Cheapest Places to Live in the U.S.

Harlingen, Tex.

The town with the nation's lowest cost of living is Harlingen, Tex., situated in the state's southernmost tip and with a populace of 74,950. The after-tax cost to maintain a standard of living enjoyed by the usual company manager or other professional is generally 17 percent lower than the national average.

Memphis, Tenn.

Boasting a rich musical heritage, Memphis, Tenn., has a month-long fiesta each year called "Memphis in May" that attracts visitors from approximately the world. The standard cost of a home here is $180,375, while the average two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment rents for $726 a month.

McAllen, Tex.

The standard cost of a home in McAllen, Tex., the third-least luxurious community in the country, is $178,000, while a two-bedroom/two-bath apartment rents for $708. The cost of living in McAllen, populace of 130,831, is 16.2 percent cheaper than the national average.

Fayetteville, Ark.

Forbes Magazine newly named Fayetteville, Ark., one of the best places in the U.S. for "businesses and careers." An added benefit? It's affordable. The usual home price is $228,200, and a two-bedroom/two-bath apartment goes for $543 per month. When food shopping, ground beef costs $3.22, and the average cost of a loaf of bread is $1.25.

Ardmore, Okla.

With a populace of approximately 35,000, Ardmore, Okla., serves as the main retail shopping area for a seven-county area in southern Oklahoma. The standard rent for a two-bedroom/two-bath apartment is $550 per month, and the average home is priced at $235,000.

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi

Address:

P.O Box 94, Jalan Teluk Datai
Langkawi
Malaysia
Hotel Rooms: Hotel Chain: Luxury Collection

Location:

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort is positioned between the imposing Mat Cincang Mountain Range and the Andaman Sea; The Andaman a Luxury Collection Resort is expediently positioned about to some of the admired tourist spots of the town, such as the Datai Recre-Park and Langkawi Falls.

Facilities:

• Ballroom(s)
• Gift shops or newsstand
• Wireless (high-speed) Internet access - complimentary
• Room service (24 hours)
• Beach bar
• Supervised child care/activities
• Parking (free)
• Number of restaurants - 3
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Private beach
• On-site medical assistance available
• Swimming pool – outdoor

"Visit Website to find out more information The Andaman, A Luxury Collection"

Tanjung Rhu Resort

Address:

Mukim Ayer Hangat
Pulau Darulaman
Langkawi
Malaysia
Hotel Chain: Independent

Location:

Tanjung Rhu Resort is located on Mukim Ayer Hangat, on the north eastern part of the main Langkawi Island. Vacationers learn more regarding the area at Langkawi Craft & Cultural Complex and Islamic Museum, Royal Museum and Heritage Museum.

Facilities:

• Express check-out
• Number of suites - 136
• Babysitting or child care
• Fireplace in lobby
• Meeting facilities size (feet) - 1250
• Doorman/doorwoman
• Arcade/game room
• Express check-in
• 24-hour front desk

"Check out this Tanjung Rhu Resort for more information!"

10 places every American should see

No1: Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.

Unprotected space is a unique bequest for every American, and Yellowstone is the most thespian example of what "wide-open space" really means. In 1872, two-million-acre Yellowstone debuted as America's first national park, and visitors began flocking to soak in its hot springs, see elk and bison roam its grasslands, gawk at its geyser known as Old Faithful, and hear gray wolves sound chill-inducing howls at dawn.

No 2: French Quarter, New Orleans

No other American area provides as much eye candy as the cobblestone streets of New Orleans' French Quarter—known as "the Quarters" to locals—and we're not referring to the annual Mardi Gras parades, with their thousands of taffeta-draped harlequins strutting to funk, R&B, and Dixie. No, it's the structural design that's intriguing.

No 3: Highway 1, California

Bearing in mind that the United States has more miles of paved roads (over 2.5 million) than any other country on earth, is it any doubt that road trips are nearly a rite of passage here? One of the most pensive—and celebrated—drives you can take in the States is the 135-mile draw out of California's Pacific Highway 1 between San Luis Obispo and Monterey.

No 4: Times Square, New York City

Convinced, the crowds can be pushy, but Times Square—the make longer of Broadway between Manhattan's 42nd and 47th streets—delivers the most forceful straight-up celebration of round-the-clock visual stimulus in the free world.

No 5: Grand Canyon, Ariz.

Many American landmarks encourage people to think big, but none can match the monster scale of the Grand Canyon. As with no matter which worthwhile, a mind-melting view of the fire-hued, half-mile-long rock faces at the Grand Canyon must be earned.

No 6: Taos Pueblo, N.M

At the northern edge of the artist colony of Taos and a couple hours' drive north of Santa Fe, Taos Pueblo is a set of adobe dwellings, ranging from two to five stories tall, whose walls gleam in the sun of the high desert.

