Leandra Medina
O'Brien & Knight Realty
A Real Estate Agent based in University of North Texas
No Awards Received
Information Provided about Leandra's Coverage Area
Weather
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The University of North Texas’s campus and Denton are located at the bottom of the infamous “Tornado Alley,” which runs through the Midwest and into part of Texas. However, tornadoes rarely hit Denton in full form. Heavy thunderstorms and flooding, on the other hand, are very common here, especially in the spring. Starting in June, the temperatures reach an average high of 90 degrees, and stay that high until September, when they drop to 85 degrees. The peak is July, the hottest month of the year with an average high of 94 degrees. The winters are mild, and are usually in the 40s and 50s, with lows dropping into the 30s or 20s on colder days.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Denton is one of two colleges in Denton, with Texas Woman’s University being the other. Both schools are on the larger side: TWU has almost 14,000 enrolled students and UNT has nearly 36,000 students, making it one of the largest colleges in Texas. Even though there are just two schools here, their combined enrollment (50,000) is almost half of Denton’s population of 113,383. This makes Denton a bona fide college city, as you will undoubtedly meet a lot of students in the area, especially if you’re a UNT student looking around Denton for off campus housing.
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
St. Thomas runs a shuttle for students three times during the week to nearby museums, grocery stores, parks, etc., but this isn’t a mode of transportation you can use to commute to and from an off-campus apartment. If you want to use public transit in your everyday commute you will have to rely on Houston’s city buses, which run late into the night but aren’t always the safest option. There is a light rail that runs to downtown, but this is a couple miles from St. Thomas. The best option for off-campus students here is to buy a car.
Nightlife
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
As the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the country, Houston arguably offers more culture than any other Southern city. St. Thomas students are lucky enough to be a ten minute drive and 15 minute bus ride away from downtown. Here there both swanky bars and dive bars, a park for jogging and a recreation and a park for the city’s professional Astros baseball team, and venues for Shakespearean theater as well as venues for hardcore metal rock concerts. It doesn’t matter where you seek your thrills on the weekends, downtown Houston will have a spot for you.
Local Events
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Durham, North Carolina is home to many festive events throughout the year, including numerous events year-round hosted by Duke University and its Blue Devils athletic teams, NCCU and its Eagles athletics teams. Many festivals are held year-round in Durham, in part due to the good weather. The American Dance Festival is a six-week-long summer festival highlighting modern dance and choreographers. Every spring, for four days, filmmakers and enthusiasts worldwide gather in Durham to celebrate the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. Winter is the time for the Hayti Heritage Film Festival, Gothic Film Festival, and Annual Art Guild Art Show. Every June, Durham celebrates the Herb Festival, and every October, the World Beer Festival. Every month, there are plenty of events to attend to, from the lesser known silent auctions and historic tours, to the Holiday Fun Fest and Tree Lighting Ceremony in December.
Weather
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
There are few negative things to say about the climate in Durham. Winters are mild, with temperatures hanging around the high 40s and 50s during the day. Summers can get oppressively humid, as temperatures reach into the 80s and 90s, but overall, the weather is beautiful. Thunderstorms are somewhat common in the summer months, with August being the rainiest of all. Snowfall is somewhat rare; a light snow may fall a couple times over the course of the winter, but it always melts quickly.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
About 230,000 people call Durham home. Of this population, about 52% are female, and 48% are male. About 38% of the population is White alone, while about 5% are White Hispanic. A little over 41% of the population is Black or Black Hispanic. About 5% of the population is Asian. More than 86% of residents over the age of 25 have graduated high school, while nearly 50% have a Bachelor’s degree. Nearly a quarter of the population is under the age of 18. At Duke, the nearly 6,500 undergrads all come from impressive academic backgrounds, as nearly 90% of students from the class of 2015 were in the top 10% of their class. The student body is nearly 47% non-Hispanic White, 21% Asian American, 10% African American, 6% Hispanic American, and about 16% Unknown or International.
Crime & Safety
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Despite the concerning crime reports for the city of Durham, the campus where Duke is located is considered much safer by students. Most DU students feel that the campus is well-lit, that campus security has a presence, and that the biggest threat to safety comes from venturing off-campus. The vast majority of crimes on campus are liquor law violations, burglaries, and drug law violations. As a whole, Durham is rated just 6 out of 100 in terms of safety by NeighborhoodScout, which is extremely poor. However, several safer neighborhoods, like Huckleberry Spring and West Cornwallis Road areas, are right near campus. Leaving campus doesn’t have to be dangerous, but all students agree: don’t go anywhere alone.
