So much to say about this city but we’re going to start with what has amazed visitors and residents for hundreds of years and will continue to do so for hundreds of years: the view. For the uninitiated, Denver isn’t in the mountains but rather it sits on a high plain just east of the foothills of a first set of mountains that then leads to the front of the Rockies. There are 200 peaks visible from Denver and this view is so important that state law prohibits any structure blocking the mountains from the State Capitol.

One huge bonus for residents trying to enjoy this view is 300 days of sunshine per year (more than San Diego). The average temperature in February is 45 degrees, it’s drier than Phoenix, and has only 14 inches of rain/snow a year, which is the same as Los Angeles. Trust us, you’re going to be outdoors enjoying this city throughout the year.

If you were to ask long-time Denverites what they struggle with the most, many would say, people moving here from California. But the problem isn’t Californians specifically, although they ain’t helping, it’s all the transplants from Cali and Texas and Seattle and elsewhere that are looking to; escape higher costs of living, or weaker economies, or unhealthier lifestyles, and as a result end up in Denver. Lots of new people can change the original vibe of a city that drew them in the first place, jack  up costs, and generate all the commensurate challenges population growth brings.



Check out that View

LookyLOO Review of Denver

Without question the outdoors plays a significant role in the lifestyle of most “Denverites”. Outdoor play is year-round and whether you’re into hiking, running, skiing, fishing, kayaking or just taking a walk and enjoying the sunshine it never stops here. All that said, Denver has been exploding in big city lifestyle amenities over the years and it is ready to compete (whether locals want them to or not) with any other place. 

Many might debate whether a huge microbrewery scene (Denver has a big one) is a signal of important growth for a downtown but when you combine it with one of the best music scenes in the country you get a sense of the fun but casual social scene. Pair that culture of brews and music with cutting-edge dining and a young population and you can get a sense of what it's like to live in Denver. While people certainly do dress up in Denver to attend events at the growing performing arts center it is most notably a city that prides itself on having a ton to do and the majority of it can be done casually. 

Check out the Denver [**calendar of events**](https://303magazine.com/calendar/) to see how the city plays throughout the year.


Lifestyle

Denver is a perfect storm of a robust local economy, where you can move to for a job in: Aerospace, Telecomm, Healthcare, Bioscience, Energy and Tech, and an amazing place where work-from-homer’s are moving to experience the outdoor lifestyle without any commute. To the chagrin of many of the long-term locals Denver has supplanted Austin as the new in-place for those looking for a progressive, booming economy, to move to to get away from California. 

Just like the social scene, the workstyle of Denver is casual. No matter the industry (well maybe not the lawyers) people are in jeans here. Think San Francisco without the tech-culture Patagonia vest and Albirds accessories. If they’re wearing Patagonia here it's because it is winter. One other work culture plus to Denver is how balanced the work/play balance is here. You don’t move to Denver to sit in an office seven days a week. You’re working smack dab in the most amazing outdoor lifestyle scene in the country and employees demand and employers permit a balance of work and play. 


Worklife

[Denver Public Schools](https://www.dpsk12.org/) is a mixed bag of high and low performers on the standardized grading sites, receiving a ["B" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/denver-public-schools-co/). If these grades matter to you in school choice, stick to neighborhoods that grade higher, prepare for parochial/independents, or keep an eye out for one of the premier high schools, when performance gets more uneven. 

The most notable choices include: 
-[East High School](https://east.dpsk12.org/): a larger school (over 2,500 students) that gets an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/east-high-school-denver-co/) with particular strengths for Academics and College Prep. 
-[Denver School of the Arts](https://www.dpsk12.org/): another school at the middle and high school level, that receives an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/denver-school-of-the-arts-denver-co/). The school is an art-focused magnet with a lofty reputation for academics and various creative studies, including Creative Writing, Dance, Orchestra, Theatre, and more. 
-[DSST Montview High School](https://www.dsstpublicschools.org/montview-high-school): a STEM-based school that gets an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/dsst-montview-high-school-denver-co/) and noted for Academics, Teachers, Diversity and College Prep. 

