Latest news with #Niche
Time Out
15-07-2025
- General
- Time Out
These are the best places to live in Greater Boston, says new study
Pack your bags—or just your smug sense of civic pride. Brookline has officially been crowned the best place to live in the Boston metro area, according to a new ranking by Stacker that pulled data from Niche's deep-dive analysis of livability factors across the region. The leafy enclave just west of Boston snagged the top spot thanks to its high marks in education, safety, walkability and housing, earning an overall A+ grade. If you're already picturing Victorian townhouses and Green Line trains gliding past Coolidge Corner, you're not alone. Brookline blends urban edge with suburban calm, though its sky-high home prices make it more aspirational than accessible for many. Hot on its heels were Cambridge, Lexington, Belmont and Newton, each boasting their own A+ Niche scores and postcard-worthy vibes. Cambridge continues its reign as a list darling, with recent nods from both Niche and Boston Magazine as the best place to live not just in Greater Boston, but the entire U.S. back in 2023. The rest of the top 25 is a greatest hits of well-heeled, family-friendly towns: think Sudbury, Wellesley, Winchester and Hopkinton. But don't sleep on the so-called bottom five. Even #25 Westwood and #24 Medway earned A or A+ grades, proving that 'last place' on this list still means top-tier public schools, low crime and a solid quality of life. The rankings were compiled using 15 weighted factors, including cost of living, education level, diversity, outdoor access and nightlife. Stacker relied on data from the U.S. Census, public health sources and user-reported experiences on Niche to crunch the numbers. So, whether you're looking to settle down, trade up or just fuel your neighborhood envy, Greater Boston's best are ready for their close-up. Just don't expect a deal—many of these A+ towns also come with A+ price tags.
Forbes
30-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Survey Says…Parents Matter In College Admission And They Feel It Is Rigged
Parents' Three-Word Descriptions of College Admission Even if you are not a follower of the long-running game show, Family Feud, you have no doubt heard their 'survey says' tagline. In the game, families compete by guessing the answers to survey questions on a range of topics, and it gets rowdy! College admission often feels like a similar face-off between families, leaving them confused, concerned, and conjecturing. It is not an solitary process where applicants must find their way without support. Experience has shown the critical role of parents in postsecondary planning. After all, we love our kids and want a future for them that is full of success. We also don't want them living in our basement for eternity! Recent surveys reveal, however, just how nuanced and complex this planning process is for parents to navigate. While high school counselors are the most qualified to offer students guidance on college admission and career pathways, they have a herculean job. They often have caseloads drastically exceeding the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommended student-to-counselor ratio of 250:1. Counselors are balancing the physical, intellectual, and social-emotional well-being of the students with whom they work, and despite the best intentions, their time and resources are limited. Sadly there are systemic failures. A recent survey from the Niche college search platform found that 1 in 5 juniors never meet with their school counselors, with 17% saying they received no guidance on the college search process. This is consistent with the findings of a 2019 Education Trust report. The reality is that even those of us (I am a high school counselor) who are fortunate to have smaller caseloads are not available 24/7. I am not at the kitchen table on Sunday morning or in the car with families on a summer night when they are often discussing college admission. Who is? Parents, but they often feel left out of the equation. A survey conducted by the American Student Assistance (ASA) found that parents have the greatest influence on their child's post-secondary path. Ninety-one percent of student respondents reported that they discussed their post-high school plans with their parents. Research by the enrollment management firm EAB confirms the ASA findings–the majority of students identify family as the greatest influence on which pathway they plan to pursue. But parents are not getting the information they want and need. A 2024 EAB study found that 73% of parents want direct communications from colleges. It also discovered that students who are not responding to outreach campaigns from colleges have a 47% greater likelihood of applying when a college has their parent contact information. Michael Koppenheffer, vice president of Enroll360 Marketing at EAB says, 'In an era of intensive parenting, it's not surprising that most parents expect direct and transparent communication from colleges. Concerns about cost, value, and campus safety are top of mind for today's parents, and our research shows that many parents now look for open, ongoing dialogue with institutions throughout the college search process. Colleges that engage families early across multiple channels build trust, ultimately influencing where students choose to enroll.' A May survey conducted by College Guidance Network (with whom I work) revealed not just a lack of communication, but also a significant trust deficit. Sixty-five percent of parents report that the system feels rigged against them and they are pleading for transparency, fairness, and insight into how to play the admissions game. While hoping for fairness may be a fool's errand (the process is simply not built for this), transparency and insight are reasonable expectations. Survey respondents volunteer words like "stressful," "confusing," 'tedious,' and "expensive" to describe college admission, and negative associations outnumber positive terms six to one. These attitudes are consistent across income level, school type (private/public/charter), and first‑generation status. Only 11% of parents report feeling 'very confident' guiding their student through the admission process and 63% say they are struggling, missing