Yet another accolade for Raleigh! We're No. 6 on the Healthiest Markets List as compiled by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence.
So what factors contribute to put us in the spotlight? Being the state capital, the presence of multiple universities, and one of the highest population growth rates of any top metropolitan area over the last five years---nearly 5% annually---were the reasons cited.
And what are the Top Five markets?
1. Houston
2. Austin
3. Fort Worth
4. San Antonio
5. Dallas
And rounding out the Top Ten:
7. Seattle
8. Indianapolis
9. Fayetteville, Arkansas
10.Washington, DC
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Are you ready for Valentine's Day?
Did you know that the custom of sending valentine cards dates back to the 17th century?
Probably shouldn't wait any longer to visit your favorite card shop if you hope to find a good selection of Valentines. There were only a handful of folks at Hallmark yesterday afternoon for which I was thankful. Buying cards of any description is always stressful for me since I can't be satisfied to not look at every card on display---very time consuming.
A recent news article cited a report based on a survey of 8,850 consumers. Numbers indicate that this year 35-44 year olds plan to spend the most with an average of $119.19 and 55-64 year olds plan to spend the least with an average of $83.76. The same report states that 36% will buy flowers and 16% jewelry; 43% will dine out.
Total Valentine's Day spending is projected to be about $14.7 billion (yes, that's billion with a "b").
Enjoy the day, however you choose to celebrate.
Probably shouldn't wait any longer to visit your favorite card shop if you hope to find a good selection of Valentines. There were only a handful of folks at Hallmark yesterday afternoon for which I was thankful. Buying cards of any description is always stressful for me since I can't be satisfied to not look at every card on display---very time consuming.
A recent news article cited a report based on a survey of 8,850 consumers. Numbers indicate that this year 35-44 year olds plan to spend the most with an average of $119.19 and 55-64 year olds plan to spend the least with an average of $83.76. The same report states that 36% will buy flowers and 16% jewelry; 43% will dine out.
Total Valentine's Day spending is projected to be about $14.7 billion (yes, that's billion with a "b").
Enjoy the day, however you choose to celebrate.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
More from the International Builders' Show
I wrote a week or so ago about trends that surfaced at the builders' show in Las Vegas. Another article that I just read says that "small is in". I've seen this mentioned for a while now, so it may not be the newest of trends. In a recent survey by Better Homes and Gardens magazine, 32% of participants said they expected their new home to be either somewhat or much smaller than the one they currently live in.
According to the BH&G study, top priorities in a new home include price, natural light and family gathering spaces. The magazine's editor concludes that buyers are looking for a home that is "right-sized, organized and economized".
Homeowners want to get organized in their smaller spaces. Storage in entry areas and even more functional use of wall space are in demand. 69% of respondents indicated no-wasted-space design and good storage would take on added importance in their new home.
The surprise in this article (at least for me) is that freezers are enjoying a resurgence of popularity. While overall appliance sales have been down, freezer sales are up. People are taking advantage of bargains and freezing what they won't use right away. I confess I'm still struggling with my perennial New Year's Resolution to cook dinner more often than dining out.
According to the BH&G study, top priorities in a new home include price, natural light and family gathering spaces. The magazine's editor concludes that buyers are looking for a home that is "right-sized, organized and economized".
Homeowners want to get organized in their smaller spaces. Storage in entry areas and even more functional use of wall space are in demand. 69% of respondents indicated no-wasted-space design and good storage would take on added importance in their new home.
The surprise in this article (at least for me) is that freezers are enjoying a resurgence of popularity. While overall appliance sales have been down, freezer sales are up. People are taking advantage of bargains and freezing what they won't use right away. I confess I'm still struggling with my perennial New Year's Resolution to cook dinner more often than dining out.
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