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10 homes with their own elevators

Home elevators aren't just for the super-rich anymore. As prices drop and technology improves, more homeowners are installing elevators, either retrofitting them into existing homes or installing them in new ones.

10 cities where you want to walk to work

The U.S. Census Bureau says 91% of Americans arrive to work by car or public transportation. But a recent Portland University study found that the happiest commuters were those who bike or walk to work. 

Insanely high grad school tuition

A graduate degree from a big-name school can pay off in the long run. The brand-name diplomas, however, come at a high price: more than $100,000 a year at some of the priciest schools. 

Wild Weather

Are you that person who tracks hurricane movements with Google alerts? Or maybe you sit for hours on the front porch to watch a good lightning show. If you love extreme weather, you’ll love our roundup of places across the globe with wild weather—from wind and waves to sandstorms and snow. 

10 secrets to live in your house forever

Aging is tough. But you don't have to sacrifice style anymore to ensure your home gets you through your golden years.

Gone are the days of assistance features that are ugly, hospital-drab and depressing. We found 10 design ideas that let you add convenience and safety for aging with panache.

10 crazy ways to blow $1,000

Have you ever wanted to dive with sharks or go to gladiator school? Yes, these experiences are pricey, but they could give you memories for a lifetime.

10 college football towns --for grownups

Do you talk college football more than you do current events? Do you don your favorite team colors, scream the familiar chants and show up for tailgating parties every game day? Here's where to call home if you love the top NCAA Division I football teams, according to the final 2012 Associated Press poll.

True cost of home-grown veggies

As the local food movement gains momentum, many consumers have become more interested in growing their own produce. Advocates like knowing the source of their food, and many swear it's tastier than store-bought. But does a home garden pay off?

Shrub hub: Unbelievable yard art

Does your yard need inspiration? We found 10 yards that take a new spin on topiary, plant and bush sculptures that have been popular on and off since the 17th century. 

Coldest places on earth

 Tired of the heat? Chill out by taking a peek at some of the world’s coldest places to live. 

Midcentury-modern marvels

As U.S. real estate markets show signs of improvement, midcentury-modern homes from the 1950s and '60s are capturing more demand. Think retro, sleek, clean lines, big windows and lots of wood, concrete and brick. 
The style is not for everyone. But some real estate agents who specialize in these homes say that the past three or four years have been their busiest ever. "This market is just nuts," says Peter Blank, owner of Mile Hi Modern in Denver. "Everything that goes on the market today is sold the next day." 
Here's a look at glorious midcentury homes for sale across the country.

Moody and memorable weather

Think a great vacation requires perfect weather? The elements can add a whole new mood to your next trip, whether it’s the romantic drizzle of a New York moment or the intense, wild thunderstorms of Vancouver Island. 

10 of the most opulent party pads around

It was glitz and glamour and boisterous parties for Jay Gatsby, the rich 1920s character from the famed book by F. Scott Fitzgerald. That dazzling world will come to life on the screen May 10 in the film "The Great Gatsby" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. 
If Gatsby lived today, where would he party? Here are 10 homes that bring to life Gatsby's tradition of ostentatious entertaining and architectural grandeur. 

10 new ways to get rich

How today's new money have earned their cash.

How to hide your home's 10 worst blemishes

A random door slapped into the middle of a wall can often ruin the flow and aesthetics of a perfectly crafted room. What's better? A hidden door that adds a bit of whimsy to your home or perhaps offers more privacy, more space or a spot to stash your valuables.

Here are some ideas to hide parts of your home you may not want others to see — and to get your creativity flowing.

11 must-haves for an easy-clean house

How do you design an easy-to-clean house? With some smart choices in paint, flooring and heating and cooling systems.

Here are 11 smart tips to keep that household spic 'n' span and improve your curb appeal.

Summer camps worth the money

Whether the goal is personal growth or drawing out the inner artist, scientist or aviation expert in your child, here are some summer camps that are worth the price of admission. 

Fab prefab starter homes

Congratulations: You have finally saved enough money to move from renting to buying your own home. So what do you get, especially if you want something cool, modern and new? 
A good bet may be to buy a prefabricated home, or a house built in a factory and delivered to you. Thanks to improvements in construction science, today's prefab homes can be built more efficiently, and that can save you time, money and resources.
Here's a look at 10 cool prefab homes available to first-time homebuyers today.

Now that's a staircase: 11 eye-popping designs

Forget basic functionality. For centuries, stairs were a huge focal point in architecture, almost a work of art.

One look at these one-of-a-kind staircases proves that stairs are not always just about getting from one floor to the next. Here's a look at different approaches to the utilitarian stairs, from art to efficiency.

Travel to your inner geek

Let your geek flag fly at these destinations

10 ways to reinvigorate your yard in a weekend

Your yard is an extension of your home. You use it to play, eat, relax and entertain your friends. It also plays a central role in your home's curb appeal.
But if you're like many people, you may avoid updating your yard because you think it's too expensive or takes too much work. Here are some ideas on how to reinvigorate your yard without huge investments of time and money. Most, if not all, of these projects can be completed in just one weekend.

10 pet-friendly home additions

An estimated 73 million dogs and 90 million cats live in U.S. homes, and Americans are increasingly remodeling not only for themselves but also for their four-legged friends. 

Turn your home into a fortress

Thieves broke into an estimated 2.1 million homes in 2011, the FBI says, costing homeowners an average of $2,185-- not to mention their sense of wellbeing. But there are low-cost ways to keep your home from being a target.

9 winter candlelight tours

Looking to shed a different light on your travel plans? We found nine evening candlelight tours that offer a unique twist on holiday sightseeing. 

Outdoor kitchens on a budget

Want to add another room to your house without breaking the bank? Take it outside to your backyard and create an outdoor kitchen.

How to buy a house that's not for sale

Have you ever loved a home that wasn't for sale? If so, how do you persuade a homeowner to sell?
It can take a lot of work, but sometimes, people who are not actively interested in selling can be persuaded if the right offer comes along. Here are 10 steps to take to make it happen. 

We've got you surrounded: Cities within Cities

Across the nation, some tiny towns manage to live on with their own governments and their own identities, despite being entirely engulfed by a metropolis. Call them enclaves, or islands surrounded by a larger city, with which the town shares all of its land borders.

How to live in a town overrun by tourists

Sure, a big event or festival can mean big money to a city and help fill hotel rooms during slow times. But in some cases, home values, too, can benefit from being near these tourist-attracting events.
Homeowners willing to rent out their houses and apartments to event visitors can cash in, as well. And if you are lucky enough to own a home near the location of a blockbuster event, such as the next Super Bowl or the World Series, you may even find would-be renters competing for your place.