Bakersfield sits at the southern end of California’s Central Valley. It’s often overlooked, but it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. It has a strong working-class identity, an affordable housing market, and a local economy that’s tied to agriculture, energy, and healthcare. It’s also a major transportation hub.

This isn’t a city with a flashy downtown or coastal vibe. It’s a practical place where people put down roots, buy homes, and stay close to family or move to raise a family. You’ll find wide roads, strip malls, and lots of neighborhoods built in the last 30 years. 

The air quality isn’t great, and summers get hot. But if you want to stay in California and still afford a house, Bakersfield might be one of your best bets. Would you believe that 80,000 people commute to Los Angeles from here?


Cali on a Budget

LookyLOO Review of Living in Bakersfield

Bakersfield isn’t flashy, but life here is grounded. Most people live in single-family homes, drive their own cars, and spend time with extended family nearby. It's a place where people go to Little League games, shop at local bakeries, and plan weekends around the Kern River or trips into the Sierra foothills. Green space is a big part of life here.

[The Park at River Walk](https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/297/Recreation-Parks) is one of the city’s favorite outdoor spots, with walking trails, fishing lakes, and big open lawns.

[Kern River Parkway Trail](https://www.traillink.com/trail/kern-river-parkway-trail/) runs for more than 30 miles, connecting parks and neighborhoods along the river.

[Hart Memorial Park](https://hmp.areafish.com/), just outside the city, offers hiking, fishing, and picnic spots in the foothills.

You’ll also find plenty of neighborhood parks and bike paths in newer developments, especially in Southwest and Northwest Bakersfield.

The arts and culture scene is smaller but surprisingly active.

[Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA)](https://www.bmoa.org/) hosts exhibitions, local artist showcases, and family programming.

[Buena Vista Museum of Natural History](https://www.visitbakersfield.com/directory/buena-vista-museum-of-natural-history/) is a quirky, family-friendly museum focused on fossils and geology.

[Fox Theater](https://www.bakersfieldlive.com/), an art deco landmark downtown, is a live music and comedy venue that pulls in touring acts and community events.

The food scene reflects Bakersfield’s roots. You’ll find classic Basque restaurants like [Wool Growers](http://woolgrowers.net/), alongside taco trucks, local donut shops, and new-school coffee spots like [Covenant Coffee](https://www.covenantcoffee.org/) and [Dagny’s](https://www.dagnyscoffee.com/). There’s also a growing brewery scene — check out [Lengthwise Brewing](https://lengthwise.com/) and [Temblor Brewing Company](https://temblorbrewing.com/).

Local events include the [Kern County Fair](https://www.kerncountyfair.com/), high school football rivalries, and rodeos. You’ll also see more music coming through thanks to the city's role in country music history — Bakersfield is the home of the “Bakersfield Sound,” and [Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace](https://www.buckowens.com/) still hosts shows.

Overall, Bakersfield offers a practical lifestyle with room to breathe, easy access to the outdoors, and a strong sense of community. It’s not trendy, but it’s steady — and for many people, that’s exactly the draw.

Want to get a feel for what locals are up to? Check out [Bakersfield’s calendar of events](https://www.visitbakersfield.com/events/). 

We always recommend staying in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) if you’re visiting; it's a great way to experience the rhythm of local neighborhoods instead of the hotel bubble. 

And if you're planning a trip, you can find discounted travel fares through our [Expedia partnership](https://expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ).


Lifestyle in Bakersfield

Bakersfield has an increasingly diverse economy, with several historically dominant industries and some emerging around the growing population. These include:

-Agriculture is the biggie in Bakersfield's economy, given its location in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. The region is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, with big business in almonds, pistachios, grapes, citrus fruits, and vegetables.

-Bakersfield is often referred to as the "Oil Capital of California." The city and surrounding Kern County produce a significant portion of the state's oil. Big employers in the category include Chevron and [California Resources Corporation](https://www.crc.com/). 

