Best Cities for Commuters, Ranked | Top 15 Cities for Commuters | Top 5 Cities by Category | Calculate Your Commute | 10 Worst Cities for Commuters | Methodology | FAQ

It's no lie – remote work is here to stay. But that doesn't mean that every employer is taking advantage of post-COVID work culture. Today, many companies are transitioning to a permanent system of remote or hybrid work – but not all.

Although some industries are conducive to working from home, some fields require in-person labor, such as manufacturing, retail, or health care. But with gas prices the highest they've ever been, inflation seeing the largest year-over-year spike since 1981, and used vehicle prices leaping 41% since 2021, is the average worker really able to afford their commute?[1][2][3]

To find out, we analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Census, the American Automobile Association, the Brookings Institute, INRIX, GasBuddy, and The Zebra.

We found that the average commuter in the U.S. spends $8,466 and about 19% of their annual income on their commute every year. As part of that overall cost, the average commuter spends $867 on fuel and $410 on vehicle maintenance each year as a result of commuting. Additionally, the average driver in America loses 32 hours to traffic annually.

Our weighted rankings evaluated various criteria including:

• 4x: How much of their income does the average commuter spend on commuting every year?
• 2x: How much money does the average commuter spend on fuel per year?
• 2x: How much money does the average commuter spend on maintenance per year?
• 2x: How much potential income is lost to time spent commuting to work (opportunity cost)?
• 1x: Average hours per year lost to traffic or congestion.
• 1x: How far is the average commute in this metro?
• 1x: The average annual cost of insurance in the metro area.
• 1x: Average minutes spent commuting to work one-way.
• 1x: Average MPH achieved during commute: Lower MPH means you're spending a lot of time going a short distance.

To learn more about how we defined each metric, check out the methodology section.

The 50 Best (and Worst) Cities for Commuters, Ranked

Top 15 Cities for Commuters

Most cities that made our top 15 have the lowest commuting costs, meaning residents spend less money and time driving to and from work every year. But how do they stack up against the average metro in the U.S.?

Overall, the top 15 metros have an 18% cheaper total cost to commute every year ($6,993) than the average metro ($8,467). Additionally, the average total cost to commute in the U.S. has increased by 8% since 2019, rising from $7,855 to $8,467 in 2022.

» MORE: City-Dwellers Moving to the Suburbs Should Be Aware of 20 Things

1. Buffalo, New York

In addition to one of the cheapest annual commutes, the average commuter in Buffalo travels just 22 minutes to work one-way – the shortest commute time across all cities in our study.

The average commute in the City of Good Neighbors is just 6.5 miles to work one-way, compared to 8.77 in the average city, 26% less. Buffalo drivers also lose 81% less of their time to traffic every year compared to commuters in the average city, losing just 6 hours annually compared to 32 hours in the average metro in our study.

2. Salt Lake City, Utah

Commuters in Salt Lake City don't drive too far to work, either. The average commute distance in SLC is 6.5 miles one-way, compared to 8.8 in the average metro. Salt Lake City drivers also lose 69% less time to traffic per year than drivers in the average metro, losing an average of just 10 hours annually compared to 32 hours in the average city in our study.

With the average distance to work so short, Salt Lake City residents don't have to sweat massive maintenance costs. The average commuter there spends $304 per year on maintaining their vehicle as a result of commuting – 26% less than commuters spend in the average city in our study ($410).

3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Impressively, Milwaukee has maintained its place among the top cities for commuters since our last analysis in 2019. Milwaukee maintenance costs have decreased 23% over the past three years – dropping from $450 to $346. Commuters in Milwaukee also spend just 16% of their annual income commuting — compared to the average metro at 19%, that's a 16% discount.

Among affordability and consistency, Milwaukeeans can also boast less congested roads. Drivers in Brew City lose 31% fewer hours to traffic annually (22) than drivers in the average city, who lose 32 hours to congestion every year.

4. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Since 2019, the Virginia Beach commute has gotten significantly cheaper, decreasing by 11%. While workers previously shelled out $7,159 every year for their commutes, traveling to and from work in Virginia Beach now costs about $6,367 every year.

Consequently, Virginia Beach is now in second place for commuting cost as a percent of annual income: Commuters spend just 15% of their income on commuting every year as opposed to 19% in the average metro area. Additionally, Virginia Beach drivers experience 72% less traffic every year compared to the average metro – an average of just 9 hours every year versus 32 average hours in the average city in our study.

5. Cleveland, Ohio

In addition to decreased maintenance costs, Cleveland commuters can drive easy knowing their average annual insurance premium is 38% less expensive than the average metro – just $1,235 compared to $2,000 every year.

Although workers in Cleveland spend an average of 215 hours commuting every year, they're still saving on annual commuting costs. The average Cleveland commute costs $6,745 every year compared to $8,466 in the average metro – a 20% discount. Even more, Cleveland drivers lose 53% less time every year to traffic than drivers in the average metro – 15 hours every year compared to 32 in the average city in our study.

6. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus honors its history as a major railhead and transit center in 1888
through care for commuters. Arch City workers lose nearly 59% less time to traffic annually than commuters in the average metro – just 13 hours compared to 32.

Commuters in Columbus also spend just $6,602 on their commutes. In contrast, we found that workers in the average city in our study spend an average of $8,466 commuting every year – 28% more than workers in Columbus spend. In general, driving costs in Columbus are significantly cheaper: The average Arch City driver spends $1,170 on insurance premiums per year, 42% less than the $2,000 in the average metro.

7. Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford is speeding ahead of other metros when it comes to affordability. Not only has the annual fuel cost for commuters in Hartford decreased 20% from 2019 (dropping from $880 to $706), but the annual maintenance cost for commuters is also now $342 every year – a 46% drop from $633 in 2019.

In turn, Hartford workers only spend 16% of their annual income on their commutes and lose less than a full day to traffic every year (21 hours annually compared to 32 hours in the average metro area). Compared to the average metro, where commuters spend 239 hours every year traveling to and from work, Hartford commuters spend just 210 hours – 12% less.

8. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Since 2019, the average commute to work in Oklahoma City has decreased by 12%, shrinking from 26 to 23 minutes one-way. And speaking of time, Oklahoma City drivers have significantly more. Every year OKC drivers lose an average of 10 hours to traffic and congestion – 69% less than drivers in the average metro, who lose 32 hours annually.

Maintenance costs are also down 23% in The Big Friendly, as commuters can expect their drives to and from work to cost them $402 every year in maintenance compared to $522 in 2019.

9. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is the third Ohio metro to make our top 15 list – and for good reason. Since 2019, a one-way commute in Cincinnati has decreased in time by 11% – from 28 minutes to 25 minutes. Even more, the total cost to commute for Cincinnatians has also dropped from $7,089 in 2019 to $6,762 this year.

Cincinnati workers also spend just 16% of their annual income on commuting every year compared to 19% in the average metro in our study. But annual driving times are also on discount, as drivers in The Queen City are losing just 13 hours to traffic every year compared to 32 hours in the average metro – a 59% discount.

10. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh commuters have seen significant savings over the past 3 years. The total yearly commuting cost for Raleigh workers has decreased 6% since 2019 – declining from $7,430 to $6,984 this year. Meanwhile, the maintenance cost due to commuting has decreased 18%, plunging from $485 in 2019 to $398 in 2022.

In addition to spending less money, drivers in the City of Oaks also spend less time behind the wheel every year. Raleigh ranks No. 2 for annual hours lost to traffic, meaning drivers lose just 6 hours to traffic and congestion each year – 81% less than the 32 hours drivers lose in the average metro.

11. Richmond, Virginia

Even across other commuting metrics, Richmond has seen prices plummet. The annual maintenance cost to commute decreased 57% over the last three years (from $937 in 2019 to $407 today), and annual fuel costs are down 28% (from $1,133 in 2019 to $812 today).

Richmond drivers also spend less time on the highway than drivers in other metros, losing just 10 hours to traffic every year compared to the 32 hours lost in the average metro – a 32% time discount.

12. Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City ranks among our best cities for commuters for many reasons but especially for time spent on the road. The average commute in Kansas City is just 24 minutes, and drivers spend just 13 hours out of their year in traffic compared to the average metro in our study, where workers commute an average of 28 minutes one-way and lose 32 hours to traffic every year. That's 146% more time lost to traffic than in Kansas City!

Costs associated with commuting in KC are comparatively cheaper today. Maintenance costs as a result of commuting have decreased by 17% since 2019, dropping from $501 to $417 and hopefully leaving money in the average Kansas Citian's pocket. Overall, the average commuter in Kansas City spends $7,404 every year on commuting – 13% less than workers in the average metro ($8,466).

13. Louisville, Kentucky

Known by many names such as Derby City or River City, Louisville is making yet another name for itself as a great place to drive. The metro ranks No. 6 for annual fuel costs due to commuting, with the average worker spending $714 on gasoline every year – 18% less than a commuter spends in the average metro ($867).

River City commuters also spend less time commuting. Louisville ranks No. 7 for hours spent commuting every year, as the average Louisville worker expends 210 hours annually traveling to and from work. That's 12% less than commuters spend in the average metro (239 hours).

14. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Ranking within our top 15 metros, the City of Champions remains true to its name. And among the reasons Pittsburghians should celebrate is time saved!

Residents in Pittsburgh lose 43% less time to traffic every year – spending just 18 hours in traffic compared to the 32 hours drivers in the average metro spend. Pittsburgh commuters only spend 3% of their year (or 234 hours) driving to and from work and also have a 16% shorter commute to work (27 minutes) than all of the bottom 10 cities combined (32 minutes).

15. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indy drivers can count their savings in not only dollars but hours, too. The average driver in Indianapolis spends 14 hours in traffic every year. Compared to drivers in the average metro, who lose 32 hours to congestion every year, that's a 56% discount.

