​An illustrated tour of why scientists are finding that sleep matters more than we know.​
​Source: Reuters

​Beth Bogdewiecz prefers activity dates. She likes getting to know someone beyond conversation, seeing how they react to stress or crowds to better gauge her interest in the potential match.

The problem is the price. In Denver, where she lives, an hour of climbing or pingpong at a bar with appetizers, ends up being ~2x the cost of a standard drinks date.

“There’s always a chance it could turn into more,” she told The Hustle. “On a deeper level, it’s like, ‘Do I want to spend money tonight?'”
Bogdewiecz isn’t alone.

The recent bout of inflation has impacted nearly every component of dating life — food, drinks, transportation — and has added additional financial pressure to courtship. 

The Hustle was curious to learn more about the economics of modern dating life, so we recently surveyed ~700 of our readers on the topic.
How much do people spend on dates? What do they do? How has inflation impacted dating life? And what broader roles do money play in whom we choose to go out with?
​
A few key findings:

• How much does the average date cost? $68.
• How much did the average person spend on dates in 2022? $1,260.
• How much did the average respondent’s most expensive date cost? $492.
• Where do people go for a first date? The most popular first date is getting drinks at a bar.
• Who pays? 83% of men report always paying for the date, while 5% of women report always paying for the date.
• How has inflation impacted dating? 85% of respondents said dating has gotten significantly more expensive, but only 38% said it has caused them to go on fewer dates.
•  What role does income play in dating life? Nearly half of respondents said a suitor’s income and/or profession influences whether or not they go on the date.

Let’s take a deeper look at the findings.

Who are these daters?
Among our respondents, six out of 10 reported to have been on the dating scene for three years or less.

​Likewise, the distribution of date frequency skewed toward the lower end.

Three-quarters of our respondents said they went on 10 or fewer dates last year.
​
That may seem low, but some researchers have suggested that finding an ideal partner (if that’s the goal) isn’t about sheer volume. According to the “optimal stopping theory,” daters should reject the first 37% of potential matches to maximize their chances of finding the most ideal partner.
​
Where do people choose to go on all these dates?

Overwhelmingly, daters tend to skip the meals and activities and go straight to the bar to meet up for drinks.

That said, many respondents suggested drinks were overplayed, citing costs and the routine nature of a drink. Several preferred a walk or a coffee as a first date before they’d be interested in a drink or dinner. 
​

• One person’s favorite date featured variety: They “walked to Whole Foods, purchased popcorn and drinks, sat in the seating area, and watched TikTok and YouTube videos.” 
• Another was impressed by a guy who bought her a quesadilla instead of a drink. “I loved that gesture,” she said.

While the movie date was once a staple of dating culture, only 1% of our respondents said they head to the theaters with a date. This echoes broader trends with the evolution of film watching — though the “Netflix and chill” date at home seems to be equally unpopular.

The cost of datingSo, how much does all this dating cost the average person?

Our average respondent reported spending ~$68 per date — though that average varied wildly across demographics.

The differences were the most dramatic across gender lines. The average man who paid for a date reported spending $87 per date, while the average woman who paid for a date reported spending $48. (Our nonbinary responses were not statistically significant enough to include.)

Predictably, younger daters (Gen Z and millennials) spend less than the average, while more mature daters — particularly Gen Xers — spend more.
​
As income went up, so too did spending on dates: Those who reported earning $150k+ spent more than twice as much on the average date as those in lower income brackets. 

​But not all dates are created equal.

We asked our respondents to share the most expensive date they’ve ever been on. On average, the total came in at $492.
They included:

• A trip to Bangkok ($10k)
• A weekend trip to Dubai ($5k)
• A Blue Man Group concert in Vegas followed by dinner, drinks, and a “ginormous” hotel suite ($3k)
• A nice steak dinner with wine, a concert, and a hotel room ($1k)
• A hot air balloon ride ($800)
• Tickets to Hamilton ($750)

​Who pays for all these dates?
Our respondents adhered to traditional gender norms: 83% of men reported usually paying for dates, compared to 5% of women, although nearly half of female respondents said they typically split the bill.

​For both men and women alike, finances seem to play a central role in dating:

• 47% said a person’s occupation and/or income has dictated whether or not they go on a date with a person
• 41% said money has dictated the number of dates they go on
• 37% said they have discussed personal finances during a date
• 24% say they’ve declined a date due to money

In recent times, inflation has made many daters even more hyper-vigilant about money.

How has inflation affected dating life?
​In our survey, 85% of daters said that inflation has made dating noticeably more expensive over the past year.

​Among the respondents was Rahm Shoshana, a senior at the University of Illinois Chicago with a limited income.

Shoshana has been in a long-distance relationship for nearly a year and said he and his boyfriend have cut back on visits because of higher prices for gasoline and Amtrak. 

When they’re together, they’ve stopped going out to restaurants and movie theaters and opted for grocery shopping dates and Netflix. 
“That is what it is and what it will probably have to be for a very long time for us,” Shoshana said.
​
Inflation has impacted nearly every component of dating life — especially food, drinks, entertainment, and transportation.

​Michael Beale, a Gen Zer, has noticed the price of cocktails — an important component of “Dating 101,” he said — have increased from $12 to $14 where he lives in Connecticut. But he’s still going on dates with his girlfriend, less concerned by inflation because he recently started a higher-paying job. 

At the end of the day, dating seems to be mostly price inelastic — that is, habits tend to stay the same regardless of increases in price: 63% of respondents said inflation hasn’t caused them to go on fewer dates.
​
And though inflation has made things a bit more challenging for the daters in our survey, only 3% reported that they have walked out and left a date with the tab.

​Source: The Hustle

On social media, separating fact from fiction isn’t always easy. Use these tips to help cut through the noise.

During the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organization identified another troubling outbreak: a massive “infodemic,” defined as an overabundance of information that makes it difficult for people to find trustworthy, reliable guidance when they need it most.

While some of the information in our social-media ecosystem is verifiably true, plenty of it is not. Unfortunately, research shows that lies tend to spread farther and faster than accurate information, particularly online. Some psychologists suggest that even after misinformation is corrected, we can go on believing it anyway, because our brains have trouble letting it go — a concept known as the “continued influence effect.”

Although misinformation may primarily spread on digital platforms, it has real-world consequences. Researchers estimate that between January and March 2020, nearly 6,000 people around the globe were hospitalized because of coronavirus misinformation: Whether they had believed that the virus was no worse than the flu or that it could be cured by gargling vinegar or drinking bleach, exposure to rumors and conspiracy theories had a direct effect on their health.

We’re also contending with disinformation, which is different from misinformation in its intent. If you share an inaccurate article on Facebook without knowing that it’s false, you’re spreading misinformation. Disinformation, on the other hand, means knowingly spreading falsehoods, often with the intent of manipulating a public narrative or influencing politics.

To make matters more complicated, this monster has a third head. Some researchers call it “gray-area misinformation,” and bad actors are using it to outsmart recent efforts by social-media platforms to crack down on falsehoods. Gray-area misinformation isn’t outright untrue — which means it’s harder to moderate — but it gets shared in a way that drives a misleading narrative.

Take the example of the U.S. women’s soccer team and their final pre-Olympic match on July 5, 2021. Before the game, World War II veteran Pete DuPré performed the national anthem on his harmonica, and during his performance, some of the players turned to face the American flag at one end of the field. Posts to a Facebook page called Hold the Line mischaracterized the players’ actions, stating that they “turned their backs” on DuPré in a “DISGRACE TO AMERICA!” Similar posts proliferated on Facebook and Twitter, referring to the team as “shameful” and “disrespectful,” with some posters calling for their disqualification from the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. The story itself is true — some players did turn to face the American flag, in accordance with national-anthem etiquette recommended for civilians; the implication that they did so as a gesture of disrespect toward DuPré is false.

In the end, the age of social media means that anyone can have a platform, which means anyone has the ability to amplify content. That’s a tremendous responsibility, and learning to be more cognizant of what we’re reading and sharing online is one way to be part of the solution to our misinformation problem.
The next time you come across a post that doesn’t seem quite right, take a moment to ask yourself some of these questions, which can help you learn to spot misinformation in the wild.

