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Honolulu Named Best City to Live in the US

April 30, 2018 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

US news and world report named Honolulu Hawaii #17 is one of the top places to live in the country for 2018. You wouldn’t think our crowded little city would’ve made the list but actually, our quality of life and value added a lot to the score.

Our population is just under 1 million with an average annual salary of about $51,000. On a scale of 1 to 10, our quality of life, which includes low crime rates, affordability, job growth, etc., came in at a 6.5 with our value index coming in at 4.7. Honolulu is considered the cultural and culinary hub of the Hawaiian Islands and we are proficient with shopping centers, restaurants, and of course, miles of beaches. The only downside is our cost of living, which comes in a little bit higher than the national average. But comparing that with the year-round tropical temperatures and simply the beauty of living in Hawaii, a kind of balances it out.

With our laid-back vibe, diverse blend of cultures, and close proximity to the ocean, Honolulu is regularly defined as one of the country’s happiest places on earth. The Honolulu Metro area includes the entire southeastern half of Oahu and according to our U.S. News & World Report scorecard, our desirability came in at a solid 10. The only score that was lower is our value, based on a cost of living compared to the national average.

Our job market came in at a 7.8, quality of life came in at 6.5, and net migration came in at 5.6. Honolulu has been ranked #35 as one of the best places to live in the country and #24 is one of the best places to retire.

The median home price is about $580,000 with the median monthly rent of just under $1600. This does come in at one of the priciest and most expensive places to live and rent in the country, but again, there are so many factors offsetting the high cost of living that it’s easy to see why we made the list.

Learn More About our Island:

I need to sell my house in Hawaii and move to the mainland

How you know you’re ready to leave the rental market

What’s the best time to sell a house in Hawaii?

What buyers are looking for in a Hawaiian house

Want to move here? Just do it.

How to drop everything and move to Hawaii

Village Park Homes on Oahu

January 18, 2016 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

Village Park is a small community located in Honolulu County just south of Mililani. It’s home to about 10,000 residents and is nestled just north of interstate H 1. It’s bordered on the east by the Royal Kunia Country Club, on the west by Highway 750, the interstate to the south and the hills to the north.

At any given time there are between 20 and 30 properties for sale listed from about $135,000 for land and vacant parcels to about $850,000 for larger estates and homes. There are several parcels of land ideal to build on but these are not oceanfront homes and this community is landlocked. Several homes along the Country Club feature golf course views and there are three neighborhood parks within Village Park. On the west side is Walmart, Denny’s, and several shops and restaurants, however this is primarily a residential community. In the center is the Kaleiopuu Elementary School adjacent to the Hoaeae Community Park with open space, tennis courts, basketball courts and a sports field. Residents are assigned to the Kaleiopuu Elementary school, the Waipahu intermediate school and the Waipahu high school. While the elementary school is within this community the intermediate schools about 1 1/2 miles away in the high school is 2.2 miles from this community.

There’s another Park located in the Northeast section of this community which features an open space, basketball and small racquetball court. On the west side is a small green Park with open space in a few trees, perfect for throwing the ball for your four-legged friend.

Surprisingly, Village Park is one of the more affordable places to live throughout the island. $600,000 for a typical family home built over the last 10 to 15 years between 1100 ft.² and 2000 ft.² with three or four bedrooms. Lots are around 5000 ft.². Homeowners fees are between $40 and $80 per month and cover common area maintenance and landscaping within the community. There are a few condominiums, duplexes and townhomes also for sale in Village Park, which typically start at about $150,000.

If you’re looking to be close to Honolulu, close to the Army airfield or barracks but still would like to live outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, Village Park makes an ideal location. Start your search here for all Village Park homes and Waipahu real estate.

Beaches, Snow, Views of the Heavens

April 13, 2015 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

I love living here. Someone once asked me if I am glad I moved to Hawaii decades ago… I responded by saying, “every day of my life”. There is nothing quite like it on earth. We really do have beaches, snow and lush tropical rainforests all within the confines of just a few island out here in the Pacific. We have it all in my opinion and if you’re wavering on a move to Hawaii, let me just say it – DO IT. You won’t regret it.

Take a look at our Facebook page for shared content from Bruce Omori, a local. His recent work shows the view from the summit of Mauna Kea. The moon and Venus set over the Western horizon. You can see the lights from across the state and Waimea and Kawaihae in the lower right and Lahaina with the slopes of Haleakala from Maui.(See Facebook Page for Shared posts) This truly is a wondrous place to live.

Now, I’m not saying it’s easy. We do have limited resources and living expenses can be spendy but it’s an easy trade off if you consider the alternative. Yes, we have some sticky traffic but the view more than makes up for it. I breathe in the warm, tropical air every morning, thankful to be living here. Even on the busiest of islands, Oahu still holds peace, calm and tranquility for me.

Mililani has been my home for some time and I love living where I can view it all from the center of the island. I’m no more than a few minutes to the North Shore or south to Honolulu and Waikiki.

SO what are you waiting for? What’s holding you back? There are jobs, resources, and homes right here waiting for you. Our office is waiting to answer your questions about the move. Feel free to check out my blog for more about relocating and moving to Hawaii. I can’t wait to see you here! Mahalo and Aloha.

Tips for Moving Overseas to Hawaii

Can I Move My Pet to Hawaii?

