Leeza Dennis

I asked some experts about the smart way to buy a house with partner—both financially and emotionally—if you're not married. Here's what they said.

Andrea Kaplan-Chambers and her husband have owned their Austin, Texas, home for a year now, but the path there wasn’t easy. The couple were both freelancers when they were applying for mortgages, (Kaplan-Chambers worked as a contract programmer and her husband owned a small sound design business) something they didn’t know was going to be as big of a problem as it ended up being.

如果你住在大城市,不让six-figures, you probably live with one or more roommates. And, of course, you probably wish every day that you could move to the middle of nowhere—where rents are cheap—and live alone. Well, surprise! Those dreams will probably never come true, because apartments throughout the country just aren’t as affordable as you think they are.

This property brings the simplicity of Bauhaus and the reverence of a cathedral together under one roof. Sturdy, warm and historical are some of the words that come to mind when it comes to this beautiful New York home. 6580 Bianchi Lane Located in Clarence, New York $890,000 4 bedrooms, 3 baths Things we love about this property crush: The cathedral ceiling brings instant character and history to the home, even with its modern amenities (that kitchen!).

This waterfront mid-century home combines beachy vibes with high modernism. 2061 NW 14th St Located in Miami, Florida, on the south side of the Miami River $969,000 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths 10,642 square feet of landscaping When you look upon this house, the first thing that catches your eye is the expansive and lush green landscaping. Palm trees frame the lot, opening up to a courtyard with a stone fire-pit that can light your dinner party on a warm, balmy night.

In the immortal words of Jimmy McMillan, “The rent is too damn high!” I live in Austin, which means my wallet cries each time I pay rent. Of course, I don’t live in a city where rent is sky-high like New York or San Francisco… but still, I don’t live in Toledo or Memphis, cities where the rent is barely-there. The burden for this writer is heavy to bear alone.

Texas is a big, big place—it takes an incredible 14 hours to drive across it!—which is why you need a solid game plan if you’re moving to the Lone Star State. Each of its cities and towns are unique, and all have different things to offer, depending on what you’re looking for. But whether you’re looking for the right spot to start your life or a bustling community to welcome you during your sunset years, there’s a vibrant place for you.