Where The Money Is: A CNNMoney Special Report

this blog post was originally published as "20 US Towns With The Most Money" on another blog of mine: Keyboard Monkeys | Tips, Tricks and Advice for the Digital Entrepreneur. Real estate, I believe is an industry entrepreneurs aspire to, regardless of background. In fact, it was this very post that inspired me to set up this blog, Terra Est Nostri | Renzie on Real Estate.

CNNMoney.com just released an article on 6-Figure Towns in the United States, and while there are quite a number of these town on the list, we're featuring a quick look at the top twenty on that list.

Clicking on each individual town or city brings you to that town's page on the special report, which gives you an overview, a list of key industries and key occupations in that particular town, and links to an interactive map and even more town data if you're interested.

1. Holmdel, NJ
Population: 16,500
Median family income (per year): $159,633
Median home price: $600,000
image courtesy of the PNC Bank Arts Center

2. Southborough, MA
Population: 9,880
Median family income (per year): $148,297
Median home price: $455,000

3. North Potomac, MD
Population: 24,909
Median family income (per year): $147,594
Median home price: $550,000

4. Redding, CT
Population: 9,365
Median family income (per year): $141,609
Median home price: $625,000*.

5. Western Springs, IL
Population: 12,629
Median family income (per year): $139,758
Median home price: $513,500
image courtesy of the City of Western Springs.

6. Hockessin, DE
Population: 13,772
Median family income (per year): $137,998
Median home price: $408,000

7. Hermosa Beach, CA
Population: 19,414
Median family income (per year): $137,941
Median home price: $1,135,000

8. Lone Tree, CO
Population: 9,159
Median family income (per year): $137,310
Median home price: $435,000

9. Sammamish, WA
Population: 35,242
Median family income (per year): $137,137
Median home price: $610,000
image courtesy of the City of Sammamish.

10. Birmingham, MI
Population: 19,040
Median family income (per year): $135,426
Median home price: $256,869

11. Chantilly, VA
Population: 46,708
Median family income (per year): $132,603
Median home price: $360,425

12. Greenburgh, NY
Population: 90,178
Median family income (per year): $131,619
Median home price: $575,000

13. Franklin Park, PA
Population: 12,023
Median family income (per year): $123,139
Median home price: $273,000
image courtesy of Franklin Park Borough.

14. Chanhassen, MN
Population: 23,720
Median family income (per year): $122,609
Median home price: $288,830

15. Plano, TX
Population: 260,796
Median family income (per year): $121,988
Median home price: $201,842

16. Johnston, IA
Population: 15,261
Median family income (per year): $120,776
Median home price: $208,000

17. Lake Oswego, OR
Population: 36,698
Median family income (per year): $119,630
Median home price: $456,250
image courtesy of the City of Lake Oswego

18. Morrisville, NC
Population: 13,361
Median family income (per year): $118,545
Median home price: $263,000

19. Alpharetta, GA
Population: 49,662
Median family income (per year): $117,002
Median home price: $297,450

20. Montgomery, OH
Population: 10,210
Median family income (per year): $116,871
Median home price: $254,000*

Other towns in CNN's list of 6-Figure Towns: Ponte Vedra, FL, Whitefish Bay, WI, Hanover, NH, Kailua, HI, Granger, IN, Overland Park, KS, Holladay, UT and Edgewood, KY.

This has been a special report from the editors of Money Magazine, courtesy of the good people over at CNN.com.

Cheers, everyone.

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Microtel Inn & Suites Cavite

Microtel Inn & Suites is a budget hotel chain with locations in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Mexico and Honduras.

It is said that a stay in any Microtel facility is equal to a stay in any other Microtel Inn & Suites, as the hotel chain sticks to the international standards of quality while ensuring affordability.

The Microtel Inn & Suites Cavite has 57 rooms, and provides an ideal setting that combines comfort, privacy and a convenient location at great value.

The Gateway Business Park/ Special Economic Zone and the First Cavite Industrial Estate are conveniently nearby, making the hotel a perfect place for travelers with business affairs in the area.

One of the best things about the Microtel Inn & Suites Cavite is that the hotel is located within the 700-hectare Eagle Ridge Golf and Residential Estates- which has four championship golf courses for your enjoyment. The courses have been designed by Isao Aoki, Andy Dye, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman.

The hotel does not have in-house dining facilities, but there are many restaurants and bars nearby, which are easily accessible from the hotel.

