Although San Francisco gets all of the attention, Oakland is known for its better weather, affordability (only compared to SF), better character, and down-to-earth vibe when compared to its next-door neighbor. It’s also serious about being Green. Oakland’s empty lots have been transformed into urban vegetable patches, and buying locally-grown food is simple. Oakland is indeed Hella Cool. And they know it.

As disgruntled young San Franciscans go in search of friendlier climes, and the pandemic and property prices displace residents and put rental properties in the hands of corporate developers, gentrification threatens the nature of what makes Oakland great. See Brooklyn for comparable history. 
 

**Here's a strong take on the advantages of Oakland from a local:** 
*That Oakland has the best weather in the Bay Area — certainly in the true (central) Bay Area — is inarguable. And the location is ideal. If someone dropped into the Bay Area from outer space they would require an historical explanation for why San Francisco, and not Oakland, is the leading city. One can head out of Oakland toward the Sierra with an hour’s lead on the San Franciscan, with similar advantages toward the wine country.*

*The culture of Oakland is honest. The culture of San Francisco is fake. I say this as someone who spent a great deal of my student and working life in San Francisco and who loves and respects that great international city deeply. But if you are here to live, not on vacation, Oakland offers an unaffected — even self-deprecating — tone that works on a daily basis.*

For more reviews of Oakland from locals check out: [**The Buzz**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/oakland?page=buzz)

The Bay on a Budget (Kind of)

LookyLOO Review of Oakland

While making a short trip across the bay to SF is a popular (and always available) social option, Oakland is filled with its own entertainment and cultural scene. There’s an incredible history of social movement -- minorities of all kinds have a cultural voice in Oakland. Oakland has serious coffee, craft brews, food, and street art scenes. I mean c’mon, where are you going to get a city, an ocean bay and redwood parks that overlook stunning views all in one place? And there’s even a gorgeous lake (Lake Merritt) right in the middle of downtown.

Lifestyle

Not to be redundant here, but making the short trip over the bay to SF is a popular commuting option. Taking advantage of SF’s big tech and finance wages for non-SF rent is always going to be a solid financial decision, and the Bay Area’s phenomenal public transportation system makes that convenient. Back in the East Bay, big-name companies like Clorox, Kaiser Permanente, and Pandora call Oakland their home. The health sector is big in Oakland too, and that combination of solid local and short commute options makes it a great place to live for work.


Worklife

Oakland Unified School District receives a ["B-" grade on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/oakland-unified-school-district-ca/). Academics underperform and College Prep overperforms on average across the district. 

Families are assigned schools based on a lottery system in which they choose six priority choices in their applications. Admittance is based on a variety of factors including neighborhood but can apply to any school in the district. For more detail on the policies check out the [**OUSD placement page**](https://www.ousd.org/enroll/enroll-at-ousd/enroll-your-student-tk-12/how-it-works-placement-priorities-special-programs-resources). 

Higher-performing schools tend to be on the northeast side of the city. A couple of the best include:

-[Oakland Technical High School**](https://oaklandtech.ousd.org/), often referred to as "Tech" locally, receives an [**"A" rating on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/oakland-technical-high-school-oakland-ca/?map) with high scores for Academics, College Prep, and Diversity among its strengths. It offers an excellent music, languages, and STEAM curriculum.
-[Hillcrest Elementary School](https://www.ousd.org/our-schools/school-directory/schools/~board/school-directory/post/hillcrest-tk-8) is an ["A-" rated](https://www.niche.com/k12/hillcrest-elementary-school-oakland-ca/?map) K-8 with high grades for Academics and Teachers. 

Schools

It’s easier to get to downtown San Francisco by public transit than it is from even some San Francisco neighborhoods, and Berkeley is an even shorter hop. If you’re not all that interested in San Francisco, Oakland is a hot location in its own right. It has been experiencing a massive growth in jobs, especially in tech and media. Seven companies within Oakland made Forbes magazine’s list of the country’s top 100 fastest growing companies. 

Location, location, location.

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**u/InfluenceNo9260**
Living in Oakland
2y ago
✭✭✭

There a waterfront with sailboats at Jack London Sq. Lake Merritt is beautiful. There are parks with amazing views and hiking trails in the hills. There are different neighborhoods with different vibes. I recommend Rockridge, Piedmont, Grand Lake, Jack London, Temescal or Uptown for walkable shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. I lived Clinton, Ivy hill, and Jack London. I almost moved to Adams Pt, but chose Emeryville instead. I love walkable, urban environments with lots of transit access and lots to do and see.

Narrow down some neighborhoods, visit at night and see how you feel waking around. There are homeless people, bad drivers, car break-ins and all the stuff you hear about. But I have never felt like I was in danger. You do have to keep some situational awareness and don’t go to certain streets, especially at night. This is not a problem if you’re not out late at night trying to buy drugs or sex. If you mind your manners, mind your business, have secure parking, and drive defensively, it’s a fun place to live!

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

The hype is real. 

