SacTown, the geographical midpoint between the Bay Area and the beauty and ski slopes of Lake Tahoe, has a bevy of lakes and rivers in and around the city if you're looking for lazy beach days away from the coast. The capital of the Golden State provides residents with many classic California amenities for an average total cost of living that hovers right around the national average. This gives newcomers, used to being priced into cramped apartment lifestyles in other California cities, a fresh start, and roomier living.

Sacramento has been hit as hard if not harder than the other major west coast cities in the summer months in recent years. With increasing droughts, frequent summer days in the triple digits, and proximity to California wildfires, those moving to Sacramento for the warm weather might be flying too close to the sun, literally and figuratively. Bad air quality can make some Sacramento summers difficult to enjoy for those with expectations of a consistently idyllic California.



California for Midwest prices

LookyLOO Review of Sacramento

One of the most diverse cities in the nation, Sacramento is filled with celebrations of culture. Known for its Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Carnaval celebrations, and more. Have kids? Check out some of Sacramento’s wide variety of museums or cheer your lungs off at a Sacramento Kings game. Sacramento is also known for its theater and opera scenes, and you’ll never be far from a critically acclaimed cup of coffee. That ‘suburb’ vibe is diminishing but still hangs over the city a bit, however, so maybe check out some of the other California cities if you’re hunting for a city with a torrid nightlife. Hitting the road for a weekend adventure to the slopes of Lake Tahoe, the shores of the Pacific Coast, or the big cities by the Bay are also massive draws.

If you want to see what's happening in Sacramento check out the [calendar of events](https://www.sacramento365.com/). 

We highly recommend visiting Sacramento 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

Being the capital of the most populous state in the country has its perks. Politics is one of SacTown’s biggest draws, headlined by the State of California being a huge employer. Sacramento is an ideal destination for the politically minded who want to get away from massive metropolises. Health jobs are also big in Cali’s capital. Sutter Health is headquartered in Sacramento, along with Kaiser Permanente are the two biggest private employers in town. 

The startup/entrepreneurial scene is also on the rise, as many expats from SF hit the road to Sacramento at the start of COVID. Check out [startupgrind](https://www.startupgrind.com/Sacramento/), [Sacramento Angels](https://sacangels.com/), or [Blackstar Fund](https://www.blackstar.fund/), a Black-led VC firm that invests primarily in Black founders. 


Worklife

Sacramento has a few school districts. [Natomas Unified (NUSD)](https://www.natomasunified.org/), Sacramento City Unified (SCUSD), and [Robla Elementary School District](https://www.robla.k12.ca.us/). 

Robla is just five elementary schools in the northeast section of the city. It receives ["B-" scores on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/robla-elementary-school-district-ca/) with much higher grades for the quality of the Teachers and Diversity. 

Natoma is a mid-sized district that has a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools. The schools range in standardized scores from ["C's" to "A's" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/natomas-unified-school-district-ca/) with [Inderkum High School](https://www.niche.com/k12/inderkum-high-school-sacramento-ca/?map) the highest-ranking in the district. It also includes [Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep](https://www.niche.com/k12/the-met-sacramento-ca/?map), the #2 best charter high school in the area. 

SCUSD is the largest of the three districts and it comes in with a ["B" ranking on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/sacramento-city-unified-school-district-ca/). Among these schools is [West Campus](https://www.niche.com/k12/west-campus-sacramento-ca/?map), the highest-rated niche standout high school in the area. It also includes ["The Met"](https://www.niche.com/k12/the-met-sacramento-ca/?map), an "A" rated public charter school. 

Schools

Sacramento offers some amazing perks including: tree lined streets a great local food scene and as previously noted affordable and spacious houses. This made it a prime target for pandemic movers. Those with the option to work remotely are trading up from big city apartments for Sacramento’s homes, mostly from other cities in the Golden State.


The Suburban Draw

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**OHdulcenea**
Living in Sacramento
1y ago
✭✭✭✭


We were a bit leery about leaving Austin after 30 years because we both had good jobs we liked and our kids were pretty happy. But then I looked around at the state, at what happened during COVID, at what the legislature was doing, what’s happening at school boards and medical centers, and decided even the Austin bubble didn’t seem safe enough anymore.

We visited Sacramento in fall of 2021 and again last July. We sold our Austin house, got here in September 2022, and then bought a house in a walkable neighborhood.

Our lives have improved in nearly every way. I’m no longer angry and stressed all the time at what’s happening around me and feeling at risk from the government that’s supposed to be in place for the people. My kids go to schools where healthy free breakfasts and lunches are served to every child, as opposed to Texas where school kids were fundraising to pay off other students’ lunch debts. Most of my neighbors don’t support insurrections against the government. Some Proud Boys showed up to try to start some trouble at a Drag Queen story time near us and were immediately shouted down and run off.

