We think of Dallas as new-ish because it constantly reinvents. Remaking itself from cattle ranch to financial center, or fancy to hipster, or whatever else the times demand. As a result of this ability to remake itself, Dallas has a constant influx of new, diverse people constantly arriving and calling it home. Fresh starts come naturally here so if you’re looking to do the same thing then this is a good spot.

Newcomers will also note that Dallas seems a bit odd and that the source of Dallas’s oddness is because it is one of only two major cities (Las Vegas the other) not built on a body of water. It’s hard to describe but Dallas can feel transient or shallow for those who’ve lived in cities with longer life spans and more persistent physical roots like Chicago or Boston or New Orleans. That history of reinvention means everything looks new: the buildings, the neighborhoods, the shopping centers, and while that can be nice it also means they paved over much of the past, and that gives it a city-wide suburban-type feeling.



It’s A New-ish City

LookyLOO Review of Dallas

It’s no secret that Texas is becoming the place to move. With the great resignation and remote work opportunities at an all-time high, young professionals and families are looking for somewhere that is more lax than their old cities or towns. Dallas, like many big cities in Texas, has been growing for years, long before the COVID-19 era, so you’re looking at a great city with a ton to do. There are bars and music venues, and with the moderate weather, people are out year-round. It’s also cheaper than most places and renting is easy, so you’re going to get a lot more transplants than other cities. Overall, Dallas is living up to all the hype!

Important to remember in thinking about Dallas is that it is ridiculously large. At 343 square miles, it is 10x as big as New York City and 100+ square miles bigger than Chicago. Hell, the damn airport is bigger than Manhattan. That means there is tons of suburban-style housing in the city limits and super spacious condo complexes, and even though there are no sales or local income tax, real estate taxes are high, which means the public school system is excellent. For families looking for room and great schools, or younger peeps looking for a downtown lifestyle but without the NYC density, it is hard to beat.

If you're curious about what happens in Dallas throughout the year check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.visitdallas.com/events/).


Lifestyle

Dallas is considered one of the best cities in the US to find a job. Even during the pandemic, the city lost significantly fewer jobs than other major cities. Several massive corporations call Dallas home including Southwest Airlines, AT&T, and ExxonMobil. And even though the oil industry has taken a hit in recent years, if you’re relocating without a job you stand an excellent chance of finding something here. Healthcare is the other big industry here so expect to hear from a lot of people who are employed by [**Baylor Healthcare Systems**](https://www.bswhealth.com/).


Worklife 

[The Dallas ISD](https://www.dallasisd.org/) has hugely varied performance ratings on the standardized scoring sites, getting a [**"B" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/dallas-independent-school-district-tx/). It's a wild district with some of the best public schools in the country and plenty of underperforming schools. Unlike some districts, Dallas is less charter-school-centric for the highest-performing schools and more magnet-school-focused. Magnet schools are not geo-focused so you can focus less on the neighborhood if you're confident your kiddo will land a spot in a magnet but if not then you'll shoot for one of the charters or a private if you're zoned out of reach of a solid high school choice. Generally, elementary schools work out just fine for neighborhoods. 

A few of the magnet schools of note include:

-[**William B. Travis Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted**](https://www.dallasisd.org/TRAVIS) which scores an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/william-b-travis-vanguard-for-the-academically-talented-and-gifted-dallas-tx/?map) and has students grades 4-8. 
-[**Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts**](https://www.dallasisd.org/bookert), which is the #1 high school for the performing arts in Texas and scores an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/booker-t-washington-high-school-for-the-performing-and-visual-arts-dallas-tx/?map). 
-[**Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School**](https://www.dallasisd.org/rangel), which has students from 6-12 grades and earns an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/dallas-independent-school-district-tx/). 


Schools

No large city or metropolitan area has had higher job growth than Dallas. While the oil industry has suffered there are 18 Fortune 500 Companies in Dallas and tremendous employment opportunities in tech, healthcare, financial services, hospitality, food industry and travel. Because of the space to stretch it’s also a great place to have a home with plenty of room to work remotely. 