Reviews of Oakland from Locals

**The good the bad and the ugly**

C’mon where are you going to get a city, an ocean bay and redwood parks that overlook stunning views all in one place? And there’s a gorgeous lake (Lake Merritt) right in the middle of downtown, very serious coffee, craft brews, crazy good food, street art, hills with hidden staircases and an incredible history of social movement -- minorities of all kinds have a cultural voice in Oakland. There’s even another city right in the city (Piedmont) which makes no sense from a city planning standpoint, but there it is. Oakland has the kind of  genuine sense of place that many towns would love to have while running the gamut from hard core urban to wooded hills and parks. (And, when people say “the city” they mean San Francisco. Oakland is a town -- The Town.)


**The Best Thing About Oakland?** 

A bridge away from San Francisco (or a 10 minute BART ride), better weather, more affordable, more character, more down-to-earth mom and pop and more hip. It’s also serious about being Green. Oakland’s empty lots have been transformed into urban vegetable patches, and buying locally grown food is simple. Oakland is indeed Hella Cool. And they know it. 


**The Worst Thing About Oakland?** 

The hype. As disgruntled young San Franciscans go in search of friendlier climes and the pandemic threatens to displace residents and possibly put rental properties in the hands of corporate developers, gentrification is pushing through threatening the nature of what makes Oakland great.

**How You Living?** 

In a funky old house on a quiet street walking distance to anything. Residential streets are home to both single-family and multi-family homes, ranging from older Victorians to renovated row homes. Rockridge, Temescal, and Grand Lake are super trendy. Laurel and Diamond districts are cute little neighborhoods with their own shopping plazas.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

Location, location, location. It’s easier to get to San Francisco than even some San Francisco neighborhoods and BTW, Berkely is also a short hop.  If you’re not all that interested in San Francisco, Oakland is a hot location in its own right. It has been experiencing a massive growth in jobs, especially in tech and media. Seven companies within Oakland made Forbes magazine’s list of the country’s top 100 fastest growing companies. 


The city of Oakland is just east of San Francisco, across the Bay. The west side of the city runs along the bay and the east side is surrounded by natural preserves including Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, and the University of California Botanical Garden. Just south of downtown Oakland is Alameda. Located in the bay, it’s a city that includes Alameda Island, Bay Farm Island, and other minor surrounding islands. Just north of Oakland is the popular area of Berkeley, home of UC Berkeley. Inside the city limits of Oakland is the city of Piedmont. It's a separate city although it’s completely surrounded by Oakland. The city detached itself from Oakland in the early 1900s and has since kept its reputation for being a more wealthy area. Local Piedmont residents, because they have a higher median income and, by design, better schools and local services, fear rejoining Oakland because they believe it would reduce their standard of living. The geography of Oakland can be split into what is called “the flatlands” and “the hills.” These terms can also symbolize the economic divide between Oakland’s residents. The hills cover about ⅓ of the land in Oakland and were historically considered to be more affluent. 


The Area

Oakland is California expensive without being SF expensive, and that’s an important distinction. If you’re moving to Oakland, take into consideration your budget, how close you want to be to bars and restaurants, and how close you need to be to BART. We suggest you start your search in Temescal. It has an artsy, slightly hipster vibe, in a good way. It’s super convenient to BART and Telegraph Ave has coffee shops, breweries, restaurants and more. 
- Temescal
- Grand Lake
- Downtown


Young Professionals

Downtown

While Oakland doesn't have a particular neighborhood like the Castro known as the center of LGBTQ+ community the town has the highest concentration of lesbian couples of any city in the country and the second-highest same-sex couple households right behind San Francisco. 

Popular areas include Temescal; a hip, spot with a growing arts scene, coffee shops and easy access to the local BART station. It also has its own craft brew scene, plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife to enjoy. 

Uptown is another good option. It runs along Broadway in downtown (we get the irony) and the area is home to the Fox and Paramount theaters, tons of bars and restaurants, and even an ice skating rink. 

LGBTQ+

Temescal

If you don’t want to give up the Oakland scene, but need to find a place to settle down, we suggest looking for a home or apartment in Piedmont Avenue. It feels more suburban than other areas of Oakland, but still has walkable amenities. It’s just northeast of Downtown, but not in the hills. You’ll have your choice of apartments, bungalows and super cute American Foursquare homes. Despite feeling suburban, Piedmont Avenue runs through the center of the neighborhood and has a grocery store, theaters, coffee shops, and restaurants. 
- Piedmont Ave
- Grand Lake
- Lake Merritt


Young Families

Piedmont Ave

If you’re looking for a suburban feel with a dash of city living, check out Rockridge. It’s not the Hills, so you can avoid feeling like you’re super far away from Downtown. It can be expensive, so keep that in mind when you start house hunting. We thing it’s worth it for the tree-lined streets and the bungalow style homes. It’s mostly residential, but the west side of the neighborhood has restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques. It’s close to BART and, to top off the pros, it has a Trader Joe’s.
- Rockridge/Upper Rockridge
- Montclair
- Temescal


Established Families

Rockridge

Oakland

**Robert Polevoi**
Living in Oakland
✭✭✭

It’s different than it used to be. But I’ll get to that in a moment because the question is about now.

