Author: Charleston Daily

Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.

Lowcountry

$15.5 Million Raised for NC Disaster Relief Fund to Help with Long-Term Hurricane Helene Recovery, Unmet Needs

December 28, 2024 by 0 Comments
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December 27, 2024/Raleigh, NC: Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced donations of $15.5 million made to the NC Disaster Relief Fund are going to the North Carolina Community Foundation to help with Hurricane Helene long-term recovery and unmet needs.

“We are so grateful for this outpouring of generosity toward the people of western North Carolina,” Governor Cooper said. “Recovering from Hurricane Helene will be a marathon and each and every donation helps.”

The NC Community Foundation will use the funds along with another $12 million the foundation has raised to support long-term recovery and unmet needs through grants to nonprofits serving western North Carolina.

Gov. Cooper established the state’s relief fund to raise donations to help western North Carolina rebuild following the unprecedented destruction caused by the storm. In total, donors contributed $16,820,346 to the NC Disaster Relief Fund, with $1,272,391.54 going to immediate needs grants for nonprofits working in hard-hit areas through the United Way of North Carolina.

The NC Disaster Relief Fund was activated shortly after Helene struck North Carolina, with United Way of North Carolina serving as the fiscal agent for the fund and using donations to provide small dollar, immediate needs grants and reimbursement to nonprofits working in communities hit hard by the storm. With immediate needs grants coming to an end, the NC Community Foundation will now step into the role of managing the funds and providing grants for long-term recovery work.

“We are honored to receive these funds and continue to support the recovery of western North Carolina from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene,” said Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, President & CEO of the NC Community Foundation. “We know this work will take years, and our grants to nonprofits on the ground will complement efforts already underway.”

The NC Community Foundation will provide grants to eligible organizations supporting Helene recovery efforts over the months and years ahead. A key method for the distribution of grants will be through the NC Community Foundation’s affiliates in western North Carolina. Given the scope of the disaster, grants may also be awarded in communities not typically served by the foundation.

Grants may also be made to organizations that serve the long-term disaster recovery needs of multiple counties or that will conduct larger-scale projects in targeted areas. More information about the NC Community Foundation’s disaster relief grantmaking will be released in early 2025. 

Donations Already Helping

United Way of North Carolina has made $1.2 million in grants and reimbursements to 109 nonprofits working in western North Carolina, thanks to donations made to the NC Disaster Relief Fund.

Nonprofits have used these funds to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning products and other emergency supplies:

  • Community Organized Response Effort (CORE) received $10,000 to provide muck-and-gut services and mold suppression to areas severely impacted by the storm. This included purchasing humidifiers, heaters, and moisture meters so families could safely start rebuilding after the devastation caused to their homes.
  • Haywood Pathways Center was awarded $10,000 to support their mobile soup kitchen to ensure residents in Haywood County had access to nutritious meals while power and infrastructure was being restored.
  • Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) received $10,000 to support farm business relief and recovery and connect households in need with local and nutritious foods. ASAP serves as a network and resource hub for 550 family farms in western North Carolina and a connection point for rural and urban communities to access fresh, local food.

“Being the fiscal agent for the NC Disaster Relief Fund has been an honor, as we’ve had the privilege of providing immediate grants to nonprofits working tirelessly in communities impacted by the storm. These funds have empowered local organizations to offer urgent support and begin the long road to recovery. We deeply appreciate the Office of the Governor for their invaluable partnership in supporting Western North Carolina during this critical time. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most” stated Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, president and CEO of United Way of North Carolina.

Visit the United Way’s website to see a complete list of organizations that have received grants for immediate needs following Hurricane Helene.

Donations Still Needed

North Carolina’s Disaster Relief Fund received donations from people in all 50 states as well as other countries including Canada, Great Britain and Taiwan. Schoolchildren and churches took up collections to donate. Corporations and foundations also stepped up to give. Read about major donors to the Fund here.

While the NC Disaster Relief Fund is no longer accepting donations directly, monetary donations can be made to the NC Community Foundation in support of Hurricane Helene recovery at nccommunityfoundation.org/helene. United Way of North Carolina also continues to accept monetary donations for Hurricane Helene relief at unitedwaync.org/helene. A number of volunteer organizations remain active in storm relief and recovery efforts. To find and support VOADs (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) working on Helene recovery, visit www.ncvoad.org.