No 7: South Beach, Miami, Fla

Even in typically vulgar Miami terms, no place in the country captures Latin-tropical chic like South Beach, with its 23 pastel-hued blocks of hotels, shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars south of Dade Boulevard.

No 8: Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg

Convincing battleground tours are difficult to pull off, as there's often slight to see. But Gettysburg, the most visited of Civil War battlefields, manages the trick.

No 9: Pearl Harbor, O'ahu, Hawaii

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the USS Arizona Memorial, which honors the men who died on the celebrated battleship sunk in 1941's Pearl Harbor air raid..

No 10: National Mall, Washington

There's no place in America where you get more chronological bang for your buck than the National Mall—fitting, since two of its most famous memorials (to Lincoln and Jefferson) are stamped on our least coinage.

10 snubbed Olympic cities

1. Detroit

Attempts: 1944, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972

Olympic Connection: You can’t blame Detroit for giving up its pursuit to host the Games after concluding second in the voting in 1964, 1968, and 1972. Detroit has shaped many Olympic champions, as well as sprinter Eddie Tolan, who in 1932 became the first African American to earn two gold medals.

2. Budapest

Attempts: 1916, 1920, 1936, 1944, 1960 

Olympic Connection: Thanks in part to the plentiful geothermal waters of Hungary’s capital; citizens of Budapest – pet named the “City of Baths” – are recognized for their aquatic athleticism. The men’s Olympic water polo team dominates the opposition with nine world titles, and in London the team will shoot for its fourth successive gold medal.…..

3. Istanbul

Attempts: 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2020

Olympic Connection: Every July since 1989, Istanbul has hosted the Bosphorus Cross-Continental 4-mile swimming and kayaking races, which is oversee by the International Olympic Committee and the National Olympic Committee of Turkey. An adopted Istanbulite, Ramazan Sahin – who won Turkey’s only gold medal in Beijing, for battery wrestling – will return to defend his title in London…….

4. Philadelphia

Attempts: 1920, 1948, 1952, 1956, 2016

Olympic Connection: One of five U.S. finalists for the 2016 Games (Chicago won the U.S. bid and the Games ultimately went to Rio de Janeiro), the City of Brotherly Love is the birthplace of NBA star Kobe Bryant, who helped bring home gold in 2008 and will once again play guard for the men’s basketball team in 2012……..

5. Madrid

Attempts: 1972, 2012, 2016, 2020 

Olympic Connection: Madrid is a finalist for the 2020 Summer Games and hopes to step out of the shadow of Barcelona’s Olympic rings (the Catalonian city hosted the Summer Games in 1992)…….

6. Buenos Aires

Attempts: 1956, 1968, 2004

Olympic Connection: Buenos Aires may have by no means hosted the Olympics, but Argentine José Benjamín Zubiaur, an educator and supporter of physical education, was one of the 15 members that made up the first International Olympic Committee in 1894…….

7. Brussels

Attempts: 1916, 1960, 1964 

Olympic Connection: Brussels is the home of the Borlée track clan, a specialized athletics relations and part of Belgium's national squad. They include Belgium's 4x400m relay coach, Jacques; his identical-twin sons Kevin and Jonathan……..

8. The Caribbean islands

Attempts: 1920, 2008, 2012

Olympic Connection: The Caribbean islands have yet to host the Olympics – but they’ve tried. Havana, one of the Caribbean’s largest and most isolated cities, has bid and lost three times. Despite the nation’s vibrant culture, beauty, and climate, Cuba’s financial instability weighs a heavy toll on its ability to fund the Olympic Games.

9. Lausanne, Switzerland

Attempts: 1944, 1948, 1960

Olympic Connection: One reason Lausanne has been passed over as a host city is that it has served as the headquarters for the International Olympic Committee since 1915, gaining the title of “Olympic Capital” in 1994. While the Olympic Museum is closed for a major renovation until the end of 2013…..

10. Minneapolis

Attempts: 1948, 1952, 1956

Olympic Connection: Out of the 11 Minnesotan athletes representing Team USA at the London 2012 Olympics, seven of them call Minneapolis home, most notably Kevin Love, power forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball team and their leading scorer for the 2011-2012 season…

Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi

Address:

Pantai Cenang
Langkawi
Malaysia
Hotel Rooms: Hotel Chain: Independent

Location:

Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi is situated near the beach in Langkawi. Travelers can view the displays at Laman Padi Langkawai and undersea World close by.

