While many would argue the weather is the nicest thing about San Jose, what’s more, unique and alluring is the fact that this is the Capital of Silicon Valley. The biggest tech companies in the world call San Jose home, from Apple and Google to IMB and PayPal. It’s a place that exudes innovation and entrepreneurship unlike any other, without the high-intensity stress of say New York City or San Francisco. It has a major downtown area, yet still encompasses your stereotypical California suburban feel with its charming, albeit very pricey neighborhoods, big homes with backyard space and pools, and nearly year-round sunshine.

San Jose has amazing weather; sports teams; upscale dining and shopping, including Valley Fair Mall and Santana Row; job opportunities; and culture. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t have those buzzing vibes of San Francisco, Los Angeles, or again, New York City. While there are some spots to go out, the nightlife isn’t popping by any means, and it can be a sleepy city despite having one of the biggest populations in the country. That said if you have a family, raising kids, or are past your drinking and dancing days, then you have nothing to worry about. Oh, and you need a car, or be comfortable with a rentable scooter or bike, or Ubers/ Lyfts.



Entrepreneurship, start-ups and big-time tech players

LookyLOO Review of San Jose

If you’re in San Jose, you’re going to be living around some of the scrappiest and smartest people you’ve ever encountered. San Jose metro has more millionaires and billionaires per capita than any other city in the US, which makes sense when you consider that it has the highest cost of living in California as well as the US. The city does lean younger, with a median age of around 35, but keep in mind that the people who live and work here can be obsessed with their jobs. The city has been working very hard to create a social scene to try to compete with the popularity of San Francisco. There are more restaurants, events, and shopping now than ever before to try to lure the techies out for happy hours and weekend hangs. Also, it’s good news if you’re a person who dates men. San Jose has been nicknamed “Man Jose” because of the overwhelmingly large population of single men in their 20s and 30s who live and/or work there. 

If you want to see everything happening in San Jose check out the [calendar of events](https://www.sanjose.org/events).

Lifestyle

Like we said before, this is the tech and startup capital of the US, maybe even the world, so if you’re working here, you’re going to be either living the Silicon Valley dream or working for the city. There are a ton of companies that call San Jose home, including the headquarters of Adobe, Cisco Systems, PayPal, Roku, and more. In addition to headquarters, many companies like Samsung and Apple choose to house their very elite and very large campuses in the city. There are plenty of jobs for cutthroat recent grads and seasoned tech pros alike. 

Worklife

The San Jose Unified School District has a pretty diverse performance spectrum across the broad landscape. Overall is scores a [**"B+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/san-jose-unified-school-district-ca/) with college prep an area of great strength. 

If you review the map for school performance you'll see most of the "A" ranked schools are on the southern side of the city and the C's are generally on the north side. If you care about standardized rankings then keep the schools in the neighborhood in mind when choosing a home. San Jose has a pretty traditional selection of schools, without a ton of the charter and magnets that can confuse a district. High fliers among the public school secondary options include:
-[**Leland High School**](https://leland.sjusd.org/); is an [**"A" ranked high school**](https://www.niche.com/k12/leland-high-school-san-jose-ca/?map) down in the Almaden Valley neighborhood. Leland scores an A+ in both Academics and College Prep. 
-[P**ioneer High School**](https://pioneer.sjusd.org/); Another [**"A" ranked high school**](https://www.niche.com/k12/pioneer-high-school-san-jose-ca/?map) located just north of Almaden Valley, that also gets high grades for Academics and College Prep. 

Schools

It’s always sunny in San Jose. It’s the perfect combo of suburban life and city life, (minus nightlife.) There’s diversity in culture (it’s home to one of only three Japantowns in the U.S., tons of great Mexican and Vietnamese food, and a Little Portugal); tons of options for outdoors activities, not to mention relatively close proximity to the mountains, coast, and San Francisco, Napa Valley and more; there’s fancy shopping and dining; diversity in people; and mostly everything you need to thrive mentally. No SAD here! If you’re a techie, engineer, entrepreneur or the like, there’s no better place for you. Another important thing to note, the area has tons of highly ranked high schools and some of the top universities in the U.S. including Stanford. So if higher education is important to you, San Jose is a slam dunk.