Our cost of living went up somewhat but our pay went up more - lots more - so financially we’re doing really well. I’m almost positive my youngest was literally the only white kid at his school - a big change for him - but he got settled right in and had a great year. My kids love their new schools, had kind teachers, and made friends quickly.

The weather has been superior here compared to Austin nearly every day. We got here in the fall and the weather gradually cooled. I kept waiting for it to get hot again like Texas, where the weather is very schizophrenic, but it never did. It was a gradual cooling and a beautiful changing of leaf colors. There was a ton of rain in the winter and we were repeatedly told how abnormal it was. But even with that, it was nice. The cold isn’t as cutting here as in Austin, so we were usually comfortable, even when it was near freezing. Now that it’s summer, I still barely use my AC. It’s cool at night - in the 50s and 60s - so we sleep with the windows open and leave them open for most of the day. Sometimes by the afternoon the house has heated up enough that the AC kicks on and I’ll close the windows then. But by dark it’s cooled again and the windows get reopened. And even with that, I’ve had perhaps a half-dozen mosquito bites total. I‘ve gotten that many in 5 minutes in my Austin backyard before.

For this review in full and more reviews from locals check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/sacramento/reviews)

Reviews of Sacramento from Locals

**The Best Thing About Sacramento?** California for Midwest prices

SacTown, the geographical midpoint between the Bay Area and the beauty and ski slopes of Lake Tahoe, also has its own bounty of  lakes and rivers in and around the city for those looking for the lazy beach days the state is known for. The capital of the Golden State provides residents with many classic California amenities for an average total cost of living that hovers right around the national average. This gives newcomers, used to being priced into cramped apartment lifestyles in other California cities, a fresh start and roomier living.

**The Worst Thing About Sacramento?** Only You Can Prevent (Living Near) Wildfires

Sacramento has been hit as hard if not harder than the other major west coast cities in the summer months of recent years. With increasing droughts, frequent summer days in the triple digits, and proximity to California wildfires, those moving to Sacramento for the warm weather might be flying too close to the sun, literally and figuratively. Bad air quality can make some Sacramento summers difficult to enjoy for those with expectations of a consistently idyllic California.

**How You Living?** Your Own Family Home

With single family homes ranging from classic Victorians to more modern architectural styles in neighborhoods with front and back yards, Sacramento has plenty of local living options that make big chunks of the city feel more like a suburb than a big Cali city. 
Sacramento does have a growing downtown for younger newbies and renters but it has historically emptied out at night so it might be awhile before it feels like a destination for Gen Z or younger Millenial professionals. 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** The Suburban Draw

Coupled with the aforementioned affordable and spacious houses, Sacramento’s tree lined streets and great local food scene have made Sacramento one of the country’s most moved to destinations since the pandemic. Those with the option to work remotely are trading up from big city apartments for Sacramento’s homes in droves, mostly from other cities in the Golden State.


Sacramento is northeast of San Francisco and the city center is centrally located between the coast and Nevada. The city itself is pretty flat, but still very gorgeous. Given the title “Tree City USA,” Sacramento is an urban forest and the city has more trees per capita than anywhere else in the world. Just outside the city you have Folsom Lake state Recreation Area and Mendocino National Forest. 

The city also sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American River. The Yolo Bypass, sitting just west of the city, interrupts the urban sprawl, serving as a large flood control basin. If you look at a map, you’ll see that Sacramento only goes out about 4 miles west of downtown, but as far as 30 miles in other directions. And unlike other major cities, there is no highway bypass around Sacramento. Instead the roads come from all directions and converge in the center of the city. Just west of the Sacramento River is a city called West Sacramento. Despite being right across the river and almost sharing a name, this city is not part of Sacramento, nor is it in Sacramento County. WestSac is a part of Yolo County and a completely different city. 


The Area

Downtown and Midtown are definitely the place to be for young professionals in Sacramento. Although you can’t go wrong with either, the more popular choice is Midtown. It’s definitely walkable and bikeable, it has the most restaurants and bars in the area, and it has great apartments, even if they are a little more expensive than neighboring areas. The best part about Midtown is that in a city like Sacramento that can feel really spread out and less dense than other major cities, Midtown feels contained. You can get anywhere within a 20 minute walk, which makes weekend plans so much easier!
- Midtown
- Downtown
- East Sac


Young Professionals

Midtown

Lavender Heights is the city's LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Home to restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and 1/2 dozen LGBTQ+ clubs fill the area with commercial draws. Plenty of cool housing options: homes, condos and apartments pull in a growing population.
- Lavender Heights

LGBTQ+

Lavendar Heights

Anyone wanting to settle down and start a family is going to love East Sacramento. Located just east of Downtown, you still get a neighborhood feel without giving up the nightlife that Midtown offers. It’s also close to both the UC Davis Medical Center and several highways, making commuting to work a breeze. The houses in East Sac lean towards the expensive side, but when you see the tree-lined, shady streets with gorgeous homes you won’t mind a bit. The style of homes does vary to where you can find a brick bungalow or adorable cottage-style homes on the same block.
- East Sac
- Elmhurst
- North Natomas/Natomas


