- [Calendar of Events](https://www.nyc.com/events/)
- [Visitor Guide](https://www.nyc.com/visitor_guide/)

Calendar of Events & City Guide

- [**The Metropolitan Museum of Art**](https://www.metmuseum.org/)
Founded in 1870, The Met is often considered the best museum in New York City and it’s not hard to see why. With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world.

- [**The Museum of Modern Art**](https://www.moma.org/)
Home to world-renowned paintings like Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies and notable works by Warhol, Basquiat, and Dali, MoMA was established in 1929 and played a significant role in developing (and collecting) modernist art.

- [**The American Museum of Natural History**](https://www.amnh.org/)
Spanning all aspects of the natural world, the American Museum of Natural History is considered one of the greatest natural history museums in the world. Don’t miss the Hall of Ocean Life where you’ll have an opportunity to see a life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale — it’s an experience you (and your kiddos) won't forget.

- [**9/11 Memorial & Museum**](https://www.911memorial.org/)
NYC is full of historic places, but none more stunning than the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It truly is one of the best museums in New York City and worth the visit, as long as you prepare yourself emotionally. 

- [**Whitney Museum of American Art**](https://whitney.org/) 
Founded by a prominent socialite, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, The Whitney is a representation of her love for art. It has been a beloved NYC institution for modern and contemporary American art since 1930 and includes work from Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper’s A Woman in the Sun, Robert Bechtle’s ’61 Pontiac, and Alexander Calder’s Circus.

- [**Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts**](https://lincolncenter.org/home)
Lincoln Center is the cornerstone of New York City’s culture, consisting of a campus of 11 organizations focused on music, dance, and theatre. There are always concerts or plays to see or you can take a guided tour of Lincoln Center’s theatres.

- [**Carnegie Hall**](https://www.carnegiehall.org/)
Carnegie Hall's mission is to present extraordinary music and musicians on the three stages of this legendary hall, to bring the transformative power of music to the widest possible audience, to provide visionary education programs, and to foster the future of music through the cultivation of new works, artists, and audiences.

Museums & Culture

If you can’t walk to your destination, mass transit is the next-best way to get around New York City. The City’s rail and bus system is run by the [**Metropolitan Transportation Authority**](https://new.mta.info/agency/new-york-city-transit) (MTA) and known as MTA New York City Transit. It’s inexpensive, environmentally friendly and a great way to see sights throughout the five boroughs—and it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The MTA has introduced a new contactless payment system dubbed [**OMNY**](https://omny.info/)(One Metro New York) for all buses, subway trains and Roosevelt Island Tram stations. Card readers at stations or buses will accept credit, debit and prepaid cards; digital wallets from Google, Apple and Samsung; or wearables such as Apple Watch and Fitbit. 

Transportation

NYC Health + Hospitals is the nation’s largest municipal healthcare delivery system in the United States dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare services to all New Yorkers with compassion, dignity, and respect, and regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Notable NYC hospitals include:
- [**Mount Sinai**](https://www.mountsinai.org/)
Mount Sinai is ranked nationally in 12 adult specialties and four children specialties and received “high performing” acknowledgments for 20 procedures. This facility ranked #1 in the nation in geriatrics care.

- [**New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell**](https://www.nyp.org/)
This NYC hospital also ranks at the top of the rankings. Ranked nationally in 14 adult specialties — including the #3 rank in psychiatry — and 10 children specialties, and ranked “high performing” in one adult specialty and 20 procedures and condition.
- [**NYY Langone Hospital**](https://nyulangone.org/)
This hospital received national recognition for 13 adult specialties and three children specialties, is included in the honor roll, and was deemed “high performing” for 20 procedures and conditions, including cancer treatments. NYU Langone ranked #2 in endocrinology and diabetes care.



Health & Hospitals

[**Optimum**](https://www.optimum.com/internet) offers the fastest internet speeds in New York City, with fiber plans that reach up to 8Gbps. [**Verizon**](https://www.verizon.com/home/internet) comes in second at 2+Gbps. Other Gig+ options include Astound and Spectrum cable options although upload speeds trail the fiber options from Optimum and Verizon. 

