Portland neighborhoods were not built in clusters so you don’t see houses clumped together that look similar. The homes on a given block were often built in different periods and different styles. The results are genuinely charming and give or reinforce the idea that Portland is for free and independent thinkers. 

On the other hand, Portland is 70% white. And there’s a homelessness problem and a congestion problem (even though 7% of the population travels by bike). For an ultra-liberal city, the lack of diversity and high volumes of unhoused expose issues many cities contend with. In particular, they are not alone on the homeless front. The West Coast from Seattle to San Diego wrestles with the same issue. Diversity is also tricky. Oregon is not diverse overall and once you head east of Portland the state is much more conservative than many would expect.



No “housing farms".

LookyLOO Review of Portland

Perhaps no show in the history of television has so explicitly portrayed an exaggerated but pretty spot-on illustration of a city’s lifestyle than Portlandia. Groovy, grungy, smug, self-satisfied, and utterly wonderful, this city is all about attempting to live differently and at least aspirationally better. What you do in Portland you tend to do intensely. Getting a good meal? You may not be dressed in a tuxedo but the ingredients will be locally grown. Ordering a cocktail in a local pub in your pajamas? Chances are the spirits, mixers, and garnishes were brewed distilled, or grown in boutique fashion. People may go casually here but they take the things they do seriously. 

Overall the lifestyle of the city involves a lot of outdoor behavior mixed with plenty of amazing food and craft beer and spirits at the end of the day. Some people live in densely urban neighborhoods and enjoy great walkscore experiences in crafty commercial districts and some pick rural-feeling neighborhoods from which they hide from the commercial scene and stick to their knitting. While there are plenty of people who move to Portland and live conventional suburban lifestyles for less than San Francisco or New York, why would you? Portland’s weird and that makes it great. 

To see what's happening in Portland, check out the [calendar of events](https://www.travelportland.com/events/).

We highly recommend visiting Portland 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).


Lifestyle 

Portland, like a lot of the west coast, has a lot of tech. But the tech scene here feels more relaxed than San Francisco. That’s by design. If you pick Portland over SF for your startup you’re doing so because you prefer the more quirky vibe of the city (and lower costs), so your business will run accordingly. While we imagine many of the tech scenesters here might return to an office we imagine it simply will be a more chill choice. Coming in today? Cool. Staying home? Cool. Do your job and we’re copacetic. 
Outside of tech Portland also has a big market for Athletic/Outdoor Gear – Hello, Nike. That Nike influence has attracted other brands like Adidas, Icebreaker, Keen among others. If you want to work in the outdoor gear business while experiencing the great outdoors, this is your city. 
Finally, Portland has a huge healthcare workforce with four of the top ten employers in that industry. One of the consistent factors across the workforce is the high degree of education. These Portlanders went to school. 


Worklife 

The [Portland Public School District](https://www.pps.net/) receives a ["B" grade on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/portland-public-schools-or/) with higher scores for College Prep and Diversity. Like most city public school districts, PPS is knocked for underfunding but is an outlier for applying additional funding from the state to the most underperforming schools in the district. It is also noted that additional funding is coming to the district from a Governor directed program. 

Unlike most cities, Portland has "A" rated schools scattered throughout the city (rather than concentrated in a tiny, wealthier neighborhood). Like many West Coast cities, many families take advantage of higher performing elementary schools, apply to the magnets, and if they don't get in, some will flee to the burbs. High-performing schools that attract plenty of applications include:
-[Lincoln High School](https://www.pps.net/lincoln) is the highest performing public high school in the city, receiving an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/lincoln-high-school-portland-or/).
-[Grant High School](https://www.pps.net/grant) is another high-flier, receiving an ["A-" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/grant-high-school-portland-or/). 
Plenty of families send their kiddos to privates in Portland, with [Catlin Gabel School](https://www.niche.com/k12/catlin-gabel-school-portland-or/l) and [Oregon Episcopal School](https://www.niche.com/k12/oregon-episcopal-school-portland-or/) among the highest-rated. 

