A successful marriage can be a challenge if the location of where you live is stressful, full of crime, and has high mortgages! First comes love, then comes marriage, and for most first-time homebuyers, only then comes investing in real estate investing in real estate. According to a survey by NeighborWorks America – an affordable housing organization based in Washington, D.C., – more than 43 percent of respondents plan to put off buying a home until after they have tied the knot, while 22 percent decide to wait until after they have kids, and 18 percent are simply waiting for enough financial security. It seems that, even amongst millennials, marriage is a significant predictor of a mortgage.

The Best Locations to Live for a Successful Marriage

Therefore, if you want your love life and your investments to pay off, you should be choosy about where you settle down. Here are the top places with excellent property values and exceedingly low divorce rates.

A Successful Marriage can start in New Jersey

New Jersey might be well-known for big personalities, but those personalities seem to get along rather well. This state consistently scores among the lowest divorce rates in the country, with only around 8 percent of married couples ending their relationships. Experts believe New Jersey boast such low rates because its populations tend to marry at an older age and earn higher salaries – thanks to a culture that emphasizes career success. Plus, home equity loan rates in NJ are exceedingly favorable, so you can continue to leverage your real estate investment by moving your marriage to the Garden State.

New York has a Good Rate for Marriage Bliss

Likely for the same reasons as New Jerseyans, New Yorkers enjoy incredibly low divorce rates and have more successful marriages, also hovering around 8 percent. New York is a wonderful state for a young married couple, with unparalleled cultural events in the city to natural activities and splendor upstate. However, it is important to note that New York is often prohibitively expensive; in fact, you might be able to buy a real, historical castle for less than a NYC apartment.

Building a Successful Marriage in Washington, D.C., is an option

The nation’s capital is consistently ranked as one of the best places for young people to live – and if you’re already married, it’s all the better. The District of Columbia has a divorce rate of just over 9 percent; however, it’s important to note that Washington, D.C. also has the lowest marriage rate in the Union. Less than one-third of citizens in the capital have tied the knot, potentially skewing the divorce numbers. Still, being so close to divisive politics might just bring you and your spouse closer together.

Some of the Most Successful Marriages are in Hawaii

When you are surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and glittering turquoise water, it can be difficult to start an argument. Perhaps that’s why Hawaii’s divorce rate is among the lowest in the nation, around 9 percent.

In reality, it isn’t Hawaii’s gorgeous tropical scenery and climate that keep tempers low; rather, it is the same reason New Jersey, New York, and other entries on this list boast higher marital bliss. Most Hawaiian residents are upper middle class and boast moderate educations, which tend to keep marriages strong. Yet, spending ample quality time with your spouse on the beach can’t hurt. We love these 10 best places Elle Decor finds for the newlyweds and marriages.

Pennsylvania Boasts Many Succesful Marriages

Boasting the highest divorce rates in the tristate area, Pennsylvania matches Hawaii with a divorce rate just above 9 percent. However, while marriages in the Keystone State might be as rock-solid as the Constitution, young people seem to be abandoning Pennsylvania in droves. The reason, many experts believe, is the high rate of student debt in this state, causing many young people to relocate to their home states following college. Fortunately, mortgages aren’t nearly as substantial here as student debt, so you and your partner should be able to find stability and happiness.

Look to Utah for a Long Marriage Life

A state with a reputation for faith and fidelity, Utah not only has a remarkably low divorce rate, matching Hawaii and Pennsylvania at around 9 percent, but it also has the highest marriage rate in the country, with over 55 percent of residents with knots tied tight. It’s also worth noting that several studies have found the Beehive State to be the happiest in the country. Researchers believe Utah offers superior work environments – with fewer working hours and longer-term employment – as well as unmatched community and recreational activities, thanks undoubtedly to the LDS church and the magnificent national parks. When everyone around you is happy and in love, it’s hard not to follow suit.

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