Additionally, commuters in Indianapolis spend just 17% of their annual income on their commutes – an 11% discount from the 19% of their annual income drivers in the average metro spend every year. Even more, Indy drivers spend 36% less on car insurance each year than drivers in the average metro (just $1,284 compared to $2,000).

Best Cities by Category

Show more

The 10 Worst Cities For Commuters

Not every metro is speeding ahead in terms of affordability. Of the 50 most populous metros, these 10 were the least ideal for commuters:

1. Detroit, Michigan
2. Atlanta, Georgia
3. New York City, New York
4. Riverside, California
5. Los Angeles, California
6. San Francisco, California
7. Chicago, Illinois
8. Houston, Texas
9. Washington, District of Columbia
10. Dallas, Texas

The worst 10 cities for commuters cost workers more time and money. Altogether, they have an average annual commute cost of $10,359, compared to $8,466 in the average metro – a 22% increase. As a result, residents in the bottom 10 cities spend 22% of their annual income on commuting, compared to 19% in the average metro, a 15% increase. Additionally, the average commuter in these metros spends an average of 277 hours every year commuting to work and loses 58 hours to traffic every year.

Motor City surprised us by coming in last place. Much of this is due to the high average annual car insurance cost and the high cost of commuting in general. The average Detroit resident spends a whopping $6,280 on car insurance every year – partly due to Michigan's status as a no-fault state – and commuters spend 29% of their annual income traveling to and from work. But even so, Detroit isn't nearly as congested as other metros: Residents lose 59% less time to traffic every year, spending just 13 hours in traffic annually versus 32 in the average city.

Methodology

Semya-Moya compared the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas across 9 metrics, listed below. Each metric was normalized and graded on a 100-point scale. The combined weighted average of each score determined the overall "commuting city" score upon which the final ranking was based.

In cases where data sets included only cities, the city data was combined and weighted by population within the overall metro in which the city belonged. In cases where data sets included only counties, county data was crosswalked with metropolitan data. In cases where data sets included only states, the state where the largest portion of the metro is located was used.

The metrics used are as follows:

• The annual cost to commute as a percentage of the average income in each metro (28.6% of total)
• Annual fuel cost of a workday commute per resident (14.3% of total)
• Annual hours lost to traffic/congestion (7.1% of total)
• Annual maintenance cost of commuting (14.3% of total)
• Distance of commute (7.1% of total)
• Average annual insurance premium (7.1% of total)
• How much potential annual income is lost to time spent commuting to work (14.3% of total)
• Time to work (7.1% of total)
• Average miles per hour achieved during commute (7.1% of total)

Here's how we defined our metrics:

• Fuel: We estimated the cost of fuel by calculating the amount of gas used to commute to work (in gallons) by dividing the average distance to work by the average miles per gallon across all light-duty vehicles (22.9 MPG) then multiplied that by the average gas price per gallon.
• Maintenance: The cost of maintenance was calculated as the average cost of maintenance per mile (9 cents) multiplied by the average number of miles to work.
• Opportunity: We estimated the opportunity cost of a person’s time as the amount of money they could have earned had they been working instead of commuting by multiplying the average hourly wages by the number of hours spent commuting to work.
• Percent of income: We calculated the total cost to commute by adding the fuel, maintenance, insurance, and opportunity costs together. We then divided that by median annual income to determine how much of annual income is attributable to annual commute costs.

About Clever

Since 2017, Semya-Moya has been on a mission to make selling or buying a home easier and more affordable for everyone. 12 million annual readers rely on Clever's library of educational content and data-driven research to make smarter real estate decisions—and to date, Clever has helped consumers save more than $82 million on realtor fees. Clever's research has been featured in The New York Times,
Business Insider, Inman, Housing Wire, and many more.

More Research/Related Articles

The Best and Worst Metros for Commuters in 2019

Which cities are the best (and worst) for commuters in terms of the overall opportunity costs?

The Best Low Commission Realtors (2023 Broker Rankings)

Find the best low commission real estate agents and brokers, so you can sell with a full-service realtor and save thousands on commission fees!

Hidden Costs, Buyer's Remorse: The True Cost of Homeownership (2022 Data)

The true cost of owning a house surprises most homeowners, stoking surging rates of buyer's remorse, according to a 2022 survey of 1,000 homeowners. Read more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post The Best and Worst Cities for Commuters in 2022 appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Do Americans have enough retirement savings? | How much debt do retirees have? | Are retirees financially stable? | Why Americans have regrets about their retirement finances

As the pandemic drove the economy into a recession, Americans began to retire at increasingly higher rates — a major shift from previous recessions, when older Americans prolonged their working years to make up for financial losses.[4]

But a rise in retirement rates could mean Americans are missing out on savings. In fact, we found that 56% of retirees wish they retired later — including 40% who regret they didn't save more.

Retired Americans also currently outspend their annual income by just over $4,000.[5] We also found that 75% of retirees hold debt through retirement.

Although over three-quarters (79%) of retirees rely on Social Security to fund their retirement, the average monthly Social Security payment covers only 40% of their monthly expenditures.[6] This means retired Americans rely heavily on other sources of income such as savings or investments for 60% of their their monthly household spending— with some even going into debt to pay for basic expenses.

Still, many of these early retirees aren't leaving the workforce by choice. More than half (53%) of those who retired before they intended cited health issues as their reason for early retirement.

The rocky economic recovery Americans have experienced recently in the wake of staggering unemployment rates and an uncertain financial landscape makes it prudent to ask: Can Americans afford to be financially stable throughout retirement?

To learn more about how Americans are experiencing their retirement years, we surveyed 1,000 current retirees about their retirement finances, debt, and financial security. We learned that most retirees don't have enough to cover the costs of retirement and expect to outlive the entirety of their savings.

With millions of Americans facing financial insecurity during their golden years, the nation may be on the brink of a retirement crisis.

Key Retirement Finances Statistics

The Average Retiree Has $191,659 in Retirement Funds — Just 37% of Recommended Savings

The average American's retirement savings fall dangerously short of covering their financial needs.

Among those we surveyed, the average retiree has just $191,659 saved. According to experts, that's only 37% of the $514,800 retirees should have saved for retirement.[7]

In fact, we found that only about 1 in 3 retirees (38%) actually have enough saved for retirement — and 30% of retirees have nothing in savings.

With limited funds at their disposal, it's no surprise that nearly two-thirds of retirees (64%) feel financially unprepared for their retirement.

Retirees Who Accumulated Debt in 2021 Increased It by $7,910

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only posed significant health risks for older Americans but has also put their finances on the ropes as well, as 48% of retirees report the economic downturn impacted their finances. Of those retirees, nearly half (49%) say their finances still have not recovered.

More than three-quarters (76%) of retired Americans have some debt. The most common forms of retiree debt include:

• Credit card debt (67%)
• Mortgage (37%)
• Car payments (32%)
• Medical debt (22%)
• Personal loans (18%)
• Student loans (8%)
• Buy now, pay later (6%)
• Overdrafts (4%)
• Other (6%)

As lockdowns lifted and vaccination rates increased in 2021, however, we found a glimmer of hope for retirees' financial recovery.

Three-quarters (75%) of retirees still experience looming debts and many struggle to pay their bills, but the average amount of debt retirees hold has decreased by 12% between 2020 and 2021. Retired Americans reported having an average of $17,136 in debt, down from $19,200 in 2020.

65% of Retirees Aren't Financially Secure

Retirement is a major source of stress and anxiety for many Americans.

Nearly one-quarter (24%) of retirees feel stressed about their retirement, while almost half (45%) say they waited too long to start saving for retirement.

Unsurprisingly, more than three-quarters (79%) of retired Americans rely on Social Security as a source of income. But the average monthly Social Security payment is just $1,555, covering only about 40% of the mean $3,843 retirees spend per month.[5][6]

This disparity leaves some to rely on personal savings or other sources, but retirees aren't confident they have enough: 51% of retirees believe they'll outlive their savings entirely.

Common sources of retirement income include:

• Social Security (79%)
• Personal savings (38%)
• Retirement fund (e.g., 401k, Roth IRA, etc.) (35%)
• Company/employer-funded pension plan (29%)
• Other investments (e.g., CDs, stocks, real estate, etc.) (23%)
• Inheritance (7%)
• Part-time employment (7%)
• Financial support from a government agency (not including Social Security) (5%)
• Income from consulting or their own business (e.g., Etsy, small business, etc.) (3%)
• Financial support from children (2%)
• None of the above (2%)

» MORE: The Cheapest States to By a House

73% of Retirees Who Work Do So For Extra Income or To Cover Basic Expenses

In addition to income sources such as Social Security and savings, nearly 1 in 10 retirees (7%) work part-time, and 3% consult or run a small business to cover their expenses.

Of those who work during retirement, 73% say they need the money for basic living expenses or additional discretionary income.

Those who reported having part-time employment, running their own business, or consulting do so for the following reasons:

• Additional discretionary income (52%)
• For the social interaction/something to do (33%)
• Their retirement and Social Security are not enough to cover their expenses (31%)
• They enjoy the work but don't need the additional money (27%)
• Employee discount or other perks (10%)
• Additional money for their heirs (7%)
• None of the above (5%)

54% of Retirees Say Their Employers Didn't Help Enough With Retirement

Contributing to a 401(k) plan can be one of the best ways to save for retirement considering these plans are pre-tax.

But nearly one in three retirees (31%) say their company didn't offer 401(k) plans or pensions — and only 29% of retirees report that their household wealth consists of a company- or employer-funded pension plan.

Even when companies helped employees with retirement savings, 54% of retirees say their employer didn't help enough.

For Americans who work for companies that offer these savings plans, a significant number of employees don't contribute enough to get an employer match.[8] This means the average retiree is likely losing out on money when saving for retirement, exacerbating retirees' financial instability.

Whether it's due to horrible bosses or lack of company funds, retirees aren't satisfied with the amount of help their employers gave them for retirement.