1. Who said it?
If possible, you should always try to trace information back to its source. Then, ask yourself some questions: Who are they? Who do they work for? What’s their goal in sharing this? What about their expertise? Thinking critically about these things can help you identify whether a source is trustworthy, or if they have an ulterior motive.
Often, simply figuring out who’s behind the post can help you know whether to take it seriously. The Center for Countering Digital Hate has identified that a group of just 12 anti-vaccine activists are responsible for almost two-thirds of anti-vaccine content on social media. The “Disinformation Dozen” have massive social-media followings, which they’ve used to cast doubt on the safety of coronavirus vaccines.
If the post itself doesn’t offer many clues about the source, see if you can trace the claims to a news article or another website. Then, consider whether that site is a reliable source of information: Who’s behind the project? Does the article link to primary or secondary sources? Is it riddled with spelling errors or biased language? Can you verify the information elsewhere?

Depending on what you’re reading about, you may have to look at several different sources to get a sense of the whole picture. Whatever you do, don’t just read a headline and assume you get the gist. Also, be mindful of satirical news sites, many of which mimic the tone and appearance of actual news — research has shown that many Americans have trouble differentiating one from the other.

2. What’s the evidence?
If the post makes a particular claim — for example, that eating carrots will make your hair fall out — try to evaluate whether you see enough evidence to support that claim. Does the post link to a study or a news article with more information? Don’t believe it just because your neighbor says that her brother used to love carrots until he went bald. That’s called anecdotal evidence, and it’s usually not reliable, especially if it’s not supported by other forms of scientific data.
Considering the evidence is especially important in this age of social media, when it’s easy for anyone with Photoshop to create a meme with a misleading statistic or two. Don’t believe every meme you see — they’re usually intended for laughs or virality, not for sharing important, reliable info.

3. Does it confirm a belief you already hold?
Humans are wired to seek out content that reinforces our beliefs, a principle known as confirmation bias. “You notice the things you agree with,” media psychologist Pamela Rutledge, PhD, told Experience Life in 2020. “You share them because you’re reassuring yourself that your way is the right way.”
In psychology, confirmation bias is sometimes called “selective collection of evidence,” because we tend to hold on to information that supports our beliefs and reject the evidence we don’t like. One way to counter this is to make a conscious effort to diversify your media diet, including information from outlets outside of your usual bubble.

4. Does it appeal to your emotions?
Misinformation often plays on our feelings to circumvent our critical thinking. The next time you see a headline that is especially emotionally resonant — whether it makes you feel angry, or scared, or excited, or sad — consider that it’s likely an attempt to grab your attention or to get you to share without thinking.
One example of this is #SaveTheChildren, which went viral in August 2020. At first glance, many of these posts may have seemed emotionally resonant or even morally righteous — the movement purported to be about raising awareness around child sex trafficking. But lurking behind the hashtag? QAnon, a baseless conspiracy theory leveraging false statistics and emotional appeals about child sex trafficking in order to draw unwitting social-media users into their broader movement.

5. Is it hateful?
Plenty of people tweet angry, but if you’re seeing posts that seem especially cruel or violent — particularly if they target marginalized groups — consider that a red flag. Extremists often use social media to spread disinformation, conspiracy theories, and hate speech, and they’re often rewarded with increased exposure and new followers.

Some evidence suggests that social-media algorithms also amplify harmful or hateful content — because polarizing posts are more likely to go viral. Some of these algorithms drive users toward more extremist content by recommending more violent or hateful posts, a concept dubbed “algorithmic radicalization.”

6. Is it too soon?
Social media tends to move faster than traditional media. Immediately in the aftermath of a tragic event or a novel discovery — like the coronavirus — falsehoods often pour in to fill the void left by experts and organizations who are hesitant to make immediate clear, declarative statements.
If you’re reading a post about a developing topic with lots of unanswered questions, take a beat. Check out WNYC Studios’ Breaking News Consumer’s Handbook for more guidance on how to interpret breaking news.
​

7. Is it already viral?
Fake news is more likely to go viral than a true story, no matter the subject — though, unsurprisingly, false statements about politics frequently perform best. “Whereas the truth rarely diffused to more than 1,000 people, the top 1 percent of false-news cascades routinely diffused to between 1,000 and 100,000 people,” the authors wrote. They concluded that a false story reaches 1,500 people about six times faster, on average, than it would take for a true story to reach the same number of people.

​Source: Experience Life by Life Time

​While it’s easy to get caught up in chasing reservations at the buzziest new cocktail destinations, there’s something to be said for bars that can stand the test of time. These American bars especially — with the oldest establishment on the list dating all the way back to 1673 — are tried and true.
Most of these establishments have persisted through decades — and in some cases, centuries — thanks to their dedication to sticking to what works. Rather than rebranding to sound more trendy, most of these bars’ names still unironically boast terms like “saloon,” “pirate”, and “olde” with astounding frequency. Instead of newfangled cocktails and natural wine, these places mostly persist on foamy beers and straight whiskey. And forget about modern interior design: Most of these spots are scattered with bizarre yet charming memorabilia from their centuries of operation — and that’s why we love them.
In many states these bars are widely recognized, and proudly flaunted, as the region’s oldest bar, but in others, the fight for the title can be a bit more controversial. Through centuries of history, including the murky years of prohibition, there are bound to be a few caveats to the oldest bar designations. So to compile this list, we had to make a few judgment calls

With that, let’s take a step back through time and explore the oldest bar in every U.S. state.
Alabama: The Peerless Saloon (1899)Who exactly holds the title of Alabama’s oldest bar is actually a bit controversial. While T.P. Crockmeirs claims to be the oldest as it was established in 1875, the bar originally opened in Atlanta, Ga., before moving to Mobile — so some believe considering it the oldest in the state isn’t quite accurate. Next in line for the title is The Peerless Saloon, which opened in Anniston, Ala., in 1899. Though not quite as old, the saloon still has incredible historical features, including its large, mirror-backed mahogany bar that was featured in the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
Alaska: B&B Bar (1906)
This local fishermen’s haunt in Kodiak displays the oldest liquor license in the state, issued in 1906. The rural dive bar features a list of rules, including “know what you want,” “cash only,” “no whining,” and the peculiar “shut up Bruce,” the last of which supposedly targeted one of the establishment’s regulars.

Arizona: The Palace Restaurant & Saloon (1877)
As the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona, this historic Prescott bar transports visitors back to the Wild West. The bar hosted famous 1870s-era gamblers and gunslingers Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, and Doc Holliday as early patrons. The bar was so beloved by locals that even when the Whiskey Row fire destroyed the building in 1900, the patrons carried the hand-carved bartop across the street to safety and continued drinking. The Palace was rebuilt as a hotel, restaurant, and bar that guests can still visit today, where they can see the original 1800s bar that was saved from the fire.

Arkansas: Ohio Club (1905)
This unassuming bar in Hot Springs was the place to be in the early 1900s. Many famous figures of the time stopped by the bar — including Al Capone and Bugsy Segal — and the spot was frequented by Major League Baseball players during spring training, including Babe Ruth. The bar acted as a speakeasy during Prohibition, changing its name out front to Ohio Cigar Store so it could stay in business. The venue has always embraced live music and still does today by hosting blues and jazz performers.
California: The Iron Door Saloon (1852)
Though many bars in California try to stake their claim on the crown for oldest bar, the Iron Door Saloon makes the most convincing argument, as it was established in 1852 just outside of Yosemite. It is said to have lasted all of these years, through harsh elements and fires, because of its signature iron doors.

Colorado: Buffalo Rose (1859)
Buffalo Rose has been the heart of Golden, Colo., since the city’s founding in 1859. The city has evolved around the site of the bar, which has acted as the local watering hope for over 150 years. Though the building has seen some major renovations that have given it a more modern feel, you can sense this bar’s importance and history.

Connecticut: Griswold Inn Tap Room (1776)
Founded the same year as America itself, this historic bar and inn in Essex, Conn., has been through a lot. During the War of 1812, British forces mounted an attack on this town, where they allegedly marched down Main Street to the Bushnell Tavern (as it was known then) and demanded breakfast before stealing the bar’s rum and burning down the surrounding shops. Luckily, the bar survived and was later renamed the Griswold House, or “The Gris” as locals called it. A visit to this charming bar and inn now will give you real insight into its rich New England history.