Schools

**Bluescreen73**
Living in Denver
6mo ago
✭✭✭✭

I wouldn't move here if you're not into the outdoors. People do, but you'll get more enjoyment for the COL if you are outdoorsy. For the record, I've lived in Colorado over half my life, and I've never been downhill skiing or snowboarding. I am not a fan of cross-country skiing, either, but I do own snowshoes and microspikes. Winter is actually the best time for hiking.

Our winters are technically mild, but they will absolutely be an adjustment from El Paso. Summers will, too. It's every bit as dry as El Paso, but the days aren't quite as hot, and the nights are a little cooler.

Denver and Aurora have the most diversity, and the latter is where you'll find good hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

We enjoy the comforts of urban living, knowing that the mountains are just a short drive away that offer urban dwellers a brief respite from the congestion of the city. The scenic beauty of the mountains, coupled with the wide variety of things to do in Denver offer a comfortable mix of business and pleasure.

Denver has a vibrant economy, and is on the cutting edge of technology in R&D, and if you're in the tech industry, job prospects and growth are major draws for employment in the Metro area.

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


Economic Opportunity In A Stunning Outdoors Package

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**ambrown7**
Living in Denver
Updated 6mo ago
✭✭✭✭✭

I live in Denver and have mostly since 1992, so I’ve seen a lot of change. I grew up in Honolulu and have moved over the years for schools etc to several other places (Santa Barbara, Durham, Charlottesville), and I always come back to Denver. I absolutely love living here.

It’s a great place to raise a family. I had a blast in my 20’s, in my 30’s I found plenty of career opportunities, and now as I approach 40, I’m so appreciative of the types of opportunities my kids have by virtue of living this close to the mountains.

We ski every weekend. My 5 year old had 25 days on the mountain last year. Yes, it’s an early morning to make the drive for a day, but there are also lots of great rental options in places like Silverthorne and Dillon, which have easy access to Keystone and Breck.

The winters are mild. I say this coming from Hawaii. If it snows, it usually melts the same day. The sun is so bright that it can be 40 and if I’m sitting in the sun, I barely need a jacket.

I actually don’t find the food options bad at all. I’ve made a few posts in here about how much better the food scene has gotten.

I also find the people here to be warm, kind, and laid back. We’ve made some great friends and get along with our neighbors.

With our flexibility in our careers, we could live anywhere, and honestly, I don’t think I’d live anywhere else.

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

Reviews of Denver from Locals

**The Best Thing About Denver?** The View

So much to say about this city but we’re going to start with what has amazed visitors and residents for hundreds of years and will continue to do so for hundreds of years: the view. For the uninitiated, Denver isn’t in the mountains but rather it sits on a high plain just east of the foothills of a first set of mountains that then leads to the front of the Rockies. In fact, there are 200 peaks visible from Denver and this view is so important that state law prohibits any structure blocking the mountains from the State Capitol. 

One huge bonus for residents trying to enjoy this view is 300 days of sunshine per year (more than San Diego). The average temperature in February is 45 degrees, it’s drier than Phoenix, and has only 14 inches of rain/snow a year, which is the same as Los Angeles. Trust us, you’re going to be outdoors enjoying this city throughout the year. 

**The Worst Thing About Denver?** Californians

We’re kidding, we’re kidding, kind of. The problem isn’t Californians specifically, although they ain’t helping, it’s all the transplants from Cali and Texas and Seattle and elsewhere that look to; escape higher costs of living, or weaker economies, or unhealthier lifestyles, and as a result end up in Denver. Lots of new people can change the original vibe of a city that drew them in the first place, move up costs, and generate all the commensurate challenges population growth brings. 

