Let’s dig in and find you Raleigh’s safest neighborhoods. Crime rates are surprisingly low, with property crime and violent crime (against people) noticeably lower than other North Carolina cities.

If you like what you see here, we’d like to help with a move to Raleigh. By the way, we’re Bellhop Movers, experts at local moves in Raleigh as well as cross-country Raleigh moves. We’d love to help with affordable moves.

Raleigh Overview and Stats

Raleigh Population and Demographics

Raleigh’s population in 2022 stood at 470,000 ranking it as the second largest city in North Carolina (behind Charlotte) and nearly twice the size of nearby Durham (297,000) and much bigger than ‘village-like’ Chapel Hill (62,000). It’s got comfortable big city amenities without all the boasting.

Raleigh anchors one-third of the ‘Research-Triangle’ – an early tech – engineering center – with North Carolina State University one of the best public universities (#25 according to Forbes in 2023). The population is more diverse, younger, educated and prosperous with higher median household and per capita incomes according to the U.S. Census. (Chapel Hill has significantly more Whites and Asians, and wealthier, older households.)

Transportation: commuting times are less than national and state averages. From downtown Raleigh it takes 19 minutes on average to Raleigh/Durham Airport (RDU), served by a mix of national and international carriers. (Charlotte, North Carolina is the biggest hub after Atlanta in the Southeast).

Raleigh Real Estate Home Values Compared to Others

Raleigh, North Carolina is a good place to shop for homes with great values, a healthy stock of single-family homes, bungalows, high rise apartments and condos. The Southeast builds homes with brick and you’ll find a large selection of classic ramblers nestled among oaks and pines. The median value of a home compares favorably, though higher than the national average:

• Raleigh – $347,000
• Durham – $316,000
• Chapel Hill – $537,000
• North Carolina State – $234,000
• U.S. National Average – $281,900

Climate Safety

Raleigh shares the South’s humid subtropical climate so be sure to look for air-conditioning. It’s located in North Carolina’s central Piedmont section, a plateau of fertile soil. It’s far enough from the ocean that hurricanes and tropical storms are typically greatly diminished by the time they reach Raleigh.

Raleigh Crime Rates

Crime is reported by city to the FBI using crime rate standards established by the Bureau. The Bureau has changed how it counts and reports crime rates, so the cities have had to change also. This means that trends can be problematic. So can comparisons of crime rates between towns based on their size, staffing and willingness to report ‘bad news.’

Crime in Raleigh Is Declining

Raleigh’s police report that overall crime rates have dropped recently with violent crime dropping significantly:

• Crimes against people (violent crime) – -4.7%
• Crimes against property – +1.5%

There have been increases in auto theft and larceny, e.g. shoplifting. This crime rate trend is something we have seen repeated elsewhere in other cities nationwide.

Raleigh Crime Compared to other Major North Carolina Cities

Using FBI-reported crime data for 2019 (the most current), Raleigh can be viewed as a much safer city in which to live when compared to the five largest cities in North Carolina.

Raleigh’s Safe Neighborhoods

Reporting crime by neighborhood can vary widely. We’re doing our best to rank the safest neighborhoods. Like we indicated above, Raleigh has a very low crime rate compared to other large North Carolina cities, so you have a lot of choices — from old and historic Downtown to newer communities in the outskirts. Many of these are in the north and northwest historic sections of town: Oakwood, Boylan Heights, Mordecai, Five Points, Glenwood-Brooklyn. These and Downtown Raleigh are vibrantly growing, adding condos and townhomes.

Mordecai

Mordecai is the oldest section of Raleigh, located conveniently just northeast of downtown. There is a great selection of older style homes in Mordecai from traditional and ranches, to Craftsman bungalows, Spanish Mission, and period revivals. The area is popular with younger families, professionals, and students. Homes in Mordecai list on Zillow at $663,000.

Five Points

Five Points Is an older section of town with 90-year-old homes, within safe walking to Downtown Raleigh. Crime rates tend to be lower here than in Raleigh overall. There is plenty to do in Five Points with bars and nightlife entertainment venues. Many are dog-friendly like Lola’s Beach Bar with an outdoor patio. Zillow lists homes in Five Points at $754,000 as of early 2024.

Roanoke Park Historic District

An historic guide describes Roanoke Park as an early twentieth century “middle-class neighborhood emulating nearby upper-middle-class Hayes Barton.” Roanoke Park is one of the Five Points historic neighborhoods, situated southeast of the intersection with a median home value of $1.2M in October 2023 (Redfin).

Glenwood-Brooklyn

The first master-plan community in Raleigh, Glenwood-Brooklynislocated just northwest of Downtown Raleigh’s business district within a five-minute jaunt. Glenwood-Brooklyn has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. There’s nightlife galore and plenty to do on Glenwood Avenue. Many community-building activities are planned by the neighborhood association. Homes range in value from $400,000 to $2 million.

Oakwood

Historic Oakwood is a walker-friendly older community east of Downtown with a great mix of food shops, progressive bars, pubs, restaurants, and nightlife. Oakwood is the only intact 19^th century neighborhood and another great choice within easy walking distance of Downtown. There is a great mix of architectural home design choices with a median home price of $640,000. Oakwood is a great place to look for colonial and Craftsman bungalows.

Boylan Heights

One of the six historic overlay districts located southwest of Downtown Raleigh. It’s noted for its active community, art walk, historic National Register listing and a fun annual Halloween Party. Median listing home price: $484.5K.

Brier Creek

Brier Creek is a newer community northwest of Raleigh toward Durham. You’ll find many listing choices of townhomes, condos and separate single-family residences. Crime rates are low. Zillow shows an average listing price of $446,000 for the 27617 zip code. 

Hayes Barton

Hayes Barton is a desirable neighborhood minutes north of historic downtown. The homes are quintessentially classic colonial style in stone, brick, or wood and some of the highest priced homes in the greater Raleigh area. Hayes Barton median real estate price is $1,200,000. The few listings are highly competitive.

Cameron Village

Cameron Village / Hillsborough Is a neighborhood primarily of apartments and townhomes with interspersed single-family homes. The building is newer, and the residences tend to be smaller. It’s got a lively vibe and popular with college students at nearby North Carolina State University, singles, and young professionals, (with fewer families). Cameron Village / Hillsborough median real estate price is $785,000.

Runner Up Worthwhile Raleigh Neighborhoods

We want to mention these areas as Raleigh neighborhoods worth a look:

North Hills

North Hills just five miles north of downtown Raleigh, is a reimagined, modern, mixed-use development of condos and townhomes in an entertainment and business setting. It’s popular, and home values are 24% higher than in 2022. Redfin reports the median sale price of a home in North Hills as $795K.

Affordable South Park

South Park is part of Raleigh’s largest historic African American neighborhood and a designated National Historic District. South Park was featured in a NY Times article about historic Black areas becoming more White as they move into newly built homes. Niche.com shows a median home value of $390,000.

That’s a Wrap of Raleigh’s Safest Neighborhoods

These neighborhoods stand out among the many safe neighborhoods in the City of Oaks. If you have time to browse, you’ll find a lengthy listing of classic single-family homes and condos to choose from. Parents may want to check the school guide listed below. If you commute to work in the Research Triangle, you’ll find plenty of nearby listings to ease your commute, ( a key strategy as many companies shift from fully remote).

Learn More about Raleigh in our Curated Guides

Read our other guides to live in the City of Oaks. 

• Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Raleigh
• Guide to Moving to Raleigh
• Moving from New York to North Carolina
• Raleigh Schools Guide
• Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill?
• Affordable Suburbs of Raleigh

Ready to Make the Move to Raleigh?

Now that you know are you ready to go?  Just give us a call. We have local movers in Raleigh, and offer long-distance moving services to Raleigh as well. We can even take care of last-minute moves in Raleigh if you’re pressed for time.

The post Raleigh’s Historic and Safest Neighborhoods appeared first on Bellhop.

10 Reasons to Move to Tampa

The city of Tampa is thriving with a growing 400,000 population, and an ethnically diverse demographic base. It’s part of the greater Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area with 3.15 million residents in Hillsborough County.

Tampa is the home of seven billionaires who make the Forbes ‘Richest People List.’

51,000 millionaires live there based on their home value alone.

If politics are important, Tampa is one of several liberal Florida cities served in Congress by Democrats. The Mayor is also a Democrat.