Internet Connections

- [The Farm Soho](https://www.thefarmsoho.com/)
- [Neuehouse](https://www.neuehouse.com/)
- [Primary](https://www.liveprimary.com/)
- [WeWork](https://www.wework.com/)
- [Greendesk](https://greendesk.com/)

Co-Working Spaces

- [**The City of New York**](https://www.nyc.gov/)

- [**New York Economic Development**](https://edc.nyc/) 

- [**Manhattan Chamber of Commerce**](https://www.manhattancc.org/) 

- [**NYC Government Research**](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/about/research.page)



Government & Commerce

In the words of the bard: “This city has no chill”. And we mean that in the best of all possible ways. Living in Manhattan is like being at the center of the world, the fountain from which art and culture springs. Manhattan is ambitious, it's full of life, and it feels like it's pushing you towards something great. There’s always going to be something to do, no matter what you’re interested in. Manhattan offers anonymity for the introverts, and an endless stream of interesting people to meet for the extroverts.  Oh, and the food’s better. 

One of the harder parts of living in New York is the fact that for many the ratio of days where you enjoy the madness vs. days where you're getting smacked, is out of balance. This might improve if you work from home, but for the most part, you either learn to live with the challenges or find ways to escape. If you're from the ‘burbs, Manhattan will feel dirty, crowded, and loud, so if you need wide open spaces live near Central Park, or consider Queens. 

We highly recommend visiting NYC 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).



Big Lights Will Inspire You

LookyLOO Review of New York

There are so many variations of lifestyles available in New York that it seems silly to isolate them into a single description. For many though, it works like this -- you live in a tiny, 650-foot or so square-foot apartment and pay around $4k in rent. This is typical in much of Manhattan unless you rent in a four-story walkup or with lots of roommates. 

The city is loud. Noise is everywhere -- traffic, beeping horns, subway trains, sirens, loud people. It takes a while to get used to. The city works hard. People put in long hours through high-paying exec-type jobs or multiple jobs/gigs to make ends meet. With all due respect to LA and SF, the diversity here is different. Over 800 languages are spoken in tight quarters, and the dress, habits, and food are from every world culture. Celebration of every walk of life extends to the LGBTQ+ community.  [For more, check out the LookyLOO list of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the U.S.](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/lgbtq-friendly-cities) 

NYC is the safest large city in the US and one of the safest large cities in the world. Most people walk around Manhattan anytime night or day, and feel safe. Oh, and it is a walking city. Very few people own cars and if you can't walk you take a train. The trains aren't beautiful but they go everywhere. 

People go out. Alone or with partners, or with friends. People don't have friends “over” very often, because apartments are so small. You meet in restaurants, bars, parks, etc.

Speaking of parks. They're everywhere. Union Square. Washington Square, little Stuyvesant Park, Madison Square, they're everywhere and amazing places to rest and be entertained. And of course, there's the greatest city park in the world, Central Park. Locals spend full days here walking and eating going to the zoo, skating, or bird-watching, and being entertained for free. Water. NYC is surrounded by water so rivers and beaches are everywhere for walks and views.

Hate to get into a brawl with other major cities, but cultural opportunities in NYC are unmatched. Incredible museums like [The Met](https://www.metmuseum.org/), [MOMA](https://www.moma.org/), [Natural History](https://www.amnh.org/), [the Whitney](https://whitney.org/), & [the Guggenheim](https://www.guggenheim.org/), it's endless. Not in the mood for a big museum? Wonderful small galleries are also all over the island—oh, and world-class opera, symphony, dance, and theater.

Check out the [LookyLOO list of other top art-center cities in the U.S.](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/art-center-cities) if that's your vibe! 

On top of all this, you're on a short train (or ferry ride) to four other amazing boroughs. 

To see the insanely wonderful things there are to do in NYC, check out the [calendar of events](https://www.nyc.com/events/).