Delaware: Kelly’s Logan House (1864)
Though many sources claim Jessop’s Tavern as the oldest bar in Delaware, as its location was built in 1682, the spot actually served as a cooperage for most of its history, and only started serving booze in the late 1900s. This makes Kelly’s Logan House the oldest functioning bar in the state. This lively Irish spot in Wilmington has been the state’s St. Patrick’s Day destination for over 150 years.

District of Columbia: Old Ebbitt Grill (1856)
Even though the physical location of the Old Ebbitt Grill has moved several times throughout its history, the legacy of the Ebbitt name has lived through the years. Legend has it that innkeeper William E. Ebbitt bought a boarding house in 1856 with a guest list touting America’s most influential politicians, including President McKinley, Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, and Theodore Roosevelt — who all supposedly enjoyed refreshing themselves at the house’s stand-around bar. After Ebbitt’s hopped around D.C. for about a century, it landed in its current location at 675 15th St. in 1983, where it remains a historic landmark.

Florida: Palace Saloon (1903)
Fernandina Beach, where the Palace Saloon is located, was home to some of the busiest docks in the South in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In its heyday, this bar welcomed travelers from all corners of the globe to enjoy some brews and company. The original bar was designed by Adolphus Bush, founder of Anheuser-Busch, who even ventured from St. Louis to oversee the installation of this famous fixture.

Georgia: The Pirate’s House (1753)​
No, the name of this bar isn’t some modern-day pirate joke — this Savannah spot was actually an old rendezvous spot for sailors and pirates visiting the shore. Even though the building remained intact over the centuries, the business struggled after World War II, and was even slated for demolition. Thankfully, some locals took it upon themselves to restore The Pirate’s House to keep its historic charm.

Hawaii: Smith’s Union Bar (1935)
Located on Hotel Street, which used to be a popular hub in Honolulu’s red light district, this bar was the main watering hole for sailors and merchants visiting the area. It still remains an admired dive bar today, particularly famous for its karaoke nights.

Idaho: White Horse Saloon (1907)
The White Horse Saloon is not only the oldest bar in Idaho, but is also located the tallest building in the town of Spirit Lake. The space features the building’s original wood floors and bar, giving it an authentic old-school vibe. The bar is also the leading purveyor of Canadian beers in the Panhandle of Idaho, so it’s a great place to visit next time you’re craving a Moosehead Lager.

Illinois: The Village Tavern (1847)
Just outside Chicago in Long Grove, Ill., you’ll find The Village Tavern, established in 1847. The large space features an impressive mahogany bar dubbed The President’s Bar, which was rescued from the Great McCormick Place Fire in 1967 and is still in use today.

Indiana: Knickerbocker Saloon (1835)
The Knickerbocker Saloon takes pride in its history, displaying its liquor license — the first one ever granted in the state — on the wall. The bar’s alleged past patrons include President Grant, Mark Twain, Al Capone, and Neil Armstrong.

Iowa: Breitbach’s Country Dining (1852)
This classic bar and restaurant based in Balltown, Iowa, has been run by the same family for six generations. It’s so adored by its patrons that when it burned down not once, but twice in 2007 and 2008, people traveled from across the Midwest to help rebuild it so it could live on.

Kansas: Hays House (1857)
Hays House has a rich history, located on the Sante Fe Trail since the mid-1800s. It once acted as not only a restaurant and bar, but a trading post and gathering space as well. The U.S. government would rent space in the building to hold court and distribute mail, there were theatrical performances on the second floor, and the bartenders would cover up the liquor bottles so church services could be held on Sundays. If you step into the rustic stone basement and see the original Hays House bar, you can imagine Santa Fe Trail travelers saddling up for a few brews.

Kentucky: Talbott Tavern (1779)
​In 1779, before Bardstown became the bourbon capital it is today, the town had just one bourbon bar: the Talbott Tavern. The bar and inn was located at the crossroads of the young West, so it was a hub for those travelers from all directions. Even Abraham Lincoln supposedly stayed the night at the inn when he was 5 years old. There are remnants of the bar’s past littered all over the space, including a dozen or more bullet holes in the plaster of one of the walls — legend has it they were left by Jesse James.

Louisiana: Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (1772)
Built between 1722 and 1732, this site is widely considered the oldest structure in the U.S. to operate as a bar, landing it a spot as a historical landmark. In 1772, the property officially opened, but was also home to some under-the-table business. Legend has it that the bar was used by the Lafitte brothers, Jean and Pierre, as the New Orleans base for their smuggling operations. Even though it was a haunt for pirates and smugglers back in the day, Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a cozy, unassuming pub on Bourbon Street today.
​

Maine: Jameson Tavern (1779)
Jameson Tavern in Freeport, Maine, claims to be “the Birthplace of Maine.” And rightly so, as records show that it was the meeting place for many years as the province of Maine was deciding to pursue independence from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Commissioners actually signed the final papers that granted Maine its sovereignty as its own state on the second floor of the tavern.
Maryland: Middleton Tavern (1750)This Annapolis staple was the after-work hangout spot for the Continental Congress back in its heyday, which means yes, you can visit the same bar where George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson knocked back beers and talked politics.
Massachusetts: Warren Tavern (1780)This historic tavern in Charlestown, Mass., is another that boasts an impressive guest list. George Washington stopped in from time to time, and the bar was one of Paul Revere’s favorite watering holes.

Michigan: Old Tavern Inn (1835)
While the Old Tavern Inn in Niles, Mich. is touted as not only the oldest bar, but oldest business still operating its original building, by the state’s travel board, Pure Michigan, there is another establishment that claims the right to this title. The New Hudson Inn states on its website that it was founded in 1831, and it is an official regional landmark. Between the Old Tavern Inn and the New Hudson Inn, we’ll let you decide which sounds the oldest.

Minnesota: Neumann’s Bar (1887)
In 1887, when the Wisconsin Central Railway was extended to the town that is now known as North St. Paul, Bill Neumann opened Neumann’s Bar to serve Hamm’s beer to the rapidly growing community. The local Hamm’s Brewery actually helped open the business, providing the statement backbar that remains there to this day. During Prohibition, the ground floor of the bar stayed open selling non-alcoholic beverages while the second floor housed a speakeasy. If you go upstairs at the bar today, you can see the keyhole window that allowed the barkeepers to screen their guests.

Mississippi: King’s Tavern (1789)
If you’re into ghost stories, this is the haunt for you. Rumor has it that the bar’s founder, Richard King, had an illicit affair with one of the bar’s waitresses, Madeline. When Mrs. King caught wind of this betrayal, she allegedly had the server killed, and it wasn’t until the new owner started renovations on the building in the 1930s that people discovered her body along with two others. Some believe her ghost still haunts the bar to this day.

​Missouri: O’Malley’s Pub (1842)
O’Malley’s Pub embodies the true sense of a speakeasy. This bar is hidden about 60 feet underground in the cellar of the Weston Brewing Company, and offers a large, dimly lit space with charming old stone walls to enjoy music and booze.

Montana: Bale of Hay Saloon (1863)
The Bale of Hay Saloon celebrates its heritage by displaying antique decor and keepsakes, as well as throwing its annual Brothel Days festival to remember the time this bar was definitely more than a bar. While this classic Virginia City watering hole embraces its roots, it’s also known for having a great selection of new local microbrews.

Nebraska: Glur’s Tavern (1876)
This long-standing bar opened in Columbus, Neb., in 1876, and claims to be the oldest continuously operating tavern west of the Missouri River. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Glur’s was frequented by famous soldier and bison hunter William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Now, the spot is known for its delicious burgers and rowdy beer garden, complete with a basketball hoop and a volleyball court.

Nevada: Genoa Bar (1853)
This bar boasts the title of “Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor” on a sign at the entrance. The establishment has seen many celebrities and political figures over the years, including Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt. More recently, actress Raquel Welch visited the bar and was asked to contribute her bra to the collection hanging from the ceiling. She obliged, but demanded that all other bras be taken down, so now, you can see her leopard print bra alone gracing the bar. The Genoa Bar’s old-western vibe also makes it a prime location for filming movies and commercials, including “The Shootist” starring John Wayne and “Honky Tonk Man” with Clint Eastwood.