Sports are a big deal with three, top-ranked national teams: NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers (‘Bucs’) NHL hockey Tampa Bay Lightning, and the MLB Tampa Bay Rays.

Crime and Safety: compared to other major Florida cities, Tampa has a lower rate of violent and property crime as reported in FBI-compiled data.

Transportation / Transit Systems: Commuting times are about average at 27 minutes. The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority runs 500 buses to 9,000 stops.

Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA) has over 20 airlines offering service. Many are international carriers. It takes about 25 minutes from the airport to downtown during an average commute.

Choice of Lifestyles: Tampa offers a great mix of affluent neighborhoods. Real estate choices abound. You can find great areas with golf course homes, waterfront homes, gated communities, and plenty of condos. There are great picks near nightlife, in downtown Tampa, or homes with great views of water, sunsets or downtown. Or maybe you want something a little quieter in Hillsborough County or St. Petersburg.

Cost of Living: It’s about with the same as the national average. Home and utilities are 1-2 percent lower. Food is slightly higher.

Dogs on Beaches: “Dogs are not permitted on city beaches unless it is a designated Dog Beach or service animal.” Permitted beaches near Tampa are few:

• Davis Islands Dog Park and Beach (in the city)
• Picnic Island Beach Dog Park
• Fort De Soto Park Dog Beach and Park
• Honeymoon Island State Park

11 Richest Neighborhoods in Tampa

In its early days Tampa was known as ‘cigar city’ with over 500 million cigars made each year in the historic, factory town Ybor City. Clearly times have changed. So have the neighborhoods, moving more and more upscale. Tampa’s median home value is $333,000 according to the U.S. Census with ‘average’ homes costing $379,000 according to Zillow in late 2023.

The city boasts six historic districts and over 80 officially recognized neighborhoods, some with remarkable names like ‘New Suburb Beautiful.’

Here are eleven of the wealthy neighborhoods in the city based on Zillow’s estimated values and household median income, mostly all found in South Tampa. Home values can vary greatly in these areas so find one you like and do your research! If richest neighborhoods is important, start here. Local realtors will be more than happy to help.

Avila

Avila is considered to be one of the most exclusive communities in Tampa. The gated community is occupied by many A-listers and sports stars. Zillow quotes an average home value of $622,000 for its 33548 zip code and lists homes in the $2M-$7M price range. $123,060 is the median household income.

Bayshore Beautiful

Located in south Tampa on the water, the neighborhood claims the ‘longest sidewalk in the world’ (4.5 miles) with older homes sharing spectacular water views. Niche.com considers it the 19^th best place to raise a family in Tampa. Check it out if you are looking for modern homes and condos.

Bayshore Beautiful Real Estate

The median household income is $103,880 per year. Zillow shows typical home valuesof$958,391; median home value is $792,000.

Beach Park

The community was developed in the 1920s with an eye to Californian / Mediterranean architecture. The comfortable homes are a step up from the smaller bungalows favored earlier. Now you can find newer homes too. Its ranked as 4^th best place to raise a family.

Beach Park Real Estate

With its west-facing view of Tampa Bay homes have a typical average value of $1,236,778 on Zillow; median home value is $563,745.

Culbreath Isles

With sweeping views of Old Tampa Bay and great sunsets too, homes in Culbreath Isles typically are some of the priciest in Hillsborough County. Currently average homes cost $3 million. Median household income is $194,580.

Davis Islands

The historic Davis Islands offer great views of downtown Tampa. Many of the homes were built in the 1920s. Davis Islands homes are considered to be the most expensive in Tampa. It’s ranked 16^th for raising kids by Niche. The preferred mode of transportation is golf carts which zip given there are no traffic lights. The Marjorie Park Yacht Basin is a favorite destination with its grassy picnic areas. Let your pooch help choose where to live by visiting the Davis Island Dog Beach, one of the few off-leash areas for play with plenty of drinking water and wash stands.

Davis Islands Real Estate

Zillow’s average home value is  $1,376,520. Median home value is $922,150. Average rent: $2,574 according to RentCafe.

Downtown Tampa

While not one of the richest neighborhoods, Downtown Tampa’s revitalization makes it a vibrant choice for many. The city has rediscovered and restored Hillsborough River and lined it with modern high rises. You can paddle-board and kayak outside your door. There are plenty of great restaurants, museums, and parks along the Tampa Riverwalk that stretches over two miles. Take a river taxi to your dining spot! Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a beautiful and large green space on the river that hosts entertainment and festivals.

Downtown Tampa Real Estate

Zillow: average home: $503,000. Average rent: $2,757.

Harbour Island

Yes, it really is spelled the ‘English’ way. The island is smack in the middle of downtown Tampa with access from two bridges. There is a lot to do near here with the Channelside Entertainment Complex (renamed as Sparkman Wharf), the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, and Tampa Convention Center. If you are a hockey fan, the Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is an easy walk. This neighborhood is considered to be one of the best places to raise a family in Tampa, ranked #3 by Niche.com. Get a taste for the neighborhood at American Social, a gastropub with a great patio overlooking Davis Islands and the city.

Harbour Island Real Estate

The average home price is listed as $600,000 as of December, 2023. Median home value is $499,000. Average rent: $2,757 according to RentCafe.

Historic Hyde Park

One of the older areas of the town was developed in the 1880s. You can find home styles from revival and bungalow to prairie and vernacular. Centerpiece of the community is the Bayshore Boulevard Greenway, a six-mile-long promenade along Hillsborough Bay that starts at the Ballast Point Pier. It’s ranked 20^th for families and 10 minutes from downtown Tampa.

Nearby is Hyde Park Village with a cluster of restaurants, bars and bar-hopping nightlife on South Howard Avenue, or “SoHo.” The all-day Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar is a great place to start.

Hyde Park Real Estate

Median household income is $100,386; median home value is $507,000 with Zillow showing a typical home value of$1,053,935.

New Suburb Beautiful

Is highly rated as a family place. The Median Home Value is $855,145. Zillow shows average price as $1,283,828. A small area within Hyde Park, it contains older homes called ‘stately’ by realtors.

Palma Ceia

If living on a golf course suits you, the older-designed, classic Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club with large, spacious homes spread over 82 acres may be perfect. In older Tampa this area is a mix of older homes and new building. You’re surrounded by an area known for fine dining and a quieter nightlife. Families will feel safe and Niche ranks it as 12th best place for families. It’s considered to be one of the safest areas of the city with extremely low crime. Try the EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge for high-rise views of the city with memorable food.

Palma Ceia Real Estate

Average homes are listed at $910,000 on Zillow. Median household income is $139,158.

Parkland Estates

This older section in the heart of the city offers a mix of old and new building. Zillow shows average home value of Parkland Estates homes at $1,500,071. Median home value is $915,657. Find homes here. Median household income is $154,935.

Sunset Park

With its majestic, oak-filled parks Sunset Park offers waterfront canals, classic old-style homes, and a peaceful venue six miles from downtown Tampa. It’s ranked 25^th for families. Zillow lists an average home value of $1.4 million. Median home value is $1,000,270.

Favorable Mentions

The truth is there are many ‘posh’, wealthy neighborhoods in greater Tampa. We couldn’t cover them all. Here some more worth exploring.

• Cory Lake Isles – ranked 7^th best for families. $431,552 median home value
• Arbor Greene – ranked 5^th best for families. Located near the Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, there is plenty of outdoor adventure outside your door.
• Virginia Park – ranked 6^th best for families.
• Channel District – Average rent: $2,714 according to RentCafe.
• Swann Estates – ranked 21 for families by Niche.com.
• Golfview – ranked 8^th best for families. Median home value $981,539.
• Tampa Bayshore Gardens
• North Hyde Park.

What’s on Your List of Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?

Of course, ‘best’ is all about what’s important to you. While we have shown high-value areas with expensive homes, maybe you have different needs. Perhaps kids are driving your interest in schools. Maybe you hate commuting.

Maybe you want that great climate but still worry about climate change, hurricanes, and flooding. We have a friend living in Tampa who is looking to move to home on higher ground. One or two meters higher can make a difference. That’s logical in a city whose highest point in Florida is only 48 feet above sea level.

Can Bellhop Help Plan Your Move?

