Kyle is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, and one of the most affordable spots still left along the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. It’s the kind of place where people go when they’re priced out of Austin or San Marcos but still want access to the metro. Kyle is full of starter homes, newer subdivisions, and families looking to settle down in a community that feels small-town but isn’t far from big-city jobs and services.

It doesn’t have a polished downtown (yet), but city leaders are working on that. There’s a major investment going into infrastructure and public amenities, including plans to create a walkable downtown district called [Uptown Kyle](https://www.kxan.com/news/local/hays/kyles-billion-dollar-uptown-area-moves-forward/). You’ll also find big-box retail (Target, H-E-B, Lowe’s) and medical centers that serve the wider area.

Biggest watch-outs? Traffic on I-35 (predictably bad), and a school system that’s still catching up to the area’s explosive growth. But if you’re looking for affordability and newer construction, Kyle is a serious contender.



 Affordable, Fast-Growing, and Family-Oriented

LookyLOO Review of Kyle

Kyle isn’t flashy—but that’s kind of the point. It’s a quiet, everyday-life kind of place where you’ll find splash pads, youth sports leagues, community festivals, and friendly neighbors. There are dozens of newer subdivisions with trails, pocket parks, and playscapes, and many offer HOA amenities like pools and clubhouses.

For outdoor fun, you’re close to [Lake Kyle Park](https://www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/page/lake-kyle), [Steeplechase Park](https://www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/page/steeplechase-park), and the [Blanco River](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/blanco) for weekend adventures. And just 15 minutes away is San Marcos for river tubing and nightlife when you need a change of scenery.

Near constant local events add to the hometown charm—and give Kyle a personality beyond just being a commuter suburb. The new "uptown" development project is also going to push this town beyond its pure suburban roots. 

 Suburban Simplicity with Weekend Nature Access

Lifestyle in Kyle

Kyle is part of [Hays Consolidated ISD](https://www.hayscisd.net/), a large district that covers Buda, Kyle, and surrounding areas. The district gets a “B+” rating on Niche.com overall, and performance varies by campus. Newer schools and facilities have popped up in response to the city's growth, but test scores and student-teacher ratios vary quite a bit.

Standout options include:

[Elm Grove Elementary School](https://www.niche.com/k12/elm-grove-elementary-school-buda-tx/?map): A-rated with great community support and a strong academic record.

[Johnson High School](https://www.hayscisd.net/o/jhs): One of the district’s newest and most well-regarded high schools, located just north in Buda.

If schools are a top priority, some families choose neighborhoods that are zoned closer to Buda or consider private/charter options.



 Growing District with Room to Improve

Schools in Kyle

Kyle gives you a shot at homeownership at prices that are increasingly rare this close to Austin. With tons of new development, access to outdoor space, and big plans to improve community infrastructure, Kyle is quickly becoming more than just a budget suburb—it’s a city with momentum. If you’re willing to ride the growth curve, now’s the time to get in.

 Affordability in a High-Growth Zone

Why You Should Move Here Now

**Crowned_J**
1mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

My wife and I live in Kyle. We’re entering our 30s with a soon to be 2 year old and a 8 year old. We were renting in South Austin but moved into the Crosswinds neighborhood 2 years ago. We love it. The house was more expensive compared to my sister who bought in Maxwell, right outside of Lockhart near the toll. It was worth it to us. We have the children’s hospital nearby which unfortunately we’ve had to drive to 3 times but we were there in minutes. Clinics are nearby, groceries and the gym as well. We love the Buda library. Lots of parks nearby where we take the kids. Lake Kyle has a weird playground but an open area where we kick a ball around and get some fishing in.

The drive to the airport shouldn’t be an issue if you can take the back way. We’re on the east side of 35 and appreciate all the routes to get in and out of home. We were thinking of buying in Del Valley but traffic there is horrible with the limited infrastructure. We frequent New Braunfels since we like taking the kids to McKennas.

We’re Hispanic and generally that’s the demographic in Kyle.

For more reviews from locals of Kyle, check out: [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/kyle/reviews)

Reviews of Kyle from  Locals

[Plum Creek](https://www.plumcreektx.com/) is Kyle’s most iconic neighborhood—a large, master-planned community with colorful homes, white picket fences, alley-loaded garages, and a real sense of community. It has its own golf course, pool, trails, and even a small business district with coffee shops, schools, and restaurants.

It’s a great place for young families and has a bit more personality than many cookie-cutter subdivisions. It’s also walkable (by suburb standards), and the HOA keeps things clean and connected.

Median Home Price: ~$335,000

Schools: Zoned to [Laura B. Negley Elementary](https://www.hayscisd.net/o/nes) and other [Hays CISD](https://www.hayscisd.net/) campuses.

