It’s in Missouri. Yes, part of it is in Kansas (KCK) but the part everyone is talking about when they say Kansas City is KCMO. Nevertheless, you can live in the KC suburbs and most likely be in Kansas. 

Kansas City is home to a vibrant arts community that includes the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, and the Kansas City Art Institute. Nelson-Atkins is considered a “must-see” and Kansas City is considered one of those “microclimates” of art -- a unique, autonomous art scene including Crossroads Art District, ballet, opera, community theater, live music, and other performing arts.

There’s also a coffee scene and a craft brew scene (home of Boulevard Brewery -- KC is filled with boulevards that run through it), a deep history of jazz and BBQ (KC is very indignant about their BBQ) and boy, do they love public fountains (and their sports teams).

No real public transportation system. You need a car. 
There are a few walkable neighborhoods like Plaza, Westport, and Valentine. Also, the public schools in the city can leave a bit to be desired but the suburbs are much better. The school district in the wealthy golf course neighborhood of Leawood (Blue Valley District) stands out. 

You can live in an affordable house in the suburbs and get in and out of downtown in a breeze. And, you can get a lot of house for a little money. You can buy a modest house in a decent, very safe neighborhood for mid $100Ks and feast on the outstanding farmer’s markets but, the sophisticated action is downtown. The suburbs are no place to be if you want to go out. Only if you want to go home.


LookyLOO Review of Kansas City, MO

Kansas City is a really interesting place. It’s a city with world-class food, a great arts scene, and a vibrant downtown that pretty much goes dark at 5:00. While those great cultural amenities are much appreciated, the nightlife tends more toward hitting your local neighborhood spot at night and just kind of chilling. City-dwellers here are profoundly progressive and the suburbs more conservative so on balance you end up with a moderate political scene. Interestingly the area tends to vote for progressive policies but then also vote for candidates who stand against those same policies. Go figure. Good article on the [culture here](https://www.vogue.com/article/a-guide-to-kansas-city-missouri-its-history-its-culture-and-why-its-worth-a-closer-look). 

If you want to see all that's happening in KC check out the [calendar of events](https://www.visitkc.com/visitors/events).

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


Lifestyle

The big industries in Kansas City include manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, transportation, and a growing tech scene. Garmin, the navigation device company, continues expansion and hiring here. Burns & McDonnell, the engineering, architecture, construction, environmental, and consulting services company is in persistent growth mode, and always seems to be hiring and expanding. Kansas City has an unemployment rate of 3.6% so if you’re looking for a healthy economy in the Midwest Kansas City is a good choice. 




Worklife

[Kansas City Public Schools](https://www.kcpublicschools.org/) (KCPS) receives a ["C" rating on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/kansas-city-school-district-mo/). 

While there aren't a large number of highly rated schools in the district, [Lincoln College Prep](https://lcpa.kcpublicschools.org/) is an outstanding exception. Coming in at an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/lincoln-college-preparatory-academy-kansas-city-mo/?map), it is the #1 rated niche school in the area and is a public magnet, requiring high test score performance for admittance. 

Here is a pretty thorough walkthrough of options by a parent in the KCMO district: 

"There are many more options in KCMO than there used to be, but none is perfect, so you will be faced with choices. The charter school system in KCMO is variable, but some are excellent. My kids go to Academie Lafayette, which is a French immersion school. 

Crossroads Academy is another excellent charter school that has a high school. Like Lafayette’s, Crossroads High School is small and new, so hard to say how “good” it is just yet. Both options have an IB program as well, as does Lincoln. Crossroads’s overall focus is STEAM and project-based learning and one of the schools (k-8) has a Spanish focus as well. My oldest went there for over a year, and I loved it. Crossroads is in the middle of downtown, so if you work downtown it can be quite convenient, and I believe it is significantly easier to get in if you live or work north of 39th Street? We don’t, but got in anyway. The downtown location means that outdoor spaces (playgrounds) are much smaller, but the cool part is that the proximity to the streetcar means that the kids take frequent field trips on the streetcar! They also collaborate with the Nelson Art Gallery for some of the kids to learn directly at the museum. And the talent shows, etc are held at the historic Folly Theater. 