We hope this summary was helpful. If Tampa is the place to move to, please reach out to your friendly Bellhop Movers. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Tampa, and we would love to help. Lastly, we also help coordinate moves for other Florida cities such as Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami should you be interested!

The post Tampa, Florida’s 11 Richest Neighborhoods  appeared first on Bellhop.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Seventy-five million Baby Boomers are expected to retire by 2030 into a health care system already under strain. Your parents are probably among them.

Full disclosure: I’m a 74-year-old single dad with an older brother, and two late-twenties daughters. I’ve lost friends to dementia. I’ve moved my parents, then disposed of their possessions, and will probably have to move myself someday into assisted living. I’m not an expert; nor do I make a living in the elder care community. I’m just an ‘old dude.’

Warning signs that it’s time to help parents move

“Today is the best day in the rest of your parent’s life.”

Most elders wish to ‘age in place.’ They probably won’t tell you when they need your help. You will have to be alert for signs:

• Accidents in the home (leaving stove top burners on)
• Forgetfulness
• Falls
• Memory issues
• Bills piling up / Problems with banking and finances
• Poor hygiene, home cleaning and maintenance Scammers

Your parents can’t outlast these. It’s best not to delay until later if you see these happening. You want to involve your parents sooner in the planning of their future, while they are most capable.

Get help moving your elderly parents from their home

There will be ‘baggage’ and boxes to deal with. You can’t do it all by yourself. Nor should you. Bellhop’s movers are pros at moving the boxes (the easy stuff). They can help with the wrapping and packing too. You can learn more about all their services here.

Hire a Senior-Specialized Move Manager

Having a neutral third party involved may be the best solution to deal with the small but tough issues related to down-sizing. Someone may have to remind your elderly parent that a favorite chair won’t fit, or that the new kitchen cabinets can’t hold all the glasses. Do you really want to have those conversations?

Service organizations like the National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers have 1,100 member companies that must undergo training and carry liability insurance. They can help with all the details, schedule and disposal of items that won’t fit in their new space. Their services are not cheap.

What you can expect in helping your elderly parents move

With the runup in home values, moving may help homeowners unlock needed funds.  Other than that, this move is probably not going to be a happy moment.

Elders may ‘waffle’ on the need to move – Expect to play an active role in keeping the process moving.

Most want to age in place –  where they have routines, memories, and community. The unknown can be scary.

The nearest child often carries the biggest burden – But this doesn’t mean that others can’t help or shouldn’t.

Your responsibilities in moving your elderly parents

Some are asking: am I responsible for my parents? Do I really need to help them move?! The short answer may be ‘yes,’ however, not necessarily when it comes to moving expenses.

A majority of states have what are called ‘Filial Responsibility Laws.’ The laws obligate family members, to the extent possible, to help care for their parents, though they are rarely enforced. It’s important to learn more as, in some cases, children may be financially liable.

Advice about where to move your elderly parents

Is now really the time to move?

They may not have to move, at least right now. Organizations like PACE exist “to provide and coordinate all the types of care your loved one needs, so you don’t have to place them in a nursing home.” They offer services in 32 states and D.C.  Here’s more info.

Start a search for assisted living early

These residences have limited space, and the best choices may have long waiting lists. An internet search ‘near me’ will show local opportunities. Companies that list these facilities nationwide include Caring.com and  A Place for Mom.

If moving in with family, expect to remodel

Bathroom grab-handle fixtures, the addition of ramps to replace stairs, dealing with falling hazards like loose carpets are all typical considerations that make homes safe for elders.

If moving long-distance, plan it out

Your parents may be unable to fly, or endure long car rides. It’s better to avoid these speed bumps with an early conversation.

15 Tips to help your elderly parents move from their home

#1. Find their important papers before packing when they may get lost. They may have written down internet passwords. Locate any will, healthcare power of attorney, advanced directives before packing. If they don’t have these basic documents, use the opportunity to start talking about them. Trustworthy, offers a way for families to safeguard and organize these docs, and offers suggestions for how to start conversations with your parents.

#2. Triage gently your parents’ possessions – Every object has a reason for being there. Objects become a gateway to memories of an active life, encounters, friends. I have a broken and glued pottery candlestick, collected while in college, that’s traveled with me everywhere, even when camping, and I would miss it horribly.

Divide into threes (1) objects making the move (2) “maybe-s” to pack and put into storage (3) give aways / donations.

#3. Ask – to pull out stories you will cherish later – My daughter surprised me by asking about my broken clay candlestick last night. And again this morning when she told me what she had learned online about this famous potter.

#4. Start a conversation early while they are fully competent. What do they want in their lives, and where to live? They may not have to move, at least right now. Organizations like PACE exist “to provide and coordinate all the types of care your loved one needs, so you don’t have to place them in a nursing home.” They offer services in 32 states and D.C.  Here’s more info.

#5. Figure out family roles and involvement – Elder care can fall disproportionately on the children. Often the closest carries the burden. Figure this out. Organizations like the Family Care Alliance have advice and documents that can help families tactfully and peacefully negotiate the details. They offer a directory of service agencies by state that can help.

#6. Reinforce the positive results of the move – Keep them looking (and moving) forward. They may be moving to be closer to family or friends. Or a warmer climate (most elders head somewhere south, if not to be near family).

#7. Ask about insurance, providers, prescriptions – Someone needs to make sure any new doctors in a new location are in-network and covered by their health insurance plan. A geriatric care manager in the destination city may be well worth it.

#8. It’s worth repeating – Expect elders’ emotions to flip-flop – Change is scary. Moving is a cold-shower reminder that they are aging and losing their independence. You must be the one to provide the consistent vision and message.

#9. Be kind to yourself and the others – My mother and sister never settled their differences and it spilled into their mother’s care. The negativity hurt them all , particularly their mother. Find ways to separate, de-escalate, grow. If massages help you, indulge.

#10. Recognize this is a process, not an event – You are involved in a marathon, not a sprint. It takes as much mental stamina as physical endurance.

#11. Learn from the pros how to connect better – Read or listen to inspirational team builders. Winning coaches with a track-record of team building must know something, right? My fave is Duke basketball Coach K’s Leading with the Heart.  My daughter’s is women’s soccer champion Abby Wambach’s WOLFPACK: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game.

#12. Get more family more connected – Studies suggest that monthly visits with grandkids can extend elders’ lives. Maybe one wants to learn how to crochet, and a grandparent already knows how, or wants to learn also. This can make a great Zoom meeting and a reason for regularly scheduled visits

#13. Research the financial implications of caring for your elderly parents -Long-term, some may bring positive tax-related benefits to offset the costs. It’s worth researching these at the same time you help your parents with their planning. Talk with a knowledgeable estate-planning lawyer.

#14. If you don’t want to help move them, find other ways to help

There may be a lawyer in the family, or a nurse. How you divide the responsibility can be a delicate decision. In some states it’s common for caregivers to be reimbursed by agencies and other family members.

#15. Record videos and voice memos of them –Don’t miss the opportunity to capture laughter and stories you will cherish later. On my parents’ birthdays I replay a voicemail recording made 15 years ago.

Bellhop is here to help

Whew! This is a tough topic to cover. Like we said earlier, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a local move or cross-country, no company can help you more. Know that we care as much about your relations as we do about their stuff.

At Bellhop, there’s nothing we want more than for our customers to have a smooth move. We hope this article helped and saves you some time and research. If you’re ready to get moving, our local and long-distance movers can be there in a jiffy.  

The post Moving Elderly Parents from their Home appeared first on Bellhop.

BTW we’re Bellhop, your friendly and efficient long-distance movers. Even if you’re moving just a few boxes a few zip codes, we’ve got professional, low-cost teams that can help. Just give us a call. With that intro let’s jump right in.

Moving locally is still the #1 move

You’re not crazy and you’re not alone. Despite all the news during Covid of people moving to the ‘sticks’, local moves within a county still are the biggest (53%). Most people stay in-state and close to home. Out-of-state moves were up (17%) but not significantly (Source: The U.S. Census).

Why move to the suburbs?

Here are common reasons reported by the government:

#1. Upgrade Housing (45%)– It can be about space or features. A backyard, laundry room, guest room. In my case I woke up one day with a green thumb and wanted a garden.[ws1]   This was seismic because no one in my family gardened.