New Hampshire: The Hancock Inn (1789)
This charming New England tavern and inn on Hancock, N.H.’s Main Street was frequented by Franklin Pierce, the only U.S. president from New Hampshire. Though the inn is temporarily closed until late 2023, it will continue its streak as the oldest bar in the state soon.

New Jersey: Barnsboro Inn (1776)
On March 19, 1776, before the U.S. even declared independence, John Barnes had his own battle in mind. He petitioned the judges of the Gloucester County Court to license his house as an inn and tavern, which he argued was much needed in the area. The license required that Barnes keep two spare beds for lodgers and provide stables for travelers’ horses. Now, the space just operates as a bar, keeping its focus on the food and drink offerings.
New Mexico: El Farol (1835)Even though this hub for flamenco dancing and hatch chile drinks has a rich history, the space definitely has a modern, cool vibe for its age. Maybe all that dancing keeps it young.

​New York: The Old ‘76 House (1755)
Before New York City was the cocktail hub it is today, Old ‘76 House in Tappan, N.Y., was the state’s hottest spot. It served many travelers as well as members of the Continental Army, including George Washington himself. The bar even played an important part in the Revolutionary War, offering a safe space for Americans at that time. The Old ‘76 House is often referred to as “Andre’s Prison,” as the tavern briefly acted as a prison for Britain’s notorious spy, John Andre.

North Carolina: Antler’s Bar (1932)
The Tavern in Old Salem, built in 1816, long held the title of North Carolina’s oldest bar until it unfortunately shut down in 2019 due to construction issues. This left a crack in the door for Antlers Bar, which opened in 1932, to sneak in and claim the honor.

North Dakota: Peacock Alley (1933)
Peacock Alley was once a famous bar and hotel. Now, that hotel has now been converted into a senior living residence. Before the hotel closed, the property hosted iconic patrons including JFK and Teddy Roosevelt. That’s not to say the crowd isn’t as fun these days — retirement homes are known to get down.

Ohio: Ye Olde Trail Tavern (1827)
Another hotspot for paranormal activity, Yellow Springs’ Ye Olde Trail Tavern was built in 1827 and is believed to still be haunted by its original owners. Check it out if you enjoy ghost tours, or if you just want to try their incredible burger.

Oklahoma: Eischen’s Bar (1896)
Originally opened in 1896 by Peter Eischen, Eischen’s Bar had to shut down soon after due to Prohibition. But shortly after it was repealed, Peter’s son and grandson opened the bar back up, keeping its legacy alive. The bar’s most prized feature is its massive, black bar that was hand-carved in Spain in the early 1800s. It was shipped to California during the Gold Rush, but somehow made its way to Okarche, Okla., in 1950, where it remains today. Eischen’s is also a must-visit fried chicken destination.

Oregon: Huber’s (1879)
Would you believe me if I told you Oregon’s oldest bar is best known for its… turkey? When Jim Huber took over the Bureau Saloon in 1891, he insisted that every drink come with a free turkey sandwich, and soon, the hub was full of people knocking back brews with one hand and chowing down with the other. The bar’s famous turkey actually helped save it during Prohibition, as the cafe remained popular when it switched to just serving turkey dinners. While the sandwiches are no longer free, guests can still eat Huber’s signature turkey today.

Pennsylvania: King George II Inn (1681)
The title of oldest bar in Pennsylvania recently changed hands after the Broad Axe Tavern, which also opened in 1861, closed in 2019. Now, it’s the King George Inn’s moment in the sun. In addition to its new status, this establishment claims to be America’s oldest continuously operating inn.

​Rhode Island: White Horse Tavern (1673)
Finally, we’ve made it to what’s widely regarded as the oldest bar in the entire country. The White Horse Tavern was established in Newport in 1673, making it not only the oldest tavern in the U.S., but one of the 10 oldest restaurants in the world. For almost 100 years, the large space was used as the meeting place of the colony’s general assembly, criminal court, and city council. The space oozes colonial history, so this is a must-visit if that’s what you’re into.

South Carolina: The Tavern at Rainbow Row (1686)
For the longest time, McCrady’s was considered South Carolina’s oldest bar, so when it closed in 2020, there was some confusion in establishing this title’s successor. The jury is still out, but The Tavern at Rainbow Row, an old liquor store and drink parlor that has been serving Charleston since 1686, seems like a good contender.

South Dakota: Buffalo Bodega Bar (1877)
When Mike Russell arrived by stagecoach in Deadwood, S.D., in 1877, there were already 17 saloons in town, but he felt there was room for one more. Russell named his establishment the Buffalo Bar, after his good friend “Buffalo Bill” Cody, who drank and gambled at the bar frequently. Even though it was new on the scene then, this bar is the last of the many old-school saloons still operating today. Now the Buffalo Bodega Complex serves as a bar, casino, hotel, and steakhouse.
Tennessee: Springwater Supper Club (1896)Unsurprisingly, Tennessee’s oldest bar is a hub in Nashville known for its great live music. That said, it’s not the scene you would expect from this famous country music town. The Springwater Supper Club has been described as “the divyest dive bar you’ll find,” and grunge rock takes center stage.

Texas: Scholz Garten (1866)
Founded by German immigrant and Civil War veteran August Scholz in 1866, the Scholz Garden became a hub for German immigrants in the Austin area. There were also many thirsty politicians roaming the state capital who found themselves drinking beer and eating schnitzel at this historic bar. Today’s politicians are known to stop by there, too, with a recent notable visit from Beto O’Rourke for a campaign speech.

Utah: Shooting Star Saloon (1879)
The Shooting Star Saloon in Huntsville has a quintessential old-western vibe, decorated with quirky antique decor that’s odd as it is endearing. The ceiling is covered with currency from all over the world with signatures from visiting patrons — at an estimated value of $15,000 — and the bar also features a mounted head of “Buck,” the Guinness Book of World Records holder for largest St. Bernard for more than 20 years. If niche taxidermy isn’t your thing, the saloon’s famous burger still makes it worth the stop.

Vermont: Ye Olde Tavern (1790)
Ye Olde Tavern lives up to its name. With crooked floors and uneven doorways, this place will transport you straight back to America’s colonial days. The bar’s rich history, including being the site of the town’s first-ever telephone line, landed it a spot on the Vermont Register of Historic Places.

​Virginia: The Tavern (1779)
Back in the day, bars never really just served as bars. These establishments were viewed as common spaces to fit just about any need the town had. For example, the oldest bar in the Commonwealth served as a post office, a hospital for soldiers during the Civil War, and an inn where the likes of Andrew Jackson and King Louis Philippe of France spent the night.

Washington: The Brick Saloon (1889)
After its opening in 1889, the tavern was rebuilt in 1898 using 45,000 bricks, giving it its name. The neighborhood pub in Roslyn features a lot of original decor to really drive home that old-school vibe, including its original running-water spittoon.

West Virginia: North End Tavern & Brewery (1899)
Locally known as the NET, the North End Tavern & Brewery is not only the oldest bar in the state, but when it expanded to start producing beer in 1997, it also became the oldest brewery in West Virginia.

Wisconsin: The Uptowner (1884)
In true Wisconsin fashion, the state’s oldest bar was originally opened by Joseph Schlitz, the German-American brewer behind the beer that made Milwaukee famous. The Uptowner was actually one of 54 “Schlitz taverns” that he founded in order to sell more of his family’s beer. In the 1950s and ‘60s, the bar was known for opening up at 6 a.m. so local factory workers could enjoy a cold beer after a night shift.
Wyoming: Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse (1862)This bar actually predates Wyoming’s status as a state, which was granted in 1890. Aptly, Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse is located in Hartville, one of Wyoming’s oldest incorporated towns with a population of just 62.

Source: vinepair

​We all want to live long, healthy lives. In the early 2000s, a few demographers discovered several areas they claimed produced the highest concentration of healthy 100-year-olds in the world. According to their research, people in these areas were 10 times more likely to reach age 100 than people in the US. While some aspects of their work are speculative and partly outdated, their five so-called Blue Zones provide inspiration for developing a healthy lifestyle anywhere in the world. 

So what are the five zones, and what are the nine common denominators making them so healthy?

