**The Best Thing About Birmingham?** 

Cheap housing and short commutes to a buzzy little city. There are baseball games, breweries, art, old theaters and a foodie scene worthy of national attention. 

Birmingham is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, which lends itself to some pretty incredible scenery and there’s lots of good, live music being played in the plentiful venues, juke joints and festivals. 


**The Worst Thing About Birmingham?** 

Local, county and state government is a mess. While Birmingham is a liberal bastion and has reinvented itself after a painful and ugly past, politics and corruption can still be problematic and transplants are not as common as some other southern cities so the welcome may not be quite as warm. But the summers certainly are hot and humid. If you get even just a little bit outside the city, life is going to slow to a Pabst-swilling crawl.


**How You Living?** 

B’ham is a city of distinctive neighborhoods—the bustling Southside with its towering buildings and the UAB campus; industrial downtown, now being renovated into lofts and cool restaurants; hipster-centric Avondale with its artisanal breweries and coffee shops all accessible by foot. 

With about a million people in the metro area and just over 200,000 in the city itself, Birmingham’s big enough to have an international airport, The Birmingham Museum of art and its own version of the High Line (Railroad Park) and a bustling food hall (Pitzitz.)  It’s small enough to be much more affordable than Atlanta or New Orleans. A five to fifteen minute commute is about all you need to live, work and play in Birmingham. 

Homewood is the best of liberal Birmingham but more expensive and the housing market there is very competitive for renters and/or buyers. A similar vibe can be had in Crestwood, Forest Park and/or parts of Avondale.

The Atomic Lounge is James Beard noteworthy for its crafty/wacky cocktails, like the Sex Panther, an old-fashioned riff made with bourbon, rum and Cynar and garnished with a temporary panther tattoo, all while wearing one of the full-body animal costumes the bar keeps available upon request.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

Birmingham threads a tight needle: It’s small, but diverse. Charming, but sophisticated. The city hasn’t grown so fast that there’s outward sprawl. Entrepreneurs and residents can still grab historic downtown factory space and other creative space affordably.


Birmingham

Magic City

**The Best Thing About Montgomery?** - Warm Weather

I feel like this might be cheating, and something people might pick for other southern cities, but the things Montgomery has to offer makes the weather seem even better. With summer highs usually hovering around the high 80s and winter highs in the 50s, you’re bound to find at least a few good days to get outside every week of the year. From outdoor concerts, to family trips to the zoo, to hiking and biking down the miles and miles of park trails, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy the warm weather in Montgomery!

**The Worst Thing About Montgomery** - Schools

 If you can afford to send your kids to private schools, you’ll probably be fine, but for the rest of the city, maybe not so much. The public schools are known for being subpar. 

**How You Living?** - Somewhat Suburban

The greatest growths in population here in recent years have been in areas away from downtown and just outside the city. If you’re looking to move to the Montgomery area, most recommend looking in areas like Millbrook, Prattville and Pike Road just outside the city., where public schools are rated better, crime rates are lower and you’re close enough to check out the great outdoors and downtown nightlife. Housing prices in most of these suburban hotspots are still below the national average, and you’re probably gonna want a car no matter where you live due to the sprawl, so commuting in doesn’t make that big of a difference.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** - Improving Economy

That growth in the area is no accident. Some smaller universities in the area provide a solid job base and larger employers like Hyundai, Maxwell Air Force Base and Koch Foods have helped drive growth as well. With low cost of living, job opportunities, great weather, and a ton of things to do, now is a great time to take a look at Montgomery.


Montgomery

The Gump

Huntsville

Rocket City

Mobile

The Little Easy

Tuscaloosa

Druid City

# About the Program

Alabama offers several different low and moderate-income resident incentives towards home purchase. These programs include:&#x20;

***

## First Step Mortgage Revenue Bonds

Nearly 50,000 Alabama households have benefitted from AHFA’s First Step program, which offers below-market, 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates to first-time or repeat homebuyers.

**How it Works:**

All participating borrowers will benefit from special low mortgage interest rates offered through First Step on FHA, VA, USDA, and Freddie Mac’s HFA Advantage conventional loans.

All borrowers are eligible for down payment assistance up to $10,000 or 4% of the sales price, whichever is lower.