Growth

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**msitarzewski**
Living in Dallas
2y ago
✭✭✭✭

Here's the thing... "Dallas" is 1/2 of an area called D/FW (or FW/D if you live on the west side of the line :) ). DFW is 9,800 square miles. Dallas is the name of the county, and a city. The City of Dallas has about 1.3 million people, and is surrounded by a dozen suburbs (from Richardson, Garland, South Dallas (not to be confused with "Southern Dallas"), Cedar Hill, north to Addison, Plano and Frisco.

Each of those locations has a feel/vibe all its own. Some are working class neighborhoods, others incredibly wealthy, and of course some where people struggle to make ends meet.

Dallas is a place that offers a lot of practically anyone, but the experience will depend on how much you earn, and the distance between work, home, and play (if you can: bars, sports, concerts, etc.).

For example, if you're in the enterprise scale IT world, lots of those jobs exist in Plano/Frisco/Irving. If you live and work there, that's one experience; very suburban, big homes, malls, chain food, and shopping.

Some people choose to work in Frisco and live downtown. The pay is good in Frisco, but the lifestyle is very different downtown. If you do that, you'll spend 45 minutes to an hour in the car, and most likely on the tollway (adding expenses).

Public transit (DART) is hit or miss depending on where you choose to call home. If you live and work downtown or in a directly adjacent neighborhood, then it'll serve you well. The further you get from that generalization, the more effort you'll have to put into taking public transit.

We've chosen downtown (The Cedars, technically) because it's a mile to downtown proper and we were fortunate enough to find a townhouse with a yard and two car garage (no HOA!). I walk downtown or ride a bike, take the train, and every now and then the bus. This neighborhood feels like a small town.

I know a ton of people that live downtown and work remotely. Main Street has a 96 walk score, which very few people know or will acknowledge. There are parks, museums, music venues, theaters, grocery stores, and everything you need downtown. And you don't need a car - it's one of the only places in the region that this is the case. You can get to and from DFW airport from anywhere downtown via the Orange line (DART) and Love Field with either Orange or Green.

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


The Vibe

Reviews of Dallas from Locals

**The Best Thing About Dallas?** It’s A New-ish City

We think of Dallas as new-ish because it constantly reinvents. Remaking itself from cattle ranch to financial center, or fancy to hipster, or whatever else that the times demand. As a result of this ability to remake itself, Dallas has a constant influx of new, diverse people constantly arriving and calling it home. Fresh starts come naturally here so if you’re looking to do the same thing then this is a good spot. 

**The Worst Thing About Dallas?** It’s An Odd City

People say that the source of Dallas’s oddness is because it is one of only two major cities (Las Vegas the other) not built on a body of water. It’s hard to describe but Dallas can feel transient or shallow for those who’ve lived in cities with longer life spans and more persistent physical roots like Boston or New York. That history of reinvention means everything looks new:  the buildings, the neighborhoods, the shopping centers, it mostly looks new, and while that can be nice it also means they paved over much of the history, and that gives it a city-wide suburban type feeling. 


**How You Living?** With Space

Dallas is ridiculously large. At 343 square miles it is 10x as big as New York City and 100+ square miles bigger than Chicago. Hell, the damn airport is bigger than Manhattan. That means there is tons of suburban style housing in the city limits, super spacious condo complexes,  and even though there is no sales or local income tax, real estate taxes are high, which means the public school system is excellent. For families looking for room and great schools, or younger peeps looking for a downtown lifestyle but without the NYC density, it is hard to beat. 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** “Working 9 to 5” (sing it in Dolly Parton’s voice)

No large city or metropolitan area has had higher job growth than Dallas. While the oil industry has suffered there are 18 Fortune 500 Companies in Dallas and tremendous employment opportunities in tech, healthcare, financial services, hospitality, food industry and travel. Because of the space to stretch it’s also a great place to have a home with plenty of room to work remotely. 


