redfin, top markets

New York and the Midwest Dominate Redfin Hottest Neighborhoods of 2025

New York and the Midwest Dominate Redfin’s Hottest Neighborhoods of 2025 Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill top Redfin’s 2025 list of hot neighborhoods, after posting a 105% spike in home sales from a year ago. Five of the 10 hottest neighborhoods are located on the outskirts of Midwestern metros, with buyers seeking affordability and an easy commute. A neighborhood in the heart of San Francisco and a commuter suburb just outside Washington, D.C. also made the top 10. Five of Redfin’s 10 hottest neighborhoods of 2025 are in Midwest suburbs.These are the 10 hottest U.S. neighborhoods for 2025, new data shows—5 are in the Midwest Published Sat, Apr 12 202510:00 AM EDT thumbnail Celia Fernandez @cfernan6 Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via Email Redfin ranked the hottest neighborhoods in 2025. Redfin ranked the hottest neighborhoods in 2025.Fg Trade |150

Zillow blocks For SAle By Owners

FSBOs and Zillow

 Zillow overstepped: what’s next? Zillow’s New Policy: Starting May 2025, Zillow will remove listings from its platform if they are publicly marketed (yard signs, social media, etc.) but not simultaneously listed on an MLS within one business day. Violations result in permanent bans from Zillow for that specific listing. Conflict with NAR Update: This policy directly contradicts a recent National Association of Realtors update allowing public marketing without immediate MLS syndication, creating a conflict between increased seller flexibility and Zillow’s restrictions. Zillow’s Justification vs. Criticism: Zillow cites fairness, transparency, and discrimination prevention. Critics argue this is a power grab by Zillow, leveraging its dominant market share (roughly 70% of online home search traffic) to control the market and benefit large agents and institutions at the expense of smaller sellers and those seeking privacy. Shift to Off-Market Strategies: The article advocates for off-market transactions as a way to bypass Zillow’s control, emphasizing the increased150

florida living best cities in fla

Florida Living

 Florida’s ten prettiest, charming cities. Key West: High cost of living ($950,000 median home price, $3,100/month for a 2-bedroom rental), but boasts a vibrant, quirky atmosphere, strong sense of community, beautiful natural surroundings (coral reefs, mangroves), and a lower-than-average crime rate. Ideal for dreamers prioritizing lifestyle over affordability. Dunedin: More affordable than many coastal Florida towns ($430,000 median home price, $1,800/month rental), with a charming downtown, proximity to Honeymoon Island State Park, and a friendly, laid-back community. Lower crime rate than the US average. A great blend of small-town charm and coastal living. Gulfport: Affordable ($390,000 median home price, $1,750/month rental), artsy waterfront town with a strong local vibe, close proximity to St. Petersburg, and a crime rate 30% lower than the state average. Appeals to those who value creativity and community. Orlando: Surprisingly affordable for a major city ($410,000 median home price, $2,000/month rental), offering a diverse and dynamic atmosphere, numerous lakes150

Hollywood History

Hollywood’s tiki bars: a lost history. Hollywood Origins of Tiki Culture: Tiki bars, popularized in the 1950s and 60s, weren’t authentic Polynesian imports but a Hollywood invention primarily attributed to Don the Beachcomber (Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt), a rum runner turned entrepreneur. Filipino Bartenders’ Crucial Role: Many iconic tiki drinks were created not by Don the Beachcomber himself, but by skilled Filipino bartenders, highlighting a significant, often overlooked, contribution to tiki culture’s development. The Tiki-Ti bar, one of the oldest surviving tiki bars, was founded by a Filipino bartender from Don the Beachcomber’s. Coded Recipes and Legacy: Tiki-Ti maintains its family legacy, with three generations of the founding family having worked there, preserving secret recipes and techniques passed down through the years, including coded drink recipes. Cultural Appropriation and Misrepresentation: Tiki culture’s imagery and artifacts were often appropriated from various Pacific Island and other cultures without proper recognition or understanding, creating a romanticized and150

Irvine Living

 Irvine life: reality versus perception. Abundant Parks and Green Spaces: Irvine boasts numerous parks, often within close proximity to residential areas, offering various amenities like pools and tennis courts. Master-Planned City with Amenities: Initially conceived as a suburb, Irvine has evolved into a self-contained city with extensive retail, commercial, and office spaces, including a major university (UC Irvine) and a regional airport. High Cost of Living: Irvine’s desirability contributes to a high cost of living, with median single-family home prices around $1.9 million. Coastal areas and new constructions command even higher prices. Highly Ranked Schools: The Irvine Unified School District consistently ranks among the best in Orange County and the nation, attracting families but also creating a highly competitive academic environment. Safety and Crime: Irvine consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in America, although individual perceptions of safety can vary. The city prioritizes safety and maintains a strong reputation in this regard.150

