"Master planned community" means either homogeneous and sterile or well-controlled and predictable (depending on your view). The Irvine Master Plan envisioned a livable city of parks and open spaces connected by trails and bike paths. It’s practically owned by the Irvine Company, the home prices are very high, and the homeowners associations are run by a lot of old people with too much time on their hands (it is said that In Irvine you can paint your house any color you like, as long as it's beige.) 

They are known for their “Karens”' and busybody complainer neighbors. It’s ethnically diverse -- there are significant Asian, Indian, and Persian populations, many of whom are international expats in the OC for several years and taking advantage of the good schools. However, it is not known as a place where these multi-cultures integrate. It is not economically diverse. You have to have/make some dough here. 

The ocean is 5-10 miles away with spectacularly beautiful beaches, decent surf within 30 minutes, and diving harbors. The mountains are 90 minutes away. Really good skiing is a 6-hour drive. You can be in the desert in 90 minutes and LA or San Diego in 1.5-2 hours. San Francisco is a one-hour, fairly cheap, flight away from John Wayne Airport and Las Vegas is a 4-5 hour drive or 45-minute flight. It's a nice and safe suburb with SoCal weather and access to all things SoCal. People get Disneyland annual passes.

There is not much "culture" in Irvine. The Irvine Spectrum is a big shopping /entertainment/dining center -- a gigantic mall.  There’s a comedy theater, a huge movie theater, and lots of restaurants in the Spectrum and a few hotel rooftop bars nearby. Most people work in something called The Irvine Business Complex. (Are you getting the Master Plan yet? -- it’s called “The Irvinization.”) It is also said that “they” have programmed the traffic lights so that traffic moves at the slowest possible pace to enhance safety.

Chances are you won't be able to walk from your home to go out and do things - nothing is within walking distance of anything anywhere -- it’s considered pretty soulless. But, Laguna Beach is a short drive and Costa Mesa is right there. 

If you prefer a calmer, safer, and soothing city, then Irvine is for you. But be prepared to pay. 

Master Planned Community

LookyLOO Review of Irvine

If you are single or kid-free, Irvine might be a very dull choice, even suburbia hell. Unless you like a quiet life, there is very little going on. There is a large university in town, but even that area is sedate. If you’re into nightlife, look at Costa Mesa right next door. For families, Irvine can be a dream come true. Modern homes and entire neighborhoods are built around maximizing the family experience. Proximity to Orange County beaches spices up the master-planned community experience. 

If you're interested in what the locals get up to in Irvine check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.irvinestandard.com/calendar/).

We highly recommend visiting Irvine and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can also receive discounted travel fares via our [partnership with Expedia](https://expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ).


Lifestyle 

Irvine is rated #1 for fiscal health among the 116 U.S. cities with a population over 200k. It is also the driver of a lot of the economy of broader Orange County. If you work in a professional job in Orange County there’s a good chance it will be within the borders of Irvine. Many of the jobs here are in tech/communications, life sciences, and education. This is an extremely well-educated and professional city and it's as safe a place to move for a job as any city in California. Side note: consider your commute before you pick your neighborhood. Every “Welcome To” sign in California should have that caveat but we’ll just state that it is even more true in SoCal. 


Worklife 

[Irvine Public School District](https://iusd.org/) is the #1 rated district in Orange Country and one of the best in the entire state, receiving an ["A+" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/irvine-unified-school-district-ca/). If high-ranking schools matter to your family you will be happy in Irvine. The district receives particularly high scores for Academics, Teachers, and College Prep. 

[Placement in IUSD](https://iusd.org/about/iusd-enrollment/intradistrict-school-choice)is based on geography, but parents can apply for admittance to schools throughout the district, and admittance is based on lottery and availability. 

