Oahu is home to Honolulu (and Waikiki Beach). When you live on an island, you run into the same people over and over, which makes island life a bit more gentle. Although there is traffic, honking car horns is not a thing. The island has two seasons – summer or the dry season (May to October) and winter, which is the rainy season (November to April). Temperatures are warm year-round with gentle trade winds. 85° in the summer and 75° in the winter is about what you can expect year-round. Nights are not much cooler. It's why Honolulu is featured in the [LookyLOO Guide to the Best Beach-Life Cities in the U.S.](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/beach-life-cities).

Being able to combine the benefits of city living with a beach-y year-round lifestyle is a rare find.

Aggressive Type-As aren’t a great fit for laid-back, easygoing Honolulu, where everything happens at a slower pace. People walk more slowly. Drivers let other cars merge. Speaking of slower, traffic in Honolulu is, officially, second only to Los Angeles. Honolulu has a limited number of roads, but an endless number of cars, and yours will need to be shipped over. Also, living near the water means you’re going to be in traffic going to work unless you're a WFH'er. 

Hawaii often finds itself at the top of various healthiest states in America. It’s not surprising given the beautiful weather, easy access to the ocean, and many hiking trails around the islands. People of Hawaii truly love spending time outdoors, and although they do have real lives, they manage to sneak in a pre- or post-work surf or the like. Ocean water temperatures around the state of Hawaii average 82° in the summer and 77° in the winter. That’s much warmer than the ocean waters along the U.S. West coast, including Southern California. Plus, clean air may be a good reason to start considering Honolulu as your new home. Your lungs will love you. 
Living in Honolulu, you become accustomed to seeing the ocean everywhere, yet it also never gets old and is a reminder that you’re home is paradise.

Cautionary note: Unless you’re coming from a big, expensive city like New York or San Francisco, the cost of living may astound you. Housing, food, and even the cost of shipping – it’s often called the “paradise tax.” It’s incredibly high -- 82% above the national average. 

It Never Gets Old

LookyLOO Review of Honolulu

Like any big, capital city Honolulu isn’t any one thing in terms of lifestyle but for anyone considering the city from the mainland, it feels crazy not to start with the outdoor activities. Honolulu is filled with stunning beaches, surfing, kayaking, hiking, running, golf, tennis and presumably pickleball. The city is also rich in cultural attractions, with art museums, music, dance, and theater all amazing for a relatively small city. 

While much of the culture is built around native traditions, it is important to remember that Honolulu is over 50% Asian American and Pacific Islander with the largest ethnic groups including Japanese, Filipinos, Chinese, Koreans, Native Hawaiian, and Vietnamese so the experiences are often a melting pot of Hawaiian and eastern cultures that make the city feel more international than most other U.S. cities. The food scene is incredible, with all ethnicities represented in world-class dining, and while there are plenty of retirees in the area, the large population of students from the University of Hawaii and young professionals gives the city a younger vibe with tons of bars and clubs available for those looking to stay out late. 



Lifestyle in Honolulu

Honolulu has four major economic sectors: tourism, trade/transportation, military defense and agriculture/aquaculture. Since the city and islands are at the crossroads of the west and east it serves both tourists and business for both Asia and the United States. While the economy in the city and area is strong and in some sectors recession-proof, the cost of living is crushing for many who otherwise would consider moving here. Some of the wfh migration patterns that are driving growth in less expensive U.S. cities are hard to imagine for Honolulu. 


Worklife in Honolulu

Honolulu is part of the [Hawaii State Department of Education](https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/) (HIDOE). The entire state receives a ["B+" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/hawaii-department-of-education-hi/). 

Hawaii's public school admittance policy generally requires students to attend the school within their designated geographic area based on residential addresses. However, there are options for geographic exceptions, where students can apply to attend a school outside their area if certain criteria are met. More information on enrolling in Hawaii public schools can be found on the [HIDOE enrollment page](https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/EnrollingInSchool/Choosingaschool/Pages/home.aspx)

There are several excellent schools in Honolulu including: 

-[University Laboratory Public Charter](https://www.universitylaboratoryschool.org/) is the #1 rated public school in Hawaii. It receives an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/university-laboratory-school-honolulu-hi/?map) with very high grades for Academics, Diversity, and College Prep. The school is notable for students earning college credits, a very small student population, college prep, and excellent athletics despite its small size. 
 
