Let’s get this out of the way; Santa Ana is largely frowned upon by the rest of Orange County, particularly, of course, coastal Orange County. Property crime and homelessness make them clutch their pearls. But, if you’re coming from elsewhere you’re going to notice that it’s still SoCal climate and there are nice neighborhoods. 

Although downtown Santa Ana was the subject of a revitalization effort and it’s got lots of accouterments, Downtown is generally a place you go, not a place you live. The upper-middle and middle-class subdivisions are set apart from the rest of Santa Ana. Santa Ana is not necessarily an inexpensive place to settle by any means. Up in the hills, behind gates, one can also live in the Santa Ana zip code. 

Santa Ana is centrally located and a quick drive to beaches and John Wayne Airport. 
Shopping is diverse including South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa)  It is centrally located to the rest of Orange County, ten minutes from the beach, 2 hours from the mountains, 1 hour to LA, and 2 hours to San Diego. Also, the candy/produce/snack vans/trucks. The MetroLink passes through providing train access to LA.

Santa Ana's reputation was built in the 80's and 90's when things got rough. It's a very different city now but the reputation for crime has unfairly clung to the city. 


LookyLOO Review of Santa Ana

Downtown Santa Ana has gone through a major revitalization in recent years. Much of this is driven by an arts movement that has given the city a cool vibe. Combine that arts scene with growing restaurant and bar options and the downtown area offers increasing social and cultural options. Future growth is planned but the city continues to wrestle with a desire for Downtown development and a fear of gentrification that displaces the majority hispanic community. In the meantime most of Santa Ana has a more family-focused “suburban” lifestyle with gated neighborhoods and amenities focused on keeping kiddos and parents happy. 


Lifestyle

The big drivers of the local economy in Santa Ana include government, financial, aerospace and electronics. The development project in downtown resulted in the creation of 10 new banking and financial building and the civic center for local, state and federal government buildings. Which means you can live and work in the city. That said, plenty of people live in Santa Ana and commute to Orange county cities like Irvine or Anaheim. While commuting is a thing we would strongly advise not moving to Santa Ana and then leaving yourself a long commute to LA or any other SoCal city. 

Worklife

All the usual SoCal reasons. The climate is temperate (those famous Santa Ana Winds keep the nights balmy) and you can move strategically around Santa Ana and it’s neighboring communities and be quite comfortable. 


It's SoCal

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**Anonymous**
Living in Santa Ana
8mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

So SA is probably the cheapest city in OC to live in terms of housing costs. I love SA….great food, centrally located, a sense of culture and identity, and much more affordable than surrounding cities.

Then why don’t I live there with my partner and my 3 year old? Schools. Schools in SA are not good. One of my employees lives there with her family and they send their child to private school.

Also the knucklehead ratio is too high for me now that I have a family. It looks like you have a home there so nothing you can do about it. It’s still OC so you’ll be fine. If you can’t arrange private school make sure you provide plenty of supplemental learning and support for your children(s).

Reviews of Santa Ana from Locals

**The Good, the Bad and The Ugly**

Let’s get this out of the way; Santa Ana is largely frowned upon by the rest of Orange County, particularly, of course, coastal Orange County. The crime and homelessness really makes them clutch their pearls. But, if you’re coming from elsewhere you’re going to notice that it’s still SoCal climate and there are some nice neighborhoods. 

Although downtown Santa Ana was the subject of a revitalization effort and it’s got lots of accoutrements, Downtown is generally a place you go, not a place you live. The upper-middle and middle-class subdivisions are set apart from the rest of Santa Ana. Santa Ana is not necessarily an inexpensive place to settle by any means. Up in the hills, behind gates one can also live in the Santa Ana zip code. 

**The Best Thing About Santa Ana?** 

Santa Ana is centrally located and a quick drive to beaches and John Wayne Airport. 
Shopping is diverse including South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa)  It is centrally located to the rest of Orange County, ten minutes from the beach, 2 hours from the mountains, 1 hour to LA, and 2 hours to San Diego. Also, the candy/produce/snack vans/trucks. And The MetroLink passes through providing train access to LA.

**The Worst Thing About Santa Ana?** 

It’s not really much cheaper than Costa Mesa and Costa Mesa is nicer. The crime in Santa Ana is more likely to be violent.

**How You Living?** 

There are still some blue-collar working neighborhoods with post war charm (Riverview) and historic neighborhoods near downtown but many blanche at the proximity to dangerous neighborhoods. (Willard, Townsend, Mytle)

West Floral Park is more snooty, almost as much as Floral Park, but there are beautiful, older houses and pretty nice people but the schools are not as good as those middle-class neighborhoods that are covered by the Tustin Unified School District.  In West Floral Park there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals with their families, their above average schools and their liberal politics.  

Since Santa Ana is one of the oldest cities in Orange County, there are many Victorian homes, early California Spanish cottages, as well as some mid century modern architecture. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

All the usual SoCal reasons. The climate is temperate (those famous Santa Ana Winds keep the nights balmy) and you can move strategically around Santa Ana and it’s neighboring communities and be quite comfortable. 