Lifestyle in New York

Elementary schools in the [**NY Public School System**](https://www.schools.nyc.gov/) are zoned, so can always go within your geo zone. In some districts these schools are amazing and in others, they can be weak, so for sure talk to locals and look at scores and reviews on sites like [**niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/new-york-city-geographic-district-no-2-ny/). There are “community” schools that are not zoned but give you priority if you are in the district, and then there are gifted and talented programs.

Middle School is entirely district-based And, there are several special needs and advanced programs.

HS is a cluster system right now, it used to be grades and state test scores had some effect on admissions for the top high schools, but now it’s a strict lottery draw. You can audition to get into one of the Arts schools or take the SHSAT and go to one of 9 specialized high schools, like [**Stuyvesant**](https://stuy.enschool.org/).

Generally speaking, the classmates at your kid's elementary and middle school live in your neighborhood, but their high school peers could be from anywhere. If your kiddos attend one of the specialized high schools their friends will come from Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.



Schools in New York

As crazy as it may seem, not living in NYC once in your life is a bit like never skydiving. Billions of people choose not to but wouldn’t you rather be one of those that took your shot? You’ll never know if Manhattan isn’t for you until you live here. If you can embrace the vibe of the city, it will embrace you back.


YOLO

Why You Should Move Here Now? 

**c_bells**
Living in NYC 
Updated 1 yr
★★★★★

My favorite thing about NYC is actually getting to see people live their lives all around me. Because we aren't car-dependent, people are out-and-about. It provides a great energy. Also, not everyone is living the same life.

I remember being a teenager in the suburbs and feeling so depressed noticing the way everyone and everything was so predictable -- people driving to work or school at 8am, then deadness, then a bit of activity around lunch time, then deadness, then people driving to pick up kids at 3pm, then deadness, then people driving home from work at 6-7pm.

Here, people do all kinds of things with all kinds of lifestyles. Sure, there are "rush" hours, but there's no depressing deadness.

Also, the walkability and public transit is so freeing. If you're bored, you can just leave and go explore. And you can keep exploring further if you want, for however long you want. You don't need to get back to a car to drive home. You can just hop on whatever train is nearby to get back, or walk, etc.

You can find almost anything you want to do here.

The architecture and parks are very beautiful. I moved here from a beach town, and I don't feel like I lost beauty from my life. I did miss having so much nature around me, but the city has its own kind of beauty.

There are endless people to meet here.

Life can really be a big adventure when you live here, even if you're a homebody like I am. That's actually a huge plus for me. I like having a lot of quiet time at home, but whenever I go out -- even on a small errand -- there is a lot to see and a lot happening around me. 

For more reviews of Manhattan from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/new-york-city-manhattan/reviews)

Reviews of New York from Locals

**The Best Thing About New York?** Energy

In the words of the bard: “this city has no chill”. And I mean that in the best of all possible ways. Everyone who moves here is not here just to hang (Brooklyn hipsters notwithstanding). This is a city of collective ambitions that drives a hustling vibe unlike any other city in this country. If you are going to live in the city there is simply no way to escape it as everyone here is dreaming some kind of dream and you are going to be surrounded by 8 million+ people all living to that standard.

**The Worst Thing About New York?** Ratio’ed

Forgive us if you don’t know the Twitter expression “ratio’ed”, but it means that ratio of hate (in comments) overwhelms the likes of a post. In New York I feel like you are constantly being “ratio’ed” by the number of days you can get punished for what is hard here compared to the number of days you get to enjoy the things that are amazing about the city. That might improve somewhat in a work-from-home culture, but for the most part you either live with the ratio within the city, or find ways to get out to escape the exhaustion of living there. 