-[Myron B. Thompson Public Charter](https://mbta.me/) receives an ["A" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/myron-b-thompson-academy-public-charter-school-honolulu-hi/) with particularly high grades for Academics and Teachers. Thompson is a K-12 public charter that has an online/hybrid structure, so students throughout Hawaii have an opportunity to attend. 

Schools in Honolulu

Honolulu - particularly East Honolulu - has the highest livability rating in the state, and is number 29 in the nation. This is due to low crime rates, high graduation rates, lots of local amenities, and a stable housing market. It is also No. 13 on a list of the 30 happiest cities in the United States, according to Gallup’s Healthways Well-Being Index.

Honolulu is a rare place that appeals to students, millennial families and retirees. And anyone who loves a good Poke Bowl.


Livability

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**Inner_Minute197**
Lived in Honolulu
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

I was stationed on Oahu from 2016-2019 and will be returning for 4 years this October.

How is living on Oahu/in Honolulu? I absolutely love it, which is why I requested orders to return. I love the culture (specifically the less fast-paced lifestyle than what I'm used to in the mainland as well as more people being overtly polite), the food, the vibe, and the weather. That said, I did have a brief stint of island fever about a year after living there my first go around. But this was overcome after I started to come back from deployments and made friends/started to expand my reach.

One thing that I highly recommend in order to help limit the chance that you get island fever is to treat the island as your home and not as some 24/7 tropical Disney location. I've long said that people who claim that "there's nothing to do" or that they run out of things to do in Hawaii have generally (in my experience) come to unrealistically view the islands as a tropical vacation setting instead of as their home. They complain about not being able to road trip on a whim or about the difficultly of traveling to certain far away places, when most of the folks I know wouldn't even be doing that stuff on the mainland. People in Hawaii do the same things as others on the mainland for the most part. Folks go to work, shop, go to the gym, hang with friends, etc. The sooner people start treating Hawaii like any other place--just with "better" weather and wonderful beaches--the sooner they'll get over this notion of there being "nothing to do" or running out of things to do. That's not to say that Hawaii/Honolulu isn't without it's problems, but what place is?

For more reviews of what living in Honolulu is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/honolulu/reviews).

City Meets Beach

Reviews of Honolulu from Locals

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

Oahu is home to Honolulu (and Waikiki Beach.) When you live on an island you run into the same people over and over, it makes island life a bit more gentle. Although there is traffic, honking car horns is not really a thing. The island has two seasons – summer or the dry season, (May to October) and winter, which is the rainy season (November to April). Temperatures are warm year-round with gentle trade winds. 85° in the summer and 75° in the winter is about what you can expect year round. Nights are not much cooler.


**The Best Thing About Honolulu?** 

Being able to combine the benefits of city living with a beachy year-round lifestyle is a rare find.

Aggressive Type-As aren’t a great fit for laid-back, easygoing Honolulu, where everything happens at a slower pace. People walk slower. Drivers let other cars merge. Speaking of slower, traffic in Honolulu is, officially, second only to Los Angeles. Honolulu has a limited number of roads but an endless number of cars and yours will need to be shipped over. Also, living near the water means you’re going to be in traffic going to work. 

Hawaii often finds itself at the top of various healthiest states in America lists. It’s not surprising given the beautiful weather, easy access to the ocean, and many hiking trails around the islands. People of Hawaii truly love spending time outdoors and although they do have real lives, they manage to sneak in a pre or post work surf or the like. Ocean water temperatures around the state of Hawaii average 82° in the summer and 77° in the winter. That’s a lot warmer than the ocean waters along the US west coast, including Southern California. Plus, clean air may be a good reason to start considering Honolulu as your new home. Your lungs will love you. 
Living in Honolulu, you become accustomed to seeing the ocean everywhere, yet it also never gets old and is a reminder that you’re home is paradise.

**The Worst Thing About Honolulu?** 

Unless you’re coming from a big, expensive city like New York or San Francisco, the cost of living may astound you. Housing, food, and even the cost of shipping – it’s often called the “paradise tax.” It’s incredibly high -- 82% above the national average. 

**How You Living?** 

Honolulu is high-density living but options range from new condos (high HOAs), waterfront homes to luxury estates. Housing for UH students is better searched for out toward Kahala, Diamond Head, and Hawaii Kai. Prices compared to many areas in the continental US, will generally be higher, and that should be no surprise to anyone. Oahu is, after all, an island, and space is limited since demand is high. If you’re going to UH, look on Craigslist for off-the-beaten track, less luxurious rentals. Accessible neighborhoods include Makiki, but also look at Manoa, Kalihi, Diamondhead, and Moili'ili. Waikiki is extra pricey. 
Homes located on any of the ridges, like the popular Hawaii Loa Ridge, are not only centrally located and close to many of the Honolulu amenities, but also have beautiful ocean views. In fact, many of the homes and condos in Honolulu have amazing views. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

Honolulu - particularly East Honolulu - has the highest livability rating in the state, and is number 29 in the nation. This is due to low crime rates, high graduation rates, lots of local amenities, and a stable housing market. It is also No. 13 on a list of the 30 happiest cities in the United States, according to Gallup’s Healthways Well-Being Index.