Lowcountry

U.S. Postal Service Announces More Stamp Subjects for 2025

December 28, 2024 by 0 Comments
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced more stamps it will release in 2025. This is a partial list, with additional subjects to be announced in the coming weeks and months. These designs are preliminary and may change. 

Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture

Powwows: Celebrating Native American Culture 
The Postal Service strives to tell the stories of all Americans on its stamps, and issuing stamps that honor the living culture and heritage of Indigenous people is an important part of that goal. These stamps celebrate powwows, Native American social and ceremonial gatherings that feature music, dance and festive regalia. For this issuance, Cochiti Pueblo artist Mateo Romero created original paintings of four powwow dancers performing their craft against brightly colored backgrounds that highlight each dancer’s movement and traditional dress. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.

Spiral Galaxy (Priority Mail)

Spiral Galaxy (Priority Mail)
USPS celebrates the continued exploration of deep space with an extremely high-definition image of a spiral galaxy 32 million light-years from Earth. The image, captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, helps researchers update their models of star formation and allows them to better understand the origins of our universe. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with an image from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the Space Telescope Science Institute, Janice Lee (Space Telescope Science Institute), Thomas Williams (Oxford) and the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS Team. Upon favorable review by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the stamp will be denominated at the new Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope rate.

Star Cluster (Priority Mail Express)

Star Cluster (Priority Mail Express)
Featuring a second image captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, this stamp shows a star cluster approximately 1,000 light-years from Earth. Hidden within the cloud of celestial dust are floating brown dwarfs — objects too small to be stars but larger than most planets. Studying these brown dwarfs will help scientists explore how star-formation processes operate for very small masses. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with an image provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the Space Telescope Science Institute, Kevin Luhman (Penn State University) and Catarina Alves de Oliveira (European Space Agency). Upon favorable review by the Postal Regulatory Commission, the stamp will be denominated at the new Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope rate.

Freshwater Fishing Lures

Freshwater Fishing Lures
Recreational fishing attracts more than 55 million anglers to America’s lakes, rivers, and oceans each year — and lure designs for different environments are part of its growing appeal. These stamps feature brightly detailed photographs by Sarah Cramer Shields showing five lures considered icons of the sport. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps. 

Battlefields of the American Revolution

Battlefields of the American Revolution 
Marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War, this pane of 15 stamps invites us to witness and remember five turning points in the fight for American independence. Watercolor paintings depicting scenes of five battles appear alongside photographs of sites involved in each battle. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with art by Greg Harlin and photographs by Jon Bilous, Richard Lewis, Tom Morris, Gregory J. Parker and Kevin Stewart.

Dates and Locations: January-March
The Postal Service today also announced stamp release dates and locations for January through March of next year: 

StampsRelease DateCityStateZIP
Lunar New Year • Year of the SnakeJan. 14 Boston MA02205 
Love 2025 Local ceremonyJan. 17KutztownPA19530
Spiral Galaxy (Priority Mail)Jan. 21Big SkyMT59716
Star Cluster (Priority Mail Express)Jan. 21Big SkyMT59716
1794 Compass Rose (Global) Local ceremonyJan. 24Peachtree CornersGA30092
Allen Toussaint (Black Heritage)Jan. 30New OrleansLA70113
American Vistas (Presorted Standard) Local ceremonyFeb. 21 San Diego CA 92199 
The Appalachian TrailFeb. 28DawsonvilleGA30534
Freshwater Fishing LuresMarch 13SpringfieldMO65801
Vibrant Leaves (Postcard Rate) Local ceremonyMarch 14StrongsvilleOH44136
Betty WhiteMarch 27Los AngelesCA90052

Details on first-day-of-issue cities/ceremony locations for other 2025 stamps will be released throughout the year. Dates and locations are subject to change.

Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at select Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. The stories behind the stamps and more are available at stampsforever.com. 

