Measuring Your Ability to Achieve the American Dream

Measuring Your Ability to Achieve the American Dream | Simplifying The Market

Forbes.com recently released the results of their new American Dream Index, in which they measure “the prosperity of the middle class, and…examine which states best support the American Dream.”

The monthly index measures several different economic factors, including goods-producing employment, personal and commercial bankruptcies, building permits, startup activity, unemployment insurance claims, labor force participation, and layoffs.

The national index score was rounded out to 100 in January and saw a modest jump to 100.5 in February.

Alaska represented the lowest score on the index at 80.7, due mostly to the recent collapse in oil prices. Nevada came in with the highest score at 108.8, boosted by big gains in goods-producing jobs and new construction activity. The full results can be seen in the map below.

Measuring Your Ability to Achieve the American Dream | Simplifying The Market

Forbes Senior Editor Kurt Badenhausen explained why many states saw a boost in the index last month:

“[B]usinesses are hiring in part in anticipation of tax cuts and less regulation… Many areas of the country have experienced strong upticks in employment and construction, as well as declines in unemployment claims since the start of the year.”

Bottom Line

The American Dream, for many, includes being able to own a home of his or her own. With the economy improving in many areas of the country, that dream can finally become a reality.  Give me a call to get started today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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17398 W Superior Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$500,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,525 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6669321
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous single-story home with a pool, view fence, 3-car tandem garage and solar! This floor plan creates an open living concept, with a large living room tying into a gourmet eat-in kitchen with double wall ovens, granite countertops, a farmhouse sink and gas stove. The primary bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a large soaking tub, separate shower and dual sinks. There are also 3 additional bedrooms, a den, full bathroom with tub/shower, as well as a half bath for the main living area, or your guests. Close proximity to shopping, dining, schools, freeway access and more!

15206 W Pasadena Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$500,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,052 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6673156
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this 1 owner, one-level home in the desirable The Grand Community! This home boasts 2052 sf of well-designed living space which offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style. Notice the quality construction of this Coronado open floor plan and the beautiful aesthetics of the exterior for stunning curb appeal! Features Include: Marble Floors, Rock exterior, Extended Patio, New Roof underlay and Exterior paint, large living room with lots of natural light and views of the backyard. Notice the spacious marble kitchen and oversized dining area. The primary suite is amazing and offers a large bath and walk-in closet. There is a 2nd bedroom and bath and also a den that could be converted into a 3rd bedroom if you desire. $5,000 allowance to buyer with acceptable offer.

6502 W Sierra Street Glendale, AZ 85304

$500,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,746 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6683112
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Check out this beautifully remodeled 3 Bed/2 Bath PLUS a Bonus Room. This home sits on a corner lot & ready for move in! Come inside to discover wood-look tile flooring, abundant natural light with all new interior & exterior paint, new flooring, new baseboards, new landscape, new bathrooms and more! Open and bright great room w/ French doors leading to the backyard. Renovated kitchen features quartz counters, stylish tile backsplash, ample white cabinets, SS appliances, recessed lighting, a peninsula w/a breakfast bar, & a breakfast nook w/bay window. Enjoy relaxing afternoons in the backyard w/a patio & diving pool. Great location and No HOA!!

5711 W Lydia Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$500,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,879 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6684732
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream oasis within a gated community. This exceptional property boasts a prime location on a corner lot for privacy and tranquility. Step inside and be greeted by an expansive interior with three generously sized rooms, each offering ample space for relaxation and comfort. The master bedroom features a sprawling walk in closet that easily accommodates your wardrobe and more. Outside, indulge in the epitome of leisure with your very own pool, perfect for refreshing dips on warm summer days or luxurious lounging under the sun framed by majestic mountain views. Plus, with a three-car garage, you'll have plenty of room for your vehicles and storage needs. Go see it today and step into a world of privacy and tranquility.

4032 W Hartford Avenue Glendale, AZ 85308

$500,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,918 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6687559
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in the quiet Desert Pines neighborhood only minutes from the 101 and I-17, this home is ready for the first-time homebuyer, the growing family, the active single or the empty nester. This home has NO HOA. Set on a spacious corner lot, there is access into the backyard on the west side of the property through an 11-foot sliding RV gate with plenty of parking for a large RV, utility vehicles, trailers, etc. The front yard showcases a desert landscape with rosemary bushes near front door. In addition to RV parking, there is a fully fenced sparkling PebbleTec play pool with a baja shelf at one end and a stone waterfall feature at the other end. Also, there is a 10'X10' Tuff Shed utility shed for storing items. As you enter the front door, there is a sunken living room with a large window. A fireplace in the family room welcomes your guests as you move through the home. This space could also be used as a dining room for larger gatherings. The kitchen has dramatic black and stainless-steel appliances including an over the stove microwave/convection oven. The kitchen counters are granite with glass backsplash. Sliding glass doors open to the covered patio and a paved area with a gazebo for outdoor entertaining. There are solar panels and a newer HVAC energy efficient system to aid in keeping your electrical costs down. Each bathroom has attractive tiling with plenty of lighting and storage. With a linen closet at the end of the hallway, there is plenty of storage for many items in this space. The large primary bedroom has a walk-in closet and will fit a king size bed with multiple dressers. Each of the remaining rooms are sufficient for guests and will fit queen size beds comfortably. There is a room off the kitchen for laundry with a pantry cabinet and also has storage for cleaning supplies. There are cabinets above the laundry machine for additional storage. There is a door off this room to the back yard with another one into the spacious double car garage.

