Mesa feels more like an outdoor haven that happens to have access to a city rather than a city that happens to have access to the outdoors. In Arizona, warm weather means we enjoy hikes, bikes, and trips to the river in t-shirts while relatives up north and out east huddle around fireplaces. [Usery Mountain Park](https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/usery-mountain-regional-park-um/) understandably gets the most attention due to its beautiful landscapes and 3,500+ acres of outdoor adventures. This includes long backpacking trips, horseback rides, and family BBQ spaces. Nearby Saguaro Lake and additional local parks fill out the options for outdoor activities. 

On the other hand, if you can’t handle summer temps that consistently clip 110 Fahrenheit/ 40 Celsius, Mesa is probably not for you. Mesa doesn't have a ton of shade, little grows here after all.  Nothing is growing here. The air quality also isn’t great, in part due to the necessity of cars created by the extreme sprawl of the city. Mesa is one of the poster children for unsustainable desert cities. Those inclined to think about things like environmental sustainability probably aren’t the ones considering moving here in the first place, however, as Mesa is one of the most right-leaning cities in the country.





Experience the Great Outdoors (For 9 Months)

LookyLOO Review of Mesa

Mesa is the third largest city by population in the country without a significant downtown. This makes the lifestyle feel decidedly suburban. The city is working hard to change that though with a major housing and commercial district building effort that started in the late 2010’s. Apartments, condo developments, family housing, and tons of new businesses are building the core traffic the area needs to support a restaurant and bar scene. Right now most people head to Scottsdale or Phoenix if they’re looking to “trip the light fantastic” but if you stick around it looks like that’s going to change. 

If you want to check out what locals in Mesa get up to here's the [calendar of events](https://downtownmesa.com/events). 


Lifestyle 

The Mesa economy is exploding. It is strongest in tech and healthcare. Data centers from Google and Apple are popping up all over the area which means all sorts of engineering, technician and operational data center jobs are in high demand. Engineers of all kinds are also in high demand. Electrical for the tech construction and civil for overseeing civic growth. Education is also a huge employment category as Mesa is the largest school district in the state. As with many affordable cities in the southwest, south central and southeast there are long haul wfh’ers moving her to take advantage of the low costs and warm weather. 


Worklife 

[Mesa Unified School District](https://www.mpsaz.org/) is an above-average public district that receives an ["A-" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/mesa-unified-school-district-az/), with particularly high scores for Clubs & Activities. 

Parents generally discuss the highs and lows of different schools, not unusual for big cities, with the highest concentration of high-performers in the north-central portion of the city. It should be noted though, that there are excellent schools spread throughout the city so keep an eye out for the pearls amidst the different neighborhoods. A few of these pearls include:
-[BASIS Mesa](https://enrollbasis.com/mesa/) is an outstanding public charter for K-12, receiving an ["A+" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/basis-mesa-mesa-az/) and ranked the #1 high school in Arizona. It gets "A+" scores for every characteristic of the school experience. 
-[Red Mountain High School](https://rmhs.mpsaz.org/) is one of the highest-ranking high schools in the area, receiving an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/red-mountain-high-school-mesa-az/?map). It gets good grades across the board for Academics, Teachers, and Clubs & Activities. 
-[Mountain View High School](https://mtnview.mpsaz.org/) is the #78 ranked best public high school in the United States, receiving an ["A-" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/mountain-view-high-school-mesa-az/?map). It receives high grades for Teachers and Diversity. 

Schools

If you just switched to working remotely, Mesa should be on your list of places to check out. It’s warm year round, and comes with a number of things to do, such as go for a hike, check out the beautiful Arts Center, explore a museum, attend a Spring Training Baseball game at Hohokam Stadium, or have your friends over for a barbecue. You’ll never be too far from a golf course either, with a whopping 25 courses located around town. The warm weather, solid housing market, and proximity to Phoenix are extremely appealing to recent retirees and those with growing families as well. Mesa has a little something for everybody… if you’re comfortable with the heat and the politics.


Why You Should Move Here Now?

**the_TAOest**
Living in Mesa
6mo ago
✭✭✭

I live in West Mesa, well northwest at Center and Mckellips. I LOVE the bike trails nearby, the salt river and Saguaro lake for paddle boarding, the Superstitions for hiking and camping, the Tonto national Forest is near, and the Asian District for grocery stores and restaurants.

The West side of Mesa is varied so it depends where you drop your pin. The light rail is near and Tempe is not far away, not is Phoenix or anywhere but west Phoenix!