Facilities:

• Restaurant(s) in hotel
• Number of buildings/towers - 51
• Year Built - 1989
• Multiple small meeting rooms
• Express check-out
• Bar/lounge
• Audio-visual equipment
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Air-conditioned public areas
• Multiple large conference rooms
• Swimming pool – outdoor
• Multilingual staff

"Check out this Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi for more information!"

HYDRO HOTEL PENANG

Address:

BATU FERRINGH
Penang
Malaysia
Hotel Chain: Independent

Location:

Hydro Hotel is situated next to the beach in Penang; Hydro Hotel Penang is near to Toy Museum, Tropical Spice Garden, and Penang Botanic Gardens. Extra area attractions take in Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Cultural Center.

Facilities:

• Baby Cot
• Car Park
• Concierge
• Car Rental
• Laundry Service
• Unisex Hair Salon
• News Stand Porters
• Babysitting Service
• Doctor On Call Available
• Shuttle To/From the City Centre and Beach Available
• High - speed broadband internet access in all guest rooms and public areas

"Visit Website to find out more information about Hydro Hotel Penang"

Private-island villas worth blowing your savings on Here

The Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands, Sri Lanka presently some of the places where a personal island move away is waiting for you

Calvigny Island, off the coast of Grenada

The Calivigny Island Beach House combines Balinese and French Colonial design in almost 140,000 square feet of living space—that's ten bedrooms, a variety of dining areas both formal and casual, a game room with billiards, a huge, completely staffed, professional kitchen, and a stocked wine cellar.

Derwent Island House, Lake District, England

This 1840s Italianate house is situated on a wooded island (known in earlier times as Vicar’s island) in Derwent Water. In 1778 Joseph Pocklington bought the island and built a house, boathouse, fort and battery, and a druid temple

The Island Villa, Weligama, Sri Lanka

Balconies, verandas, steamy gardens, a time without end pool, your own private staff and chef—plus, you're on your own island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Seagrape Cottage, Little Thatch Island, British Virgin Islands

Little Thatch is a 54-acre, in private owned island just southwest of West End, Tortola. You can absolutely get away from the world here: Stir up a drink from the wet bar and lie back in the hammock, or use the accessible fishing and snorkeling gear and hit the water.

Musha Cay, Bahamas

All we need to say is: 150 acres of your own private steamy land, and 10,000 square feet of mansion (split over five houses—five houses!). But if you insist on inquiry more about the Exuma Chain Island owned by magician David Copperfield, we'll spill.

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

You and your 27 other guests will be totally alone on this isle (which is owned by Richard Branson). Spread out in the eight bedrooms of the Great House and the six private Balinese Houses, lie on one of two beaches, go windsurfing and kite surfing, take out a kayak, swim in the freshwater pools, or hit the tennis courts.

America's Best Seafood

Shaw's Crab House, Chicago

Best Catch: 1 lb. Alaskan Golden King Crab ($46.99).

The 1930's New Orleans-themed Shaw's Crab House draws judicious seafood fanatics with its top-grade fish and animated impression. At the oyster bar, you'll find 12 sea critter varieties.

The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Ogunquit, Maine

Best Catch: Lobster Roll (Market Price)

This little seafood combined set on Maine's rocky shore has Bon Appetit, Gourmet Magazine, and The Boston Globe playing its praises. Food enthusiast rave about the restaurant's appetizing lobster rolls and smooth chowder.

Nico's at Pier 38 Restaurant & Fish Market, Honolulu

Best Catch: Furikake Pan Seared Ahi ($12.95)

Hawaii's in-the-know fish lovers gather together at this celebratory Honolulu restaurant/market combo early in the morning to get the day's best catch. Nico's charm lies not only in its fresh Hawaiian fish, but also in its menu filled with imaginative twists, including kamobokos and blackened fish 'wiches.

The Anchor Fish & Chips, Minneapolis

Best Catch: Fish & Chips ($8.95)

Crisp Alaskan cod and hand-cut fries steal the show at this conventional Irish chipper. Demand a side of tangy curry sauce to layer on your fries and you're sure to tease your taste buds. It's not just the golden fish that draws seafood seekers to The Anchor Fish & Chips year after year.

REEF, Houston

Best Catch: Steamed Mussels, Shiner Bock and Toasted Ancho Dinner Entrée ($14.50)

For bold, globally-inspired Gulf Coast, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors, looks no extra than REEF, a Houston hotspot that specializes in oceanic cuisine. Chef Bryan Caswell takes pride in creating alternative dishes that pair moist seafood with zesty garnishes, like sweet and sour chard.

Acme Oyster House, New Orleans

Best Catch: Fried Peace Maker Po-Boy ($12.99)

As its name suggests, Acme Oyster House please its patrons with a varied variety of oysters. Raw, char-grilled, fried, and more, this French Quarter oyster bar likely has your favorite training style.