Other amenities, facilities and services include wi-fi internet connection at the lobby and a business center, which may be used for a minimal fee.

Average year-round price is US$41 per room-night. Other Microtel Inn & Suites locations include Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, Davao and Tarlac.


Microtel Inn & Suites
Eagle Ridge, Cavite, Philippines
(632) 671.7171
http://www.microtel-cavite.com


Other Sources:
http://www.travelmart.net
http://www.tripadvisor.com

Cheers, everyone!

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Red Box: Singing to the Tune of Global Karaoke Entertainment

from the personal travel notes of Renzie Baluyut.

Red Box has always been my first choice when it comes to great karaoke here in Metro Manila. It's comfortable, it's got a huge selection of songs, they got good food and drinks, and you can do so much more than just karaoke.

In fact, when family and friends fly in from out-of-town, one of the places I take them to at first opportunity is Red Box, and spend several hours singing our lungs out, playing billiards, or even going for a round of Nintendo Wii.

Here's something on Red Box from the official press kit I got a few days ago:

Only an international entertainment hub would understand that more than just getting a perfect score, true karaoke is a multi-sensory experience.

This is especially true in the Philippine karaoke scene where in the past, karaoke bars were viewed as sleazy, noise generating nuisances. Several attempts to make karaoke a more palatable experience popped left and right, but none gave the discerning, music-loving market a venue edgy and savvy enough to suit their taste.

But in 2003, Red Box, a leading karaoke bar in Hong Kong and Malaysia, splashed a new color to the metro's karaoke industry, one that exudes global sophistication. Since then, Red Box was able to redefine the concept of the genuine karaoke experience as something that is chic and classy--a destination anchored on the diversity of entertainment options.

“The needs of the Filipino karaoke market have evolved – they became well traveled, more modern, and greatly aware of the options available to them. They put premium on technology, style, and fun. And for a music loving nation whose demands are changing, I believe that Red Box is all of these – a fashionable place for cosmopolitan karaoke experience and more,” says Paolo del Rosario, Marketing Director of Red Box.

A fusion of music, dining, leisure and recreation, Red Box has delighted aspiring singers, food connoisseurs, laid back drinkers, rowdy gamers, and even top notch executives.

Songs to Last the Whole Night Long

Red Box is probably holds the distinction of being a karaoke bar that holds the most extensive song selection in the market today. With approximately 100, 000 songs and music videos that is updated on a weekly basis, enthusiasts can choose from the classic favorites like Frank Sinatra's My Way, to Britney Spears' latest hit, to Regine Velasquez's newest single, defining Red Box is a music oasis where anyone can sing his or her heart out in style.

Drink and Dine the Global Way

Most karaoke bars don't pay much attention to their food and drink offerings. How many times have you gone to a karaoke and ordered the usual sisig along with a conventional beer brand prepared and served in the same way bystanders in a sari-sari store do it?

Red Box's dining experience and menu is at par with the best restaurants in the city. Guided by culinary experts, Red Box offers a delectable selection of gastronomic delights ranging from local, Asian, continental and even vegetarian dishes. It is also the first karaoke bar to open at lunch time, providing metropolitan gourmands additional dining destinations.

To complement the menu, Red Box offers a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Quench your thirst after an intense song with skillfully prepared cocktail drinks like all time favorites Margarita and Sex on the Beach; top international beer brands like Stella Artois and Corona, and internationally renowned gourmet coffees and teas from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

World Class Leisure and Recreation Haven

Red Box also features a mix of leisure and recreational facilities that adds a sophisticated twist to your karaoke experience. This unique offering also enables you and your family or friends to gather in one place despite of varying interests. Whether you opt to play a game of pool, battle it out on the poker table or simply lounge in the karaoke bar's comfy sofa, Red Box makes sure that nobody will be left out of the fun.

The Hue of International Karaoke Experience

With Red Box's extensive and well thought of services, today’s more sophisticated urbanites can enjoy a karaoke experience that is comparable to how most first class cities in the world enjoy their own. “Before Red Box, the karaoke business has never been taken seriously. Mixing art, technology and a lot of fun, we want our customers to sing, eat, drink, play and lounge in the distinctly global Red Box way,” says Paolo.

Experience a different level of karaoke high. Red Box has branches in Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma. For more information and inquiries, please call 757-6188 or visit www.redbox.com.ph.

Photos and text from the Red Box press kit.

Cheers, everyone.

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