43% of Retirees Struggle to Pay Bills

Inadequate savings, economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising prices are stretching Americans' retirement finances thin.[9]

We found that a significant number of retired Americans (43%) struggle to pay their bills, which include:

• Credit card bills (50%)
• Medical bills (38%)
• Groceries (33%)
• Insurance bills (23%)
• Mortgage/rent bills (23%)
• Debt repayment plans (18%)
• Car payments (16%)
• Other (10%)

Additionally, a lack of financial education during their working years has left over half (67%) of Americans with regrets about their savings. Their top regrets include:

• 52% wish they better understood retirement savings and investments in general.
• 45% waited too long to start saving for retirement.
• 33% wished they invested in more high-risk/high-reward assets when they were younger.

This, unfortunately, may be the norm among Americans. The United States ranks 14th in the world for financial literacy, and financial literacy rates are lowest among adults 65 and older across the globe.[10][11]

27% of Retirees Regret Retiring When They Did

Most Americans can't maintain their standard of living into retirement, but 27% of retirees with regrets don't realize this until they've already left the workforce.

The average retired household makes 48% less ($42,044) than the average wage earning household ($88,309), a nearly 50% loss of income.[5] Considering many Americans are living an average of $4,000 beyond their means in retirement, the financial strain of retiring appears to leave many with regret.

Of retirees who regret the timing of their retirement, more than half (56%) say they should have delayed their plans to retire — including 40% who now realize they haven't saved enough. Additionally, nearly 1 in 3 retirees (28%) regret dipping into their savings prior to retirement.

Retirees who wish they retired later say:

• They didn't save enough for retirement (40%)
• They are bored not working (40%)
• They wish they had more discretionary income (36%)
• They wish they had more money to pay for necessities (31%)
• They claimed Social Security too early (29%)
• They didn't realize how much their standard of living would change (27%)
• They could have paid off more debt (24%)
• They wish they had better health insurance (10%)

Lack of adequate savings, and the resulting stress, impacts the degree to which retirees can actually enjoy their later years. Since retiring, half of retirees report spending less money on things such as traveling (50%) and dining out (49%), while more than one-quarter (27%) increased their spending on medical bills and health care.

64% of Retirees Retired Earlier Than Planned, With More Than Half Citing Health Issues

Soaring COVID-19 rates and the lingering effects of post-COVID conditions pose increasing risks for older Americans and their families.[12][13] Of those who retired during the COVID-19 pandemic, 48% said the pandemic influenced their decision to retire.

Workers who retired earlier than planned cited these reasons for doing so:

• Health issues (53%)
• Laid off / fired and chose not to look for another job (19%)
• To take care of family (17%)
• Unexpected financial gain (10%)

Retiring early or earlier than planned can come with some caveats. As we've learned, Americans are already strapped for retirement cash, but retiring due to medical reasons could exacerbate that financial strain even further.

The average retiree has $11,114 in medical debt, but that sum may only grow over time, as experts predict the average retired couple may need around $300,000 saved to afford health care expenses alone.[14]

There is a silver lining, however. The number of Americans retiring due to health concerns decreased by 12% from 2020, suggesting that we may see the shadow of the pandemic begin to recede in the near future.

Methodology

The proprietary data featured in this study comes from an online survey commissioned by Semya-Moya.

1,000 retired Americans were surveyed on November 2, 2021. Each respondent answered up to 20 questions related to their financial situation, retirement preparations, and worries surrounding retirement and financial planning.

About Clever

Since 2017, Semya-Moya has been on a mission to make selling or buying a home easier and more affordable for everyone. 12 million annual readers rely on Clever's library of educational content and data-driven research to make smarter real estate decisions — and to date, Clever has helped consumers save more than $70 million on realtor fees. Clever's research has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, HousingWire, and many more.

More Research From Clever

State of Retirement Finances: 2021 Edition

Retirees have been hit particularly hard during the COVID-19 pandemic: They've more than doubled their non-mortgage debt, 60% struggle to keep up with their bills, and 1 in 4 worry they'll outlive their savings. Learn more about how retirees' finances stack up in the report.

Buying a House After Retirement? Read This First

If you’re buying a home after retirement, securing a mortgage may seem unlikely. Here’s how you can secure a mortgage even if you’re retired.

Semya-Moya Reviews (2024): How It Works, Pricing, and Alternatives

Is Semya-Moya right for you? Learn how it works, read real customer reviews, and compare it to similar services.

FAQs

The post State of Retirement Finances: 2022 Edition appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Best Book Cities, Ranked | Top 15 Book Cities | Top 5 Cities by Category | 10 Worst Book Cities | Methodology | FAQ

Books have been sources of storytelling for centuries, taking readers on epic journeys, offering critical reflection on matters of state or the heart, and inspiring generations of creative minds.

Even in the wake of increasing pressure from online platforms such as Amazon, libraries and independent bookstores are surviving and thriving in the 21st century. Many local institutions – both public and private – work to make books and the worlds they carry available to their communities. But they often do much more than that.

After the pandemic struck, many libraries hosted vaccine clinics or offered educational materials to locals, and independent bookstores saw a surge of support. Independent bookstores often support local authors and readers of all ages by hosting events and creating safe spaces for community members to enjoy reading and build community. In times of natural disasters, library services can be crucial to a community's ability to respond and sustain by offering a space to use utilities, printing and digital services, and more. In short – we need these institutions.

If you're considering relocating, it's clear that every metro has its highlights – some cities cater to caffeine connoisseurs, to brunch buffs, or to local songwriters. But where should you consider putting down roots if you're an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or simply looking for a solid literary landscape?

To find out, we analyzed publicly available data from Libraries.org, IndieBound, the National Center for Education Statistics, Publishers Weekly, and Google Trends to rank the 50 most populous metro areas in the U.S. from the best to the worst cities for book-lovers.

Our weighted rankings evaluated various criteria including:

• 4x: The number of libraries per 100,000 residents in each metro
• 4x: The number of independent bookstores per 100,000 residents in each metro
• 3x: Google search trends in each metro for 10 selected books from Publishers Weekly's top 25 bestselling books for 2021
• 2x: Average literacy rate scores for each metro out of 500
• 1x: Google search trends in each metro for 5 common book-related terms
• 1x: The number of coffee shops per 100,000 residents in each metro

Read on to find out if your city tops the list or is just a footnote at the bottom!

A note on literacy scores: We use literacy scores to represent how well a city has invested in and built up its libraries, schools, or other infrastructure and resources. You can read more about the National Center for Education Statistics' methodology here.

The 50 Best Book Cities, Ranked

15 Best Book Cities

Although many literary communities have migrated to digital shores in the last decade, nothing quite compares to the feel (and, if we're honest, the smell) of a good book. The top 15 book places in the U.S. especially read the room in a few different ways:

• Lots of libraries: The top 15 book cities have an average of 5.8 libraries per 100,000 residents, a 23% higher rate than the average city in our study at 4.7.
• Places to peruse: The top 15 book cities have an average of 18.5 coffee shops per 100,000 residents, 40% more spots to sip and study than the average city in our study.
• Literacy rate scores: The top 15 book cities have an average literacy score of 274, compared to 266 in the average city – a 2.7% better score.
• Local literary haunts: The top 15 book cities have an average of 1.9 independent bookstores per 100,000 residents, compared to just 1 independent bookstore per 100,000 residents in the average city, a 89% higher rate.
• Book interest: The top 15 book cities showed interest in a wide variety of book events or activities, with an average Google Trends score of 78 out of 100 compared to only 58 in the average city in our study.

1. Providence, Rhode Island

In addition to plenty of publicly funded spaces for books, Providence is home to 4.3 independent bookstores and 23 coffee shops per 100,000 residents. With plenty of indie book spots – such as Twenty Stories, Symposium Books, Cellar Stories, and Paper Nautilus – Providencians have no shortage of reading nooks and creative corners.

Providence has an average book interest score of 77 out of 100, compared to only 58 for the average city in our study – meaning locals are often searching for book clubs, bookstores, and books, according to Google Trends.

The Renaissance City can also boast well-tended libraries such as the Providence Community Library system and the Providence Public Library (PPL). And with so many locals supporting literacy and learning endeavors, Providence's literacy score sits at 274 out of 500, 2.7% higher than the average city in our study.

2. Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford's public library system's value proposition states that its goal is "democratizing access to information and opportunity." With the most libraries per 100,000 residents of any other city in our study and an average literacy score of 278 out of 500, New England's Rising Star seems to be doing just that.

The Hartford metro area scored an 87 out of 100 for bookish search interest, meaning residents search for book-related locations and terms more frequently than folks in the average city (58). With 2.7 indie bookstores per 100,000 residents, locals can find plenty of good reads on the local shelves of The Key Bookstore or The Jumping Frog.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

As if being a trendsetter wasn't enough, Boston is home to 73% more libraries – 8.1 per 100,000 people – than the average city in our study (4.7 per 100,000 people). With age-old reading nooks such as the Boston Athenaeum and the Boston Public Library, the Athens of America embodies its nickname.

Bostonians are certainly Thoreau when it comes to Googling book-related topics, scoring a perfect 100 for book-ish search terms such as "bookstore" and "book club" – compared to a score of 58 for the average city in our study. Home to 1.6 indie bookstores and 22 coffee shops per 100,000 residents, Bostonites can visit tons of local spots, such as Commonwealth Books or Brattle Book Shop, to get their literary fix.

4. San Jose, California

San Jose has an average book passion score of 83 out of 100, compared to just 55 in the average metro – meaning residents often searched for books that made 2021's bestseller list, according to Google Trends.

And finding a bestseller or off-the-page read isn't hard in San Jose. Locals in the Capital of Silicon Valley can visit staples such as Recycle Bookstore, Hicklebee's, or Kinokuniya San Jose to find the perfect read.

5. Seattle, Washington

In addition to plenty of coffee shops, Emerald City offers 1.6 indie bookshops per 100,000 people – 62% more than the average city at just 1 – making it great for book-lovers. Locals can find a book that suits their tastes at any number of local shops, including The Elliott Bay Book Company, Secret Garden Books, or Arundel Books.

