Dawn Bradbury

New Hampshire

Assistant Managing Editor, Real Estate at U.S. News and World Report

Assistant managing editor, Real Estate, U.S. News & World Report | Word nerd | Yogi | Chicken mom

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Articles

Are Avocado Bathrooms Back?

1 week ago | realestate.usnews.com | Maurie Backman |Carolyn Neugarten |Dawn Bradbury

Key Takeaways: Avocado-green bathrooms were popular in the 1970s, featuring everything from avocado tiles to avocado fixtures. Some experts say they're now making a comeback. While you may like the look, be mindful of how it could impact your home's resale value. It's not such an unusual thing for retro trends to resurface years or decades later. Bell-bottom pants came back in the early 2000s to the delight of aging hippies.
The 15 Best Big Cities to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026

1 week ago | realestate.usnews.com | Josephine Nesbit |Dawn Bradbury |Carolyn Neugarten

Big cities often come with big trade-offs, but not always. While some major metros struggle with high costs, long commutes or high crime rates, others manage to offer the perks of urban life without the downsides. When evaluating this year’s 250 Best Places to Live list, U.S. News analyzed 859 cities across the country, using data related to affordability, quality of life, job market strength and overall desirability.
4 Things You Should Check In Your Air Conditioning Before Summer Heats Up

2 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Liz Brumer-Smith |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala

Key Takeaways: Perform routine air conditioning maintenance to prep for the summer heat. Key tasks include cleaning drain lines, clearing the condenser and changing air filters. You can DIY basic maintenance or hire a pro for a full inspection. The hot, sunny days of summer are right around the corner. For homeowners in heat-prone states, it also means your AC is about to go into overdrive. The good news? With a little routine maintenance, an untimely breakdown doesn’t have to happen.
23% of Workers Say Pay Is the Most Important Part of Their Job. Here Are Some of the Top Companies for Pay and Benefits

2 weeks ago | usnews.com | Susannah Snider |Katy Marquardt |Dawn Bradbury

Quality of pay is one of the most important factors employees evaluate when considering working for a company. Getty ImagesIn fact, 23% of workers say pay is the most important part of a job, according to a survey of more than 7,000 respondents that ran on the U.S. News Careers website from January 2024 to January 2025.
The 15 Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026

2 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Josephine Nesbit |Dawn Bradbury |Carolyn Neugarten

Big-city perks aren’t limited to the country’s largest metros. If you’re looking for career opportunities, cultural amenities and a high quality of life without the sky-high cost of living, these medium-sized cities deliver. For the Top 250 Best Places to Live list, the U.S. News’ analysis evaluated data related to the desirability, quality of life, job market and value of 859 U.S. cities. This includes crime rates, cost of living, job market, net migration, climate, quality of education and more.
The History of Wallpaper: From Cave Walls to Intricate Wall Coverings

3 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Dawn Bradbury

Humans, ever aware of and influenced by our surroundings, have a fundamental need to define and personalize our spaces. The physical environment in which our life unfolds, whether at home, school, work or places of recreation, is not merely a backdrop for our experiences. The quality of our space engages our deepest senses, emotions, and intuitions, helping shape how we feel and experience the world. The four walls of our homes provide the greatest surface area to influence us.
4 Home Projects That Will Cost More Due to Trump's Tariffs (and 5 That Won’t)

3 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Deborah Kearns |Dawn Bradbury |Carolyn Neugarten

Key Takeaways: Certain materials like lumber and steel, typically sourced from abroad, will likely have higher price tags. Lengthy and costly remodeling projects with imported materials will be most impacted. Minor projects and many exterior projects will be the ones most likely to stay static. Communication with contractors and thorough project planning can help combat price uncertainty. Spring and summer offer homeowners a prime window to check home renovation projects off their list.
The 15 Best Small Cities to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026

3 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Josephine Nesbit |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala

You don’t need to settle down in a major city for quality education, career options and things to do. Some of the best places to live in America are located in smaller cities, just outside the noise and sprawl of large metropolitan areas. When determining the top 250 Best Places to Live, U.S. News’ annual analysis evaluated data related to desirability, quality of life, job market and value in 859 U.S. cities.
Should You Buy or Rent a Home in 2025? A Decision Guide

3 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Maryalene Laponsie |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala

Key Takeaways Elevated interest rates, limited inventory and high prices are all hallmarks of the 2025 housing market. Experts say the situation may not improve in 2026 so people shouldn’t delay purchasing a home. Renting is best for those who don’t plan to live in an area long, want a lower monthly payment and don’t want to dealwith maintenance.
How Rent Control Affects the Housing Market

4 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Liz Brumer-Smith |Dawn Bradbury |Liisa Rajala

Key Takeaways: Rent control limits how much landlords can raise rent and sets rules for leases. It aims to stabilize housing costs for tenants while allowing landlords to recover their investment. However, it can also discourage development, restrict landlord cash flow and reduce tenant mobility. Housing affordability remains one of the biggest challenges in the United States, not just for hopeful homebuyers, but for renters, too.