-Healthcare is another major sector, driven by the area's growing population and heavy lift around health services. Major 
employers include [Dignity Health](https://www.dignityhealth.org/dhmf/about/network/bakersfield), Memorial, [Mercy Hospitals](https://www.dignityhealth.org/central-california/locations/mercy-bakersfield), [Adventist Health](https://www.adventisthealth.org/bakersfield/), and [Kern Medical](https://www.kernmedical.com/). 

-Bakersfield's location at the intersection of several major highways makes it a hub for logistics and distribution, with Amazon and Target running major fulfillment centers here. 

-Finally, education and government are important sectors for the valley with [Kern County Government](https://www.kerncounty.com/), [Kern High School District](https://www.kernhigh.org/), and [California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)](https://www.csub.edu/), providing jobs in education, administration, and research.

Bakersfield's economy is generally stable, with agriculture and oil being somewhat volatile due to market conditions. However, the diversification into healthcare, logistics, and education provides a buffer against downturns in any one sector. The city's growing population also supports continued expansion in service-oriented industries, including retail, education, and healthcare. 










Worklife in Bakersfield

[Bakersfield City School District](https://www.bcsd.com/) (BCSD) is the largest district in the area and scores a ["C" on niche.com](https://www.city-data.com/city/Bakersfield-California.html#google_vignette). 

The admittance policy for BCSD is based on residency within the district. Magnets or charter schools in the district have additional or different criteria that are available on the district website. The open enrollment period permits application and acceptance to schools outside the zoned region based on availability. 

The Bakersfield City School District typically admits students based on residency within district boundaries. Parents need to provide proof of residency, immunization records, and other required documentation during enrollment. Specific programs or schools within the district might have additional criteria or processes, particularly for magnet or charter schools. Open enrollment policies may allow students to apply to schools outside of their zoned area if space is available.

High Schools in Bakersfield are part of a different school district called [Kern High School District](https://www.kernhigh.org/). The top Performing High Schools in the district include:

-[Stockdale High School](https://stockdale.kernhigh.org/) receives an "A" rating on niche.com and is the #1 rated school in the area. It receives very high grades for Teachers, College Prep, and Diversity. Academic excellence and strong athletic programs drive the reputation of the school 

-[Liberty High School](https://liberty.kernhigh.org/) is the #2 rated school in the area and receives an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/liberty-high-school-bakersfield-ca/) as well. Like Stockdale, it is also well-regarded for academics and its sports programs. 


Schools in Bakersfield

You want to save up some money while being geographically located inside the state of California. 

In olden times the University of California and Calstate college systems were so good and so inexpensive families would move to the state just to get their kids into that system as residents. The costs have moved up but the UC's in particular are still excellent for low costs so we imagine families still want to be in California to put their kids through Cal, UCLA, Davis, Santa Barbara etc. If so then perhaps a WFH play in Bakersfield on that educational path still makes sense. 

The Almighty Dollar

Why You Should Move Here Now

**DanTheMeek**
Living in Bakersfield
2y ago
✭✭✭

Personally, other then the awful air, I've loved living here, surprising diversity (at least in my neighborhood), has a medium sized city feel at a small city price point (though prices have been skyrocketting as more and more jobs are letting people work remote, seems like lots of people migrating here from more expensive cities across the US and California), and we're very centralized in Cali such that on any given weekend I can take the wife and kids in a car, drive 2-3 hours, and see just about anything Cali has to offer, including numerous beaches. Wind Wolves Preserve and The Bluffs are both nice local places to visit if you don't want to drive far but like getting out in nature, and CALM is an awesome zoo, especially in december when they have christmas lights everywhere. I've heard people complain about the lack of clubs and late night activities, but that kind of stuff has never interested me so can't comment on it.

One other thing I'd mention, when I first moved here the city was by FAR the most right leaning city I'd ever lived in anywhere, let alone in California, but since the great "remote work migration" here, it feels like the city has become more purple then bright red. I don't have strong feelings about politics, at least not specific parties anyway, so that has never really mattered much to me, but probably worth noting since some people come here thinking since its Cali it'll be super liberal, which its not, but also some people come here having heard we were the last republican strong hold in Cali, and its not really that anymore either.