Cantler's Riverside Inn, Annapolis, Md.

Best Catch: Jimmy's Crab Feast ($25.99)

Cantler's Riverside Inn is best identified for its juicy Maryland blue crabs. If you come famished, you'll want to happiness in Jimmy's Crab Feast, a tasty amalgamation of steamed crabs, mussels, and shrimp. This range is accompanied by tangy coleslaw and sweet corn on the cob.

The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport, Maine

Best Catch: Lobster Roll ($16.25)

If you're passion a tasty lobster roll, it's hard to match The Clam Shack's praised delicacy. Already exult by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, our list wouldn't be entire devoid of highlighting this beloved Kennebunkport spot.

Per Se, New York City

Best Catch: 9-course Chef's Tasting Menu ($295)

Once you set foot in Per Se's plush dining room and sample one of Chef Thomas Keller's exquisite dishes—like oysters and pearls topped with caviar or poached lobster—you'll unquestionably start playing its praises too.

Neptune Oyster, Boston

Best Catch: Seared Georges Bank Scallops ($33)

This tiny Boston oyster bar is making some big waves. Neptune Oyster's raw bar and dining room seats only 44 patrons, so landing a table in this small site will take some effort.

The Gurney Resort Hotel

Address:

18 Persiaran Gurney
Penang
Malaysia
Hotel Chain: Independent

Location:

The Gurney Resort Hotel is situated along the famous tourist belt of Gurney Drive, neighboring to the new Central Business District and is less than five minutes away from all major shopping complexes and business towers. The hotel is 25 kilometers from the Penang International Airport.

Facilities:

• Water Massage Jacuzzi
• Two Cable TV Channels
• Dining Table
• Hollywood Twin Bed
• Full Sized Work Table
• Fridge (Pantry Equipped)
• Minibar
• Bathroom Amenities
• 3 Seater Sofa Lounge Set
• Data / Modem Port Phone
• King Size / Twin Beds

"Visit Website to find out more information about The Gurney Resort Hotel"

BERJAYA PENANG HOTEL

Address:

1 STOP MIDLAND PARK
JALAN BURMAH
Penang
Malaysia
Hotel Chain: Independent

Location:

The Berjaya Penang Hotel situated in Penang’s capital city of Georgetown is consequently the just the thing place to stay and begin your looking at of this amusing island. The hotel is near major food, shopping and amusement, a complex that encompass condominiums, offices, shopping arcades, supermarkets, a bowling alley, water theme park, and food.

Facilities:

• Major credit cards accepted
• Foreign currency exchange
• Parcel & postal service
• Business Centre
• Limousine service
• Laundry / dry cleaning
• Car rental
• Safe-deposit boxes

"Check out this BERJAYA PENANG HOTEL for more information!"

World's high-potential cities

The Global Cities, a combined study performed by A.T. Kearney and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs calculated global engagement of cities across five dimensions: business movement, human capital, information exchange, civilizing experience, and political rendezvous.

No 1: Chinese

In relation to the study, a thriving financial system, a rising middle class and infrastructure investments are likely to go on pushing Chinese cities toward a larger global presence.

No 2: Beijing

As predictable, Beijing and Shanghai have the maximum strength scores in our analysis, and three other Chinese cities are grouped in a second tier of the report.

No 3: Indian

Indian cities are also in the high-potential quadrant, other than they show a more balanced positioning of strengths and vulnerabilities.

No 4: Kolkata

Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are grouped near the centre of the chart depicting strengths and weakness of emerging cities. The chart has four quadrants: high-potential quadrant.

No 5: Delhi

Indian cities may rise additional in prospect rankings, though not as quickly as Chinese cities, where the ease of doing business is civilizing rapidly.

No 6: Guangzhou 

Of all emerging cities worldwide, those in China may be the most likely to move up in prospect rankings.

No 7: Chongqing

One caution about China: as China improves its small-particle pollution reporting, the outlook for Chinese cities could be impacted.

No 8: Shenzhen

Shenzhen (China) falls in high-potential cities - most likely to get better in global influence.

No 9: Bangalore

Cities in the BRIC countries - Brazil, Russia, India and China are working their way to the top of the rankings at various paces.

No 10: Bogota

'What has become obvious over the past few decades with the rise of global cities is that our geo-political future is not going to be strong-minded by the G2 combo of the US and China. It will be determined in good part through 20 or so tactical worldwide urban networks,' the report says.

No 11: Taipei

Taipei is among the world's high-potential up-and-coming cities.

No 12: Dhaka

According to the report, 'the world today is more about cities than countries, and a place like Seoul has more frequent with Singapore and Hong Kong than with small Korean cities.

No 13: Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is another city to watch out for in the future.