Here's a [bike map of canal trails](https://goo.gl/maps/TYg1tRwqagYPvUa9A) I ride often. 

For more local reviews check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/mesa/reviews) on Mesa: 

The Damn Desert (For The Other 3 Months)

Reviews of Mesa from Locals

**The Best Thing About Mesa?** - The Great Outdoors (For 9 Months)

Mesa is one of those places that feels more like an outdoor haven that has access to a city rather than a city that happens to have access to the outdoors. Out here in Arizona, warm weather means you can enjoy trips to the river in t-shirts while relatives out east huddle around fireplaces. Legendary Usery Mountain Park gets the most attention due to beautiful landscapes, and 3,500+ acres of outdoor adventures including long backpacking trips, horseback rides and family bbq spaces. Nearby Saguaro Lake and a host of local parks fill out the options for spending your time away from the fireplace. 

**The Worst Thing About Mesa?** The Damn Desert (For The Other 3 Months)

If you can’t handle summer temps that consistently clip 110 Fahrenheit/ 40 Celsius, Mesa is not for you. If you think you can handle those days on account of the shady neighborhood walks you’re used to back home, be warned you are in the desert. We’re not well acquainted with things such as shade & nothing is growing here. The air quality also isn’t great, in part due to fact everyone needs a car to navigate the city sprawl. Mesa is one of the poster children for unsustainable desert cities (Come on SOLAR POWER!). Those inclined to think about environmental sustainability probably aren’t considering moving here though as Mesa is one of the most right-leaning cities in the country.

**How You Living?** - A House with AC

The warm weather in states like Arizona leads to an economy driven by real estate, and Mesa is no different. There are plenty of solid housing options within a variety of price ranges. The northeast side of the city is known as one of the best places to raise a family in the whole state. The southeastern corner of Mesa is home to Eastmark, rated one of the most well-planned neighborhoods in the country, with amenities such as swimming pools, sizable homes, and year-round community events. This gives Eastmark, like most of Mesa, the feeling of a suburban paradise.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** - Working Remotely?

If you just switched to working remotely, Mesa should be on your list of places to check out. It’s warm year round, and comes with plenty to do: a beautiful Arts Center, museums, Spring Training Baseball games at Hohokam Stadium, 25 golf courses, and as noted a ridiculous amount of outdoor options. The warm weather, solid housing market, and proximity to Phoenix are extremely appealing to recent retirees and those with growing families. Mesa has a little something for everybody… if you’re comfortable with the heat and the politics.


Mesa sits in the Phoenix Metro Area also known as the Valley of the Sun. While Phoenix definitely carries the most gravitational weight of the cities in the Metro, that include Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, the growth in the other cities and suburbs is balancing things out right quick. Mesa sits on the southeast corner of the Metro and just an hour from the foothills of the Tonto National Forest. The Valley is of course a valley in the desert and as such is scorching hot in the summer months(and increasingly the spring and fall) but you aren’t far from cooler climes in the national forests that run along the eastern side of the state. 


The Area

The lack of a vibrant downtown has held Mesa back from drawing large community of youngsters. New development in Downtown is changing that as the housing options for rentals and condo purchases have taken off. New businesses are bringing those who want to walk to work and even Covid didn’t seem to slow things down. The historical district, adjacent to downtown is also drawing in some of the young professionals. A light rail system gets you downtown and different ‘hoods in the district are emerging as nice options. Check out Temple Historic District, West Second Street District and Wilbur Street Districts if you’re looking to get in on the revivals before it’s too late!
- Downtown
- Historic Districts


Young Professionals

Downtown

Mesa is more family and retiree friendly than Young Professionals or couples or singles with no kiddos who want a quieter scene than the typical downtown pub crawl. The Historic Districts of Mesa are really the ideal choice for these communities. Great homes and neighborhoods that fell into disrepair but are on their way back and not only have their own commercial district but border the downtown area and have a recent light rail addition to whisk them down to the growing commercial spots should they get the hankering. You can buy a home for cheap here and renovate it for a nice start on city living. 
- Temple Historic District
- West Second Street District
- Wilbur Street Historic District


DINKs/SINKs

Temple Historic District

Mesa is known for great planned communities for families and a good place to start your search is Eastmark. This master-planned community has over 40 parks, tons of biking/walking trails, shopping and some of the best schools in Mesa. Alta Mesa is another nice, reasonably priced option. Built around Alta Mesa Golf Club it also has great schools and a beautiful Greenbelt Park and runs through the center of the neighborhood. Ideal for the kiddos and the grownups to recreate. If you need something fancier checkout Las Sendas. 5,000 sq ft+ luxury homes will all the plush amenities an upscale development offers. 
- Eastmark
- Alta Mesa
- Las Sendas
- Dobson Ranch