Honolulu is a rare place in that appeals to students, millennial families and retirees. And anyone who loves a good Poke Bowl.


Manoa is where the main campus of the UofH is located. Tons of apartments, cafes, cars and restaurants make it and nearby Makiki the centers of off-campus living. While nothing is cheap in Honolulu these neighborhoods have the best options for rentals. Also consider Kahala/DiamondHead although options in this fancier neighborhood are harder to come by. 
- Manoa
- Makiki
- Kahala/Diamond Head


College Students

Manoa

Downtown Honolulu is an obvious first stop for young professionals looking for a place to live. Tons of condo and apartment options within a walk to work from the professional center of the city alongside plenty of food options means an easy work/life balance. Ala Moana is the best option for young professionals who want to be close to downtown but who favor more social options than downtown provides. It’s 10 minutes to Downtown and just 5 minutes to Waikiki Beach but you are also located along Ala Moana Beach Park for daytime play and tons of restaurants and bars for nighttime play. 
- Downtown 
- Ala Moana
- Waikiki
- Moilili


Young Professionals

Downtown

Waikiki is the center of the LGBTQ+ community in the Honolulu area. Just 15 minutes from the big city it’s not only where the community lives but also home to Queen’s Surf Beach, the unofficial gay seashore. Daytime brings gay locals and travelers to the beach and the nearby LGBTQ+ bars are a short walk away. Within the city proper the neighborhoods of Hawaii Kai and Makiki draw LGBTQ+ community looking for beautiful homes but without the noise of Waikiki. 
- Waikiki
- Hawaii Kai
- Makiki


LGBTQ+

Waikiki

One of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Honolulu is Kahala. Massive single-family homes on huge lots, line wide beautiful blocks sit on white sand beaches. It isn’t a touristy area so everything is chill here. More modest homes are available off-beach but even these are in great quiet blocks, perfect for raising kids. Add in three beautiful parks with plenty of room for hiking, running, riding and general kid play and you’ve got a premier option for those with the $$$ to spend. 
- Kahala
- Manoa
- Hawaii Kai


Families

Kahala

Honolulu

**Inner_Minute197**
Lived in Honolulu
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

I was stationed on Oahu from 2016-2019 and will be returning for 4 years this October.

How is living on Oahu/in Honolulu? I absolutely love it, which is why I requested orders to return. I love the culture (specifically the less fast-paced lifestyle than what I'm used to in the mainland as well as more people being overtly polite), the food, the vibe, and the weather. That said, I did have a brief stint of island fever about a year after living there my first go around. But this was overcome after I started to come back from deployments and made friends/started to expand my reach.

One thing that I highly recommend in order to help limit the chance that you get island fever is to treat the island as your home and not as some 24/7 tropical Disney location. I've long said that people who claim that "there's nothing to do" or that they run out of things to do in Hawaii have generally (in my experience) come to unrealistically view the islands as a tropical vacation setting instead of as their home. They complain about not being able to road trip on a whim or about the difficultly of traveling to certain far away places, when most of the folks I know wouldn't even be doing that stuff on the mainland. People in Hawaii do the same things as others on the mainland for the most part. Folks go to work, shop, go to the gym, hang with friends, etc. The sooner people start treating Hawaii like any other place--just with "better" weather and wonderful beaches--the sooner they'll get over this notion of there being "nothing to do" or running out of things to do.

That's not to say that Hawaii/Honolulu isn't without it's problems, but what place is?

**Impressive_Piano573**
Living in Honolulu
4mo ago
🦉🦉

I’m 67, retired, married, and we just moved to Honolulu from NYC ( after 40 years there) to be closer to our kids and a new grandchild. So my situation is different from yours, but I can tell you the culture shock is real. The cost of living is no problem… if anything Hawaii may be cheaper than NYC. But Honolulu has very little to offer in terms of museums, theater, live music, nightlife, etc. (at least compared to NYC) My main thought is that if you love hiking and the ocean, you will probably be fine. If not, you may get serious island fever.