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Within a mile of Howard University there are three subway stops: Columbia Heights, U Street, and Shaw. All three of these stations provide access to both the city’s Green and Yellow lines. Howard’s students clearly embrace public transportation: only 15% of them have a car with them on campus. When you factor the handful of buses that swing by the campus, there really are a lot of public transit options for Howard students. And this is all without mentioning the 85 (or “very walkable”) score the campus received on Walk Score, which shows that a lot of students travel by foot.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The student body at Howard, a historically black college, is mostly African-American, but there is also a large Hispanic population. American Indian, Caucasian, and Asian students also make up small slices of the student body as well. The majority of the student body is female (70%), and 30% are male. Almost the entire population (97%) is out-of-state, and the most popular major is journalism. Students here live in an urban setting with a diverse population, which is one of the reasons why Howard is one of the best schools in the region.
Nightlife
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Ithaca is a city heavily influenced by a collegiate presence, so it has a culture that is hipper and thrives more than a normal American city its size. There are museums for the arts and sciences, professional theaters, movie theaters, festivals, and plenty of parties thrown at off-campus college housing and on campuses too. Nights on the town will help you meet other college students from Cornell, Ithaca College, and Tompkins.
Apartment Costs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
With Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College located within or near the city’s boundaries, there are plenty of local housing complexes that are purposed for students living off-campus. Your housing search will depend entirely on your budget: Ithaca has two bedroom apartments as cheap as $750 a month and as expensive as $1,600 a month. This wide range is perfect for students who either want to live by themselves or split the bill with a roommate or two. Also, because there are so many schools in the area, you will undoubtedly have neighbors that are students as well, and hopefully you will be able to make friends with the other tenants.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Women outnumber men in Millikin’s student body by a 60% to 40% split. The vast majority of students are Caucasian, but there are also pockets of minority students and student organizations to support them. Overall, the school is very small with just over 2,000 undergrad students and under 100 grad students. 64% of students live on-campus, and 36% live in off-campus housing. There are around a hundred student organizations (which is a lot for a smaller school), and one out of every five guys and girls join a Greek organization.
Crime & Safety
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Millikin, on the western edge of downtown Decatur, is ranked in the top 10 on the list of the city’s neighborhoods with the lowest crime rates. And the communities that surround it to the west like West Main Street, West Pershing Road, and Elwin are also in the top 10. The neighborhoods directly to the east of Millikin (north of Near Westside) are usually the ones with the highest crime. The communities close to Downtown typically have higher crime, and if you don’t mind a slightly longer commute, outer neighborhoods like Elwin and North Martin Luther King Jr Dr (near Cresthaven Park) are safer.
Restaurants
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Most college campuses have the usual quick-serve chains, like Subway or Starbucks, along with smaller pizza joints and cafés. But at Gannon, within footsteps of the campus and University Square, are a plethora of delicious restaurant options. Bertrand’s Bistro, El Toro Loco, Under the Clock, 1201 Kitchen... with all of these eateries within walking distance, students will always be tempted to skip cafeterias and quick-serve spots in favor a night out. But if you’re just looking for a pizza, Stevo’s and Papa Joe’s are sure fire bets.
Recreation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Gannon University is located right next to Lake Erie, and on the warmer days early in the fall semester and late in the spring semester students will head out to the lake to sunbathe, jog, etc. Gannon is located in Erie, which is actually a pretty large city (over 100,000 people). However, some students drive to larger nearby cities on the weekend. Buffalo and Cleveland, despite being in two different states (Ohio and New York) are closer to Erie than Pittsburgh. But there are plenty of fun activities, culture, and on-campus events in Erie, and most students usually find things to do right in town or on the lake.
Apartment Costs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Shaw University is definitely part of Raleigh’s urban center (it’s just a few blocks south of Downtown), so when most students look for off-campus housing they begin their search near the campus. Unfortunately, prices in Downtown Raleigh are more expensive than the average college student would want to spend on a rental. If you’re looking for anything bigger than a one bedroom, you will almost definitely be paying $1,000 or more per month. Some students have found studio and one bedroom apartments for under a grand, however. The further you move from Downtown the cheaper the prices will be, but the commute will be longer.