Highest performing schools in the district include: 

-[University High School](https://universityhigh.iusd.org/) is the #1 ranked school in the district, receiving an ["A+" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/university-high-school-irvine-ca/) with high scores for Academics, Teachers, and College Prep. 
-[Northwood High School](https://northwoodhigh.iusd.org/) is the #2 ranked school in the district, also receiving an ["A+" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/northwood-high-school-irvine-ca/) with Academics, Teachers, and College Prep all with "A+" scores. 

Schools

The schools are excellent and it’s super safe, and bike-friendly if that’s your jam. It’s actually very green (meaning sustainable but also literally -- much of the grass is spray painted green as a drought measure.)  And, it is Southern California -- the average temperature is 71 degrees.


Schools and Sunshine

Why You Should Move Here Now?

The ocean is 5-10 miles away with spectacularly beautiful beaches, decent surf within 30 minutes and diving harbors. Mountains are 90 minutes away. Really good skiing is a 6 hour drive. You can be in the desert in 90 minutes and LA or San Diego in 1.5-2 hours. San Francisco is a one hour, fairly cheap, flight away from John Wayne Airport and Las Vegas is a 4-5 hour drive or 45 minute flight. It's a nice and safe suburb with SoCal weather and access to all things SoCal. People get DisneyLand annual passes.

Here's a write-up from a local on Irvine:
*It's nice, actually. It's safe as hell, it's within driving distance (and you WILL need a car in SoCal) of really great stuff all over the rest of OC (because not much happens past 10pm in Irvine), within about 20 minutes to the beach, and about 3 or 4 hours to the mountains. There's shopping, there's decent places to eat in Irvine itself, and a bunch of great places all across OC within driving distance. Google Fiber is coming in the next few years (maybe not soon enough for your 2-year project) and the local cable provider (Cox Communications) is installing gigabit internet fiber across the city soon, too.*

Location

Reviews of Irvine from Locals

**The Good, the Bad and The Ugly** 
"Master planned community" which means either homogeneous and sterile or well controlled and predictable (depending on your view). The Irvine Master Plan envisioned a livable city of parks and open space connected by trails and bike paths. It’s practically owned by the Irvine Company, the home prices are very high, the homeowners associations are run by a lot of old people with too much time on their hands (it is said that In Irvine you can paint your house any color you like, as long as it's beige.) They are known for their “Karens”' and busybody complainer neighbors.  It’s ethnically diverse -- there are significant Asian, Indian, Persian populations, many of whom are international expats in the OC for several years and taking advantage of the good schools. However, it is not known as a place where these multi cultures really integrate. It is not economically diverse. You have to have/make some dough here. 

**The Best Thing About Irvine?** 

The ocean is 5-10 miles away with spectacularly beautiful beaches, decent surf within 30 minutes and diving harbors. Mountains are 90 minutes away., Really good skiing is a 6 hour drive. You can be in the desert in 90 minutes and LA or San Diego in 1.5-2 hours. San Francisco is a one hour, fairly cheap, flight away from John Wayne Airport and Las Vegas is a 4-5 hour drive or 45 minute flight. It's a nice and safe suburb with SoCal weather and access to all things SoCal. People get DisneyLand annual passes.

**The Worst Thing About Irvine?** 

There is not much "culture" in Irvine. The Irvine Spectrum is a big shopping /entertainment/dining center -- a gigantic mall.  There’s a comedy theater, a huge movie theater, and lots of restaurants in the Spectrum and a few hotel rooftop bars nearby. Most people work in something called The Irvine Business Complex. (Are you getting the Master Plan yet? -- it’s called “The Irvinization.”) It is also said that “they” have programmed the traffic lights so that traffic moves at the slowest possible pace to enhance safety.

Chances are you won't be able to walk from your home to go out and do things - nothing is within walking distance of anything anywhere -- it’s considered pretty soulless. But, Laguna Beach is a short drive and Costa Mesa is right there. 
If you are a bit aged and prefer a calmer, safer, and soothing city, then Irvine is for you. Be prepared to pay though. Irvine is fairly expensive compared with the surrounding area. There are more expensive areas (beach communities), but still,  it takes a good wage to afford Irvine.

