Investing in real estate is one of the safest things you can do with your money. Especially in today’s tough economic times, you need to know that your investments are earning money. With real estate, you can put your money in something that will appreciate instead of depreciate. If you are looking into real estate, here are three places you may not have thought about.

1. New Jersey. Real estate in New Jersey is a fabulous idea. New Jersey is a beautiful state in and of itself, but with the close proximity to New York City, Jersey becomes even more attractive. Plus, real estate in New Jersey is much cheaper than it is in the Big Apple. You can have all the fun of visiting New York, without the high price. Look into Jersey City condos for some really great real estate deals.

2. Omaha, Nebraska. Another place you may have overlooked in the past is Omaha. People are flocking to cities like Omaha, and the mid-West in general, because of the plentiful jobs, clean family environment, and cheap houses. You can find some great real estate deals here. And, with so many people making Nebraska home, your investment is sure to bring you a good return.

3. Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake is a wonderful place to invest in real estate. Forbes magazine recently rated Salt Lake as one of the top job markets. Plus, you’re close to the ski resorts, hiking in national parks, and outdoor fun. People are friendly here and real estate is cheap. You can buy several homes or apartments and really increase your returns in Salt Lake City.

It’s time for you to invest in real estate. Your money is sure to grow and you won’t have to take the risks that come with the stock market. Consider these three places if you are in the market for real estate.