Bay Area
Living in the Bay Area, California, brings an appealing blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Imagine spending weekends exploring lush parks like Golden Gate Park or hiking through the awe-inspiring Muir Woods while still being just a short drive away from city conveniences. Local amenities cater to all lifestyles, with trendy coffee shops, gourmet restaurants, and lively farmers' markets around every corner. Types of rentals range from modern city apartments in San Francisco’s Mission District to cozy suburban homes in Palo Alto. With prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and UC Berkeley nearby, the area buzzes with an academic atmosphere. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Bay Area's storied past, including San Francisco's transformation during the Gold Rush. Today, this rich heritage is celebrated through annual events like the San Francisco International Film Festival and the bustling Chinese New Year Parade. Whether you're attending these festivals or enjoying everyday life, you'll find that the community spirit here is infectious. In essence, the Bay Area offers an ideal mix of cultural depth, educational opportunities, and diverse rental options, making it a truly special place to call home.
Thousand Oaks
About an hour west of downtown Los Angeles sits Thousand Oaks, a large, upscale suburban community. It is an outstanding place to raise a family—the FBI has identified Thousand Oaks as having one of the lowest crime rates in the nation for a city its size, and the public schools earn excellent marks. The city is bordered to the south by the Santa Monica Mountains, giving residents enviable access to the rugged natural beauty of southern California. Malibu is only about thirty minutes away, so naturally the beach is quite popular with locals as well.
Grand Rapids
The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids rests on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. Formerly known as the Furniture City, Grand Rapids is now nicknamed the River City as well as Beer City USA for its riverside locale and proximity to 40 craft breweries. Grand Rapids is also the hometown of former United States President Gerald Ford. Fans of the 38th president can learn more about his life and impact on American history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Notable as an artistic haven, Grand Rapids hosts the annual ArtPrize competition, a 19-day affair drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city and featuring artwork all throughout Downtown Grand Rapids. Frederik Meijer Gardens exhibits an expansive variety of sculptures and gardens both indoors and outdoors. Meyer May House is revered as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces. Located within an hour’s drive of Kalamazoo and Lansing, Grand Rapids is convenient to major highways and Gerald R. Ford International Airport, making for simple travels and commutes.
