My wife and I couldn't afford to buy a home on our own, so we bought one with our in-laws instead.
Bill Coberly
To become homeowners sooner, my wife and I bought a house with her parents.
At first, navigating the space wasn't easy, but we're still able to have ample privacy.
Living with my in-laws has its challenges, but I can't imagine living anywhere else.
I've known my wife's parents for nearly a decade, and we've always gotten along, but I never imagined sharing a roof with them. That all changed last year, when my wife suddenly popped the question: "How would you feel about buying a house with my mom and dad?"
We knew it would be years before we could afford the down payment on a house, particularly anywhere near Frederick, Maryland, where we wanted to live.
Even though we were both lawyers in our late 30s, we didn't have as much saved as we should have. We had each chosen lower-paying work over big-firm jobs and lost financial ground during our divorces in the late 2010s.
Without the help of my in-laws, my wife and I would've had to wait another decade or so to buy a house. But if we purchased a place together, her parents would provide the down payment, and we would cover more than half of the mortgage.
So, just like that, I agreed to become roommates with my in-laws.
The house gave all of us the space we needed, but we still had to learn how to share it
This one-story house, with an added-on second floor and a finished basement, was perfect for all four of us.
Bill Coberly
When we began our search, we envisioned a duplex — two separate living spaces joined together — but we had a hard time finding one.
We struggled even more to find a house with bedrooms on both the first and second floors, something crucial for my in-laws, since they're in their late 60s, and we didn't want them worrying about climbing stairs now or as they get older.
After several months of looking, we finally found a place that checked all the boxes: a 1950s one-story house that the previous owner had renovated to add a second floor and a finished basement.
The upstairs, where my wife and I would live, had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a laundry space. Downstairs, where my in-laws would live, was the main kitchen and living room, a small den, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a small back kitchen.
There was enough space for all four of us — along with our two cats, our dog, and their dog — so we put in an offer.
For the first couple of months after moving in, the house was a sea of boxes, and it seemed almost impossible that we could cram all four lives into one place.
My wife and mother-in-law argued about the furniture we needed to get for the shared spaces, and we debated back and forth about what to do with the back kitchen, which we ultimately decided to convert into a laundry/mud room.
As time went on, we also had to get used to the quirks of living together. My wife works from home, which means she has to go downstairs to the main kitchen and interact with her parents before she can fully wake up. Luckily, we've just converted the upstairs laundry space into a little kitchenette, so now she can make her morning smoothie in peace.
Additionally, I learned to put on my dress shoes only when I'm on my way out of the house in the morning, as I had previously been startling my in-laws awake by clomping around in the closet just above their bedroom.
My wife and I love spending time either in our bedroom or in the basement, where we built a library.
Bill Coberly
But even though we're all in the same house, my wife and I still feel like we have ample privacy. Our bedroom is large, and my in-laws don't really spend much time in the basement, so sometimes, we like to hang out there as well.
Thankfully, expenses haven't been an issue, since we split most day-to-day purchases right down the middle by contributing to a joint bank account.
Living together has made everyday life easier in ways I didn't expect
My mother-in-law makes dinner for all of us most nights.
Bill Coberly
Despite the challenges, sharing a home with my in-laws for the past eight months has been great.
My mother-in-law graciously offered to make dinner most nights, so we can all sit down and have a home-cooked meal as a family. When we go out of town, my in-laws watch our dog and our cats.
Once we have children, grandma and grandpa will be right there to help, and as my in-laws get older, we'll be right there to assist them.
Obviously, there are times when we annoy each other, but I've gotten to know my in-laws much better since we became roommates. The arrangement has turned us into a family and given us more financial security, and the plan is never to move again.
US News & World Report analyzed over 850 cities based on quality of life, affordability, healthcare, retiree taxes, job market, and population and migration for retirees 55 and older to rank what cities work best for retirees.
"It's no secret that affordability is top of mind for Americans this year, which is why US News updated its weighting criteria to better align with what retirees prioritize," US News & World Report assistant managing editor Megan Wood said. "The 2027 rankings reflect key metrics used to highlight the places that best suit retiree needs."
The six factors used when ranking each city came from a survey of Americans 45 and older to determine what mattered most to them when considering where to retire.
"Retirees are seeking a place that gives them a sense of security and comfort as they live out their golden years," Wood said.
While cities in Florida and Texas account for more than half of the top 15, neither city holds the top spot. Below, the best cities to retire in for 2027.
15. San Angelo, TX
San Angelo, Texas.
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $191,261
Value index: 9
Population 65+: 17%
14. Conroe, TX
Conroe, Texas.