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The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

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Source: US Postal Service

Lowcountry

Charleston Local Spotlight: Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services – Civil legal aid for eligible residents at no cost

December 27, 2024 by 2 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

We all know the challenges many face to make a sustainable income to provide for the basic necessities for our health and well-being. Often times, low-income families are placed in situations that require legal assistance but they just can’t afford it. That is where Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services steps in.

As of early December, Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services received 3750 applications and have closed 1680+ cases.

About Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services

Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services provides civil legal aid to eligible low-income residents of Charleston County at no cost to the clients. We are able to do this through various government and foundation grant awards, in addition to the incredible support of the Charleston legal community. Through donations and volunteer services, as well as through engagement in CPB sponsored events like Art on the Beach and our upcoming annual auction, we are able to continue our important work. We field thousands of requests for services and help hundreds in our community every year. Now, more than ever, access to justice is needed in our community. Your tax-deductible donations enable our organization to provide critical legal aid at no cost to the client.

Location: 111 Church Street, Charleston, South Carolina

You can help to continue offering free services to residents in Charleston County. Please donate to support our mission and efforts. https://charlestonprobono.org/donate-2/

Lowcountry

Halls Chophouse Charleston named #2 Best Steakhouse in the United States for 2024 by Yelp

December 26, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Congratulations to Halls Chophouse Charleston!

Halls Chophouse Charleston has been named the Second Best Steakhouse in America by Yelp—and the only restaurant in South Carolina to make the 2024 list! 

From the perfectly cooked cuts to the warm Southern hospitality that makes every visit unforgettable, this honor is thanks to all the customers who continue to celebrate Halls.

Here is what Yelp said about Halls:

This special-occasion Southern charmer from the Hall family has won legions of fans for its “tender,” “juicy” steaks “prepared to absolute perfection.” The “melt-in-your-mouth” cuts come from Allen Brothers of Chicago, purveyors of top-grade meat since the 1800s. “We source only the finest beef, which is expertly prepared and aged to enhance tenderness and flavor,” says General Manager Sara Faienza.

Yelper favorites include the 34-ounce tomahawk rib-eye, 14-ounce New York strip, and 16-ounce slow-roasted prime rib (with a side of their “absolutely incredible” she-crab soup) — all accompanied by nightly live music. While the Halls now own 10 restaurants, diners appreciate that they still stop by tables to chat at this original Charleston spot. “They truly make you feel special,” says Wendy L. 

Yelpers say: “Managed to snag a last-minute reservation for the highly sought-after Gospel Brunch at Halls, and it was absolutely worth it!… For my meal, I went all in with the bacon-wrapped filet (because let’s be real — when you’re at Halls, you get the steak) paired with fried over-hard eggs and hash browns. The filet was cooked to absolute perfection, tender and flavorful.” —Yelp Elite Brandy G. 

Click HERE for the complete Yelp List of the Top 25 Steakhouses in the U.S.

Lowcountry

Ronald McDonald House and MUSC Kids Story of courage and survival: Meet Paisley

December 24, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Paisley was born in 2014 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), meaning she only has half a heart and required three open heart surgeries. While being treated at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, her parents found a safe haven at RMHC Charleston for 58 nights.

“Knowing that while we’re not able to stay in our own home, we have a safe place where people know our names, love my baby, and make us feel warm and cared for is priceless.” – Kim, Paisley’s Mother

While Paisley still needs the occasional treatment, the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston has and will continue to be a “Home-away-from-home” for her and her family.

  • Click HERE to learn more about the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston.
  • Click HERE to read more about the amazing work of MUSC Kids.

Lowcountry

Charleston Collegiate School Senior Brooke Farfone Signs with University of South Carolina Equestrian Team

December 24, 2024 by 0 Comments
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December 24, 2024 – JOHNS ISLAND, SC Charleston Collegiate School (CCS) is thrilled to announce that senior Brooke Farfone has officially signed with the University of South Carolina (USC) to join their prestigious equestrian program. This remarkable achievement highlights Brooke’s dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence both on campus and on horseback.