For more reviews from locals check out [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/bakersfield/reviews). 



Reviews of Bakersfield from Locals

**The Good, the Bad and the Ugly**

Bakersfield is central AG community so, the produce is certainly fresh! Even though it is a city, it feels smaller than it is because the rural quality is pervasive. The biggest employers are oil companies, agriculture and prisons. People tend to be religious and conservative, they like guns, all cannabis is banned and it’s very hot with poor air quality/smog. Lots of dollar stores and thrift stores.

There are nice residential neighborhoods (West Bakersfield) and a downtown revitalization effort but this is strip mall, housing development, Walmart and Target country. It’s the kind of town where the nightlife consists predominantly of bars and you’re likely to run into the same characters with the same habits. It’s very homogeneous. Even between socioeconomic classes -- there are some very wealthy people and some very poor people, yet somehow, the mentality is pretty consistent. Entertainment is largely centered around drinking. 

It is road trip distance to big cities and beaches but short of a couple hours drive, it’s pretty stranded. 

**The Best Thing About Bakersfield?** 

It’s very cheap and can be a base of operations where you can establish some home equity. It’s the affordable California. Would you believe that 80,000 people commute to Los Angeles? 

**The Worst Thing About Bakersfield?** 

The air quality. It’s off the charts horrible and it is known to smell bad. It’s been called The Worst Place to Breathe in the US. Asthmatics, don’t even think about it. And the air is not only horrible to breathe but the smog is a big grey cloud that hangs in the valley that is Kern County. 

**How You Living?**

Gated or restricted access housing development or apartment. Safe neighborhoods include Rosedale Estate, Stockdale Estate and ritzy places like Seven Oaks, Belsare and rural neighborhoods like Rio Bravo Tuscany and Telvis Ranch

Oildale and parts of East Bakersfield are troubled. There’s a meth problem.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

You want to save up some money while being geographically located inside the state of California. 


**The Vibe:**
Downtown Bakersfield is compact but slowly gaining energy. It’s home to a mix of historic buildings, government offices, theaters, and older apartment buildings and homes. Some blocks are walkable and lively, especially around 17th Street, Fulton Street, and [The Padre Hotel](https://www.thepadrehotel.com/), but others feel quieter or still in transition.

This area attracts people who want to be close to the action without paying much. There are lofts, affordable rentals, and some beautiful old Craftsman homes if you’re willing to do the renovation work. You’ll find dive bars, art galleries, taquerias, and venues like [Fox Theater](https://www.visitbakersfield.com/directory/the-historic-bakersfield-fox-theater-entertainment/) and [Dignity Health Arena](https://www.dignityhealtharena.com/), which hosts hockey games, concerts, and expos.

Walkability is better here than anywhere else in Bakersfield, though it’s still not a big pedestrian city. The neighborhood has real potential, especially for people who want character and community in a place that’s still evolving.

**Zoned Schools:**
-[Longfellow Elementary](https://www.bcsd.com/longfellow)
-[Emerson Middle](https://www.bcsd.com/emerson)
-[Bakersfield High School](https://bakersfield.kernhigh.org/)

**Median Home Price:** ~$295,000
(Apartments and small single-family homes make up most of the market.)

**Similar Neighborhoods:**
- Oleander–Sunset
- Tower District (Fresno)
- East Sacramento 


Early-career professionals, longtime locals, artists, and small business owners

Downtown Bakersfield

**The Vibe:**
Rosedale covers a big chunk of Bakersfield’s northwest side. It’s mostly newer, suburban-style development with wide roads, cul-de-sacs, and good-sized houses built in the 1990s and 2000s. There’s a strong sense of neighborhood pride here. Lawns are mowed, schools are well-rated, and people stick around.

It’s one of the most desirable areas for families looking for space, schools, and safety. Shopping centers, gyms, and big-box stores line Rosedale Highway, and there are parks and community centers scattered throughout. The area isn’t walkable, but people like it because everything is clean, accessible, and set up for families.