Life is stressful, San Jose isn’t.

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**love44**  
living in San Jose 
2y ago
✭✭

Just moved here last year from Toronto (originally from Vermont)

Like every place San Jose has its pros and cons.

Pros: I personally feel there are more opportunities in California. I have the best job I’ve ever had in my life and I haven’t had a problem securing a job since moving here (had to leave original company I transferred with). Obviously the weather is a huge pro and it’s close to many outdoor activities.

Cons: The driving is crazy. I thought Toronto was bad but MAN they don’t mess around here haha. Also, I actually don’t find it to be that friendly of a place. It’s not really a city like I thought where you take public transportation everywhere; you pretty much have to drive. I also don’t feel as safe as I have felt in other places BUT I felt worse in SF. I also wish I realized where SJ was in relation to the ocean but that’s my fault.

Ultimately, we are looking to move back to Toronto because we like that type of city feel more but I have enjoyed my time in California for the most part.


Reviews of San Jose from Locals

**The Best Thing About San Jose?** Entrepreneurship, start-ups and big-time tech players

While many would argue it’s the weather, what’s more unique and alluring is the fact that this is the Capital of Silicon Valley. The biggest tech companies in the world call San Jose home, from Apple and Google, to IMB and PayPal. It’s a place that exudes innovation and entrepreneurship unlike any other, without the high intensity stress of say New York City or San Francisco. It has a major downtown area, yet still encompasses your stereotypical California suburban feel with its charming, albeit very pricey neighborhoods, big homes with backyard space and pools, and nearly year-round sunshine. 



**The Worst Thing About San Jose?** It’s not San Francisco. 

San Jose has amazing weather; sports teams; upscale dining and shopping, including Valley Fair Mall and Santana Row; job opportunities; and culture. But at the end of the day it doesn’t have that buzzing vibes of a San Francisco, Los Angeles, or again, a New York City. While there are some spots to go out, the nightlife isn’t popping by any means, and it can be a sleepy city despite having one of the biggest populations in the country. That said if you have a family, raising kids or just pass your drinking and dancing days, then you have nothing to worry about. Oh, and you also almost definitely need a car, or be comfortable with a rentable scooter or bike, or Ubers/ Lyfts.



**How You Living?** In a super expensive home.

San Jose’s homes are insanely expensive, renting isn’t much better. That said it’s a city with some extremely beautiful neighborhoods like the Rose Garden neighborhood with its 19th-century homes; the namesake San Jose Municipal Rose Garden; and museums.There are historic neighbors like the 200-year old Alameda neighborhood or Mayfair, which is home to the Mexican Heritage Plaza, or bougier ones like Willow Glen. Despite high housing costs, it does come with perks. Such as tons of parks, outdoor space and over 60 miles of nature-filled trails.  



**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Life is stressful, San Jose isn’t

It’s always sunny in San Jose. It’s the perfect combo of suburban life and city life, (minus nightlife.) There’s diversity in culture (it’s home to one of only three Japantowns in the U.S., tons of great mexican and vietnamese food, and a Little Portugal); tons of options for outdoors activities, not to mention relatively close proximity to the mountains, coast, and San Francisco, Napa Valley and more; there’s fancy shopping and dining; diversity in people; and mostly everything you need to thrive mentally. No SAD here! If you’re a techie, engineer, entrepreneur or the like, there’s no better place for you. Another important thing to note, the area has tons of highly ranked high schools and some of the top universities in the U.S. including Stanford. So if higher education is important to you, San Jose is a slam dunk.