Photosbyjam/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $323,622
Value index: 7.9
Population 65+: 15%
13. Pearland, TX
Pearland, Texas.
halbergman/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $343,369
Value index: 8
Population 65+: 13%
12. Victoria, TX
Victoria, Texas.
ianmcdonnell/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $200,767
Value index: 9.3
Population 65+: 17%
11. Bismarck, ND
Bismarck, North Dakota.
halbergman/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $290,274
Value index: 6
Population 65+: 21%
10. Palm Coast, FL
Palm Coast, Florida.
Jeff Cassetta/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $380,019
Value index: 7.5
Population 65+: 30%
9. Lynchburg, VA
Lynchburg, Virginia.
SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $222,789
Value index: 7.5
Population 65+: 15%
8. Paducah, KY
Paducah, Kentucky.
larrybraunphotography.com/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $161,025
Value index: 9.2
Population 65+: 19%
7. Altoona, PA
Altoona, Pennsylvania.
catnap72/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $115,035
Value index: 8.1
Population 65+: 19%
6. Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $311,135
Value index: 6.2
Population 65+: 19%
5. Spring, TX
Spring, Texas, is a suburb about 25 miles outside Houston.
John Coletti/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $249,404
Value index: 8.6
Population 65+: 12%
4. The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands, Texas.
raeva/Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $472,814
Value index: 6.6
Population 65+: 15%
3. Weirton, WV
Weirton, West Virginia.
Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Housing costs 2025: $124,681
Value index: 7.6
Population 65+: 26%
2. Homosassa Springs, FL
Homosassa Springs, Florida.
: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Even though we live so close to each other, we have boundaries and our own separate lives.
In 2024, my husband and I began building our own house on the same property as my parents, siblings, and sister-in-law, creating a "family compound." In total, there are two separate houses, nine family members, and three adorable golden retrievers on the property.
Our family has always spent a lot of time together, but before moving into our new home in April, I don't think I truly understood what day-to-day life would be like.
Here are the biggest surprises I've encountered so far.
My family and I still have our own separate lives.
Taylor Bunting
Although my husband, daughter, and I live next door to the rest of my family, we still have our own houses, routines, and lives. Some days, when we all happen to be on different pages, we don't see each other at all.
I think this balance is a huge part of what makes our setup successful. No one feels as though they are on top of each other, and my husband and I can simply take our daughter to our house, close the door, and be our own little family.
Privacy and boundaries are still possible, even when living so close together.
Taylor Bunting
For us, one of the keys to making our living arrangement successful is respect for personal space and boundaries.
For example, my younger siblings don't come over to my house after about 8:00 p.m. because they know my daughter is asleep and my husband and I are likely settling in for the night. This isn't something we ever had to ask them to do, they just respect our privacy and nightly routine.
The same goes for my parents. They text my husband and me before popping over to visit and always avoid walking into our house unannounced.
A lot of people don't seem to understand multigenerational living.
Taylor Bunting
Since sharing our family compound on social media, I was taken aback by how many people assumed that our family was part of a religious group or separate "community," rather than our setup being an example of multigenerational living.
I knew that "family compounds" aren't incredibly common nowadays, at least in the United States, but I definitely didn't think they were so widely misunderstood.
People appear to confuse our setup with communal living, rather than our family simply living as neighbors next to each other.
Casual get-togethers and dinners happen spontaneously.
Taylor Bunting
I've been pleasantly surprised by how much easier casual get-togethers, dinners, and hangouts are.
I can just pop over to my parents' house and then "head home" whenever I want to. I don't need a reason to leave or an excuse to use if I'm just not feeling social.
We also don't typically find ourselves planning get-togethers; they just kind of happen. I can wake up on a Saturday morning with no plans, and within an hour, everyone is hanging out by the pool, playing yard games, and cooking food together.
Having my family around has really improved my mental health.
Taylor Bunting
As a stay-at-home mom, having my siblings and parents around throughout the week makes day-to-day life with a toddler so much more enjoyable.
Our setup gives me other adults to interact with, another set of hands when I need them, and simply remedies any of the aspects of motherhood that can otherwise feel lonely.
It's also a game changer for me to have my own mom as a resource. Rather than turning to Google, I can walk across the driveway and pick my mom's brain for parenting advice as a first-time mom.
My marriage has actually gotten even stronger since living here.
Taylor Bunting
One of the many perks that I did not anticipate was how much the support of a village would benefit my relationship with my husband.
With other people around to lend a hand with our daughter, direct access to girl time with my mom and sister, and my husband having the ability to go watch a football game with my dad or play basketball with my brothers, we have easier access to hobbies and self-care outlets as parents. This leaves more quality time for us as a couple.
Our setup felt 'normal' pretty quickly.
Taylor Bunting
It's taken me by surprise how after only living in our home for six months, this setup already feels so natural and "normal." I can't imagine going back to living even 15 minutes down the road from our family.