**How You Living?** Pre-War 

Unless you’ve lived in Hong Kong, or maybe San Francisco in terms of pricing, there is no way to be prepared for the tiny apartments and high prices you’re forced to live with here. Just as unique to the city are the building descriptions, Pre-War being the most common (Built before WWII). These buildings and their designation are going to be important to you because assuming you don’t have a large family (you’re in the burbs) then you’re either renting or buying in an old building with crappy elevators, ugly hallways, and obscenely tiny units. Sorry, that’s just the deal. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** You Only Live Once

As crazy as it may seem, not trying living in NYC once in your life is a bit like never skydiving. Billions of people avoid it but wouldn’t you rather be one of the ones that takes your shot? 


**Speakeasies**

The Lower East Side has blown up in recent years as it transitioned from an immigrant, working-class neighborhood to a popular spot for young professionals and students. The neighborhood used to be filled with “Bargain District” stores that are now swept away in favor of trendy boutiques and restaurants along tree-lined streets like Clinton. There are so many “speakeasies” in this neighborhood you’d think prohibition was still going on. With all the nightlife here, there are more tourists and young people around, but if you’re looking to find a great meal at any time of night, this is the place. 

Since this neighborhood was one of the first to be developed in the city, the streets are narrower, and the buildings are packed together, with a mix of older walk-up apartments newer condo buildings, and emerging high-rise luxury towers. Compared to the East Village, this neighborhood may be a bit more grungy, but it’s also more affordable and has more subway stops. This neighborhood can be more chaotic, but it's full of history, and it's within walking distance to Chinatown, Alphabet City, and even Williamsburg if you’re near the bridge. 
- Saigon Social
- Banzarbar
- Pig & Khao



Young Professionals

Lower East Side

**Curry Hill**

If you want to stay in Manhattan but avoid the crush of the hot areas like The Village, SoHo, or the Lower East Side, Murray Hill is a good neighborhood to check out. Although it gets some smack talk on the internet, there are plenty of quieter bars and restaurants, and less expensive condo options make it a great first-purchase choice for singles and couples. Murray Hill has a reputation for having lots of great Indian restaurants, so much so that it got the nickname Curry Hill. Although there aren’t that many subway stops in this neighborhood, it is very close to Grand Central. Despite a reputation for being full of frat bros, this neighborhood is diverse when it comes to both race and age demographics. Generally, if the building was built after the 1980s, there will be more families. Still, maybe stay inside during Santa Con. 
- The Morgan Library and Museum
- Ahimsa



DINKs/SINKs

Murray Hill 

**Queens and Scenes**

The Village used to be the center of LGBTQ+ lifestyle in NYC, but skyrocketing real estate prices shifted much of the population to neighborhoods like Chelsea. Chelsea has the largest number of same-sex couples in all of New York and it has a number of gay-friendly businesses along Eighth Avenue as well as a jumping nightlife scene with tons of gay bars and comedy clubs featuring LGBT comedians to keep the community entertained. West of 8th Ave, the neighborhood quiets down and becomes more residential. It’s close to everything– Flatiron, Midtown, West Village, etc., and it has the High Line, Chelsea Park, and several art notable galleries. Transit is easy in Chelsea with tons of different subway lines and bike paths. 
- Beer Run 
- REBAR Chelsea 
- Barracuda Bar



LGBTQ+

Chelsea

**XOXO, LookyLoo**

Manhattan is notoriously tricky for families, for the most part due to the insane costs, but also because of the small apartments/condos and the feeling that your kiddos aren’t getting much of an outdoor lifestyle amidst the madness. If however, you’re ready to ignore all that and make it happen here then you’re probably going to look at the Upper East Side as an option. It’s the notoriously fancy home to the Gossip Girl characters and is the most historically wealthy neighborhood in NYC. Single-family homes still exist for sale along these tree-lined blocks but for 99.999999% of the population, these will be unaffordable. Apartment buildings, condo buildings and homes divided into flats are more affordable alternatives and the Upper East Side is filled with them. It’s also home to many of the best and fanciest private schools if you don’t want your precious little ones to go to PS101. There are magnet public schools both within the neighborhood and throughout the city so there are ways to get the best of both worlds here. Manhattan has the most museums and art galleries per square foot of anywhere else in the world, and a significant number of them are on the Upper East Side. It’s not necessarily the trendiest spot when it comes to bars and restaurants, but as a large neighborhood, there are still be plenty of spots for fine dining.
- Meredith Rosen Gallery
- Museum Mile
- Sushi Noz


