There’s nowhere on earth quite like the Outer Banks, a string of wild but well-loved barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Learn more about our 2025 Vacation of the Year.

A LendingTree analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows that renting is cheaper than owning a home in each of the 100 largest metros.

Elevated mortgage rates and mounting house prices from inflation have priced many buyers out of home ownership, making renting a more feasible option than saving up for a down payment.