Sometimes it takes people asking questions or sharing their opinion on our living arrangements to remind me that our setup is a whole lot less common than I think.
When I think back to my expectations surrounding a 'family compound' prior to moving into our home, I had only really envisioned the more overarching concepts such as family dinners, lots of quality time and no longer having to drive to visit each other.
However, I didn't realize how many of the small details would make such a positive impact on our day-to-day lives.
Wendell is the fastest-growing town in North Carolina, according to US Census data.
OakCityDrone/Getty Images
US Census data shows population growth in small towns across every state from 2020 to 2025.
Many of the towns are in proximity to major cities, often within 25 miles.
They range from rural mountain towns to desert communities.
The US population has grown by roughly 58 million since 2000, but the nation's biggest cities aren't the only areas seeing increases.
Whether it's suburbs next to urban areas or towns that have become hot spots in their own right, all 50 states are seeing population growth in small- and medium-sized towns.
Business Insider used the latest five-year Census population estimates, covering July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2025, to calculate the population growth percentage for each state's towns and cities over the period.
Census population estimates are revised every year, so some 2020 figures differ slightly from estimates published in previous years.
To avoid municipalities with negligible populations, we considered only places with more than 1,000 residents in the 2020 population estimates. We also excluded unincorporated areas and Census-designated places belonging to a larger city. Of the 50 places, most have populations under 20,000.
Here's each state's fastest-growing city or town.
Triana, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama, roughly 15 miles northeast of Triana.
Sean Pavone/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 3,003
2025 population: 5,244
Percentage growth: 75%
Sitting in the northern region of Alabama along the Tennessee River, Triana was named the fourth-best suburb to live in Alabama by Niche, a real-estate and education ranking platform.
Wasilla, Alaska
Wasilla, Alaska.
Jan Miracky/Getty Images
2020 population: 9,113
2025 population: 10,556
Percentage growth: 16%
Wasilla sits roughly 40 miles north of Anchorage, the state's largest city. As of 2020, Wasilla had just 732 residents per square mile, according to Census data.
Coolidge, Arizona
The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge, Arizona.
apollob66/Getty Images
2020 population: 13,425
2025 population: 19,959
Percentage growth: 49%
Coolidge sits between Phoenix and Tucson and is home to the site of the Casa Grande Ruins, containing fragments of Native American structures. Sitting in the Sonoran Desert, the town sees frequent daily temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Highfill, Arkansas
Roberto Galan/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,672
2025 population: 3,676
Percentage growth: 120%
Highfill is about 15 miles away from Bentonville, Arkansas, and is near the Northwest Arkansas National Airport.
Paradise, California
Paradise, California.
Chris Allan/Getty Images
2020 population: 5,090
2025 population: 10,023
Percentage growth: 97%
The rapid growth can largely be attributed to Paradise's recovery after the 2018 Camp Fire, which ravaged the community. Per the Census, the town had over 26,000 residents in 2010, and is still rebuilding after being at the heart of the deadliest fire in the state's history.
Elizabeth, Colorado
Elizabeth, Colorado.
Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
2020 population: 1,710
2025 population: 2,957
Percentage growth: 73%
Elizabeth is about 40 miles from Denver, making it popular for those seeking a rural life while living within commuting distance of Colorado's economic hub, according to a report by Outside.
Woodmont, Connecticut
Woodmont is a borough of Milford, Connecticut.
miroslav_1/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,554
2025 population: 2,391
Percentage growth: 54%
Woodmont, a borough of Milford, is a popular summer destination, according to the Connecticut Tourism Office. It is about 7 miles away from New Haven.
Cheswold, Delaware
Rolf Karlsson/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,938
2025 population: 2,653
Percentage growth: 37%
In 2000, Cheswold had just over 300 residents, per the Census.
Westlake, Florida
felixmizioznikov/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,048
2025 population: 9,042
Percentage growth: 763%
Westlake was formerly farmland before the land was purchased by Minto Group, a real-estate company with development plans for the area. The town only officially became a municipality in 2016.
Occupying over 6 miles of land, Westlake has thousands of single-family residential homes with more under construction, according to the town.
Hoschton, Georgia
Nearby Athens, Georgia.
Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 2,775
2025 population: 8,623
Percentage growth: 211%
Hoschton lies about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta and 30 miles northwest of Athens.
Hawai'i County, Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii.
Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images
2020 population: 200,744
2025 population: 210,043
Percentage growth: 4.6%
Hawaii holds the distinction of being the only US state without official incorporated municipalities. The state's towns are governed at the county level.
Of the five counties — Hawai'i, Honolulu, Kalawao, Kaua'i, and Maui — Hawai'i County, commonly known as the "Big Island," reported the largest population growth from 2020 to 2025.
