People like to pick on Iowa. It can be seen as flat, and light on big city energy, but Ames like a lot of great college towns, surprises people with all that goes on here, particularly for the price tag. 
Iowa State University’s presence, coupled with the people and amenities that come along with it, inject an atmosphere that is as compelling as the other college towns you know better than Ames. The University employs more than 15,000 people, creating a community that is committed to Cyclone culture and gives Ames a social and cultural energy outsized for its population. 

The city also has an amazing variety of great outdoor spaces, with 37 parks, the most iconic being the university-run 17-acre Reiman Gardens, a handful of golf venues, a skatepark, an in-city lake, and more than 50 miles of bike/hiking/walk routes winding throughout town. 
Probably most important to recent graduates are the social opportunities in the city. Live downtown and you can walk to countless bars, restaurants, cafes, and the year-round events and cultural experiences the city and university provide. 

If you’re not a student or part of the university community, Ames can be kind of alienating, particularly if you’re older than the average student and single. There’s also not a lot to do if the college bar scene and the local parks don’t appeal to you. Ame's proximity to Des Moines can mitigate some of this, but if you’re the type of person attracted to big city life, Ames will be a tough spot. It’s also very much Iowa in terms of diversity, or more accurately, lack of diversity.

LookyLOO Review of Ames

Ames is a safe, family-friendly town with a lot of welcoming small businesses located along the main commercial district. The neighborhood of Campustown, as you might guess, is right by ISU, with several different housing options and shopping and dining choices as well. Most of the other hotspots in town are made up of relatively affordable single-family homes that are always close to a park or golf course.

If you want to see what locals do for fun and culture in Ames check out the [calendar of events](https://discoverames.com/events-calendar/).

We highly recommend visiting Ames and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can also receive discounted travel fares via our [partnership with Expedia](https://expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ).

Small Town Vibe

Lifestyle 

“Can I ask you something… Is this heaven?. It’s Iowa.” This line from Field of Dreams captures what your experience in Ames might be like. It’s a beautiful place with great people and a wonderful college town atmosphere that changes most outsiders perspective on Iowa. 

It's Iowa

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**tcpill8**
4mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I grew up on the North side and still live within 30 minutes of Ames. Growing up I always wanted to leave, and I did, but quickly learned there is no place like home. I am almost in my 30’s and proud to be from there.

Ames is honestly pretty cool. Because we have Iowa State University there’s a lot of opportunities and things to go do that wouldnt be available without it. There’s so many different areas in the town with different vibes that there’s usually always a place for someone.

Campus is campus. It’s college town and it can get a little rowdy. With that though comes a lot of opportunities at taking classes or trying new hobbies and skills. Like I think there a glass blowing club, you might have to pay to be apart of it but like how cool is that? And just the history of it all and if you enjoy sports, you’re in the right place for sure for most college athletics. With that said on home game days, don’t go out unless you’re willing to deal with the craziness. If you have to go out, avoid campus, avoid end of game time cause it can get a little backed up around the highway/interstate.

If you are into the outdoors there’s tons of parks and stuff in Ames/just outside the city and within Story County itself. If you enjoy bicycling, that’s huge here. There’s trails all over the state, Ragbrai goes on during the summer but it doesn’t always come through here but a very cool thing to go see or be apart of. If you want to know more look up story county iowa parks and rec guides. The DNR website is pretty cool too, you can sort things by county if looking for specific hunting, fishing, hiking stuff.

For more reviews of what living in Ames is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/ames/reviews).

It’s Still Kinda Iowa

Reviews of Ames from Locals

**The Best Thing About Ames?** Bang for your Buck

People like to pick on Iowa. It can be seen as flat, and/or boring, and by the time they get to this point in the paragraph, they might have moved on to the next city. Ames, however, is so much more than that… particularly for the price tag. Iowa State University’s presence, coupled with the people and amenities that come along with it, inject an atmosphere into the city that is more compelling than most of the other college towns you probably know better than Ames. The University employs more than 15,000 people, creating a community that unlike some of those other towns, is truly committed to Cyclone culture. The city also has an amazing variety of good outdoor space and activities, with 37 parks, the most iconic being the university-run 17 acre Reiman Gardens, a handful of golf venues, and more than 50 miles of bike routes winding throughout town.

