**The Best Thing About Fresno?**  We Ain’t San Francisco Or LA (or god forbid Berkeley)

Most people think of California as a monolith of Bernie Bros west. While the state votes Democrat the city of Fresno, like a number of cities east of the coastline skews more centrist. It has things like an LGBT film festival, and a few thousand more democratic voters than republican, but it’s the second most conservative city in the state and votes more conservative than Houston or Dallas. We aren’t saying a conservative city is better or worse than a liberal one. Only if you think living in a centrist city overall and conservative one for a big city is a good thing you’ll like it here. 

**The Worst Thing About Oklahoma City?**  The Air

Fresno has a relatively toxic mix of soot and pollutants that in combination make this a city with among the worst for air quality in the country. While Fresno produces plenty of this on its own it also is unfortunately in a region surrounded by mountain ranges which means the unhealthy air from around the Central Valley and the Bay Area and LA pools atop the city. 

**How You Living?**  In A Suburban Version Of Urban

A majority of the best neighborhoods to consider in Fresno have a suburban feel. Single family homes with yards, wide streets, and close access to parks and good shopping and restaurants. Woodward Park, Bullard and Hoover are good places to start when you’re a young family looking for a new start, or a retiree looking for a cheaper option than the coast. 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  Affordability

The cost of living in Fresno is comparable to Detroit and Albuquerque. That means for ~45,000 a year you can live comfortably here. The median price of a home in San Francisco is 5x that of Fresno so needless to say it is possible to spend a lot less and stay in the sun of California.  


Fresno

We're Not Too Conservative

**The good the bad and the ugly**

C’mon where are you going to get a city, an ocean bay and redwood parks that overlook stunning views all in one place? And there’s a gorgeous lake (Lake Merritt) right in the middle of downtown, very serious coffee, craft brews, crazy good food, street art, hills with hidden staircases and an incredible history of social movement -- minorities of all kinds have a cultural voice in Oakland. There’s even another city right in the city (Piedmont) which makes no sense from a city planning standpoint, but there it is. Oakland has the kind of  genuine sense of place that many towns would love to have while running the gamut from hard core urban to wooded hills and parks. (And, when people say “the city” they mean San Francisco. Oakland is a town -- The Town.)


**The Best Thing About Oakland?** 

A bridge away from San Francisco (or a 10 minute BART ride), better weather, more affordable, more character, more down-to-earth mom and pop and more hip. It’s also serious about being Green. Oakland’s empty lots have been transformed into urban vegetable patches, and buying locally grown food is simple. Oakland is indeed Hella Cool. And they know it. 


**The Worst Thing About Oakland?** 

The hype. As disgruntled young San Franciscans go in search of friendlier climes and the pandemic threatens to displace residents and possibly put rental properties in the hands of corporate developers, gentrification is pushing through threatening the nature of what makes Oakland great.

**How You Living?** 

In a funky old house on a quiet street walking distance to anything. Residential streets are home to both single-family and multi-family homes, ranging from older Victorians to renovated row homes. Rockridge, Temescal, and Grand Lake are super trendy. Laurel and Diamond districts are cute little neighborhoods with their own shopping plazas.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

Location, location, location. It’s easier to get to San Francisco than even some San Francisco neighborhoods and BTW, Berkely is also a short hop.  If you’re not all that interested in San Francisco, Oakland is a hot location in its own right. It has been experiencing a massive growth in jobs, especially in tech and media. Seven companies within Oakland made Forbes magazine’s list of the country’s top 100 fastest growing companies. 


Oakland

Diamond In The Rough

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

Riverside seemed to be on the move growth-wise a few years back but somehow it never really took off and just resulted in a lot of urban sprawl -- miles and miles of concrete and strip malls. It remains, sort of sadly, inland. Always in the shadow of the coastal cities, everything is always ‘relative’ to the rest of SoCal with costs not terribly low despite the air not being terribly fresh and culture not terribly existent. It’s the king of the Inland Empire. 

**The Best Thing About Riverside?** 

30 minutes from the mountains, 30 minutes from the ocean, and 30 minutes from the desert. Also, the UC Riverside campus is nice and has a botanical garden.
 
**The Worst Thing About Living in Riverside?**

A study from Brandeis University ranked several California metropolitan areas among the worst places in the U.S. to raise children. Out of the 100 largest U.S. cities, Bakersfield and Riverside ranked in the bottom five for the opportunities that the cities afford children.