#2. Family (25%) – Your family or caring for relations is the second most mentioned reason. Being near parents can mean extra help with the kids (day-care is expensive!), or conversely a middle-aged person (nearly always a woman) caring for parents. Interestingly in 2015 the New York Times reported that “the typical American lives 18 miles from mom.” Covid added meaning to being close by.

#3. Employment (16%) – This includes a new job, easier commuting, retirement.

We can think of a few more:

#4. To build wealth -The rapid appreciation in home values during Covid only reinforced the potential hidden value of a home.

#5. Make a Statement – The dream of home ownership started in the 1950s and is deeply engrained in our culture as a ‘marker’ of success.

#6. Interests, Amenities, Safety – Our habits changed during Covid. The out-of-doors is closer living in the suburbs. So did our tolerance for things we might have once overlooked, like trash and stolen bikes.

What you need to know if moving to the suburbs

School quality can vary by town – Schools are supported in part by property taxes and the state/community’s commitment to them. ‘Quality’ of education can vary. It’s worth checking out US News ranking of schools. Quality can have a noticeable impact on home values.

Property taxes vary too – Miniscule numbers like .0001 can make a difference in your annual home costs. This tax will come as a big sticker shock if you are moving from a rental.

How close is too close to family? – There is no right answer. Next door? 15-20 minutes? Day in and day out this may be the most important decision you make. Now’s the time for that candid conversation with your partner.

Covenants and Discriminatory Practices – Tract divisions of homes can issue covenants that you may find onerous. In freedom-loving America a neighborhood can still tell you to keep your grass cut, or what color to paint your home. Are you ok with that? Read the fine print.

Red-lining (when banks would refuse to lend to certain people for homes in certain neighborhoods) is supposedly a thing of the past. However, senior-only communities can stop you from moving in if you have school-age children. Check if you intend to care, or may end up caring full-time, for grandkids.

Anticipate home update costs – The U.S. Census says you are likely to spend $3,900 on fixes and improvements within the first two years of moving in. With all those empty walls someone will want a 70-inch TV too! New towels for the new bathroom?

Outdoor-related expenses – You can spend a small fortune on lawn mowers, rakes, grills, and patio furniture.

Family Activity Fees – Those ‘enrichment’ activities like soccer, ballet, and school band, require funding, a dedicated driver, and a heftier budget for gas. Carpools can be a welcome assist with opportunities to make new friends.

Different Social Interactions / Diversity – You may encounter welcoming 4^th of July block parties, or not. Or snoopy neighbors. Look for ‘ethnic islands’ (areas with a large population whose ethnicity is different from yours) and measure your comfort level about moving into one. Check out The U.S. Census Bureau’s QuickFacts. It provides ethnicity statistics for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more.

Personal Note: In Seattle’s suburbs we have some areas that have strong representation of Asians (38% in Bellevue), while others are South Asian (33% in Sammamish), Eastern European, or Hispanic. My daughters went to one of the top high schools with a 48% Asian student body. This had many blessings, one of which was to make this old Boomer aware of his unconscious bias. Ten years later my daughters are benefitting from the early exposure to the multi-cultural American experience that represents the new normal.

This concentrated diversity is happening everywhere driven by immigration. The NY Times reports that Texas’ ethnicity is rapidly changing as “the state is gaining two people of color for every white migrant.”

Commuting Times and Costs May Vary – It’s weird but times can vary depending upon direction. If you and your partner have vastly different commutes, it’s worth a little research. QuickFacts can help with commute times too. Also spend time researching rush hour tolls, bridge fees, and such. They can radically impact your budget.

Crime – Crime is about policing as much as it is about location. If curious, check out the FBI data on local towns. Reporting is incomplete so your town may not be there. Avoid websites that rank and compare towns; (it’s not recommended by the FBI).

Steps for successfully moving to the suburbs

Bellhops has some great moving guides and advice in detail here.

Before your move

Start conversations about what’s important. Moving is all about compromise. Teens are less likely to want to move away from friends; expect it.

Start early: Moving tends to be seasonal, built around school schedules. Homes get listed in early spring. Know your wants and finances before.

Declutter: Why pack and unpack extra stuff? You’ll hate yourself later if you don’t.

During your move

Be kind to yourself (and others): Remember it’s more stressful than just about everything you do.

Get help: Small tasks add up (wrapping kitchen china, for example). Kids can help with some (though maybe not with the china). Let them put different colored stickers on boxes for each room.

Think strategic: Get the bedrooms moved in first in case it takes the whole weekend to move. Takeout food will be welcome so the kitchen stuff can wait.

After your move

Celebrate! Make the move-in memorable with a special celebration, dinner or event. Recognize something special each person did to make it a success.

Expect weird emotions: Everyone will feel the passage, the losses (of friends, rituals, favorite hangouts). Do your best to find alternatives or better. Just remember promises made will be remembered and counted later (even years later). Keep them real; forget Disneyland unless you mean it.

Start putting down roots: Keep good routines; add new ones. Expect to meet your neighborhoods in accidental encounters so have your ‘game face on.’

The costs of moving to the suburbs

Costs can vary depending upon your location. If you want a quick estimate, contact your local Bellhop Mover. We’re located in most major cities nationwide and will be glad to help you get started estimating.

Helping parents move to the suburbs

This gets complicated but it’s likely to happen to you. We have some helpful information here.

Can you deduct the cost of moving to the suburbs?

Probably not. Most Americans cannot deduct from their taxes the cost of moving. Active-duty service members may if they meet the criteria. Link

Keep track of expenses so you will know what it may cost again next time. If you’re like most folks, you will move again. (People are likely to move 11.7 times in their lifetime.)

Like What You See?

That’s it! We hope this guide helps. If you’re feeling itchy for adventure and new sunrises, it’s understandable. If you decide to take the plunge, get in touch. We know some people who would love to help.

The post What to Consider Before Moving to The Suburbs appeared first on Bellhop.

You’re not alone if you are considering renting a storage ‘container.’ Life is complicated, we get that. Surprises happen. And then there is all that ‘stuff.’

Nearly 40% of US households use storage units, according to STORAGEcafe, a nationwide, online search company for self-storage units. Most often it is because folks are down-sizing or moving or just need more free space at home.

If you’re thinking about renting a storage unit, one key decision is paying extra for climate-control. We’ve got some observations and tips that could save a lot of blame and misery later. By the way, we’re Bellhop – and we can help with moving your stuff in and out of storage. You can even book storage directly through us via our storage partners.

What is climate-controlled storage?

Climate-controlled storage measures the indoor temperature of the structure and adjusts, attempting generally to maintain a temperature range appropriate for items (not people), typically 55 degrees Fahrenheit to 85. Some properties may also attempt to control for humidity. This too is desirable, though more problematic in large buildings.

What are climate-controlled storage units?

These are storage units one may rent inside an enclosed storage facility. It’s important to note that one’s belongings ‘share’ the same indoor thermostat controls. Some units in a building may benefit more than others if they are close to ventilation ducts. (One more reason why it’s a good idea to walk the building before you commit to an individual unit).

Do I need climate-controlled storage?

The answer gets complicated and depends on your situation and an honest assessment of your belongings. Climate control is worth it if:

• You plan to store the following:
  • Temperature-sensitive items: art paintings, photograph albums, antiques, most wood furniture, most electronics
  • Humidity-sensitive items:  important papers, mementos
• Storing during seasonal weather changes and you live in a region with large temperature or humidity variations. (With today’s climate variations, that means just about everywhere).
• Longer term storage is likely. Rule of thumb – 7 months or longer. Think open-ended.
• Undefined storage period: Let’s say you put items in storage while remodeling your home. Remodels rarely go according to plan. Delays are inevitable.
• If damage would impact an important relationship:  Is your partner’s wrath worth it?
• How important is my stuff to me or us? Keepsakes or stuff I may donate later. This is tricky and requires some emotional honesty.

Tips for choosing climate-control storage (or not)

Tip #1: If unsure, one option is to rent two smaller units – one with climate-control and one without.

Tip #2: If undecided, get your household involved in the decision beforehand. This can save a lot of blame and finger pointing later.

Tip #3: If the replacement cost is significant (think furniture), go with climate-control.

Do I need climate-control storage for short term storage?

Most likely no. Most items will be okay for periods up to four to six months. Trouble can happen when ‘short’ turns into longer.