Traffic & Commuting
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Shaw University, and the city of Raleigh, are circled by Interstates 40 and 440. The university’s campus is located just three blocks from Downtown, which makes walking a popular mode of transportation. In fact, Walk Score gave the campus a “very walkable” score. As for other options: the city’s R-Line (the free downtown circulator bus) stops by Shaw’s campus, as does Buses 13 and 22. The city’s Amtrak station is also seven or eight blocks away if you need to travel out of town or commute via train. Interstate 70, another major road, also slices through the center of the city.
Crime & Safety
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Brandeis University and Bentley University, located in Waltham, both have very low crime rates. However, Brandeis has a slightly safer campus. In a list of the Waltham neighborhoods with the lowest annual crime, Brandeis’ campus ranks fifth lowest, and Bentley is eighth lowest. For students who are concerned about crime and safety when looking for off-campus pads, you should look towards the Beaver Brook Station neighborhood, as well as Kingston and Piety Corner.
Traffic & Commuting
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The most convenient way for Brandeis students to commute to Boston is via the school’s stop on the city’s commuter rail system. It’s just a short ride to the city, and no driving is required. However, for students who are commuting to school or to Boston, Route 128 runs to the west of campus, and if you follow it for less than a mile you have access to Interstates 90 and 95 as well. These major roads can be very backed up during rush hour (which off-campus students should take into account when planning their schedule), but overall they’re convenient for students who want to live off-campus but don’t want a tough commute.
Nightlife
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Saint John’s may not be the best place for students to party (even students are of age aren’t allowed to have alcohol on campus), but finding nightlife isn’t an issue in the least. Students have unlimited access to New York City through public transit or their own vehicles. Manhattan is just 12 miles away, and Brooklyn is even closer (just 8 miles). Students find themselves adventuring all over the city in search of concerts, comedy shows, theaters, parties, clubs, bars, and restaurants. More often than not they find what they’re looking for--there’s no better place for a young adult to be than New York City.
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Saint John’s students’ reliance on public transportation is best highlighted by the fact that only 30% of students have a car with them on-campus. This is well below the usual percentage, but brings up a good point: with so many public transportation options around the campus, why would students need a car? The “F” line on NYC’s subway system is within walking distance, and the “E” line is a short bus ride away (on the Q46 bus, which stops on the northern tip of the campus). New York City has one of the best transportation systems in the world. Saint John’s are connected to all other parts of the city; all they have to do is hop on a bus or the subway.
Nightlife
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Emmanuel students don’t have the benefit of going to a “party school,” but in a large college city like Boston this doesn’t matter much. Most of the events they go to on the weekends are thrown by social organizations at other schools like Boston University, Northeastern University, and MIT. However, there are also small parties thrown at student apartments in neighborhoods like Mission Hill and Allston. If parties aren’t your thing, Boston is one of the major hubs of culture on the East Coast, with plenty of top-tier museums, theaters, music venues, and sports events.
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Emmanuel College’s campus is located near the MBTA’s Fenway stop on the D (subway) line and the Longwood Medical Area and Brigham Circle stops on the E line. Both of these lines are subsections of the larger Green Line which is by far the largest, busiest, and most notorious (for its problems) in Boston. Students often live along the Green Line in other parts of the city like Allston, Mission Hill, and the Kenmore area. Because these neighborhoods have so many students, there are plenty of cheap housing opportunities and public transportation coverage.
Restaurants
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Students at SCU should be thankful that they have more culinary options than students at other schools. The campus is close to downtown Santa Clara and Koreatown, which has some of the best Asian food in the San Jose metropolitan area. Also, downtown San Jose is just 3 miles away; a short drive, or bus/train ride away. Because San Francisco is considered such a foodie mecca, San Jose is often overlooked, but everywhere you go, there are wonderful restaurants!
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
SCU’s campus is literally footsteps away from both the Santa Clara Caltrain Station and the University of Santa Clara station. There two places are a hub for buses and trains that can take you to nearby San Jose and beyond (even as far as Sacramento). San Francisco is a popular spot for students on the weekend, and on the train it’s just a 90 minute ride. Because of the campus’s connected access to public transportation, you can rent off-campus anywhere along the local train or bus lines, and you won’t even need a car to commute.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Boston’s neighborhoods all have commercial areas, and in Cambridge Harvard Square is one of them. If you want to live in the square or directly outside of it then it will be tough to find rentals that fit your budget and needs. However, if you travel a bit further outside of the square (but still within walking distance) around Cambridge and Somerville, there are pleasant residential areas that look like they belong in a Boston suburb. Cambridge is a huge college town with MIT, Harvard, and Lesley, so there is a ton of housing available (and you will most likely have college-aged neighbors). Just remember that if you want to live in a more commercial area like Harvard or Kendall Square it will be more expensive.
