Money Management

Some cities in the U.S. have poor air quality, high crime, and few activities. Read on to learn which 10 cities ranked the lowest for families. 

When it comes to deciding where to live, you have options — almost too many options. According to data from Statista, the U.S. had roughly 19,502 cities, towns, and villages in 2019, with roughly 780 of those containing 50,000 or more people.

To help you narrow down your options, Scholaroo — a national scholarship association — conducted a survey of 152 U.S. cities to decide which are the best cities to live in. They ranked these cities by seven categories: safety, health, finances, education, recreation, quality of life, and home atmosphere.

The top cities to raise a family included some surprising (and unknown) names, like Warwick, Rhode Island, Yonkers, New York, and Casper, Wyoming. But many of the worst cities were well-known names that have hot housing markets, decent economies, and a good reputation for diversity and entertainment.

If you’re curious, here are the 10 worst cities to raise a family, according to Scholaroo’s research.

10. San Antonio, Texas

Safety ranking: 109Healthcare ranking: 107Finances ranking: 50Education ranking: 141Leisure ranking: 140Quality of life ranking: 58Home atmosphere ranking: 84

While more affordable than other Texas metropolises, San Antonio also suffers from droughts, poor air quality, and a high crime rate. The city also ranks low for education and a lack of recreational areas.

9. Little Rock, Arkansas

Safety ranking: 150Healthcare ranking: 52Finances ranking: 29Education ranking: 101Leisure ranking: 119Quality of life ranking: 124Home atmosphere ranking: 44

Little Rock ranked fairly high for finances and home atmosphere. In fact, roughly 44% of the city’s residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher. But where it fell short was safety: The city has one of the highest crime rates in the country, with 73 incidents per 1,000 residents. That makes Little Rock less safe than 99% of U.S. cities.

8. Detroit, Michigan

Safety ranking: 152Healthcare ranking: 59Finances ranking: 65Education ranking: 116Leisure ranking: 80Quality of life ranking: 102Home atmosphere ranking: 12

Motown ranked dead last for safety on Scholaroo’s list. At the same time, it also ranked fairly high for a good home atmosphere — fewer divorces and less alcohol abuse — and not too shabby in terms of finances and healthcare.

7. Dallas, Texas

Safety ranking: 124Healthcare ranking: 84Finances ranking: 116Education ranking: 119Leisure ranking: 122Quality of life ranking: 90Home atmosphere ranking: 119

Dallas ranks in the bottom half of cities surveyed for all seven categories. That said, we might describe the city as more “mediocre,” in terms of its overall ranking, as it isn’t the most unsafe city in Texas, nor does it have a lower-than-average high school graduation rate.

6. Austin, Texas

Safety ranking: 84Healthcare ranking: 146Finances ranking: 128Education ranking: 89Leisure ranking: 107Quality of life ranking: 112Home atmosphere ranking: 145

Austin has one of the country’s fastest growing economies. But, like many parts of Texas, its healthcare system is in bad need of reform, with fewer physicians per capita than other cities and a higher rate of residents without health insurance.

5. Houston, Texas

Safety ranking: 135Healthcare ranking: 50Finances ranking: 115Education ranking: 74Leisure ranking: 139Quality of life ranking: 125Home atmosphere ranking: 118

Though the city’s violent crime rate decreased slightly in 2022, Houston still has more crime incidents than most cities. Houston is also one of the worst cities for air pollution.

4. Stockton, California

Safety ranking: 139Healthcare ranking: 148Finances ranking: 69Education ranking: 60Leisure ranking: 141Quality of life ranking: 111Home atmosphere ranking: 34

Stockton is located in the Central Valley of California and is vulnerable to poor air quality from wildfires. In previous studies, the city has also ranked low for child opportunities, with low economic resources, high poverty rates, and lower math and reading proficiency rates.

3. Santa Ana, California

Safety ranking: 73Healthcare ranking: 151Finances ranking: 126Education ranking: 93Leisure ranking: 145Quality of life ranking: 132Home atmosphere ranking: 73

Located in Orange County, Santa Ana ranked low for healthcare facilities, leisure, and quality of life. Many residents of Santa Ana complain the city has little to offer in terms of recreation and culture, while others argue it has a tight knit community of long-time residents.