​The Blue Zones
​Ogliastra, Sardinia, Italy

• The original research site out of which the Blue Zones project was born, the mountains of Sardinia at that time were inhabited by the highest concentration of centenarian men—due partly to a genetic marker linked to longevity, helped by the region’s geographic isolation.

Ikaria, Greece

• On this tiny island in the Aegean Sea between the coasts of Turkey and Greece, residents experience half the rate of heart disease compared to Americans, as well as almost no dementia.

Okinawa, Japan

• The tiny islands at the southern tip of Japan are home to some of the oldest women in the world, with exceptionally low cancer, heart disease, and dementia rates.

Loma Linda, California, USA

• A community started by a group of Seventh-Day Adventists in the 1840s about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, its residents now outlast the average US life span by at least 10 years on average.

Nicoya, Costa Rica

• In a country known for cultivating exceptional well-being, the residents of the southern peninsula city Nicoya are particularly healthy, spending only 15% on healthcare of what the average American does.

​Studies show that having a clear sense of your purpose in life has concrete benefits on longevity. Without a foundational motivation, sustaining the discipline needed to make healthy behaviors into habits is difficult.

Tips: Get involved with local community development, donate your time, and take up a passionate interest. Learn more here.

A moderate amount of alcohol each day—roughly one to two glasses of wine—is associated with longer life in these Blue Zone communities, with moderate drinkers outlasting nondrinkers. The key is, of course, moderation, as well as enjoying a libation with friends and food. Some recent studies, however, counter this claim.

Tip: No need to start if you don’t drink already, be mindful about its effects, and have a heart-healthy wine.
​​

​The closest ties we typically have are family members—but that can be our biological or chosen family. The essential part is having committed relationships into your older years with people who share your health and life goals.

Tips: Be intentional about together time, eat together, and ask good questions. See more here.
​

​You learn it from an early age: Who you surround yourself with will determine what you become. Blue Zone centenarians have a tight-knit community, whose habits and outlooks positively influence one another. Values are contagious, from happiness to loneliness.
​
Tips: Find friends who share your values. See more here.

​The pandemic and the evolution of the real estate market during the last few years didn’t suppress Millennials’ appetite for buying forever homes. On the contrary, most Millennials are now sipping their matchas in their own homes rather than in rentals.

• With 52% of Millennials owning a home, the largest generation in the nation transitioned from renter-majority to owner-majority in 2022.
• The number of Millennial homeowners increased by 7 million in the last five years, more than triple the number added by Gen X, who came in second.
• Millennials remained the dominant renter generation, with 17.2 million renter households.
• Gen Z is now the only renter-majority generation with a 74% share and 4.5 million renters added in the last five years, more than any other age group.
• Of the nation’s top 50 largest metros, Richmond, VA, saw the highest jump in Millennial homeowners — 234%.

This demographic gained 10.8 million homeowners in the last decade, including 7.1 million in the last five years to reach 18.2 million in 2022. This boost tipped the balance in favor of homeownership and made Millennials an owner-majority generation with a share of 51.5%.
​
As a result, this demographic (also known as generation Y) passed the renter-majority torch to Zoomers: The Gen Z cohort gained nearly 4.5 million renters in the last five years, leading to a renter share of 74%, while all the other generations lost renters. Clearly, Gen Zers are now coming of age and becoming a significant market for apartment builders, reaching 5.6 million renter households in 2022.

Click on the arrows below to see how the number of owners and renters evolved for each generation in the last three decades.

To get a clearer view of generational trends in homeownership and renting across the country, we analyzed IPUMS data for the nation’s 110 largest metros (with populations of 500,000 or more). In more than a quarter of these metros, the number of Millennial owners doubled between 2017 and 2022.

The average Millennial homeowner bought their first home at 34 years old, later than their parents or grandparentsDue to housing affordability as well as generational values, homeownership happened later in life for Millennials than for Gen Xers or Baby Boomers. When Millennials became an owner-majority generation in 2022, the average Millennial was 34. Gen Xers reached the milestone in 2003, at an average age of 32. Boomers crossed this threshold in 1987, at the average age of 33.

The idea of the American Dream has begun to distance itself from the picket fence narrative. That’s because Millennials are living by other principles and values than their parents or grandparents. However, despite the growing popularity of the renter-by-choice lifestyle, America’s largest adult generation is now mostly made up of homeowners. Whether they bought a home to start a family or as an investment, this demographic cohort counts 18.2 million homeowners and nearly 17.2 million renters. By comparison, Baby Boomers are the largest group of homeowners at 32.1 million versus 9.1 million renters.

Family support fueled homebuying for MillennialsBetween 2017 and 2022, the number of Millennial homeowners increased by a whopping 64% to 18.2 million. The staggering addition of 7.1 million households exceeded the number added by all the other generations combined. Gen X recorded only 1.9 million new owner households in the last five years, while Baby Boomers saw a decline of 354,000 within the same timeframe.

For Gen Z, the total number of homebuyers rose by 1.6 million between 2017 and 2022, representing a 455% jump, the highest among all demographic groups we analyzed. Still, homeownership in the U.S. was dominated by Boomers, who totaled 32.1 million owners, followed by Gen X with 24.4 million owner households.

Renters vs. Owners: Five-Year Changes in Number of Households

Millennials, who are now in their prime homebuying years, had several economic factors working to their benefit in the last few years, which helped make their picket fence dreams come true. First, Gen Y reached a historically high median income in 2022: $108,000 per year, up 44% compared to five years earlier. This was the most significant income increase among all generations. Gen Z came in next with a 33% rise in median income, followed by Gen X with 25%. Boomers saw an 8% jump.

Second, many moved back in with their parents during the pandemic or delayed moving out entirely. With work-from-home supporting these decisions, many Millennials saw this period as an opportunity to save for a down payment. As a bonus, 59% of Millennial homebuyers also received financial support from their parents for their mortgage down payment, according to a LendingTree survey.

At the same time, the median home price in the U.S. has been on a steady steep climb ever since the lockdown, going from $322,600 in the spring of 2020 to $454,900 in the summer of 2022, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. However, this didn’t slow the housing market as anticipated.

In 2020, the number of Millennial homeowners increased by 12.6% compared to 2019. In addition, despite the record-breaking home prices during the pandemic, the number of Millennial homeowners rose by almost 30% between 2019 and 2022. Only Zoomers had a more impressive rise in homeownership in the last three years (157%), but this is to be expected as this cohort is now coming of age and establishing itself in the job market.

Five-Year Changes in Number of People Living in Multigenerational Households by Generation
​

When it comes to renting, only Gen Z saw an increase in the last five years — up by 391% (an addition of nearly 4.5 million renters) to a total of 5.6 million. Millennials lost close to 1.4 million renters in the same timeframe but nevertheless remained the dominant demographic in the renting market with a total of 17.1 million households in 2022. Gen X was next with 10.6 million renters, followed by Boomers with 9.1 million.


Renters vs. owners in America’s largest metros: Millennials homeowners go for New York, but renters prefer L.A.
Below, we list the changes in renting and owning by generation in the nation’s 50 largest urban areas, starting with New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Dallas.


#1 New York
​The number of Millennial homeowners in New York increased by 90% in the last five years, despite the median home sale price in the metro remaining above the $600,000 threshold since 2018. When it comes to renting, the area's rich cultural scene and dynamic tech business environment led to an 892% rise in Zoomer renters during the last five years. All of the other generations we looked at lost renters in New York, including Millennials (-0.3%).


#2 Los Angeles
In that same timeframe, Millennial homeownership jumped 47% in Los Angeles, while Millennial renters grew by 6.8%. By contrast, in more than half of the nation’s 50 largest metros, the number of Millennial renters decreased.
​

The West Coast metro was also attractive for the younger demographic. More precisely, the number of Zoomer renters in Los Angeles increased by 82% in the last five years. Yet, while this may seem like a significant jump, it was still considerably lower than the gains in the country's other large metros.

#3 Chicago
Chicago was preferred by young professionals looking to settle down in a major metro. One of the reasons that may have led to the trend was the 36% income increase in Chicagoland in the last five years, according to IPUMS data. Between 2017 and 2022, the metro recorded a 75.6% rise in Millennial homeowners. That said, there were also 7% fewer Millennial renters and 25% fewer Boomer renters in Chicago than there were five years prior.