Families

Eastmark

Mesa and the entire Phoenix metro are huge draws for retirees. Warm weather, low cost of living, great healthcare and a friendly outdoor lifestyle make it perfect if you’re ready to enjoy living large. Mesa and the Phoenix Metro are notable for the variety of 55+ communities available to empty nesters, snowbirds and retirees. The big communities include: Sunland Springs and Villages, Dreamland Villa, Leisure World and Fountain of the Sun. Prices across these communities range from $100k all the way up to $700k at Sunland Springs. Plenty of retirees also choose the golf-friendly neighborhoods of Alta Mesa and Las Sendas if they prefer to be outside of the 55+ community experience. 
- Sunland Springs Villages
- Dreamland Villa
- Leisure World
- Fountain of the Sun
- Alta Mesa
- Las Senda


Retirees

Sunland Springs Village

Mesa

**the_TAOest**
Living in Mesa
6mo ago
✭✭✭

I live in West Mesa, well northwest at Center and Mckellips. I LOVE the bike trails nearby, the salt river and Saguaro lake for paddle boarding, the Superstitions for hiking and camping, the Tonto national Forest is near, and the Asian District for grocery stores and restaurants.

The West side of Mesa is varied so it depends where you drop your pin. The light rail is near and Tempe is not far away, not is Phoenix or anywhere but west Phoenix!

Here's a bike map of canal trails I ride often. Fitness Corridors 3.0 https://goo.gl/maps/TYg1tRwqagYPvUa9A



**wkeddmo**
Lived in Mesa
6mo ago
✭✭

Mesa is fine, I lived there without issue for 3 years and the 8 people I know who moved into the area over the last 2 years all love it too.

West Mesa around the former Fiesta Mall (now demolished) specifically gets a bad rap because brown people live there and there's a lot of people with racial bias in the Valley. The tram lines are also very accessible from the main roads so alot of homeless people are more present because they're hanging along the line. Theyre not violent though, just poor and hungry. Downtown Mesa is slowly growing, there's nice little pockets for what you need (restaurants, gyms, groceries), parks are safe, schools are good. Just avoid the Rise apartment complexes - awful management.

**373wilmot2018**
Lived in Tucson
6mo ago
✭✭✭

I’ve lived in Tucson and Mesa -

Mesa is huge but the traffic and roads are much better than Tucson’s. There’s just as many outdoor activities to do here as there is in Tucson. You won’t hit the tree line with an hour drive like on Mt Lemmon but you’d be right in the middle of that and flagstaff (3 hour drive total) so you’d get your pick if you wanted to go skiing or boarding. A lot of great hikes and even indoor museums are less than 30 minutes away depending where you end up.

I thought Mesa was ranked as one of the safest cities per capita in 2021 or 2022 but I can’t remember the article. It has its rougher areas but I have no problems as a single parent out and about by myself with my kid.

If you end up towards Dobson and southern, you’re pretty close to Tempe. Mill ave is a 15 minute drive depending on traffic. If you’re going to school the light rail has a stop near there to get you to ASU, too.

**peachy_keen_bitches**
Living in Mesa
5mo ago
✭✭✭

Hello and welcome! My husband and I moved to downtown 5 years ago when I was 25. So much has changed since we first arrived and largely for the better! There’s lots to do in Mesa but may take some time to tap into the events. For local places, definitely spend a Saturday exploring the businesses on Main Street. Some favorites of mine are the old bookstore, Lost Dutchman for a coffee (The Nile is also a great pick), and Buckhorn Vintage. For a night out, definitely check out Chupacabra and grab a late night treat at Novel Ice Cream.

You’ve already been recommended the comic shop and Milanos, but here to second that! They sound like places you might really enjoy. I’m also pretty sure the Bookmans further south of downtown hosts DnD events? but I could be mistaken.

To stay current on events, the downtown mesa instagram page does a good job of sharing what’s happening and when.

Highlights: downtown is growing and it’s growing RAPIDLY. there is lots of room for community input and involvement in the direction of that growth. it’s an exciting time to live here!

Seriously Red

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.


City Size

Region

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Mesa, Arizona

Seriously Red

Looklyloo Score: 85