**How You Living?** 

If you are single or kid free, Irvine might be a very dull choice, even suburbia hell.  Unless you like a quiet life, there is very little going on. There is a fairly large university in town, but even that area is sedate. If you’re into nightlife, look at Costa Mesa right next door. 

While there is some inventory of smaller homes built in the 70s and 80s available in “old” Irvine, it’s mostly new development construction -- cookie-cutter, single family tract housing developments called Villages, each with their own prescribed look and feel, built around schools. Apartment rentals are almost all owned by The Irvine Company and they’re expensive. You need a car no matter what. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

The schools are excellent and it’s super safe, and bike-friendly if that’s your jam. It’s actually very green (meaning sustainable but also literally -- much of the grass is spray painted green as a drought measure.)  And, it is Southern California -- the average temperature is 71 degrees.


Irvine is not a thriving city for the youngsters so if living a walking distance from a really active social scene then try Costa Mesa. Assuming you want to be right next to work then look at the condo/apartment scene near the Irvine Business Complex. It’s boring but you don’t have to wrestle with a commute on the daily. Bella Terra is another option that adds a commute to most work options but you get shopping, malls and some local nightlife. It’s also driveable to downtown Huntington Beach which has much more of a scene. 
- Irvine Business Complex
- Bella Terra


Young Professionals

Irvine Business Complex

Northwood is a good neighborhood for a family to start their search. You get a nice blend of suburban Craftsman and Spanish Revival homes but also decent commercial experiences - restaurants, with some eclectic dining choices,  and shopping at the big Town Center. The neighborhood also has some of the best elementary, middle and high schools in the city and amazing facilities for music training in the Conservatory, and classes, sports and general recreation at the Community Center. 

A good alternative to check out is University Park. While it’s right next to UC-Irvine and Concordia University, it is not in the least a “college” neighborhood in terms of noise and bars, although you get the beautiful grounds bordering your blocks when you feel like walking through a nice campus. University Park also has some of the highest rated schools in the city and has three great parks and green spaces for hiking, biking, walking and playing with the kiddos when they aren’t learning at those great schools. 
- Northwood
- University Park
- Oak Creek


Families

Northwood

Irvine, like many California cities, is pricey for most retirees. If you can afford it then Irvine is a “pleasant” option - warm weather, extremely safe, and nice roomy homes. You’re also close to the rest of Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles if you’re looking for more action. There are a number of large retirement communities just south of Irvine that are probably the best place to start your search if you prefer a planned community. Laguna Woods is a city entirely built around a retirement community and Casa Del Sol in Mission Viejo. 
- Laguna Woods
- Casa Del Sol 


Retirees

Laguna Woods

Irvine

**Living in Irvine, Yay or Nay?**

It's nice, actually. It's safe as hell, it's within driving distance (and you WILL need a car in SoCal) of really great stuff all over the rest of OC (because not much happens past 10pm in Irvine), within about 20 minutes to the beach, and about 3 or 4 hours to the mountains. There's shopping, there's decent places to eat in Irvine itself, and a bunch of great places all across OC within driving distance. Google Fiber is coming in the next few years (maybe not soon enough for your 2-year project) and the local cable provider (Cox Communications) is installing gigabit internet fiber across the city soon, too.

The reasons not to live here are that it's boring, it's practically owned by the Irvine Corporation which raises rents on good restaurants and stores and forces them out, the home prices are very high, the homeowners associations are the only legal gangs in the city (hyperbole, but never underestimate the spite-filled overly righteous board member senior citizens with too much time on their hands, walking around and tallying up infractions while everyone else is at work/school).

That said, I think it's a great little city, and the good outweighs the bad in my opinion.