Brooke, a standout equestrian athlete, has consistently demonstrated her passion and skill in competitive riding, earning numerous accolades throughout her career. Her hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship have made her a role model for her peers at CCS and beyond. By joining USC’s equestrian team, Brooke will compete at the highest collegiate level, furthering her journey in the sport she loves. 

“We are thrilled to have Brooke join the team next year,” said Coach Carol Gwin of the University of South Carolina Equestrian Team. “I always love to have South Carolina athletes and we are building something special here at South Carolina. Brooke fits quite well with the team culture, athletic ability, and excellence in the classroom that we are promoting within Gamecock Equestrian.”

“We are incredibly proud of Brooke and all that she has accomplished,” said Jim Duggan, Head of Athletics at Charleston Collegiate. “Her dedication to her sport and her academics is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see her excel at USC.”

The University of South Carolina equestrian program is one of the top programs in the nation, competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and boasting a tradition of success. Brooke’s signing marks an exciting milestone, as she joins a legacy of elite student-athletes who balance rigorous academics with competitive excellence. 

Charleston Collegiate School congratulates Brooke Farfone on this incredible achievement and looks forward to cheering her on as she continues her equestrian journey at the University of South Carolina. 

From left to right: Head of School Andy Gyves, CCS Senior Brooke Farfone, Head of Upper School Gareth Griffith, and Head of Athletics Jim Duggan.

From left to right: Dottie Farfone (mother), Brooke Farfone, and Scott Farfone (father).

Brooke in action, showcasing her skill and dedication during a recent equestrian competition in Aiken, SC.

Brooke jumping with her horse, Zac aka Testify, in Aiken, SC. 

About Charleston Collegiate School

Charleston Collegiate School is a PS3-12 co-educational, nonsectarian, independent school in the Charleston area and is a member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Nestled under grand, moss-laden live oaks, Charleston Collegiate School offers a 55+ acre campus of vast playing fields and wooded trails. This unique environment allows students to embrace nature while growing into conscious leaders that are challenged by rigorous project-based learning. Charleston Collegiate School’s mission is to empower students in a student-centered approach that values collaboration, innovation, and individuality to become resilient leaders for 21st century careers.

Lowcountry

Charleston’s Zero George recognized on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Gold List – Only hotel in South Carolina and 1 of only 10 in the U.S.

December 24, 2024 by 0 Comments
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When you think of hospitality, elegance, luxury and comfort, Zero George often comes up immediately in your mind. Their world-class food, accommodations, classes, local partnerships and exceptional customer service are a defining example of Charleston’s culture. We are so pleased to announce that Zero George has received the honor of being named on the esteemed 2025 Gold List.

Not only was Zero George was just recognized on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 Gold List, but they are the only hotel in South Carolina and one of 10 in the United States.

Click HERE for the complete list of the Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2025

ABOUT ZERO GEORGE STREET:

Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic Ansonborough neighborhood, Zero George is an award-winning boutique hotel made up of five restored 1800s era buildings that house 16 guest suites and the heralded cuisine of The Restaurant at Zero George + Caviar Bar. Combining old-world European influenced with understated contemporary elegance, Zero George offers authentic hospitality experiences that extend and enrich guests’ journeys such as the Culinary School, Caviar Bar, one-of-a-kind pickleball outing, etc.

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Photo Credit: Zero George

Drawing Room

Caviar Bar

Exterior

Residences

Lowcountry

Charleston Local Spotlight: All In One Charters – Are you ready for your next great catch?

December 23, 2024 by 0 Comments
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We would like to spotlight a very special group of people in the Lowcountry that make every ocean excursion an adventure to remember: All In One Charters.

Come Navigate and Fish Charleston’s Beautiful Coastal Waters With Our Fun Experienced Fishing Guides, Specializing in Inshore and Offshore Fishing Charters

All In One Charters is your one stop shop for what’s sure to be an exciting saltwater adventure! Known as Charleston’s top inshore fishing charter, plus one of the best nearshore and deep sea fishing tours in the Charleston area, our team at All In One Charters will bring you to where the fish are and ensure you have fun while we do it.

All In One Charters is locally owned and operated and consistently one of the top rated inshore, nearshore and deep sea fishing charter companies in the Lowcountry.

Time to find your next great catch!