**HawaiiStockguy**
Living in Honolulu
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

As a military assignment, most everyone either loves it or hates it. They love the great weather, clean air, ocean activities, hiking, overall beauty, friendly people from all over the world, and being far from family. Or they hate being out in the sun, no change of season, all the tourists, high cost of everything, no winter sports, driving more than 2 hours gets you back where you started, and being so far from loved ones.

Try to not only visit most of the outer islands, but remember you may never live closer to asia, australia and new zealand, so vacation eastward

Military people fight both hardest to get Hawaii posting and hardest to not get Hawaii postings. Most other military assignments are in generally desirable or generally undesirable places

**ReviveOurWisdom**
Living in Honolulu
2mo ago
🦉🦉

Beautiful island with a lot to do in a little space. Don Quijote is lovely, I also like the convention center which hosted some cons like animecon and astronomycon etc. hiking at Manoa Falls or relaxing in Kailua Beach… therapy.

Within the city tho, it’s definitely one of the more walkable cities in the country. Walking, biking, scooters, it’s quite nice not needing a car to go everywhere. The beaches and weather in Hawaii are really like paradise

Butttt on the flip side, living there has its cons. You practically have to be a multimillionaire to live a comfortable lifestyle, even if it’s just a condo or an apartment. Homelessness will seemingly never get solved because of the corruption, and there has been a slight increase in shootings and gun violence in the state, just a tiny bit. Overall I miss my time there, but I wouldn’t move back. Much better to visit as a tourist and avoid the issues

**Living In The BIGGEST CITY In Hawaii - How I Make HONOLULU Work**

The Big Pineapple

California

Michigan

Minnesota

New Jersey

New York

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado’s appeal is multilayered. Of course, there are the Rockies—snow-capped peaks, ski resorts, and Instagrammable vistas—but beyond the obvious, the state reveals itself in its micro-regions and quirks.

Denver has grown into a full-fledged metro, attracting industries from aerospace to fintech. Neighborhoods like RiNo and Cap Hill pulse with murals, independent bookstores, and some of the best third-wave coffee west of the Mississippi. Yet, 20 minutes outside the city, you’ll find Golden, a once-sleepy brewery town now thriving with young families, hikers, and mountain bikers—all while still housing Coors’ giant facility.

Boulder, perched between rugged wilderness and intellectual ambition, is equal parts Patagonia fleece and startup pitch decks. It’s home to Naropa University (the country’s only accredited Buddhist-inspired school) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, reflecting the state’s unique mix of spiritual curiosity and scientific rigor.

To the north, Fort Collins flies a little under the radar but boasts Colorado State University, a jumping historic downtown, and enough breweries to rival cities twice its size. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs feels like a different state altogether—home to multiple military installations, it leans more conservative but surprises visitors with epic natural landmarks like Garden of the Gods and the quirky artist enclave Manitou Springs, where mineral springs bubble out of old-timey fountains.

Then there are the mountain towns that get less attention than Aspen or Vail:

- Salida: An artsy river town known for whitewater festivals and a historic downtown dotted with galleries.
- Paonia: Tucked on the Western Slope, it’s where organic farmers, artists, and winemakers coexist—a quieter, greener slice of Colorado.
- Crested Butte: A former mining town turned "wildflower capital of Colorado," still fiercely local despite its world-class skiing.
- Leadville: The highest-elevation incorporated city in the U.S., with Wild West vibes, antique shops, and a reputation for producing ultra-endurance athletes.

- Even Pueblo, long dismissed as a steel town, is experiencing a mini-renaissance—check out its green chile scene, which locals claim beats New Mexico’s any day.


**Lifestyle**

Colorado is all about the blend: high-intensity outdoor pursuits and laid-back social life. People measure days by powder totals or trail mileage, but they’re equally serious about craft beer, local music, and farm-to-table brunch.

There’s a statewide obsession with gear—ski racks are practically standard issue—and the unspoken dress code skews toward Patagonia puffer jackets, trail runners, and trucker hats. Even at upscale restaurants, you’ll find Gore-Tex mingling with linen.
Summer weekends revolve around farmers' markets, mountain festivals (like Telluride Bluegrass), and patio culture, where people sip IPAs while their dogs lounge nearby. Yes, 
Colorado is one of the most dog-friendly states in the country—don’t be surprised to see pups on brewery patios, hiking trails, and even paddleboards.