Families

Upper East Side

**It's for Living**

The Upper West Side is one of the larger neighborhoods in Manhattan, bordering the length of Central Park (59th St-110th St) and the Hudson River. It used to be called the “Bloomingdale District,” not from the department store on 59th and Lexington, but from the Dutch settlers who previously occupied the area, and there are still touches of Dutch colonialism in the street names and villages. This area is considered post-gentrified, though it still remains somewhat diverse. Although it hasn’t quite been a gayborhood since the AIDS epidemic, there are still a few queer-friendly hang-out spots in the area.

With a higher rate of college-educated inhabitants than the rest of the rest, most residents here really value something called “quality of life.” Despite being a larger neighborhood, there’s a real sense of community, especially on Halloween. There’s plenty to do if you want to feel cultured, from the American Museum of Natural History to the Folk Art Museum, to Lincoln Center. If you’re outdoorsy but still love to live comfortably in the city, then Equinox and Arc’teryx are conveniently located across from a Sweet Green on Columbus Ave. Another upside of the Upper West Side is that fewer tourists are on this side of the Park, without pesky Fifth Avenue traffic to worry about. It has less nightlife than downtown or the Lower East Side, but going out for the night is still easily accessible with the subway (as easy as the 1 line, the 2 line, or the 3 line), or you can explore the bars along Amsterdam Ave.
- Bombay Frankie Roti Roll
- Bánh Vietnamese Shop House
- Malecon


Families/DINKs/SINKs

Upper West Side

**Welcome back to the Gilded Age **

FiDi has gorgeous Gilded Age and Art Deco architecture, massive high rises, and Wall Street. The neighborhood has changed a lot since the 1970s, with increasing development for residential use bringing more and more young to middle-aged professionals. Development accelerated after 9/11, with the building of more museums, memorials, and the One World Trade Center.

More restaurants keep popping up every day, and there are some surprisingly affordable dive bars in the area too. Since FiDi borders Battery Park, there are also plenty of waterfront dining options. Although there’s no longer the “deathlike stillness that settles on the district after 5:30 and all day Saturday and Sunday," to quote urbanist Jane Jacobs, the tourists and 9-5 workers tend to clear out after Happy Hour. You’ll find yourself in one of the safer places to be at night, free to wander the winding streets and admire the beautiful architecture in peace. Luckily you’re close to Tribeca, SoHo, and LES if you want some more extensive nightlife. Some people don’t love the finance worker type, but if you are a finance-worker type or just someone who loves a quiet weekend on the water, this might be the place for you.
- Federal Hall
- The Woolworth Building
- El Vez and Burrito Bar


Young Professionals/Young Families/DINKs/SINKs

FiDi

**Used to be an Artist Neighborhood**

Originally the first free black settlement of Manhattan, given to people formerly enslaved by the Dutch East India Trading Company, SoHo embodies the idea that the city never stops changing. From farmland to commercial buildings and theaters to brothels, to manufacturing, SoHo hasn’t been pinned down for more than a couple of decades. In the 1960-70’s the open lofts designed for industrial use welcomed in the artists who would skirt the city’s zoning laws and build the neighborhood’s new reputation as a hub for culture and expression. There are still galleries, but as real estate prices soared and commercialization of the neighborhood increased, the artists moved to Chelsea and the East Village.

