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8 Towns That Truly Celebrate Veterans on Veterans Day

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Veteran's Day Parade
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Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. Originally dedicated to honoring WWI veterans, it became a legal holiday in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress renamed it Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans who served in the military, both in war and peace. Today, it is observed annually on November 11 as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of U.S. service members.

Veterans Day celebrations across the United States serve as heartfelt tributes to the men and women who have served in the nation’s armed forces. Communities gather for parades, ceremonies, and moments of silence to honor the sacrifices and bravery of veterans from all branches of the military. Schools and civic organizations often host educational programs and assemblies, while local governments and veterans’ groups organize wreath-laying events at memorials and cemeteries. These celebrations not only recognize the service of veterans but also foster a deeper appreciation for the freedoms they helped secure. Here are 8 towns that are known for hosting heartfelt, large-scale, or historically significant Veterans Day celebrations that honor service members with pride and community spirit.

1. Mobile, Alabama

Mobile is considered the birthplace of Veterans Day. The city hosts one of the oldest and most patriotic parades in the country, featuring military bands, floats, and thousands of spectators. Plus, there are many other events to celebrate the occasion. This includes the annual Veterans Day concert by the Mobile Pops at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Other local events will include a Veterans Day lunch at Fort Whiting Armory and a Parade of Flags. 

2. New York City, New York

Home to one of the nation’s largest Veterans Day parades, NYC’s “America’s Parade” draws over 20,000 participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators. It’s a massive tribute that includes active-duty military, veterans, and civic groups. The parade has more than 280 marching units and more than 20,000 marchers.

3. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital puts on many Veterans Day events throughout the area. The National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery includes a solemn wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s attended by dignitaries and offers a deeply moving experience. The highlight of the weekend will be on Sunday, November 9th, when the National Veterans Day Parade marches proudly up Constitution Avenue—from the National Archives to the White House. Other events include the Grand Marshal Dinner at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center, the National Field Show for Bands on the National Mall, and opening ceremonies at the National Archives.

4. Chillicothe, Illinois

This small town gained national attention when a local Eagle Scout created a documentary honoring veterans. American Flags rates this small town as the number one best Veterans Day celebration. Chillicothe’s celebrations are personal, community-driven, and deeply respectful. This year, St. Edward’s Catholic School will hold Veterans Day festivities.

5. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix hosts a vibrant Veterans Day parade along Central Avenue, featuring military vehicles, marching bands, and community organizations. It’s one of the largest in the Southwest. Every year, it attracts more than 40,000 spectators. The Veterans Day event begins on Montebello Street and Central Avenue before heading east on Camelback. From there, the route heads south on 7th Street, before ending at Indian School Road.

6. Branson, Missouri

Known for its year-round patriotism, Branson hosts a week-long Veterans Homecoming celebration. Some events include a military film festival, a World War II mini-reunion, a sporting clays shoot, and a Veterans’ Spouses luncheon. The week culminates in a massive parade and tribute events. It’s one of the most veteran-friendly towns in America.

7. San Diego, California

San Diego has a strong military presence. It has five major Navy and Marine Corps bases and more than 115,000 active-duty service members in the region. Additionally, it’s estimated that San Diego is home to more than 230,000 veterans. So, San Diego makes sure to honor its veterans. This includes parades, naval tributes, and museum ceremonies. The USS Midway often hosts special commemorations as well.

8. Aberdeen Township, New Jersey

This New Jersey Township has an interesting event for Veterans Day. On November 8, they host a Breakfast and Car Show for their veterans. Food trucks, veteran-owned vendors, and organization tables are part of the festivities. You can find the event at the Matawan Regional High School.

Honoring Service, Inspiring Community

These Veterans Day celebrations go beyond tradition; they foster connection, remembrance, and a shared sense of national pride. As we reflect on these inspiring communities, we’re reminded that honoring our veterans is not just a one-day event, but a lasting commitment to those who have given so much for our freedom.

