As far as home prices go, the “Steel City'' might want to consider renaming itself the “Steal City.” With median home prices well below the national average, Pittsburgh provides a wide variety of living options for smart money, despite being a city that provides the same amenities as bigger or more popular cities. The money, however, isn’t the only smart thing about Pittsburgh. Several first-class universities within the city limits, including Carnegie Mellon and The University of Pittsburgh, provide amazing local opportunities for higher education and give the city a younger vibe than other bigger cities.

Even better these great housing opportunities exist on the stunning landscape of the hilliest city in America (sorry San Francisco). Who knew the Midwest had such hills?

On the other hand, ever gotten road rage? If not, you might feel inclined to start getting it while driving through Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh’s drivers are consistently rated as either the worst or one of the worst in the nation. To make matters worse, whoever designed Pittsburgh’s road system would likely be rated as either the worst or one of the worst at their job, if that were a thing. Steel City is notorious for its nonsensical and confusing road map, turning normal commutes into complicated odysseys. Wear a helmet, bike riders.



Smart Money On Hilly Streets

LookyLOO Review of Pittsburgh

There are very few cities in the U.S. that genuinely shock people – Pittsburgh is definitely one. If you think when coming to Pittsburgh, that you’re visiting a Rust Belt city struggling to recover from the decline in manufacturing you will have missed that shift by more than 50 years. It never lost population the way Detroit or Cleveland did and so individual neighborhoods remain energized as is the city as a whole. 

Pittsburgh has the “city” lifestyle you get from two great universities, an incredibly rich performing arts and museum culture,  and downtown sporting stadiums. It also has excellent restaurants, pubs, clubs, and boutique shopping. The intimacy and energy of the truly unique neighborhoods is well matched by the vibrancy of the city at large. 

If you want to know what happens in Pittsburgh check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/events-festivals/).


Lifestyle 

Pittsburgh has one of the most robust economies in the U.S. Early diversification from manufacturing saved “Steel City” and created an economy with opportunities in medicine, higher education, banking, high tech, and services. City employment hasn’t seen a decline in 50 years. Pittsburgh is one of the most educated cities in the U.S. and has a high percentage of the professional workforce. As was noted the roads, drivers, and infrastructure are kind of a mess but find an easy commute to work from your home and this is an idyllic place to find and keep a job. 


Worklife

[Pittsburgh Public Schools](https://www.pghschools.org/) has a rating of just a ["B-" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/pittsburgh-public-schools-pa/) but gets A's for the quality of Teachers, so not all is lost. 

This is a brilliant summary of the PPS experience by a graduate of PPS who works throughout the public, private, and suburban districts: 

*The best way to describe the difference between PPS and surrounding districts is that the floor for academic performance is a lot lower, and the very tippy top of the academic ceiling is a little lower. If you have a kid who is really struggling in school or has specific needs, you will see them struggle even more in PPS under most circumstances and I suggest looking private or moving to the suburban districts. If you want your kid to get into specifically Ivy League colleges, private and top-tier districts have relationships with the admissions departments in those places that go a little further.

Otherwise, whatever dreams your kid has is within reach with a PPS education, especially if they're in one of the better high schools (Sci-Tech, Allderdice magnet, CAPA) or enrolled in the CAS program. My graduating class at one of the worst PPS high schools had three pharmacists, multiple social workers/counselors, a few teachers (hello), a few physical therapists, two engineers, and a single architect. It also had like a 60% dropout rate. Is it a "bad" school by every numerical measure? Yeah. Did it stop the kids who had solid home lives from succeeding? No. That's the duality you grapple with when talking about PPS.

My suggestion to all parents is to try PPS first. Find a magnet elementary school you like, ride it out, and reevaluate at middle school time. The differences between elementary schools are nowhere near as vast as high schools. Your life will probably also change a ton between now and then, and you can rerun the algebra to see if your priorities need changing.*

Schools

With more people switching to remote work and looking for larger homes with access to parks and trails, there has never been a better time to move to Pittsburgh. More affordable houses conveniently situated around these amenities and those of other large American cities, including beloved sports stadiums such as Heinz Field, home of the fabled Pittsburgh Steelers, make Pittsburgh a phenomenal destination for the present and the future.


he Price is Right. And the Timing is too.

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**zedazeni**
Living in Pittsburgh
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

My backstory:

Born and raised in St Louis; university in Fayetteville, AR, Alexandria, VA (DC metro).

My partner (M 27) and I (M 27) moved to Pittsburgh around two months ago from the DC area.

Living in DC was great, except for the never-ending traffic and the skyrocketing cost of living (specifically housing and restaurants).

We visited Pittsburgh for the first time last April and found that the architecture was charming, the nature was abundant, and the city seemed proud without being pretentious.

After having lived here now for nearly two months, the move was definitely worth it—we own a gorgeous 114 year old house for a fraction of what it would’ve cost in DC, have access to dozens of great restaurants within a 15 min walk that cost half of what we were paying for similar fare back in our DC suburb, the traffic is at the very least manageable, and the hills provide such a nice break, especially after living in the seemingly endless suburban expanse of the DC metropolitan area.