Okay, so, of course, there are politics associated with the Charter vs public school debate. Which is uncomfortable as a super left-leaning progressive. That being said, there are a few decent schools in the KCMO district, Hale Cook Elementary for example and I have heard mixed reviews of the Montessori signature school Borderstar (the general impression I’ve gotten is that it started out really well, but the training/funding necessary for effective teaching with the Montessori method has fallen off considerably. Lincoln is great for 6-12th, and I hear pretty good things about Paseo? We have several friends who send their kids to the Foreign Language Academy (another Signature public school) and they all seem to like it. The language instruction is not completely immersive like Lafayette, but starts with either Mandarin or Spanish in kindergarten. 

And then, of course, there are many high quality Catholic and private options in the metro."


Schools

Young people are flocking here due to the desirable cost of living and optimal job market and driving the arts and culinary scene in the city to new heights.


Gen Z On The Rise!

Why You Should Move Here Now?

Here's a local's pov on the city and the savings: 
*It’s just like Chicago, New York and LA except without the assholes, haha. We’re so laid back and hospitable in this section of the map. We believe that money should be spent on life experience and not rent(; The cost of living is quite enticing. We love our professional sports teams while embracing our college athletics at the same time. The arts district is so rich and diverse and the roots are obviously very deep-our art institutions and museums are world renowned. I love it here, it’s for living and thriving, not just visiting. It’s a wonderful place to call home.*


Affordable 

Reviews of Kansas City from Locals

**The Good, The Bad, The Ugly**

It’s in Missouri. Yes, part of it is in Kansas (KCK) but the part everyone is talking about when they say Kansas City is KCMO. Nevertheless, you can live in the KC suburbs and most likely be in Kansas. That’s where the more sought after suburban neighborhoods -- like Brookside  are located. 

Kansas City is home to a vibrant arts community that includes the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Kansas City Art Institute. Nelson-Atkins is considered a “must-see” and Kansas City is considered one of those “microclimates” of art -- a unique, autonomous art scene including Crossroads Art District, ballet, opera, community theater, live music and other performing arts. 
There’s also a coffee scene and a craft brew scene (home of Boulevard Brewery -- KC is filled with boulevards that run through it), a deep history of jazz and barbeque (KC is very indignant about their BBQ) and boy, do they love public fountains (and their sports teams.)

**The Best Thing About Kansas City?**

You can live in an affordable house in the suburbs and get in and out of downtown in a breeze. And, you can get a lot of house for a little money. You can buy a modest house in a decent, very safe neighborhood for mid $100Ks and feast on the outstanding farmer’s markets but, the sophisticated action is downtown. The suburbs are no place to be if you want to go out. Only if you want to go home.

**The Worst Thing About Kansas City?**

No real public transportation system. You need a car. 
There are a few walkable neighborhoods like Plaza, Westport, Valentine.  Also, the public schools in the city can leave a bit to be desired but the suburbs are much better. The school district in the wealthy golf course neighborhood of Leawood (Blue Valley District) stands out. 

**How You Living?**

“Shirtwaist” style house is a thing — a residential architectural term that is unique to the Kansas City region. Shirtwaists are marked by a first level made from brick or stone with wood siding on subsequent levels, a steep roof and symmetrical layout, built between 1900 and 1920. 

Other than that, the houses are generally traditional, timber-framed cottages plus small American Tudors, Craftsman Bungalows, larger Colonial Revivals and American Georgian styles.



**Why You Should Move Here Now?**

Young people are flocking here due to the desirable cost of living and optimal job market and driving the arts and culinary scene in the city to new heights.


Many people probably know that Kansas City is a bi-state city and metropolitan area. Kansas City, Missouri is the one most people are talking about when they refer to the city as it holds 480k+ vs. the 100k+ of Kansas City, Kansas. The larger Metro Area is visualized as four quadrants: Southeast includes Kansas City, Missouri and Northwest includes Kansas City, Kansas. 

The Metro area is truly at the center of the midwestern universe with more freeway lane miles per capita than any other city in the United States. All these highways take you directly to Des Moines, Wichita, St. Louis and Topeka. It also sits at the confluence of the Missouri River and the Kansas River. The rolling hills of Kansas City and the Metro Area line the rivers and make the views across the rivers for many a homeowner. 