Star, Idaho
Boise, Idaho, about 15 miles southeast of Star.
christiannafzger/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 11,488
2025 population: 20,874
Percentage growth: 82%
Star is located just 15 miles northwest of Boise.
Wonder Lake, Illinois
Nearby Woodstock, Illinois.
EJ_Rodriquez/Getty Images
2020 population: 4,004
2025 population: 5,593
Percentage growth: 40%
Wonder Lake sits just below the Illinois-Wisconsin border, about 65 miles between Milwaukee and Chicago.
Whitestown, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana, is about 20 miles southeast of Whitestown.
Wirestock/Getty Images
2020 population: 10,383
2025 population: 15,767
Percentage growth: 52%
Whitestown, which is just over 20 miles northwest of Indianapolis, is home to more than 50 acres of parks and 13 miles of trails.
Tiffin, Iowa
Nearby Cedar Rapids, just north of Tiffin, Iowa.
Aaron Yoder/Getty Images
2020 population: 4,625
2025 population: 7,156
Percentage growth: 55%
The fast-growing suburb sits F. W. Kent County Park, a sought-after destination in the state for outdoor activities. Tiffin is located 22 miles south of Cedar Rapids.
Maize, Kansas
Sean Pavone/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 5,818
2025 population: 7,853
Percentage growth: 35%
It takes under 20 minutes to drive from Maize to central Wichita.
Elkton, Kentucky
Elkton, Kentucky.
BOB WESTON/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 2,061
2025 population: 2,387
Percentage growth: 16%
Nashville is the nearest major city to Elkton, located about 60 miles south of the town.
Maurice, Louisiana
Nearby Lafayette, Louisiana, just 11 miles northeast of Maurice.
Laser1987/Getty Images
2020 population: 2,185
2025 population: 3,215
Percentage growth: 47%
Maurice is just southwest of Lafayette, Louisiana's fourth-largest city.
Greenville, Maine
Greenville, Maine.
A Janick/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,440
2025 population: 1,743
Percentage growth: 21%
Far from the cities of Portland and Bangor, Greenville is located further inland at the southern tip of Moosehead Lake, the state's largest freshwater body, according to Visit Maine. Greenville sits roughly 60 miles from the US-Canada border.
Trappe, Maryland
nearby Easton, Maryland.
Grandbrothers/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,177
2025 population: 1,517
Percentage growth: 29%
Trappe has seen growth in population in part because of a modern housing development, Lakeside at Trappe.
Bolton, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts.
Sean Pavone/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 5666
2025 population: 6477
Percentage growth: 14%
Bolton is about 18 miles northeast of Worcester and about 40 miles west of Boston.
Editor's Note: Amherst had the largest estimated population increase from 2020 to 2025, but Business Insider chose second-place Bolton because Amherst’s unusually low 2020 estimate could have been distorted by pandemic-era student departures.
Manton, Michigan
The downtown area in nearby Cadillac, Michigan.
Roberto Galan/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,271
2025 population: 1,626
Percentage growth: 28%
Manton was a finalist in Reader's Digest's "Nicest Place in America" ranking in 2021.
Dayton, Minnesota
Dayton, Minnesota.
Melissa Kopka/Getty Images
2020 population: 7,432
2025 population: 11,402
Percentage growth: 53%
Dayton is a relatively wealthy suburb, with a high homeownership rate and a median household income of $148,947 in 2024, per 2024 Census data. Dayton is under 30 miles northwest of Minneapolis.
Sumrall, Mississippi
Neaby Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
CRobertson/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,777
2025 population: 2,299
Percentage growth: 29%
Sumrall sits just over 15 miles northwest of Hattiesburg, Mississippi's fifth-largest city.
Rogersville, Missouri
Nearby Springfield, Missouri, 20 miles west of Rogersville.
ChrisBoswell/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 3,897
2025 population: 5,754
Percentage growth: 48%
According to 2024 Census data, there are about 2.98 households per resident in Rogersville, which is above the national average.
The town is located 20 miles east of Springfield.
Kalispell, Montana
Kalispell, Montana.
GummyBone/Getty Images
2020 population: 25,263
2025 population: 31,851
Percentage growth: 26%
According to the 2024 Census data, Kalispell is the seventh-largest city in Montana by population and the eighth-largest by land area.
Hickman, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska.
Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images
2020 population: 2,655
2025 population: 3,663
Percentage growth: 38%
Hickman's population has more than tripled since 2000, per the Census. The town is under 20 miles south of Lincoln, the state's capital city.
Mesquite, Nevada
A highway near Mesquite, Nevada.