**Zoned Schools:**
-[Kern High School District](https://www.kernhigh.org/)
-[Norris Elementary](https://nes.norris.k12.ca.us/) 
-[Centennial High](https://centennial.kernhigh.org/) 
-[Frontier High](https://frontier.kernhigh.org/) 

**Median Home Price:** ~$520,000
(Some newer homes or custom builds go above $600K)

**Similar Neighborhoods:**
- Northwest Bakersfield
- Seven Oaks
- Clovis East (Fresno area)



Upper-middle-income families, professionals, suburban commuters

Rosedale Neighborhood

**The Vibe:**
The Oaks is a quiet, well-maintained neighborhood in Southwest Bakersfield. It’s filled with 1980s–1990s homes that are still in good shape, and it has a reputation as a family-friendly area with stable schools.

**Zoned Schools:** 
-[McAuliffe Elementary](https://mcauliffe.pbvusd.k12.ca.us/) 
-[Tevis Jr. High](https://tevis.pbvusd.k12.ca.us/)
-[Stockdale High](https://stockdale.kernhigh.org/)

**Median Home Price:** ~$450,000

**Similar Neighborhoods:**
- Seven Oaks – more upscale, but nearby and well-kept
- Laurelglen – similar age homes and layout
- Riverlakes Ranch – suburban, family-oriented, mid-price point

Middle-income families

The Oaks

**The Vibe:**
A central neighborhood near downtown, full of older Craftsman and bungalow-style homes. There’s a mix of charm and rough edges, but it has personality and walkability.

**Zoned Schools:** 
-[Roosevelt Elementary](https://www.bcsd.com/roosevelt)
-[Emerson Middle](https://www.bcsd.com/emerson)
-[Bakersfield High](https://bakersfield.kernhigh.org/)

**Median Home Price:** ~$310,000

**Similar Neighborhoods:**
- Westchester – similar age and architecture, but more upscale
- Downtown – a bit more commercial, but shares walkability
- Tulare’s downtown district – small-city charm, older homes

Artists, students, older residents, budget buyers

Oleander–Sunset Neighborhood

**The Vibe:**
This is the heart of Bakersfield’s suburban expansion. You’ll find newer tract homes, decent schools, shopping centers, and lots of drive-throughs. It’s popular with young families for its affordability and newer homes.

**Zoned Schools:** 
-[Norris Elementary](https://nes.norris.k12.ca.us/)
-[Frontier High](https://frontier.kernhigh.org/)

**Median Home Price:** ~$440,000

**Similar Neighborhoods:**
- Rosedale – more established and slightly higher-end
- The Oaks – older but with a similar family focus
- Riverstone (Madera/Fresno area) – new, suburban, family-centric



Young families, first-time buyers, commuters

Northwest Bakersfield

**The Vibe:**
Historic neighborhood near downtown with mid-century homes, mature trees, and a sense of Bakersfield’s past. Many homes have character, and residents often stay for decades.

**Zoned Schools**: 
-[Franklin Elementary](https://www.bcsd.com/franklin)
-[Emerson Middle](https://www.bcsd.com/emerson)
-[Bakersfield High](https://bakersfield.kernhigh.org/)

**Median Home Price:** ~$420,000

**Similar Neighborhoods:**
- Oleander–Sunset – nearby and older, with a similar vintage feel
- La Cresta–Alta Vista – older homes with historic charm
- Tower District (Fresno) – eclectic and central, with bungalow homes

Older families, professionals, longtime residents

Westchester

Olde Stockdale is perhaps the most affluent neighborhood in Bakersfield. Large homes with huge lawns, parks, and a beautiful Country Club with all the golf, tennis, fitness, and social activities, this is where a lot of families with means start their search. 