What’s safe to put in non-climate-controlled storage?

Rule of Thumb: If you would put the item in your attic where there is no temperature control, it will probably be okay in a ‘regular’ storage unit. You can see there’s a lot:

• Appliances (without a lot of electronics. Kitchen stuff. Not TVs, computers, game controllers)
• Hardware and tools
• Metal and plastic patio furniture
• General and business papers – maybe not that tax related info
• Clothing (securely boxed against rodents)
• Drapes and carpets (securely boxed against rodents)
• Holiday ornaments
• Kids memorabilia – Barbie collection (think about it)
• Your ex-partner’s stuff (maybe)
• Stuff you’re gonna (probably) get rid of but not now.

How to rent a climate-controlled storage unit

• Start early. Storage is in demand, particularly during ‘high move’ periods, e.g., end of school when families and students tend to move.
• Get on a waiting list. You may have to.
• State your preferences and stick to them. You may find the perfect unit but without climate-control. They may attempt to persuade you that it will be okay. Only you know for sure.

How can you best protect items in storage?

• Don’t place moldy or mildewed items in storage. It will get worse.
• Choose packaging appropriate for the items. Paper wrapping will absorb humidity and may accelerate damage to objects like framed art pieces. Better to wrap them in plastic bubble wrap.
• Don’t move items on rainy days when they may get wet, or protect them if you do. The moisture will linger inside your unit.
• Ensure airflow in the storage unit when you load it.
• Store items off the floor on palettes or cinderblocks
• Protect against pests.

Helpful storage unit tips and hacks

• Check your insurance to determine if they cover out-of-home scenarios. Rental of a unit may require a special rider and careful inventorying.
• Don’t place irreplaceable items in storage: This is your stuff. But it’s not under your control. What could go wrong?
  • Fire
  • Flood and other acts of nature
  • Pest damage
  • Theft.
• Don’t place items with lithium batteries in storage: These batteries are highly flammable and catch fire in extreme temperature environments. Wrapping them in clothing to insulate them only makes this worse.
• Fill the storage unit strategically with items you may need to access readily available.
• Have a layout strategy for item packing and placement in your unit.
  • Don’t mix items from separate rooms in the same box. Pack kitchen items with other kitchen items.
  • In the unit place room contents together and make a map so you know where you put the kitchen items, for example
• Photograph the box contents or make a list, and number the box.
• Visit your unit regularly to inspect the company site and your unit.

How to choose the best storage unit

These suggestions are mostly about finding units that may experience less radiant heat from outside walls or the roof.

• Find north-facing units. Think about the sun on the side of the storage unit. Remember people don’t live in these structures so climate control may be minimal. So may the air circulation inside. A north facing unit may remain cooler in some climates.
• Inside hallway-access units may stay cooler. Smaller space units may be on an inside hallway, meaning they don’t have an outside wall that will absorb heat.
• Lower level units are likely to stay cooler.
• What works for you: You may need an outside facing 10×20 with a garage door style entrance. These are more likely to get warmer but it may be a worthwhile tradeoff given the weight and quantity of items you need to move.

How to choose the best storage company

• How do you feel about driving to storage? This can feel like a chore at times. Finding one nearby is one solution. Another is an innovative solution like PODS, then removed. We partner with PODS.com and appreciate their innovative convenience.
• Price: We all like deals, but pricing is pretty comparable, as you will see if you shop online. Look for move-in deals that offer a free month or something similar.
• Location: Storage unit business models seek low-cost land. With recent weather extremes, maybe reconsider if the site may flood.
• Look for structural ventilation: Simple roof-style ventilation can promote air flow.
• Search online but decide on location. Ensure that online claims match up with reality. Look for mouse droppings, dirt or poorly swept floors.
• Trust your nose:  If it smells bad inside, your clothing will come out smelling bad too.
• Snoop: If storage is in open, mesh-walled cubicles, what do the neighbors’ items look like? How about theft through the mesh walls?
• Reputation: We hate to bring it up but read the reviews.
• Visit the storage company at night: How is the lighting, gate, and fencing? Does it feel secure or sketchy?
• On-site managers can add a sense of security and deter break-ins.

Need help finding storage? Or moving in or out of storage?

Bellhop partners with storage companies nationwide. Plus, we can help move your items in and out of storage to wherever: local or across the country. We make moving simple and pain-free. We provide several moving services to help you out, including hourly labor, local moving, last-minute moving, commercial moving, and more. If you need reliable movers who will be there as promised, we’re the ones for the job. 

Find movers near you today.

The post Is Climate-Controlled Storage Worth It? appeared first on Bellhop.

We’ve got your back! That’s why we packed this article with information about Seattle’s best suburbs to see if one is the right fit for you!

You’ve no doubt seen our Seattle City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods (oh, and by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—Seattle movers and movers throughout the country).

Looking for Long Distance Seattle Movers?

A little history about Seattle’s Best Suburbs

As far as cities goes, Seattle is new, founded in 1851. The suburbs are even newer. The city’s growth for years was hampered by what makes it so spectacular: water and mountains.

Most early growth was north-south along the I-5 corridor to towns like Renton and Burien to the south, and Mountlake Terrace and Bothell to the north. Small communities such as Bellevue and Kirkland ringed Lake Washington with the ‘big city’ accessible by passenger ferries. Locals had summer cabins on Mercer Island! This idyllic-sounding life changed forever with the I-90 floating bridge in 1940, and the 520 bridge in 1963. Developers followed, offering cheap housing to (mostly) Boeing employees.

TV shows fictitiously set in Seattle like Frasier and Gray’s Anatomy attracted a few curious out-of-towners. So did its cheap houses. That all changed with the booming ‘90s when Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, and Amazon ‘arrived.’ Seattle’s gradually expanding housing market was never the same, fueling the suburbs, growth, and prices we see today.

Today these suburban towns all share the same growth story, and with a few exceptions look the same. They’ve all merged together into one suburban ‘blob’ so we will summarize their distinctions.

What You Need to Know About Seattle’s Best Suburbs

Crazy Growth: They grew a lot as King Country encouraged ‘in-filling.’ Renton grew 104%, Bellevue 32% as its schools’ reputations attracted international tech families (now over 38% Asian).

High Home Prices:  Home prices are well above the US average. In these ‘best’ suburbs you can expect the average home price to be $1.1 million with condos in the $600K – $800K range. Rentals are similarly inflated around $2,600 for an average 1-bedroom. The issue is a limited supply. Folks who refinanced or bought when interest rates were low are loathe to sell as rates stay high. These prices encouraged locals to cash out and move early during the pandemic. In some towns the population has declined.

Personality: City managers had to make tough decisions – stay ‘small-town folksy’ or hug growth. Most have chosen to keep some semblance of their original downtown, adding mid-height, mixed use apartments. Bellevue embraced growth with high-rises challenging Seattle’s.

Schools: School districts are considering closing some schools as school-aged kids population declines – even Bellevue recently closed two. A great educational system is what attracted many transplants, so this is a painful decision. If schools are part of your moving decision, we encourage you to research the facts in each district.

Commuting: Seattle has lousy commuting times. Use mapping tools like Google Maps to calculate ‘honest’ commute times. Their ‘bus route’ choice on maps is wildly accurate for greater Seattle.

What helps is the region’s better than average Metro bus system. A $2.75 bus trip from Redmond to downtown Seattle takes 30-40 minutes and is a significant saving over tolls, parking, and gas.

Coming Soon is Light Rail. By 2042, the region is planning 242 miles of four Link light rail lines covering downtown Seattle and branching out to Redmond, Issaquah, Everett, and Tacoma. The line to Redmond is tentatively opening in 2024.

Your Remote Job May Go Away. As much as you like working in slippers, Seattle’s tech leaders have gone hybrid. Your perfect remote gig may go likewise. Take this into account if looking to live in far-out areas like North Bend, or even ‘over the pass’ places like Cle Elum.

Highway Tolls: Recently the state has added tolls on bridges and freeways around Seattle. A $3.50 toll one-way on a bridge adds up for commuters, nearly $2,000 annually. The toll shifted traffic patterns and made sleepy towns like Bothell on the north end of the lake more appealing.

Building Standards: Worried about not having enough housing, cities are considering allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Bellevue says ‘nope,’ Kirkland says ‘sure.’ If you have an opinion pro or con about an additional structure in your neighbor’s backyard (or yours), it’s worth checking out the city code before you buy.