#4 Houston
Down south, Houston gained homeowners in all but one generation in the last five years (Baby Boomer owners decreased by 1.6%). Specifically, the number of Millennial owners rose by 52%, while Texas’ largest metro saw a 15% decline in Millennial renters. In addition, there were 38% fewer Boomers living in rental apartments in Houston. On the other hand, the metro gained Gen Z (a 541% rise) and Gen X renters (12%).


#5 Dallas
In addition, Dallas’ tech town appeal convinced a significant amount of young talent to choose it for buying a forever home. The metro saw a 64% gain in Millennial homeowners between 2017 and 2022 and a mere 4.5% uptick in Millennial renters. The number of Gen Zers who bought a home in Dallas grew five times in that same timeframe, while the number of Zoomer renters multiplied seven times.


Surprisingly, the area was also popular for Baby Boomers. Dallas saw a 5% rise in Boomer homeowners and an 18% increase in Boomer renters in the last five years.


Millennial homeownership is rising the most in Richmond, VA

As we zoomed in on the most notable changes in the nation’s 50 largest urban hubs, Richmond, VA, stood out. Here, the number of Millennial homeowners tripled in the last five years -- the most significant rise in Millennial homeownership among the country’s largest 50 metros. The area’s funky, hipster reputation and cost of living below the state and national averages were two of the main reasons that drew in Millennials looking to buy a home.


Las Vegas occupied the second spot with a 158% jump in homeownership for the same demographic cohort, followed by Milwaukee with 157%. Cincinnati was at the other end of the spectrum with a 16% decrease in Millennial owners.


Cleveland; Raleigh, NC; San Jose, CA; and San Diego were the cities with the highest increases in the number of Millennial renters between 2017 and 2022 — 85% for the first two and close to 50% for San Diego and Silicon Valley’s largest metro area.


Florida might be the state with the most attractive cities for renters, but many cities in the Sunshine State saw decreases in their renting population in the last five years: Millennial renters in Atlanta; Tampa, FL; Cincinnati; and Jacksonville, FL, decreased by more than one-third, the most out of all the 50 largest metros.


Florida’s smaller metros are gaining Millennial homeowners at full tilt​
​
Expanding our analysis to 110 metros, we noticed that the number of Millennial homeowners more than doubled in 29 of the areas we looked at. The top two metros by the rise in Millennial homeownership were Modesto, CA, where it increased 24 times in the last five years, and North Port, FL, where it rose eight times. Overall, the Sunshine State was the #1 choice for Millennials looking to buy a home. Namely, Port St. Lucie, Lakeland-Winter Haven and Pensacola were also at the top of the list with rises in Millennial homeownership ranging from 507% to 217%.
​

Our list of metros where Millennial homeownership more than doubled also included Bakersfield, CA; Youngstown, OH; Deltona, FL; Greensboro, NC; Portland, OR; Akron, OH; Omaha, NE; Atlanta; San Antonio; Grand Rapids, MI; Jacksonville, FL; Des Moines, IA; Orlando, FL; Austin, TX; Memphis, TN; and Bridgeport, CT.
​

Granted, experts predict that the year ahead will be a slow one for home sales, mainly because the economy is in a phase of transition. This will likely encourage renting, which should continue to be the first housing option for many, particularly for Zoomers.
​

​Source:​https://www.rentcafe.com/

​Source: ​https://theconversation.com/

Which US counties are growing (and shrinking).

​AUTHOR Rebekah Brandes
Fly above the white peaks of one sprawling French ski resort during winter, and you may catch a glimpse of Simon Beck’s mystical alpine masterpieces: enormous geometric patterns the English artist creates in the snow using a compass and his snowshoes. 
​
When he’s not traveling the world to stamp out his complex designs — he’s done so in the United States, Canada, Japan, Chile, and Argentina — Beck, 65, lives at France’s Les Arcs resort. There, on the snow-covered frozen lakes, he makes the majority of his artwork, or drawings, as he calls them. A former cartographer who earned his living designing orienteering maps, he ventured into his current occupation on a whim back in 2004. 

​“It was just a bit of fun,” Beck told Nice News. “One day, I just wanted to do something after skiing, and I saw this nice little lake outside the building where I live, and it’s about half the size of a soccer field. I just thought, ‘Let’s go and draw a pattern on the lake.’”

​So how does he manage to conceive of and execute such impressive, intricate designs? When he started, he drew them on paper before taking the art to the snow. These days, though, he tends to make things up as he goes. To hear him talk about it, it’s clear the process comes rather naturally to Beck, who graduated with a degree in engineering from the University of Oxford before turning to mapmaking.

For example, he casually described the steps he recently took to complete a “very simple drawing.” 
​
“I just walked straight across the location, decided where the middle of it should be, and did 10 radii on 45 double paces in length to get the 10 points of a 10-pointed star,” he explained. Next, he paced along each radius, leaving a marker at certain points. “And then I sort of joined up the dots with straight lights, and then drew some triangles around the edge of it in Von Koch’s Snowflake style.”

The design element is far from the most challenging part of the process. “You need a lot of stamina,” Beck said. “I mean, after a big drawing you’re really tired.” ​

In addition to that stamina (fueled by soup and Coca-Cola), and the simple tools he uses, Beck requires one other element to create his snow art. “I really like listening to music when I’m working in the snow,” he shared, adding: “Indeed, it would be so terribly boring without these personal stereos.” ​

​​When asked what tunes he has loaded up on his own stereo, he responded: “Oh, it’s classical music. There’s a little bit of Pink Floyd on it, too.”

Click here to follow Beck on Facebook and see many more of his incredible designs.  

​Source: Nice News

Using AI to detect students' smiles in geotagged photos, Resume.io ranked America's twenty happiest colleges.
There are a few ways to find out which colleges offer students the best experience. You could read each college's reviews and testimonials. You could search a college's name on Twitter for students' brutally honest opinions on studying there. Or, you could do what Resume.io did: use an AI facial recognition tool to detect smiles in Instagram selfies geotagged at different universities, and rank colleges according to the highest proportion of happy-looking faces.
After assessing a photo, the AI tool gives a percentage between zero and 100 to indicate how confident it is that the analyzed face is expressing happiness. Resume.io considered faces scoring 75 percent or higher to be genuinely happy ones.
​
Key Findings:

• According to the study, the happiest US college is Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where 76.47 percent of Instagram selfies are happy.
• In second is New York's Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with a score of 62.87 percent.
• America's third-happiest college is the University of Iowa. Around 62 percent of the faces photographed at the Iowa City college were found to be smiley.

​​Source:digg

7. Beach vibes vary from the northern towns of Monmouth County to the sleepy towns of Cape May County.
Northern New Jersey's shore towns are more residential and lively all year long. Down in the southern parts of Ocean or Cape May county, the population is largely seasonal, and the towns are much quieter.
​

​8. The difference between north and south Jersey is so great that we can't even agree on the "correct" borders.
The "line" between North and South Jersey is determined by where you grew up, and if you consider Central Jersey to be a real thing. There's no true border that we can all agree on.

​Source: Only in your state

​As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, scientists have been delving into the potential impact on allergies. Jeffrey Demain, a distinguished professor at the University of Washington and Director of the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Center of Alaska, warns that if global warming continues, we can anticipate more frequent and severe allergies. Recently, he shared his insights at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. Here's an overview of the reasons why rising temperatures are poised to make allergy sufferers more miserable than ever.

1. An Onslaught of Potent Pollen:

The most conspicuous effect of escalating carbon dioxide levels is the impact on plants. These flora use greenhouse gas as a vital nutrient, and an abundance of carbon dioxide in the environment results in accelerated plant growth. However, this phenomenon, while beneficial for farmers in some cases, also translates to a surge in pollen production. Demain has even noted evidence that increased carbon dioxide levels lead to higher allergen concentrations in plants, surpassing the overall boost in plant growth.

1. Prolonged Allergy Seasons:

Warmer temperatures mean that plants will bloom earlier, thereby extending the allergy season.

1. Mold's Bountiful Buffet:

Elevated carbon dioxide levels encourage the proliferation of mold-friendly food sources. In certain instances, molds become more allergenic as carbon dioxide levels rise.