details, or need extensive guidance. The top concern of parents is that their teen is 'not competing on a level playing field,' followed closely by fear of making costly financial mistakes. As chief product officer at College Guidance Network (CGN), Michael Kolowich designed and conducted the survey of a national sample of 602 parents. He observes that 'college admissions has evolved over time from a straight sprint to a kind of escape room: the clues are scattered everywhere, but parents don't have a master key to solve the puzzle." CGN's research revealed four distinct parent mindsets that can help colleges better understand their concerns and needs: Anxious Planners, Confident Navigators, Skeptical Realists, and Hands-Off Hopefuls. Every one of them is hunting for a different kind of key to solve the puzzle. Here's more on the four segments the survey identified: Parent engagement strategies in high schools and colleges should incorporate the unique needs and concerns that characterize each of these styles. By doing so they will not only provide important guidance to those who are often the primary financial stakeholder, but as the EAB research found, colleges will also increase the likelihood that students in their inquiry funnel will apply. Parents are not just hungry for information about traditional four-year colleges. Judy Goldstein is the senior vice president of communications for American Student Assistance (ASA). She says, 'Nearly 90% of parents are interested in learning more about non-degree pathways for their children, and two in five want schools to start advising students about their post-secondary options as early as middle school,' Goldstein adds, 'Overall, there is a need for widespread access to the information, resources, and experiences focused on diverse post-secondary education and career pathways earlier in students' educational journeys. Doing so will ensure that young people–and their families–are equipped to make informed, confident decisions about the path after high school that meets their needs and aspirations.' The take-home message from all of these surveys is that we need to better support parents who often feel like they are flying without instruments. K-12 schools need to start earlier and be adequately funded to provide the resources necessary, not just for students but for parents as well. Colleges and universities must better understand the needs of parents and others who support applicants and find more effective ways to connect and communicate with them early and often. If not, families will continue to feud and make uninformed guesses as they navigate the escape room of college admission.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best county to live in Texas houses fastest-growing city in US: Report
The Brief Part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex has been named the best county to live in Texas by a new report from Niche. Collin County has seen massive recent growth and development, and includes Princeton, the fastest-growing city in the country. The top-ranking county's score is attributed to its highly-rated public schools, strong job market, diverse environment, and family-friendly atmosphere. COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - A new report shows that the best overall county to live in Texas is a part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex - but it's not Dallas County. Collin County is home to some of the biggest development in the country, including Princeton, the fastest-growing city in the U.S. Nestled just northeast of Dallas proper, Collin County includes growing cities like Frisco, Plano and McKinney. The county has seen a recent surge in population growth, and is now home to 1,116,601 residents in total. According to a recent report from Niche, Collin County's excellent public schools, nightlife, diversity, job market and family-oriented atmosphere mark it as one of the best places to live in the state. Public schools in the area were graded an A+ by Niche. The county hosts Liberty High School, Plano East, Independence High School and Centennial High School, to name a few. Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living, Collin County is also graded A+ for working. The median household income for the area is $117,588, much higher than the national median of $78,538. The county has also attracted major investments in the wake of population growth, including the Dallas Cowboys' world headquarters relocation to Frisco, and a coming Universal Studios Kids Resort theme park scheduled to open in 2026. What they're saying "I've been living in Wylie, Texas, Collin County, for over 4 years. My experience has been very satisfying and gratifying compared to living near downtown Dallas and commuting to and from downtown Dallas," one resident said in a review. "Collin County is much more spacious and much more manicured (than) some places in Dallas. There seems to be many public & private schools available. It's the dream suburbia lifestyle that many find desirable. I highly recommend branching out into Collin County to start a family or even start a business." "The area has multiple areas to enjoy a night out, a walk through a park, and amazing schools. As a former student in one of the schools listed in the area, there was support in and out of the school setting for a plethora of goals in my future," another resident said. Dig deeper Recently, the Collin County city of Princeton was found by the U.S. Census to be the fastest-growing in the country. Princeton's population grew by 30 percent in just one year, and has more than doubled since 2020. Princeton isn't the only booming city in the county. Anna, Celina and Melissa were also among the 15 fastest-growing cities in the nation in the recent census findings. Of the full ranking from Niche, two other DFW counties made their way into the top 10. 1: Collin County 2: Fort Bend County 3: Rockwall County 4: Denton County 5: Travis County 6: Williamson County 7: Comal County 8: Kendall County 9: Lubbock County 10: Brewster County The Source Information in this report comes from Niche and previous FOX 4 reporting.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Yahoo
This county was named the best to live in Texas in 2025. And no, it's not Travis County.
