The Top Real Estate Markets for Pet Owners
Here in Arizona it seems we see an above average number of homeowners and home buyers who are pet owners. Most often beloved dogs and cats, but I have personally, on occasion, encountered tortoises, lizards, and a profusion of birds. Pet owners probably make up more than half of all of my clients. Good to know that at least one Arizona city shows up among the top cities for pet owners, although in my opinion Gilbert should be here somewhere. We have 11 dog-friendly restaurants, several pet-friendly hotels, some pretty elaborate dog parks and a bunch of stores that welcome non-humans as well.
Eighty million households in America own at least one pet—that’s a lot of animals! Some housing markets are more pet-friendly than others, with more pet care businesses and providers available than in other areas.
Based on those criteria, WalletHub.com compiled the top 10 “Most Pet-Friendly Cities” in the country:
- Orlando, Fla.
- Birmingham, Ala.
- Tampa, Fla.
- Lexington, Ky.
- Scottsdale, Ariz.
- Reno, Nev.
- Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Las Vegas, Nev.
- St. Louis, Mo.
Orlando comes in at No. 1 for its high density of veterinarians—65.6 per every 100,000 residents. Orlando also boasts the highest density of pet-related businesses, at 172.25 per 100,000 residents.
Scottsdale, Ariz., No. 5 on the list, has the highest number animal shelters per 100,000 residents: 6.26.
Many markets not in the top 10 are pet-friendly, as well—the least expensive pet care costs can be found in Stockton, Calif., where a veterinary visit averages just $32.92, and the least expensive dog insurance premiums ($21.63 per month) can be found in St. Paul, Minn., also not in the top 10.
To find out how pet-friendly your city is, visit WalletHub.com/edu/most-pet-friendly-cities/5562/.