1. A Boost for Venomous Insects:

Demain's research has shown a surge in allergic reactions to insect stings in Alaska, where warming is occurring more rapidly than in other parts of the country. He attributes this rise to increased temperatures, especially during winter, which make it more likely for yellow jackets and other insects to survive the winter, reproduce, and sting people later in the year.

1. Escalating Ground-Level Ozone and Potential Air Pollution:

"Bad" ozone forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, released from vehicles and factories, react in sunlight. It is expected to increase as temperatures rise. The CDC predicts that this form of ozone will become a growing concern in many American cities. For individuals with respiratory diseases, including asthma, these rising pollution levels, combined with allergens, pose a double threat.
While most of the available evidence highlights the worsening of allergies, it's important to note that many studies have been primarily correlational. Demain is the first to acknowledge that seasonal variations will still occur, as exemplified by harsh winters like this year's. However, he asserts that the overall trends are unmistakable, even if your nose might not readily agree.

Seen as a sign of success and financial comfort, a six-figure salary has long been an important milestone for American workers. 
$100,000 isn’t quite what it used to be, especially as rampant inflation continues to sap the purchasing power of money and push the cost of living higher. In fact, 51% of people who earn more than $100,000 reported living paycheck to paycheck in December 2022 – 9 percentage points higher than a year earlier – according to a recent survey from PYMNTS and LendingClub.


To see how much $100,000 is actually worth in different parts of the country, SmartAsset compared the after-tax income in 76 of the largest U.S. cities and then adjusted those figures for the cost of living in each place. For more information on our data or how we compiled our findings, read the Data and Methodology section below.

Key Findings

• $100K goes furthest in Memphis. The city may be known as the “Home of the Blues,” but Memphis’ low cost of living surely won’t make you sing them. A $100,000 salary is worth more here ($86,444) than in any other city in our study after subtracting taxes and adjusting for the cost of living.
• Texas cities dominate the top 10. Thanks to no state income tax and the low cost of living, the Lone Star State looms large in our study. Seven out of the 10 cities in our top 10 are located in Texas. After deducting taxes and adjusting for the cost of living, a $100,000 salary on average is worth $77,885 across the 10 Texas cities that we analyzed in our study.
• Oklahoma City has the lowest cost of living. A $100,000 goes a long way in the Sooner State’s largest city, considering that the cost of living is only 83.2% of the national average – the lowest out of all 76 cities in our study. A $100,000 salary is worth $84,498 in Oklahoma City after adjusting for the cost of living.
• In New York City, $100K amounts to just $35,791 when you consider taxes and the cost of living. Taxes and cost of living take a big bite out of a $100,000 income in the Big Apple, which ranked last in our analysis. After adjusting for those factors, $100,000 is worth just $35,791.

​
​1. Memphis, TN
A person earning $100,000 per year in Memphis takes home $74,515 after federal and local taxes (the state of Tennessee doesn’t tax earned income). Considering the city has a cost of living that’s almost 14% lower than the national average, those after-tax earnings are actually worth $86,444 when adjusting for the cost of living.
2. El Paso, TX
A $100,000 salary in El Paso is worth $84,966 after subtracting taxes and adjusting for the local cost of living. A person who makes $100,000 a year in this West Texas city of over 678,000 residents takes home $74,515 after taxes. El Paso’s cost of living is just 87.7% of the national average.
3. Oklahoma City, OK
Someone making $100,000 in Oklahoma City will take home $70,302 after taxes. But thanks to the lowest cost of living in our study, those after-tax earnings are worth considerably more: $84,498.
4. Corpus Christi, TX
A $100,000 annual salary is worth $83,443 in Corpus Christi after deducting taxes and adjusting for the local cost of living. Located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Corpus Christi’s cost of living is 10.7% lower than the national average.
5. Lubbock, TX
A person who earns $100,000 per year in Lubbock can expect to take home $74,515 after taxes are deducted from their paychecks. Since the cost of living in Lubbock is just 89.4% of the national average, that person’s take-home pay is actually worth $83,350 after adjusting for the cost of living.
6. Houston, TX
Like the other Texas cities in the top 10, a $100,000 salary in Houston is reduced to $74,515 after taxes. Those earnings, however, are worth $81,350 when adjusting for Houston’s cost of living, which is 91.8% of the national average.
7 (tie). San Antonio, Fort Worth and Arlington, TX
A $100,000 salary is worth the same amount of money in three Texas cities: San Antonio, Fort Worth and Arlington. Thanks to identical tax treatment and no state income tax, a person earning $100,000 takes home $74,515 in each city. That money is worth $80,124 when you adjust for the cost of living in all three cities, which is 7% lower than the national average.
10. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis rounds out the top 10. While taxes reduce a $100,000 salary to $69,531, the city’s low cost of living (87% of the national average) makes those after-tax dollars go even further. As a result, a $100,000 salary in St. Louis is worth $79,921 after subtracting taxes and adjusting for the cost of living.

​Tax Tips for Six-Figure Earners

• Max out your retirement accounts. Contributing the maximum amount to your retirement accounts doesn’t just help you save for retirement – it can also help you reduce your tax bill in the current year. In 2023, the IRS allows up to $22,500 in employee contributions to a 401(k) or a similar workplace plan and $6,500 to an IRA. People age 50 and older can add catch-up contributions of $7,500 and $1,000 to their 401(k) and IRA, respectively. These contributions, when made on a pre-tax basis, will reduce your taxable income for the year and potentially drop you into a lower federal tax bracket.
• Calculate your cost of living. If you’re thinking about moving to a new city or state, consider the cost of living. SmartAsset’s cost of living calculator can help you compare basic living expenses in your current city vs. your potential destination.
• Work with a professional. A financial advisor can help you be more tax-efficient. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

​Source: smartasset

​​Its nickname, Gateway to New York, is just as accurate not only in terms of its locations but also its promise of recreation all year round.
It resides within the west of the Hudson River and was once notable for being a stop for immigrants hoping to achieve the American Dream by passing through Ellis Island.

Created in 1840, this county in the North Jersey region got its name after Henry Hudson, who was a sea explorer in the 1600s.
So, it's safe to say that this county shines more because of its stunning waterfront vistas and bayside attractions.
I am here to tell you that this is not all there is to Hudson County, and I'm ready to prove this.
​
​Because in this article, I'll be sharing some of the county's best well-kept secrets and more!
Here are the 15 best things to do in Hudson County, New Jersey, for your worthwhile trip ahead.

​Bask in the Scenic Riverfront Spot at the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway
​
Nothing quite takes you for a front-seat view of the Hudson River than the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway.
This linear pathway passes through 9 communities and 2 counties, one of which is Hudson County.
At 18 miles, this route was a relaxing destination for me.
Helping me remain comfortable and stress-free was the stunning skyline of Manhattan across the river.

​Play with Friends and Loved Ones at Bowl-Rite Lanes

In Union City, Bowl-Rite Lanes is the ultimate family destination for many visitors and residents within Hudson County.
Opened in 1965, this bowling alley offers a ten-pin 24-lane center with a variety of amenities on the side.
What I loved most about this entertainment facility was its calm and friendly atmosphere.
​It also brought about a nostalgic touch to my experience with its arcade section and snack counter.
Come by with your friends for an ideal hangout session.
You can head over to Summit Avenue from 8th Street to reach Bowl-Rite Lanes.

​​Enjoy the Outdoors with a Visit to Liberty State Park
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For an all-around adventure of Hudson County's natural areas, I highly recommend coming by Liberty State Park if you've got the time.
Dramatic and inclusive, this park is just what you might expect from Jersey City's waterfront oasis.
It sits opposite Ellis Island and Liberty Island and is the only spot within the county that provides seafaring access to the former island.
Opened in 1976, this park spans over 1,000 acres.
It is home to the Liberty Science Center, which I enjoyed exploring.

​​Its exhibits and galleries made me rediscover my love for science.
Also within the park are the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial and the Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area; both of which are a delight for me to visit.
Other activities that this state park promotes include boat and kayak launching, hiking, fishing, and even picnicking.
Liberty State Park is on Audrey Zapp Drive.

