Los Angeles
There are numerous nicknames for Los Angeles, just as there are various vibes within this sprawling city. Between rugged mountains and sandy shorelines, a laid-back surf culture and a high-powered commercial district, and food trucks and some of the world’s top-rated restaurants, Los Angeles features diversity in every aspect possible. Somehow, all the pieces of this city fit together seamlessly, making Los Angeles the unique destination we know and love. From Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills to Hollywood and Chinatown, there is the perfect neighborhood for everyone in Los Angeles. From celebrity sightings to unbeatable shopping destinations, Los Angeles is hard to beat. Enjoy a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park, or Topanga State Park, enjoy the famous entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, see the stars along the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, or stop into the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Your options are endless for entertainment, dining, and shopping in Los Angeles. And don’t forget about the easy access to international travel through the expansive Los Angeles International Airport. Though Los Angeles is famous for its film industry, it’s also well-known for its amazing beaches like Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, El Matador Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach. After a day of surfing and swimming, catch a sporting event or a live show at LA Live, housing the Microsoft Theatre, the STAPLES Center, the Grammy Museum, and a variety of restaurants and nightclubs. Outside of entertainment, Los Angeles houses numerous prestigious colleges and universities, from the University of California, Los Angeles to the University of Southern California.
Rome
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome is Georgia’s premier city for history, natural beauty, and a lively community. This riverfront town is located about 70 miles northwest of Atlanta and less than 20 miles east of the Alabama state line. Rome offers residents a blend of rural seclusion, scenic views, and a vibrant urban oasis. Rome cultivates a local culture rich with history, the arts, and stunning architecture throughout town. The city houses four colleges, collectively serving thousands of students and contributing major cultural and intellectual capital to Rome. This tight-knit community enjoys special events throughout the year, from the annual Rome International Film Festival to the Rome Shakespeare Festival. Downtown Rome features a top-notch selection of local restaurants, historic sites, specialty shops, and riverfront views. Rentals in Rome are surprisingly affordable, ranging from upgraded apartments to cozy single-family homes. After you’ve found your perfect rental, enjoy some of the local attractions. You’ll find locals hiking through the forested trails of the Appalachian foothills, golfing at one of Rome’s premier courses, or visiting one of the city’s historic sites like the Clock Tower from 1872.
Big Rapids
Best known as the home of Ferris State University, Big Rapids is a small city on the banks of the Muskegon River in west-central Michigan. The university’s student population outnumbers the city’s permanent residents, giving the community a distinctive college town atmosphere – the downtown area around the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Maple Street is major walking district offering up a wide selection of specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and nightlife hotspots. Catch a movie at AMC Classic Big Rapids 4, then walk up the street for dinner and a pint at Raven Brewing & BBQ. The local rental market caters to the student population with abundant budget-friendly apartments, condos, and houses all over town. The Ferris State campus on the south side of town is a major focal point for the community, especially when the Bulldogs are playing on home ice. The city is perched right on the edge of the massive Huron-Manistee National Forests, putting you in the ideal position to take advantage of the region’s unspoiled natural landscape.
