**The Good, The Bad, The Ugly**

**The Best Thing About Houston?**  It’s A Rocket Ship (And a Relatively Cheap Ride)

The economy of Houston is exploding with a diverse set of industries including Aerospace & Aviation, Manufacturing, Energy (oil has softened but still big), Healthcare and Digital Tech. Making a good living here is even more compelling when you realize how much less expensive Houston is compared to crazy cities like San Francisco (179% more expensive), New York (94% more expensive), or the other “hotter” cities in Texas, like Austin (19% more expensive).  


**The Worst Thing About Houston?**  It’s Not A Dry Heat

For many from the Great White North the idea of year round sun sounds awesome. It is critical to know ahead of time though that not only does Houston get HOT, the fact that it is surrounded by water and low-lying flood-lands means it gets HUMID. 


**How You Living?**  However You’d Like

Houston is massive (about 14x bigger than San Francisco), which means that pretty much any kind of housing experience you’d like to have is available. Cool downtown condo buildings with full amenities and walks to the Fortune 500 companies in town? Got ‘em. Hip neighborhoods with cool historic homes and short walks to bars and restaurants? Got ‘em. Fancy neighborhoods with big new homes? Got ‘em. Trust us, you’ll find it here. 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  The City With No Limits

We know a lot of people are looking to get away from big cities but Houston seems like a place that might receive some of that escaping traffic from the denser cities of the Northeast and Northwest. If you’re moving south but want the diversity, culture & art experiences, food scene and vibrant population of some of those cities but in a more chill, easier to afford package, then Houston’s the spot. 


Houston

The Big Heart

**The Best Thing About Dallas?** It’s A New-ish City

We think of Dallas as new-ish because it constantly reinvents. Remaking itself from cattle ranch to financial center, or fancy to hipster, or whatever else that the times demand. As a result of this ability to remake itself, Dallas has a constant influx of new, diverse people constantly arriving and calling it home. Fresh starts come naturally here so if you’re looking to do the same thing then this is a good spot. 

**The Worst Thing About Dallas?** It’s An Odd City

People say that the source of Dallas’s oddness is because it is one of only two major cities (Las Vegas the other) not built on a body of water. It’s hard to describe but Dallas can feel transient or shallow for those who’ve lived in cities with longer life spans and more persistent physical roots like Boston or New York. That history of reinvention means everything looks new:  the buildings, the neighborhoods, the shopping centers, it mostly looks new, and while that can be nice it also means they paved over much of the history, and that gives it a city-wide suburban type feeling. 


**How You Living?** With Space

Dallas is ridiculously large. At 343 square miles it is 10x as big as New York City and 100+ square miles bigger than Chicago. Hell, the damn airport is bigger than Manhattan. That means there is tons of suburban style housing in the city limits, super spacious condo complexes,  and even though there is no sales or local income tax, real estate taxes are high, which means the public school system is excellent. For families looking for room and great schools, or younger peeps looking for a downtown lifestyle but without the NYC density, it is hard to beat. 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** “Working 9 to 5” (sing it in Dolly Parton’s voice)

No large city or metropolitan area has had higher job growth than Dallas. While the oil industry has suffered there are 18 Fortune 500 Companies in Dallas and tremendous employment opportunities in tech, healthcare, financial services, hospitality, food industry and travel. Because of the space to stretch it’s also a great place to have a home with plenty of room to work remotely. 


Dallas

Triple D

**The Best Thing About Fort Worth?** Cowtowns Are Cool!

Unlike its fancier sibling (Big D), Fort Worth stayed true to its roots and preserved much of what makes it a true western town. If you’re into the wild west, both authentic and that available as entertainment, you’re going to dig it here and enjoy the laid back atmosphere, live music, cultural festivals, bars, restaurants and the Fort Worth Stockyards!