3761 E Thornton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$500,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,647 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6688799
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare opportunity to own in Coronado Ranch. Located in 85297 near Gilbert Regional Park, this 4 bed 2 bath 1647 sqft home has vaulted ceiling and spacious back yard, great for gardening and entertaining. Neighborhood is family friendly, has two parks, and a splash pad. Built in 2001 this home has only had 2 owners. Grocery, gas, pharmacy, and other shopping all within 1-2 miles. In 2023 Higley Unified School District rated ''A'' by AZ Dept of Education. Owner/agent listing Home is being sold AS-IS.

606 S Fountaine Street Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$500,000
2 Beds
1 Bath
1,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6688896
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This charming fixer-upper with endless potential, sold ''AS IS'' for your creative vision to flourish right next to Northern Arizona University. This come has a comfortable living space that would be ideal for students or professionals. Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

3519 W Emig Road Phoenix, AZ 85053

$500,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Brandywine 4, Phoenix
Open House
$500,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,094 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689113
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home! Step into this beautifully maintained single-level gem. Boasting 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, this home is a true haven for comfortable living. Trust us, photos simply don't capture its full charm - you have to see it in person! Park with ease in the two-car garage, complete with extra storage space and a workshop area. Plus, the RV gate leads to additional covered parking in the backyard - perfect for all your vehicles and toys. This is why solar is worth it**Electric bill ranges from $17-$135.** Inside, you'll find wood and tile flooring throughout, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is a chef's delight with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinet space. Need extra room for work or play? We've got you covered with the added and open Arizona room, ideal for a family room or office space. But the real showstopper? The backyard oasis awaits! Relax under the covered extended patio. A separate workshop provides plenty of space for your hobbies, while the putting area is a golfer's dream. Fire up the built-in grill and sink for effortless outdoor entertaining, and admire the lush garden area and synthetic grass - ensuring both beauty and low maintenance. Don't let this opportunity slip away

7530 E Mariposa Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$500,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,631 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689305
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to your new home in Scottsdale's Villa Monterey 55+ community, a haven of comfort and style. This inviting residence boasts stunning white marble flooring throughout, with elegant wood flooring downstairs and plush carpeting upstairs. The bathrooms showcase exquisite Italian tile. Bask in the sun-filled living spaces and entertain in your private courtyard. Experience hassle-free living in this welcoming community with the community pool, hot tub, family gathering space And pickle ball court. Ideally situated near the shops and dining. The attractions of Old Town Scottsdale, Fashion Square, and Scottsdale Quarter all near by.

2859 W Lyman Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$500,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,900 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689846
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Looking for a Master Planned Community, with walking trails, ramadas, barbeques, shaded tot lots, horseshoes, bocce ball courts, full and half basketball courts, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, an exercise circuit park and a huge 7,248 sq. ft. surface area community pool? This is it! Check out this practically brand new, 3 bedroom + Den, 3 full bathroom property on a cul-de-sac. Owners spared no expense at the design center, with Upgraded cabinetry w/ crown moulding, high end granite counter tops, a gas cooktop, built in oven & microwave, under cabinet lighting & a huge kitchen island. Primary has an oversized bedroom with a spacious master suite. This bathroom is complete with a tile super shower and oversized closet. Property has great natural light, in part to the oversized slider that leads to a completely landscaped backyard. Sit on the patio and enjoy your low maintenance backyard with pavers in all the right places, and synthetic turf.

7215 W St Charles Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$500,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,143 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689852
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This remarkable 2-story home with a 3-car garage, heated pool and breath-taking mountain views is now available and move-in ready! As soon as you enter, you'll feel right at home as you're greeted with a warm, welcoming color pallete that perfectly complements the tile and wood flooring. Plenty of space throughout for the entire family, with large bedrooms, an expansive family room, and a kitchen large enough for the pickiest of chefs. Need more space? No problem! Downstairs, you'll find a separate den/game room. Upstairs, the loft is another great flex space. Outside, the backyard boasts a spacious patio extended by an adjoining pergola, a heated pool, mountain views, and low-maintenance desert landscaping! No need to waste time, bring the whole family on over to check this one out ASAP!

19005 W Rancho Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$500,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,227 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6690702
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful home in the Zanjero Trails community offers a wonderful blend of modern amenities, stunning mountain views, and a true Arizona lifestyle. Here's a closer look at what this property has to offer. Breathtaking Mountain Views: The corner lot location provides stunning mountain views that are sure to leave you in awe. Corner Lot Next to the Park: Being situated next to the park adds an extra element of space and serenity to the property. Spacious and Functional Floorplan: The 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a split floor plan, offering privacy and comfort for residents. Gourmet Kitchen: The kitchen is a standout feature with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a large island, and a water fill at the stove—a perfect setup for cooking enthusiasts. Luxurious Master Suite: The private master bedroom is spacious and includes double sinks, a walk-in closet, and a custom glass shower with double shower heads, including a rain dial showerhead. Outdoor Oasis: The backyard offers a private retreat with a privacy fence, artificial grass, a water fountain, and views overlooking the park. It's an ideal space for outdoor gatherings, relaxation, or enjoying the Arizona sunsets. Cozy Patio: The patio provides a comfortable spot to relax and take in the views or entertain guests. Priced to Sell: With all these wonderful features, the home is priced to sell, offering great value for potential buyers. True Arizona Lifestyle: Living in Zanjero Trails allows residents to embrace the true Arizona lifestyle, with its stunning views, outdoor recreation, and community amenities. Overall, this home seems to offer a perfect balance of modern comfort, outdoor living, and the beauty of its natural surroundings. Whether you're enjoying the mountain views from the backyard, cooking in the gourmet kitchen, or relaxing in the luxurious master suite, this property embodies the essence of Arizona living.

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