It's clear Seattle has invested in its readership: Seattle earned an 85 out of 100 for book interest based on Google search trends for various bookish terms. The metro has a literacy score of 277 out of 500 – 4% higher than the average city (266) – and locals show increased interest in finding books, book clubs, or bookstores.

Seattle is our No. 5 best book city, but what about for coffee? ☕

6. Washington, D.C.

The D.C. area is a bastion of public spaces. Of the 6.1 libraries per 100,000 people this metro houses, many offer a wealth of information and services to residents. From the Department of Parks and Recreation's tool library to the recently modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, it's clear that our nation's capital invests in reading resources.

D.C. also offers lots of book places, as the metro is home to 1.3 local bookstores per 100,000 residents. Folks in the area can leaf through the shelves of homegrown book shops such as Loyalty Bookstores, MahoganyBooks, and Second Story Books to find their next read.

7. Baltimore, Maryland

Since former Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke dubbed Baltimore the "City That Reads" in his 1988 inauguration speech, the city has leaned into his vision. The metro is now home to 4.5 libraries and 2.8 local booksellers per 100,000 residents — 179% more indie bookstores compared to the average city in our study.

Baltimore is also home to avid readers: Locals are 11% more likely to search for book-related phrases or terms than residents in the average metro, scoring a 64 for book-ish search terms such as "book club" or "fiction" compared to the average score of 58. These Baltimore book-lovers can find just the 'write' book at local shops such as The Ivy Bookshop, Greedy Reads, or Red Emma's.

8. San Francisco, California

Not only is San Francisco home to lots of local bookshelves, but it also boasts 4.9 libraries and 23 coffee shops per 100,000 residents – plenty of book places for San Franciscans to search for their next story.

San Franciscans also have their eyes on popular page-turners: The Bay Area scored an 83 out of 100 for book passion, making residents 50% more likely to search for books that made the 2021 bestsellers list, according to Google Trends. To find some of those fan favorites, locals have the privilege of frequenting A+ book nooks such as City Lights, Dog Eared Books, and Green Apple Books.

9. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Known for its pristine blue lakes and vibrant art scene, Minneapolis also has a healthy literary culture. With 28% more libraries (6) and 15% more coffee shops per 100,000 residents (15) than the average metro, locals are likely to find a favorite spot to read.

Before popping over for coffee or snagging a library window seat, residents of Minneapolis can check the shelves of beloved local bookstores such as Moon Palace Books, Milkweed, or Black Garnet Books to find their next page-turner.

The birthplace of author and philosopher Robert M. Pirsig (most known for "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"), Minneapolis also scored 42% higher for interest in book-related search terms than the average city, according to Google Trends.

10. Portland, Oregon

The City of Roses is known for many things: coffee, bridges, and especially its creative communities.

Movers and shakers flocking to the Portland metro area are met with 26% more indie bookstores (1.3) and 104% more coffee shops per 100,000 people (27) than the average city at just 1 independent bookseller and 13 cafés per capita.

In addition to Powell's, locals can find good reads at many other indie faves such as Mother Foucault's or Annie Bloom's Books. Portland residents are also 36% more interested in book-related events than folks in the average city, scoring a 79 out of 100 for search terms such as "book club" or "bookstore," according to Google Trends. And they're in luck – among many events, Portland hosts an annual Portland Book Festival.

11. Buffalo, New York

Buffalo can boast plenty of public space to host bibliophiles, with 7 libraries and 20 coffee shops per 100,000 people compared to just 4.7 libraries and 13 cafés per 100,000 people in the average city.

Even more, the City of Good Neighbors is home to 23% more independent bookstores per 100,000 people (1.2) than the average city (1). Folks can visit local book places such as Talking Leaves…Books, Fitz Books, or Rust Belt Books to get their literary fix.

12. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh's metro area is also home to 1.1 independent bookstores and 16 coffee shops per 100,000 people, making it easy for residents of the 'Burgh' to find the perfect place to break open a book. Among Pittsburgh's great local book places, one will find White Whale Bookstore, City Books, and City of Asylum Books.

Pittsburgh also scored a 66 for book interest compared to only 58 for the average city in our study – meaning locals are often searching for book clubs, bookstores, and books, according to Google Trends.

13. Denver, Colorado

In 'edition' to topping the literacy charts, the Mile High City is home to 1.2 independent bookstores and 16 coffee shops per 100,000 residents. With plenty of indie book places – such as Tattered Cover Book Store, BookBar, and Kilgore Books & Comics – Denverites have no shortage of local literary stops.

Denver also has an average book interest score of 75 compared to only 58 for the average city in our study – meaning locals often search for book clubs, bookstores, and books 29% more often than residents of the average city, according to Google Trends.

For folks looking to break into the publishing industry, the University of Denver's College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences houses a Publishing Institute where students can learn and live the ins and outs of publishing.

14. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus residents love their books – with a score of 82 out of 100 for book interest, Columbus residents are often on the lookout for book-related events or book places, according to Google Trends.

Birthplace of famous Goosebumps author R.L. Stine, Columbus offers an array of book places such as The Book Loft, Prologue Bookshop, and Two Dollar Radio. With a literacy score of 269 and 19% more libraries per 100,000 people (5.6) than the average city at 4.7, it's clear Columbus is a great place for book-lovers.

15. Salt Lake City, Utah

Not only are SLC residents searching for books, but they're also searching bookish events and places. Salt Lake City scored an 88 for book interest – 52% higher than the average city in our study, meaning locals are often searching for book clubs, bookstores, and books, according to Google Trends.

To find answers to those Google queries, residents of the Salt Lake City metro area don't have to look far. They can find any number of interesting reads at book places such as Ken Sanders Rare Books, Central Book Exchange, and The King's English Bookshop.

Data Details: Top 5 Rankings by Category

Show more

10 Worst Book Cities

Of America's 50 most populous cities, these 10 were the least reader-friendly:

1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Miami, Florida
3. Orlando, Florida
4. Riverside, California
5. Houston, Texas
6. Phoenix, Arizona
7. Memphis, Tennessee
8. San Antonio, Texas
9. Tampa, Florida
10. Los Angeles, California

Altogether, these metros offer an average of just 2.9 libraries per 100,000 people – 38% less than the average city in our study at 4.7. Additionally, these cities lack a local book economy: They have an average of 0.4 independent bookstores per 100,000 residents, 62% less than the average city at 1.0.

Even more, Las Vegas, the worst book city, is home to just 1.7 libraries per 100,000 residents compared to 4.7 libraries per 100,000 residents in the average city in our study, a 63% drop-off. As far as local bookshops go, the average city in our study beats out Las Vegas by 2,425%, with 1.0 indie bookstore per 100,000 people versus just 0.04 in Las Vegas.

Folks in Las Vegas also aren't as interested in finding local book spots as residents in the average metro area – they scored just 21 in Google Trends for terms such as "bookstore," "books," and "book club" compared to 58 for the average city in our study.

Methodology

Semya-Moya compared the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas across 19 metrics, listed below. Each metric was normalized and graded on a 100-point scale. The combined weighted average of each score determined the overall "book city" score upon which the final ranking was based.

In cases where data sets included only cities, the city data was combined and weighted by population within the overall metro in which the city belonged. In cases where data sets included only counties, county data was crosswalked with metropolitan data. In cases where data sets included only states, the state where the largest portion of the metro is located was used.

The metrics used are as follows:

• Number of libraries per 100,000 residents (26.7% of total)
• Number of independent bookstores per 100,000 residents (26.7% of total)
• Number of coffee shops per 100,000 residents (6.7% of total)
• Literacy ratings (13.3% of total)
• Google Trends popularity of 10 bestselling books from 2021 (20% total; 2% each)
• Google Trends popularity of five common book-related terms (6.7%; 1.3% each)

About Clever

Since 2017, Semya-Moya has been on a mission to make selling or buying a home easier and more affordable for everyone. 12 million annual readers rely on Clever's library of educational content and data-driven research to make smarter real estate decisions—and to date, Clever has helped consumers save more than $82 million on realtor fees. Clever's research has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, Housing Wire, and many more.

More Research From Clever

The Best Coffee Cities in America: 2022 Data

We analyzed Google Trends, Census data, and more to find the best metros for a cup-o-joe! Is your hometown one of the 15 best coffee cities?

The Best Low Commission Realtors (2023 Broker Rankings)

Find the best low commission real estate agents and brokers, so you can sell with a full-service realtor and save thousands on commission fees!

How to Find a Real Estate Agent That's Right for You

This guide on how to find the best real estate agent is packed with useful tips and information, based on hundreds of hours of research and expert interviews.

The Best Flat Fee Real Estate Brokers + Agents in 2023

Looking to save on real estate commission? We rank the best flat-fee real estate brokers and agents so you can find a great listing fee without sacrificing service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Book Cities

The post The Best Book Places in the U.S. (2022 Data) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

If you're building a new house, expect it to take about seven months, but don't be surprised if the process takes up to 12 months (or more)!

How long a house takes to build will be specific to your circumstances, such as where you live or what type of builder you're working with. But there are also a few other variables you can account for early on that will save you time, and maybe even money, down the road.

To help you prepare to build your new home, here are some things to consider, a general timeline for new constructions, and other important information you'll need to know when you build your new home.

How long does it take to build a house?

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, your home's construction will take anywhere from six to 12 months depending on two big variables: the type of build and which region of the country you live in.

Type of build

Hiring a contractor or buying from a production builder can mean months difference in your timeline. Based on various build types, the average time it takes to build a house can be:

Region

Some U.S. states might have better or worse weather, which can impact your timeline. Or, different municipal bureaucracies can impact how long it takes to go through permitting and inspection processes. Unfortunately, these elements are out of your control when you're considering how long it takes to build your new home.