Believe it or not, Dallas isn’t the biggest city in Texas. It isn’t even the second largest city, at a whopping 343 square miles it’s the third largest city in Texas and the ninth largest city in the US (everything’s bigger in Texas amiright?). Situated in the northeastern part of the state, you are a bit land locked and out of luck if you’re looking for water. Being so big, Dallas has a ton of great neighborhoods in city limits surrounded by large sprawling suburbs. A little piece of advice, Fort Worth is not a Dallas suburb. It’s more like a sister city and about 35 miles to the west of Dallas. It has its own downtown and vibe and you should absolutely avoid commuting in between unless you want your life to be awful.

The Area

Dallas is home to a couple of college-ish areas. “Ish” because if you’re in college you’re more than likely headed to Uptown or in Deep Ellum for your late night festivities, but you’ll want to live a little closer to campus. Take University Park, home to Southern Methodist University, it’s centered around the 100-year old campus. Housing is relatively cheap and all on-campus options and closer apartments cater to students. The area feels small and personal within the larger, sometimes overwhelming energy of Dallas. 
- University Park
- Las Colinas
- Uptown
- Deep Ellum


College Students

University Park

If you’re young and working in Dallas, you’re going to want affordability, friendly neighbors, and decent walkability to restaurants and bars. No area in Dallas encompasses that quite like Uptown. It’s north of Downtown, so close enough if you wanted to venture out on the weekends, but far enough away to have its own vibe. There are tree-lined streets, restaurants, and nightlife as well as being the most walkable area you can find in Dallas. This live/play/work paradise has apartments, townhomes, and more to choose from!
- Uptown
- Deep Ellum
- Lower Greenville


Young Professionals

Uptown

There are a lot of neighborhoods to choose from if you’re looking to purchase your first home or start a family. Check out Uptown if your commute brings you downtown. If you’re like a lot of people starting a family and don’t want to give up too much of your former city life, check out Knox-Henderson. It’s packed with great Tex-Mex restaurants, upscale Gastropoda and late-night cafes perfect for date night! There is also the Katy Trail that used to be a railroad and now has been converted to a popular jogging and cycling route— perfect for Saturday morning outings!
- Knox-Henderson
- Uptown
- Oak Lawn


Young Families

Knox Henderson

If you have older kids or a larger family, you’re probably looking for a decent-sized home, great schools, and easy access to daily necessities. If your head is spinning, you’re not alone. There are a ton of neighborhoods in Dallas and it’s hard to know where to start your search. We suggest starting in Highland Park, 4 miles north of Downtown. It’s a beautiful area, but is considered expensive by Dallas standards. If you’re moving from somewhere like San Francisco or New York, ignore that statement. Expensive for Dallas is cheap by your standards. There are some gorgeous homes, great shopping, and the best schools in Dallas!
- Highland Park
- Lake Highlands
- Lakewood


Established Families

Highland Park 

Dallas

**msitarzewski**
Living in Dallas
2y ago
✭✭✭✭

Here's the thing... "Dallas" is 1/2 of an area called D/FW (or FW/D if you live on the west side of the line :) ). DFW is 9,800 square miles. Dallas is the name of the county, and a city. The City of Dallas has about 1.3 million people, and is surrounded by a dozen suburbs (from Richardson, Garland, South Dallas (not to be confused with "Southern Dallas"), Cedar Hill, north to Addison, Plano and Frisco.

Each of those locations has a feel/vibe all its own. Some are working class neighborhoods, others incredibly wealthy, and of course some where people struggle to make ends meet.

Dallas is a place that offers a lot of practically anyone, but the experience will depend on how much you earn, and the distance between work, home, and play (if you can: bars, sports, concerts, etc.).

For example, if you're in the enterprise scale IT world, lots of those jobs exist in Plano/Frisco/Irving. If you live and work there, that's one experience; very suburban, big homes, malls, chain food, and shopping.

Some people choose to work in Frisco and live downtown. The pay is good in Frisco, but the lifestyle is very different downtown. If you do that, you'll spend 45 minutes to an hour in the car, and most likely on the tollway (adding expenses).

Public transit (DART) is hit or miss depending on where you choose to call home. If you live and work downtown or in a directly adjacent neighborhood, then it'll serve you well. The further you get from that generalization, the more effort you'll have to put into taking public transit.

