Seattle Archives - Foreign policy

Best American Cities for Biking and Scooting in 2021

Published on March 6, 2021March 21, 2021

According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), over 84 million trips were taken in 2018 in the United States alone. The report released by NACTO also states that e-bikes, even though they are limited in the rollout, have been extensively used in certain cities, whereas the regular dockless pedal bikes were replaced by shared scooters.

The good news is that people are finally starting to think about alternative means of transportation to get from point A to point B faster, cheaper, and greener. The bad news is that not all states support this initiative, meaning that there are still countless places where scooters or e-bikes are not allowed or don’t have a designated lane on the street or sidewalks.

If you care about the environment and don’t want to spend endless hours commuting to work or school, stuck inside a car moving at 1 mph, it’s high time you invested in an e-bike or scooter. These devices can reach speeds of up to 15-20 mph, meaning they represent a fast and easy way for you to run errands or get to school when the streets are packed with cars.

And here are some of the friendliest cities in the United States that encourage people to swap cars for bikes, e-bikes, and scooters.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle was voted the friendliest bike city in the United States in 2021, thanks to its wide array of bike lanes that were built with precision and attention to detail. With over 60,000 new jobs landing in the city center between 2010 and 2017, it comes as no surprise that people are looking for alternative ways to move in and out of town during rush hours.

So, if you plan on moving to Seattle anytime soon, make sure to bring your scooter or bike with you. If you don’t own such a vehicle, you can visit this site thescooterist.com for professional reviews on the products of a big international retailer.

Fort Collins, Colorado

This small town is all about the bike lanes, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle and reducing pollution. It counts for about 185 miles of bike lanes, as well as special cyclist traffic signals, becoming one of the easiest cities in the United States where you can run your errands biking or scooting.

Wausau, Wisconsin

Wisconsin is not only known for its famous cheese and cold winters but also for being one of the greenest states in the country. Although the population of Wausau doesn’t exceed 40,000 inhabitants, the city ranks in the top positions nationwide for cyclists.

It features long bike paths throughout the city and provides plenty of opportunities for locals and tourists alike to ride through the picturesque mountain trails or visit downtown.

Nashville, Tennessee

Although the Music City is mainly known for its loud cafes, bars, and restaurants downtown filled with live country music and hopes, Nashville has a lot to offer aside from the busy Broadway street.

The city scores well in bike infrastructure and provides many protected and unprotected bike lanes and paved paths. Unfortunately, the famous honky-tonk bars downtown is constantly crowded so you won’t have enough space to ride your scooter or your bike except for the winter months.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Counting for 130 miles of bike lanes and 170 bike-sharing stations, this city is Heaven on Earth for bike enthusiasts. Although only 4% of its commuters use their two-wheelers to get to work, the city clerks are hoping to increase this percentage in the upcoming years to reduce traffic and pollution. Exploring the city and its surroundings by scooter is not hard either.

The Best US Cities to Invest in Real Estate

Published on January 2, 2020

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Many people have enough money left over from their paycheck to save at least a small amount. Over time, this can grow to a much larger amount. Part of being able to build up money and create a nest egg is knowing where to invest. Real estate can form a vital part of this plan for everyone. Everyone can buy a house. People can also find ways to invest in other forms of real estate such as multi-family homes and fixing up a home in the area that might need just a bit of tender loving care.

Some people go beyond. They choose to make all or part of their living as real estate investors. For them, real estate is not just something they do sometimes. It is a real passion. Real estate investors are in luck today. There are many housing markets in the United States that offer incredible possibilities. From the delights of sunny Phoenix to the fun of living in Seattle, investing in real estate in the United States can yield impressive results. These are the best places to invest in real estate in the country right now. Many factors go into making them a good place for any capitalist. From mild climates to low living costs and lots of people who have moved in recent years, these are a good choice for real estate investors large and small.