Additionally, labor markets are different everywhere. If subcontractors are in high demand where you live, you will have to work with their schedule and could end up waiting a bit longer for certain types of work, such as your electrical wiring or plumbing, than you originally planned.

Where you live also affects how long it takes materials to get to your build site. For example, if you're building in the suburbs of a large city, it might be quicker because your local industrial hubs are relatively close. If you're building in a mountainous area that's more isolated, materials might need to travel further to get to you.

U.S. Census Bureau data gives us a general idea of what you can expect based on what region of the U.S. you're building in.

Things to consider when building a house

Building a new home can be exciting — you have the power to build the home of your dreams, right on the lot you want! But that also means there are a lot of details and steps that need your attention.

To start, you'll have an initial meeting with your builder to decide on floor plans, sign a sale contract, and communicate your needs and expectations.

After your meeting, you'll work with your builder to negotiate and finetune the specifics, like the floor plan and material specifications. Then, your builder will probably require a deposit upfront to get started on construction.

If you want to start this process on the right foot, these are a few things you should consider before you get to that initial meeting:

Your budget

Just like you would for a traditional home purchase, you'll want to get prequalified with a mortgage lender before talking to a builder. Once you're prequalified, you'll have an idea of what you can afford to spend on your new home.

It's also a good idea to give yourself at least 10% of the total price in extra funds. This way, if the cost of materials increases while you're building or some unexpected weather patterns lead to increased costs, you're prepared for it.

Also factor in that you'll likely have a few additional financing costs, like your builder deposit and construction loan if applicable.

How much space you need

Planning on how much square footage you'll need helps you anticipate how much the build will cost and makes it easier to set expectations with your builder right from the start.

When thinking about space, consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need. Do you want a single-story or multi-story home?

The size of your lot will also impact how much space you actually have to build, so knowing how much space you want can help you decide where you want to build, too.

These are all important questions to answer early in the planning process, and might even help you narrow down your list of potential builders to choose from.

Unique design choices

Deciding early on unique aspects of your home means you can share your vision with your builder from the get-go, and they can order hard-to-find materials as early as possible.

For example, maybe you want an exposed beam and high ceilings in your living room. Large, sturdy pieces of wood that are long enough to fit the length of a room might be hard to find and take a while to arrive. Or, do you need wheelchair-accessible door frames and bathrooms? Your builder will want to know about those needs ASAP so they can incorporate them into your blueprint.

This means it's crucial to decide on unique design choices as early as you can and communicate them to your builder so they can get the ball rolling on your order.

Ability to compromise

Likewise, planning a list of must-haves versus what you're willing to leave behind helps save you time later when you sit down with your builder to sign a contract and commit to a timeline.

Out of your list of design and floor plan options, what are you willing to compromise on with your builder to meet your timeline? What part of your vision for your new home are you willing to compromise on if it comes down to cost?

A real estate agent is also a useful expert who can guide you through what changes can be made at your discretion after your build is complete. Having this information ahead of time could potentially save you tons of money and time.

>>SAVE: If you're looking for an agent with experience in new construction, Clever can help!

Average timeline to build a house

These are the typical steps a builder will take to construct your home:

It's important to note that many of the steps to build a house can happen simultaneously. Since each stage requires different subcontractors or specialists for installations, they can often work at the same time on different parts of the site.

To prepare you for how long it takes to build a house, let's break down the details of each step.

Permits and inspections

Most cities will require you to apply for permits and have inspections conducted of the construction site.

Once these are complete, construction can take a month or more to begin. If you're working with a production builder, they'll likely already have this step taken care of before you approach them, though.

No matter what type of build you're doing, inspections will be required periodically throughout the construction process and typically after key stages of the build, like checking the foundation or the quality of the electrical work.

These add time but are important for your safety. Inspectors ensure features are up to code and don't present current or future hazards.

Every city will have different permitting and inspection requirements. Check your city government's website for more information.

Foundation

Every home needs a solid foundation! Whether it's just a slab or a full basement, your foundation will need anywhere from two to four weeks to cure before it can support your home.

Weather will affect this step a lot, too. If temperatures fluctuate, it could take your foundation longer to cure. So depending on your local climate, it might be a bit longer before you're ready for the next step of your build.

Your city will also want to inspect your foundation before the builder moves onto framing, so account for this time, too.

Framing

Next, it's time to put in the bones of your home! On average, expect framing to take around a week or two. However, the time it takes to frame your home depends on a couple of factors like square footage and how many floors it has.

If you're working with a general contractor or production builder, they'll probably be more efficient when doing your framing. If you're working directly on a custom build, be prepared for framing to take longer.

After your framing is complete, an inspector will ensure the frame is secure and that it's safe to move forward with the next steps of your build.

Technical and mechanical

Now it's time for your essential systems, such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC.

Installing these different components requires specialists, so it could take a week or more to complete. It might take longer if there is high demand for these services in your area and you have to work around a specialist's schedule.

During this time, your builder will also likely get started on the roof and windows, and add a house wrap to protect your home from water.

Make sure to walk through with your builder before the next step to ensure you're not missing any essentials, like HVAC vents or ethernet ports. After all these systems are in place, an inspector will usually also check that everything is installed safely.

Walls and insulation

Here is where the house starts to become a home! After your essential systems are installed, your insulation and walls go up. Installing your insulation and walls will probably take just a few days but won't begin until all of your mechanical elements are in place.

Insulation is crucial to creating a livable home and reducing your energy usage, helping you save on utility bills. The most common type of insulation is fiberglass batting rolls, but what your builder uses will depend on your local climate.

Exteriors

Now it's time for your house to take on some character. At this stage, you'll see your siding and other exterior features installed, such as brick or stucco.

This will probably take a few days to a week and possibly happen concurrently with your details and finishes. Some landscaping might also occur, including planting trees or shrubbery.

Details and finishes

Now it's time for your trim and finishes, which includes a lot more than you might expect!

Since some of these features require different subcontractors, this process can take a while: up to a month or more. However, many of these elements are installed at the same time, so again, expect some overlap between steps.

You'll also see your floor go in around this time, too — probably after things like cabinets and appliances are installed to prevent dirt tracking onto your new carpet or damage to your new hardwood floors.

Final walkthrough

You're almost there! Now that everything is installed and constructed, it's time to do your final walkthrough with your builder, sometimes called the "punchout."

At your punchout, you're encouraged to bring a punch list, or a list of things to go over in detail, to ensure that your new home meets the requirements laid out in your contract. If you have one, your real estate agent will also be a great resource when checking for errors and potential problems, so be sure to bring them along! You may also choose to hire your own inspector to help, too.

During your punchout, note anything that you'd like fixed or any errors you notice. The following new construction punchout list example can get you started.

After your builder makes whatever fixes necessary, your city may need to inspect your new home to ensure everything is up to code before you close and move in.

Do you need a realtor for new construction?

You don't need to use a real estate agent if you're building a house, but if you're buying from a production builder, it's a good idea to bring an agent along! An agent can help you navigate your sale contract, ensure your package is priced fairly, and help you keep track of the build process.

Plus, having an agent doesn't cost you anything because most builders account for a buyer's agent fee in their marketing budgets! So, there's usually no discount if you choose to go it alone.

While your builder will probably encourage you to use their representative instead, it's important to note that their agent represents them — not you.

Related links

Do You Need a Real Estate Agent for New Construction?

Should you hire a real estate agent for a new construction home purchase? Learn how an agent fits into the home building process.

7 Questions You Must Ask When Buying a New Construction Home

Buying a construction home without adequate information is going to hurt your pocket later on. Here are seven questions you need to know the answers to.

5 New Construction Upgrades that Add Value in the Long Run

Even a new house can benefit from improvements. These up-front upgrades will boost your home’s value now and in the future.

7 FAQs About Negotiating When Buying a New Construction Home

Negotiation with the developer when buying new construction home is a little different from a transaction with a current homeowner. Let’s look at some FAQs.

FAQs about new construction timelines

The post How Long Does It Take to Build a House? appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Best Music Cities in the U.S., Ranked | Top 15 Music Cities | How Much Do You Spend On Concert Tickets? | Best Cities by Music Genre | Data Details | Worst Music Cities | FAQ

Whether it's a sonorous trumpet solo or the streetside strum of an acoustic guitar, a city's local sound is the heartbeat that keeps it alive.

That heartbeat is still strong, despite the pandemic's impact on other industries. Streaming services saw a 26% increase in profits in early 2021, comprising nearly two-thirds ($4.6 billion) of the industry's revenue that season.[15] Meanwhile, revenue from vinyl sales increased by 94% to $467 million in just the first half of 2021. Overall, global music revenues have steadily and continuously grown over the past six years.[16]

And now that some performers and bands are going back on tour, we wanted to know: What are the best music cities in the U.S.?

To find out, we analyzed publicly available data from the U.S. Census, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indie on the Move, and more to rank the 50 most populous metro areas in the U.S. from the best to the worst cities for music.

Our weighted rankings evaluated criteria including:

• 6x: Google Trends scores for 20 different terms, including music genres
• 3x: Average concert ticket price (based on 2019, pre-COVID)
• 3x: Small concert venues within a 25-mile radius from the metro area's main city
• 2x: Cost of a monthly concert outing (based on the average concert ticket price divided by the city's average income)
• 2x: Music festivals scheduled for 2022 within a 100-mile radius
• 2x: Number of working musicians per 100,000 citizens
• 2x: Average wage for working musicians

Keep reading to find out if your city has made its claim to fame – or if your local music scene is out of tune!

Best Music Cities in the U.S. Stats 🎶

The 50 Best Music Cities, Ranked

The 15 Best Music Cities in the U.S.

The best music cities in our study rock at combining affordability and general interest with a decent number of music events and venues.