Moiseii Production/Getty Images
2020 population: 20,608
2025 population: 24,001
Percentage growth: 16%
Mesquite sits in the Mojave Desert and borders Arizona. The nearest major city is Las Vegas, roughly 80 miles southwest of Mesquite.
Epping, New Hampshire
Epping, New Hampshire.
Wirestock/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 7,153
2025 population: 7,973
Percentage growth: 11%
The New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute attributed Epping's population growth to its proximity to major state highways and economic hubs in the Seacoast, Merrimack Valley, and Boston.
Seaside Park, New Jersey
Seaside Park, New Jersey.
Kena Betancur/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,445
2025 population: 2,135
Percentage growth: 48%
Seaside Park neighbors Seaside Heights, a popular Jersey Shore destination known for its amusement park.
Los Lunas, New Mexico
Los Lunas, New Mexico.
Lily Kimei/Getty Images
2020 population: 17,454
2025 population: 20,572
Percentage growth: 18%
Los Lunas has held significance at different points in American history, including its use as a bombing range after World War II, according to the Center for Land Use Interpretation.
The town is about 20 miles south of Albuquerque.
Kiryas Joel, New York
Kiryas Joel, New York.
Jonathan Novack/Getty Images
2020 population: 33,507
2025 population: 47,147
Percentage growth: 41%
Kiryas Joel, coterminous with the town of Palm Tree, has a predominantly Hasidic Jewish population and covers only 1.46 square miles, according to the 2020 Census.
Wendell, North Carolina
Wendell, North Carolina.
zimmytws/Getty Images
2020 population: 9,997
2025 population: 19,687
Percentage growth: 97%
Wendell is within 20 miles of Raleigh, North Carolina's second most populous city. The growth is expected to continue, with 1,900 new homes under construction in the town, the area's ABC 11 reported.
Horace, North Dakota
Downtown of the nearby Fargo.
Sanghwan Kim/Getty Images
2020 population: 3,249
2025 population: 7,001
Percentage growth: 115%
Horace is a suburb of Fargo, North Dakota's largest city by population, and is itself the 13th most populous city in the state.
South Bloomfield, Ohio
Nearby Columbus, Ohio.
Sanghwan Kim/Getty Images
2020 population: 2,147
2025 population: 4,164
Percentage growth: 94%
South Bloomfield is located 20 miles south of Columbus.
Newcastle, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is located just north of Newcastle.
RudyBalasko/Getty Images
2020 population: 11,171
2025 population: 15,198
Percentage growth: 36%
A suburb of Oklahoma City, Newcastle appeared on 24/7 Wall St.'s "The Best City to Live in Every State" list in 2019.
Estacada, Oregon
McIver Park, near Es
Demujin/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 4,531
2025 population: 5,814
Percentage growth: 28%
Estacada is roughly 30 miles southeast of Portland.
Lancaster Township, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is about 34 miles north of Pittsburgh.
Althom/Getty Images
2020 population: 2,765
2025 population: 3,734
Percentage growth: 35%
Lancaster Township is a small municipality in Butler County, western Pennsylvania, and is separate from the much larger city of Lancaster in southeastern Pennsylvania. It's about 34 miles north of Pittsburgh.
Glocester, Rhode Island
Nearby Providence, Rhode Island.
miroslav_1/Getty Images
2020 population: 9,984
2025 population: 10,612
Percentage growth: 6.3%
Glocester, seated 20 miles northwest of Providence, contains the villages of Harmony and Chepachet.
Hardeeville, South Carolina
The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in Hardeeville, South Carolina.
Norm Lane/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 7,764
2025 population: 16,459
Percentage growth: 112%
Located under 20 miles north of Savannah, Georgia, Hardeeville has historically had the nickname "The Lowcountry Host" for its many hotels and accommodations for travelers, per the Hardeeville Police Department.
Harrisburg, South Dakota
GummyBone/Getty Images
2020 population: 6,845
2025 population: 10,405
Percentage growth: 52%
Harrisburg, just 10 miles south of Sioux Falls, has 3.7 miles of land area, per 2020 Census data.
Lebanon, Tennessee
Lebanon, Tennessee.
csfotoimages/Getty Images
2020 population: 38,908
2025 population: 53,412
Percentage growth: 37%
Located 30 minutes east of Nashville, Lebanon is becoming a population hub in its own right. The town is home to the Nashville Superspeedway and Cumberland University.
Josephine, Texas
Kruck20/Getty Images
2020 population: 2,283
2025 population: 10,208
Percentage growth: 347%
Josephine, 40 miles northeast of Dallas, is experiencing a major housing boom. Companies like D.R. Horton are constructing developments with hundreds of homes, and the low cost of living in the area is attracting a lot of millennial first-time homebuyers, Business Insider's Alcynna Lloyd reported.
Saratoga Springs, Utah
Homes under construction in Saratoga Springs, Utah.