Did SoHo sell out? Only if you see it in the scope of the last couple of decades. In some ways, it has returned to its pre-Civil War commercial appeal. It has, however, become less diverse. The neighborhood holds onto its gorgeous 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets, but proposals for new, more affordable developments are controversial since they would lack the appearance of bohemian historicity. As some put it, SoHo is “busy, crowded, touristy, expensive, has a lot of shops, and restaurants,” although some younger people live here, it’s mostly inhabited by older folks, some (but very few) who have even held out since the days it truly was an artists’ neighborhood. For slightly less expensive alternatives, see East Village, Lower East Side, Kips Bay, and Murray Hill. That being said, if you can afford a place in SoHo, why wouldn’t you go for it? It’s beautiful, historic, and fun.
- Fanelli Café
- Artists and Fleas SoHo
- 73 Worth Street


SoHo

**So the West Village is part of Greenwich Village, but the East Village is not. Just to make that clear.**

Greenwich Village spans from Broadway on its eastern border, to the North River (part of the Hudson River) on the west, and from 14th St down to Houston St. Much like SoHo, Greenwich Village used to be the place to celebrate a more bohemian or alternative lifestyle. It’s also where the historic Stonewall Inn is located, and still, a few other gay bars to boot, especially in the West Village. With NYU nearby, there are more students around, and housing costs tend to veer more student-friendly (not too friendly though) the further you get from the rivers. The West Village is wonderful for dog-walking, especially along the Hudson River Greenway, and there are fewer tourists than in Central Village and Meatpacking. Washington Square Park is a great location for people watching, and for culture, you can visit the Whitney Museum, the exterior of Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment building, or any of the other historic sites that were once home to the Beat Generation, queer liberation movements, or artist residencies.

Historic preservationists are fighting with developers and NYU to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of Greenwich Village while mourning the high cost of living that has pushed out many of the artists. Still, the area remains mostly Queer-friendly and liberal today. The public schools are better than average for the city, and the Village is considered more family-friendly than the East Village.
- Pier 45
- Stonewall Inn
- 75 ½ Bedford St



Families/LGBTQ+/DINKs/SINKs

Greenwich Village

**Windy Walking**

Within the Upper West Side, Riverside offers a scenic drive and a great park for dog walking. Much of what is written about UWS applies here, but living near Riverside offers a more concentrated sense of luxury and isolation. If it’s easy access to public transit you’re after, it’s generally recommended to live above 60th St. But, if you want more space or in-building accommodations, living along Riverside Park might be it.

Riverside Drive is lined with well-known apartment buildings like the Normandy and the Master Apartments, and other townhouses from 72nd to 118th Streets. Former famous residents include George Gershwin, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and Babe Ruth. Some of the buildings near the park were once owned by Trump, but his name has since been taken off. They do offer decent living space and luxury amenities like a grocery store on the bottom floor. The distance to the subway isn’t worth it for some, but others love the view of the Hudson from the high rises. Proximity to the river can make walking to the subway a chillier, windier experience in the winter, and there are some mixed reviews on the homelessness situation in the lower part of the Upper West Side.
- 194 Riverside Drive
- General Grant National Memorial
- The Colosseum at 435 Riverside Drive


Riverside

**The Neighborhood**

Harlem is a huge neighborhood that spans from the Harlem River and 155th Street in the north, to Central Park in the south. It was originally a Dutch Village, but the area has cycled through periods of economic growth and decline, with population demographics changing with each shift. In the 19th century, Harlem was primarily the home of Jewish and Italian immigrants. Then in the early 20th century, African Americans moved to Harlem and brought about the Harlem Renaissance; an outpouring of cultural, artistic, literary, and political thought.

Technically, only Central Harlem is part of Harlem, whereas West Harlem (Manhattanville and Hamilton Heights) and East Harlem (aka Spanish Harlem, or El Barrio) are considered part of Greater Harlem, but not Harlem proper. It’s not confusing at all. But, since most residents talk about West and East Harlem when talking about Harlem, we will too.

East Harlem is diverse, more working class, and has one of the highest populations of Puerto Rican Americans in all of NYC. El Museo del Barrio showcases the vibrancy of art, history, and culture of this neighborhood. There’s more public housing and fewer grocery stores.