**The Worst Thing About Fort Worth?** Suburbia

The tricky thing for Fort Worth right now is it has become a great place to live but not so much to work. Which means that lots or even most people who live here commute to Dallas to work and that makes Fort Worth feel a bit like a suburb of Dallas, at least economically. This lack of tax base has resulted in a poor school system and resulted in a city that is appealing to young people or retirees but not families. 


**How You Living?** With The Youngsters

A lot of Fort Worth downtown living is in older buildings that have been renovated and converted to apartments/condos. Kind of a hipster paradise. It also includes beautiful suburban style neighborhoods like Arlington Heights, which is right next to the Cultural District, that draws both families and single millennials. While there are posh neighborhoods and plenty of retirees Fort Worth is definitely making it work for younger residents who like the smaller, more casual feel. 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Won’t You Take Me To Funkytown?

Fort Worth has a lot of nicknames (including Funkytown), but it remains a hidden gem among the Texas cities targeted for moves from the West Coast, Northeast and Midwest. Austin, Houston and Dallas come up first for transplanters, but we think everything true for the hottest Texas cities: low/no taxes, booming economies, lower cost of living and no snow are true for Fort Worth but in a smaller, more manageable, package. 



Fort Worth

Fort Crunk

**The Best Thing About El Paso?** Tex-Mex

There are a number of things to enjoy about El Paso, especially the majestic Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest state park in an urban setting in the country. Being on the border though, and having a sister city in Juarez Mexico, has had an undeniable impact on the culture, diversity, food and lifestyle of El Paso. Tex-Mex food was invented here but that’s just a single byproduct of a blurred cultural landscape that makes El Paso like no other place. The food scene makes it obvious with the amazing Tex-Mex, classic Mexican, barbeque, and other cross-cultural fine-dining. The fresh ingredients that move back and forth across the border feed this amazing food scene, and the culture and vibe of the city makes it clear how big an influence it is to be on the border. 

**The Worst Thing About El Paso?** The Job Market

The biggest complaint about El Paso is how difficult it can be to find work. If you go there with a job  or you’re going to be working remotely then you’re set. If you lose your job and need to work locally it can be tough. 

**How You Living?** In A Family Friendly Neighborhood

El Paso is most noted for being family friendly. The neighborhoods of Park Foothills, Via Hermosa, Castner Heights and Mountain View all represent the best of El Paso -- reasonable housing prices, good public schools, and low crime rates make it ideal for you and your little ones. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Cost Of Living

El Paso has the lowest cost of living of any major city in the country. It also has a first time homebuyer program available through the city. If you’re getting started, particularly with a young family, and would love an inexpensive and supported path to homeownership this is a great city. If you’re empty-nesting or retiring and want to maximize your bucks El Paso also fits the bill. 


El Paso

Borderplex

**The Best Thing About Arlington?** Things Are Bigger Here

There’s plenty to like about Arlington but the most obvious are the giant attractions: the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys play here, it has massive amusement and water parks, a huge university in UT Arlington, and if they run to your taste, very large homes. Things really are bigger in Arlington and that gives the city an energy outsized for its population. While much of Arlington has a suburban feel you won’t like you’re living in a sleepy ‘burb here with all that goes on throughout the year. 

**The Worst Thing About Arlington?** Getting Around

Arlington is the largest city in the U.S. without any public mass transit system. Combined with the constant events happening here it can get pretty snarled. Locals know how to get around the frequent mess but the influx of outsiders that descend on the attractions and events, make it tricky to avoid for a time. 

**How You Living?** Suburbia

In spite of the major attractions and University Arlington is a very large suburb. Which means you’re more than likely going to live in a suburban neighborhood. Dalworthington Gardens, Interlochen Estates, Pantego and the area of Southeast among others are all great choices within the city. Big homes, large yards, and wide family-friendly streets are all available in any of these neighborhoods of Arlington.  

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** Quiet Amidst The Storm

While Arlington is a suburb, it sits in between two bigger, more active cities in Dallas and Fort Worth. Which means that if you want to live on a quiet suburban street but be a 20 minute ride to jumping social or business districts then you’re going to like Arlington. Many who wish to escape dense cities these days but not get too far away from the action should put Arlington on their shortlist. 



