Built-to-Rent Housing is Soaring in North Carolina

The housing market still hasn't cooled down across the United States, and North Carolina is no exception. As it turns out, built-to-rent housing is a major trend in North Carolina. If you aren't familiar with built-to-rent housing, here's the scoop.

So, what is built-to-rent housing? It involves a new, single-family residence with the benefits of property management. Also, it involves no need for a down payment or long-term commitment, according to Axios' Felix Salmon.

According to National Rental Home Council via Axios, more than 1,000 built-to-rent homes are planned or under construction per million of North Carolina residents. That might sound low, but that's very high compared to the national average of 345. These housing options are popular among would-be buyers who can't afford, or locate, a single-family home and those who don't want to buy for lifestyle reasons, Doug Ressler of real estate research firm Yardi Matrix tells Axios.

The trend is also national. According to RentCafe, national construction of new built-to-rent homes hit a record high last year. It had more than 14,500 houses completed and three times as many under construction. Locally, "built-to-rent neighborhoods have sprouted across North Raleigh and the suburbs in recent years, as the Triangle's rapid population growth makes it attractive to investors," Axios says. A specific example of this in North Carolina is that in the past month, two big national builders with multiple communities in the Triangle each submitted plans to build hundreds of built-to-rent homes in north Raleigh and Wake Forest, according to the Triangle Business Journal. The popularity, in part, is because the shortage in new construction has impacted the Triangle's housing market. That's resulting in higher prices and rents. Find more information on the data via Axios here.

So, is the built-to-rent housing trend here to stay? We'll have to wait and see. If the housing market starts to decline in North Carolina and nationally and home costs decrease, then built-to-rent housing could be a trend that doesn't last.

Summer is here, and with it comes the opportunity to enjoy America's beautiful lakes. One of my favorite summer activities is going to a pristine lake. Whether I just hang out on the beach or take a ride in a pontoon, it's always a summer highlight. So, what are some fun things to do at the lake this summer?

Before we get to that, did you know that there's actually a Lakes Appreciation Month? It's true. The North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS) has named July the official Lakes Appreciation Month. The designation is to "focus attention on the value of lakes and reservoirs to society and the threats they face." NALMS also states that their mission is to "forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs...for today and tomorrow."

One fun fact about lakes is that the lowest lake in the world is the Dead Sea, on the edge of Israel and Jordan. The surface level is 418 m below sea level. That's incredible. Also, the Great Lakes, which are shared between the U.S. and Canada, contain roughly 21% of the world's freshwater supply.

So, what are some engaging activities that you can do on the lake this year? Read on for a list of 10 fun things to do on the lake this summer.

I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it's too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.

Water often attracts special wildlife that you won't find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you're camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.

When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn't catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.

If you're looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you'll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.

One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It's always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I'm not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don't even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.

It's always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That's a must.

Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don't find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.

Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don't get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.

Here's my top choice, even though you'll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you're just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.

Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.