**How You Living?** By The Capitol

The most densely populated section of Denver is Capitol Hill, or Cap Hill, as it is called locally. It’s a diverse neighborhood with tons of bars and restaurants and convenient access to the major arts and culture of the city. The Highlands and LoHi (Lower Highlands) are popular areas to live due to lots of hip boutique retail, and interesting housing options. Finally, RiNo is a hipster alternative with plenty of warehouse conversions, local artists and of course, tons of bars and restaurants. Although there are plenty of great areas for families to live in and around Denver it is these Downtown neighborhoods pulling the younger populations into town. 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Economic Opportunity In A Stunning Outdoors Package

There are a lot of cities to move to that are doing well economically. There are a lot of cities to move to that have great beauty like Denver. It is rare to find these different things in a single place. Denver’s Aerospace, Tech/Telecomm, Financial Services, Biotech/Healthcare and of course the fastrack business of legal cannabis make this an economic boomtown like say a Houston or Atlanta, but you also get to live in the shadows of possibly the most beautiful mountain range and countryside in the country. What’s not to like?


The most densely populated section of Denver is Capitol Hill, or Cap Hill, as it is called locally. It’s a diverse neighborhood with tons of bars and restaurants and convenient access to the major arts and culture of the city. The Highlands and LoHi (Lower Highlands) are popular areas to live due to lots of hip boutique retail, and interesting housing options. Finally, RiNo is a hipster alternative with plenty of warehouse conversions, local artists and of course, tons of bars and restaurants. Although there are plenty of great areas for families to live in and around Denver it is these Downtown neighborhoods pulling the younger populations into town. 
- Capitol Hill
- Highlands
- Lower Highlands/LoHi
- Glendale


Young Professionals

Capitol Hill 

Denver is a great city, with a large LGBTQ+ community. There are several popular neighborhoods including RiNo (River North Art), Lower Downtown (or LoDo), Capitol Hill, and South Broadway.

Capitol Hill, which is the center of Denver's creative scene, has the greatest concentration of the LGBTQ+ community. It's where PrideFest is held, drag shows, volleyball tournaments, rallies, street fairs, and a rainbow dress contest are some of the highlights of this annual celebration of the community.
- RiNo (River North Art)
- Lower Downtown
- Capitol Hill
- South Broadway



LGBTQ+

RiNo

Denver has plenty of great neighborhoods for young families and you wouldn’t go wrong if you started with North Park Hill. To begin with, North Park Hill is home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. A zoo and a science museum are  seriously good neighbors for your kiddos to have in those growing years. North Park Hill also has great schools and reasonable prices (for an expensive city). 
Wellshire is another great option although it is pricier than NPH. If you can handle the higher housing costs you’ll find it extremely family friendly with biking and skateboarding grade-schoolers filling the sidewalks of the tree-lined streets and some of the best public schools in the city. As with a lot of Denver, the housing is a mix of older homes and newer construction so whatever your taste runs to you can generally find it here. 
- North Park Hill
- Wellshire
- Centennial


Young Families

North Park Hill 

One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Denver is Washington Park. About 5 miles southeast of downtown, it has historic homes, large lawns (for city), and perhaps most importantly, the namesake park. 165 acres of lakes, waterways, gardens and grass. Washington Park is an amazing recreational city center-piece for hiking, kayaking, strolling and general play. The neighborhood also has great boutique shopping, cool small restaurants, microbreweries and everything else a family could want for family entertainment. 
- Washington Park
- Greenwood Village 
- Hilltop


Established Families

Washington Park 

Denver

**JonM313**
Living in Denver
6mo ago
✭✭✭

Yes, Denver is a good place to live. Contrary to popular belief, winters are actually pretty mild. Yes, it snows a lot, from October to May, and the temperature does drop a lot at night, but by the afternoon the temperature is usually in the mid-40s, and days reaching or going above 60 are fairly common. It's also very sunny despite the snow, so snow won't be on the ground for long. There's also no humidity so even when it is cold it won't be exacerbated by humidity. People know humidity for making hot weather feel hotter, but it can also have the opposite effect when it's cold.

**Bluescreen73**
Living in Denver
6mo ago
✭✭✭✭

I wouldn't move here if you're not into the outdoors. People do, but you'll get more enjoyment for the COL if you are outdoorsy. For the record, I've lived in Colorado over half my life, and I've never been downhill skiing or snowboarding. I am not a fan of cross-country skiing, either, but I do own snowshoes and microspikes. Winter is actually the best time for hiking.