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Lowcountry

Develop Fulton Unanimously Approves Landmark $538.3 Million Bond Inducement for Project Nexus (Atlanta, Georgia)

December 23, 2024 by 0 Comments
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Transformative Mixed-Use Develop Project Leaders Unveil Plans to Infuse an Area South of I-20 with Expanded Affordable Housing, Economic Growth, and Community Revitalization

ATLANTA, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Develop Fulton Board of Directors unanimously approved a $538,304,353 bond inducement for Project Nexus, a transformative mixed-use economic development initiative that would revitalize an area South of I-20. This landmark project would be a pivotal investment in an area in the southern part of Fulton County that has historically been underserved, ushering in a new era of economic opportunity and community sustainability.

Project Nexus would represent a groundbreaking, half-billion-dollar investment aimed at transforming a distressed property into a vibrant hub of economic and community development. Situated in Atlanta and East Point, the project would bring together affordable housing, essential services, and a suite of amenities to create a thriving mixed-use environment.

The mixed-use project, combining residential and retail elements, would be poised to boost the local tax base substantially. Development leaders estimate that, once completed, the site would generate more than $60.5 million in revenue over 10 years—30 times its current contribution. “Project Nexus isn’t just a development—it’s a declaration. A bold statement that the southern part of the County is ready to lead, inspire, and redefine what’s possible,” said Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall. “This is more than a project; it’s a promise to our community. With Project Nexus, we’re collaboratively creating an epicenter for growth, innovation, and opportunity.”

Develop Fulton Chairman Kwanza Hall

Project Nexus is deeply committed to addressing the region’s critical need for affordable housing. The development plan will create 1,126 residences, offering a mix of quality, affordable and market-rate housing options to accommodate a range of income levels. This commitment to affordability extends beyond legal requirements. In addition to aligning with the City of Atlanta’s Inclusionary Zoning requirements, the project plan incorporates essential community amenities and retail.

“Project Nexus underscores the profound importance of catalytic investments in historically underserved areas across Fulton County,” said Develop Fulton Executive Director Sarah-Elizabeth Langford. “This initiative is more than a development as it uniquely checks several boxes for Develop Fulton by expanding affordable housing, fostering equity, and driving sustainable economic growth. Project Nexus exemplifies the power of collaborative development to create meaningful and lasting change.”

With an anticipated $4 billion overall economic impact, Project Nexus would create approximately 1,300 new permanent jobs and 2,800 temporary construction jobs while retaining 50 existing positions. By adhering to Develop Fulton’s Minority—and Female-Owned Business Enterprise (MFBE) guidelines, the project prioritizes equity in workforce opportunities, further strengthening the local economy. Tax revenue is projected to soar from $200,884 annually to $4,227,000 in the first year after project completion, contributing a total of $60.5 million over the incentive period.

Connectivity for residents and the community is also at the core of Project Nexus, which integrates seamlessly with MARTA’s proposed bus rapid transit system, enhancing mobility and accessibility across the region. With upgraded streetscapes, structured parking, and expansive public green spaces, the development fosters a walkable, connected community designed to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike.

Still, Project Nexus requires significant stakeholder support and other negotiations to move forward. In an effort to avoid hindering those negotiations and secure this opportunity for Fulton County, the applicant’s name and site location will be announced when they are able to move forward.

About Develop Fulton

Develop Fulton delivers diverse, targeted economic development financing services, connecting qualified development projects with taxable and tax-exempt bond financing to diversify the tax base, encourage thoughtful and balanced investment, retain existing businesses, promote job creation, and ultimately improve the quality of life for residents throughout Fulton County. Together, we are partnering for progress, powering development.

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Lowcountry

American Homeowners Have More Extra Bedrooms Than Ever, New Realtor.com® Report Reveals – Charleston, SC is in the Top 10 of Excess

December 22, 2024 by 0 Comments
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The trend in increasing number of excess bedrooms is driven by both declining household sizes and by an increase in the number of bedrooms per home

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Although your home might feel tight this holiday season, nationally, the number of extra bedrooms, defined as a bedroom that is in excess of the number of persons in the home, plus one to account for an office, has reached the highest levels in Census record history, according to a new report from Realtor.com® released today. 