2. Denver, Colorado

Safety ranking: 134Healthcare ranking: 130Finances ranking: 113Education ranking: 52Leisure ranking: 114Quality of life ranking: 134Home atmosphere ranking: 149

Denver ranked in the bottom 38 cities for nearly every category, except education. The city struggles with vehicle theft and property crimes, a problem exacerbated by the city’s shortage of qualified police officers. The region’s wildfire — including those western states like California and Oregon — also contributes to its poor air quality.

1. Newark, New Jersey

Safety ranking: 143Healthcare ranking: 28Finances ranking: 148Education ranking: 46Leisure ranking: 75Quality of life ranking: 152Home atmosphere ranking: 32

Newark is dead last in quality of life, ranking 152nd. The “stolen car capital of the world” also ranked 143 for safety and 148 for finances. That said, the city’s median rent is about 14% lower than the national median: $1,850 vs. $2,150. And the median home price ($381,990) is lower than the state’s median ($480,275).

Should you live in any of these 10 cities?

Studies like the one published by Scholaroo can help you narrow down where you want to live. But the decision is ultimately yours. In addition to the factors listed above, you should look at the city’s affordability, public transportation, and testimonies from residents.

You might also want to check rates from some of the best mortgage lenders in the area. This could help you understand how much home you could afford, as well as help you compare monthly payments with other cities.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Inflation has finally cooled quite a bit. Read on to learn more about how that affects consumers. 

A big reason Americans have been calling for stimulus checks over the past year is that they’ve needed relief from inflation. Since mid-2021, living costs have been climbing, and in recent months, they’ve been elevated to a notable degree. That’s caused many people to have to raid their savings and rack up costly debt on credit cards just to stay afloat.

Now the bad news is that we don’t seem to be anywhere close to seeing another stimulus round hit Americans’ bank accounts. In March, the unemployment rate was 3.5%. That’s comparable to where the jobless rate sat prior to the pandemic, and it’s by no means a high enough rate to warrant a stimulus round.

The good news, though, is that inflation finally seems to be easing. And if that continues, those who are struggling to pay their bills today may find that it’s easier to keep up with their expenses as 2023 chugs along.

Living costs are finally dropping

In June of 2022, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the cost of consumer goods, was up 9.1% on an annual basis. By contrast, in March, the CPI was only up 5%.

Now that’s still a fairly high level of inflation, as 2% is generally considered a moderate, acceptable amount. But still, 5% is worlds better than 9%.

It’s also worth noting that inflation has been steadily dropping since peaking last June. And if that trend continues, U.S. consumers might face fewer struggles in the coming months, even if they aren’t privy to stimulus checks.

Of course, it’s worth noting that while inflation has eased, prices are still up compared to “normal” levels. The cost of groceries, for example, was up 8.4% on an annual level in March. And the cost of food away from home (such as restaurant meals) was up 8.8%.

On the other hand, some living costs were down on an annual basis in March. The cost of gas dropped 17.4% from a year prior. And used car prices were down 11.2%. Other costs, like medical care services, held relatively steady, rising at just 1% annually.

When will we get back to 2% inflation?

We’re still pretty far away from 2% inflation. And we may not get back to that point this year. But if inflation levels continue to drop, consumers should get a nice amount of relief during the second half of 2023.

Now last year, many states opted to issue stimulus checks to residents to help them cope with inflation. It’ll be interesting to see if that happens again later on this year, since we’re in a much better place as far as inflation is concerned. But even if state aid doesn’t become available, a gradual drop in living costs should make a big difference in a lot of people’s worlds.

Meanwhile, this recent drop in inflation might prompt the Federal Reserve to hit pause on the interest rate hikes it’s been implementing since early 2022. Those hikes have already driven up the cost of borrowing, and they have the potential to really hurt consumers with variable-rate credit card balances.

But if the Fed slows down on rate hikes this year, consumers with existing credit card balances could get some relief as they aim to pay off their debt. The combination of that and lower living costs could make a huge difference.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Retailer rewards programs can offer a lot of perks, from cash back to free shipping. Read on for picks that all offer something useful for joining. 