Historical LA

Los Angeles street names: history and stories. Early Los Angeles Street Names: Many current street names originated from the 1849 Or survey, incorporating Spanish names reflecting the city’s early Mexican period. Examples include Spring Street (Calle Prima, Calle de la Caridad, Calle del Cura), Los Angeles Street (originally Calle Principal), and others derived from calle (street) and descriptive names. The Or survey mistakenly designated Los Angeles Street as Calle Principal, leaving Main Street as a less significant thoroughfare. Influence of Landmarks and Origins: Street names often reflected natural landmarks (e.g., Aliso Street for a sycamore tree) or the origins of settlers (e.g., Kenoga Park, Chatsworth). Impact of Land Development and Events: Street names were shaped by land developments, ranchos (e.g., Rancho Las Virgenes), housing tracts, and historical events. Names also reflect early farming, the oil industry, and the movie industry’s growth. Mexican and American Legacies: Street names reflect both Mexican (e.g., Pico Street, Figueroa Street) and American influences (e.g., streets150

Avalon Gangster Crips: LA life, danger. The Avalon Gangster Crips: History and Identity: The Avalon Gangster Crips are one of the oldest Crips sets in Los Angeles, originating around 53rd Street in 1971. They are fiercely independent and consider themselves "top gangsters," not beholden to other sets. Life in South Central LA: Life in the neighborhood is depicted as extremely dangerous and violent, with constant threats and potential for altercations. The interviewees emphasize the importance of knowing who is and isn't from the neighborhood to avoid trouble. Gang Culture and Loyalty: Loyalty and respect for elders are emphasized as core values, though these are said to be waning among younger generations. The gang is portrayed as a family, providing support and structure to its members, especially those lacking familial support. Violence and its Causes: The video shows how quickly situations can escalate to violence, even among those who consider themselves friends or family. Causes of violence are attributed to disrespect, perceived slights, and retaliatory actions stemming from past events involving family or friends. Generational Differences: Three generations of Crips are identified. The older generations experienced more fistfights, while the younger generations readily resort to guns. The older generation stresses the increased lethality of gun violence compared to fistfights, highlighting the greater consequences. Relationships with Other Gangs: While having intense rivalries with some sets (especially other Crips sets), the Avalon Gangster Crips maintain alliances with certain Bloods sets, demonstrating the complex dynamics of gang relations in South Central LA. The color distinction (red vs. blue) is shown to be less significant than neighborhood and gang affiliation. Impact of Media: The interviewees acknowledge the media's focus on the negative aspects of gang life, neglecting the positive community contributions and cultural aspects. They emphasize that their reality is more nuanced than what is typically portrayed. Advice to Youth: The interviewees caution against joining gangs, advising those who choose this path to be fully committed and to avoid being "fake." They also stress the importance of education as a means of upward mobility. Personal Reflections on Gang Life: Several interviewees share personal stories, including finding faith, experiencing incarceration, and navigating the challenges of life in a dangerous environment. The video also features stories about their upbringing and the daily reality of their lives. TrScript

South Central LA

  Avalon Gangster Crips: LA life, danger. The Avalon Gangster Crips: History and Identity: The Avalon Gangster Crips are one of the oldest Crips sets in Los Angeles, originating around 53rd Street in 1971. They are fiercely independent and consider themselves “top gangsters,” not beholden to other sets. Life in South Central LA: Life in the neighborhood is depicted as extremely dangerous and violent, with constant threats and potential for altercations. The interviewees emphasize the importance of knowing who is and isn’t from the neighborhood to avoid trouble. Gang Culture and Loyalty: Loyalty and respect for elders are emphasized as core values, though these are said to be waning among younger generations. The gang is portrayed as a family, providing support and structure to its members, especially those lacking familial support. Violence and its Causes: The video shows how quickly situations can escalate to violence, even among those who consider themselves friends or family.150

california

California Living

Ten Most Charming California Cities California’s ten best cities to live. Malibu: Extremely high cost of living (180% above national average), stunning Pacific coastline, exclusive vibe, top-rated schools, low crime rate, perfect weather. A lifestyle focused on nature, peace, and luxury. Santa Cruz: Laid-back atmosphere, youthful energy due to UC Santa Cruz, oceanfront access, high cost of living (81% above national average), access to redwood forests, good quality of life, mix of surfer and scientific community. Newport Beach: Polished paradise, affluent, pristine beaches, flawless weather, high cost of living (148% above national average), excellent public schools, access to private beaches and golf courses, strong community roots. Laguna Beach: Dramatic cliffs, artist colonies, high cost of living (120% above national average), access to many beaches, eco-conscious community, top-ranked schools, low crime rate, artistic and sophisticated atmosphere. Pasadena: Sophisticated vibe, mix of old-world charm and modern edge, high cost of living (78% above national average), access to150