**The Worst Thing About Ames?** It’s Still Kinda Iowa

If you’re not a student or part of the university community, however, Ames can be kind of alienating, particularly if you’re older than the average student and single. There’s also not a lot to do if the college bar scene and the local parks don’t appeal to you. Our proximity to the larger city of Des Moines can mitigate some of this, but if you’re the type of person attracted to big city life, Ames will be a tough spot. It’s also very much Iowa in terms of diversity, or more accurately, lack of diversity, with the overwhelming majority of residents being white.


**How You Living?** Small Town Vibe

Ames is a safe, family friendly town with a lot of welcoming small businesses located along the main stretch. The neighborhood of Campustown, as you might be able to guess, is a neighborhood located right by ISU with a number of different housing options and different shopping and dining options as well. Most of the other hotspots in town are made up of relatively affordable single family homes that are always close to a park or golf course.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Heaven?

“‘Can I ask you something... Is this heaven?’ ‘It’s Iowa.’” This line from Kevin Costner’s Field of Dreams encapsulates what your experience with Ames might be like. It’s a beautiful place with a great people and a wonderful college town atmosphere that will probably change your perspective on the state one way or another. 

Ames is organized by North, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, South and Southeast. Downtown and the Iowa State campus are pretty much in the center with the campus west of Downtown. The greatest concentration of affordable housing for students is in the South and Southwest sections of the city. Great affordable apartment buildings + lots of eats and pubs for recreation with short walks to campus make these ideal places to live. Some of these housing options are in a small area called Campustown. Pretty much anywhere in these neighborhoods seems to work for undergrads with graduate students often choosing to live a bit farther from campus to get some peace and quiet. 


College Students

Campustown/South/Southwest

Ames frequently ranks near the top of national rankings for young people to move. Extremely low unemployment numbers, great college town energy, a good restaurant, bar and culture scene, all combine to make it an ideal place to start a career, build for something and enjoy yourself while you’re doing so. There are a lot of neighborhoods to choose from but Old Town and Downtown (Main Street) are where you should start. They’re close to campus so you get the vibe but not so popular for students so you can avoid the madness. Plenty of eats and drinks along with culture and community events make them energized walk score havens. All of these characteristics also make the neighborhoods ideal for retirees who want the same heightened cultural and social energy in an easily walkable neighborhood. 
- Old Town
- Downtown (Main Street)


Young Professionals / Retirees

Downtown/Old Town

Setting aside the student areas near campus, most of Ames is family friendly. Many families choose the Northwest section of the city due to its distance from campus and the beautiful homes, tree-lined streets and proximity to trails for walking, biking and general outdoor recreation. The public schools in Ames are excellent and this is particularly true for Northwest. If you're looking for big homes, great yards and outdoor spaces, and some of the best public schools in the midwest then this is and area you should put on your shortlist. This includes the Somerset neighborhood and farther North and West. 
- Somerset
- Northwest


Families 

Northwest / Somerset

Ames

**Minespidurr**
4mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

It depends on what you're looking for, how old you are, etc.

I'm a current student at ISU who's lived here in Ames for over 2 years. It's quiet, small, the parks are clean and nice. People are super friendly. Safety isn't a real concern here regardless of where in town you live. We have a little downtown area with some neat novelty shops and bars. There's one main street on the eastern part of town where 80% of the businesses are (Duff Ave). The roads aren't riddled with potholes (at least where I'm at). I actually enjoy living here more than my hometown back in eastern Iowa. Oh and our public transportation, CyRide, is the best. There's an app that tells you when buses are arriving with plenty of routes throughout the city. Bus drivers are super polite.