Arlington

AggTown

**The Best Thing About San Antonio?**

Low cost of living, no state income tax and The Spurs.

San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the U.S, but many who come here say it has a small town feel to it.

**The Worst Thing About San Antonio?** 

This is a huge city and the definition of urban sprawl. San Antonio is 31.4 miles east to west and 26 miles north to south according to GoogleEarth and is 460.9 sq mi. What does that mean for you? There’s traffic

The summers are humid and generally speaking mid 90s upwards. The rest of the year it’s pretty mild, but can be quite humid, which can make those lower temperature days still feel like Satan's sauna

**How You Living?** 

Texas was Mexico at one point in history so the demographics reflect that. This is illustrated everywhere you go, from food, culture, events, music, life.

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

The neighborhoods of San Antonio are beautiful, and as we noted about "Best Thing About San Antonio" you're going to save a ton of money on one of these beautiful homes if you're coming from another part of the country or even state (see Dallas/Houston/Austin). 

San Antonio

SHOW ME YOUR SHOES!!!

**The Best Thing About Austin?** Where’d the desert go?

Ditch your perceptions of deserts, oil magnates and cowboys. The capital of the Lone Star State ain’t that. Want some nature? Go kayaking or swimming in one of the many tree- lined lakes and rivers, or go biking or hiking along one of the many trails around them. Want some culture? Austin is home to one of the country’s most popular art scenes, has a great foodie culture, and a music scene that has Austin hailed as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” 

Want a job? You might question whether you’re in Silicon Valley when you see the number of tech companies here. Facebook, Google, Apple and more all have offices in Austin, and the city unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the country.

Finally, we have to mention the political climate in Austin. If you’re moving to Texas to escape the progressives in San Francisco or Boulder then take 35 or 290 in virtually any direction to find giant pockets of conservatism. If on the other hand you’re looking for an island of misfit liberals that comprise the Austin populace then you’re going to love it here. 

**The Worst Thing About Austin?** It’s still in Texas

Two Texas staples that Austin still clings onto are, unfortunately, traffic and weather. Austin commutes are some of the most brutal in the country. Austin is rapidly expanding, a reflection of those positives, but the roads are not, and regardless of when you leave the house, you’ll probably be stuck somewhere. The lack of good public transportation does you no favors, so you pretty much have to own a car to live here. 

You need a car with great AC as well. You won’t forget you’re living in Texas in July and August when the highs occasionally get up to a humid 110 fahrenheit. The plus is winter days in the sixties and autumn ones in the seventies, but we’ll let you be the judge as to whether or not the trade off is worth it.

**How You Living?** Somewhere Fairly Priced

Downtown is where the action happens. With a variety of living options and easy access to the best theaters, music venues, museums and more, downtown Austin is also cheaper than your average big city downtown. 

The neighborhoods around UT Austin have everything from college apartments to single family homes, and have the feel of a lively college town. If that isn’t your scene then eighborhoods like Crestview, Brentwood and Allandale are virtual suburbs in the middle of the city, with space and single family homes and easy access to great restaurants, bars and the like. Everywhere you go is pretty much gonna be cheaper than the San Franciscos and New Yorks of the world despite having a lot of the same amenities.

**Why Move Here Now?** Texas Taxes

One of the reasons people and companies flock to Texas, and Austin in particular, is that Texas taxes are way below other states (we see you Cali). Whether you’re working remotely or just looking for a job, Austin is both socially sensible and economically strong. 


Austin

Bat City

Plano

The Reapers

Laredo

The City Under Seven Flags

Lubbock

Red Raiders

Garland

Taste The Flavor

Irving

Crooked I

Frisco

Sports City USA

Amarillo

Helium Hollow

Denton

The Home of Happiness

McKinney

Home of the Lions

Grand Prairie

Dinosaur Roar!

Brownsville

Chess Capital

College Station

Redass

Texas

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

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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