**How You Living?** 

Most likely In a newer construction single-family home on a suburban development tract. Orangecrest caters to families with top-rated schools.. One of the most populated and diverse neighborhoods is Canyon Crest and it sits on hilly terrain offering some of the best views and has its own Town Center. Downtown Riverside is just about the only walkable area and features a historic mission which serves as a five story hotel (The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa) as well as Fairmount Park. Main Street is a pedestrian mall lined with local shops and restaurants. Victoria is the upscale neighborhood and Arlington Heights is one of Riverside’s oldest neighborhoods. Also known as the Arlington Greenbelt, for people looking for a rural environment and a wide range of outdoor activities.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

It’s cheaper than living on the coast and you can still get everywhere fairly quickly. Riverside has a population of 300K+, is in Riverside County and has its own airport, yet it can be seen as a giant bedroom community to Los Angeles as many people commute (even by train.) The locals take umbrage at this view.


Riverside

Highlanders

**The Best Thing About Davis?** - More than a Suburb

Davis is sometimes described as a “suburb of Sacramento.” That description doesn't nearly do it justice. 

Davis also has the spunk of a college town, with UC Davis bringing much energy of the city than a typical surburban city. Davis does though have great public schools, California weather, and plenty of parks which make it a great place to raise a family. Notably it has been the bicycle champion of the U.S. with the highest ridership of any city in the union.

Finally, in addition to Sacramento, the cities of San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, and the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, Mt. Tam and Pt. Reyes National Seashore, are all accessible within a two hour drive. So you've got that going for you too.

**The Worst Thing About Davis?** - The Middle Ground

Davis is great for families. Davis is great for college students. Davis can be difficult for those in between. There isn’t that much going on in terms of nightlife if you’re not a student, and the variety in the restaurant/bar scene isn’t on par with what you might hope from a college town. It’s also property in a nice part of California, so housing prices almost immediately price a lot of young people out of Davis to begin with. To summarize, single people in their mid-twenties have very different experiences in Davis than families and college students.

**How You Living?** - College Apartment or Single Family Home

The area around UC Davis, and to the north of campus in particular, is, unsurprisingly, a lot of apartment buildings that are typically filled with students. South Davis is known for its single family homes, bike paths, and its proximity to the country club. Central Davis centers around the main stretch, and has a number of different older home styles all within walking distance of downtown. North Davis is where a lot of families live and there are a number of different single family housing styles and options.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** - Great for the Whole Family

If you’re at a crossroads and looking to start, or expand, your family on the west coast, then Davis is a great place to have on you list. It’s mostly suburban with a lot of family friendly positives both in the city and within a short drive. Davis is a home run if it’s in your price range.

Davis

I Want To Ride My Bicycle

**The Best Thing About Lake Tahoe?** The Great(est) Outdoors

Lake Tahoe might have convenient access to every single one of your favorite outdoor activities. I’m serious.. Do you like skiing? The Winter Olympics were held here for good reason, as some of the best slopes in the U.S. are all situated around the lake. A relaxing day at the beach? Lake Tahoe’s 70+ miles of shoreline offer a number of beach options from lively social hotspots to more secluded shores. Kayaking and paddle boarding? The lake’s calm waters and beautiful views are ideal for all activities like these. Hiking and camping? Located right in the heart of the Sierras, Tahoe has trails perfect for a leisurely stroll with the dog and more adventurous ones for those so inclined. Unlike a lot of the other places that come to mind when you think of California and Nevada, Tahoe experiences all four seasons, in a way that allows for residents to enjoy the full spectrum of its natural beauty

**The Worst Thing About Lake Tahoe?** It’s Pretty Remote

The downside of being around so much great nature is that nature makes up the bulk of what’s around you, and the area can be a bit boring if the outdoors aren’t really your thing. The “city” of South Lake Tahoe is a decently sized town, but everything, including the homes, are pretty spread out around the lake in general, making it hard to form a sense of community. Also, a large bulk of those homes are second or third homes owned by predominantly Bay Area folks who only drive up for a few weeks a year, and then Airbnb them out to other tourists. Reno’s just an hour drive away from most parts of the lake, which can mitigate some of that isolation and lack of action. Sacramento’s two hours and San Francisco is about a four hour drive depending on traffic as well if you’re looking to get to a big city for the weekend. Regardless, you’ll probably want to move to Tahoe with a car with good mileage and a friend or two in the area.

**How You Living?** - In A Secluded Single Family

The bulk of living situations in the Lake Tahoe area are disparate clumps of single family houses with great views. Buying here can be expensive, in large part due to the demand created by those aforementioned Bay Area owners. Even South Lake Tahoe is mainly expensive single family homes as well. There are some “cheaper” two bedroom living situations in the Y Area and Gardener Mountain neighborhoods, but still, that rent is probably going to be close to 2 grand a month. Closer to Reno is where a lot of people who are looking for more affordable options typically go.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** It’s A Pretty Place To Do Remote

The Lake Tahoe area completely changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot of those predominantly Bay Area owners drove East to Tahoe to wait out the pandemic and work remotely in paradise. Some of those owners, smartly, decided to stay after their work moved permanently to remote, and they’ve been reaping the benefits of living in Tahoe ever since. That’s a blueprint for why a lot of people are looking to move to the area right now, and if you’re working remotely and love the outdoors, the Tahoe area should be near the top of your list.


