The dog days of summer have arrived. And no matter where you are in the country, you know what that means: Sweaty, sticky HEAT. And lots of it. Considering 2019 can claim the hottest summer on record for the Northern Hemisphere, finding a good way to stay cool in summer is a necessity for people living in apartment communities.
As global temperatures continue to rise, oceans are heating up, glaciers are melting and we humans are growing downright uncomfortable. And by the looks of it, we may just have to get used to these scorching temps — or at least come up with some pretty good ways for how to stay cool in the summer.
Wondering how to stay cool this summer in the face of the oppressive heat? We're here to help. We've scoured the sizzling corners of the steamiest places in the country for tips on staying cool.
From apartment hacks to places to chill, we promise there are at least a few you haven't thought of (ahem, freezing your sheets?). And if these tips don't do the trick, perhaps it's time to relocate.
We've come up with the top 10 cities for staying cool this summer. And no, these aren't the cities with the mildest temperatures. In fact, four of the cities on our top 10 are among the hottest cities in America, including the top 3 on AccuWeather's list: Phoenix, Las Vegas and Tucson (plus San Antonio).
So, what makes these steamy cities the best metros for staying cool? In a word, amenities. Apartment Guide looked at all cities with at least 50 properties and ranked them based on the percentage of properties that have a swimming pool, air conditioning and ceiling fans.
Here are the 10 cities that are the best for staying cool:
Think you've thought of all the tricks in the book to stay sweat-free? Consider these tips for conjuring up your inner igloo.
Draw the curtains and drop those blinds! The less light that gets in, the lower the temperature will stay in your apartment. Yes, it's obvious — but it works.
We're not kidding, you'll cool off in a hurry. Just don't let the chocolate ice cream drip onto your Egyptian cotton sheets while you're cramming them in the freezer.
Some of us were well into our 30s (OK, 40) before figuring this one out. Counterclockwise will blow the air downward, which is what you want in the summertime.
Give the oven a break with cooling, no-cook recipes (think salads, sandwiches, fruit). Better yet, fire up the grill outside after the sun goes down.
Hang out somewhere cool without breaking the bank. Local museums with free days are a good option, along with libraries, indoor farmers' markets and even the mall.
Placing an ice pack on your pulse points (wrists, neck, temples, behind the knee, etc.) can have a dramatic cooling effect on your entire body.
Step one: Open your windows. Step two: Close your curtains (or hang a sheet over the window). Step three: Spray water on the curtains until they're damp. Now enjoy the cooling effect.
Wait, really? It may be uncomfortable at the moment, but if eating spicy foods makes you sweat, your body will cool down as a result.
Still sweating it out? Try these 10 tips to cool down your apartment.
Whether you've already put your pillowcase in the icebox, or you're plotting a move to Tucson, we hope we've inspired you with some ideas for how to stay cool this summer. Do you have a tip or trick for keeping cool that we haven't thought of? Leave a comment and share your chill tips.
With more than 40 years of experience covering the multifamily rental industry, Apartment Guide is your authority for rental advice and apartment living. From your initial search to your next move and everything in between, we provide comprehensive tips and guides to answer all of your renter questions. We also highlight industry news and up-to-date national, state, city and neighborhood price and data trends to help you better understand and navigate today's rental market.