The biggest con I can think of is it's a college town. Thus, expect to encounter immature college students occasionally that may say and do some really stupid stuff. I've had drivers yell expletives at me while walking outside. I've had loud, partying neighbors every weekend. Football culture is very strong here. Almost all the students leave during the summer months from mid May to early August, so during that time Ames is practically a ghost town. I don't know many students who stayed around here after graduation, so if you aren't a student it may feel very lonely here. The social scene outside of the school is kinda nonexistent from what I have gathered.

**Substantial-Elk-9138**
4mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

It depends a lot upon what you are looking for, Ill answer from my 36 YO dad perspective ;)

There are the obvious things that come with a college town, then all the rest that the 30+ crowd spends time at to avoid the college town. Decent food for our size, high prices for Iowa, lots of great parks and trails, some good local breweries that double as event spaces, good farmers market, phenominal library, Main street has the bars worth going to (I'm 36), two good board game stores, arcade bar and pool hall, and a handful of community sports leagues. There is a lot to do for its size, but like others have said not nearly as much as DSM/Ankeny. LMK if you have specific questions and Im happy to answer.

**tcpill8**
4mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I grew up on the North side and still live within 30 minutes of Ames. Growing up I always wanted to leave, and I did, but quickly learned there is no place like home. I am almost in my 30’s and proud to be from there.

Ames is honestly pretty cool. Because we have Iowa State University there’s a lot of opportunities and things to go do that wouldnt be available without it. There’s so many different areas in the town with different vibes that there’s usually always a place for someone.

Campus is campus. It’s college town and it can get a little rowdy. With that though comes a lot of opportunities at taking classes or trying new hobbies and skills. Like I think there a glass blowing club, you might have to pay to be apart of it but like how cool is that? And just the history of it all and if you enjoy sports, you’re in the right place for sure for most college athletics. With that said on home game days, don’t go out unless you’re willing to deal with the craziness. If you have to go out, avoid campus, avoid end of game time cause it can get a little backed up around the highway/interstate.

If you are into the outdoors there’s tons of parks and stuff in Ames/just outside the city and within Story County itself. If you enjoy bicycling, that’s huge here. There’s trails all over the state, Ragbrai goes on during the summer but it doesn’t always come through here but a very cool thing to go see or be apart of. If you want to know more look up story county iowa parks and rec guides. The DNR website is pretty cool too, you can sort things by county if looking for specific hunting, fishing, hiking stuff.

**itsnotevenmemom**
4mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I’m 25, moved here last August! I genuinely enjoy the city. The people aren’t always kind, the driving is kind of scary because people genuinely drive however they want too, im talking left turns at intersections from the right lane, no blinkers, lots of red light running, and I’ve seen quite a few drug deals on duff as well. The houseless population looks to be rising, and the price of living is kind of astronomical compared to the average wage. My partner and I are finding ourselves in DSM more for activities, however!!! We really enjoy the parks and arcade bar here in Ames. Ledges over in Boone is a gorgeous park as well. Main street bars are pretty fun. The traffic gets really insane on game days. We Enjoy doordashing here, the late nights are always a good time and we make plenty of money doing it.

**Welcome to Ames, Iowa! All about life in Ames, IA**

We’re nicer than everybody else

California

Michigan

Minnesota

New Jersey

New York

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado’s appeal is multilayered. Of course, there are the Rockies—snow-capped peaks, ski resorts, and Instagrammable vistas—but beyond the obvious, the state reveals itself in its micro-regions and quirks.

Denver has grown into a full-fledged metro, attracting industries from aerospace to fintech. Neighborhoods like RiNo and Cap Hill pulse with murals, independent bookstores, and some of the best third-wave coffee west of the Mississippi. Yet, 20 minutes outside the city, you’ll find Golden, a once-sleepy brewery town now thriving with young families, hikers, and mountain bikers—all while still housing Coors’ giant facility.

Boulder, perched between rugged wilderness and intellectual ambition, is equal parts Patagonia fleece and startup pitch decks. It’s home to Naropa University (the country’s only accredited Buddhist-inspired school) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, reflecting the state’s unique mix of spiritual curiosity and scientific rigor.

