Do you have the feeling that you’re chasing an out of reach carrot on a stick or like an exhausted hamster on a treadmill to nowhere? Don’t despair! There are still places out there where jobs are on the rise and housing prices on the decline. If you are ready for a change, check out these 5 cities where positive things are happening!
Fayetteville, AR
Situated between the White River and the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas. The area’s young and forward thinking population has transformed Fayetteville into a mecca for professionals, retirees, musicians, artists, and a steady stream of organic farmers. The presence of industry giants such as JB Hunt, Tyson Foods, and Wal-Mart don’t hurt either! If living in the Natural State is appealing, how about local job growth, that’s up 2.9% and median home prices, well below the national average at $117,000?
Lincoln, NE
The capital city is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Nebraska and the legendary Cornhuskers. Those that move here from large metro areas are pleasantly surprised to find a lively cultural and music scene. Lincoln’s financial industry is a mainstay along with jobs in the fields of education, medicine, and insurance. The unemployment rate in May 2012 was an amazingly low 3.3%, thanks to 1,300 jobs added in the spring. Finding a home here close to town or near the rolling hills of the MoPac East Trail is an affordable prospect, with the median home price reported at $142,700.
Pittsburgh, PA
In Steel City, it appears that slow and steady wins the race! Although folks have been moving out of Pittsburgh over the last few decades, the City of Bridges is back on top. Dedicated residents and city planners have diligently worked to improve quality of life incentives. New parks, trails, and an aggressive downtown revitalization may be why almost 1600 biotechnology, health care, and software companies have set up shop here. Ranked #1 by Forbes in 2010 as “America’s Most Livable City”, Pittsburgh is also home to three professional sports teams, a Google campus, and several university research facilities, such as the one at Carnegie Mellon University. In May 2012 job growth was up to 1.23% and homes are within reach at an average price of $124.200. If you’re looking at buying or refinancing a home in Pittsburgh, give us a call or request a Pennsylvania home mortgage quote using the Rate Quote form on the right.
Indianapolis, IN
How does living in a city whose cost of living is almost 18% less than the national average? Not only that, the jobless rate here is on the decline and median home prices are close to $120,000. The quality of life in Indianapolis is enhanced by the presence of an outstanding system of parks and trails, ten sports teams, countless venues for shopping, dining, and entertainment, plus the city’s treasure, Canal Walk. Numerous Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters here, along with a variety of scientific and high tech companies.
Fort Worth, TX
It’s a great time to discover this TX city, known for being the end of the Old Chisholm Trail and the “Gateway to the West”. Once heavily reliant on the beef and cattle industry, today Fort Worth is home to a significant number of aerospace and electronics companies. At the end of May 2012, job growth had increased by 1.4%. A young, diverse population has discovered what a great place historic Fort Worth is to live, work, and play. Homes are affordable too, at an average price of $132,600. Yes, things are bigger in TX, like the city’s 35 block, Sundance Square entertainment district. For those that love the great outdoors, Fort Worth delivers with countless recreational options and excellent weather! At AFR Mortgage we are pleased to help home buyers in the greater Fort Worth area find low mortgage rates and the types of home loan programs they’re searching for. For more information on our current mortgage rates and products call 800-634-8616.
These 5 cities are just a small example of how we are recovering from the economic downturn. Across the country, things are looking up! To do a little research of your own, check out http://www.bestplaces.net/
