Maps
Which National Park is the Closest to Where You Live?
If you’ve ever wondered which of the sixty-three National Parks that are scattered throughout the United States is closest to you, then wonder no more! We came across this map that breaks the country down into 63 regions, to show which National Park is the closest for every area in the United States. While we originally found this map visual shared in the r/dataisbeautiful subreddit, it was originally created by esri using the Thiessen (Voronoi) polygon tool.
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If you’re also picking up vintage vibes from this map, that’s because it was designed to be reminiscent of vintage National Park posters. An excellent design choice in our opinion! How did they determine which National Park was the closest to every area in the U.S.? The distance in each boundary is displayed “as the crow flies” so any spot within each National Park’s boundary is closer to that park than to any other. Although these boundaries do not take into account the shortest drive time or the most convenient National Park to each location. Looking at the map you can see that there are a lot more National Park options on the western part of the country than on the eastern. This is due to the west having a lot more open land available when the National Park Service began in 1916, while the eastern side of the country had a lot more of its land already developed at that time. Which of the sixty-three National Parks is the closest to you!?
Charts
Study Determines Cities with Biggest Home Price Increases After COVID-19
The team at Mortgage Calculator released a study examining COVID-19’s impact on the American housing market. The pandemic hugely impacted the global economy, creating shifts in the prices of groceries, cars, gas, and homes. Generally, home prices skyrocketed all around the country. Their research showed that these ten U.S. cities had the largest home price increases:
- Irvine, CA
- Detroit, MI
- Fayetteville, NC
- Miami, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Buffalo, NY
- Port St. Lucie, FL
- Newark, NJ
- San Bernardino, CA
- Petersburg, FL
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There are many reasons that home prices rose so much between 2020 and 2024. The economy was chaotic and uncertain during the pandemic, with average people feeling unequipped to navigate the changes. Many people lost jobs, especially those who held public-facing positions. Others switched to remote work, forcing them to make their home their workspace. For some, this was an ideal situation; others wished for a new home to accommodate their new way of working. Unemployment rose to a higher rate than it had in 80 years. This situation left many seeking new situations, but just as many felt they should plant deeper roots instead.
There were not enough houses to fit the number of people searching for a move or first-time home ownership. Interest rates soared. People moved out of city centers to rural and suburban communities. This left the housing market in flux with skyrocketing prices, as we can see from the in-depth research presented in this chart.
Finance Visualizations
Which U.S. Counties Are the Most Generous?
The United States is consistently recognized for its charitable spirit, often ranking highly on the World Giving Index by the Charities Aid Foundation. Americans are undeniably enthusiastic about supporting causes and helping others. Recently, Harmony and Healing conducted a study to identify which U.S. counties are the most charitable.
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Using IRS tax data, the researchers analyzed income and charitable contributions, focusing on the percentage of income donated. This approach allowed them to spotlight the counties with the most generous residents.
Leading the list is Benton County, Arkansas, where residents donate an impressive 15.56% of their income. On average, this equals $29.41 per person. Researchers believe this high level of generosity is influenced by the Walmart headquarters located in the county. With Walmart employing nearly half of Benton County’s residents, the company’s philanthropic culture may inspire local giving habits.
New York County, home to Manhattan, comes in second. Known for its wealth and festive spirit, especially during the holiday season, the area’s residents seem inspired to give back. The combination of high incomes and a culture of holiday cheer likely contributes to its ranking.
Third place goes to San Mateo County in California. Notably, this county is among several in the state to make the top ten, suggesting Californians are particularly committed to charitable giving.
This study highlights how location, culture, and economic factors can shape generosity across the United States, showcasing the varied ways Americans support their communities.
Maps
Study Names One Amusement Park the Best in the Country
The United States is home to a wealth of incredible amusement parks, offering experiences for both families and adrenaline junkies. With so many options, deciding where to go can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a new chart from the Florida Rentals team ranks the nation’s top parks, making it easier to plan your next adventure.
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The rankings are based on several key factors:
- Park size
- Total attractions available
- Number of roller coasters in operation
- Themed areas within the park
- Ticket pricing
- Reviews from Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor
Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, claimed the top spot. Known as the second-oldest theme park in the country, Cedar Point boasts the highest number of mechanical rides worldwide that earned it a Guinness World Record. This iconic destination is celebrated for its legendary roller coasters, including fan favorites like Raptor, Millennium Force, Maverick, Gatekeeper, and Steel Vengeance.
The top ten parks featured in the chart include:
- Cedar Point
- Six Flags Great Adventure
- Six Flags Great America
- Kings Island
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Hersheypark
- Disneyland
- Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s California Adventure
This chart serves as a handy resource for anyone planning a theme park getaway. With insights on locations, ticket prices, and standout features, it’s the ultimate tool for choosing your next thrilling escape.
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