To the north, Fort Collins flies a little under the radar but boasts Colorado State University, a jumping historic downtown, and enough breweries to rival cities twice its size. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs feels like a different state altogether—home to multiple military installations, it leans more conservative but surprises visitors with epic natural landmarks like Garden of the Gods and the quirky artist enclave Manitou Springs, where mineral springs bubble out of old-timey fountains.

Then there are the mountain towns that get less attention than Aspen or Vail:

- Salida: An artsy river town known for whitewater festivals and a historic downtown dotted with galleries.
- Paonia: Tucked on the Western Slope, it’s where organic farmers, artists, and winemakers coexist—a quieter, greener slice of Colorado.
- Crested Butte: A former mining town turned "wildflower capital of Colorado," still fiercely local despite its world-class skiing.
- Leadville: The highest-elevation incorporated city in the U.S., with Wild West vibes, antique shops, and a reputation for producing ultra-endurance athletes.

- Even Pueblo, long dismissed as a steel town, is experiencing a mini-renaissance—check out its green chile scene, which locals claim beats New Mexico’s any day.


**Lifestyle**

Colorado is all about the blend: high-intensity outdoor pursuits and laid-back social life. People measure days by powder totals or trail mileage, but they’re equally serious about craft beer, local music, and farm-to-table brunch.

There’s a statewide obsession with gear—ski racks are practically standard issue—and the unspoken dress code skews toward Patagonia puffer jackets, trail runners, and trucker hats. Even at upscale restaurants, you’ll find Gore-Tex mingling with linen.
Summer weekends revolve around farmers' markets, mountain festivals (like Telluride Bluegrass), and patio culture, where people sip IPAs while their dogs lounge nearby. Yes, 
Colorado is one of the most dog-friendly states in the country—don’t be surprised to see pups on brewery patios, hiking trails, and even paddleboards.

The weed industry is fully mainstream here—legal since 2012, dispensaries now sit next to yoga studios, and CBD drinks are common on menus. Despite the outdoor glamour, winters can drag, especially along the Front Range, where weeks of “brown season” (dry, gray winter days) test your patience if you’re not skiing every weekend.


**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

- Outdoor Diehards: Skiers, mountain bikers, climbers, and trail runners all build their lives around nature’s calendar.

- Remote Workers: Many are now settling in places like Buena Vista, Pagosa Springs, or Ouray for mountain views and coworking spaces that offer reliable fiber internet.

- Young Professionals: Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins attract college graduates seeking startup jobs in tech and a social scene that is outdoorsy and active.

- Families: Suburban areas such as Louisville, Superior, and Castle Rock provide excellent schools, greenbelts, and proximity to both the city and the mountains.

- Military & Veterans: Particularly in Colorado Springs, where military bases and VA services have a significant presence.

- Artists, Creatives, and Off-Gridders: These individuals are moving to smaller towns like Paonia, Crestone (known for its spiritual retreats), and Trinidad, where former mining towns are being transformed into vibrant art communities.

**Worklife** 

**Major Industries:**

- Aerospace & Defense: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and dozens of military installations fuel this sector.

- Tech & Startups: Boulder leads, but Denver is fast catching up with expansions from Google, Amazon, and a strong venture capital scene.

- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Anchored by the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora and countless health-tech startups.

- Outdoor Rec & Tourism: A massive industry—from ski resorts to bike gear startups like Yeti Cycles.

- Renewable Energy & Green Tech: Solar farms, wind energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure are booming, especially east of Denver.

- Craft Beer & Cannabis: Both industries are major employers and cultural forces. Denver’s Great American Beer Festival draws thousands annually.

The work culture here is serious about productivity but just as serious about play. Flex hours are common—so is the “Friday early out” to chase powder or head to the hills. People here don’t brag about work hours—they brag about the number of 14ers climbed.

**Why Move Here Now?**

Colorado’s mix of economic opportunity and lifestyle remains hard to beat, but the secret’s long been out. Housing costs—especially in Denver, Boulder, and mountain towns—are steep. Still, the “live where you vacation” dream is possible, especially if you’re strategic about location.

