Thinking about relocating? You’re not alone. In 2025, more Americans express a desire to move than ever before, remote workers, empty nesters, recent grads, families, and solo resetters.
But making a smart move today takes more than checking home prices and Googling “best places to live.” Between rising climate risk, evolving political climates, broadband access, and lifestyle shifts, choosing the right city in 2025 requires a new playbook.
This guide walks you through 11 smart, updated factors to consider—and how LookyLOO can help you navigate each step with clarity and confidence.
How to Choose the Right City to Move To in 2025
1. Start With Region, But Go Beyond the Basics
Relocating across the country? These region-level insights will help you make smarter long-term decisions:
- Climate isn’t just about averages. Cities like Denver or Austin may surprise you with summer extremes.
- Local culture matters. Politics now affect education access, housing policy, and even daily norms.
- Proximity shapes your weekends. Midwest drives can stretch hours, while coastal cities offer quicker getaways.
Set up or use your LookyLOO Movebook to track what locals say about climate, culture, and access. And dive into local reviews at each city to get unfiltered insights from real residents.
2. Don’t Rely on City Size—Focus on Lifestyle Fit
Not all “big” or “small” cities feel the way you’d expect. You’ll find creative hubs in college towns, sleepy blocks in megacities.
Take the LookyLOO Quiz to match with cities based on lifestyle—not just population or cost of living.
In your Movebook, save notes on which cities feel lively on weekdays vs. weekends. Real life happens Tuesday at 9am, not just Saturday night.
3. Compare Daily Life vs. Weekend Perks
Do you want a city that offers daily engagement, or one that’s great for weekend escapes?
- Sacramento is great for Tahoe trips. But daily life in SF might feel richer.
- Asheville is a dream for weekend hikes—but how’s a random Tuesday feel?
Log your impressions of each city’s “everyday experience” in your Movebook.
4. Look Beyond Median Home Prices
Home price ≠ full cost of living. Watch for:
- High property taxes in low-income-tax states like Texas
- Travel costs to get anywhere desirable
- High home insurance rates in disaster-prone regions
Save cost estimates from Zillow, PolicyMap, and Redfin’s climate tools into your Movebook. Compare actual ownership costs city by city.
5. Verify Internet and Remote Work Infrastructure
Not every city is built for WFH life—even in 2025.
- Broadband speeds still vary widely
- Coworking spaces and digital community hubs are uneven
Use BroadbandNow and add coworking options to your Movebook. Look for LookyLOO local reviews that mention remote work support.
6. Insurance Is a Dealbreaker in 2025
More insurers are pulling out of high-risk regions altogether. Some homes are now:
- Too expensive to insure
- Uninsurable due to wildfire, flood, or storm risk
Use FEMA’s National Risk Index and ClimateCheck before falling in love with any home. Save insurance quotes and risks to your Movebook.
7. Don’t Underestimate Commute & Mobility
Even remote workers need to get groceries, see friends, and get across town.
- Some cities are car-only, while others offer regional rail or dense walkable cores
- Want a 15-minute lifestyle? Many cities fail that test
Use Walk Score or Google Maps to test commutes. Log transit options and local infrastructure in your Movebook. LookyLOO’s neighborhood reviews that are in each city highlight walkability and transportation options.
8. You May Be Competing With Another Generation
Retiring Boomers and Gen Z remote workers are flocking to the same trendy small cities—Boise, Chattanooga, Asheville, Missoula—driving up prices and creating culture clashes.
Use local LookyLOO reviews to check who actually lives in a city now—and whether the vibe fits your stage of life.
9. Don’t Wing It on Friendship and Belonging
Post-pandemic, community and social connection are make-or-break factors.
- How do people connect? Via churches? Slack groups? Sports leagues?
- Is the city welcoming to newcomers—or socially “closed”?
💬 Read real reviews from locals on LookyLOO to get a feel for how easy it is to make friends. In your Movebook, track which places offer your kind of people, spaces, and energy.
10. Choose Neighborhoods, Not Just Cities
Cities are made of neighborhoods—and the differences are massive.
- One zip code could mean walkability, diversity, and nightlife.
- A few blocks away: strip malls and long drives.
Use LookyLOO’s neighborhood-level profiles to find your fit. Save favorites to your Movebook and compare them side by side.
11. Use a City Relocation Checklist That Reflects 2025 Realities
Here’s a smarter checklist for evaluating any city before you move:
| Factor | Why It Matters | Track with LookyLOO |
|---|---|---|
| School Quality | Affects resale, safety, and social culture | Save Niche/GreatSchools scores in Movebook |
| Healthcare Access | Some areas lost hospitals post-pandemic | Add hospital rankings to your city profiles |
| Safety & Diversity | Safety is about more than crime | Local reviews + DEI policies logged in Movebook |
| Airport Access | Big deal for travelers & retirees | Add drive times + flight availability |
| Daily Culture | Gyms, parks, art, dining, nightlife | Save favorite lifestyle hubs in Movebook |
Tools That Help You Plan Your Move Better
Take the LookyLOO City Matching Quiz
Get matched to cities based on your lifestyle, values, and goals. No spreadsheets. No guesswork.
Use or Set Up Movebook to Organize Your Entire Search
Your personal relocation dashboard. Save:
- Favorite cities and neighborhoods
- Notes from outside research
- Links to tools, stats, and cost data
- Local reviews and insights
- Plans to share with partners or family
Explore LookyLOO City & Neighborhood Pages
Real reviews. Real lifestyle insights. All in one place.
Ready to Make a Smart Move?
The best cities in 2025 aren’t just affordable or popular—they’re places where your lifestyle actually works. Places where you’ll grow, feel connected, and thrive.
Start your search smarter:
Take the LookyLOO Quiz
Explore city and neighborhood reviews
Launch your Movebook and keep it all organized
This isn’t just a move—it’s your next chapter. Let’s help you find the right place to write it.