The down payment funds are secured by a 10-year second mortgage combined with the borrower’s 30-year, fixed-rate First Step mortgage.

Since the loans are serviced by ServiSolutions, a division of AHFA, homeowners have only one check to write each month.

[Learn More and Apply](https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs/first-step-mortgage-revenue-bonds)

#### Current Income Limits

These limits (effective on applications taken as of June 2, 2025) are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be used with the First Step/Mortgage Revenue Bond loans offered by AHFA. When you find a home you’re interested in buying, simply contact one of your local participating lenders to learn whether the address is located in a “target” or “non-target” area, so you'll know which column to use.

Income limits for these grants are determined by the county location of the home and range from a low of $86,400 to a high of $161,700, depending on the size of your family and the area you are seeking ownership.&#x20;

***

## Affordable Income Subsidy Grant

### What is an Affordable Income Subsidy Grant?

In addition to the down payment assistance currently offered through First Step & Step Up, the HFA Advantage product provides eligible borrowers a grant to help with closing costs. Borrower(s) qualifying income converted to an annual basis cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the property’s location.

* Borrowers at or below 50% of the AMI limits as published by Freddie Mac are eligible for a grant of one percent of the loan amount.
* Borrowers at 50.01-80% of the AMI limits as published by Freddie Mac are eligible for a grant of one-half percent of the loan amount. 

Income limits for these grants are determined by the county location of the home and range from a low of $86,400 to a high of $161,700, depending on the size of your family and the area you are seeking ownership.&#x20;

[Lean More and Apply](https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs/affordable-income-subsidy-grant)

***

## Step Up

### What is Step Up?

Step Up is a homeownership program designed specifically for moderate-income home buyers who can afford a mortgage but need help with the down payment. 

The down payment funds are secured by a 10-year second mortgage and are combined with a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage. Since the loans are serviced by ServiSolutions, a division of AHFA, homeowners have only one check to write each month. Program participants must complete a homebuyer education course to qualify.

Watch AHFA Board Member Joshua Dean share his family’s experience with the Step Up program.

[Learn More and Apply:](https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs/step-up)


***

## Thinking About Alabama?

You've learned about the program. Now explore communities across Alabama to find the place that's the best fit for you.

Explore:

* LookyLOO Reviews of Alabama cities
* Neighborhood Guides
* Local Reviews
* Schools
* Lifestyle
* Save cities to your Movebook

[Explore Alabama->](https://lookyloomove.com/states/alabama)

Alabama's Homeownership Program

# About the Program

AHFA administers multifamily programs that create affordable rental housing by providing funding and tax incentives that help developers build or rehabilitate properties for Alabama’s low-income families.

Through these programs, AHFA has provided more than **$1.2 billion** in funding and tax incentives to help build or preserve **939 developments** comprising **58,154 units**. Another **82 developments**, comprising **4,272 units**, are in various stages of completion. AHFA-financed developments can be found in every county throughout the state.

AHFA is Alabama’s administrator of the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, as well as the National Housing Trust Fund. In addition, AHFA issues Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for the acquisition, renovation and new construction of affordable rental housing.

***

## Housing Credits & HOME

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program is the largest production driver of new and rehabilitated affordable rental housing in the nation. Each year, the Internal Revenue Service distributes housing credits to state housing finance agencies. 

AHFA, as Alabama’s designated administrator of the LIHTC program, then allocates these credits by conducting a competitive application cycle that ensures credits are distributed throughout the state to areas with the greatest needs. AHFA implements allocation plans each year, which include selection criteria, an evaluation process, design quality standards, environmental requirements, and compliance monitoring procedures.

Housing credits provide a federal income tax credit as an incentive to investors. Investors may receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against their federal income tax liability each year for 10 years. In exchange for receiving the credit, investors and/or owners must reserve a percentage of units for the area’s lower-income residents, based upon the area’s median income. In turn, owners generally make a 30-year commitment to ensure the units are decent, safe, and affordable for eligible tenants.

[Learn More and Apply:](https://www.ahfa.com/programs/rental-housing/allocation-application-information)

***

## HOME Investment Partnerships

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is a federally funded program established in 1990 as part of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable housing Act (the “Act”). HOME provides funding to developers to construct new, affordable rental housing. 