Remote work has made previously overlooked places—think Montrose, Rifle, or Florence—more appealing. These towns offer affordability, mountain access, and emerging arts scenes without the crowds or costs of Summit County.
Meanwhile, climate-conscious infrastructure investments and Colorado’s renewable energy push are attracting a new wave of green tech talent. If you’re looking for a place where your weekends feel like a vacation, your weekdays pay the bills, and your backyard is the view—Colorado still delivers.

Just be ready for the quirks: expect your weather app to lie, brace for spring hailstorms, and know that people here take their green chile—and their Broncos—very seriously.

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Virginia offers a little bit of everything—beaches, busy cities, historic towns, mountain views, and adventures for the outdoorsy types.  Families can find charming colonial neighborhoods to settle in or a tech-driven suburb, and young professionals (or families) will find cities known for culture and lifestyle (tons of breweries) —and none of it feels out of place.

Northern Virginia cities like Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax get a lot of attention for their young professional scene, government jobs (shaky right now but still), and shiny high-rises. But head west, and things shift—Charlottesville, Richmond, and Roanoke are growing fast, thanks to lower housing costs, beautiful scenery, and thriving food and arts communities.
And yes, Virginia’s got beaches. Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle while still keeping you within driving distance of larger cities.
Lifestyle 

Virginia balances history and modern life better than most. There are amazing historic landmarks and battlefield tours, but it’s also a growing tech hub, home to a solid craft beer scene, and packed with outdoor activities—from hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains to kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay.

Public schools, especially in Northern Virginia, are notably strong, with Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ)  in Alexandria frequently rated the #1 public high school in the country. You get four distinct seasons, plenty of small-town festivals, and easy access to both mountains and beaches. Outdoor lovers will feel right at home.


**Who’s Moving to Virginia?**

- Families: Especially to Northern Virginia and Richmond suburbs for the schools, safety, and space.

- Young professionals: Drawn to government (prepare for this to change), tech, and consulting jobs in DC-adjacent areas like Arlington and Alexandria.

- Retirees and second-home buyers: Looking for less expensive mountain views or coastal living.

- Military families: With large bases in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Quantico.


**Worklife**

Virginia has a strong job market with several major industries driving growth:

- Government and defense: Big in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads although federal jobs are disappearing. 

- Tech and data centers: Amazon HQ2 in Arlington and Loudoun County’s “Data Center Alley”

- Healthcare and education: UVA, VCU, and major hospital networks

- Tourism, shipping, and military: Especially along the coast

The state consistently ranks as one of the best for business. Salaries are strong, especially near DC, though the cost of living is higher there too. Farther south or west, your money goes a lot further.


**Why Move Here Now?**

Virginia is hitting a good stride—a strong economy, a cultural boost in mid-sized cities, and more opportunities popping up beyond the DC suburbs. If you want East Coast energy without New York or Boston prices, Virginia’s a great option.
There’s a lot to like: solid job prospects, a wide range of places to live, and easy access to nature. Remote workers are starting to notice cities like Charlottesville and Richmond for their charm and affordability. And if you’re in tech, Amazon’s expansion means even more jobs on the horizon.

Bottom Line: Move for the jobs, stay for the mountain views, farmers markets, and the fact that you can hike on Saturday and hit the beach on Sunday. Virginia’s got space for you


Virginia

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, driven by a combination of economic opportunity, natural beauty, and a more reasonable cost of living than many large metro areas on the East Coast. For people looking to bail on expensive cities like New York, Boston, or D.C., North Carolina’s growing mid-sized cities hit a sweet spot—offering urban energy without the overwhelming cost or scale.

Charlotte and Raleigh remain the fastest-growing hubs, but what’s fueling the state’s appeal are cities like Durham, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville. These places have seen significant investment in arts, culture, and local businesses, creating vibrant downtowns and neighborhoods while maintaining accessibility and affordability. Wilmington, with its historic riverfront and proximity to beaches, adds a coastal option with similar momentum.