What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Irvine, CA?
Profile photo for John Quaid
John Quaid
, lives in Laguna Beach
Updated Jul 13, 2017
The best piece of advice I could give you is to do your homework and make sure Irvine is right for you and your family. I moved here 6 years ago because I travel for work and the FBI rated it as the safest city in America! So for me it has been perfect, as my son has been riding his bicycle back-and-forth to school since fourth grade, and I have never once worried about his safety.

But what I was not expecting is that it is also known as a home for international ex-pats, most of whom are only here for 3 to 5 years. Even though you are living in California, you will experience 3 to 4 different languages being spoken in public places.

Growing up in Asia, I thought this would be fun. Unfortunately the culture clashes here are rather huge. People do not smile at each other in public, and even something as simple as walking into a Starbucks has a completely different vibe then in one a few miles down the street in Newport or Lake Forest, as people do not make eye contact or even look up from their computers or iPhones.

Our home costs $1.6 million. Nothing special, it's just an average house on our street, but most of California is this way… but what surprises me is after living here six years, we only know two of our six neighbors on our street. My neighbors all come home by going directly into their garage and close the door before getting out of their cars. It's not that they are rude or unfriendly, they just are not friendly. Smiling back at strangers Is just not in the daily habits of people in Irvine.

**What advice would you give to someone who is moving to Irvine, CA?**

I’ve lived in Woodbridge Village, Irvine for 38 years and have absolutely no regrets. If you find that your neighbors are not friendly, make an effort to get to know them better. We’ve been hosting the annual Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day block parties for over 30 years. There will always be people who don’t attend but we still have stopped to chat with them when we see them in their front yards.

Each Irvine Village has a look and feel about it. Woodbridge is very family oriented with two lakes, two lagoons (chlorinated), 20 tennis courts, many neighborhood pools, miles of bike lanes and running trails. We raised two kids here and we felt safe letting them explore the area and play on the street (we live on a cul-de-sac).

The schools are highly rated which attracts people from around the world.

If you’re a nature lover and photographer like me, you would love it. You are surrounded by miles of outdoor space to hike, ride a horse or mountain bike. I am a volunteer with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks) which offers many activities and ways to give back to the land. You can easily hike the mountains and catch an awesome sunset at the beach in the same day.

Do some research on the ‘personality’ of each village. Come visit and have someone show you around.



**Living in Irvine, Yay or Nay?**

Irvine is great city for families. It is a "master planned community" which means either homogeneous and sterile or well controlled and predictable (depending on your view). Many people choose Irvine for the public schools and consequently the public education is very good with a lot of community involvement and support.

If you are single or kid free, Irvine might be a very dull choice unless you like a quiet life and want to be close to work. It is not bad, it just is very little going on. There is a fairly large university in town, but even that area is sedate. Costa Mesa, Newport Beach (if you can afford it) and Huntington Beach are often recommended areas for younger or single people.

Irvine is fairly expensive compared with the surrounding area. There are more expensive areas (beach communities), but it takes a good wage to afford Irvine.

Irvine is culturally diverse compared to most of Southern California, but it is not very economically diverse. By and large, Southern California tends to be white American's with dense pockets of a single group here or there. Irvine has a mix of cultures I have not seen in other areas. At the same time there is not much "culture" in Irvine: no museums, no music to speak of, no theater.

It is relatively close to most of what Southern California has to offer:

Ocean - 5-10 miles, spectacularly beautiful beaches, decent surf within 30 minutes, diving, harbors.

Mountains - 90 minutes, passable skiing, lakes, forests. Really good skiing is a 6 hour drive.

Desert - 90 minutes, not for me, but some people like it

LA - 1-2 hours depending on traffic

San Diego - 1.5-2 hours

San Francisco - 6-7 hour drive, 1 hour fairly cheap flight

Las Vegas - 4-5 hour drive, 45 minute flight

I liked raising my kids here, but as they prepare to leave for college, I'm ready for a change.

*What’s it like living in Irvine, CA? | Moving to Orange County*

Suburban Master Plan

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.


Irvine, California

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