That Oakland has the best weather in the Bay Area — certainly in the true (central) Bay Area — is inarguable. And the location is ideal. If someone dropped into the Bay Area from outer space they would require an historical explanation for why San Francisco, and not Oakland, is the leading city. One can head out of Oakland toward the Sierra with an hour’s lead on the San Franciscan, with similar advantages toward the wine country.

The culture of Oakland is honest. The culture of San Francisco is fake. I say this as someone who spent a great deal of my student and working life in San Francisco and who loves and respects that great international city deeply. But if you are here to live, not on vacation, Oakland offers an unaffected — even self-deprecating — tone that works daily.

The bottom line is that Oakland has never been, and likely will never be, a city with a great and impressive downtown as San Francisco has. It is, above all, a city of great residential neighborhoods with individual character. It’s a city with the most remarkable parks. Nothing more characterizes the contrast with SF than the contrast between Golden Gate Park and the magnificent outdoor experiences of Sibley and Redwood Regional Parks, unparalleled for anything directly adjoining a true city. (The memory of Chief Justice Earl Warren, had he not been responsible for so much that America is proud of, would be honored solely for the incredible insight he showed in getting this land set aside many, many decades ago.)

**u/InfluenceNo9260**
Living in Oakland
2y ago
✭✭✭

There a waterfront with sailboats at Jack London Sq. Lake Merritt is beautiful. There are parks with amazing views and hiking trails in the hills. There are different neighborhoods with different vibes. I recommend Rockridge, Piedmont, Grand Lake, Jack London, Temescal or Uptown for walkable shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. I lived Clinton, Ivy hill, and Jack London. I almost moved to Adams Pt, but chose Emeryville instead. I love walkable, urban environments with lots of transit access and lots to do and see.

Narrow down some neighborhoods, visit at night and see how you feel waking around. There are homeless people, bad drivers, car break-ins and all the stuff you hear about. But I have never felt like I was in danger. You do have to keep some situational awareness and don’t go to certain streets, especially at night. This is not a problem if you’re not out late at night trying to buy drugs or sex. If you mind your manners, mind your business, have secure parking, and drive defensively, it’s a fun place to live!

**OdinPelmen**
Living in Oakland
9mo ago
✭✭✭

No, you absolutely do not need a car in the Bay Area. I lived in SF for 10 yrs with consistent outings to Oakland, Berkeley, Sonoma/Napa, Pt Reyes, etc and never owned a car. Most of my friends in the Bay don’t own a car or share a car if they’re a couple bc it’s so easy to use car share and taxis. Plus, the transit is great compared to majority of US outside of NYC. A car is sure a nice little perk and will absolutely come in handy, but not a necessity. Though if you’re planning to constantly drive out to nature then yes, you’ll need it.

The Bay is absolutely beautiful to live in tbh and California is like nothing else, but go live in NYC for a little bit and then transfer to the Bay if you can. I lived almost all my 20s in the Bay with a tiny stint as n NYC and, while I don’t regret it as it was awesome, I wish my time in New York was significantly longer than it was just for the experience. I moved back to CA and would’ve probs ended up back here anyway bc it’s a much better living overall especially later. The nature is amazing, the vibe, the ocean, the culture, and the weather makes a huge difference. I don’t see snow unless I want to see it; I can do forest, mountains, ocean, desert or fields in a day if I want to. There are a million national parks a drive away and a he whole coast is gorgeous. Plus, the food, the people, etc. But I’d say, come back in a few years after you’ve been there, done that.

**ggabitron**
Living in Oakland
10mo ago
✭✭✭



Oakland - if you don't love the LA summer heat, Oakland weather truly cannot be beat. It's almost always between 65 and 75 during the day, and 50-60 at night. It rains maybe 20% more than it does in LA, but not much. Having a car here is very stressful, because car-related crime is extremely common. Traffic is slightly more predictable in the bay, but when there is traffic it's terrible because there's no way around it. Drivers are also far less predictable than in LA so driving can be very stressful. Oakland has a surprisingly lively bar scene for its size, and there are frequently things going on downtown so you can have a pretty active social life without leaving Oakland. Neighborhoods in the bay are more concentrated and closer together, so there's a lot less separation between the 'good' and 'bad' neighborhoods, which requires more awareness of your surroundings and location than in LA, but I wouldn't necessarily say I feel less safe in the East Bay than I did when I lived in LA. People here are a lot less fixated on physical appearance, but they can still be very superficial regarding income/job stuff, especially people in tech. Lots of tech bros who won't shut up about their startups, but fewer of them in Oakland than SF or the South Bay. People in Oakland tend to be a little less in-your-face about stuff than folks in SF and Berkeley have a reputation for being. People in the bay tend to be more outdoorsy than in LA, probably because the weather is so much cooler and outdoor areas have a lot more vegetation and shade.

**Should You Move to Oakland or Berkeley?**

**Living In San Francisco VS Oakland | Moving To California**

Diamond In The Rough

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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Oakland, California

Diamond In The Rough

Looklyloo Score: 92