AHFA, as Alabama’s HOME program administrator, conducts a competitive application cycle. As it does with housing credits, AHFA implements action plans each year, which include selection criteria, an evaluation process, design quality standards, environmental requirements, and compliance monitoring procedures.

In order to ensure programs benefit the greatest number of Alabamians possible, HOME funds are combined with housing credits. Leveraging these two sources of funds allows projects to target additional low-income families. 

[Learn More and Apply:](https://www.ahfa.com/programs/rental-housing/allocation-application-information)

***

## Multi-Family Bonds

### What are Multifamily Bonds?

AHFA issues Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds (bonds) on a project-specific basis for the acquisition, renovation, and new construction of affordable rental housing.

Bonds provide debt financing to developers using proceeds from the sale of tax-exempt bonds in exchange for developers reserving a portion of their units for tenants earning less than the area’s median income.

Because most of these bonds are tax-exempt, developers may also qualify for housing credits. The sale of these credits offer developers additional funds for the production of affordable rental housing. Combining these funding sources ensures programs benefit the greatest number of Alabamians possible by encouraging the leveraging of additional loan, grant, and philanthropic sources.

[Learn More and Apply](https://www.ahfa.com/programs/rental-housing/multifamily-programs/multifamily-bonds):

***

## Thinking About Alabama?

You've learned about the program. Now explore communities across Alabama to find the place that's the best fit for you.

Explore:

* LookyLOO Reviews of Alabama cities
* Neighborhood Guides
* Local Reviews
* Schools
* Lifestyle
* Save cities to your Movebook

[Explore Alabama->](https://lookyloomove.com/states/alabama)

Alabama Multifamily Rental Housing Incentive Program

# About the Program

The Alabama Department of Revenue administers tax incentives for existing industries, expanding industries, and new industries locating in Alabama. There are a wide variety of programs including:&#x20;

***

## 2017 Alabama Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit

The 2017 Alabama Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit provides for a refundable income tax credit against the tax liability of the taxpayer for the rehabilitation, preservation, and development of historic structures. The program provides $20 million in tax credits each calendar year from 2018-2027. The credit is equal to 25 percent of the qualified rehabilitation expenditures for certified historic structures.

[Learn more:](https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-incentives/2017-alabama-historic-rehabilitation-tax-credit/)

***

## Alabama Workforce Housing Tax Credit

[Act 2024-302](https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Act-2024-302.pdf) provides a one-time annual credit of up to $2 million per project for up to 10 years that will be awarded to qualified taxpayers that have a qualified workforce housing project. The Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) is the administering agency for determining the qualifying projects. If you have questions about eligibility and qualifications for the tax credit, email [ahfa.au.audit@ahfa.com](mailto:ahfa.au.audit@ahfa.com)  or call 334-244-9200.

***

### **Provisions of the Alabama Workforce Housing Tax Credit:**

The tax credit is available for qualified workforce housing projects, which include the construction, rehabilitation, or both, of multifamily housing units located in Alabama for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

To qualify for the Alabama Workforce Housing Tax Credit, the project owner must first qualify as a federal low-income housing project and receive an eligibility certificate from the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA). This certificate will specify the annual credit amount and the award period, which can extend up to 10 years. A qualified taxpayer is eligible to receive the tax credit up to $2 million per project that can be applied against:

-Income taxes;
-State portion of the financial institution excise tax; or
-Insurance premiums tax.

[Learn More:](https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-incentives/alabama-workforce-housing-tax-credit/)

***

## Enterprise Zone Program

The Alabama Enterprise Zone Program provides certain tax incentives to corporations, partnerships, and proprietorships that locate or expand within designated Enterprise Zones. In addition to state-level tax incentives, businesses may also receive local tax and non-tax incentives for locating or expanding within a designated Enterprise Zone.

The qualifying Enterprise Zones have been updated pursuant to the Alabama Incentives Modernization Act, Act 2019-392, to include any targeted or jumpstart county.