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Lesley’s campus is squeezed in between the Harvard Square and Porter Square T stops, both of which are on Boston’s Red subway line. Depending on where you decide to live in off-campus, you will be closer to one of these two, or another of the Red line’s stops like Central or Davis Square. Either way, you can’t go wrong. The Red Line is generally the best subway service in Boston in terms of service, reliability, and coverage. From Lesley you are connected to Medford, Beacon Hill, Downtown Boston, South Boston, Quincy and nearly any area of Cambridge through the red line. The MBTA also runs buses in the area that you can take if your rental is near a stop.
Traffic & Commuting
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Anderson University is well connected to a system of major roads. Routes 81, 29, 178, 81, 24, and further away, Interstate 85, bridge students from their off campus apartments to class buildings. The majority of Anderson students (78%) have cars with them when they’re on campus, making the university very car-centric. There aren’t many public transportation options available to students, so if you depend on commuting you need to get four wheels of your own (or two if you’re into cycling).
Weather
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Winters on Anderson’s campus are milder than in the Northeast or other pockets of the Midwest, but are still reasonably cold, with average temperatures in the 20s F. The summer, if you stay on campus or in a nearby rental when classes aren’t in session, is incredibly humid and hot, with temps consistently in the 80s and 90s on hotter days. But with the sticky humidity, the real feel could easily exceed 100 degrees. Fall and spring are somewhat in the middle of winter and summer, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, although both seasons have unexpectedly have warmer and colder days.
Apartment Costs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Those wanting to live in Worcester fortunately have many options. Worcester has lower average rental costs than any of the neighboring towns, and due to the number of college students, there are plentiful multi-bedroom apartments and houses for rent. There are one-bedrooms to rent too, in one of the numerous complexes all around the city. Some of these one-bedrooms go for as little as $550/month with utilities included! Since QCC has no dorms, 75% of WSU students live off campus, and 50% of WPI students live off campus, you can expect tons of opportunities to split rent costs with roommates.
Nightlife
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Worcester is a hotspot of bars and clubs. Students of QCC, Worcester State, and WPI are definitely in luck. There are many frat parties in town, too. Some of the most popular bars in town are Armsby Abbey, Club U, The Citizen, The Dive Bar, and Ralph’s. The MB Lounge is a popular gay bar, and Funky Murphy’s is the best Irish pub in town. Ritual is both a great steakhouse and bar, and the Loft, or Loft 266, with its DJs, trivia nights, Ladies’ Nights and more, is very popular with the college-aged crowd.
Local Events
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Brooklyn is home to a vast array of annual events. From the Brooklyn Book Festival to the Great GoogaMooga food festival, there is a celebration for everything under the sun. Bayfest is a big waterfront music festival, the New York Photo Festival, the BEAT Festival, and the BoCoCa Arts Festival are just a few of this city’s special celebrations.
Crime & Safety
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
On the Brooklyn campus of NYU-Poly, the only crimes to occur in the past few years are
burglaries, two assaults, and numerous alcohol referrals. There were no hate crimes, sex offenses, murders, etc, on campus or in the residence halls. In the area of Brooklyn where Poly is located, the crime rate is not especially high. There are blocks near this University that are have slightly higher crime rates on paper, but in general, when Brooklyn comes to mind, the most dangerous area is agreed to be the East New York, as well as Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, and Brownsville.
Local Events
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Many annual festivals are held in Tuscaloosa. Aside from parades for just about every national holiday, there is the German Weindorf Festival, the Japanese Sakura Festival, the Kentuck Festival of Arts, the Moundville Native American Festival, and the Christmas Dickens Downtown celebration. In addition to these annual events, once a month, local art galleries showcase local artists. During football season, the Crimson Tide takes over, and it seems like all of Tuscaloosa shows up for tailgating, pep rallies, and the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, which seats over 100,000 fans.
Recreation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Tuscaloosa is one of the biggest cities in Alabama, and as such, there’s plenty to do. As if events hosted by SSCC, Stillman College, or the University of Alabama weren’t enough, there are numerous performing arts theaters that often have shows, the bustling nightlife area of The Strip, the Temerson Square area in the Downtown District, tons of restaurants, and beautiful parks. The Crimson Tide football team’s games at the University of Alabama attract many attendees, but if you want a quieter night, there is a 3D IMAX theater in town, as well as several museums, including the Alabama Museum of Natural History, and two regional malls.