Overall, the top 15 metros for music are playing the hits for every metric:

• Plenty of working musicians: The top 15 cities have an average of 39 professional musicians per capita – 39% higher than the average city in our study (28).
• Inexpensive concerts: Our top 15 cities have an average concert ticket price of $117 versus $126 for the average city in our study – an 8% difference.
• Lots of intimate concert venues: The top 15 cities have an average of 3.86 small concert venues per capita versus 2.90 venues per capita in the average city in our study. That’s a 50% gap!
• People searching for music genres: The top 15 cities consistently come out on top for Google Trends for all genres and rank 11% higher across every genre than the average city in our study.

How Much Do You Spend on Concert Tickets?

Want to know how much your concert tickets are costing you in any of the top 50 metro areas? Plug your info into the calculator below to find out! 👇

1. Nashville, Tennessee

Although Nashville is an unmistakable hub for country music, it's not the only thing crowning Music City the music capital of America. Nashville ranks No. 2 across every genre of our Google Trends research – and No. 1 for heavy metal in addition to country.

As if ranking first for the number of small concert venues per 100,000 residents (6.7) wasn't enough, career musicians in Nashville also earn more — hourly $28.81, higher than 30% of the cities in our study. With so many venues and artists and ticket prices ($130) that beat out 32% of other metros, Nashville is THE city for music in the U.S.

2. Indianapolis, Indiana

As the capital of Michael Jackson's home state, Indianapolis does not disappoint. Ranking No. 4 in small concert venues per capita (5.3 per 100,000 people), Indianapolis is a great place to catch an affordable show.

Additionally, full-time musicians in Indianapolis make more hourly ($31.40) than artists in 40% of the cities in our study, and the metro ranks No. 5 in Google Trends for both alternative music and blues.

3. Portland, Oregon

The hometown of indie rock icons such as Elliott Smith, The Decemberists, and Blitzen Trapper, the City of Roses is a muse for musical minds.

Portland music-lovers can look forward to nine different festivals planned for 2022 – 67% more than the average metro area. Additionally, with more career musicians per 100,000 residents (38) than 88% of the metros we studied, Portland remains a top city for performers.

4. Austin, Texas

Although tied with Portland for the number of festivals planned for 2022, Austin has more intimate venues per capita (5.2) than 92% of other metros we analyzed.

Known for big musical gatherings such as Austin City Limits and South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin also beats other metros based on price: Average ticket prices in Austin ($111) are cheaper than 76% of the cities in our study.

5. Raleigh, North Carolina

From the Pour House to the Lincoln Theatre, North Carolina's capital has plenty of places to catch your favorite solo act, indie band, bluegrass duo, or punk lineup. Even better, Raleigh offers cheaper ticket prices ($104) than 86% of the metros in our study and at a 17% discount compared to the average city ($126).

6. Salt Lake City, Utah

An audience for any genre, Salt Lake City is a great space for musical artists. SLC is home to 25 career musicians per 100,000 people – over 50% more per capita than other metro areas – and ticket prices ($122) that run cheaper than 52% of the other cities in our study.

7. St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis can boast a lively blues scene thanks in large part to late blues patriarch Bennie Smith, who helped pioneer the genre's characteristic sound.[17] In addition to chart-topping blues, St. Louis residents enjoy 17% savings on the average concert ticket, spending only $104 per ticket versus $126 in the average metro area.

The Gateway City might also be a full-time musician's gateway to fame: St. Louis musicians earn more hourly ($37.53) than artists in 78% of our other metros.

8. San Francisco, California

Not only are shows relatively affordable compared to income in San Francisco, but there's also a great financial opportunity for artists in the metro that gave us the jazz fusion powerhouse Santana. Full-time San Francisco musicians make more hourly ($48.84) than full-time musicians working in 94% of our other cities.

With more intimate performance spaces than 66% of the cities in our study (2.9 per 100,000 people), SF is one of few cities that can boast a music scene that supports both its audience and its musicians.

9. Seattle, Washington

Known for the "Seattle Sound" courtesy of groups such as Tina Bell's Bam Bam, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, this metro ranks No. 3 for working musicians. With 53 musicians per capita, Seattle is home to 89% more artists than the average metro (28).

Local career musicians also make more than the average artist would in 90% of other cities studied. Additionally, a monthly concert ticket at average Seattle prices ($126) would eat up 1.9% of the median annual salary of a local. Compared to 2.5% across all cities, that's 23% less of a person’s budget in Seattle!

10. Buffalo, New York

Buffalo locals enjoy tons of local venues at a fraction of the cost that residents in many other cities do – Buffalo's average ticket prices ($119) are cheaper than tickets in 38% of our metros.

Additionally, there are tons of great acts to catch, as Buffalo is home to an average of 45 musicians per capita, more career musicians than 90% of other cities.

11. Boston, Massachusetts

Not only is Boston the birthplace of iconic acts such as Pixies and The Cars, but Boston musicians can also boast higher hourly wages ($31.59) than artists in 66% of the cities in our study, making this metro a great stop for artists and fans alike.

With a better ticket price-to-income ratio (1.8%) than 94% of other metros, Bostonians can catch monthly shows at an average annual cost of $1,512, compared to an average of $1,613 or 2.5% across all 50 cities — that's a 28% discount!

12. Charlotte, North Carolina

Even relative to other professions in Charlotte, musicians here are doing incredibly well. The median hourly wage for full-time artists is 1.57 times ($44.34/hour) the median wage of all Charlotte residents ($28.34/hour).

Not only can musicians make a decent living in Charlotte, but locals can also count on catching their favorite bands at rates ($112 per ticket) that are lower than the average ticket prices in 72% of other cities.

13. Columbus, Ohio

High demand for burgeoning pop hits has driven Columbus' music scene into the top 15 music cities and has clearly fostered a love for live shows.

Known as the hometown of country-pop group Rascal Flatts, Columbus has more festivals planned for 2022 (7) than 64% of the cities in our study. And with more career musicians per capita (25 per 100,000 people) than 50% of the metros we looked at, this city is a great place for aspiring pop stars to network and perform.

14. Hartford, Connecticut

Coming in second place for working musicians among metros in our study, Hartford is another great city for artists looking to make a living.

Career musicians here can expect to make an average of $35.65 per hour – more than full-time artists make in 74% of other metros. With 31% more small concert venues per capita (3.8 per 100,000 people) than the national average (2.9), Hartford musicians are set up for success.

15. Cincinnati, Ohio

Not only are full-time musicians raking in the dough here, but they're also making more than their non-musician neighbors! The median hourly wage for a person with the job title "musician or singer" in Cincinnati is 1.6 times ($47.53/hour) the median wage of all local residents ($29.80/hour).

And for locals hoping to catch a show, you're in luck! Ticket prices for Cincinnati shows ($110) are cheaper than the average ticket price in 78% of the metros we analyzed and 13% cheaper than the national average ($126).

Best Music Cities By Genre

Data Details: Top 5 Cities by Category

When we analyzed the data by specific ranking factors, we discovered some cities hit both impressive highs and lows.

Best 5 Music Cities	Worst 5 Music Cities

Show more

The 10 Worst Music Cities

Not every metro can hit the high notes, and 10 of our cities performed pretty poorly when it came to venues and events, general interest, and affordability:

1. Miami, Florida
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
3. Houston, Texas
4. San Antonio, Texas
5. Dallas, Texas
6. Atlanta, Georgia
7. Jacksonville, Florida
8. New York, New York
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
10. Phoenix, Arizona

Although Miami has a vibrant club scene, it lacks live music. Miami ranked No. 49 out of 50 cities in our study in terms of small concert venues, with a mere 0.62 venues per capita. In comparison, the average city in our study has 2.9 concert venues per capita – an unfortunate 79% more than Miami.

Altogether, the 10 worst music cities offer an average of only 1.8 music venues per capita – 54% less than the top 15 cities (3.9 per 100,000 people).

Additionally, these cities have 25% fewer career musicians than the average city in our study, and concert tickets are priced 19% higher ($150) than the average city ($126). The bottom 10 cities consistently come out in the bottom ranks in Google Trends across all genres.

It's clear that folks living in these 10 cities aren't as interested in music experiences as the residents of other metros. Compared to the average city in our study, the bottom 10 cities have 7% lower Google Trends scores across all genres.

Methodology

Semya-Moya compared the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas across a number of metrics, listed below. Each metric was normalized and then graded on a 100-point scale. The combined weighted average of the scores determined the "music city" score upon which the final ranking was based.

In cases where data sets included only cities or other statistical areas, the city data was combined and weighted by population within the overall metro in which the city belonged to the extent of the available data. In cases where data sets included only counties, county data was crosswalked with metropolitan data. In cases where data sets included only states, the state where the largest portion of the metro is located was used.

The metrics used are as follows:

• Number of working musicians per 1,000 residents (11% weight)
• Median musician wage as a percentage of median overall wage (11% weight)
• Average price of concert tickets (11% weight)
• Monthly concert tickets as a percentage of median income (11% weight)
• Small concert venues within a 25-mile radius (11% weight)
• Music festivals within a 100-mile radius (11% weight)
• Google Trends data for the last 12 months for 20 different musical genres (33% total weight; 1.67% per genre)

Data sources include: US Census, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indie on the Move, Google Trends, SeatGeek, Music Genre List, and Music Festival Wizard.

About Clever

Since 2017, Semya-Moya has been on a mission to make selling or buying a home easier and more affordable for everyone. 12 million annual readers rely on Clever's library of educational content and data-driven research to make smarter real estate decisions—and to date, Clever has helped consumers save more than $70 million on realtor fees. Clever's research has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, Housing Wire, and many more.

More Research From Clever

The 20 Best House Buying Websites in 2023

We've compiled a list of the best house buying websites so you can quickly find ALL the properties for sale in your area. Jumpstart your home hunting journey today!

Ideal Agent Reviews, Complaints, and Ratings

Ideal Agent reviews are usually positive, with customers praising its service and agent quality. But it falls short in some key areas. See what we uncovered.

The Best Low Commission Realtors (2023 Broker Rankings)

Find the best low commission real estate agents and brokers, so you can sell with a full-service realtor and save thousands on commission fees!