Hamilton Heights is home to City College of New York, and the Hamilton Heights Historic District. Manhattanville reaches all the way to the Hudson River and is the site for a planned major expansion of Columbia University. Central Harlem holds the Apollo Theater, which has been around since the Harlem Renaissance, and a generally strong religious presence, with various Christian denominations, represented. Islam and Judaism also maintain a presence. Residents appreciate the proximity to Target, East River Plaza, and the northernmost (and often overlooked) part of Central Park.

Harlem is a huge area with lots of diversity. There are families, but also plenty of recent graduates. Some areas, like around 2nd Ave tend to be more desolate at night, while areas closer to 116th have more people around at all times, and open delis/ bodegas, and Mexican restaurants. Off 125th is a vibrant, welcoming place with great restaurants, but can be rowdy at night. West Harlem is considered generally safer and more residential than East Harlem. Some blocks are mixes of newer condos and old-school apartment buildings, and many neighborhoods that were historically Black and Puerto Rican have seen changes as more students and white people have moved in seeking lower housing costs, leading to an occasional vibe of tension between newer and older residents.

The frequency of petty crimes and neighborhood vibes change from street to street, with some areas being more gentrified than others. Locals really appreciate the ability to get to Midtown in ten minutes, the more family-oriented areas of the neighborhood, and the access to various green areas. Having common sense makes a difference in this neighborhood, and so does getting to know your neighbors and patronizing your local businesses. Generally, when asking people about Harlem, the people who have actually lived there have better things to say about it than those who haven’t. Take from that what you will.
- The Apollo Theater
- The Hamilton Grange
- The National Jazz Museum in Harlem


Harlem

New York City / Manhattan

**Gerald Luenzmann** / Living in NYC / Updated 2yr
★★★★

**What is it like to live in New York City?**

New York City occupies a special place in the American consciousness as the tumultuous seat of our financial markets and the buzzing capital of our culture. New York is celebrated for its wealth of nationalities, ethnicities and languages. But why would anyone want to live in NYC? It's insanely expensive, there are too many crazy people, it's bundles of energy and famously, "If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere." And lots of people love the challenge! Most important, it’s the city that exemplifies American pluralism, the “melting pot” that attracts new immigrants looking for work and college graduates drawn from their hometowns by the promise of excitement and opportunity. Its appeal hangs on its image as a city where everyone can try, get, and be anything. It has been my home for more than 40 years and I love it for its social and economic freedoms. My education and computer technology background fit right in and I found great career and social successes. Am I wrong or what?

But NYC is not a panacea, it has its own problems just like any other city. First of all, it's terribly expensive, living costs are very high, you live in a small apartment that cost a fortune or commute from far away distances. Taxes are high to pay for all the social services, city employees and infrastructure support. The New York City government's budget is the largest municipal budget in the United States. In 2016 the NYC city government had a budget of $80 billion a year. The best jobs are in NYC and unless you are wealthy, you must commute and the hours required while being stuffed on packed trains and subways which are actually a frustrating second job. Second, the City is densely crowded. People are piled on top of one anther. Third, you will never get a good job unless you have a great education, NYC is comfortable for skilled and educated people only. Others scrape by! NYC is also being seriously gentrified, wealthy people move in to replace poorer people who are moving out.

On the other side of the coin, NYC is certainly a playground for adults. There's never a dull moment in NYC. It's the city that never sleeps. It offers a thousand different interesting things to do every day. Besides high paying jobs for the talented in the business, banking, financial, advertising, business, performing art’s world, there is Broadway, Greenwich Village, China Town, Little Egypt, parades galore - St. Patties Day, Halloween, Macy's Thanksgiving, street theater and theatrical Flash Mobs, thousands of restaurants, bars, night clubs, museums and parks to pleasure your life away. Living or commuting to NYC is like being a member of Delta Force. It ain't for everyone but if you can do it life is great and you are a very special person.