[Updated List on the Qualifying Enterprise Zones](https://adeca.alabama.gov/Divisions/ced/cdp/Pages/Enterprise-Zone.aspx)

**Section 5** of the Alabama Enterprise Zone Program offers the following tax incentives:

* *Maximum credit of up to $2,500 per new permanent employee and is calculated using one or more of the following:*
* Five-year incentive
* Thirty percent of the company’s new permanent employees if they were unemployed 90 days or longer prior to the employment.
* Credit is taken in increments: Yr. 1 \= 80%, Yr. 2 \= 60%, Yr. 3 \= 40%, Yrs. 4 and 5 \= 20%.

Capital Investment

* Ten percent of the first $10,000
* Five percent of the next $90,000
* Two percent of the remaining investment
* Training - The company may claim a credit of up to $1,000 for training new permanent employees in new skill areas.

[Learn More:](https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-incentives/enterprise-zone-incentives/)

***

## Film Rebate

[Section 41-7A-43](https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=41-7A-43) authorizes the Alabama Entertainment Office to award up to $20 million each year in incentives to qualified production companies which will increase to $22 million for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026. Qualified productions include a wide variety of entertainment content, provided that some portion of the project is produced in Alabama. Qualified productions include motion pictures, soundtracks for motion pictures, music albums, documentaries, most television programming (except those exclusively for news, weather, sports or financial market reports), sound recordings, videos and music videos, commercials and video games.

The Alabama Entertainment Office will review applications to establish the eligibility for this tax credit. Once the eligibility is established, the credit is claimed via My Alabama Taxes. Please see the bottom of this page for further details on My Alabama Taxes.

### Alabama Film Rebate Incentives include:

**Income Tax Rebate** – This rebate equals 25 percent of certain production expenditures on the project that are incurred in Alabama plus 35 percent of the payroll paid to Alabama residents. The rebate may be used to offset any Alabama income tax liability of the qualified production company for the tax year during which such expenditures were paid or incurred. If the amount of the rebate exceeds the qualified production company’s Alabama income tax liability, then the excess is refundable.

**State Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Exemption** – A qualified production company that intends to spend certain qualified expenditures in Alabama may be entitled to receive an exemption from the state portion of sales, use, and lodgings taxes. The exemption only applies to the state portion, however – not to the local portion of those taxes. An ALDOR exemption certificate must be presented to Alabama vendors to utilize the exemption.

[Learn More](https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-incentives/film-rebate/)

***

## Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act

[Act 2023-34](https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Act-2023-34.pdf) provides a tax rebate to companies that have an approved certified tourism destination project that meet the criteria for a qualifying project. The Alabama Tourism Department is the administering agency for certifying the qualifying tourism projects. To qualify for a tax rebate, the applicant must submit an application to the Alabama Tourism Department for approval. Please direct all inquiries regarding the eligibility and qualifications of prospective projects [info@tourism.alabama.gov](mailto:info@tourism.alabama.gov) or 334-242-4169.

### **Provisions of the Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Investment Act:**

An approved company with a certified tourism destination project may receive tax rebates up to $5 million over 10 years per project, with a maximum of $1 million in rebates per calendar year.

Allows tax rebates on state and local sales, lodging, and rental taxes generated and arising out of the certified tourism destination projects.

No approved company may receive more than $1 million in tourism rebates in a calendar year.

The tax rebate program is effective from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2028, unless extended by legislative action.

[Learn More:](https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-incentives/sweet-home-alabama-tourism-investment-act/)&#x20;

***

## Thinking About Alabama?

You've learned about the program. Now explore communities across Alabama to find the place that's the best fit for you.

Explore:

* LookyLOO Reviews of Alabama cities
* Neighborhood Guides
* Local Reviews
* Schools
* Lifestyle
* Save cities to your Movebook

[Explore Alabama->](https://lookyloomove.com/states/alabama)

Made In Alabama Tax & Incentives Programs

## About the Program

***

### Programs

With more than $97 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Innovate Alabama’s SSBCI programs administer funding to Alabama small businesses, creating opportunities and growth for businesses across the state.

Innovate Alabama’s SSBCI programs include InvestAL, providing funds for startups seeking to raise capital and making investments in venture capital funds, and LendAL, providing fair access to funds for small businesses of all kinds.