Earthquakes are a reality here. Newer buildings have stronger codes and reinforced structures, which some may find more appealing than ‘mid-century modern.’

Diversity: Seattle’s history as a trading hub means it’s always welcoming transplants. Recent new arrivals seem to arrive in waves, bringing skills, languages, and great ethnic cooking. A typical strip mall may contain a well-reviewed ethnic restaurant or a specialty food market. Diversity varies by town: Bellevue is 38% Asian, Sammamish 33% South Asian. That’s compared to Seattle’s 16% and the US’s 6%.

Climate: It’s changing. Forest fire smoke seems to be a regular nuisance now each summer. It makes hot days worse as one must close the windows.Consider adding AC as a requirement to any home purchase. Most new apartments do not have it, so choose wisely if you have respiratory issues. A portable in-room AC is a necessity, particularly if you have pets.

‘Almost’ Bike Friendly: Seattle is leading the local charge in making streets bike-friendly and giving over streets. Suburbs are following, mostly with lane markings, rather than dedicated paths. One exception is the Burke-Gilman trail, a 27-mile bike / pedestrian pathway on an old rail line. It connects Woodinville, a northerly suburban town with the downtown. It’s possible to make a 50-mile circuit around Lake Washington mostly on dedicated pathways; (some street use is necessary in places.) Towns like Kirkland are converting similar rail paths and adding bike / walker ramps around busy intersections.

Bellevue – the Big Dog

Bellevue is a thriving retail and residential alternative to Seattle, benefitting from its location smack dab between both floating bridges. Its mall offers world-class shops and dining; (try hand-made dumplings at Din Tai Fung). Bellevue embraced the high-rise culture and will only grow more as the Light Rail system goes live, and Amazon moves more employees to the city.

Surrounding the growing downtown core are mid-century modern modest homes in this tree-loving city. More expensive homes line Lake Washington (Beaux Arts). East Bellevue’s Crossroads Mall is a family-friendly, low-cost alternative offering shopping, multiple international food vendors with a common dining area, and a public library.

Bellevue’s excellent public schools are known nationally and were a strong magnet for the Asian community’s growth from 8% in 2000 to 30% in 2010. Bellevue, Bellevue Big Picture, Interlake, International, Newport and Sammamish regularly top US New’s high school ratings. Forest Ridge Catholic School for Girls is well-respected also. Unfortunately, the high cost of homes, aging community and population decline have taken their toll, and the school district has closed two elementary schools.

The city offers pleasant walking parks, Meydenbauer Center for performing arts, and the Bellevue Arts Museum.

Home prices in Bellevue are far above the national average; the median listing price is $1.3 million, condos $718,000 according to Zillow. Rentals in the area average $2.500 monthly according to RentCafe. 

Kirkland

Just north of Bellevue and on the lake, a popular living and dining destination is Kirkland. Its waterfront and small retail area are appealing with four thriving coffee shops and multiple restaurants. Its harbor has lots of yachting eye-candy. Stop into Zoka for a great hand-roasted coffee. Or grab a fresh macaroon at Lady Yum, or home-made gelato at Sirena Gelato. Kirkland’s home prices are in line with Bellevue’s with an average price of $1.1 million.

Redmond

Once a sleepy horse-farm town, Redmond is on its 3^rd stage of change adding five story, mixed-use apartments. It’s best known for the main Microsoft campus which never stops growing, and its sprawling Marymoor Park, equally popular with soccer parents and dog walkers: lots of soccer fields for league tournaments. And an even larger, actually huge, off-leash area with fields and water access. What could be better than returning home with a tired kid and a muddy dog in your SUV? (The park does offer a dog-washing service, just so you know).

Sammamish

Timber companies that once grew trees in these lowlands found more profit in growing homes. One of the first was Klahanie on the Sammamish Plateau. This 3,200-home planned community pioneered a population growth to today’s 65,000. What’s noteworthy is the large South Asian community (33%), and higher than average education and home value $1.4M.

The plateau is home to Eastside Catholic, a powerhouse college prep school that regularly wins the state football championship. Nearby is Trilogy, a planned community for residents 55+ with a golf course, active sports center, and activities.

Older Suburbs Worth Noting

Older towns bordering Lake Washington offer a slower lifestyle, closer-in commutes, and toll-free access to Seattle along the I-5 corridor. Like others mentioned here, they have experienced rapid growth with low-rise, mixed-use apartments and shopping.

Renton

Renton is strategically located on the south end of Lake Washington, making it an ideal location for folks needing to commute north to Seattle or Bellevue, plus close by access to SeaTac International airport. The city has converted an industrial area along the lake into a charming village-style mix of retail and apartments, which spurred its growth. There’s a 57-acre park, walking trails along the Cedar River and plenty to do. In downtown Renton Boeing assembles 737s and flies one out each nine days. Schools get great reviews and home prices are a more modest $700K.

Bothell / Lake Forest Park

Lake Forest Park and Bothell surround the north end of Lake Washington. Both older communities are growing with mid-rise apartments in a hodge-podge fashion. Lake Forest Parks is part of the well-respected Shoreline school district. Bothell has grown to the east with a satellite University of Washington campus. The Sammamish River Trail connects to the Burke Gilman Trail in Bothell. Biking to a wine tasting or brewery can be a popular afternoon outing. A home in either averages $950,000.

Mercer Island

Want an authentic mid-century modern home? This area, really the first developed with the I-90 floating bridge, has fine, period homes developed by leading architects of the time. It’s schools are well-respected, the commute is fast, and the average home price beats all comers at $2M. What’s not to like?

Honorable Mentions

Newcastle

Just south of Bellevue is Newcastle, a new community built around a 36-hole, 350-acre golf course. The location offers spectacular views to Seattle and Mount Rainier to the south. The city of Newcastle is served by two school districts: the Issaquah School District and the Renton School District.

Woodinville

Just north of Redmond is Woodinville. The city has captured the ‘winemaking’ title in Washington state with the location of the oldest winery in the state, Chateau Ste. Michelle. An old farming town with feed supply stores, Woodinville now embraces its wine title with many small-batch wineries and tasting rooms.

There you have it: the best suburbs of Seattle

Neighborhoods are about location and lifestyle, to be sure. But more importantly, they are about the people who live in them. These neighborhoods offer a variety of lifestyles to meet most anyone’s needs.

We hope this guide helps you make the right choice to fit your lifestyle. If you decide to move in or to Seattle don’t hesitate to reach out.  We have local movers in Seattle and offer long-distance moves to Seattle as well. Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services in Seattle and other nearby cities such as Portland should you be interested. Good luck with your move!

The post The Best Suburbs in Seattle (Updated 2023) appeared first on Bellhop.

Why Move to Florida?

Depending on your age and vocation, Florida has a lot to offer. Bellhop has prepared a comprehensive guide that tells the full story. We’ll just summarize here:

Florida has a great, warm climate

Want beaches and warm weather? Florida has more coastal shoreline than any other state.

Can’t beat Florida’s great job outlook!

Economists estimate that the state will continue to experience robust growth of 3.0%, much higher than the entire country.

Florida Has Great Taxes!

The state has no income tax which is always a positive sell. Ditto no Estate Tax or Inheritance Tax: If you are at the age where estate planning is important, Florida is a great place to claim residency, with no taxes on estates or inheritance. Florida’s residency requirement is 6 months plus 1 day. If you can afford two homes, you may benefit from moving one to Florida. (We’re movers not tax advisors. Check first with your advisors, then call us).

By the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—movers in Florida and beyond). We’re committed to providing useful and candid information regarding each city that our customers are considering for their next move.

If you’re contemplating making a move to Florida, we’re here to help. We’re Bellhop, and we’re Florida movers, specifically Jacksonville movers, Orlando movers, Tampa movers, St. Petersburg movers, Miami movers, Ft. Lauderdale movers, and West Palm Beach movers. Actually, we’re happy to help you move to or from virtually anywhere in Florida.

What About Florida Politics?

Recently Florida has been making headlines with archly conservative laws, driven by an all-Republican legislature and a politically ambitious governor. These have impact upon all residents and visitors, and range from abortion restrictions, LGBTQ rights, medical services for minors and educational content. Some of these laws may impact your decision to move to Florida, and frankly, families should diligently do their research.