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Tiny Houses on Wheels Avoiding Property Taxes Entirely

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tiny house on wheels property taxes
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Tiny homes can be about more than minimalism. For many, they are a way to financial freedom in a tough market. And in some instances, people are putting their tiny houses on wheels to escape the costs that come with traditional homeownership. Unlike fixed homes, many municipalities don’t know how to classify tiny houses on trailers. Are they real estate or personal property? The area is very gray. But in many states, tiny homes on wheels are treated like RVs. So, property taxes often aren’t collected. It’s a potential loophole that can save owners thousands each year. So much so that it’s catching the attention of both local governments and homeowners looking for creative tax relief. Here’s how it works, and why states are starting to notice.

The Key Loophole: Mobility Equals Non-Real Estate

Tiny homes on wheels are often viewed more like vehicles or mobile units, while those fixed on land may fall under traditional property laws. That single distinction changes everything. Because the structure isn’t permanently attached to the land, local tax assessors often treat it like a vehicle or RV. In most cases, you only pay for registration fees or annual tags, not property taxes. That could be a savings of $2,000–$5,000 a year, depending on the state.

Tax treatment for mobile tiny homes varies from state to state. For example, in Oregon and Texas, tiny houses on wheels fall under “recreational vehicle” rules, meaning they’re registered through the DMV and exempt from real estate tax rolls. In states like Florida and Arizona, local governments are tightening rules, requiring long-term parkers to register as fixed dwellings if connected to utilities. The gray area leaves thousands of homeowners floating between tax codes,

Most zoning codes were written decades before the tiny home movement took off, so assessors don’t have clear guidance on how to treat mobile units. As a result, owners who park on rural land or within friendly jurisdictions often go unassessed altogether. Others take advantage by keeping their wheels visible and avoiding permanent foundations, ensuring the structure stays “movable” in the eyes of the law. It’s a technicality that keeps them off the county’s taxable map. But tiny home owners need to do their homework. It’s best to call your local planning department so that you’re aware of local zoning codes.

Many Owners Use Hybrid Strategies to Stay Legal

Some tiny homeowners get creative by leasing the land their homes sit on, which further separates ownership of land from structure. This makes taxation even harder for counties to enforce. Others register their homes as travel trailers or custom-built RVs, even if they never move them. It’s a paper trail that satisfies the DMV but sidesteps property tax. For many, it’s a huge financial relief in a housing market that feels impossible.

Local Governments Are Starting to Push Back

Counties are beginning to catch on, especially in high-demand housing regions. Some are updating zoning laws to reclassify long-stationary mobile homes as taxable real estate after a set period, often 90–180 days. Others are proposing inspection programs or special “tiny home permits” that add fees and documentation requirements. The balance between encouraging affordable housing and preventing lost tax revenue is becoming a hot political debate. So, while it may seem like purchasing a tiny home on wheels is a good way to get around property taxes now, standards and laws could quickly change.

The Ethical and Legal Gray Zone

So, if you avoid property taxes, are you placing an undue burden on other homeowners? If you still enjoy local infrastructure and schools, shouldn’t you help pay for them? These are concerns that critics raise. But supporters counter that tiny homes consume far fewer resources and shouldn’t be taxed like full-sized houses. In reality, until national standards exist, these questions will remain unsettled.

Why the Tiny-on-Wheels Trend Isn’t Slowing Down

For many Americans, property taxes are the dealbreaker that keeps homeownership out of reach. Tiny houses on wheels offer a workaround, low cost, low regulation, and high mobility. Even as states tighten loopholes, demand for movable tiny homes continues to grow. Whether viewed as smart financial independence or a challenge to the system, one thing is clear: rolling homes have found a way to roll right past the tax bill.

Would you ever live in a movable tiny home to avoid property taxes, or do you think states should close this loophole? Share your thoughts below!

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Why Would You Refinance Your House Now? Here Are 10 Reasons

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refinance your house
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With interest rates dropping to their lowest point in a year, as of October 2025, many homeowners are asking: Is now finally the right time to refinance? After years of high mortgage rates, for many Americans, it’s a financial reset. Refinancing could give you an opportunity to lower payments, shorten loan terms, or unlock equity for future goals. But that’s not all. Whether you bought during the rate spikes or haven’t reviewed your loan in years, refinancing can bring surprising benefits beyond just a smaller bill. Here are 10 solid reasons it may make sense to refinance your house right now.

