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The Best Places to Live for Safety and Security

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When you start looking for your next home, your priorities probably range widely, from the smallest details, such as the size of the backyard or whether the garage is attached, to more general feelings you get in a place, such as walkability and community involvement.

While many details play a part in how you enjoy where you live, one thing almost everyone has on their list: feeling safe.

A sense of security is paramount to residing happily in a community, but it can be subjective. People have different thresholds for nearby crime and necessary security measures in the same way they have differing thresholds for weather extremes.

Each year the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index surveys residents in 189 metro areas throughout the U.S. on how they feel about their community, purpose, social interactions, financial and physical stability. U.S. News uses the index results to help determine quality of life in the U.S. News Best Places to Live ranking.

The survey includes 58 items addressing purpose, social, financial, community and physical well-being. One question in the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index survey asks residents whether they agree with the statement, âYou always feel safe and secure. The metro area with the highest rate of residents agreeing with the statement is Boulder, Colorado, with 89.5 percent in agreement. Rockford, Illinois, had the smallest portion of residents agreeing with the statement, at 60.2 percent.

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More so than raw crime data from law enforcement departments, public opinion reflects how safe a city or metro area feels to the people who live there.

The safe and secure piece of [the index] relates to where you live, it relates to your ability to move around naturally within your community, it impacts your ability to exercise, says Susan Frankle, managing director of the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. So that specific item gets at maybe a little bit of a different aspect than a crime statistic would.

From the indexs results regarding safety and security, we looked at a few of the Best Places to Live that received high marks: Fayetteville, Arkansas; Madison, Wisconsin; Portland, Maine; Des Moines, Iowa; and Honolulu.

Its no secret that these five metro areas aren’t the biggest in the U.S. In fact, of the 125 largest metro areas U.S. News examines, theyre on the smaller side. That smaller population may have something to do with the peace of mind many residents experience.

10 Important Things for Real Estate Investment

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Research the market:
It’s essential to research the local real estate market before making any investment decisions. Look at property prices, rental demand trends, and the local economy. Consider factors such as location, property type, and potential for growth.

Develop a budget and investment strategy:
Determine how much you can afford to invest and what type of property you want to invest in. Do you want to focus on short-term rentals or long-term rentals? Will you renovate and flip properties or hold onto them as a long-term investment?

Seek professional advice:
It’s a good idea to seek the advice of a financial planner or real estate professional before making any investment decisions. They can help you develop a solid investment plan and provide guidance on the best opportunities for your specific goals and budget.

Understand the costs of property investment:
Property investment involves more than only the purchase price. There are also ongoing costs, such as property management fees, maintenance expenses, and property taxes. Make sure you have a good understanding of all the costs associated with property investment before you commit.

Learn about financing options:
There are various financing options available for property investment, including mortgages, home equity loans, and personal loans. It’s essential to understand each option’s pros and cons and choose the one that best meets your needs and budget.

Understand the legalities:
Property investment involves several legal considerations, including contracts, zoning laws, and property taxes. It’s important to understand your legal responsibilities as a property owner and to seek the advice of a real estate attorney if needed.

Consider property management:
If you want to avoid managing the property yourself, consider hiring a property management company. They can handle tasks such as advertising for tenants, screening tenants, collecting rent, and handling maintenance issues.

Stay up-to-date:
The real estate market is constantly changing, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on market trends and developments. Keep an eye on property values, rental demand, and economic conditions in the area where you are investing.

Be patient:
Property investment is a long-term game, so it’s essential to be patient and stick with your investment plan. Don’t be tempted to sell too quickly or make impulsive decisions. Take the time to research and carefully consider your options before making any investment decisions