George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images
2020 population: 38,318
2025 population: 61,397
Percentage growth: 60%
Saratoga Springs sits along Utah Lake and is among Utah's 15 most populous cities. Saratoga Springs has a reputation for safety, with its total crime rate 69% below the national average, per Best Utah Real Estate.
Newport, Vermont
Newport's neighboring eponymous city of Newport, Vermont.
vermontalm/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,581
2025 population: 2,583
Percentage growth: 63%
The town, a distinct municipality from the neighboring city of Newport, is just over 5 miles south of the US-Canada border and is one of Vermont's least populous municipalities.
Louisa, Virginia
Louisa, Virginia.
krblokhin/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,993
2025 population: 2,244
Percentage growth: 13%
Louisa is located roughly 50 miles northwest of Richmond.
Ridgefield, Washington
Ridgefield, Washington.
portgrimes/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 10,875
2025 population: 16,132
Percentage growth: 48%
Located near Vancouver, Washington, Ridgefield has a history as a Native American village site, which was visited during the Lewis and Clark expedition, the city says.
Charles Town, West Virginia
Charles Town, West Virginia.
Robert Knopes/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
2020 population: 6,529
2025 population: 9,329
Percentage growth: 43%
Charles Town was notably founded by Charles Washington, the youngest brother of President George Washington, according to the city.
Lannon, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jon Mattrisch/Getty Images
2020 population: 1,419
2025 population: 2,057
Percentage growth: 45%
Lannon's growth can largely be attributed to new investments in the town, such as housing developments, TMJ 4 Milwaukee reported. Lannon is located about 20 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
Alpine, Wyoming
Alpine, Wyoming.
htrnr/Getty Images/iStockphoto
2020 population: 1,229
2025 population: 1,382
Percentage growth: 13%
Alpine sits on the Idaho-Wyoming border and is near Jackson, one of the state's 10 most populous cities.
An aerial view of the Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York.
J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images
Oheka Castle, the second-largest private home in the US, has been sold for $72 million.
The estate is said to have inspired "The Great Gatsby" and has been used in film and TV.
It's also a favorite wedding venue for celebrities, such as Kevin Jonas, Megyn Kelly, and more.
If you've ever read or seen "The Great Gatsby," you know 1920s New York was home to extravagant mansions with owners who hosted lavish parties — and if you've watched "The Gilded Age," you know those parties began decades earlier in the 1870s.
And if you're a really dedicated fan, you just missed your chance to own a piece of F. Scott Fitzgerald history yourself. Oheka Castle, a sprawling, century-old estate said to have inspired the parties in "The Great Gatsby," went up for auction on October 27, via Concierge Auctions and Adam Modlin of The Modlin Group.
Its original homeowner was financier Otto Hermann Kahn, who built Oheka Castle — named after its owner (Oh-He-Ka) — in 1919 on Long Island.
Kahn's wife used to call the home "Otto's zoo," and it seemed to be an accurate description. A-listers of the time used to party at the 109,000-square-foot home, with Kahn as a Gatsby-like figure entertaining all his guests.
But Oheka's journey didn't end there. After Kahn's death in 1934, the property changed hands numerous times until it was abandoned in the '80s. Fires, vandalism, and theft devastated it.
According to Oheka Castle, land developer Gary Melius then purchased the estate and spent $40 million restoring it to its former glory. He defaulted on a loan over a decade ago, Forbes reported, and declared bankruptcy in July 2025 to forestall what happened this week: Oheka on the auction block.
Per Concierge Auction, seven bidders were competing for Oheka, but the eventual winner, Gold Coast Property & Estate Management LLC, is set to pay $72 million for the property, pending approval. The sale also includes a pre-approved plan to build a four-story condo building.
"This sale marks an exciting next chapter for Oheka and an opportunity for its next owner to preserve that legacy while bringing a new vision to the estate," said Modlin.
Today, Oheka is the second-largest private home in the US, behind only the Biltmore House in North Carolina. It's a popular venue for weddings, a restaurant, and a hotel, and has been featured in movies, TV shows, and music videos. Taylor Swift even filmed the "Blank Space" video there.
You can also tour the grounds for $30. I took the tour in April 2024 and was astonished by the beauty of Oheka Castle. Here's what it was like to visit.
Oheka Castle was built in 1919 by German-American financier Otto Hermann Kahn.
The grounds at Oheka.
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He spent about $11 million, or about $213 million in today's currency, to build Oheka on 443 acres of land in West Hills, New York.
The front of Oheka.
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Oheka Castle has seen a lot in its 100-plus years, and for anyone who wants to learn more, tours are offered twice daily.
Sitting outside of Oheka.