Frequently Asked Questions About Music Cities

The post The Best Music Cities in the U.S. (2022 Data) appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Best Coffee Cities, Ranked | Top 15 Coffee Cities | Best (and Worst) Coffee City Statistics | 10 Worst Coffee Cities | FAQ

Ever since the Boston Tea Party prompted a switch from leaves to beans, the United States has been running on coffee like it's our patriotic duty.[18]

Americans drink roughly 656 million cups of coffee per day — in fact, U.S. adults reported drinking more coffee than bottled water last year.[19][20]

As cities gradually lifted COVID restrictions, out-of-home coffee consumption has increased 16% since January 2021, marking a near return to pre-pandemic levels.[19] But with global shortages driving the price-per-pound of coffee to highs we haven't seen since 2011, it's a good time to decipher where coffee-lovers can get the best brew for their buck.[21]

To find out, we analyzed publicly available data from the U.S. Census, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Numbeo, Google Trends, National Coffee Association, and Database USA to rank the 50 most populous metro areas in the U.S. from the best to the worst cities for coffee.

Our weighted rankings evaluated various criteria including:

• 3x: The average price of a cappuccino in each city.
• 2x: The average number of coffee shops per capita in each metro.
• 1x: The number of coffee shops per square mile in each metro.
• 1x: What percentage of their income locals are willing to spend on a daily weekday cup.
• 1x: The Google search trends for coffee-related terms in each metro.

Our rankings consider two measures of affordability. Metros with an affordable cost of living encourage residents to open shops and try new ideas with lower risk. However, higher-than-average prices for a cup of coffee reflect just how much the locals value a quality cup.

Read on to learn if your city tops the list — or if it's one of the bitter dregs coffee-lovers should avoid.

Best Coffee Cities Stats ☕

The 50 Best Coffee Cities, Ranked

The 15 Best Coffee Cities

Our 15 best coffee cities in the U.S. are pros at providing a delicious caffeine boost at an affordable price-point. That's why you'll find value-conscious cities such as Milwaukee and Buffalo, N.Y., alongside famous coffee haunts such as Portland, Ore., and Seattle in our top rankings.

Ultimately, we found that the top 15 cities have:

• More variety: There is an average of 18 cafes per capita in our top 15 cities – about 1.4 times as many as the average U.S. metro area (13).
• Better prices: Patrons in our top 15 cities pay an average of $4.22 for one cappuccino and spend about 1.6% (or $1,096) of their annual income on coffee – significantly less than the national average of $4.47 per cup, costing about 1.9% or ($1,163) of the average national income.

1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is the best at balancing affordable brews with a growing coffee scene. The area's affordable cost of living provides Milwaukee cafe owners the flexibility they need to create a unique experience for cafe-goers. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities for new faces to break into the specialty coffee scene, making it America's best coffee city.

With prices well below the national average, Milwaukeeans can get their caffeine fix daily while only shelling out $926 per year for their coffee, or 1.5% of their annual income — one of only 5 cities where the cost comes in at under $1,000.

2. Portland, Oregon

Since local coffee giants such as Stumptown and Water Avenue claimed the city in the late '90s and 2000s, Portland has been keeping it undeniably weird and wired, housing a dizzying density of 27 coffee shops, houses, cafes, and roasters per capita — significantly higher than the national average of 13.

At an average of $4.30 per cappuccino, Portland still manages to keep its prices slightly lower than the national average of $4.36 – even as the cost of living continues to increase. With affordable coffee prices and so many options, Portland is a great spot to try tons of different blends and brews.

3. San Francisco, California

Affordable coffee is fueling the Bay Area's persistent and continual innovation.[23] Startups sometimes live and die (or are bought and sold) to the sound of a Mahlkönig grinder and the smell of single origin.

San Francisco offers a coffee shop roughly every 2 square miles and has 23 cafes and coffee hangouts per capita. The sheer volume of coffee options combined with high local Google search volume for coffee-related terms makes the Bay Area a passionate coffee corner of the U.S.

4. Buffalo, New York

Buffalo is a natural blend of variety and affordability and a great city for coffee-lovers who want to shelter from biting Northeastern winters with a warm cup-o-joe.

Buffalo is home to 20 coffee shops per capita, showcasing a variety of stops and shops for coffee connoisseurs. There's a lot to choose from here, and a daily cappuccino won't break the bank: Buffalonians only need to worry about spending $954 per year on their daily cup of coffee.

5. Providence, Rhode Island

Rhode Island might be the smallest state, but they're brewing big! Visitors to Providence can expect to find a coffee shop every 4 square miles, as it's home to about 23 cafes per capita.

Although Providence's average cappuccino price ($4.12) is closer to the national average ($4.36) than some other cities, you'll get the best brew the city has to offer for your buck – in the "Creative Capital," folks only spend around $1,071 per year on their weekday pick-me-up, compared to $1,134 nationally.

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is home to a plethora of strong coffee options, including the Massachusetts original: Dunkin' Donuts!

In addition to having strong variety, though, this city offers relatively affordable average prices at around $4.56 per cappuccino. Bostonians who get their fix every weekday only spend around 1.4% of their annual income on coffee, or about $1,186 per year.

7. Cincinnati, Ohio

Home to the first professional baseball team in the U.S., the Cincinnati Red Stockings, it's clear Cincinnati came to play.[24] Although there is only an average of 11 cafes per capita in "Queen City," you can be sure to find the pour-fect cup at any one of them.

Known for hosting the largest Oktoberfest in the country, it's clear that Cincinnati pulls no punches when it comes to craft beverages, beer and coffee alike.[25]

8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The "Steel City" is home to about 16 coffee shops for every 100,000 people and is where locals are more interested in Googling the perfect cappuccino than 48% of the other cities on our list, and not surprisingly.

Per-cup prices for cappuccinos are a bit lower in Pittsburgh than some other locales, with the average coffee-lover only spending about 1.6% (or $1,030) of their yearly income on a weekday coffee – the same for folks living in coffee giant Seattle.

9. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is where latte art was first developed in the '80s and '90s and is home to the first Starbucks location in Pike Place Market. It's safe to say that Seattle is where the U.S. specialty coffee scene finds its roots.

With 27 cafes per capita to choose from, Seattle is definitely a must-stop for coffee lovers. Although Seattle coffee doesn't come cheap, decades of collective coffee wisdom are brewed into every $5.06 cappuccino. And, even at these prices, a daily cappuccino in Seattle only sets the average local back $1,316 per year – just 1.6% of their annual income, well under the national average of 1.9%.

10. Hartford, Connecticut

Gilmore Girls put Connecticut on the coffee map, and the state has held its own since. Hartford's baseball team may play at Dunkin' Donuts Park, but the city definitely runs on more than common coffee brands.[26]

At $4.50 per cup, it's clear that Hartford values quality over quantity, and residents are consistently Googling for the best cappuccino spots more often than 78% of other cities in our top 50.

11. Riverside, California

Cafes near the University of California, Riverside, are used to pulling the perfect shot to complement an afternoon study session.

Although home to a mere 9 coffee shops per capita, a weekday Riverside pick-me-up puts locals out only $985 per year – 15% less than the national average spending on daily brews ($1,163).

12. San Diego, California

With a whopping 15 coffee shops and cafes per capita, San Diego ranks #2 for interest in the Google search term "latte," showing that this coastal California city has tons of caffeine-thusiasm. Known for its pristine beaches and beautiful weather, San Diego is the best place to go for a sandy stroll, latte in hand.

Just 10 cents above the national average, cappuccino prices put San Diegans out 1.8% of their annual income if they're serious about shopping for a caffeine fix every weekday.

13. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love is certainly serving up some lovely joe and espresso. Philly has seen a marked increase in the number of coffee offerings in the past few years and currently houses around 16 shops per capita.

Even with higher-than-average prices per cup ($4.38), Philadelphia still has locals spending only 1.6% of their annual income, or $1,139, on their daily cup-o-joe. It's clear that Philly isn't just serving up quantity but quality as well.

14. San Jose, California

As the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose has seen decades of innovation build the perfect foundation for third-wave coffee to take root. With prices almost 30 cents higher than the national average at $4.65, there's no doubt coders and engineers are enjoying quality red eyes on late nights.

But although the prices might be higher in San Jose, residents are only spending about 1% of their annual income on their daily dose of coffee — nearly half the national average of 1.9%.

15. Indianapolis, Indiana

At just $3.80 per cappuccino, residents of Indianapolis can expect a great cup of coffee at 56 cents less than the national average ($4.36). Home to around 8 cafes per capita, residents here only spend around $988 a year on their daily coffee fix. As for industry passion, Indianapolis has its own comprehensive coffee resource, the Indianapolis Coffee Guide, for folks looking for a local caffeine buzz.[27]

Data Details: Top 5 Rankings by Category

When we analyzed the data by specific ranking factors, we discovered some hidden gems among America's best coffee cities.

5 Best Coffee Cities	5 Worst Coffee Cities

Show more

The 10 Worst Coffee Cities

Not every metro is grinding out coffee culture, and 10 cities stood out as distinctively less inviting to cafe-goers:

1. Virginia Beach, Virginia
2. Memphis, Tennessee
3. Louisville, Kentucky
4. Birmingham, Alabama
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
6. Richmond, Virginia
7. Phoenix, Arizona
8. Nashville, Tennessee
9. Jacksonville, Florida
10. St. Louis, Missouri

Altogether, these metro areas offer an average of only 10 coffee shops per 100,000 people – 44% less than the top 15 cities. Additionally, these cities have much higher cappuccino prices as a percent of annual income, averaging 2.29% compared to 1.60% for the top 15 cities.

Coffee prices in Virginia Beach are outpacing inflation, making this metro the lowest-ranking city in our study. Residents are paying the highest average price for a cappuccino ($5.39), while the average annual personal income has remained lower than the national average ($59,510) at $53,310. Yearly, a daily cappuccino in Virginia Beach would set you back $1,401 per year – that's a whole 2.63% of your annual income, significantly higher than the national average of 1.9%!

