Why Georgia is Bankrate’s best state for retirement in 2021
Florida and Arizona rank high in Bankrate’s list of top places to retire, but they’re not No. 1.
2 min read
Jul 07, 2021
Jeff Ostrowski
Writer and Housing Market Analyst
EXPERTISE
- Mortgages
- Mortgage refinancing
- Mortgage rate trends
- Housing market
- Real estate
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Master of Arts, University of Illinois at Springfield
- Continuing coursework, including NMLS Mortgage Loan Originator education and MLO SAFE Test
About the author
Jeff Ostrowski has closely covered two nationwide housing booms and one devastating bust. Before joining Bankrate in 2020, he spent more than 20 years writing about real estate, business, the economy and politics. He previously worked as a reporter at the Palm Beach Post and the South Florida Business Journal.
From 2019 through 2025, Jeff served on the board of the nonprofit National Association of Real Estate Editors. He twice has won gold awards in the group’s journalism contest. His Bankrate coverage of housing affordability was also honored with a Best in Business award from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.
When he’s not working, Jeff enjoys surfing, biking and traveling, usually with a surfboard or bike.
Jeff is the author of How to Buy a Home in a Miserable Market, available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.
Jeff beyond Bankrate
Jeff wants you to know
When you’re applying for a mortgage, shop around and do your homework — informed borrowers can save thousands of dollars over the life of their loan. Don’t fixate on finding the absolute perfect option, though, or timing your loan to a low point for mortgage rates. If you’re borrowing now, mortgage rates could go down in the future. Avoid worrying about all those things that are both out of your control and impossible to predict.
Jeff's latest articles
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Real estate commissions fall to new lows as homes fly off the market
Real estate commissions have fallen to a new low, and the reasons might surprise you.
4 min read Mar 02, 2021 -
The surprising reasons home prices have held up in this recession
U.S. home prices rarely fall during recessions, and the latest downturn follows that pattern.
4 min read Sep 25, 2020 -
‘Missing middle’ homes could ease affordability squeeze, architect says
As home prices continue to outpace income gains, going back to the past may be the answer.
5 min read Aug 25, 2020 -
Survey: More than a third of Americans have delayed financial milestones because of pandemic
Buying a home or car and getting married are among the goals people are postponing.
3 min read Jul 15, 2020 -
Survey: Most Americans say personal finances haven’t improved under President Trump
Just 17 percent say their finances have improved under Trump, Bankrate’s survey finds.
4 min read Jun 15, 2020 -
Survey: Over half of mortgage, auto borrowers fret about their ability to pay
If you’re worried about paying your bills, the say-nothing approach won’t work.
4 min read May 06, 2020
