Should You Rent Or Buy? In North Carolina This Is The Better Option

You typically think of renting as being the most cost-effective (at least short-term) option for living. But if you're like me with your rent steadily increasing year to year in a way your paycheck just isn't. So it begs the question, would I better off just buying something?  Turns out that is the better option on average in Charlotte. According to data shared with us by Today's Homeowner, it’s actually cheaper to buy a home and pay off a 30-year mortgage in Charlotte than rent long-term. But with rent being so astronomical how can you even save up the money for a down payment?

Our friends at Today's Homeowner analyzed the differential between the cost of owning and renting over a 30-year time period. They also surveyed renters about the barriers keeping them from home ownership. In Charlotte specifically, homeowners spend an average of $1,536 less than renters on housing costs yearly. And you may want to sit down for this fact- The average homeowner in Charlotte will spend a total of $1,143,134 over the course of 30 years. It's not much cheaper than renting which will cost you $1,189,224. And I would wager it will end up being more with the cost of everything rising exponentially.

Some other interesting tidbits from the study are that rent costs Charlotte residents on average $1,845 a month. Well, I'm glad mine is below average but it's still way too high. Still, just under 80% of renters have aspirations to own a home. But Today's Homeowner says these are the biggest barriers keeping them from home ownership.

I personally agree with the 1/3 of people who say that there is nothing affordable. The prices are outrageous for seemingly nothing. Hopefully this calms down soon. You can read the full Today's Homeowner study here.

There is just something so romantic about the fall and winter seasons. When the weather gets cold it's the perfect time for curling up by the fire under a blanket with the one you love. Those dark early evenings provide the perfect ambiance for date night. And is there anything more romantic than walking under twinkling Christmas lights? Fall and winter are the perfect times for a romantic getaway. America has a lot of small towns that are perfect for a romantic getaway. And while sure a big city can certainly be romantic. Sometimes a small town can offer a little more in the way of privacy and romance. Which is why it's a good thing that four South Carolina towns were named the most romantic in the US.

Small towns feature a slower pace of life, smaller crowds, and with that more privacy and charm. This is why the travel experts at New York Travel Guides conducted a study to find the 140 most romantic small towns in America. So you can know and take advantage of them. And just because 140 is a lot doesn't mean, states are equally represented. Far from it in fact. North Carolina (home to many renowned small towns) only had one included on this list. Compared to the four South Carolina towns deemed romantic.

These small towns included on this list are home to cozy coffee shops, beautiful hotels and spas, and romantic waterfront restaurants. They also offer that holiday romance mentioned previously. So if you are planning that romantic fall or winter getaway look no further than these four South Carolina towns. Towns on this list were determined by New York Travel Guides from a total of 600 small towns. Towns were graded on the following metrics: romantic places to stay, romantic activities, historic architecture and scenery, and cozy coffee shops and restaurants.

Keep reading to see the four South Carolina towns that made the most romantic list. As well as a few others nearby to consider for you next getaway! You can view the full New York Travel Guides list here.

Romantic Places to Stay Score: 9

Romantic Activities Score: 4

Historic Architecture and Scenery Score: 58.4

Cozy Coffee Shops and Restaurants Score: 11

Aiken may not have been your first guess for a town on this list. But the southern South Carolina town is filled with gracious hospitality, history, and Southern charm. The town hosts a number of spooky events in the fall, and holiday concerts, lights parades and more. Learn more about visiting Aiken here.

Romantic Places to Stay Score: 11

Romantic Activities Score: 8

Historic Architecture and Scenery Score: 55.1

Cozy Coffee Shops and Restaurants Score: 10

What's more romantic than strolling the historic streets of Beaufort framed by natural foliage and centuries-old, moss-draped live oaks? This Lowcountry town has a rich history dating back to 1512. The Holidays are a magical time to visit especially during the Night On The Town festival the first weekend in December. Plan your visit to Beaufort here.

Romantic Places to Stay Score: 24

Romantic Activities Score: 5

Historic Architecture and Scenery Score: 48.3

Cozy Coffee Shops and Restaurants Score: 8

Just south of Myrtle Beach is Pawley's Island, but the culture of this small coastal town feels world's away (and much more romantic) than its tourist hotspot neighbor. Visitors can stay amongst the well-preserved natural areas and historic landmarks. Visiting in the fall? Check out Halloween on the Marshwalk. Any time of year you can enjoy the famed Hammock Shops. And of course, dine with the delicious fresh seafood. Learn more about visiting Pawley's Island here.

Romantic Places to Stay Score: 22

Romantic Activities Score: 8

Historic Architecture and Scenery Score: 52.5

Cozy Coffee Shops and Restaurants Score: 22

Fall on the island of Hilton Head means festivals like the Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival, live music, culinary events, fall festivals, and Oktoberfest. Off-season for the beach means better rates and more privacy! But the restaurants and shops and everything that makes Hilton Head a wonderful destination is still there to welcome you to paradise. Learn more about visiting Hilton Head Island here.

Romantic Places to Stay Score: 6

Romantic Activities Score: 11

Historic Architecture and Scenery Score: 55.6

Cozy Coffee Shops and Restaurants Score: 7

It's about time we looked at a mountain town on this list. Blowing Rock is a charming town right outside of Boone, with a quaint Main Street, incredible restaurants, as well as shopping and outdoor activities. Sitting on a bench in the park after dinner watching the falling snow in the winter with the town lit up? Sounds about as romantic as it can get to me. Learn more about visiting Blowing Rock here.

Romantic Places to Stay Score: 8

Romantic Activities Score: 10

Historic Architecture and Scenery Score: 49.3

Cozy Coffee Shops and Restaurants Score: 10

Helen, Georgia is a bustling alpine village set against a scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the charming German village, food, Oktoberfest, and history to the outdoor adventure activities it offers something for everyone! The town is only slightly over 2 square miles but there is plenty to see and do. Learn more about visiting Helen here. 

Romantic Places to Stay Score: 22

Romantic Activities Score: 15

Historic Architecture and Scenery Score: 57.6

Cozy Coffee Shops and Restaurants Score: 12

I'll be honest, Gatlinburg ranking this high in the romance department, didn't make sense to me at first. This is a thriving tourist hot spot of a town in the Smoky Mountains. And while the heart of the town, might have a little too much hustle and bustle and kids around, to be considered romantic. A cozy cabin in the mountains offers lots of romantic vibes. Especially as the leaves change, and in to the holiday season. Learn more about visiting Gatlinburg here.

Stepping back into a simpler time can certainly be romantic. And that's what you get at this historical town of Colonial Williamsburg, VA. Enjoy a candlelight dinner in one of the four historic taverns, and a walk around the town with the fall foliage or the streets lined with burning cressetts. You can also get luxury at the Williamsburg Inn and Spa so you won't be roughing it! Learn more about visiting Colonial Williamsburg here.

St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city. It's full of romantic experiences including centuries-old buildings, horse-drawn carriages, hidden courtyards, and more. And winter is the perfect time for a romantic getaway when the city is lit up for Nights of Lights the breathtaking holiday festival. Learn more about visiting St. Augustine here.