In 2023, the number of extra bedrooms in the U.S. reached 31.9 million, up from 31.3 million the year prior and over four times the 7 million extra bedrooms the country had back in 1980. Additionally, taking into account that the U.S. housing stock is as large as it has ever been, the analysis found the share of all bedrooms that could be considered an “extra” bedroom has also reached a record high of 8.8%. This is up from the 8.7% in the year prior and over twice the 3.5% rate in 1980. The record–high number and share of excess bedrooms in the U.S. is driven by both an increase in the number of bedrooms per home and a decline in the number of persons per household.

“During the holidays we often feel the need for more room, especially for guests; however, we are in a golden age of extra bedrooms,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist, Realtor.com®. “Since the 1980s we have seen the average number of bedrooms per home increase, and maybe more importantly, the number of persons per household has declined, creating an environment where we see both the largest number of extra bedrooms and the largest share of extra bedrooms, even with Americans using spare rooms as offices.”

Are houses getting bigger? Not exactly. While there has been an increase in the average number of bedrooms per home over the past 50 years, growing from an average of 2.5 rooms in 1970 to 2.8 rooms in 2023, there has been no change over the past 10 years when the average was also 2.8 rooms per home in 2013. The more significant factor is a declining number of persons per household, falling from a high of 3.1 persons per household in 1970 to a record low of 2.5 persons per household in 2023.

Extra bedrooms are more common in the Mountain West and South. The trend of excess bedrooms is most pronounced in the Mountain West and South, where land is plentiful and homes are often built with more square footage and larger floor plans. Homes in densely populated urban areas where land is scarcer and more costly tend to have fewer extra bedrooms, reflecting the higher demand for space-efficient living and affordability.

The 10 markets with the highest share of total bedrooms that could be considered excess are:

  1. Ogden, Utah (12.2%)
  2. Colorado Springs, Colo. (12.1%)
  3. Salt Lake City, Utah (12%)
  4. Memphis, Tenn. (11.8%)
  5. Atlanta, G.A. (11.6%)
  6. Cleveland, Ohio (11.3%)
  7. Wichita, Kansas (11.3%)
  8. Columbia, S.C. (10.8%)
  9. Charleston, S.C. (10.7%)
  10. Jackson, Miss. (10.7%)

The 10 markets with the lowest share of total bedrooms that could be considered excess are:

  1. Miami, Fla. (5.9%)
  2. Sarasota, Fla. (6.4%)
  3. New York, N.Y. (6.5%)
  4. Los Angeles, Calif. (6.6%)
  5. New Haven, Conn. (6.7%)
  6. Worcester, Mass (6.9%)
  7. Stockton, Calif. (6.9%)
  8. Bakersfield, Calif (7%)
  9. Urban Honolulu, Hawaii (7%)
  10. Providence, R.I (7.1%)

To read the full report and learn more: www.realtor.com/research/december-guest-rooms-2025/

Methodology
For this analysis, we gathered data on household inhabitants and bedrooms from the US American Community Survey (ACS) nationally and for the 100 largest metro areas between 1970 and 2023. From there, we calculated the number of available bedrooms as the (total number of bedrooms) – (the number of household members) – 1. We subtract 1 additional bedroom to account for various uses, such as an office or storage space. We compared the resulting count of homes with spare bedrooms to the total number of owner-occupied households within the metro to come up with our metric for the share of homes with unoccupied bedrooms. We estimated home values using the self-reported value of owner-occupiers in the ACS.

About Realtor.com®
Realtor.com® is an open real estate marketplace built for everyone. Realtor.com® pioneered the world of digital real estate more than 25 years ago. Today, through its website and mobile apps, Realtor.com® is a trusted guide for consumers, empowering more people to find their way home by breaking down barriers, helping them make the right connections, and creating confidence through expert insights and guidance. For professionals, Realtor.com® is a trusted partner for business growth, offering consumer connections and branding solutions that help them succeed in today’s on-demand world. Realtor.com® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc. For more information, visit Realtor.com®.

SOURCE Realtor.com

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