

In large part due to its reliable distribution infrastructure, natural gas consistently helps meet Americans’ energy needs efficiently and sustainably. Recent brownouts and rolling blackouts across the country underscore this challenge and create vulnerabilities for utility customers who require reliable and affordable energy for their safety and well-being, particularly for older customers and individuals with disabilities. And before you apply for a pre-approval and start house hunting, it's a good idea to dive into the real costs of homeownership so you'll have the best idea of what to expect.While generally rooted in a well-intentioned desire to reduce emissions, policies that shift Americans to a single source of energy could exacerbate our already-overburdened electric grid. If you're looking to buy a house, check out our coverage of the best mortgage lenders.

And if you're a history buff, don't miss Harper's Ferry, where Civil War buffs gather to remember John Brown's Raid. The Mountain State truly is "almost heaven," both for having the cheapest average home price as well as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in the southern part of the state, where you can experience the beauty of the New River and perhaps try out whitewater rafting. Or you can check out the Natchez Trace Parkway, which is a scenic route covering 444 miles in three states (it runs from Tennessee through a bit of Alabama to Mississippi), welcoming drivers, hikers, and bikers. Biloxi has a 30-mile-long white sand beach and a historic cast iron lighthouse that dates to 1848. The Magnolia State is rich in natural beauty. The city offers museums and spas, and the national park nearby was the very first one established in this country. Or head to Hot Springs to check out the natural thermal water bubbling up from underground. The Natural State lives up to its nickname with Crater of Diamonds State Park, where you can actually dig for your very own diamonds. Or if getting a taste of the wild in a city is more your speed, the Oklahoma City Zoo is highly rated and is in fact the state's most popular attraction. You can find the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in the southwestern part of the state, where you can watch the majesty of roaming herds of bison. If you love animals, the Sooner State has attractions aplenty for you. It's known for launching major political campaigns, as many presidential hopefuls visit to drum up support in advance of the country's first presidential primaries of the election year. The largest event in the Hawkeye State is the Iowa State Fair, and it's also one of America's oldest agricultural and industrial expositions. KentuckyĮveryone knows the Bluegrass State is known for horse racing, and especially the Kentucky Derby (held every May in Louisville), but did you know Kentucky is also home to Mammoth Caves National Park? It's the world's longest known cave system. Huntsville (the most populous city) was named the Best Place to Live in the U.S. The Heart of Dixie is home to beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, delicious fried food (and barbecue), and deep roots in American history, with many of the most notable events of the 20th century Civil Rights Movement happening in Alabama. Another can't-miss stop is the Sternberg Museum of Natural History at Fort Hays State University, to see fossils and other examples of now-extinct life. So if you make the move, be sure to check out Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum, which takes visitors 650 feet underground to explore an active salt mine.

The Sunflower State offers residents diverse landscapes and the opportunity to explore the ancient history of our planet. Ohio is also home to many minor league and college sports teams, so there's always a match to watch or a game to play. The Buckeye State is the place to live if you're a sports fan or an aspiring athlete, as there are nine major league teams (football, baseball, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and even rugby) headquartered in the three largest cities (Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati). And if you want to go back to school (or have kids who will be looking at higher education), Louisiana offers many top-rated colleges and universities. New Orleans is home to the annual Mardi Gras festival every year in either February or March, and also a wide variety of museums. Living in the Pelican State comes with easy access to some of the most vibrant and interesting culture in the U.S. More: These 0% intro APR credit cards made our best-of list New: Card with huge $300 bonus hits market