Apartment Costs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
More than 1,600 of the 3,000 students that attend LU live on-campus, and are shuttled from their apartments and dorm buildings to classes. The remainder, mostly upperclassmen, choose to rent apartments and townhouses nearby. Most rentals listed in Greenwood are for single-family homes, though there are some apartments available for as little as $550/month for a one-bedroom. Most students use Uloop to find housing.
Restaurants
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Greenwood is a small city with a variety of restaurants. There are several popular pizza joints, like NY Pizza and Pasta, Mig’s Pizza Castle, and The Millhouse. For lunch, try Kickers, a busy little restaurant and a local favorite for its delicious soups. For a dining experience with a great view, try Harris Landing, where there is a Tiki Bar on the lake, and a beautiful view of Lake Greenwood. Danish’s Trattoria is known for its high quality Indian cuisine, Pascal’s is known for its pristine French cuisine, but if you want an authentic southern burger and sweet tea, you must visit the Dixie Drive In.
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The public transit in NYC is one of the most comprehensive in the US. More than 50% of residents of NYC do not own a car, and in Manhattan, over 75% do not own a car. The Grand Central Terminal is one of the biggest and busiest train stations in the nation. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or MTA, provides public transit via subway, bus, and rail. Both the NY Port Authority and NJ Port Authority also operate public transit in and out of NYC. New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, the Tramway, Ferry, and numerous taxi systems, are just a few of the other transportation options that residents and commuters of NYC can utilize.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine has around 500 students enrolled. Touro College’s student body is 43% White, 32% Asian, 9% Hispanic, 7% Black, 1% Indian, and 1% Indonesian. About 55% of students are Female, and 45% are male. On average, students are about 24 years old.
Weather
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Raleigh is known for its beautiful climate. While summer months can be uncomfortably hot and humid, the majority of the year is sunny and mild. Only a few inches of snow fall in the winter, and generally all snow melts pretty quickly. There is just enough weather to enjoy separate seasons, but not so extreme as to discourage vacationers and and families.
Crime & Safety
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
At WTCC, crime is incredibly rare. Little to no crime occurs on campus, and in the Banks/Mack Village area of Raleigh where WTCC is located, crime is also rare. However, the closer north toward Raleigh that you go, the level of crime increases. The areas with the highest crime rates are in central Raleigh. However, the crime rate in Raleigh still isn’t too bad for a city of its size, and in January 2013, Raleigh was rated the #1 most family-friendly city in the US.
Local Events
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Newport is famous for many of its festivals. The Newport Folk Festival has been around since 1959, growing with popularity each year, and in 2012, more than 10,000 people attended each day of the Festival. The Newport Jazz Festival is another enormous event, also attracting over 10,000 attendees. There is an annual Newport Winter Festival, now in its 25th year, the Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-Off, The Newport Kite Festival, The Black Ships Festival, The Harvest Fair and Harvest Festival, Oktoberfest, and Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Nearly 2,600 students attend SRU, of which more than 63% are female. About 70% of the student body identifies as White, while 4% are Hispanic/Latino, 2% are Black, 1% are Asian, 1% are international, and a whopping 22% are unknown/not reported. In Newport, there are about 25,000 residents. The population is 79% White, 8% Hispanic/Latino, 6% Black, 4% two or more races, 1% Asian, and 1% American Indian. More than 87% of those over 18 have a high school diploma.
Traffic & Commuting
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Ames is normally about 40 minutes from Des Moines. Traffic is generally not an issue in Des Moines, or Ames either, so if a car is your main mode of transportation, have no fear! The majority of residents don't see traffic congestion as an issue.
Restaurants
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
There are numerous places to eat at ISU. There are 4 residential dining centers, 3 on-campus restaurants, 9 campus cafes, 3 C-Stores, and numerous vending machines. Students love the quality of food, and the variety of options offered to them. Out in Ames, there are plenty of great restaurants too. The most popular restaurants include the Hickory Park Restaurant, The Cafe, Great Plains Sauce & Dough, and Chinese Home Style Cooking. People also adore Thai Kitchen, the West Street Deli, and Vesuvius Wood-Fired Pizza.
Economy and Jobs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
As of December 2012, the unemployment rate in Huntington is about 7.1%. About 43% of households in Huntington make less than 25k a year, and more than 70% make less than 50k a year. The cost of living here is somewhat low, but jobs don’t pay that well. The biggest employers in town are Marshall University, St. Mary’s Hospital and Cabell-Huntington Hospital, Marathon Ashland Petroleum, and AK Steel. For those seeking employment in education and health services or manufacturing, there are more opportunities for you.