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So, I decided to visit. All I knew about Oheka was that Kevin Jonas got married there and Taylor Swift filmed the "Blank Space" music video there.
"Blank Space."
YouTube
But Oheka has a rich history. I learned all about it on a beautiful afternoon in April 2024.
Standing by the gazebo.
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When you drive to the entryway, it's a bit intimidating. There's someone working the gate who must let you in.
The front gate.
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Then comes a long driveway. I felt like I was going back in time to the Gilded Age.
The driveway.
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My first look at the main house was astounding — and yes, I mean house. Oheka Castle is the second-largest private residence in the US.
The front door.
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It's also on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added in September 2004.
The plaque adding Oheka to the National Register of Historic Places.
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When Kahn built this house, he had three requirements: He wanted to be high up, he wanted a view of the water, and he needed the house to be fireproof.
An exterior staircase.
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His previous house in New Jersey had burned down. Oheka, in contrast, is built largely out of stone.
Some of the stonework at Oheka.
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I went inside and waited in front of a grand staircase with the rest of my group for our tour to begin.
The staircase.
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When it began, we saw photos of how the house looked before its current owner restored it. We'd learn more about this later.
The grand staircase in 1984.
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The first room we entered was this beautiful entryway with a mural of the sky on the ceiling.
The entryway.
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The house itself is 112,895 square feet today and has 127 rooms.
More of Oheka.
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Many of the rooms are dedicated to showing off the home's history, like the Chaplin Room.
The Chaplin Room.
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Charlie Chaplin was just one of the many '20s A-listers who hung out at Oheka. This photo shows Chaplin (right) with Kahn (center) and actor Douglas Fairbanks (left).
Fairbanks, Kahn, and Chaplin.
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In fact, according to my tour guide, Jay Gatsby's wild parties in "The Great Gatsby" were inspired by what was going down at Oheka in the '20s.
"The Great Gatsby."
Warner Bros. Pictures
This was Kahn's wife Adelaide's favorite room. Adelaide wasn't as big of an entertainer as her husband, but this sunny room was perfect for guests.
Adelaide's favorite room.
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This ballroom is the only room that's not original to Kahn's time inside Oheka today.
The ballroom.
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But as you can see from the ballroom's windows, Oheka met Kahn's requirement for a view of the water. He used to dock his yacht there.
That's Cold Spring Harbor in the background.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Kahn, who was Jewish, also built a golf course on his property — country clubs at the time wouldn't admit Jewish people or allow them to play.
The golf course next to Oheka.
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After Kahn's death in 1934, the property was shuffled between owners. From 1948 to 1979, it was the Eastern Military Academy.
Otto Kahn in 1933.
NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images
During those days, what is now the breakfast room was used as a gym.
A breakfast room.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
From that room, we made our way to this huge library.
Oheka's library.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
A portrait of Kahn hung above the fireplace.
Otto Hermann Kahn.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Our final stop on the first floor was this room, which also houses a bar. Press clippings about Oheka adorned the walls.
The bar.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Among the displayed articles was Danielle and Kevin Jonas' wedding spread in People. They got married at the estate in 2009.
Kevin and Danielle Jonas' wedding spread in People.
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Then we went upstairs to check out the hotel and bridal suite.
The hallway at Oheka's hotel.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The bridal suite, which is on the fourth floor, opens with this mural-covered entryway.
The bridal suite entryway.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
A beautiful open room with windows allows wedding parties to take in the view of Oheka's well-manicured grounds.
Bridal suite.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
The gardens at Oheka are breathtaking from above.
The garden from the bridal suite.
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Here's the main bedroom of the bridal suite.
The bedroom in the bridal suite.
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The primary bathroom has a bathtub and a shower.
The bridal suite bathroom.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Then it was time to check out the gardens — and to learn what happened to Oheka.
The gardens.
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When the Eastern Military Academy went bankrupt and vacated its premises in 1979, Oheka was left abandoned.
Oheka Castle in 2014.
John Paraskevas/Newsday RM/Getty Images
Residents who lived nearby were concerned about vandalism. One neighbor even took this statue for safekeeping and returned it when Oheka was restored in the '80s.
A statue at Oheka.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Land developer Gary Melius purchased Oheka in 1984 and spent $40 million restoring it to its former glory.
Huntington, N.Y.: Businessman Gary Melius during an interview in his office at Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York on August 6, 2014.
Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday RM/Getty Images
The gardens were originally designed by the Olmsted Brothers, best known for helping with Central Park.
The front yard at Oheka.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Melius used those original sketches to restore Oheka.
The gazebo at Oheka.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
These statues were tracked down at an auction and are thought to date back to the Renaissance.
A statue at Oheka.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Now, it's a beautiful wedding venue, hotel, restaurant, and home — Melius keeps an apartment on the third floor.
