The Small Balance Intersection Update - November 16, 2024

Fun Facts of the Day:

1969 - US President Nixon becomes first president to attend a season NFL game while in office: the Dallas Cowboys beat the Washington Redskins 41-28

1896 – First transmission of electricity between a power plant and a city was sent from the Niagara Falls hydroelectric plant to Buffalo, New York.

3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second. This accounts for 75,750 gallons of water per second over the American and Bridal Veil Falls and 681,750 gallons per second over the Horseshoe Falls.

Student-Friendly Zone

Ranking 2024’s Best College Cities: Affordability, Safety & Job Prospects

WalletHub’s 2024 ranking of the best and worst U.S. college cities and towns highlights critical factors influencing college life, including affordability, social environment, and academic and economic opportunities. Using 32 metrics across these categories, WalletHub assessed 415 cities and towns, weighting considerations like cost of living, quality of higher education, and employment outlook for students. Austin, Texas, topped the list for large cities, scoring highly in affordability and social environment, while Ann Arbor, Michigan, ranked as the top midsize city, reflecting its strong educational reputation and student-centered amenities.

For small cities, Oxford, Ohio, home to Miami University, claimed first place, bolstered by a favorable balance of affordability and vibrant social life. Meanwhile, Tallahassee, Florida, ranked as the least affordable large city for students due to high living costs, while Princeton, New Jersey, led as the safest small city. Notably, college towns like State College, Pennsylvania, and Boulder, Colorado, scored well for job prospects, an essential factor given the rising student debt and need for post-graduation employment opportunities.

WalletHub’s analysis reveals that regions with affordable living, safe environments, and good social options are becoming increasingly critical in college town appeal. As students seek cities that support both their education and future careers, metrics like rent affordability, part-time job opportunities, and entertainment options weigh heavily in their choices.

Read the full report here .

Scenic Route Ahead

Escape to America’s Most Romantic Small Towns

The Discoverer's article on the "Most Romantic Small Towns in the U.S." showcases destinations perfect for intimate getaways, each offering unique charm and scenic experiences. Montauk, New York, invites couples to unwind on expansive beaches and visit the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. Bar Harbor, Maine, pairs coastal beauty with adventures in Acadia National Park, followed by cozy downtown dining and spa treatments. For a sun-kissed retreat, Amelia Island, Florida, boasts Victorian B&Bs and beachside horseback riding. St. Simons in Georgia offers tranquil marshes and bike paths under live oaks, while Beaufort, North Carolina, delights with historic architecture and private boat tours. Aspen, Colorado, promises winter romance with snowy slopes and mountain dining, whereas Friday Harbor, Washington, offers whale-watching and waterfront art galleries. Finally, Skaneateles in New York’s Finger Lakes region entices visitors with lakeside picnics and wine tastings. Read more .

Main Street

U.S. Small Business Confidence Holds Steady in Q3

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Q3 2024 Small Business Index (SBI) maintained a stable score of 71.2, up slightly from 69.5 in Q2, reflecting steady optimism among small business owners about future hiring and revenue. Surveyed business owners expressed rising interest in the 2024 presidential election, with 71% more engaged than in previous cycles, primarily due to concerns around economic policies and inflation. Economic and inflation priorities ranked high, with 78% urging lawmakers to address these as top issues. Additionally, 84% voiced frustration with federal partisan gridlock, seeing it as an impediment to business stability. Regional analysis shows varying confidence, with some areas noting stronger hiring intentions. Business sentiment also reflected a cautious stance on economic challenges, despite optimism about technology benefits like AI. In a notable shift, small business leaders are focusing more on managing inflation risks and fewer on hiring issues than in past quarters. Explore the full report .

Weather Watch Road

NOAA Predicts Wetter Northern U.S. and Drier South for Winter 2024-2025

NOAA’s Winter Outlook for 2024-2025 forecasts a La Ni?a-influenced winter, predicting wetter-than-average conditions for the northern U.S. and drier conditions across the southern states. The Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes are expected to experience above-average precipitation, while areas from the Four Corners region to the Gulf Coast are projected to be drier than usual. Warmer-than-average temperatures are forecast for the southern U.S. and the East Coast, with the strongest warming expected along the Gulf Coast.

Drought conditions, present in over 25% of the U.S., are likely to improve in the Ohio River Valley and Great Lakes regions but are expected to worsen in the central and southern Plains, as well as parts of the Southwest. These forecasts support NOAA’s recent $100 million investment in advanced climate prediction technologies, aiming to enhance weather forecasting accuracy.

Read the full report here