Crime & Safety
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
In the past few years, aside from burglary/robbery/larceny, crime on campus is rare. There are a handful of forcible sex offenses that have occurred since 2010, as well as frequent drug and liquor law violations. Students here feel extremely safe on campus and are comforted by the presence of the campus police, which is great, because in Huntington, WV, the crime rate is high. In this city, there is a high rate of having your motor vehicle stolen (1 in every 362), numerous registered sex offenders (1 in every 361), and a high rate of property crime (1 in every 126). Marshall University is essentially a safe block, surrounded by more unsafe neighborhoods.
Local Events
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Every July, Bellingham holds the Festival of Music at the WWU Concert Hall. Also in July is the annual Independence Day Parade and then later, fireworks over the Bellingham Bay. August brings the Blues Festival, Chalk Art Festival, and Sand in the City sand sculpture contest, and September signifies the circus coming to town! Bellingham also has an annual Purim Festival, Antique Car Show, Stamp & Coin Show, and more.
Apartment Costs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Housing in Bellingham is fairly inexpensive. There are one-bedrooms available for less than $700/month, and two-bedrooms for less than $850. There are apartments that allow animals, apartments with public pools, and furnished apartment options. The prices nearby in the town of Ferndale are also fairly low, and an option for college students seeking affordable housing. Only about 30% of students live on campus, while the rest live locally and/or commute. Only about 20% of students have cars on campus.
Weather
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Castleton’s weather is fairly cold. In the winter, several feet of snow fall, and most days are in the teens. Summers see a few days above 80 degrees. July and August are the rainiest months, while February is the driest. In terms of sunshine, November is incredibly dreary, though the beauty of July and August makes up for it. The chance of natural disaster is very slim, and the only concerns locals may have regarding the weather is snowfall interrupting daily life. The air quality here is good.
Recreation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Castleton is a very small rural town, with a few small stores, a post office, and the bank. There is not much to do in town, though Lake Bomoseen has a beach, marinas, and for those who enjoy water sports in the summer, or have a boat, Lake Bomoseen can be a lot of fun. There is also a local ranch where you can ride horses down trails. Castleton is a quaint little town, but thankfully the city of Rutland nearby provides more cultural options for locals, with its shopping mall, and annual Vermont State Fair.
Nightlife
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
For a quieter night, check out the local tiki bar, Hala Kahiki, where you can enjoy a variety of cocktails. This Hawaiian-themed bar is drinks only, aside from a few small appetizers. Cue-Phoria is the local billiards joint, and for karaoke nights, head to Club Amore. Otherwise, you’ll have to head to one of the various dive bars in town, or make the trip east toward Chicago for more exciting nightlife. Most students suggest heading into Chicago for fun.
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Students at Triton can use the Pace buses. There is a stop on campus, and students have a discount. In addition, there are two Metra stops in River Grove, one by the North Central Service route, and another by the Milwaukee District Route. These lines can take passengers to Chicago, as far north as Antioch, and as far west as Elgin. Overall, there are many ways to get around in River Grove.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
There are 4,200 students at SVA. Slightly more women than men attend SVA. About 60% of the student body is female, whereas 40% are male. The population here is somewhat diverse; about 41% of students are White, 22% are from different countries, 12% are Asian, 10% are Hispanic, 4% are American Indian, 3% are Black, and 8% are Unknown. More than ⅔ of students receive grant aid and loan aid to attend school at SVA.
Restaurants
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The SVA is on Manhattan’s East side, near Union Square. In this area, the variety of restaurants is plentiful. From the Max Brenner chocolate shop, to the Gotham Bar and Grill, Union Square is teeming with great eateries. Grab a coffee at Paradis To-Go, stop for brunch at the Union Square Cafe, and grab a snack at Patty’s Taco Truck in the afternoon. For a delicious Cambodian dinner, try Num Pang, or if you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine, hit up Bamboo Tori. Students at SVA can purchase food on the school’s food plan from Moe’s Cafe, Hidden City Cafe, and the Gramercy Star Cafe.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Between full- and part-time students, undergraduate and graduate, there are over 44,000 that attend NYU. About 40% of students are White, 16% are from out of the country, 15% are Asian, 7% are Hispanic, 5% are Black, and another 15% are Unknown. Slightly more women than men attend, in about a 60/40 ratio. In recent years, NYU has taken steps to try and address the diversity issue, and encourage more African American applicants, specifically.