7 Reasons Mainlanders Should Relocate to Honolulu

Tips for a Smooth Relocation to Oahu with Children

Oceanfront Homes in Haleiwa and Waialua Oahu

March 30, 2015 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

Oceanfront Homes in Haleiwa and Waialua Oahu – Homes on the Beach in North Oahu

Haleiwa and Waialua are both on the northwestern edge of Oahu. They are smaller communities with laid back lifestyles and beautiful ocean breezes. Many locals prefer to live here or those looking for a quieter pace than the big city of Honolulu or Waikiki.

Haleiwa actually stretches as far north as Kawela Bay close to Turtle Bay and the North Shore as as far inland as the Sacred Falls State Park and almost to the Schofield Barracks. However, most of the residential properties are located from Waialua Bay north along the coastline. Right in town the oceanfront homes are along Pikai St between the Kaiaka Bay Beach Park and the Haleiwa Army Beach. This small section of road is home to about 23 properties priced $430,000 to about $2 million depending on condition and size. All have waterfront access right on the beach in the beautiful little bay. From there, a little north along the Kamehameha Hwy is Papailoa Road. These oceanfront homes offer larger lots priced from $1 million to over $5 million. Each home again offers oceanfront access and beach front views. A little farther north on a small jetty is the rocky beachfront along Pohaku Loa Way. These homes are similar to those just south priced from $2 million but there are no sandy beached along these oceanfront homes. Just around the bend along the highway are homes with larger lots stretching from the highway to the sandy beach priced around $2 million to $4 million. These homes go all the way to the Northshore so there are plenty of beautiful oceanfront and beachfront options here.

To the south is the small town of Waialua. This village reaches to the tip of Oahu and includes the Dillingham Airfield and south along Kaukonoahua Road. These homes overlook Mokuleia Bay right on the sandy beaches. Homes along Crozier Dr and Au Street are right on the water priced from $300,000 to over $1.5 million. These tend to be smaller homes but most will have some private if not all public access right to the beach. Towards the end of Crozier Dr the homes are a bit pricier around $600K to $1 million.

If you’re looking for the perfect oceanfront home on Oahu I suggest Waialua and Haleiwa; both beautiful coastal towns with lots to offer and amazing beachfront property.

Images by Aaron Warren, Darren Thompson & Mike Nash Flickr

Haleiwa – Miles from Ordinary

January 21, 2015 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

Haleiwa is located on Oahu’s North Shore and home to about 4000 residents. There are numerous beautiful beaches, parks and a few residential neighborhoods throughout Haleiwa. This is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike because of the surfing and diving sites along the North Shore. This is the largest commercial center on the north shore of the island.

Nestled just one hour from Waikiki, Haleiwa is known as one of the surfing capitals of the world. This older community dates back to the early 1900s, which was originally a sugar plantation., Today, locals and residents alike love the shopping, dining and of course, the surfing in Haleiwa. Not only do people come here to serve but you can skydive, jet ski, kayak, go horseback riding, golf, enjoying the Dole Plantation, go on a scuba or snorkeling tour, enjoy the Polynesian Cultural Center or jump off the mountain with a powered hang gliding to her. There’s so much to do all within just about 10 minutes from Haleiwa.

Because this is such a tourist attraction, there are only a few primary residence in Haleiwa. Homes are priced from about $260,000 to over $1 million depending on size, condition and location. Homes right on the water along Pikai St offers stunning beachfront access and beautiful views of the water. The Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park is a popular place for tourists and locals alike as there’s plenty of beach to be enjoyed by everyone. The Haleiwa Boat Harbor is located just east of the park and promotes the North Shore Shark Adventures, snorkeling and scuba diving tours. A little farther northeast are beautiful and popular waterfront restaurants such as Jameson’s By The Sea and Surf and Sea, offering exquisite seafood and delicious Hawaiian fare.

Again, Haleiwa is about one hour’s drive from Honolulu and Waikiki depending on traffic yet it’s miles away from the ordinary. For a true Hawaii experience or to simply be out of the hustle and bustle of downtown consider a home in Haleiwa. At any given time there is roughly 10 to 20 properties for sale so feel free to give me a call for private and personal tour or a customized list of properties that meet your search criteria and price.

Search all Haleiwa Homes for Sale

Images by Osamu Kaneko, Keoni Cabral, Max Kiesler, & wyteone Flickr

Where to live in Oahu? Whitmore Village

December 30, 2014 by Maureen Fukumoto Leave a Comment

Where to live in Oahu? Whitmore Village – Oahu

Nestled in the center of the island of Oahu just north of Wahiawa and Mililani is the small community of Whitmore Village. This small, census designated community is home to about 4500 residents and is about one square mile.

The median home price is roughly $470,000, about $50,000 less then the state average. The median rent is about $1300 per month and about 59% of residents are homeowners with 40% being renters.

Whitmore Village is easily accessible off of Highway 80 just north of Mililani and the Air Force space, turn right on Highway 804 and you pass right through Whitmore Village. The small community is residential only with three parks; the Whitmore Community Park, the Whitmore Playground and Kahu Kani Park. Farther up the road is the Naval communications and telecommunications as well as NSA Hawaii, concluding at the base of the Ewa Forest Reserve.

There are several condominium complexes and single-family homes throughout Whitmore Village. Condominium started about $140,000 period single-family homes start at $370,000. Some higher-priced homes do reach as high as $700,000 in this community.

For more accurate list of homes and real estate currently for sale in Whitmore Village please see a list of active properties for sale.

Whitmore Village is about 15 minutes or a little over 5 miles to Mililani. Honolulu is 35 minutes or a little over 22 miles. the Marine Corps base on Oahu’s eastern side is 40 minutes or a little over 31 miles.

For more information on the homes and real estate or if you have questions on this or other communities across the island feel free to give us a call at any time.

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