The Area

River Market is one of the hottest neighborhoods for young professionals. Plenty of apartments, condos and lofts mix nicely with the amazing food, bars and boutique downtown shopping. The free Streetcar service is available to take you to the other downtown neighborhoods and if you work down here you can expect a short walk. Also nice is the direct access to the river for a paddle on a warm day. Union Hill is another great option if you like downtown living. Just south of the amazing Crown Center, which is a shopping, dining and entertainment emporium, sits a slightly more quiet locale but one surrounded by jumping spots. Tons of shops, restaurants, bars and immediate proximity to Liberty Park for those inclined to get out for a run or ride. 
- River Market
- Union Hill
- Volker
- West Plaza


Young Professionals

River Market

A lot of the neighborhoods favored by Young Professionals are great choices for DINKS/SINKS as well. Volker is one of these magic areas. Filled with cool bungalow and shirtwaist-style homes, and close proximity to great eats and bars, it's just far enough away from downtown to bring some peace but borders more jumping spots so if you’re in the mood you’re just a short walk away. West Plaza is another cool option. Just south of Volker and close to plenty of nightlife, it has new townhomes, American Foursquare homes and perfect little bungalows ripe for renovation.
- Volker
- West Plaza
- West Waldo


DINKS/SINKS

Volker

Kansas City has several neighborhoods popular with the LGBTQ+ community. Brookside is popular with younger, single professionals looking for plenty of cool coffee shops, art galleries and festivals, restaurants, bars and overall nightlife. Historic Northeast is another popular choice for those looking for beautiful Victorians to restore or just enjoy and is a short walk to plenty of shops, restaurants and bar options. 
- Brookside
- Historic Northeast
- Old Briarcliff

LGBTQ+

Historic Northeast

Brookside is a nice choice for young families. Just a 15 minute drive to downtown if you’re hankering for some action but quiet and safe for raising those kiddos away from the downtown scene. It also has fun local restaurants for taking the kids out for BBQ or on date night. Waldo is another great choice. Small but with great parks for kids and grownups of all ages it also has the best private schools in the city. It’s also filled with boutique shopping, some nightlife, a number of the grooviest coffee shops and plenty of room for Fido to run around. 
- Brookside


Families

Brookside

Kansas City

**What's it like to live in Kansas City, MO?**

It’s just like Chicago, New York and LA except without the assholes, haha. We’re so laid back and hospitable in this section of the map. We believe that money should be spent on life experience and not rent(; The cost of living is quite enticing. We love our professional sports teams while embracing our college athletics at the same time. The arts district is so rich and diverse and the roots are obviously very deep-our art institutions and museums are world renowned. I love it here, it’s for living and thriving, not just visiting. It’s a wonderful place to call home.



**What's it like to live in Kansas City, MO?**

It's the great crossroads of America. That means a guy from Maine, Texas, Alabama, New York, Colorado or California would fit in about equally. It's got tons of green spaces. The murder rate is maybe 1/2 as bad as in St Louis or Kansas City, Kansas (Quindaro sux).

The cost of living is low. People are friendly enough but stay out of your beeswax. The thing to remember is it IS a city. If you go to where the transgendered crack whores sell booty for dope money, expect to see some weird, violent behavior. If you stick to safe neighborhoods, you should be fine.

I live in East Independence, and it's very quiet and peaceful here. My house is a cabin in a wooded hollow similar to something you'd see in the Ozarks three hours south of here.

**What’s the best and worst things about Kansas City?**

I feel like I'm qualified to answer this now that I've lived in multiple places that aren't in the KC area.

Pros:

Cost of living

Traffic is a joke, even during bad days compared to similarly sized cities.

The cuisines that they have readily available are really good.

Midtown is legitimately hip, not just a bunch of trustifarians pretending to be poor like so many other urban cores.

Decent farmer's markets in the summer.

It's a very pretty city. Architecture and trees are great everywhere.

The people are happy you're there. KC people are extremely welcoming to outsiders, excited about it even. They love to share KC with newcomers.

Relatively diverse. I live in Denver and it's pretty much all white all the time. It gets old and people are often out of touch because of this.

**What’s the best and worst things about Kansas City?**

I've been in the city since September after moving from CA. I love this city. Edit: I've lived in Denver and its surrounding metro area, and in CA's big 6 (San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento).

Pros:

Cost of living.

Pretty good restaurants.

No traffic compared to a big city.

Water quality is high.

Architecturally interesting in some places.

Housing market is buyer friendly (for now).

Gas prices are lol.

Google Fiber is great but it also drives down prices for everyone else. 400mbps w/ Spectrum for 30$ last I checked.

"Hi, may I help you!?"

Chiefs fandom is pervasive and inclusive, if that's your thing.

**Kansas City Overview | An informative introduction to Kansas City, Missouri**

Attractive & Approachable

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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Region

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Kansas City, Missouri

Attractive & Approachable

Looklyloo Score: 90