Young Families

East Sacramento

Although suburbs like Folsom and Elk Grove are very popular with families, there are also neighborhoods inside city limits that have great schools, great homes, and are distinctly not the burbs. If you are in the market for a home in Sac for you and your family, we suggest starting your search in the Pocket. Yes, it’s a weird name, but it’s deserved as it’s nestled between the Sacramento River and the West Side Freeway. Situated south of Land Park and Downtown, it’s close enough to the city center without being right on top of it. On top of above average schools, there are also great parks and the very popular Device Brewing Co.
- Pocket
- Natomas
- Tahoe/Oak Park


Established Families

Pocket

Sacramento

**TakeNameInVain**
Living in Sacramento
1y ago
✭✭✭

Edited 1y ago
Moved here from Dallas recently. Your response resonates with me in so many ways from body autonomy to inclusiveness of differences. I love Sac a lot already in comparison to TX & other states I lived in. So far I really like Sac for the combination of a lot of varied events going on around town & inclusive of families, singles, young, old, culture, etc. Only thing I dislike is the high gas prices, but I'll gladly pay that for better living.

I like that I can get to so many different areas in a short time vs hour of gridlock just to run errands. In comparison, humidity is so much lower that at least I can enjoy the summer mornings. Pay is better even factoring higher cost of living. I like that my cost of living helps (teeny bit) subsidize better benefits for the community rather than a state where withhold even basic benefits.

I hope I feel the same way later on that I do now. I can't really think of another area/state that I would prefer more that is somewhat affordable.

Downside: while I can afford to rent here, I can't afford to buy here. So because of that, I may ultimately have to consider other options, but I'm going to enjoy here while I am here. Lived in more cities than I can count, 8 states, and Sac is high up on the list of favorites so far.

Edit: this may sound silly, but I love living in the same state as Rep Katie Porter. Elected officials like her have been the balm to my battered democratic soul since 2016. Every state has elected asshats, but no other state has Katie.

**notthehighground**
Lived in Sacramento
1y ago
✭✭

I moved from Western Massachusetts to Davis 6 years ago to get away from the -30F winters and then moved to Sacramento 2 years ago so that I could live in a place with better nightlife options + get a head start on networking while I was getting my master’s degree. Now, I’m planning on moving back closer to my family in Seattle in a couple months.

I don’t so much regret moving to Sacramento, I just learned what I was looking for. Here are my takeaways:

I feel like I don’t “click” with people here. Maybe this is just me, or because of the political circles I’m in, but most of the friendships I’ve made here seem shallow and we end up talking about work instead of hobbies or interests. I definitely have found some solid friends though, but we either don’t meet up super often due to life getting in the way or they end up moving elsewhere soon afterwards. I’ve also tried to find hobby groups, and I’ve had success with playing airsoft (after trying all sorts of things), so I have that going for me at least.

Transit (or the lack thereof): I was spoiled as a kid growing up in Hong Kong with a gazillion transit options, as well as Seattle’s bus + light rail systems, but Sacramento is completely abysmal when it comes to safe, reliable transit that operates past 8 PM. Sometimes, buses don’t show up and have headways of 30 minutes or more. Western Mass doesn’t have the greatest transit either, but at least the cities there are walkable and the buses show up on time. I also miss not being car dependent, so Seattle is an appealing option for me.

The “Sacramento Process”: It’s like the Seattle process, where there’s constant introspection as to what to do about a certain issue until it’s planned repeatedly to death, but with a twist—it’s not an issue when sports (light the beam tho) is involved. There’s other quirks to it too such as the constant shift in priorities which makes implementation very difficult and having no unifying vision of what Sacramento should look like.

The culture: Coming from Davis, the nightlife scene is markedly better, but I don’t really sense a city culture like I do for Seattle or NOLA or SLC. The food scene is fine (although dominated by hipster culture in certain areas, not that I take issue with that) but not something to write home about. I am pretty miffed about the Jeff Koons sculpture and the weird neon Old Sac sign that you can only barely see while driving on I-5 because it does seem that the people in charge of things are more interested in importing culture rather than fostering it organically (and I’m 80% sure the farm-to-fork slogan is GMO’d in some corporate board meeting as well).

**bomersjc**
Living in Sacramento
1y ago
✭✭✭

I was born here, and like most 18 year olds, I was desperate for something new. I joined the Navy, traveled the world, and lived in San Diego for 10 years where I met my wife. We moved up to the Bay for work, but the cost of living was ridiculous. Moved to Tracy and killed myself commuting to the Bay, and had kids. My family still lived in Sacramento and we really wanted the kids to be closer to them. The pandemic hit and opened up more flexible work opportunities, so we moved to Sacramento. Best move we’ve ever made. Close to family, and despite lots of folks bashing it, Sacramento has so much to offer. We plan on staying here the rest of our lives.

Sactown

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.


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Sacramento, California

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