The weed industry is fully mainstream here—legal since 2012, dispensaries now sit next to yoga studios, and CBD drinks are common on menus. Despite the outdoor glamour, winters can drag, especially along the Front Range, where weeks of “brown season” (dry, gray winter days) test your patience if you’re not skiing every weekend.


**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

- Outdoor Diehards: Skiers, mountain bikers, climbers, and trail runners all build their lives around nature’s calendar.

- Remote Workers: Many are now settling in places like Buena Vista, Pagosa Springs, or Ouray for mountain views and coworking spaces that offer reliable fiber internet.

- Young Professionals: Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins attract college graduates seeking startup jobs in tech and a social scene that is outdoorsy and active.

- Families: Suburban areas such as Louisville, Superior, and Castle Rock provide excellent schools, greenbelts, and proximity to both the city and the mountains.

- Military & Veterans: Particularly in Colorado Springs, where military bases and VA services have a significant presence.

- Artists, Creatives, and Off-Gridders: These individuals are moving to smaller towns like Paonia, Crestone (known for its spiritual retreats), and Trinidad, where former mining towns are being transformed into vibrant art communities.

**Worklife** 

**Major Industries:**

- Aerospace & Defense: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and dozens of military installations fuel this sector.

- Tech & Startups: Boulder leads, but Denver is fast catching up with expansions from Google, Amazon, and a strong venture capital scene.

- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Anchored by the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora and countless health-tech startups.

- Outdoor Rec & Tourism: A massive industry—from ski resorts to bike gear startups like Yeti Cycles.

- Renewable Energy & Green Tech: Solar farms, wind energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure are booming, especially east of Denver.

- Craft Beer & Cannabis: Both industries are major employers and cultural forces. Denver’s Great American Beer Festival draws thousands annually.

The work culture here is serious about productivity but just as serious about play. Flex hours are common—so is the “Friday early out” to chase powder or head to the hills. People here don’t brag about work hours—they brag about the number of 14ers climbed.

**Why Move Here Now?**

Colorado’s mix of economic opportunity and lifestyle remains hard to beat, but the secret’s long been out. Housing costs—especially in Denver, Boulder, and mountain towns—are steep. Still, the “live where you vacation” dream is possible, especially if you’re strategic about location.

Remote work has made previously overlooked places—think Montrose, Rifle, or Florence—more appealing. These towns offer affordability, mountain access, and emerging arts scenes without the crowds or costs of Summit County.
Meanwhile, climate-conscious infrastructure investments and Colorado’s renewable energy push are attracting a new wave of green tech talent. If you’re looking for a place where your weekends feel like a vacation, your weekdays pay the bills, and your backyard is the view—Colorado still delivers.

Just be ready for the quirks: expect your weather app to lie, brace for spring hailstorms, and know that people here take their green chile—and their Broncos—very seriously.

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Virginia offers a little bit of everything—beaches, busy cities, historic towns, mountain views, and adventures for the outdoorsy types.  Families can find charming colonial neighborhoods to settle in or a tech-driven suburb, and young professionals (or families) will find cities known for culture and lifestyle (tons of breweries) —and none of it feels out of place.

Northern Virginia cities like Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax get a lot of attention for their young professional scene, government jobs (shaky right now but still), and shiny high-rises. But head west, and things shift—Charlottesville, Richmond, and Roanoke are growing fast, thanks to lower housing costs, beautiful scenery, and thriving food and arts communities.
And yes, Virginia’s got beaches. Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle while still keeping you within driving distance of larger cities.
Lifestyle 

Virginia balances history and modern life better than most. There are amazing historic landmarks and battlefield tours, but it’s also a growing tech hub, home to a solid craft beer scene, and packed with outdoor activities—from hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains to kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay.

Public schools, especially in Northern Virginia, are notably strong, with Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ)  in Alexandria frequently rated the #1 public high school in the country. You get four distinct seasons, plenty of small-town festivals, and easy access to both mountains and beaches. Outdoor lovers will feel right at home.


**Who’s Moving to Virginia?**

- Families: Especially to Northern Virginia and Richmond suburbs for the schools, safety, and space.

- Young professionals: Drawn to government (prepare for this to change), tech, and consulting jobs in DC-adjacent areas like Arlington and Alexandria.

- Retirees and second-home buyers: Looking for less expensive mountain views or coastal living.

- Military families: With large bases in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Quantico.


**Worklife**

Virginia has a strong job market with several major industries driving growth:

- Government and defense: Big in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads although federal jobs are disappearing. 