The restaurant at Oheka.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
As I left the grounds, I got one more look at the restaurant and its courtyard.
The courtyard.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
I would highly recommend taking a tour of Oheka. As I viewed its stunning surroundings and learned about its unique history, I felt like I was traveling back in time.
Sitting at the fountain.
Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider
Editor's Note: This story was originally published in September 2026 and most recently updated in October 2026.
La notte più spaventosa dell’anno adesso si festeggia anche d’estate. Un sondaggio della società di consulenza Pwc dimostra come quasi un terzo dei consumatori americani abbia cominciato a prepararsi per Halloween in anticipo. Il ventotto per cento degli acquirenti ha cominciato lo shopping per la festività già tra luglio e agosto. Una percentuale superiore del sedici per cento rispetto al 2025. A rientrare in questo trend sono perlopiù le persone nate tra il 1981 e il 1996, i millenial, alla ricerca di dolciumi e prodotti adatti alle famiglie. Anche la generazione più giovane, la Gen Z, ha iniziato a prepararsi già a settembre.
Questo fenomeno si inserisce in una tendenza commerciale che si è sviluppata soprattutto durante i mesi estivi: il Summerween, un termine nato dalla crasi tra “summer” e “halloween” che indica la consuetudine di festeggiare Halloween durante i mesi estivi. L’idea è quella di organizzare feste in piscina, giornate in spiaggia, o gite fuori porta a tema Halloween, intagliando angurie come fossero zucche, guardando film horror o leggendo libri dalle atmosfere spettrali, thriller, romanzi gotici, come dimostrano diversi video della comunity BookTok.
Il termine è stato coniato nell’ottobre 2012, all’interno del dodicesimo episodio della prima stagione di Gravity Falls intitolato proprio Summerween. “Le persone di questo paese amano così tanto Halloween che lo festeggiano due volte l’anno”, dice uno dei personaggi, spiegando ai gemelli Dipper e Mabel perchè nella misteriosa cittadina di Gravity Falls la festa si celebri sia il 31 ottobre sia il 22 giugno. Poiché d’estate le zucche non sono ancora mature, la tradizione inventata dalla serie prevede di intagliare le angurie, ribattezzate “jack-o’-melons”. Nell’episodio i due gemelli cercano di raccogliere cinquecento caramelle per non essere mangiati dal Summerween Trickster, una creatura fatta di dolci scartati che mangia i bambini che non mostrano uno spirito Summerween.
La tendenza si è poi diffusa su TikTok, dove i video sul Summerween sono stati spesso accompagnati al classico synth-pop “West End Girls” dei Pet Shop Boys, unendo un’estetica estiva a un immaginario spettrale. Dai social, è arrivata sugli scaffali. La catena Michaels, specializzata fai-da-te, hobby e bricolage, ha iniziato a esporre articoli legati ad Halloween, già nei primi mesi estivi. Lo ha fatto per esempio con la linea “Pastelween”, che sostituisce il nero e l’arancione tipici di Halloween con colori pastello. Lo stesso hanno fatto anche altre catene, come West Elm e HomeGoods.
«Ciò che è divertente, quando si inizia in estate, è dare una svolta ai colori e all’estetica: si richiamano le atmosfere di Halloween, pur mantenendo lo spirito estivo», ha raccontato al New York Times Toni Gabriele, che insieme a Laurie Necco gestisce l’azienda Ghost Girl Greetings, che vende biglietti d’auguri, adesivi e infradito a tema Summerween. «Quest’anno ha avuto un successo davvero esplosivo», ha detto allo stesso quotidiano Miranda Enzor, editrice di Spooky Little Halloween, rivista trimestrale e sito web. «La comunità online dedicata ad Halloween ha iniziato a usarlo per dare un tocco a tema Halloween anche alle altre stagioni e festività».
C’è chi legge in questo fenomeno anche un’insofferenza ormai diffusa verso l’estate e il desiderio di rifugiarsi in un immaginario più confortevole e rassicurante, quello della stagione autunnale. A fine luglio, il Guardian ha pubblicato una selezione di consigli di film “da guardare durante un’ondata di calore” per dare agli spettatori un po’ di sollievo dal caldo estremo. Un tentativo di sfuggire dalle estati sempre più torride e assaporare il comfort dell’autunno.
Anche il cinema ha provato a intercettare la tendenza. Ne è un esempio Summerween, l’horror scritto e diretto da Ryan Ebert e distribuito da The Asylum il 26 giugno 2026. Nel film, un ex clown da circo evade da un istituto psichiatrico in occasione del decimo anniversario dei suoi primi omicidi. Torna nella sua vecchia villa abbandonata, dove un gruppo di ragazzi sta festeggiando l’Halloween di mezza estate.
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