What’s more, PGH has the most agreeable climate of any city I’ve lived in, perhaps Tbilisi, Georgia (the country) had a more temperate but still distinctly 4-season climate.

As for your points:

1: it depends on the neighborhood. Squirrel Hill, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, East Liberty, the Strip District and Oakland have a lot of younger people since they’re close to Carnegie-Mellon University (CMU) and the University of Pittsburgh. The farther away, the more suburban it gets. Cranberry is the new “it” for suburbs, but Robinson and Ross are pretty suburban as well. Overall, you’re not going to be the only younger person in your neighborhood, and with the universities here and Google’s presence, there’s not going to be a shortage of young people coming and going.

2: hiking is great. Frick Park has a lot of good trails. Allegheny County Parks has its own app for hiking, and the parks are huge. If you’re wanting more, there’s a few state parks within a 90 min drive of Pittsburgh as well, so you’ll have no problem going for a long or short hike.

The driving? Not thriving.

Reviews of Pittsburgh from Locals

**The Best Thing About Pittsburgh?** - Smart Money On Hilly Streets

As far as home prices go, the “Steel City'' might want to consider renaming itself the “Steal City.” With median home prices well below the national average, Pittsburgh provides a wide variety of living options for smart money, despite being a city that provides the same amenities as bigger or more popular cities. The money, however, isn’t the only thing that’s smart about Pittsburgh. A number of first class universities within the city limits, including Carnegie Mellon and The University of Pittsburgh, provides amazing local opportunities for higher education, and gives the city a younger vibe than other bigger cities.

Even better that these great housing opportunities exist on the stunning landscape of the hilliest city in America (sorry San Francisco). Who knew the midwest had such hills?
	
**The Worst Thing About Pittsburgh?** - The driving? Not thriving.

Ever gotten road rage? If not, you might feel inclined to start getting it while driving through Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh’s drivers are consistently rated as either the worst or one of the worst in the nation. To make matters worse, whoever designed Pittsburgh’s road system would likely be rated as either the worst or one of the worst at their job as well if that were a thing. Steel City is notorious for its nonsensical and confusing road map, turning normal commutes into complicated odysseys. Wear a helmet, bike riders.

**How You Living?** - Urban towns

People are often shocked how pleasant Pittsburgh is in comparison to most of the other rust belt cities. A great majority of Pittsburgh is made up of single family homes located near vibrant mini-commercial districts. Highland Park puts families well within reach of parks, trails, and the famed Pittsburgh Zoo. Neighborhoods such as Regent Park are built around independent businesses, coffee shops and art galleries. Finally, the neighborhoods around the Universities, like Shady Side, feel like small college towns, and are great destinations for young people and singles. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** - The Price is Right. And the Timing is too.

With more people switching to remote work and looking for larger homes with access to parks and trails, there has never been a better time to move to Pittsburgh. More affordable houses conveniently situated around these amenities and those of other large American cities, including beloved sports stadiums such as Heinz Field, home of the fabled Pittsburgh Steelers, make Pittsburgh a phenomenal destination for the present and the future.


It is rare that people who visit Pittsburgh aren’t impressed with the beauty of the city, the energy of the neighborhoods and the success of the economy alongside inexpensive real estate. So, what keeps the population from exploding? Location. Pittsburgh is on the far western side of the state, right next to the border of Ohio. When Northeasterners look at Pittsburgh they get queasy about how far it is from the eastern seaboard line from Boston to NYC, to Philly and then down to DC. That’s the question for people considering Pittsburgh. Amazing city but it’s ~4 ½ hours from that east coast line. If that bothers you this ain’t your place. If it doesn’t bother you then you’ll love it. 


The Area

Downtown, also known as the Golden Triangle, is where the headquarters of the big corporations are and so for those looking to walk to work this is your spot. Plenty of large condo/apt buildings offer reasonably priced options for those on the way up that corporate ladder and all the cultural and sporting options are balanced by a downtown foodie and bar scene. Outside of downtown lie incredible neighborhoods like Shadyside and Lawrenceville that can be pricier but have small commercial districts with amazing diverse food options, pubs and boutique shopping. 
- Downtown
- Shadyside
- Lawrenceville
- Oakland


Young Professionals

Downtown

The neighborhoods of Shadyside and Squirrel Hill are beautiful places to live for virtually anyone but if you want to avoid downtown and still have a local social scene these are good options. Shadyside is near Carnegie Mellon and has an interesting mix of families enjoying the huge historic homes, and younger couples and singles living in apartments, smaller home options and condos. Squirrel Hill is another great option. Built into the hill and near Frick Park it has a social/commercial scene like Shadyside but an added bonus of being surrounded by nature for hiking, biking and strolling. 
- Shady Side
- Squirrel Hill