**Henry Wang** / Lived in NYC / Updated 2yr
★★★

**What is it like to live in New York City?**

It was pretty shitty and awesome.
The shitty:
-Rent’s too damn high - I was sharing a studio with 2 guys near the Upper East Side. When a 1 bed unit opened up, we moved in and brought in another one of our friends because the rent was ridiculous. A Mayorial candidate ran his platform on the “rent’s too damn high” motto.
-Food’s expensive as F - When I moved to NYC, a chicken chipotle bowl was $6.25 in CA. In NYC it was $8.25.
-It’s crowded and dirty - Probably because there’s 8M people living in a small part of NY state. Still blows my mind why so many people decided to stay on this tiny island of Manhattan.
-The people - Nobody is trying to make F.R.I.E.N.D.S in NYC. - - People can be superficial and cutthroat, only befriending you if you have some sort of social status. While it’s a huge city, it’s also a city of strangers. Took me a while to find a solid group of people who I could call friends.
-Lifestyle - Super fast paced. Feels like time goes 2x faster in NYC than any other place. People are working 60 hour weeks and can go many months without even seeing the sun (come in around 7am and leave around 2am).

The awesome:
-The seasons - NYC is beautiful in the fall, cold as F in the winter, lively in the Spring and hot as F in the summer. The holiday season was my favorite - you could really see the city light up with smiles and giving.
-The diversity - You can meet all kinds of people and eat all kinds of food. When I went to Chinatown for the first time, I thought I was back in China. Got to practice my Mandarin.
-The bustling - There’s a lot going on in NYC from the political to the financial to the media. There’s no shortage of events/things to do. Many times, I would find myself immersed in some sort of event just by walking around the city. One time I took a company car home at 3am and saw the city still lit up. - It’s truly a city that never sleeps.
-The subways - No cars needed, just take the subway to get around. The subways are super convenient and runs all night. You learn to develop a love/hate relationship depending when you take the subway and what subways you take. For me, the G train played hard to get with me at times.
-The people - Not all people are mean. I found a good group of friends in Brooklyn and a great squad through church. People are generally receptive if you put in the effort to show them that you care.
-While it was tough living in NYC, it was a great life experience in hindsight. I learned a lot and met a lot of really diverse and smart people. I can testify that if you can make it in NYC, you can make it anywhere.
**If you’re in your early 20s, go suffer and live it up in NYC :)**

**Competitive_Ad_64071** / Living in NYC / 3y ago
★★★

**What is it like to live in NYC?**

That's a big question with a lot to unpack. Would be easier to answer if you wanted to know about specific stuff.
Right now things aren't quite the way they usually are, but for me the population difference was a bit of a culture shock by itself. There are just people everywhere doing their own things, living their own lives. New Yorkers often have a stereotype of being rude and unaccommodating to strangers but I don't think that's true; it's just that everybody has something going on at all times so it can be easy to tune out the crowd. When you're in a small town it's easier to notice a stranger in distress; here they can be one of hundreds or thousands in your immediate surroundings.

If you live in Brooklyn or Queens, Manhattan is usually like a half hour to an hour subway ride away. I personally don't go to Central Park all the time as we have our own parks, but you could if you wanted to. The outer boroughs all have their own little ecosystems so you don't need to rely on Manhattan for all your amusement.

Lots of people choose to live in Manhattan but it is a little pricier in general. There are expensive areas and not-so-expensive areas. And then there are areas where it's mostly just tourists... not so much right now of course.

There are a lot of pros and cons to living here. One of my biggest pros is the quality and variety of foods and cuisines that are available... you can get pretty much any dish if you seek it out. A con is that your average apartment has far less space than what you would get in the rest of the country. I think your average New Yorker tends to learn how to be a bit minimalist and do more with less. My sister is always giving me gifts of like... for lack of a better word, crap that takes up space that I don't have room for. You can't really be the hoarder type here unless you're loaded because most of us don't have that must extra storage space.

Those are just some ramblings off the top of my head. Anything else you want to know, just ask.

**WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO NYC - brutally honest**

Living in Manhattan vs. Brooklyn (The Reality)

The Fearless One

California

Michigan

Minnesota

New Jersey

New York

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.


New York City / Manhattan, New York

The Fearless One

Look Score: 94