North Carolina offers a blend of lifestyles—from dense city cores to suburban communities and small mountain or coastal towns—all within a state that delivers four distinct seasons and easy access to both the Atlantic and the Appalachians.

**Lifestyle** 

Living in North Carolina means having access to almost every kind of landscape and lifestyle you can imagine. The mountains of western North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge and Smokies, draw hikers, climbers, and people looking for small-town life with incredible scenery. Asheville anchors the region with a nationally recognized food scene, music venues, craft breweries, and a progressive arts community—all surrounded by nature.
Along the coast, places like Wilmington, New Bern, and the Outer Banks offer a completely different pace of life—historic charm, beach towns, and maritime culture.

In between, North Carolina’s mid-sized cities have grown into dynamic cultural hubs. Durham, once defined by tobacco warehouses, is now a food, music, and startup center, balancing grit and growth. Greensboro and Winston-Salem have embraced their history while building arts districts, indie music venues, and foodie scenes that attract newcomers looking for quality of life without the price tag of bigger cities.
Outdoor recreation is baked into the lifestyle—weekends are often spent hiking, kayaking, hitting the coast, or exploring dozens of state parks. Meanwhile, urban centers keep adding restaurants, music festivals, museums, and farmers markets that make daily life feel rich and varied.

Housing costs have risen, particularly in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, but remain notably more reasonable compared to cities like D.C., New York, or Boston. Mid-sized cities and suburbs still offer affordable homeownership options, which continues to draw families, young professionals, and retirees.


**Who’s Moving to North Carolina?**

Young professionals and remote workers: The combination of job opportunities and lifestyle has put places like Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte on the map. Increasingly, mid-sized cities like Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville are drawing remote workers who want cultural amenities without the high price tag.

- Families: Good schools, growing suburbs, and attainable home prices make North Carolina a top choice for families leaving higher-cost states. Suburban areas around Raleigh and Charlotte, like Cary or Huntersville, are growing fast.

- Retirees: North Carolina is a retirement destination—particularly western towns like Asheville, Hendersonville, and Boone, or coastal towns like New Bern and Southport, where people are drawn to the mild climate and slower pace of life.

- Tech, biotech, and finance workers: Raleigh-Durham’s Research Triangle remains a major driver of growth, along with Charlotte’s powerhouse banking sector. Mid-sized cities are seeing a ripple effect as people seek affordability near these job centers.


**Worklife** 

North Carolina’s economy is diverse, which has helped it stay resilient and attractive to new residents:

- Tech, biotech, and healthcare: The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) is home to major universities, research parks, and a growing number of startups and tech companies. This area competes nationally for talent.

- Finance and banking: Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the U.S., home to Bank of America and major offices for Wells Fargo, Truist, and others.

- Education: With strong public universities and private colleges, education remains a huge employer, feeding into the region’s research and innovation economy.

- Tourism, arts, and service industries: The mountains and coast pull in millions of visitors each year, supporting a growing tourism economy that fuels restaurants, shops, and creative industries in cities and small towns alike.

- Remote work is also changing the landscape, as people relocate from expensive markets to cities like Asheville or Wilmington, seeking a better work-life balance without sacrificing culture or community.


**Why Move Here Now?**

North Carolina is in that rare window of growth where the state feels exciting but still livable. While housing costs are rising, they remain manageable compared to the Northeast or West Coast. Newcomers are often surprised at how much house—or quality of life—they can afford here.

The job market is strong, especially in tech, biotech, finance, and education, and there’s momentum in the arts, food, and cultural scenes, particularly in mid-sized cities that still feel accessible.

If you’re looking for a place that offers career opportunities, space to explore, and a more affordable cost of living—all without sacrificing culture—North Carolina’s cities, especially its rising mid-sized ones, are worth a serious look.