Schools

It’s green, there’s proximity to nature, there’s no sales tax (new Macbook anyone?) easy, breezy airport, a lot of big name employers in town and the summer is worth the winter.


Smaller than Seattle, more relaxed than San Francisco.

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**Alphafox84**
Living in Portland
1y ago
✭✭✭

Oregon is a beautiful state. You can rent a cabin 45 minutes away and feel like you are in the wilderness (because you are!). Tons of hiking, waterfalls, kayaking/paddling, fishing, the coast has beach towns you can visit in a day trip. I don’t go downtown much so I can’t comment there (but there are likely plenty of people on this sub who have lots of great experiences). I personally like this area for outdoor activities in the summer.

The winters are rainy and pretty grim IMO. Though lots of people say Skiing at mount hood is fantastic. It’s a good idea to schedule a warm getaway during this season if you can

Reviews of Portland from Locals

**The Best Thing About Portland?**  No “housing farms”

Portland neighborhoods were not built in clusters so you don’t see houses clumped together that look similar.  The homes on a given block were often built in different time periods and in different styles. The results are genuinely charming.

**The Worst Thing About Portland?**  Lack of diversity

Portland is 78% white. And there’s a homelessness problem and a congestion problem (even though 7% of the population travels by bike.)

**How You Living?**  In a Funky old house

Among the green patches, Portland has lively neighborhoods that cater to arts, breweries, coffee, veganism, books and handmade goods. All very walkable. But Portland is no longer the place a millennial can move to get on their feet. It’s not the gem of affordability it once was. Nevertheless, plenty of homes that can be turned into stars with some TLC. And perhaps some AC if you think you need it (which you really don’t.)

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  Smaller than Seattle, more relaxed than San Francisco

It’s green, there’s proximity to nature, there’s no sales tax (new Macbook anyone?) easy, breezy airport, a lot of big name employers in town and the summer is worth the winter.


Young Profs flock to Portland due to the incredible job market, great social scene, and lower costs (than much of the west coast). When they get here many move to the Pearl District. Everything in this neighborhood is walkable and everything you need is here: gyms, dog parks, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, boutique shopping, galleries, music venues, literally all blocks away. It’s a singles/young couples paradise. It certainly isn’t the only neighborhood catering to this demo as Mississippi Ave., offers similar commercial advantages but it gives these to you in a bit more of a small-town package. It’s just over the bridge from downtown so you get a hint of escape while still being close enough to walk but with everything Pearl has to offer at your fingertips.
- Pearl District
- Mississippi Ave
- Knob Hill
- Slabtown
- Albert Arts District


Young Professionals

Pearl District

The Hawthorne District in the southeast quadrant is the most popular lesbian neighborhoods. Cool coffeehouses, bars, and boutiques line Hawthorne Boulevard and Belmont Street.

The largest LGBTQ+ community is the Burnside Triangle. Known for its bars, restaurants and shops it has been the center of the LGBT community for several decades.

Mississippi Avenue is an eastside neighborhood is considered an up-and-coming neighborhood for the LGBTQ+ community and has plenty of that Portland quirk. 
- Hawthorne District
- Burnside Triangle
- Mississippi Avenue 


LGBTQ+

Hawthorne District

Portland is odd in that many neighborhoods that are great for young professionals also work for young families. The city has tons of single-family homes, following the west coast trend of not building up until recent years so these historic victorians have survived for many a decade. Knob Hill is one of these great neighborhoods. It’s filled with Victorians, restored Craftsman, and then has newer condos and apartments for those not ready for homes or to make a purchase. The schools in Knob Hill are great and for those straddling the line between wanting a great home for their kiddos to grow up in but also fun places to eat, drink and play, Knob Hill fits the bill. 
- Knob Hill
- Alameda
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Goose Hollow
- South Waterfront