One of my favorite personal finance savings hacks is to join rewards programs when they’re available. If there’s a brand I shop with regularly, chances are good I’m a part of their rewards program.

Over the years, however, I’ve definitely found that some programs are better than others. (And some that used to be good are…less good now. I’m looking at you, Best Buy.) So here’s a list of some of the retail rewards programs that can actually save you money.

1. AMC Stubs

AMC’s Stubs rewards program offers three tiers, only one of which is free.

Stubs Insider: This is the free option. Perks include waived ticketing fees for up to four tickets, a free large popcorn on your birthday, and all other shared benefits.Stubs Premiere: This is an annual subscription that costs $15 a year. The main perks over the free tier include priority lanes at the box office and concessions, free size upgrades on popcorn and fountain drinks, and unlimited waived online ticketing fees.Stubs A-List: This is a monthly subscription with costs ranging from $19.95 to $24.95 a month. The key perk that separates it from other tiers is up to three movies for free each week.

All three tiers earn points for each $1 spent (20x for the free tier, 100x for other tiers); you need 5,000 points for a $5 reward. Members also enjoy discount Tuesdays, free large popcorn refills, and free member wifi.

2. Barnes & Noble Rewards

Barnes & Noble has offered a paid membership for many years that can be quite beneficial if you shop there frequently. It now offers a free rewards program option as well.

Barnes & Noble Rewards: The free option is a spend-based rewards program. You’ll earn 1 “stamp” for every $10 you spend. Every 10 stamps equals a $5 reward (that’s $5 in rewards for every $100 you spend, or 5% back).Barnes & Noble Premium Membership: The membership costs $39.99 a year, but offers a number of extra perks, including a 10% storewide discount — including Nook purchases — free upgrades on cafe drinks, free shipping with no minimum purchase, and exclusive early access to special titles and events.

The paid membership will also come with a membership in the purchase rewards program.

3. Dunkin’ Rewards

If you can’t go without that Dunkin’ coffee every morning, make sure you join the Dunkin’ Rewards program. Members earn 10 points for every dollar spent on orders in-store or in the app. Frequent visitors — those who visit 12 or more times a month — will earn 12 points per dollar.

It takes 150 points ($15 in spending) to earn the cheapest reward (3-count Munchkins or a 6-count hash browns). A free hot or iced coffee comes in at 500 points, and a frozen drink or Signature Latte will cost 900 points.

4. Hibbett Rewards

Folks who go through a lot of sporting goods may want to join the Hibbett Rewards program. There are two member tiers, which are based on annual spend.

MVP: This is the base tier. MVP members earn 1 point for every dollar spent. 200 points earns you a $10 award (that’s 5% back). You’ll also get an annual birthday offer, as well as exclusive member deals.VIP: After you earn 200+ points, you’ll become a VIP member. At this tier, you earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent (the same 200 points are required for the $10 award, which comes out to around 7.5% back). Plus, you’ll get access to private sales, as well as early access to select offers and sales.

5. Jersey Mike’s myMike’s Rewards

We’ve got breakfast covered, so how about lunch? The myMike’s Rewards program offers Shore Points with every sub purchase. How many points you earn varies by the type of sub; a kid’s meal is 3 points, for instance, while a giant sub is 12 points.

Redeeming points also varies by type of order. A free mini size sub costs 48 points, while a giant size sub costs a whopping 144 points.

Members can also enjoy annual birthday rewards, as well as exclusive offers and promos.

6. Kohl’s Rewards

Regular Kohl’s shoppers can get some decent cash back from the Kohl’s Rewards program. Regular members earn 5% in rewards on every purchase, plus a special birthday gift each year.

The best rewards are reserved for Kohl’s Charge Card owners, however. They get 7.5% in rewards (when the card is used to pay for the purchase), plus exclusive coupons, monthly free shipping events, and an annual anniversary gift.

7. Nordstrom Nordy Club

Folks who prefer the Nordstrom aesthetic can join the Nordy Club for purchase rewards. You’ll earn 1 point per dollar spent (or more if you use the Nordstrom Credit Card). You’ll need to collect a fairly high number of points to get a Nordstrom Note — 1,000 points equal a $10 Note — but given the price point of most Nordstrom items, this shouldn’t be too hard.