Other similar neighborhoods: 
- Sunfield (Buda)
- Falcon Pointe (Pflugerville)
- Teravista (Round Rock/Georgetown)

Families & First-Time Buyers

Plum Creek

[6 Creeks](https://6creeks.com/) is a newer, higher-end community on Kyle’s west side that appeals to buyers looking for more space, newer construction, and a bit more peace and quiet. Homes here are larger, many with four or five bedrooms, and lot sizes are generous. It’s one of the most scenic spots in Kyle, with hill country views and access to greenbelts and trails.

Median Home Price: ~$475,000

Other upscale suburban neighborhoods: 
- La Cima (San Marcos)
- Ranch at Brushy Creek (Cedar Park)
- Crystal Falls (Leander)

Upscale Buyers & Growing Families

6 Creeks

The [Hometown Kyle](https://communityimpact.com/austin/san-marcos-buda-kyle/housing-real-estate/2017/04/18/featured-neighborhood-hometown-kyle-3/) neighborhood offers a nice mix of mid-2000s homes on tree-lined streets with mature landscaping and larger lots. It’s quieter and more settled than some of the newer developments, and many residents have lived here for a decade or more.

There’s no pool or flashy HOA, but that’s part of the appeal—less fuss, more space, and a strong community feel. Good for those who want to avoid cookie-cutter layouts and value privacy and a more classic suburban setup.

Median Home Price: ~$395,000

Students in Hometown Kyle attend [Kyle Elementary School](https://www.hayscisd.net/o/kes) (PK-5), [Wallace Middle School](https://www.hayscisd.net/o/wms) (6-8), and [Lehman High School](https://www.hayscisd.net/o/lhs). 

Other similar neighborhoods: 
- Willow Creek (San Marcos)
- Cedar Grove (Buda)
- Forest Ridge (Round Rock)

Established Families & Stability Seekers

Hometown Kyle

[Anthem](https://anthemtexas.com/) is one of the newest master-planned communities in Kyle, located along FM 150 near the edge of town. It’s still building out but already includes trails, a pool, pocket parks, and a future amenity center. Homes here are affordable by Austin metro standards and include a mix of single-story and two-story options from major builders like Perry and David Weekley.

It’s ideal for first-time buyers who want something new, with builder warranties and move-in-ready convenience.

Median Home Price: ~$360,000

[Jim Cullen Elementary School](https://www.hayscisd.net/o/ces) just opened within the community of Anthem. It features the ISDs next generation prototype of elementary campus design. 

Other similar newer communities: 
- Trace (San Marcos)
- Bryson (Leander)
- Avalon (Pflugerville)

Young Families & New Construction Seekers

Anthem

Kyle

**Crowned_J**
1mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

My wife and I live in Kyle. We’re entering our 30s with a soon to be 2 year old and a 8 year old. We were renting in South Austin but moved into the Crosswinds neighborhood 2 years ago. We love it. The house was more expensive compared to my sister who bought in Maxwell, right outside of Lockhart near the toll. It was worth it to us. We have the children’s hospital nearby which unfortunately we’ve had to drive to 3 times but we were there in minutes. Clinics are nearby, groceries and the gym as well. We love the Buda library. Lots of parks nearby where we take the kids. Lake Kyle has a weird playground but an open area where we kick a ball around and get some fishing in.

The drive to the airport shouldn’t be an issue if you can take the back way. We’re on the east side of 35 and appreciate all the routes to get in and out of home. We were thinking of buying in Del Valley but traffic there is horrible with the limited infrastructure. We frequent New Braunfels since we like taking the kids to McKennas.

We’re Hispanic and generally that’s the demographic in Kyle.

**Extension_Dog7415**
10mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

Kyle is actually super cute! Lots of shopping and close to Buda, which is larger. Tbh these days San Antonio and Austin (and everywhere in between) are like on giant city now. It doesn’t take too long to get anywhere or to anything! Obviously Kyle is closer to Austin so I guess it depends which city you’d like to be closer to? But let me just say. I’ve lived in Austin for 20 years and there’s a reason I haven’t moved to San Antonio (or any other major Texas city) 😉

**NewToSMTX**
10mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Kyle is a suburb of Austin. If you want a nice house, and everything you do to revolve around Austin, Kyle is your best bet. San Marcos is a college town, which means it's much less affluent than Kyle, but has its own personality that doesn't revolve around a large city next door. You are equidistant to Central Austin as you are North San Antonio, and New Braunfels is a quick 15 minutes down the road as well. The drive to Austin is a pain, mostly because of the City of Austin itself, but Kyle traffic will definitely add another 15-20 minutes if you're stuck during drive time in the mornings/evenings.

**Living In Austin | Life In Kyle Texas | Suburb of Austin**

Gathering of the Kyles

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.


Kyle, Texas

Gathering of the Kyles

Looklyloo Score: 89