Florida’s shift to ‘red’ is new with the 2016 presidential election. Since then, the Republicans gained 11 House seats. Not all Floridians are on-board with the change.

Here at Bellhop we don’t endorse political views, take sides or talk politics. We are sharing this information to help you make informed decisions if Florida looks inviting. If you are interested a digging into info yourself, here are some useful resources: Census info, Congressional representatives, Democratic mayors.

What Are Liberal Cities in Florida?

Florida is a lot like Texas, Washington state and many others, where rural areas lean conservative and urban areas liberals. We’re here to offer up some more  ‘liberal’ leaning cities. To build this list we identified six of Florida’s ten largest cities with Democratic mayors. An additional indicator is if the elected Congressional representative is Democratic.

St. Petersburg

This city of 261,000 on the tip of Tampa Bay is noteworthy for its very high percentage of white population (67%) with a Black Democratic mayor. There is plenty of entertainment, dining and beaches to keep you occupied. Average home prices in mid-2023 according to Zillow are $414,000, with condos costing $280,000. Households tend to skew older.

Ready to move to St. Petersburg? Get in touch!

Tampa

With a thriving population and strong economic engine, the city of nearly 400,000 is booming. Its population is younger than the state’s average. Reflected in this trend is a healthy job market attracting tech startups and Fortune 100 companies. There’s plenty to do with three pro sports teams that always seem to make the playoffs. The city is known for its boisterous LGBTQ community. How much will a home cost? Zillow quotes $436,000 for a single-family home and $290,000 for a condo.

Learn more about moving to Tampa, and get in touch if you’re looking for Tampa movers!

Orlando

If you want lots of family fun entertainment, you can’t beat Orlando, home of a dozen theme parks and the NBA Magic. It has a younger and more diverse population.  It supports many of the same inclusive and LGBTQ values as the nearby Disneyland. The average home price in this diverse city of 320,000 costs $423,000 and condos $223,000.

Learn more about moving to Orlando, and get in touch if you’re looking for Orlando movers!

Jacksonville

Up in the northeast corner this city with 972,000 is the largest city in the state both in terms of people and area. It sprawls: it’s the largest city by area in the lower 48 United States. It is less diverse than other Florida cities with a smaller Hispanic population (11%, 55% white, 34% Black). The population is younger than the state’s average (more kids). It’s home to the NFL Jaguars and multiple minor league teams. While its mayor is Democratic, this northeast corner of the state is represented by Republicans in Congress. Homes here cost $329,000 and condos $230,000.

Learn more about moving to Jacksonville, and get in touch if you’re looking for Jacksonville movers!

Fort Lauderdale

Located on the Atlantic it’s often called the Venice of Florida with its many boating canals. Its diverse population includes many foreign-born who located here. Homes are pricier here: $635,000. Condos also: $464,000.

Learn more about moving to Fort Lauderdale, and get in touch if you’re looking for Fort Lauderdale movers!

Tallahassee

Up north in the panhandle Tallahassee is the state capital of 201,000 residents. The city has regularly elected a Democrat as mayor. Its population is a little older than the state average. Folks who live there say it is more ‘southern’ like its neighboring states in manners and habits. Homes average $304,000, condos $179,000.

Looking for Tallahassee movers?

West Palm Beach

West Palm is the oldest incorporated city in the greater Miami area. The city of 120,000 is home to many wealthy, including former President Trump. If you want to live close by, average home prices are $509,000 and condos $291,000.

Learn more about moving to Miami, and get in touch if you’re looking for Miami Movers!

What About Less Diverse Cities in Florida?

It’s true: birds of a feather flock together. If you, like them, seek a more similar population, here are three cities that have a stronger than average demographic profile.

Hialeah

A suburb of Miami it is 95% Hispanic. Homes cost $549,000 and condos $276,000.

Miami Gardens

Miami Gardens is sixteen miles north of Downtown Miami.  Its population  of 110,000 is 67% Black, caused, in part by early lending policies which permitted Black home ownership. Average home prices are $472,000 and condos $202,000. If you like attending pro football, the Miami Dolphins stadium is in the city.

Sarasota

This conservative-voting city has one of the highest white populations in the state (74%) and more females than average. Zillow quotes a home price of $523,000 and condo of $367,000.

When You are Ready for the Big Move, Use Bellhop

At Bellhop, there’s nothing we want more than for our customers to have a smooth move. If Florida is the right move for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Bellhops. We coordinate local and long distance moving services in many Florida cities and we would love to help.

The post Moving to Liberal Cities in Florida appeared first on Bellhop.

Hi, we’re Bellhop — movers in Florida and specifically Jacksonville movers, Orlando movers, Tampa movers, St. Petersburg movers, Miami movers, Fort Lauderdale movers, and West Palm Beach movers). We can help you move to (or from) these locations, and just about anywhere else in Florida. In fact, we’ve prepared lots of info on the sunshine state. Great guides like this one: THE Best Places to Live in Florida (2023).

Is Florida safe to move to?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is also yes, with an understanding about crime and statistics measuring crime.

Crime is as much about how someone feels as how it is measured. Someone who has unfortunately experienced a criminal event in their past, may feel very different than someone who has not.

Our news media channels always seem to go out of their way to talk about crime and which political party or demographic group bears the blame for it. It will be front and center in any election year as a hot topic. So, it’s very understandable that crime is on everyone’s mind.

Comparing Florida to other states

Comparing Florida’s crime records to other states’ is a favorite social media pastime. To compare criminal statistics, we have to use FBI data, the only source to measure criminal activities uniformly. Type ‘Florida crime rate compared to other states’ into a search engine, and you will receive the following answers:

• “Florida ranked 25th in violent crime rates.”
• “The third most dangerous state in the US. is Florida with 2,087 homicides.”
• “Florida Ranked As One Of Least Safest States In The U.S., Study Finds.”
• “Crime is at a 50-year low in Florida.”

As these headlines show, it’s easy to be confused.

What the FBI numbers say about Florida

The FBI defines two categories of crime: Violent and Property:

Violent Crime: In the United States, violent crime consists of five types of criminal offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and gang violence.

Florida ranks 26^th.

Murder Rate in Florida

In 2019 there were 14,700 reported murders with a national average of 12 murders per every 100,000 inhabitants.

Florida had 9.7 per 100,000, ranking 19^th in the US. By contrast states like Louisiana and Missouri led with 22.9 and 18 respectively.

Property Crime in Florida

Property crimes is a broad category of theft-related offenses in three sub-categories: vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny. Larceny includes such crimes as shoplifting, purse snatching, theft of car parts, check forging and embezzlement. They are the most reported of all crimes, accounting for easily more than three quarters of all major reported crimes.

Florida ranked 19th lowest among states and lower than the national rate. There were 1,769 property crimes for every 100,000 people.

Why comparing safest cities in Florida is a bad idea

The FBI Says, ‘Don’t Do it.’

The FBI itself recommends not comparing crime for states, metropolitan areas, and cities. In Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics: Their Proper Use, the agency writes:
“Data users should not rank locales because there are many factors that cause the nature and type of crime to vary from place to place..”

“Rankings ignore the uniqueness of each locale. Some factors that are known to affect the volume and type of crime occurring from place to place are:

• population density
• transportation systems
• family cohesiveness
• attitudes toward crime
• crime reporting practices of its citizenry.”

Not Every City Reports its Data to the FBI.

Not every city reports its data, in Florida or the other states. Smaller cities and non-metropolitan county areas have a lower reporting rate, as reflected in the FBIs ‘Table 5’ for Florida:

• Metropolitan Statistical Area (Big Cities) – 99.99% reported
• Cities outside metropolitan areas – 92.9% reported (7.1% don’t report)
• Nonmetropolitan counties – 93.4% reported (6.6% don’t report)

So why don’t they report? In fairness to these locales, it may be that they don’t have the manpower to compile the statistics and file the paperwork. Or it may not be a priority. Or someone in administration may decide the city will look better if it doesn’t.

FBI will ‘guesstimate’ city data to build out its statewide data.

The FBI expects 12 months of data for its reports. When it doesn’t get it, the agency has to make an educated guess, which it will do with three months or more of data.

Crime Rates in Cities with Less than 3 Months of Data Are ‘Made Up.’