Atlanta, Georgia

image source: drivesaversdatarecovery.com

Atlanta, Georgia is home to millions and continuing to see incredible growth. This quintessentially southern city has a proud heritage that continues to develop today. Once a sleepy little town in the center of Georgia, it’s now a major destination. Home to the busiest airport in the United States, Atlantans are happy to leave and even happier to return. They need housing. Real estate investors who can provide it are likely to see a timely and hefty rate of return. It’s a good place to look to the long-term as the real estate markets in this city are only likely to see even further growth as the city continues to move in all directions.

Orlando, Florida

With nearly five percent population growth and unemployment numbers at under four percent, Orlando is thriving. It’s a major tourist destination both in the United States and for those in other parts of the United States. When it comes to real estate investing, Orlando offers incredible opportunities for those who have done their homework. Real estate is seeing a ten percent plus growth rate. This number is likely to continue over time and go even further. Property owners who can take existing housing stock and add a few improvements are likely to find lots of people qualified and delighted to move in. The market in this part of the world continues to be strong for the renter as well. Many people choose to stop here on their way to somewhere else. They also choose to put down temporary roots to see if this is where they want to be for a longer period. Thoughtful investors can join be right there with the housing they need.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona has taken center stage in recent decades. What has once thought a sleepy little town in the middle of the west is now something a lot more. This is a great place to bring capital. It’s been the single fastest-growing county in the entire United States for three years in a row. Low property and business taxes make it an excellent place to begin a new venture of any kind. The overall lower cost of living means those who want to start a business don’t have to worry about paying too much for the basics. Investing in real estate can take many forms from merely adding a room to bring in people for a few nights via Airbnb, to putting up brand new homes. According to The Kay-Grant Group, a leading real estate firm in Scottsdale AZ, the low housing inventory means that the demand vs supply will take years to even out. It also means prices on a per square foot for housing basis are also likely to continue to rise ever upwards. Unlike some other markets, this one is no artificial bubble driven by forces that may not continue over the long-term. This is one market that is likely to continue to dazzle investors and keep impressive revenues flowing into any investor’s coffers.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus Ohio is a pleasant city in the heartland of the Midwest. Low unemployment rates and a low cost of living make it a good choice for those just starting out and those who are looking for a place to retire. It draws people from the surrounding areas in search of big city life. This is a good place to buy a home. The average home price is about $180,000. Low mortgage rates make it easy to pay that off and own a property free and clean. Renters face comparatively steep rental costs so any investor who can bring in lower-cost rental housing is likely to find many tenants happy to stay here and make that home their own.

San Antonio, Texas

Charming San Antonio has seen lots of solid population growth. It’s a hub for science and technology as well as a place to put down long term roots and enjoy family life. For those who are looking at parts of Texas that might be a favorable place for their investment dollars, San Antonio is a useful stop. Unemployment is well under three percent so there’s an incredible opportunity for anyone who wants to find a job. For the real estate investor, this is a city on the move. Many types of real estate in this area including condos make it an easy and profitable place to get into real estate and enjoy the ongoing benefits

St. Petersburg, Florida

Just like nearby Tampa, St. Petersburg is a city that is attracting lots of people in search of a dream and a chance to make it come true. It’s a city with lots of sunshine and an appealing climate all year long. For those who are planning to make this one their home in their golden years, it’s also a fabulous place to retire that offers lots of things to do. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make for easy swimming year-round along with pleasant outdoor parks. Investors will find a highly growing area with many different kinds of housing waiting for them right here. This is a good place to get a start in the Florida real estate market. Housing options like small apartments can be purchased for a small sum and rented out to people in search of some fun in the sun for a week or longer. Real estate here has done even better than the stock market in recent years.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is one of the capitals of life in the northwest. Population growth here is nearly six percent. This makes it a ready market for all those who are looking for housing and want to stay. For the investor, the Seattle real estate market is one that offers incredible rewards. It’s a market that has seen home values climb as more and more people are learning what it has to offer. As one of the nation’s high tech capitals, it is only likely to continue to be a magnet for those in search of a great job. The real estate investor can be right there with them.