Looking for the best place to live in Texas? A new report ranks the top counties across the Lone Star State — and the winner might surprise you. It's not home to any of Texas' biggest cities — not Austin, not Houston, not San Antonio or Dallas — but it sits just a short drive away, quietly climbing the charts in quality of life, family-friendliness, and opportunity. The Niche list evaluated Texas' counties based on nearly a dozen factors, including public school ratings, cost of living, job opportunities and access to amenities. Each category was assigned a letter grade using data from the U.S. Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control and other sources. Here's how the top Lone Star State's counties stacked up and why. Collin County Fort Bend County Rockwall County Denton County Travis County Williamson County Comal County Kendall County Lubbock County Brewster County Collin County — home to booming cities like Frisco, Plano, and McKinney — has become one of the most rapidly developing regions in the United States, even claiming the nation's fastest-growing city: Princeton. Fueled by a surge in population, the county has attracted major investments. The Dallas Cowboys relocated their world headquarters to Frisco, and Universal Studios is developing a first-of-its-kind theme park designed specifically for families. Collin County also boasts one of the top-rated public school districts in Texas and ranks as the healthiest county in the state, according to Niche, which awarded the county an overall grade of A+. Here's how the county scored across key categories: Public Schools: A+ Good for Families: A+ Jobs: A+ Health & Fitness: A+ Diversity: A Nightlife: A- Housing: B+ Outdoor Activities: B+ Commute: B Weather: B Cost of Living: C+ Despite a lower mark for cost of living, Collin County continues to thrive as one of the most sought-after places to live, work, and raise a family in Texas. A four-year resident shared their experience living in Collin County. "My experience has been very satisfying and gratifying compared to living near downtown Dallas and commuting to and from downtown Dallas," the user wrote. "Collin County is much more spacious and much more manicured that some places in Dallas. There seems to be many public & private schools available. It's the dream suburbia lifestyle that many find desirable. I highly recommend branching out into Collin County to start a family or even start a business." Niche ranked Texas' counties based on how livable they are, using data from the U.S. Census and other reliable sources. The goal was to measure the overall quality of life in each area by looking at factors that matter most to residents. These included things like: Higher education rate: How many people have a college degree. Cost of living: How affordable it is to live there. Housing: Home values, property taxes, and local school quality. Public schools: Based on school ratings and student population. Diversity: Ethnic, age, and income diversity. Jobs: Employment rates, job growth, and income stability. Health & fitness: Access to healthcare and community health statistics. Outdoor activities & weather: Access to parks and good weather. Commute times: How long it typically takes to get to work. Nightlife: Access to restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Niche also considered feedback from people who lived in each county to help shape the rankings. Each category was assigned a letter grade, and these grades were combined to determine an overall score for each county. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Which county is the best to live in Texas? Here's what Niche says
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-phoenix-arizona-SUNNIESTCITY0625-99a46776a7b34b4aae0482059af2104a.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
24-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Is the Sunniest City in the U.S. With 211 Days of Sunshine a Year—and It's Nicknamed 'the Valley of the Sun'
There's nothing quite like basking in the sun on a glorious, care-free vacation day. However, if you're like the average American, you only get about two full weeks off a year. That means you really need to use those days wisely. Luckily, a new study is highlighting exactly where you should go on a domestic getaway filled with plenty of sunshine. In early June, released its findings on the eight sunniest cities in the U.S., as part of its overall Best Places to Live in America list. To help people find the sunniest places for a trip, or to call their forever home, the team compared the annual average number of clear days in each city via data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It added that "eligible cities must also qualify for our Best Cities in America ranking," ensuring they are all-around top choices. After doing all that digging, it named Phoenix the sunniest spot. "Phoenix, known as 'The Valley of the Sun,' earns its nickname with an impressive 211 sunny days each year, making it the sunniest city in the United States," the findings shared. As for what makes it a special place, the site pulled one of its resident reviews, which explained, 'Phoenix is a dynamic, growing city that offers a mix of urban and suburban living. The weather is sunny nearly year-round, which is great for outdoor activities in spring, fall, and winter, though summers are intensely hot.' Joining Phoenix at the top of the list is another western desert destination, Las Vegas. According to the findings, the No. 2 location sees 210 days of sun a year, giving you plenty of chances to work on your tan. Clocking in at No. 3 is Fresno, California, which sees an impressive 194 days of sun a year. In reviews, "residents describe Fresno as having the convenience of a city with a small town feel," making it ultra charming. Rounding out the top five are El Paso, Texas, at No. 4, with 193 days of sun per year, and Tucson, Arizona, at No. 5, also with 193 days of sun per year. However, Tucson ranked slightly lower due to its overall Niche grade of B+, which is slightly lower than El Paso's A- grade. The rest of the list is made up of predictably sunny California destinations, which you can check out at