There are three tiers of Nordy Club membership, based on your annual spend.

Member: This is the base level, and it’s free to join. The most interesting perk is the free basic alterations on Nordstrom purchases. You’ll also get exclusive early access to select deals.Influencer: You’ll need to spend at least $500 a year (or be a cardholder) to get to this tier. Most of the perks are the same as the lower tier, except you’ll get three annual double points days, and priority access to style events.Ambassador: If you’re a frequent Nordstrom shopper — to the tune of $5,000 a year — you can reach the top level. This unlocks an extra double points day, as well as invite-only event access and Nordstrom to You, an in-home stylist program.

8. Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards

Here’s a program ideal for the small business owner. Members receive 2% back in rewards on their purchases, including supplies, furniture, and technology. You’ll also get $2 back when you recycle ink and toner cartridges (a $10 purchase is also required), and $2 back for reviews (up to three reviews a month). Perhaps the best part is these rewards will stack with your business credit card rewards.

9. Petco Vital Care

Petco can be a great place to get deals on pet products. And their Vital Care rewards program can help even more. There are two tiers, one free and one paid:

Vital Care Core: This is the free tier. It unlocks member-only pricing and offers, and the ability to earn Vital Care points on every purchase. Plus, you’ll get free food (every 10th bag is free) and grooming (every eighth visit).Vital Care Premier: You can upgrade to the Premier tier for $19.99 a month. Notable perks include $15 in Vital Care Rewards every month, extended reward expiration, 10% off food purchases, 20% off grooming visits, and unlimited routine vet exams at all Vetco Total Care locations.

It takes 167 Vital Care points (what a weird number) to earn a $5 Vital Care Reward.

Note: The Vital Care Premier service is not pet insurance. It offers some similar features — like routine care — but has key differences, especially when it comes to emergency services.

10. Popeyes Rewards

If you’re in the mood for a spicy chicken sandwich, this one’s for you. Popeyes Rewards members earn 10x points for every dollar spent on the Popeyes mobile app or on Popeyes.com (you can also earn points in-store by paying with a linked credit card — makes it a dining rewards card for an even better return!). Points can be redeemed for select menu items.

Another interesting perk: Members can enjoy Happy Hour Tuesday/Thursday, during which you can get $1 sides, as well as earn bonus points on combos and family meals.

11. REI Co-op Membership

The REI Co-op membership is an excellent investment for the outdoor enthusiasts. A lifetime membership costs $30, though REI has regular deals where you can get a $30 gift card when you purchase a membership.

Once you join, you’ll unlock a ton of deals and discounts. This includes exclusive member sales, annual coupons, and an annual gift card for 10% back on your full-price purchases the year before. You can also get discounts on rentals, bike and snow shop services, and free flat tire repair on bicycles.

12. Target Circle

Target devotees and casual shoppers alike can get some use out of a Target Circle membership — especially since it’s free. Members get 1% back on Target purchases, which can be redeemed for future purchases. You’ll also get access to exclusive offers and discounts, as well as an annual birthday gift.

(Want to boost your savings at Target? The Target RedCard gives you 5% off eligible Target purchases.)

13. Wawa Rewards

One of the only gas stations with a cult following, Wawa also has one of the better rewards programs. The free Wawa Rewards program gives you free food and drinks for every $50 you spend. Plus, earn exclusive bonus rewards throughout the year. You can also download the Wawa app to unlock extra gas discounts. (The Wawa Credit Card can also unlock additional gas rewards. Or use a regular gas rewards card at any gas station, any time.)

Honorable mention: Cash back apps

While the rewards programs on our list are all branded, there’s another way to earn big rewards across retailers: cash back apps. These third-party mobile apps offer coupons and rebates for hundreds of products from dozens of popular brands and retailers. Some of our favorites include:

IbottaFetch RewardsDoshRakutenCheckout 51

With most of these apps, you’ll scan your receipt after you shop to earn cash back rewards. How you redeem varies by app, but most will let you simply cash out into a bank account.

There are tons of great ways to earn rewards and cash back on your regular purchases. Let this list be the inspiration for you to seek out rewards programs with all of your favorite brands.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Best Buy, Fetch, and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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