Young Families

Knob Hill 

Hillsdale is one of the original 13 neighborhoods of Portland. Located in the southwest of the city it is filled with older historic homes but the Portland vibe prevents any neighborhood from feeling stuffy. As with most Portland neighborhoods it has a Farmer’s Market (it’s a virtual law in Portland that Farmer’s Markets must exist in every neighborhood), a booming bar, restaurant, and boutique shopping district. Combine the beautiful homes, local commercial district and great schools and you have the quintessential family neighborhood for Portland. 
- Hillsdale
- Linnton
- Forest Park


Established Families

Hillsdale

Portland

**Bretmd**
Living in Portland
9mo ago
✭✭✭

People in the northwest tend to enjoy being outside, including during the winter. It’s not about not GAF. It’s about enjoying the trees, forests, water, and mountains regardless of the season. The gray winters are quite beautiful within themselves. And the climate is lovely in its moderation. There’s nowhere else quite like it.

It’s not for everyone, though. But for those of us that love it, there’s no better place to be, winter or summer.

Finding affordable housing is hard, but if you're in California it won't feel that way.

Drivers are amazingly bad in a confusingly over friendly way. They'll stop in the middle of a multi-lane boulevard to let people cross, even though there's no need and its obviously not safe.

There's a LOT of homeless folk at this point in Portland. The city refuses to prosecute anything but the most violent crimes, heroin is pretty cheap and the laws are really forgiving. It also only gets below freezing occasionally so it's a lot more appealing than many towns in the midwest.

Schools aren't great. The better ones tend to be in the suburbs on the west side, which don't feel particularly "portland-y"

Traffic has gotten really bad, and it will only get worse. Public transport is basically bus. There's a light rail but it doesn't have that much coverage. By in large buses don't have their own lanes, so they're just as slow as being in a car. There's some talk of more bus only lanes which might make them more appealing. In the last 5 years I've seen commutes that used to take me 10 minutes turn into an easy 40 minutes.

On the plus side? In broad generalities....
Amazing food and beer are reasonable prices.
Great outdoor activities. 2 hours to snow, 2 hours to ocean. 1 hour to some of the best hikes in the States.
Being surrounded by people who often don't only care about making more money than their neighbors.
Very progressive kids. My children go to school with any number of "they's" and one kid who self identifies as a cheese burger. Bullying isn't a thing the same way as it was/is in the mid-west.
Weed is legal and cheap. There's more dispensaries than coffee shops at this point.

**van_achin**
Living in Portland
9mo ago
✭✭✭✭

The food and entertainment are both top-notch. Overall, the city is as safe as, if not safer than, any other major city in the US, but there is a lot of visible homelessness especially downtown. There are several hospitals and a major medical school (OHSU) in the area. People are generally friendly in my experience, especially compared to Seattle. And being located between mountains and ocean, there is no shortage of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery in the area if you're into that

Portland will be cheaper than coastal California, but not by much. Jobs that pay a comfortable wage/salary for the area can be difficult to come by, especially if you're not in tech. If you're a POC, racism and segregation are still very much a problem in Portland. And while the temperatures are mild year round, it is gray, wet, and dreary for 6-9 months a year. Summers are incredible though.

**hiyokos**
Living in Portland
9mo ago
✭✭✭

Wow! I lived in Portland and had to move back to the central coast for reasons. Let's just say I really miss oregon!

Yes there's a homeless problem but honestly certain areas feel totally safe. Consider surrounding towns like Beaverton or Hillsboro. The Healthcare was so much better for us there, it's a much bigger area so there's more options for doctors. I'm not big on eating out or nightlife but I always had no problem finding something to do.

Lastly, so much cheaper than California! Still pricey because it's the west coast but I had no problem finding apartments in budget unlike here.

You must be able to put up with nine months of grey and drizzle. It's not always rain but just a constant cloud of grey everywhere. I personally love it and miss but it can get to you.

**TOP 5 PROS and CONS of Living in Portland Oregon**

Beervana

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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Portland, Oregon

Beervana

Looklyloo Score: 90