Crime & Safety
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Students feel very safe at NYU. The campus security is very present, as well as helpful and friendly. Despite this, NYU is not crime-free; there are several forcible sex offenses each year on campus, as well as a hundred or so burglaries each year. There are very rarely any arrests on campus, though there are plenty of disciplinary alcohol referrals. In addition, there are a handful of bias-related incidents each year.
Restaurants
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
FIT is right near Chelsea, where there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. The HIT Korean Food & Deli is a lesser known restaurant where you can get a great lunch deal. Sergimmo Salumeria has delicious Italian food, and everybody loves Halal Food Carts for great ethnic food. Le Bernardin is a favorite for a quiet romantic dinner, but if you want some fast pizza, try Merilu Pizza Al Metro. The FIT Dining Hall, Express, and Starbucks on campus are not quite what the students are looking for, and most report that the options are limited and the prices are too high.
Apartment Costs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Near Chelsea, there are many apartments. In this neighborhood, prices are very expensive. Studios start at about $1700/month. The Garment District has studios that are similarly priced, though there are some around $1600/month, as well. Midtown has slightly more reasonable prices, with studios available that are around $1200/month. With nearly ¾ of students living off campus, many opt to commute from out of the city to save money.
Weather
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
New York City isn’t exactly known for its climate; winters are cold and gray, and summers are very hot and humid. Hurricanes can occasionally reach up to NYC, though New Yorkers more likely have to be aware of snowstorms. Flooding is becoming more and more of a concern as the sea level slowly creeps up, and more frequent storms causing storm surges.
Local Events
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
New York City is home to many annual festivals and street fairs. Every month, there are annual events, from the Lunar New Year in January, to New Year’s Eve in Times Square, New York City is full of events. The Westminster Dog Show is a nationally televised event, but if you want to be right amid the action, attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Pride Week Parade, Puerto Rican Parade, Halloween Parade, and so many more. There is a festival for everything you can think of, including Chocolate, Anime, Trains, Dragon Boats, Cherry Blossoms, Food, and Antiques!
Economy and Jobs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The economy in Fort Worth is doing well. Lockheed Martin, the city’s biggest employer after American Airlines closed its maintenance base, has over 13,500 employees. There are 11,400 employees at the Naval Air Station Base, and 10,100 employees in the school district. Millions of tourists visit Fort Worth each year which contribute to the success of the economy. The cost of living here is low, and the unemployment rate here is about 5.9% as of January 2013. TCU also has a Career Services office for those seeking employment while attending school,which has job listings on a database called FrogJobs.
Recreation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
In Fort Worth, there are many fun things to do, like visit the zoo, rodeo, shooting range, and water gardens. There are museums and movie theaters, comedy clubs and jazz lounges, strip clubs and karaoke bars, art galleries, and tons of retail stores and restaurants in the Sundance Square. You can always head down the rodeo and watch some bull riding, or explore the Log Cabin Village. The Bass Performance Hall is always putting on phenomenal shows, and for golf enthusiasts, there are courses galore.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Around 3,600 students attend LUM. The student body is 85% White, 5% Black, 3.5% Hispanic, and 3% Asian. More than 80% of all undergraduates live on campus. About 65% of juniors study abroad in one of sixteen available countries. Over 621,000 people live in Baltimore, Maryland. About 64% of residents are Black, 30% are White, 4% are Hispanic/Latino, and 2.5% are Asian. Only 23% of people living in Baltimore are married. There are more than 4,000 homeless people in Baltimore.
Restaurants
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The neighborhood around Loyola, there are many places to eat. Miss Shirley’s Cafe is a breakfast favorite, and the Evergreen Cafe, a popular hangout. For fast food and take out, students lovee Chow Mein Charlie, Denny Yum’s, Chicken Run, or S’Ghetti Eddie’s. On campus at Loyola University, the Boulder Garden has a grill, cafe, “Breakfast Nook,” deli, pizza place, bagel shop, and market. At the Andrew White Student Center, students can find a sushi shop, home-cooked meals, a Starbucks, and Red Mango froyo. The Newman location has a market, the Flannery Hall has a C-store, and the Sellinger Hall has a cafe. There is no one dining hall like most colleges have, and the price of food can seem expensive, having to use a retail account for all food purchases.