- Tech and data centers: Amazon HQ2 in Arlington and Loudoun County’s “Data Center Alley”

- Healthcare and education: UVA, VCU, and major hospital networks

- Tourism, shipping, and military: Especially along the coast

The state consistently ranks as one of the best for business. Salaries are strong, especially near DC, though the cost of living is higher there too. Farther south or west, your money goes a lot further.


**Why Move Here Now?**

Virginia is hitting a good stride—a strong economy, a cultural boost in mid-sized cities, and more opportunities popping up beyond the DC suburbs. If you want East Coast energy without New York or Boston prices, Virginia’s a great option.
There’s a lot to like: solid job prospects, a wide range of places to live, and easy access to nature. Remote workers are starting to notice cities like Charlottesville and Richmond for their charm and affordability. And if you’re in tech, Amazon’s expansion means even more jobs on the horizon.

Bottom Line: Move for the jobs, stay for the mountain views, farmers markets, and the fact that you can hike on Saturday and hit the beach on Sunday. Virginia’s got space for you


Virginia

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, driven by a combination of economic opportunity, natural beauty, and a more reasonable cost of living than many large metro areas on the East Coast. For people looking to bail on expensive cities like New York, Boston, or D.C., North Carolina’s growing mid-sized cities hit a sweet spot—offering urban energy without the overwhelming cost or scale.

Charlotte and Raleigh remain the fastest-growing hubs, but what’s fueling the state’s appeal are cities like Durham, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville. These places have seen significant investment in arts, culture, and local businesses, creating vibrant downtowns and neighborhoods while maintaining accessibility and affordability. Wilmington, with its historic riverfront and proximity to beaches, adds a coastal option with similar momentum.

North Carolina offers a blend of lifestyles—from dense city cores to suburban communities and small mountain or coastal towns—all within a state that delivers four distinct seasons and easy access to both the Atlantic and the Appalachians.

**Lifestyle** 

Living in North Carolina means having access to almost every kind of landscape and lifestyle you can imagine. The mountains of western North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge and Smokies, draw hikers, climbers, and people looking for small-town life with incredible scenery. Asheville anchors the region with a nationally recognized food scene, music venues, craft breweries, and a progressive arts community—all surrounded by nature.
Along the coast, places like Wilmington, New Bern, and the Outer Banks offer a completely different pace of life—historic charm, beach towns, and maritime culture.

In between, North Carolina’s mid-sized cities have grown into dynamic cultural hubs. Durham, once defined by tobacco warehouses, is now a food, music, and startup center, balancing grit and growth. Greensboro and Winston-Salem have embraced their history while building arts districts, indie music venues, and foodie scenes that attract newcomers looking for quality of life without the price tag of bigger cities.
Outdoor recreation is baked into the lifestyle—weekends are often spent hiking, kayaking, hitting the coast, or exploring dozens of state parks. Meanwhile, urban centers keep adding restaurants, music festivals, museums, and farmers markets that make daily life feel rich and varied.

Housing costs have risen, particularly in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, but remain notably more reasonable compared to cities like D.C., New York, or Boston. Mid-sized cities and suburbs still offer affordable homeownership options, which continues to draw families, young professionals, and retirees.


**Who’s Moving to North Carolina?**

Young professionals and remote workers: The combination of job opportunities and lifestyle has put places like Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte on the map. Increasingly, mid-sized cities like Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville are drawing remote workers who want cultural amenities without the high price tag.

- Families: Good schools, growing suburbs, and attainable home prices make North Carolina a top choice for families leaving higher-cost states. Suburban areas around Raleigh and Charlotte, like Cary or Huntersville, are growing fast.

- Retirees: North Carolina is a retirement destination—particularly western towns like Asheville, Hendersonville, and Boone, or coastal towns like New Bern and Southport, where people are drawn to the mild climate and slower pace of life.

- Tech, biotech, and finance workers: Raleigh-Durham’s Research Triangle remains a major driver of growth, along with Charlotte’s powerhouse banking sector. Mid-sized cities are seeing a ripple effect as people seek affordability near these job centers.


**Worklife** 

North Carolina’s economy is diverse, which has helped it stay resilient and attractive to new residents:

- Tech, biotech, and healthcare: The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) is home to major universities, research parks, and a growing number of startups and tech companies. This area competes nationally for talent.

- Finance and banking: Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the U.S., home to Bank of America and major offices for Wells Fargo, Truist, and others.

- Education: With strong public universities and private colleges, education remains a huge employer, feeding into the region’s research and innovation economy.

- Tourism, arts, and service industries: The mountains and coast pull in millions of visitors each year, supporting a growing tourism economy that fuels restaurants, shops, and creative industries in cities and small towns alike.