Methodology

Clever compared the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas across nine metrics, listed below. Each metric was normalized and then graded on a 100-point scale. The combined weighted average of the scores determined the "coffee city" score upon which the final ranking was based.

In cases where data sets included only cities, the city data was combined and weighted by population within the overall metro in which the city belonged.

The metrics used are as follows:

• Average reported price of a cappuccino (37.5%)
• Coffee shops per 100,000 residents (25%)
• Coffee shops per square mile (12.5%)
• Price of a daily cappuccino as a percentage of average income (12.5%)
• Google Trends search volume for "coffee" (4%)
• Google Trends search volume for "coffee shops" (3.4%)
• Google Trends search volume for "latte" (2%)
• Google Trends search volume for "cappuccino" (2%)
• Google Trends search volume for "espresso" (1.1%)

Data sources include: US Census, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Numbeo, Google Trends, National Coffee Association, and Database USA.

About Clever

Since 2017, Semya-Moya has been on a mission to make selling or buying a home easier and more affordable for everyone. 12 million annual readers rely on Clever's library of educational content and data-driven research to make smarter real estate decisions—and to date, Clever has helped consumers save more than $70 million on realtor fees. Clever's research has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, Housing Wire, and many more.

More Research From Clever

The Best and Worst Metros for Commuters in 2019

Which cities are the best (and worst) for commuters in terms of the overall opportunity costs?

Best For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Websites of 2024

Thinking about selling your house without an agent? Check out our list of the best for sale by owner websites, including the best paid and free FSBO websites.

The Ultimate Guide for Moving to Wisconsin

If you’re moving to Wisconsin, there are amazing opportunities now. We take a look at the state here so that when you move, you know everything you need.

Zillow Listing Fees: Free and Premium Options Explained

Listing your house on Zillow is free, but Zillow listing fees are only half the story. Here's how much Zillow really costs and how to get the most out of it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Cities

The post The Best Coffee Cities in America: 2022 Data appeared first on Semya-Moya.

Do you need an agent? | Can you save money? | How an agent helps | How to choose an agent

While you're not required to have a real estate agent for new construction home purchases, using a realtor is highly recommended for a few reasons:

• There's no cost to you: The seller — in this case, a builder or developer — typically pays the commission to your real estate agent.
• You can save money: Having a realtor negotiate on your behalf may get you a better deal than if you try to go it alone, or use the developer's representative.
• It streamlines the process: Buying new construction can be complicated. Experienced agents that understand the steps and possible pitfalls can ensure the transaction goes smoothly.

You can probably forgo having a real estate agent if you're building a custom home on your own lot. Otherwise, even if you feel confident dealing with your developer or builder on your own, it's never a bad call to have an agent in your corner, advocating for you at every step.

» SAVE: Need an experienced, local real estate agent for your new construction purchase? Clever connects you with top-rated local realtors who offer full service support at pre-negotiated low rates of just $3,000 or 1.5%.

Do you need a real estate agent for new construction?

Legally, no. You're not required to have a buyer's agent for new construction purchases. However, having an agent can provide several benefits, especially if you're unfamiliar with real estate transactions.

Real estate agents can expertly negotiate fees and are typically knowledgeable about local home values. For instance, they can let you know if the tile floor you want to put in your new kitchen will help or hurt your home value down the road. Plus, your builder will pay your agent's commission, so having an agent doesn't cost you anything.

Ultimately, your need for an agent depends on how you want to build your new home.

When you might want an agent

You may want to bring an agent along if you plan to work with a builder or developer.

Agents familiar with new-construction transactions will know what to look for in a developer's contract and can help shine a light on price breakdowns for certain features and labor costs.

Some agents will also have direct experience with local developers, and they may know which ones are more trustworthy than others or which companies are doing better financially than others.

Two types of home purchases often involve builders or developers: new construction and presale.

New construction

New construction homes have been either totally or partially built but not yet occupied. They're owned and built in neighborhoods or areas owned by a developer.

Developers typically work from a standard floor plan for all the homes in their development, but buyers can add or change certain features (type of flooring, countertops, etc.).

Presale

Presale homes are the same as new construction — they just haven't been built yet.

Like new construction homes, the developer works from a standard floor plan and design. You pay a deposit before they begin building the home and stipulate which features you'd like to add or change much earlier in the build process.

A real estate agent experienced with new construction sales in your area might have inside knowledge of when a builder will be putting up new packages for presale, and can get your foot in the door before someone else snags the best lot.

When you don't need an agent

If you already own an empty lot or are searching for one to build a custom home on, you probably won't need an agent because usually you'll just need to hire a structural engineer, an architect, and a builder.

A real estate agent could advise you on what custom designs could harm your ability to resell in the future, connect you to local specialists like electricians or plumbers, or help you find land to build on. But you don't necessarily need to consult an agent for this kind of build.

» READ: 7 Questions You Must Ask When Buying a New Construction Home

Can you save money by not having an agent?

Like a traditional home purchase, the person you're buying from (in this case, the builder or developer) covers your agent's fees. So, you won't save money by not having an agent. However, you may save money by going it alone if you're working with a smaller developer.

Large developers are less inclined to discount prices because they rely on real estate agents to bring them customers. If they have long-standing relationships with agents or brokers in your area, giving you a discount for buying without one could damage that relationship and make agents less likely to bring them clients in the future.

Smaller developers may actually raise the price if you want to have an agent. They might accept paying your agent's commission, but only if they can mark up the price of your package to compensate.

While it can be appealing to forgo a buyer's agent in this case, there are some tradeoffs. You might save money upfront, but you'll be passing on the opportunity to have someone in your corner looking out for your best interests, and could end up paying more down the road.

So if you choose not to use an agent, it's important to be thorough when going through your sales contract. Look for any terms or clauses that allow your builder to increase the price after you sign, and consider having a real estate attorney look at your contract before you commit to your builder's terms.

How does a real estate agent help with new construction?

Anything an agent can do for a traditional real estate transaction, they can do for a new construction home transaction. This includes:

• Finding homes
• Advising on price
• Negotiating on your behalf

Plus, since new construction real estate is a little more complicated than buying a pre-owned home, agents can help with some specific things:

🏠 Finding the right builder | 🔍 Avoiding surprise charges | 💰 Getting the best financing | 📈 Protecting your resale value | 💸 Saving you money

🏠 Finding the right builder

Agents with new construction or presale experience may know which local builders are the best to work with and can help you avoid builders or developers with bad business practices.

Some builders might not be forthright about where they get their construction materials. Others could gloss over important legal details or avenues of accountability in your sales contract, like your limited warranty.

Your agent can diligently read the contract before you sign and make sure your builder or developer guarantees they'll use quality materials. If something seems fishy, your agent will let you know if another company might be more trustworthy.

🔍 Avoiding surprise charges

An agent that has a background working with developers can advise you on what the clauses in the contract you're signing means and where you might be paying more than you need to for materials or labor costs.

Real estate agents can also give you a heads-up if your contract includes a cost escalation clause, which allows the builder or developer to charge you more at closing than they initially quoted you. This charge usually applies to any unanticipated costs that come from delays or changes in the price of materials during the building process.

You might not be able to negotiate this out of your contract, but your agent can help you keep track of any cost increases during building that would otherwise surprise you when you close.

💰 Getting the best financing

Funding a new construction project can be more complicated than financing a traditional home purchase, but not always. Real estate agents have experience working with lending companies and can help you navigate the financing process.

When buying a new construction home, the builder may require that you get a construction loan to cover the cost of materials and labor. Some builders may not require this, so it's always a good idea to ask upfront. In addition, you'll also need to acquire a mortgage to pay for the value of the home itself.

Some lenders will combine these two loans into a construction-to-permanent loan, in which case your construction loan will become part of your mortgage at your home closing. This way, you only have to go through one loan closing.

» READ: How Much Will My Mortgage Payment Be?

Some developers might recommend you use their in-house lender, but this isn't always worth the convenience of not having to shop around. A real estate agent will likely know if you can get a better deal finding your own lender instead of going with the builder's recommendation.

You also might qualify for some federal programs that make it easier for first-time homebuyers to finance their build.

📈 Protecting your resale value

A buyer's agent can advise you on what upgrades will provide the most lasting value for your new home.

Design choices that are popular right now might not make the cut next season. Getting the advice of someone with real estate market knowledge to help you make those decisions can save you thousands of dollars in updates later on if you decide to sell.

💸 Saving you money

Real estate agents also have relationships with local specialists and should be able to advise you on what design features are less expensive when done after your build is finished.

You'll likely meet with your builder multiple times throughout your build process to discuss design features and choices. Having a knowledgeable agent with you at every meeting will ensure you don't make any decisions without knowing all of your options.

How do you choose a real estate agent for new construction?

A great first step is to ask friends and family members if they know any local agents with experience working on new construction purchases. If you've worked with an agent before, they can be a good resource, too. Your previous agent might have a colleague experienced working with local builders.

It also doesn't hurt to stick with an agent you already know and trust. Even if they don't have experience with new construction, having someone in your corner for one of the most important purchases you can make will undoubtedly help you more than having no one on your side at all.

If you haven't found the right agent yet, an agent matching service might be able to help, too. These platforms vet agents for you and offer a less overwhelming number of matches than a simple Google search. Letting an agent matching service know that you're looking for a new construction real estate agent will cut back on the time you spend searching, giving you more time to find a great new home.

7 Questions You Must Ask When Buying a New Construction Home

Buying a construction home without adequate information is going to hurt your pocket later on. Here are seven questions you need to know the answers to.

7 FAQs About Negotiating When Buying a New Construction Home

Negotiation with the developer when buying new construction home is a little different from a transaction with a current homeowner. Let’s look at some FAQs.

The post Do You Need a Real Estate Agent for New Construction? appeared first on Semya-Moya.