Our winters are technically mild, but they will absolutely be an adjustment from El Paso. Summers will, too. It's every bit as dry as El Paso, but the days aren't quite as hot, and the nights are a little cooler.

Denver and Aurora have the most diversity, and the latter is where you'll find good hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

We enjoy the comforts of urban living, knowing that the mountains are just a short drive away that offer urban dwellers a brief respite from the congestion of the city. The scenic beauty of the mountains, coupled with the wide variety of things to do in Denver offer a comfortable mix of business and pleasure.

Denver has a vibrant economy, and is on the cutting edge of technology in R&D, and if you're in the tech industry, job prospects and growth are major draws for employment in the Metro area.



**Are you planning on living in Denver/Denver Metro long term?**
**GobblesMcButterball**
Living in Denver
Updated 2yr
✭✭✭

I like this question. My partner and I moved here from Atlanta in 2011; bought a home in 2013 because we saw ourselves being here long term. Now I'm not so sure. Although I enjoy many of the things Denver has to offer, I catch myself whining like a lot of the "natives" because of insane traffic, crowded trails, and...many of the things Denver has to offer. I think I just have to remember that I'm part of the problem (although Denver still needs to adjust to the rapid growth, because from what I've seen it's not slowing down). I've adjusted my hobbies over the last several years: less snowboarding, no more hiking 14ers, more gardening, and have really gotten into birding, and have noticed a difference in my mental health. I'm ashamed at how many times I was already angry by the time I got to the Copper parking lot on a Saturday. I keep thinking I can outlast the people who moved here in the last five years, since they all say it's unsustainable, but I'm not sure if I care anymore. I still quite like it here, and if we ever move away, it'll only be if we can substantially increase our income while drastically reducing our housing costs (hello FIRE), and even then we're pretty picky about where we want to end up, geographically speaking.

**vNerdNeck**
Living in Denver
6mo ago
✭✭✭

Don't worry too much about the winters, the sun is always shining in Colorado. 30 degrees, isn't the same with and without sun. On days that's its 30 or higher all it takes is a fleece shirt and a light jacket (if that) to be comfortable... it's probably closer to what you get in El Paso (love that city) when it's ~50.

The one thing that is going to be weird is diversity. Moving from Texas to Colorado (just did this) you get hit face first with this. This state isn't diverse, and it's fucking weird and takes a while to come to terms with.

Food wise, you are correct. Coloradoans are confused on what food is suppose to be. There are pockets of okay food, but not like you are used to or would expect. It's no Houston or Dallas.

However, all that being said. This state is amazing if you like the outdoor life. The mountains, the scenery / etc are just hands down amazing. You also can actually go outside in the summers and not fucking melt.

As for taxes, it can be a bit of a wash. The property taxes in texas are insane, and there are about a 1/4 or 1/5 of that in colorado... but they make it up in other taxes.. so it comes out about even just more smaller bills than one big one.

**Moving to Denver | What is Living in Denver Colorado Like**

5280!

California

Michigan

Minnesota

New Jersey

New York

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


**Lifestyle**

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

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

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


**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Worklife** 

**Major Industries:**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Why Move Here Now?**

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

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

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

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

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

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

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

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


**Who’s Moving to Virginia?**

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

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

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

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


**Worklife**

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

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

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

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

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

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


**Why Move Here Now?**

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

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


Virginia

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

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

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

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

**Lifestyle** 

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

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

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


**Who’s Moving to North Carolina?**

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

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

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

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


**Worklife** 

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

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

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

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

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

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


**Why Move Here Now?**

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

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

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


North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

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

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

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

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


**Lifestyle** 

Maryland is a state of contrasts:

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

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

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

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

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


**Who’s Moving to Maryland?**

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

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

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

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


**Worklife**

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

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

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

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

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

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


**Why Move Here Now?**

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

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


Maryland

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

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

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

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



**Lifestyle** 

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

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

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

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



**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

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

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

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

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

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



**Worklife**

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

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

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

- Healthcare: especially in Seattle and Spokane

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

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

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



**Why Move Here Now?**

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


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Denver, Colorado

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