‘If an agency has supplied less than 3 months of data, the FBI computes estimates by using the known crime figures of similar areas within a state and assigning the same proportion of crime volumes to nonreporting agencies.’ Source: Table 5, Offense Estimation

Translation: Small Town A that doesn’t report will be ‘assigned’ the adjusted crime statistics of Small Town B. This may create a totally artificial perception.

Hidden agendas in making comparisons

Mark Twain reminds us,  “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

Pundits and promoters are likely to make comparisons about crime in Florida to make a point. Online searches regularly show comparisons between Florida and California crime rates, or a Florida city’s and New York City. Simply be advised that comparative data may be incomplete, and not advised, even by the FBI.

How to determine the safest cities in Florida

Do your research.

The latest FBI information for cities in Florida is based on 2019 in its Table 8 report. It only includes cities that reported a complete 12 months of data, meaning some towns are not included. (Table 8 data can be searched for other states too.) It only includes cities with about 48% of the state’s population so don’t be surprised if smaller communities are not represented.

Trust but verify.

Good online information providers will cite their sources. Look at their footnotes. Be doubtful of any organization, particularly large ones, that make blanket claims without offering you a means to check it out.

Define what is ‘safety’ to you.

Some online sources such as WalletHub rank states on safety. Their ranking is based on multiple attributes (not just crime), including financial safety, workplace safety. Some other sources are beginning to include climate info.

Visit and Talk to Locals

Moving can be expensive. A frugal first step is to have fun and explore, feel the sand between your toes. Florida experienced a record 137 million visitors in 2022, up significantly from past years. Local folks will gush about their communities and can share their feelings about safety, hurricanes, and best neighborhoods.

When you are ready for the big move, use Bellhop

Ultimately, where you move is based on you. We’ve provided this information to cut through a lot of ‘noise’ about crime and safety. Know that all of us at Bellhop want to support your decision, even if it means staying put, or moving somewhere else.

At Bellhop, there’s nothing we want more than for our customers to have a smooth move. If Florida (or another state) is the right move for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Bellhops. We coordinate local and long-distance moving services all over Florida, and we would love to help.

The post Are Florida’s Safest Cities Really the Safest? appeared first on Bellhop.

A mattress can be one of the most personal items in your household. We spend one-third of our lives in bed. A good mattress is an investment in comfort and your well-being. Yet they are bulky to move and given their size can quickly fill up a moving van. So, deciding to move a mattress is a big deal. In this article we will cover both pros and cons of moving, or disposing of a mattress, plus give tips to help. 

If you decide to move your mattress, check with your local Bellhop Movers. They can help you move across the country, or simply across town. They are expert at moving mattresses, and the information you share will help them determine key metrics, like the size of the truck needed. 

5 Reasons to Move Your Mattress 

Best Night’s Sleep Ever! – This ranks high because it is so important. We all know how grumpy we can feel when we get a crummy night’s sleep. Why risk a change or a crabby partner? Stick with a winner and sleep baby sleep!  

Attachment – Memories matter, and families particularly know the joy that comes when young kids pile on the bed, at the right time, of course. Who when little, didn’t jump up and down on their parents’ bed?! 

Replacement Cost – A good mattress can easily cost $1,000 – $5,000, depending on size. Given the costs of moving, it may be better to not spend on a replacement at your new home, just now. 

Still in Great Shape – The average life of a mattress is seven to ten years. Better made can last longer. And we all sleep differently, so like they say with cars, ‘your mileage may vary.’ 

Yeah, it’s big, but honestly, not that hard – Movers always assume there are mattresses to deal with. Systems and supplies make it routine. Mattresses always want to flop over; two expert Bellhop movers make moving one easy. 

How to Dispose of a Mattress 

Maybe it’s time for a fresh start. Moving is a great reason to reconsider keeping all the items in your household. Decluttering makes sense and can save on moving costs. Disposing of a mattress can be an easy decision. Wherever you are moving, it seems like mattresses are always on sale. Not sure what to do with yours? Fortunately, you have options. 

Before you start, research your state’s and city’s rules. They can vary even by town. Be honest about the condition of your mattress. Is it heavily stained? Maybe a few years too old? Mattresses accumulate all sorts of yucky stuff like dead skin and mites that can limit your options if the mattress doesn’t look good. Give it a good vacuum or spot cleaning first before you decide. 

Worried about hauling it away? Call your local Bellhop Movers. When you hire our labor-only movers, you can pay by the hour for help hauling things outside, moving around your garage, preparing for furniture recycling, and hauling away. 

Note: While we are laser-focused on your mattress, the recommendations in this section can also be applied to all the extra items that together may make up your ‘bed’ – like a mattress topper, bed boards, box springs, frames, and slats.  

Donate Your Mattress

Local charities may be willing to take your mattress depending upon its condition. Check with your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, or other similar large charity. Many may come and pick up. (Typically, only the larger charities have the resources to handle mattresses). 

Selling Your Mattress

Used mattress sales between individuals are typically allowed. (Check online given your location.) Federal standards and labeling apply when a retailer wants to sell a used mattress. These don’t apply to peer-to-peer sales. Still presentation does matters. Spending a little time on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can give you a better understanding of this option and suggested pricing. If listings are dated, (look old),  it may mean that used mattresses are a bit hard to sell where you live. 

Recycling Options for Mattresses

Depending upon the composition of your mattress, the components can be repurposed (always a good option!) Some municipalities support mattress recycling. If yours does, there are typically specific locations that will accept them. So check before loading it. 

Mattress Junk Removal

Last resort is to dispose of it at your dump center. Landfills are challenged now, and a mattress will add a lot of waste. If your mattress can have a second life, we recommend against this choice. 

Is a Mattress Bag Worth It? 

Yes! Your mattress is most likely white or cream colored. Moving exposes it to handling and conditions that can dirty it quickly. No one wants disappointing surprises like a dirty mattress after the move. 

We recommend spending a little more on a mattress bag with handles. Handles solve the biggest problem with moving a mattress: how do you grab it? Mattress bags are available at local big box and hardware stores, and online. You can save a little moving time and expense by putting the bag on yourself. Or your Bellhop Movers will be glad to. 

How to Move a Memory Foam Mattress 

Wasn’t it cool to watch your new memory foam mattress expand when you first opened its box?! Amazing. Now, you are wondering how to move it. 

Roll a mattress, don’t bend it.

Bending can leave creases that won’t come out when you later unroll it. Creases are as bad as ‘peas’ if you remember that fairy tale about the princess and the pea under her mattress. 

Squash it like a sleeping bag

If you ever camped, you know the challenge of getting that sleeping bag back in its much smaller stuff sack. Start on one end, pushing down to compress the foam, with elbows straight applying as much weight as possible. For a little fun add kids standing (and laughing) next to you to help. Slowly twist and curl up the compressed foam, then repeat. 

Don’t forget straps!

Have them handy to scoot underneath and around to keep it compressed. Consider wide, 2-inch straps, at least two. Stand it on end and then put it in a mattress bag. 

Consider a mattress vacuum bag

These sealable bags have a one-way valve that fits a standard vacuum cleaner tube. Connect and turn on the vacuum. It’s almost as magical watching the foam mattress shrink as when you first unrolled it. Then roll it up while still in the bag and secure. These bags aren’t that more expensive that a regular mattress bag and are definitely worth it.  

Be cautious with this if you have children in your home; they may wish to crawl inside if it is left unattended. 

What Not to Do When Moving a Mattress 

Don’t try and move it by yourself. Mattresses can weigh between 50 and 150 pounds. It looks easy to move when it’s flat. Stand a mattress up and it immediately starts fighting you. Get a friend or hire someone to help. Then it’s easy. 

Be extra careful on stairs and stair landings. Sliding a mattress on the stairs sounds good until it speeds up. Given its weight, a mattress quickly gains momentum. The person on the bottom can be knocked off balance and injured. Not good for friendship. To prevent this, the person on the top stairs needs to be braced in anticipation and holding it back. 

When You are Ready for the Big Move, Use Bellhop 

At Bellhop, there’s nothing we want more than for our customers to have a smooth move. We hope this article on how to move a mattress helps and saves you some time and research. If you’re ready to get moving, our local and long-distance movers can be there in a jiffy.  

The post How to Move a Mattress  appeared first on Bellhop.