There might not be a better city for young professionals and recent grads to live. If you’re 
working in the tech industry you’re going to want to move here to drastically cut down your commute. If you’re looking to make your drive downtown easy without being directly downtown, you’ll want to check out Japantown. As one of only three Japantowns left in the US, it’s a cultural hub with amazing food, bars, and shops. There are a ton of high rises as well as townhomes and you’ll have a blast meeting people or catching up with friends at the farmers’ market every Sunday.
- Japantown
- Downtown
- Willow Glen


Young Professionals

Japantown

There is a ton to love about San Jose if you’re looking to settle down (for now) and start a family. Being in San Jose means you have more time at home and less time on those famous San Francisco commuter buses. If you’re moving to the city from outside the area, we’d suggest gently turning down the advice of moving to Downtown and instead starting your search in Willow Glen. It’s a charming residential area just south of downtown, which means it feels like a big city, but will still give you those small town vibes. It’s got boutiques, bookshops, the best restaurants, and a ton of different housing options to choose from.
- Willow Glen
- The Alameda
- Santana Row


Young Families 

Willow Glen

Families with older kids are going to have a lot to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re relocating to San Jose, our bets are that you’re relocating for work and want to make sure there’s enough house for your family. San Jose housing prices can be steep, so we’d start off in Willow Glen if you’re looking to stay closer to town or Evergreen if you want an oasis away from tech central. Evergreen features affordable, by San Jose standards, housing with parks, sports courts, hiking trails, and playgrounds. It’s on the Eastside, though, so double check that commute!
- Evergreen
- Willow Glen
- Silver Creek


Established Families

Evergreen

San Jose

**What is it like to live in San Jose, CA?**
**Christophilies**
Living in San Jose
1y ago

It’s my hometown. Frankly, it’s way overpriced for what it is: which is a college town that’s suffered from shit planning going back at least fifty years. The downtown district was starting to see some build up and then the pandemic pretty much flatlined that. Even then, because there’s a god damn airport right next to it, the city will never have an impressive skyline. Suburban sprawl combined with mediocre public transit has decentralized everything, so you’re forced to commute by car. That combined with the influx of people has created a traffic nightmare. Compounding this issue is the fact that the freeways were planned and designed decades ago to handle probably half the amount of traffic traveling at least 10 to 15 mph slower than how it is now.

For all its faults though, its still my hometown. There’s a very diverse ethnic population here, each with their own communities, so the dining scene has tons of variety. Its central location means you can be in a proper big city, a beach town, and hiking in the mountains within an hours drive. Typically, the weather is very mild. A cold day is in the 40s, and a hot day is in the 90s (barring the rare heatwave or cold snap).

All in all, my roots here run deep and when I really think about it, I don’t see myself living somewhere else.

**Would you move to San Jose these days?**
**roaringchicken42**
Living in San Jose
2y ago

When you move to San Jose, you are moving to a big city and everything it comes with: sky high cost of living, insane traffic, and rampant homelessness. Compared to other big cities, however, San Jose has great weather (when there’s no smoke :) ), diverse food (from Ethiopian to German, and everything in between), decent bike infrastructure, and good nearby parks.

Also consider the suburbs like Los Gatos and Campbell that have a more small city feel while being close to San Jose proper.

Just be aware that San Jose (and CA in general) has the potential for fires, earthquakes, and drought, and public transportation is severely lacking.

**How is living in San Jose?**
**Quabbie**
Lived in San Jose
4mo ago
✭✭✭

I moved here and loved it here. San Jose arguably has the best weather, with a diverse cuisine from around the world, tech hub (I work in tech/engineering so it’s for me.

It has its own set of problems, don’t get me wrong. High rent, cost of living, bad traffic, taxed to death, “Man José, etc

I think just how “boring” it is makes it a perfect place for me. I can just drive out to San Francisco for the night life/clubs/raves, Lake Tahoe to ski/snowboard, Santa Cruz/Half Moon Bay/Monterey for the beach, just some hours away from Yosemite. Great schools. I can go on but I don’t need to convince anyone.

**Living in San Jose, CA | Pros and Cons**

The Sunniest, Least Stressed Tech Hub In The United States

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

City Type

San Jose, California

The Sunniest, Least Stressed Tech Hub In The United States

Looklyloo Score: 90