Laurelglen is a great neighborhood to start your search if you’ve got younger children and are looking for a more affordable option than Old Stockdale. It has great smaller homes and apartment complexes, plenty of shopping and restaurants, parks, and some great elementary schools for the kiddos. 
- Olde Stockdale
- Laurelglen
- Seven Oaks at Grand Island
- Tevis Ranch


Families

Olde Stockdale

Bakersfield

r/Bakersfield
Lived in Bakersfield
2 yr. ago
✭✭✭

I don't currently live there, but I grew up there. Left about 6 years ago. Might be moving back :/

CONS:

hot af, barely any trees, polluted air so you can't see the beautiful mountains surrounding you

large douchey community, but no matter where you go, people gon' suck!

as a teen didn't really seem like there was much to do but smoke pot and party, but I think that's everywhere?

beware riding your bike anywhere outside of the bike path, people will fly right past you going 70 as if you don't exist (take it from somebody who got hit by a car going ~ 50 mph)

there's way too many cookie cutter cheap housing tracks, that's kind of depressing.


PROS:

despite the hot ass air, Bakersfield summer nights are all the rage. Some of my best memories.

Bakersfield itself has pretty cool history.

Surrounded by some GEMS like tule river and driving out on Breckenridge road in the winter for a very quiet snow experience.

very close to LA, Ventura, all that crap.

when it rains the air quality is great and actually makes that place pretty dang enjoyable for a day o

**DanTheMeek**
Living in Bakersfield
2y ago
✭✭✭

Personally, other then the awful air, I've loved living here, surprising diversity (at least in my neighborhood), has a medium sized city feel at a small city price point (though prices have been skyrocketting as more and more jobs are letting people work remote, seems like lots of people migrating here from more expensive cities across the US and California), and we're very centralized in Cali such that on any given weekend I can take the wife and kids in a car, drive 2-3 hours, and see just about anything Cali has to offer, including numerous beaches. Wind Wolves Preserve and The Bluffs are both nice local places to visit if you don't want to drive far but like getting out in nature, and CALM is an awesome zoo, especially in december when they have christmas lights everywhere. I've heard people complain about the lack of clubs and late night activities, but that kind of stuff has never interested me so can't comment on it.

One other thing I'd mention, when I first moved here the city was by FAR the most right leaning city I'd ever lived in anywhere, let alone in California, but since the great "remote work migration" here, it feels like the city has become more purple then bright red. I don't have strong feelings about politics, at least not specific parties anyway, so that has never really mattered much to me, but probably worth noting since some people come here thinking since its Cali it'll be super liberal, which its not, but also some people come here having heard we were the last republican strong hold in Cali, and its not really that anymore either.





**eoFlash726**
Living in Bakersfield
2y ago
✭✭✭

There’s a lot of nightlife if you pay attention. We have 6 live theater venues, 5 movie theaters, and a multitude of venues with everything from movies to concerts (of every genre of music as well as comedy) to sports. The County Fair comes in the late summer/early fall. We have CALM Zoo, and there’s a wild cat sanctuary about an hour from town. Other events happen regularly, like car shows, the Scottish Games, music festivals, First Friday, Third Thursday, the Plein Air Festival, and the Via Arte sidewalk art. And there are museums, including the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Todd Madigan Gallery, Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, the Kern County Museum, and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History. There are lots of parks, and one of the largest has concerts and other events (Riverwalk). Google a specific thing for Bakersfield: we probably have it.

**badgalriri1011**
Living in Bakersfield
2y ago
✭✭

If you’re a young non-white queer person you’re going to deal with a lot of -isms and -obias, basically every single elected official is trash, democrats and republicans alike, NUMEROUS injustices (environmental, housing, racial, socioeconomic, etc), jobs do not pay well and many have glaring labor issues that have gone unaddressed, intense lack of art and culture, sports, public green spaces, and more

however since it’s my hometown, I do love some of the people I have met here, days after it rains, it’s BEAUTIFUL because you’re surrounded by the mountains, surrounded by so many fun nature things, so I would say I love Bakersfield for what the land and people offer but I hate the shitty power players that keep the status quo and don’t allow for change

**The pros and cons of living in Bakersfield California**

Oil, Farming & Hanging

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

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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

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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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Bakersfield, California

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