​Take Photos of the Picturesque Views from the Castle Point Lookout
​Open throughout the year, the Castle Point Lookout is one scenic attraction that I will never get tired of recommending.
This Hoboken spot is the highest point of the city at an elevation of 100 feet.

Complete with a simplistic observation deck and multiple trails, this point has been a great source of stress relief for me.
It features not only the Manhattan skyline up ahead but also the waterfront vistas of Hoboken.

I liked the touch of history within the site through the presence of a historical cannon artifact that has been the trademark of the Castle Point Lookout.
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This point is a feature of Stevens Institute of Technology campus.
And you can get to this spot on Frank Sinatra Drive.

​​Weehawken's Hamilton Park offers a blend of natural beauty and history within an unassuming setting.
This park sits next to the historic dueling grounds of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.
To commemorate this historic moment in time, the park features the original rock where Hamilton's head rested after he got shot.
Though the park is mostly abundant with only benches, the picturesque expanse of the lawn makes up for it.

​​I loved the collection of plaques and monuments lining up the park—certainly added to the historic appeal of the spot.
The floral gardens were also a lovely feature, as were the cliffs and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.
Hamilton Park sits along Boulevard East should you care for a visit.

​​Art comes together in various forms at Mana Contemporary.
This Jersey City attraction is a cultural arts center featuring both visual and performing arts.
It resides in what was once a tobacco warehouse back in the day.
Now, the walls are vibrant with the display of contemporary art and the sounds of top-notch shows.

​​I loved exploring the halls and exhibition spaces of the gallery because of its warm surroundings and creative inspiration.
I got to witness art-making sessions for myself, and I wasn't disappointed at all.
So, come by if you need a sprinkle of artistic inspiration.
Mana Contemporary is accessible along Newark Avenue.

​Learn More about Astronomy at Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium
​Whether you're a fan of space and astronomy or not, Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium is a must-visit.
This planetarium takes pride in being the biggest of its kind in the whole country.
A part of Liberty Science Center's facilities, this planetarium offers a vibrant and informative approach to your trip across the planets and all over the galaxy.
One of the shows I got to watch was the Beyoncé Laser Show, which felt like a concert.
While jamming to the iconic diva's songs, I was awestruck by the array of lasers and lights.
There are also space talks and telescope shows at different showtimes, so better check with the planetarium ahead for any of your planned visits.
Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium—and its greatness—sits along Jersey City Boulevard in Jersey City.

​ ​Start a Mural-Spotting Journey along Jersey City
Jersey City's public art scene is nothing short of impressive.
And let me tell you, I had the time of my life spotting murals all over this wondrous city.
With about 200 murals created by over 100 artists, there's always an art piece that resonates with everyone.
One of the murals that resonated with me is Shauquethqueat's Eutrochium, featuring the very same flower it's named after blooming beautifully against a dark building on Cottage Street.

​Another one of my favorites is the Beloved Mural by Ben Keller on 12th Street.
This 2021 masterpiece is a tribute to Michelangelo's famous Greek-inspired art culture.
There are other murals and graffiti works for you, so don't worry!
I hope you find one that inspires you.

​Browse through the Archives Section at the Hoboken Historical Museum

History and heritage connect at the local Hoboken Historical Museum.
This museum has the most reliable collection for everything related to Hoboken's past.
From artifacts and relics to photographs and documents, the interesting message of history is abundant.
The Sinatra tributes were one of my favorites.
The staff was kind and informative on my visit too, which added to my wonderful experience there.
It was to my utter delight that its upper gallery offers rotating exhibits, so the next time I'm due for a visit, I know I'll be in for a pleasant surprise.​The Hoboken Historical Museum sits along Hudson Street in Hoboken.

​​Go on a Hiking Spree along Laurel Hill Park
​Hudson County's Meadowlands is the highlight of Laurel Hill Park.
Located along Laurel Hill Road, this large expanse of open grassy vegetation shines with historical significance.
In fact, this park got its nickname "Snake Hill" after its large feature of igneous rock resulting from a volcanic eruption.
Though you can no longer see this rock as a whole, there is bedrock forming the southern section of the park that serves as its remains.
I had a grand time making use of the park's sports facilities, including soccer fields and a cricket field.
But perhaps my favorite part of this park is its collection of hiking trails, where I got to enjoy nature at its original beauty.
Laurel Hill Park is within the quaint town of Secaucus.

​Explore the Landscaped Gardens at Stephen R. Gregg Park
​Hudson County has a wide array of parks that are worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.
One of these is Stephen R. Gregg Park.
This 100-acre passive and active park offers the best of waterfront sceneries within the county.
Established in 1916, some of its eye-catching features are its park bridges and walkways.
It also has a multitude of sports amenities that I particularly enjoyed during my visit.
But nothing can top the ornamental gardens.
The Cherie LaPelusa Gardens are the centerpiece of the park, and I had a fun time walking through the colorful spots of flowers and blossoms native to the community.
Stephen R. Gregg Park is in the city of Bayonne, specifically along John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
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​Go on a Car Match with Your Group at RPM Raceway

It's time for a bit of indoor fun!
​RPM Raceway in Jersey City is one of Hudson County's indoor entertainment facilities that I will continue to recommend time and time again.
Its state-of-the-art facility and equipment, including its dizzying ramps, are part of the reason why I loved this center.
Another reason is the thrill it gave me as I went down to its cars and raced with other riders down the track.
The facility also has an arcade section and a bowling alley.
If you've got time on your schedule for an adventure within closed doors, this spot is for you.
RPM Raceway is on Caven Point Road.
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​Spot Waterfowl and Other Birds at Mill Creek Marsh
Secaucus' Mill Creek Marsh has been a community staple since its establishment in 1996.
At 209 acres, this marsh took me on a magical outdoor experience full of birdwatching opportunities.
The trails remain well-paved, which I consider a win.
I was also glad the place was as tranquil as I expected, and I got to relax without worrying about a huge crowd.

​The Hoboken Fire Department Museum houses a variety of memorabilia and fire gear used in Hoboken's battle against fires across history.
Informative and fun, this center boasts all-around entertainment for both adults and kids.
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​The kids can have the time of their life riding the museum's accompanying fire engine.
As for the adults, I highly recommend looking for the Marty Sinatra photo featuring Frank who was at the peak of his career at the time.
There's much to see and discover within the walls of this museum, so keep your eyes peeled!
Located along Bloomfield Street, the Hoboken Fire Department Museum is an interesting stop worth checking out.

​Final Thoughts

Part of what makes Hudson County a county worth exploring is its diversity of indoor and outdoor attractions.
From museums and tranquil parks to art galleries and landmarks, I am so glad to have visited this county and its treasures.
I think I might even visit the next time I'm in New Jersey if the opportunity allows.
Did you enjoy the list above of the best things to do in Hudson County, New Jersey?

Source: Travel Lens

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​Source: Only in your state

The natural beauty of New Jersey often gets overlooked by outsiders. We’re seen as a mass of freeways and factories, but that’s far from the case. Residents know the truth – incredible landscapes can be found throughout the state. We have mountains, lakes, woodlands, waterfalls and so much more! Many of these spots are ideal for relaxation, as science shows that connecting with nature can significantly reduce stress. Here are some of our favorite places to enjoy nature in New Jersey:​​

​The following 12 New Jersey rivers truly stand out, whether for their size, popularity, location, or other special features. Read on to learn more about these outstanding Garden State waterways and enjoy the incredible photographs!

​1.Hudson River
The Hudson River lies on the eastern border of our state, between New York and New Jersey. The 315-mile river starts in the Adirondack Mountains and empties out into the Atlantic Ocean. The southernmost portion of the river is a tidal estuary, where salt and fresh water meet.
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​2. Delaware River
The Delaware River, another one of the best rivers in New Jersey, runs along the state's western border through NY, NJ, PA, and DE. Beginning in the Catskills, the Delaware River runs over 300 miles to the Atlantic Ocean.​
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​4. Navesink River
The 8-mile-long Navesink River is actually an estuary, and a popular spot for boating, swimming, fishing, and crabbing. Additionally, the neighborhoods along the Navesink are some of the wealthiest in New Jersey.

​​Whether you’re into swimming, boating, fishing, or sightseeing, you can probably enjoy your hobby at one of these 12 amazing rivers in New Jersey!