The Downtown Santa Ana Historic District pulls in young people for culture and socializing and now it’s increasingly pulling them in for living. Growth in apartment, loft and condo options make it the first place to check out if considering moving here. It’s a center for restaurants, bars, coffee shops and a growing Artist’s Village scene that’s all easily walkable. It also has Birch Park for those craving a bit of greenery amidst the commercial district. 
- Downtown Historic District


Young Professionals

Downtown Historic District

The French Park and French Court neighborhoods are good options for singles and couples looking for commercial districts with plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping but are ready for moving on from a strictly “Downtown” experience. These are historic neighborhoods with beautiful housing options and good walkscores but not the density of downtown. 
- French Park
- French Court


DINKs/SINKs

French Park

Santa Ana doesn’t have a particularly dense LGBTQ+ neighborhood but the growth of Downtown and in particular The Artist’s Village is driving growth in the city. Anyone new to Santa Ana looking for a community would do well to start their search here. 
- Downtown
- The Artist’s Village


LGBTQ+ 

The Artist's Village

Meredith Parkwood is a good place to start the search for families. It has a commercial district, with shops, restaurants and grocery stores, but it also has schools, parks and open spaces for the kiddos to enjoy. While housing is more expensive here the neighborhood is also extremely safe for families so many make the tradeoff. Floral Park is another great option. The neighborhood has over 600 historic homes and it feels like a neighborhood from an earlier era. The blocks are tree-lined and the homes tree-shaded (critical during hot summers) and the community feels like its own small town rather than just a part of a bigger city. 
- Meredith Parkwood
- Floral Park
- West Floral Park


Families

Meredith Parkwood

Santa Ana

**Emanmentor**
Lived in Santa Ana
8mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I wonder how many people here know anything about the area other than you mentioned Santa Ana. I grew up in that area about a mile from there. My mother still lives there. 30+ years ago I wanted to get far away and did, but now when I go back I'm grateful for growing up there with its diversity and I appreciate the people. I still love going into Super King market to shop (great prices and quality on meat, produce and dairy) when I come visit my mom. One of the things I've loved seeing is the overall community there especially during and now after COVID with neighbors supporting each other. Lots of nice people there.

**WallyJade**
Living in Santa Ana
2 yr ago
🦉🦉

That's about $115,000/year, and that's plenty to live in Santa Ana. It has some of the lowest (average) cost of living in Orange County, but that's because there are many very low-income neighborhoods and cheaper housing.

You'll probably be able to find a place to rent for $2000, but you might want to spend a little more to make sure you're somewhere you feel safe and comfortable. You could also live anywhere nearby (Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa) and find both good housing and a decent commute.

Prices here aren't very different than in most of suburban Texas for everyday things. Gas is more expensive. If you can, come visit for a couple days and look around the area, to get a feel for the neighborhoods and prices.

**Living in Santa Ana?**

Okay, let me give you the counter to what many in here (and in most of OC) are saying. I moved to orange county 2.5 years ago, from Brooklyn.

I've lived in Huntington Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and for the last year, Santa Ana. Santa Ana is by far my favorite part of the OC.

Everywhere else is "boring". Santa Ana has a thriving music and arts scene (which I am a part of). There are a ton of incredible young musicians coming out of the arts high school, there's an active street art scene, and there are plenty of galleries, concerts, etc. Lots of bars and restaurants downtown. There's a TON going on, and the city feels vibrant. Most of the rest of OC feels . . . crowded yet empty at the same time.

There are admittedly less desirable areas of Santa Ana, and yes - there are homeless people. To the guy that commented on bike theft . . . dude, I biked in NYC. If your shit gets stolen, it's because you didn't secure it well enough. Buy locking axels, get a Kryptonite NYC U-lock, and make sure your seat is chained/locked too. Yes, it's shitty that people steal bikes. But as long as you take precautions and make your bike harder to steal than the next guy's, you're fine (bike theft is common in NYC, Austin, and other areas - not just Santa Ana).

The people are way cooler and nicer and more community focused than elsewhere I've lived in the OC. Honestly, Santa Ana gave me hope for this area of California.

People who live in Costa Mesa think it's a terrible idea because they are afraid of people who are different than them. People who are hispanic. People who are homeless. People who are in a lower socio-economic class. many of the beach cities tend to skew upper-middle class, white, and conservative. you have lots of sheltered people who have lived like that their entire lives. And, to be fair to them, Santa Ana used to be a lot worse. That's what I've heard. But it's a city on the rise, and it's a city that actually has its own culture - which most of the other cities in the area can't say (consumerism doesn't count as culture, sorry, and "beach culture" is not unique to a place or its people, just the environment).

Again, I've lived and hung out in areas of Brooklyn that are far sketchier than anything you'll find in Santa Ana - and the worst that's happened to me was getting a bike seat and bike lights stolen. My only advice for housing would be to live above 1st Street.

Take the haters' opinions with a grain of salt. Come check the area out for yourself. Swing by The Coollab Project to meet a bunch of the artists and musicians that live in the area, and talk to people who actually live here. It's a welcoming bunch.

**Living in Santa Ana, California– (day in the life)**

Rickenbackers

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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Santa Ana, California

Rickenbackers

Looklyloo Score: 87