- Remote work is also changing the landscape, as people relocate from expensive markets to cities like Asheville or Wilmington, seeking a better work-life balance without sacrificing culture or community.


**Why Move Here Now?**

North Carolina is in that rare window of growth where the state feels exciting but still livable. While housing costs are rising, they remain manageable compared to the Northeast or West Coast. Newcomers are often surprised at how much house—or quality of life—they can afford here.

The job market is strong, especially in tech, biotech, finance, and education, and there’s momentum in the arts, food, and cultural scenes, particularly in mid-sized cities that still feel accessible.

If you’re looking for a place that offers career opportunities, space to explore, and a more affordable cost of living—all without sacrificing culture—North Carolina’s cities, especially its rising mid-sized ones, are worth a serious look.


North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Maryland might be one of the smallest states by land area, but it feels expansive in the variety of places, landscapes, and cultures you’ll find here. Locals sometimes call it “America in Miniature”—and it fits. Within a few hours, you can go from the crab houses and maritime history of the Eastern Shore to the rolling farmland and horse country of Howard and Carroll counties, then up into the Appalachian foothills in Western Maryland.

Baltimore—gritty, beautiful, and still deeply local—anchors the state with its historic brick row houses, growing arts scene, and a complicated but evolving identity. It’s a city of neighborhoods, from the cobblestone streets of Fells Point to the indie shops and music venues in Hampden. Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland draw researchers, students, and healthcare workers, while the Port of Baltimore keeps the city tied to global trade.

The DC suburbs—places like Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, and College Park—are among the most diverse in the country. They’re fast-paced, career-driven, and home to major employers in tech, healthcare, defense, and international policy. Montgomery County consistently ranks high for public school systems, while Prince George’s County—once overlooked—is booming with development and homeownership among Black professionals.

Then there’s the Chesapeake Bay—arguably Maryland’s emotional center. Fishing villages, waterfront towns, and a deep-rooted culture of crabbing and boating shape life here. In places like St. Michaels or Solomons, watermen traditions meet weekenders from DC.


**Lifestyle** 

Maryland is a state of contrasts:

- Outdoors: Summers bring locals out for blue crab feasts, sailing regattas, and Eastern Shore beaches like Ocean City or Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam. Hikers find solace in the Catoctin Mountains or the Maryland stretch of the Appalachian Trail. In the fall, leaf-peeping in western Maryland rivals New England.

- Suburban Professional: Many Marylanders are commuters, with highways like I-270 and the Capital Beltway packed every weekday. Work-life here often revolves around careers in government contracting, federal agencies, or research labs.

- Cultural: Baltimore punches above its weight in music, art, and food. It's home to quirky traditions like the annual HonFest, while the nearby suburbs offer concert venues, museums, and some of the country's best public libraries.

- Education-Focused: With several nationally ranked school districts, plus colleges like UMD College Park, Loyola, and St. John’s in Annapolis, education drives many families’ choices.

The cost of living is high in the DC metro area—Montgomery County and Howard County are expensive but offer great schools and amenities. Meanwhile, Baltimore City and parts of the Eastern Shore remain relatively affordable, though income disparities can be stark.


**Who’s Moving to Maryland?**

- Government and Defense Professionals: With NSA, NIH, and countless government contractors, Maryland is a hub for federal careers.

- Healthcare and Biotech Workers: The state’s economy is built around giants like Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland Medical System, and a growing biotech corridor around Gaithersburg and Rockville.

- Families: Strong school systems, safe suburbs, and access to both urban and rural life make it a prime target for families.

- Nature and Water Lovers: The Bay, mountains, and access to the Atlantic draw people who don’t want to choose between city life and nature.


**Worklife**

Maryland boasts some of the highest median incomes in the country, but it comes with a cost. Key industries include:

- Government, Defense, and Cybersecurity (Fort Meade, NSA, countless Beltway contractors)

- Healthcare and Life Sciences (Johns Hopkins, NIH, biotech firms in the I-270 corridor)

- Port and Shipping (Baltimore’s port is one of the busiest on the East Coast)

- Education (Universities, research centers, and public school systems)

Maryland’s job market tends to be resilient especially near D.C.—especially in recession-proof industries like healthcare, science, and in prior administrations, federal government work. High wages can offset higher living costs, particularly in areas like Montgomery County.