DINKs/SINKs

Shady Side

Pittsburgh is frequently ranked the #1 city in the U.S. for LGBTQ+ homebuyers. It doesn’t have a specific neighborhood for the community to congregate but the East End area, including the East Liberty, Strip District, Polish Hill, and Lawrenceville neighborhoods, is a good place to start. These are more downtown-feeling neighborhoods with condo/apartment living options + great social scenes. Also, consider the quieter neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill and Shadyside – again, the city leans heavily progressive, and most areas are worth considering.
- East End (East Liberty, Strip District, Polish Hill, etc.)
- Squirrel Hill
- Shadyside


LGBTQ+

East End

Squirrel Hill is a favorite of families in Pittsburgh. The historic Jewish neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Squirrel Hill has tons of kids running around, riding their bikes into the commercial district to get ice cream, or just riding around with friends. The schools are amazing and the homes are big and beautiful. It’s pricier than other neighborhoods but if you’re coming from New York or Boston or Chicago you’re going to love the price tag. Point Breeze is another favorite and it has the same advantage as Squirrel Hill in that it borders Frick Park. This means you get the best balance of nice lively blocks of restaurants, shopping, book stories and cafes, and nature in your backyard.
- Squirrel Hill
- Point Breeze
- Regent Park


Families

Squirrel Hill 

Pittsburgh

**todayiwillthrowitawa**
Living in Pittsburgh
8mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I'm both a PPS graduate and someone who works in/with schools, including PPS, suburban districts, and private schools for nearly ten years.

First off, other people in the thread are correct that how you raise your kid is going to have 100x the impact on how your kid does in adult life than what high school they attend. Having parents who are educated, are interested in intellectually stimulating activities, expose children to new activities and ideas, get involved with their education, etc. is the key to your child having a good life.

The best way to describe the difference between PPS and surrounding districts is that the floor for academic performance is a lot lower, and the very tippy top of the academic ceiling is a little lower. If you have a kid who is really struggling in school or has specific needs, you will see them struggle even more in PPS under most circumstances and I suggest looking private or moving to the suburban districts. If you want your kid to get into specifically Ivy League colleges, private and top tier districts have relationships with the admissions departments in those places that go a little further.

Otherwise, whatever dreams your kid has is within reach with a PPS education, especially if they're in one of the better high schools (Sci-Tech, Allderdice magnet, CAPA) or enrolled in the CAS program. My graduating class at one of the worst PPS high schools had three pharmacists, multiple social workers/counselors, a few teachers (hello), a few physical therapists, two engineers, and a single architect. It also had like a 60% dropout rate. Is it a "bad" school by every numerical measure? Yeah. Did it stop the kids who had solid home lives from succeeding? No. That's the duality you grapple with when talking about PPS.

My suggestion to all parents is to try PPS first. Find a magnet elementary school you like, ride it out, reevaluate at middle school time. The differences between elementary schools are nowhere near as vast as high schools. Your life will probably also change a ton between now and then, and you can rerun the algebra to see if your priorities need changing.

**TrafficScales**
Living in Pittsburgh
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

I moved here from Massachusetts in my early 20’s and really like it. The young (tech or tech-adjacent, which I’m guessing you are) professional scene is pretty fun and social compared to what I hear about my friends’ experiences on the coasts.

Some anecdotal pros:

Pittsburgh is surprisingly full of well-kept and easily accessible green space (parks with legitimate hiking trails, cemeteries that function like parks, etc.)

Close to more involved outdoor camping/hiking (Ohiopyle, Allegheny forest).

Major concerts/live shows either come to at least one of here, Columbus, or Philly, meaning that you’ll always be day-trip distance to major concerts if that’s your thing.

The living costs are quite low for a city of its size/amenities.

People don’t move to Pittsburgh because they’re forced to, generally speaking. The transplants that come and settle here are here because they like it, and that results in a happier communities.

Cons:

The vegetarian food scene is pathetic compared to Boston’s.

PIT is not nearly as major of an airport, upping travel time and costs if you fly a lot to places other than the few direct flight locations.

Pittsburgh is built across mountains and between rivers. There is no direct path anywhere— you have to travel two sides of a triangle, always.

**landmanpgh**
Living in Pittsburgh
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉


I've lived here for over a decade. Coming from the south, it was a bit of a shock for a few years, but that went away. I love it now and will never leave, but every city has some downsides.

The roads suck. People are generally pretty cool, but it can be tough to meet new people as an outsider because everyone grew up here. I don't mind the Steelers/Penguins, but I'm sure some people get tired of the obsession with sports here. Those are really the only downsides for me.

On the flip side, I personally love the weather, especially autumn. I love that Pittsburgh isn't a huge city, but we have pretty much any amenity you could want. I like being able to get from the airport to anywhere in the city in under an hour. And the food scene is really good. Oh, and it's not terribly expensive to live here. Closer to a Midwest feel than East Coast.

I've lived and traveled all over the country, and for me Pittsburgh has been the most liveable city.

Blitzburgh

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.


Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Blitzburgh

Looklyloo Score: 90