North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Maryland might be one of the smallest states by land area, but it feels expansive in the variety of places, landscapes, and cultures you’ll find here. Locals sometimes call it “America in Miniature”—and it fits. Within a few hours, you can go from the crab houses and maritime history of the Eastern Shore to the rolling farmland and horse country of Howard and Carroll counties, then up into the Appalachian foothills in Western Maryland.

Baltimore—gritty, beautiful, and still deeply local—anchors the state with its historic brick row houses, growing arts scene, and a complicated but evolving identity. It’s a city of neighborhoods, from the cobblestone streets of Fells Point to the indie shops and music venues in Hampden. Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland draw researchers, students, and healthcare workers, while the Port of Baltimore keeps the city tied to global trade.

The DC suburbs—places like Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, and College Park—are among the most diverse in the country. They’re fast-paced, career-driven, and home to major employers in tech, healthcare, defense, and international policy. Montgomery County consistently ranks high for public school systems, while Prince George’s County—once overlooked—is booming with development and homeownership among Black professionals.

Then there’s the Chesapeake Bay—arguably Maryland’s emotional center. Fishing villages, waterfront towns, and a deep-rooted culture of crabbing and boating shape life here. In places like St. Michaels or Solomons, watermen traditions meet weekenders from DC.


**Lifestyle** 

Maryland is a state of contrasts:

- Outdoors: Summers bring locals out for blue crab feasts, sailing regattas, and Eastern Shore beaches like Ocean City or Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam. Hikers find solace in the Catoctin Mountains or the Maryland stretch of the Appalachian Trail. In the fall, leaf-peeping in western Maryland rivals New England.

- Suburban Professional: Many Marylanders are commuters, with highways like I-270 and the Capital Beltway packed every weekday. Work-life here often revolves around careers in government contracting, federal agencies, or research labs.

- Cultural: Baltimore punches above its weight in music, art, and food. It's home to quirky traditions like the annual HonFest, while the nearby suburbs offer concert venues, museums, and some of the country's best public libraries.

- Education-Focused: With several nationally ranked school districts, plus colleges like UMD College Park, Loyola, and St. John’s in Annapolis, education drives many families’ choices.

The cost of living is high in the DC metro area—Montgomery County and Howard County are expensive but offer great schools and amenities. Meanwhile, Baltimore City and parts of the Eastern Shore remain relatively affordable, though income disparities can be stark.


**Who’s Moving to Maryland?**

- Government and Defense Professionals: With NSA, NIH, and countless government contractors, Maryland is a hub for federal careers.

- Healthcare and Biotech Workers: The state’s economy is built around giants like Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland Medical System, and a growing biotech corridor around Gaithersburg and Rockville.

- Families: Strong school systems, safe suburbs, and access to both urban and rural life make it a prime target for families.

- Nature and Water Lovers: The Bay, mountains, and access to the Atlantic draw people who don’t want to choose between city life and nature.


**Worklife**

Maryland boasts some of the highest median incomes in the country, but it comes with a cost. Key industries include:

- Government, Defense, and Cybersecurity (Fort Meade, NSA, countless Beltway contractors)

- Healthcare and Life Sciences (Johns Hopkins, NIH, biotech firms in the I-270 corridor)

- Port and Shipping (Baltimore’s port is one of the busiest on the East Coast)

- Education (Universities, research centers, and public school systems)

Maryland’s job market tends to be resilient especially near D.C.—especially in recession-proof industries like healthcare, science, and in prior administrations, federal government work. High wages can offset higher living costs, particularly in areas like Montgomery County.


**Why Move Here Now?**

Baltimore is changing -- neighborhood revitalization, a growing arts scene, and affordable historic homes make it a city to invest in. The DMV’s tech and biotech boom means Maryland’s share of the tech and life sciences boom is growing fast, especially in Montgomery County and the suburbs along I-270.

Waterfront and small-town charm aplenty, with coastal towns offering an escape that feels worlds away from DC but still within reach for weekends or remote work. Finally, access without total commitment: Maryland lets you plug into DC’s energy, Baltimore’s grit, or nature’s calm—all without fully committing to just one lifestyle.


