huge walk-in closet, Over 1900sq ft garage and workspace with walk-up storage on a 2nd level in the garage for all of your adventures. Truly a masterpiece!

Dream Home #3

STUNNING MICHIGAN AVENUE 2-STORY

1785 E Michigan S AVE

Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

4,654 Sq Ft

Offered At: $2,290,000

Stunning and totally renovated Michigan Ave 2 story in the prestigious Harvard/Yale neighborhood. This home was built for your fussiest buyer. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinets, new roof and fascia, gorgeous flooring throughout, new paint, lighting, Pella windows, solid doors and an impressive master suite and walk-in closet. Huge open rooms with high ceilings letting in tons of natural light. New oversized detached garage and workshop area with a perfectly manicured yard and a sparkling custom infinity built in spa. Award winning school district and located in one of Salt Lake’s most walkable neighborhoods. This home is a must see!

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Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Utah City Ranks #1 for Living The American Dream in 2018

The Best Cities for Living the American Dream in 2018

Derek Miller, CEPF®

Posted May 3rd on Smartasset.com

Home Ownership- "The American Dream"

It is difficult to come up with any one definition for the American Dream that every American will agree on. But certainly for many people, it includes homeownership, economic opportunity and diverse communities. For these people, they need to live in a city where homes, and mortgages, are affordable and where it’s possible to climb the economic ladder. Below we look at this special combination of traits to rank the best places for living the American Dream.
In order to rank the best places for living the American Dream, we looked at data on five metrics. Specifically we looked at the homeownership rate, diversity rate, upward mobility rate, median home value and unemployment rate.

Key Findings

The dream endures – Six of last year’s top 10 found themselves in the top 10 again this year. Those repeat cities are: West Valley City, Utah; Midland, Texas; Aurora Illinois; Round Rock, Texas; Aurora, Colorado and Rochester, Minnesota.
Texas is where the dream lives – Half of the cities in our top 10 are located in Texas. Cities in Texas tend to have affordable homes and plenty of good jobs, driving down the unemployment rate and improving upward economic mobility.

This is the 2018 edition of this study. Check out our 2017 version here.

best cities for living the american dream

1. West Valley City, UT
Once again West Valley City, Utah takes the top spot. West Valley City has an unemployment rate of only 2.9%. Only 11 other cities can boast of having a lower unemployment rate. Of course having plenty of jobs available is one thing, but a main tenant of the American Dream is upward mobility. West Valley City ranks 22nd in upward mobility, putting it in the top 10% of all cities.
One metric where West Valley City fell short is its diversity score. It ranks 94th in that score.
2. Odessa, TX
Last year, Odessa ranked 24th but jumped an impressive 22 spots to secure the second spot this year. One reason for the improvement is the large drop in the unemployment rate. Last year, Odessa had a 5.8% unemployment rate but this year, the unemployment rate is only 3.3%.
Odessa also continues to be the most upwardly mobile city in the study.
3. Midland, TX
Midland, Texas is another upwardly mobile city with a low unemployment rate. In both our mobility and unemployment rankings, Midland comes in third.
While those economic indicators are good for the American Dream in Midland, the city could improve on its homeownership rate, which is currently only 59%.
4. Aurora, IL
Aurora, Illinois is the most diverse city in our top 10. It has a diversity score of 0.24, putting it in 22nd place in the study for that metric. Aurora also has an upward mobility score of 49, the fifth-highest in our study.
If Aurora wants to jump into the top three spots, it will need to improve its unemployment rate. Our data shows that Aurora has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, putting it in the bottom half of our rankings for that metric.
5. Round Rock, TX
Texas’ strong showing continues with Round Rock in fifth. This city scores in the top third of cities in four out of five metrics. In particular the economic conditions in this city are good for anyone trying to live the American Dream.
This city has a fairly high upward mobility rate and a low unemployment rate. Overall data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that only 3.1% of residents in Round Rock are unemployed.
6. Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth is one of the most affordable cities in our top 10. Many residents in this city should be able to afford a home. The median home here is worth only $151,000, which is well below the national average. However, the homeownership rate is slightly low for our top 10 suggesting it takes more than affordable homes to encourage people to buy vs. rent.
Fort Worth is let down by its mobility score, however. This city ranks 132nd out of 250 cities in upward mobility for its residents.
7. Aurora, CO
Another city named Aurora, this time the one in Colorado, finds itself in the top 10. Aurora, Colorado owes its place in this top 10 to the availability of work. This city has an unemployment rate of only 3.2%.
But many cities have low unemployment rates and do not end up in our top 10. Aurora is also fairly diverse with a good amount of upward mobility, which gives it the edge over other cities. Aurora ranks in the top 25% for both diversity score and upward mobility.
8. San Jose, CA
San Jose scores very well in all metrics bar two – both related to housing. Unfortunately the majority of residents in San Jose are largely unable to afford the median home. According to our data, the median home in San Jose is worth over $800,000 by far the most in our top 10 and one of the highest in the study.
Balancing out those unaffordable homes however are a low unemployment rate, high amounts of diversity, a lot of economic upward mobility and rising incomes.
9. Amarillo, TX
Amarillo jumped up nine spots from last year’s study to take ninth this year. Like other Texas cities, Amarillo residents enjoy a plethora of available jobs. The city has an overall unemployment rate of only 3%.
It is also one of the friendliest home-buying markets in the country, judging by the homeownership rate. Over 60% of households in Amarillo own home. For most residents, homeownership should not be an unattainable goal, either. The median home in Amarillo is worth less than $127,000.
10. Rochester, MN
Our list ends in Rochester, Minnesota, one of the best cities for working women. Rochester ranks well thanks to high upward mobility and high homeownership rates. In those metrics, Rochester ranks 11th and 22nd, respectively.
In fact, if it weren’t for the lack of diversity (Rochester ranks 235 out of 257 in diversity), this city would rank higher.

Data and Methodology

In order to rank the best cities for living the American Dream, SmartAsset looked at the largest 257 cities which we had data for. Specifically, we compared the cities across the following five metrics:

Diversity score. To create this statistic, we looked at the population percentage of different racial and ethnic groups in each city. A lower number represents more diversity. Data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 1-year American Community Survey.
Economic mobility. This metric looks at generational change in economic position for families. A higher number shows greater mobility. Data comes from The Equality of Opportunity Project.
Homeownership rate. This is the percent of households who own their home. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 2016 1-year American Community Survey.
Home value. This is the median home value in every city. For this study, a lower home value is considered better as we use it as a measure of affordability. Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 1-year American Community Survey.
Unemployment rate. This is the unemployment rate by county. Data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is for January 2018.

To create our overall index, we ranked each city in each metric. We then found the average ranking for each city. Using this average ranking, we created our final score. We based our final score on that index. The city with the best average ranking received a 100 the city with the worst average ranking received a 0.

Tips for Buying a Home You Can Afford

Start saving early – You are probably aware of how expensive buying a home can be. However this does not just mean the mortgage payments are expensive. In order to buy a home, you need to have saved for a down payment. In order to have a down payment ready, you need to be saving years in advance. With that in mind, if you have any plans on being a homeowner, it’s a good idea to start saving today for your down payment so that when you find your dream home on the market you are ready to snap it up.
Factors extras into your budget – Depending on where you are buying your home, property taxes can affect what kind of homes you can afford. For example, the average annual property taxes in New Jersey are $5,503. That is equivalent to paying an extra $458 per month. If you were already nearly unable to afford your home before property taxes, it is likely property taxes will push you over the affordability edge.