**Why Move Here Now?**

Baltimore is changing -- neighborhood revitalization, a growing arts scene, and affordable historic homes make it a city to invest in. The DMV’s tech and biotech boom means Maryland’s share of the tech and life sciences boom is growing fast, especially in Montgomery County and the suburbs along I-270.

Waterfront and small-town charm aplenty, with coastal towns offering an escape that feels worlds away from DC but still within reach for weekends or remote work. Finally, access without total commitment: Maryland lets you plug into DC’s energy, Baltimore’s grit, or nature’s calm—all without fully committing to just one lifestyle.


Maryland

Washington is not what most people around the country think if their view is based solely on the Emerald City. You’ve got Seattle, yes — the tech hub with glassy towers, expensive lattes, and endless cranes reshaping the skyline. But Washington’s story is bigger and weirder than that.

Head east and you hit the Cascades, where towns like Leavenworth lean hard into their Bavarian cosplay — full-on Alpine architecture and Christmas markets, even in summer. Cross those mountains and the state turns dry, golden, and wide open — apple orchards, hops fields, and wine country roll through the Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. It’s a different state over there, one that cares more about rodeos and crop yields than whatever Seattle’s latest zoning fight is about.

There’s also the pocket-sized, artsy cities people don’t talk about enough — Bellingham, tucked up near the Canadian border with its crunchy, outdoorsy vibe and a local ski hill just 30 minutes up the road; Olympia, the capital, where the punk music scene still has a pulse and the farmers market is the real social center; and Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport town known for wooden boat festivals and a whole lot of ghost stories.

What keeps people here is the geography — Puget Sound, the Olympics, Mount Rainier looming massive. There’s a certain stubborn pride about how many people own a kayak and know how to dig their clams. You don’t have to go far to find someone who will try to convince you their corner of Washington is the best — whether that’s a foggy coastal town, a moss-draped mountain pass, or a sunny plateau east of the mountains. And honestly, they’re all kind of right.



**Lifestyle** 

Living here means you learn to live with the weather — or love it. Western Washington’s gray season lasts months, but the long, golden summer days make up for it. The east side flips the script — hot, dry summers and winters that mean snow.

People are big on the outdoors, but not in a performative way. It's less Instagram hiking and more “this is just what we do.” Mountain biking in the Cascades, skiing at Stevens Pass, trail running in the Issaquah Alps, or mushroom hunting when the rains come — the connection to nature runs deep.

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here — it’s baked in. You’ll see people line up to return compost buckets at the farmers market or debate which salmon run needs protecting. There’s a hyper-local food scene, from oyster farms like Hama Hama to foraged nettles making their way into restaurant menus.

Housing is a mixed bag. Seattle and the Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) are expensive, with median home prices well above $900k. But smaller cities like Spokane or the Tri-Cities offer more space and sunshine without completely unplugging you from the economy.



**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

- Tech folks chasing jobs at Amazon, Microsoft, and the sprawl of startups. The Eastside suburbs — Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish — are full of transplants figuring out the PNW way.

- Families looking for good schools, parks, and the rare suburban neighborhood where you can still walk to a coffee shop (Issaquah and North Bend, looking at you).

- Outdoor types — climbers, paddlers, skiers — folks who want a job and mountains in their backyard. Bellingham and Wenatchee both punch above their weight for this crowd.

- Healthcare and education workers — UW, WSU, major hospital systems, and growing biotech hubs keep the state anchored beyond tech.

- And increasingly, people just looking for a lifestyle shift — artists, remote workers, folks burned out on California or Texas sprawl — are finding their way here.



**Worklife**

The job market stays solid, especially if you’re in:

- Tech: Seattle’s core, Bellevue’s new skyscrapers, and a growing remote scene

- Aerospace: Boeing’s still big, even if quieter than it once was

- Healthcare: especially in Seattle and Spokane

- Agriculture: apples, cherries, hops, and wine rule Eastern Washington

- Shipping and trade: major ports in Seattle and Tacoma keep global goods moving

The interesting thing is how the economy balances — world-class tech and scrappy farming towns coexist, sometimes uneasily, but it works.



**Why Move Here Now?**

Washington’s still growing, but in ways that give you choices. Yes, Seattle’s pricey, but places like Spokane, Bellingham, and even Bremerton are growing fast without feeling like polished suburbs yet. The access to nature is unbeatable, but what might surprise people is how distinct each region feels.
You could live where you’re skiing before work, or where you’re sipping wine on your porch at sunset. You could be downtown for an Amazon meeting or out in the San Juans watching orcas. Washington has range — that’s the real sell.


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Honolulu, Hawaii

The Big Pineapple

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