Maryland

Washington is not what most people around the country think if their view is based solely on the Emerald City. You’ve got Seattle, yes — the tech hub with glassy towers, expensive lattes, and endless cranes reshaping the skyline. But Washington’s story is bigger and weirder than that.

Head east and you hit the Cascades, where towns like Leavenworth lean hard into their Bavarian cosplay — full-on Alpine architecture and Christmas markets, even in summer. Cross those mountains and the state turns dry, golden, and wide open — apple orchards, hops fields, and wine country roll through the Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. It’s a different state over there, one that cares more about rodeos and crop yields than whatever Seattle’s latest zoning fight is about.

There’s also the pocket-sized, artsy cities people don’t talk about enough — Bellingham, tucked up near the Canadian border with its crunchy, outdoorsy vibe and a local ski hill just 30 minutes up the road; Olympia, the capital, where the punk music scene still has a pulse and the farmers market is the real social center; and Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport town known for wooden boat festivals and a whole lot of ghost stories.

What keeps people here is the geography — Puget Sound, the Olympics, Mount Rainier looming massive. There’s a certain stubborn pride about how many people own a kayak and know how to dig their clams. You don’t have to go far to find someone who will try to convince you their corner of Washington is the best — whether that’s a foggy coastal town, a moss-draped mountain pass, or a sunny plateau east of the mountains. And honestly, they’re all kind of right.



**Lifestyle** 

Living here means you learn to live with the weather — or love it. Western Washington’s gray season lasts months, but the long, golden summer days make up for it. The east side flips the script — hot, dry summers and winters that mean snow.

People are big on the outdoors, but not in a performative way. It's less Instagram hiking and more “this is just what we do.” Mountain biking in the Cascades, skiing at Stevens Pass, trail running in the Issaquah Alps, or mushroom hunting when the rains come — the connection to nature runs deep.

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here — it’s baked in. You’ll see people line up to return compost buckets at the farmers market or debate which salmon run needs protecting. There’s a hyper-local food scene, from oyster farms like Hama Hama to foraged nettles making their way into restaurant menus.

Housing is a mixed bag. Seattle and the Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) are expensive, with median home prices well above $900k. But smaller cities like Spokane or the Tri-Cities offer more space and sunshine without completely unplugging you from the economy.



**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

- Tech folks chasing jobs at Amazon, Microsoft, and the sprawl of startups. The Eastside suburbs — Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish — are full of transplants figuring out the PNW way.

- Families looking for good schools, parks, and the rare suburban neighborhood where you can still walk to a coffee shop (Issaquah and North Bend, looking at you).

- Outdoor types — climbers, paddlers, skiers — folks who want a job and mountains in their backyard. Bellingham and Wenatchee both punch above their weight for this crowd.

- Healthcare and education workers — UW, WSU, major hospital systems, and growing biotech hubs keep the state anchored beyond tech.

- And increasingly, people just looking for a lifestyle shift — artists, remote workers, folks burned out on California or Texas sprawl — are finding their way here.



**Worklife**

The job market stays solid, especially if you’re in:

- Tech: Seattle’s core, Bellevue’s new skyscrapers, and a growing remote scene

- Aerospace: Boeing’s still big, even if quieter than it once was

- Healthcare: especially in Seattle and Spokane

- Agriculture: apples, cherries, hops, and wine rule Eastern Washington

- Shipping and trade: major ports in Seattle and Tacoma keep global goods moving

The interesting thing is how the economy balances — world-class tech and scrappy farming towns coexist, sometimes uneasily, but it works.



**Why Move Here Now?**

Washington’s still growing, but in ways that give you choices. Yes, Seattle’s pricey, but places like Spokane, Bellingham, and even Bremerton are growing fast without feeling like polished suburbs yet. The access to nature is unbeatable, but what might surprise people is how distinct each region feels.
You could live where you’re skiing before work, or where you’re sipping wine on your porch at sunset. You could be downtown for an Amazon meeting or out in the San Juans watching orcas. Washington has range — that’s the real sell.


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Ames, Iowa

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