Weather
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The weather in Plattsburgh is typical of New England. It can get hot and humid in the summer, with temperatures into the low 80s, and dip as low as the 10s in the winter. Plattsburgh sees a lot of snow; often several feet of it over the course of the winter. Most days, even year-round, are cloudy, with the most overcast days falling in November, through the winter. June through September have the most clear days, though most days are partly cloudy. Natural disaster of any kind is rare here.
Crime & Safety
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The central, and south-central areas of Plattsburgh have the highest crime rate. CCC is located in the southernmost part of Plattsburgh in a very safe neighborhood. On average, one sex crime occurs annually, a few thefts, and a handful of drug arrests. Otherwise, CCC is pretty crime-free. Plattsburgh is city with a crime rate 36% higher than the average in New York state, and an unusually high rate of theft. About 1 in every 295 residents is a registered sex offender, which is fairly high.
Demographics
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
At KSU, the student body is 60% women and 40% men. The vast majority of students here are White, at 16,000, followed by Black at 3,800, Hispanic with 1,500, and 940 Asians. A wide range of ages of students attend KSU, from 14-year-olds, to 81-year-olds, though the average age is 24. About 75% of undergraduates attend full-time. About 30,000 people live in Kennesaw, Georgia, of which 59% are White, 22% are Black, 11% are Hispanic, 5% are Asian, and 5% other. There are more women than men in this city, with only 89.7 men for every 100 women over 18. About 11% of the population is below the poverty line.
Apartment Costs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Kennesaw is a pretty affordable place to live. Since about 87% of students live off-campus, and nearly all of them have cars, they don’t have to live within walking distance. Many one-bedroom apartments are available for under $800/month, many two-bedrooms are less than $850/month, and plentiful three-bedrooms for less than $1000/month. Acworth and Marietta are nearby towns to Kennesaw that have slightly lower average rental rates.
Nightlife
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
UHV is not known for its parties, and for students to get to bars and parties, they have to use a designated driver/go by car. In Victoria, the nightlife is somewhat limited to dive bars. The Pumphouse Riverside Restaurant and Bar is one of the more popular places in town, though they close at midnight. The nearest big city to UHV is Corpus Christi, about 1 hour and 35 minutes away.
Public Transportation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Victoria Transit is a bus company providing service to around 23,000 residents each month. The Red/Blue/Green bus routes all stop within walking distance of UHV, though many students don’t utilize it. Most students are able to walk everywhere they need to go, or have their own cars.
Local Events
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
San Francisco has a huge number of festivals year-round. It is perhaps most well-known for having the biggest gay pride parade annually, though many of the festivals here draw huge crowds. There are many jazz events in SF and around SF, like the San Jose Jazz Festival, North Beach Jazz Festival, Fillmore St Jazz Festival, and San Francisco Blues Festival. Independence Day brings the Waterfront Festival, and Oktoberfest is a big deal here, too. Other events include the Chinese New Year, Pacific Orchid Expo, The Nihonmachi Street Fair, Dia de los Muertos, BarBot, Beer Week and Beer Festival, Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival, Wine and A Capella Festivals, and more.
Traffic & Commuting
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
The traffic situation in San Francisco can go either way. 280 usually isn’t bad, but 80 can be at times. Getting off the freeway and navigating the streets and congestion within the city can be frustrating, since the rush hour traffic is mainly a problem in Downtown and not on the freeways. 101 is often sluggish. Most people will admit that LA traffic is much worse than San Francisco in comparison.
Economy and Jobs
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
In December 2012, the unemployment rate in Norwalk was 10.8%. There are four employers in Norwalk that have over 1,000 employees: the school district, Metropolitan State Hospital, LA County Registrar, and Cerritos College. The cost of living in Norwalk is higher than average, at about 130 as opposed to the 100 national average. The most common industries for men in Norwalk is Construction, and for women, Health care, and Educational services. CC’s Career Services office offers counseling, job placement help, and other resources for students.
Recreation
Leandra Medina - Real Estate Agent
Norwalk is a city of over 100,000 people, so there are lots of things to do, like bowling, mini golf, and parks to visit, movie theaters. There are bars with karaoke and dancing, plenty of restaurants, and the Norwalk Indoor Swap Meet Mall. Norwalk is 20 minutes from Anaheim, 25 minutes from Long Beach, and about 25 minutes from Los Angeles. Anaheim has a huge mall, and Soak City USA is about 6 miles from Norwalk. There are lots of local places to hang out and enjoy the outdoors.