We've chosen downtown (The Cedars, technically) because it's a mile to downtown proper and we were fortunate enough to find a townhouse with a yard and two car garage (no HOA!). I walk downtown or ride a bike, take the train, and every now and then the bus. This neighborhood feels like a small town.

I know a ton of people that live downtown and work remotely. Main Street has a 96 walk score, which very few people know or will acknowledge. There are parks, museums, music venues, theaters, grocery stores, and everything you need downtown. And you don't need a car - it's one of the only places in the region that this is the case. You can get to and from DFW airport from anywhere downtown via the Orange line (DART) and Love Field with either Orange or Green.



**pasak1987** / Living in Dallas / Edited 6mo ago
✭✭✭

Pro:

Fairly diverse city (lots of specific 'ethnic enclave' sort of hubs scattered around the city)

Relatively cheaper housing, though it is not as affordable as it used to be.

Good job market

Solid steak and Texmax (and various other style of restaurants )

School systems in the area you are moving into are pretty solid. Fairly good place to raise a family, if you are looking for that type of neighborhood.

Con:

Outdoor activities, especially hiking is lacking. (before anybody mentions Cedar Hills and claim DFW has legitimate hiking....please don't)

Pretty boring suburbia....It basically is copy & paste of SFH communities + stripmalls with a slightly different flavor throughout the city.

Hot as fuck during the summer, you will be homebound for about 1/3~1/4 of the year due to 100~110 degree weather outside.

People drive like maniacs, and you can't avoid them since you have to drive everywhere.

**Pros/cons of living in Dallas?**
**TheCheddarBay**
Living in Dallas
Edited 3y ago
✭✭

Pro. Dallas is easy to get around. It's cleaner than say Austin or Houston. You avoid hurricanes. Decent music, sports, and entertainment scene. Above average outdoor recreation activities/options.(however, everything is privatized. Barely any public lands to go camping, hiking, whatever)

Cons: You're in Texas. You drive 3 hrs in any direction -- you're still in Texas. Dallas Traffic is rated some of the worst in the nation. Food costs are higher both at the grocery store and restaurants. Texas weed is absolute shit and you get the worst of other states exports. You can't buy booze from a store on Sunday. Lots of power outages (I lived in CA 2x and didn't have to deal with losing power this frequently). Something bad happens (like a hurricane or snowstorm), the state won't do anything to assist you unless you're wealthy or politically tied. Southern hospitality is code for passive gossip. Don't be fooled by the no state income tax b.s. you'll be paying for it in higher rent, tolls, insurance, electricity, etc. Your employment protections in NY will no longer apply in TX. This includes, extended FMLA, maternity/paternity leave, additional unemployment benefits, legal representation, etc.

But, Dallas is great.

**Living in Dallas?**
**hokagetyson**
Living in Dallas
3y ago
✭✭✭✭

Pros: Cheaper than Most cities,vsuper diverse. Dallas is the 4th most diverse city in the US. There's Chinatown, Koreatown, Little India, Little Ethiopia, Little Seoul, Little Saigon, Asia Times Square...I could go on.

There's plenty of Job opportunities here, infact DFW has the most job openings in the US. There's also plenty to do here.. six flags, Grandscape, Legoland, Hurricane Harbor, Dallas world Aquarium, Museum of Illusions, Japanese gardens ,Butterfly gardens, Dallas zoo..I could go on.

The homes here are great, and it's warm year around. It's a liberal city and there's over 8million people in DFW which is nearly the size of Chicago

The cons are the Weather and The Ragidy Roads. Cost of living is high but not as High as NYC, LA, Miami or Chicago. Occupancy rates are sky high and That doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.

If anyone says DFW is flat, they probably live in the suburbs like Frisco or Plano and never leave.

I drive over and last Hills all the time..from Grand Prairie to CedarHill all the way to North East Dallas and Irving...there's hills.

The food here is amazing and in my opinion and by Facts...Dallas is the best city in Texas.

**Pros and Cons of living in Dallas, Texas**
I've been living in Dallas, TX for over 30 years so I thought I would share my personal pros & cons of living here! Hope you enjoy.

Triple D

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.


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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.


City Size

Region

City Type

Dallas, Texas

Triple D

Looklyloo Score: 90