1. Interest Rates Are Finally Drifting Down Again

After peaking above 7% in 2023, average mortgage rates have dipped closer to 6% today. When you do the math, even a one-point drop can mean tens of thousands saved over the life of a loan. If you’re considering refinancing, it’s important to do it now, before another rate swing happens. This can lock in stability for years. In fact, the earlier you act during a rate-cut cycle, the bigger the long-term payoff.

2. You Want Lower Monthly Payments

Probably the most common reason to refinance is that you want lower monthly payments. A lower rate or extended loan term can shrink your mortgage payment. Imagine what even trimming $150 a month could do. That could put $1,800 in your pocket annually. That cash could be used for other priorities like retirement savings or paying down high-interest debt. So, even small adjustments can make an impact and improve your financial health.

3. You Can Shorten Your Loan Term

Lowering your monthly payments isn’t the only reason to refinance, though. If you’re comfortable with your current payments, refinancing into a shorter loan term, say from 30 years to 15 years, can dramatically reduce total interest. You’ll pay off your home faster and build equity quicker. For example, if your income is higher right now, you may want to focus on becoming debt-free. While there’s no rule on how many times you refinance, you do pay closing costs each time. So, it’s important to only adjust loan terms if you’re in a stable financial situation.

4. You Want to Consolidate High-Interest Debt

Mortgage interest rates are typically far lower than credit card or personal loan rates. A cash-out refinance lets you roll those debts into one lower-rate loan, simplifying payments and cutting total interest costs. While this moves unsecured debt into a secured loan, it can be a smart reset if paired with disciplined spending.

5. You Need Cash for Major Life Goals

Home equity can be a powerful financial tool when used strategically. Refinancing allows you to access that equity for renovations, tuition, or major life changes. With property values still high, many homeowners are sitting on record equity levels without realizing it. A cash-out refinance gives you flexibility without resorting to higher-interest borrowing. It’s one of the cheapest ways to borrow. With this kind of refi, you’ll get a lump-sum payout for your equity. But usually. you are required to retain 20% equity in your home.

6. Your Credit Score Has Improved

If your credit score has jumped since you first took out your mortgage, you likely qualify for a better rate now. Lenders reward strong credit with lower interest and better terms. Refinancing based on improved credit can mean thousands in savings. You’ll want your score to have jumped 20-30 points for  a better new rate. A score of 740 or higher is generally needed for the best rates. It’s proof that good financial habits pay off in very real ways.

7. You Want to Switch From an Adjustable to a Fixed Rate

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) made sense when rates were low, but resets in recent years have shocked many borrowers with sudden payment jumps. Refinancing into a fixed-rate loan restores predictability and security. You’ll know exactly what to budget for each month, and you’ll be protected if rates rise again in 2026 or beyond. However, it’s a smart idea to calculate your break-even point, so you know when you’ll start saving money.

8. You’re Divorcing or Changing Ownership

Refinancing is often the cleanest way to remove or add someone to a mortgage. This can be due to divorce, inheritance, or estate planning. It resets the legal and financial ownership structure while allowing you to re-evaluate your terms. Even if rates are slightly higher, the clarity and independence gained often outweigh the cost.

9. You Want to Eliminate Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If your home’s value has increased and you now have at least 20% equity, refinancing can remove private mortgage insurance. PMI often costs $50 to $250 a month, depending on loan size. Dropping it not only cuts monthly costs but also streamlines your statement. Many homeowners don’t realize they’re still paying PMI unnecessarily.

10. You’re Planning for Retirement and Want Predictable Cash Flow

For homeowners nearing retirement, refinancing can lock in lower payments or shorten a term before switching to a fixed income. Some also use cash-out refinancing as part of a “retirement readiness” plan. Extra cash can fund home upgrades, pay off debts, or build a financial cushion. It’s about designing stability while income is still steady.

Why Refinancing in 2025 Is More Than Rate Chasing

Refinancing today isn’t just about timing the market; it’s about improving your overall financial position. Whether your goal is lower payments, debt consolidation, or tapping equity wisely, the right refi can boost stability and flexibility. If you haven’t reviewed your mortgage in the past two years, it’s worth exploring your options before the next rate adjustment cycle hits.

Are you considering refinancing this year, or have you already locked in a new rate? Share your experience or questions below.

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