Lake Tahoe

99.994% Pure

**The Best Thing About Santa Barbara?** California Life...

Santa Barbara is the personification of the upscale California lifestyle. It’s a place with a lot to do but also the feel of a welcoming small town, with year round surfing and high quality wineries nearly in your backyard. Good place for families? You bet, with some of the highest rated public schools in the country. Good place for young adults? Heck yeah, UC Santa Barbara has one of the liveliest social scenes around and overall the nightlife is topnotch for every age range. Good place to retire? Absolutely, great weather and access to a ton of outdoor activities consistently puts Santa Barbara near the top of retirement rankings.

**The Worst Thing About Santa Barbara?** …The California Price Tag

Unfortunately, the beach vibes aren’t the only California characteristics Santa Barbara embodies. You’re going to have to cough up seven figures if you’re looking to buy a house for the family, and California taxes do add up. Situated between San Francisco and Los Angeles, SB is actually a little cheaper than some neighborhoods in those markets, but that’s like saying silver is cheaper than gold. Definitely sit down with your finance guru before you prepare to settle down on the Santa Barbara beaches for 300 days a year. The city also wrestles with homelessness problems like the ones SF and LA can’t solve, so be prepared for that in certain areas as well.

**How You Living?** A lot of Options

Santa Barbara is relatively small, just a hair over 20 square miles, but there are a lot of distinct neighborhoods and living styles to choose from. “Downtown” is mostly low-slung shops and restaurants rather than the highrises of SF and LA.  Downtown housing includes beautiful old Spanish architecture style homes in addition to lots of apartment/ condo living options. 

Isla Vista is where you’ll probably look first if you’re attending or working at UCSB. It’s got a mix of traditional spanish/craftsman, and contemporary homes, apartments and like most of Santa Barbara, is a short walk or bike from the beach. 

Neighborhoods like Mission Canyon, that are on the edge of town, are good spots for bigger families. Large Spanish homes and access to museums, gardens, and trails give it more of a suburban vibe. 

Riviera is one of the schmanciest neighborhoods in the country, with beautiful mediterranean style homes and prices consistently over 3 million.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Surf’s Up

With more and more jobs shifting remote, the time to be located by the beach is now assuming you’ve got the cheddar, People do come here for the waves and students come for the college, but everything Santa Barbara has to offer makes it so much more than simply a beach or a college town. 


Santa Barbara

Gauchos

Petaluma

Chickaluma

Livermore

Sci-Fi

Concord

Todos Santos

Antioch

Gateway to the Delta

Palo Alto

Tall Stick

Daly City

Fog City

San Mateo

Mateo

Belmont

Bel Monte

Half Moon Bay

Humba

San Marcos

San Marvelous

Hillsborough

Yabba Dabba Do

Atherton

Fair Oaks

Hermosa Beach

For the Young and Young at Heart

Burbank

Media Capital of the World

Pinole

Green Day

Union City

Is It or Isn't It?

Castro Valley

Beautiful (and a Bit Boring?)

Rancho Cordova

Where the Houses are New New

Los Olivos

Sideways

Merced

City on the Rise

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.


Washington

Wisconsin

Wyoming

District of Columbia

Fresno, CA

We're Not Too Conservative

look score 76

Oakland, CA

Diamond In The Rough

look score 92

Riverside, CA

Highlanders

look score 83

Davis, CA

I Want To Ride My Bicycle

look score 90

Lake Tahoe, CA

99.994% Pure

look score 89

Santa Barbara, CA

Gauchos

look score 93

Petaluma, CA

Chickaluma

look score 96

Livermore, CA

Sci-Fi

look score 90

Concord, CA

Todos Santos

look score 88

Antioch, CA

Gateway to the Delta

look score 80

Palo Alto, CA

Tall Stick

look score 94

Daly City, CA

Fog City

look score 90

San Mateo, CA

Mateo

look score 93

Belmont, CA

Bel Monte

look score 90

Half Moon Bay, CA

Humba

look score 91

San Marcos, CA

San Marvelous

look score 90

Hillsborough, CA

Yabba Dabba Do

look score 91

Atherton, CA

Fair Oaks

look score 92

Hermosa Beach, CA

For the Young and Young at Heart

look score 94

Burbank, CA

Media Capital of the World

look score 94

Pinole, CA

Green Day

look score 85

Union City, CA

Is It or Isn't It?

look score 88

Castro Valley, CA

Beautiful (and a Bit Boring?)

look score 89

Rancho Cordova, CA

Where the Houses are New New

look score 85

Los Olivos, CA

Sideways

look score 92

Merced, CA

City on the Rise

look score 81