***

### InvestAL

InvestAL operates an early-stage venture capital fund and fund of funds platform to support high growth, venture backable startups with headquarters in Alabama. All equity and limited partner investments require a minimum of a 1:1 private investment, must complete extensive due diligence and agree to Treasury quarterly and annual reporting. Direct investment checks range from $100,000 to $1,000,000 in exchange for equity (some ownership) of the company. Fund of fund investments are for established venture capital funds and generally range from $500,000 to $5,000,000, subject to the discretion of the Invest AL Fund Managers.

**Do you have questions about InvestAL? Email Vickie Gibbs at** [**vickie.gibbs@innovatealabama.org**](mailto:vickie.gibbs@innovatealabama.org)**.**

**Before applying, please read:**

[investal guidelines and faqs](https://innovatealabama.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Innovate-Alabama-SSBCI-InvestAL-FAQs.pdf)

**Are you a founder looking for capital?**

[APPLY TO PITCH](https://forms.innovatealabama.org/262004452326043)

***

### LendAL

LendAL works with lenders to expand access to capital for small businesses operating in Alabama. Through LendAL, small businesses are eligible for these credit enhancements when loan proceeds will be spent in Alabama. These enhancements reduce the risk to lenders, making the small business more attractive when seeking debt from lenders increasing the likelihood of loan approval.

**Do you have questions about LendAL? Email Charlie Pond at** [**ssbci-lendal@innovatealabama.org**](mailto:ssbci-lendal@innovatealabama.org)**.**

**Before applying, please read:**

[LENDAL GUIDELINES AND FAQS](https://innovatealabama.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LendAL-FAQs.pdf)

**Are you a lender looking to convert your cash holdings into dynamic credit risk-reduced loans supporting small businesses?**

[ENROLL AS A LENDER](https://www.cognitoforms.com/InnovateAlabama1/LenderEnrollmentForm)

[DOWNLOAD REFERENCE GUIDES](https://innovatealabama.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/LendAL-Reference-Guides.zip)

**Are you a small business owner looking for a loan to jumpstart growth?**

[Submit a borrower interest form](https://forms.innovatealabama.org/262115185184051)

***

## Explore Business Opportunities Across Alabama

You've learned about the program. Now explore Alabama's business regions, growing industries, and incentives to find the market that's the best fit for your business.

**Explore:**

* Alabama Business Markets
* Business Incentives
* Industry Strengths
* Workforce & Talent
* Commercial Development
* Save Alabama Markets to Your Project Book

[Explore Alabama→](https://lookyloomove.com/states/alabama)

Alabama State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

## About the Program

***

The Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program provides additional resources for small businesses whose proven business models and technologies are helping accelerate innovation in the state. 

Small businesses who have an active Phase I or Phase II Federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant are eligible for non-dilutive funding from the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program.

This unique grant program provides support for recipients who do not need to exchange shares of their company for the grant. These businesses have proven through scientific review that their technologies are viable, valuable and scalable. 

Move your idea from concept to commercialization. Stay tuned for details on upcoming rounds of the Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program.

***

### Economic Impact

Innovate Alabama has awarded more than $17 million in grant funding. That funding supports small businesses and university inventors whose proven business models and technologies will help advance Alabama’s regional and national economic footprint.

***

### Use of Funds

Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant recipients can utilize these funds to support and grow their businesses through:

* Highly Skilled New Hires
* Business Plan Development
* Product Testing
* Market Research
* Intellectual Property Protection
* Technical Work

***

### Eligibility

If you have received SBIR/STTR Phase I awards, you are eligible to apply for 50% of your SBIR/STTR grant up to $100,000 for additional funding. If you have received SBIR/STTR Phase II awards, you are eligible to apply for 50% of your SBIR/STTR grant up to $250,000.

***

## Explore Business Opportunities Across Alabama

You've learned about the program. Now explore Alabama's business regions, growing industries, and incentives to find the market that's the best fit for your business.

**Explore:**

* Alabama Business Markets
* Business Incentives
* Industry Strengths
* Workforce & Talent
* Commercial Development
* Save Alabama Markets to Your Project Book

[Explore Alabama→](https://lookyloomove.com/states/alabama)

Innovate Alabama Supplemental Grant Program

Alabama

California

Michigan

Iowa

New Jersey

New York

Maine

Alaska

Arizona

Minnesota

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

Arkansas

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

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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