For a relatively small large city, OKC finishes #1 in ranking in a bunch of “best of” lists. These include #1 for High Wages and Low Cost of Living, #1 for America’s Best New Restaurants, #1 Most Passionate Live Music Fans, #1 Most Romantic Cities In America. It also finishes in the Top 10 for a whole slew of other city benefits. All-in-all these rankings signal an amazing place to be for young professionals and young families looking for the next great American city.

The big challenge for families is the quality of the public schools. Lots of factors have played a role in poor-performing schools including decreased state funding, suburban schools pulling away families, charter school growth, and too few kids spread across too great a size city causing funding to sink when it is based on a $$$ per enrolled student model. The district is shutting down schools as a way to improve and focus but for the time being the schools remain troubled.



We’re #1

LookyLOO Review of Oklahoma City?

People imagine OKC to be a low key family kind of town. And if you’re into that kind of thing then it is definitely here for you. However, if you’re younger and hankering for entertainment then this city has your back. There are tons of things happening, particularly in the Bricktown area. Concerts, sporting events (steps from where the Thunder play), museums, shopping, restaurants, you name it and it is happening downtown. Many people in OKC live in the outer edges or suburbs and come downtown for bigger nights out or big days out. But there is a lifestyle downtown for young professionals or families and retirees who want to live more “on the edge”.



If your focus is on family friendly then check out [LookyLOO's Guide to Top Family Friendly Cities](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/family-friendly-cities) to create a shortlist.&#x20;

If you want to see what happens year throughout the year, check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.visitokc.com/events/?utm_source=google\&utm_medium=cpc\&utm_campaign=Events%20-%20SV\&utm_term=oklahoma%20city%20events\&gad_source=1\&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8pKxBhD_ARIsAPrG45l_MjsxmuvZfLl0rJGl7k1Mj-WX0kADyT7-AJXKS7-b9SNoF1QjFkAaAqmzEALw_wcB)

Lifestyle 

Not surprisingly energy is one of the big employers in OKC. South Central still runs on oil and natural gas and so employment is big in the industry with two Fortune 500 companies, Chesapeake and Devon Energy providing a lot of paychecks. That’s not the only industry however as retail has a big footprint with Hobby Lobby and Love’s Travel Stores also massive local employers. Expect a good job market for energy, retail, IT, and health services if you go looking for work. OKC is also one of the cities where long-haul work-from-homer’s are landing as they look for less costly cities with decent downtown social and cultural experiences available to them.


Worklife 

The [Oklahoma City Public School District](https://www.okcps.org/) struggles when evaluated by standardized ranking sites like niche.com, on which it receives a ["C" for performance](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/oklahoma-city-public-schools-ok/). 

Parents and teachers in the area put the fault for the district struggles at the hands of poor funding and young teachers fleeing the state for reasons of ultra-conservative pressures on school curriculums and teaching models. True or not the point of view exists and drives a cycle of declining performance. There are better-performing schools including:
-[Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics](https://www.ossm.edu/) receives an ["A+" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/oklahoma-school-of-science-and-mathematics-oklahoma-city-ok/) and is particularly celebrated for the quality of Academics, College Prep, and Teachers. 
-[Harding Charter Preparatory High School](https://www.hardingcharterprep.org/) is another high flier in OKC that receives an ["A+" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/harding-charter-preparatory-high-school-oklahoma-city-ok/). Harding is a public charter that focuses on preparing students for college. This means requiring students to take AP classes and has a rigorous workload intended to mirror what is required at the college level. 

OKC also has several private school options, including [Casady School](https://www.niche.com/k12/casady-school-oklahoma-city-ok/), the #1 ranked school in Oklahoma, and [Heritage Hall](https://www.niche.com/k12/heritage-hall-oklahoma-city-ok/), the #4 highest-ranked private school in the state. 

While the public schools in OKC are a struggle, families make it work by either, landing one of the coveted spots at the best magnet/charter options, footing the bill for private, or moving to the burbs if unsatisfied with the options in the city. 

Schools

We hate to put the rational in front of the emotional in such a vibrant city but it is seriously hard to ignore the fact that OKC is the #1 city in the country for the ratio of high salaries to low cost of living. If you want to make a good living and have more of it to spend or save, OKC is your joint. The cool part of it all is that not only will you have that extra $$$ but this city has so much going on you’ll get to enjoy the experience while you’re saving. That’s a tough combo to pass up. 


 The Ratio

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**One_Preference6619**
Living in OKC
6mo ago
✭✭✭✭✭

I think okc is a great city. The best part abt it, is it's growing rapidly rn. This is the perfect time to get situated be4 prices skyrocket even more then they have recently. It's on the verge of exploding: it just became the 20th biggest city in the US, we're getting a new arena, many buildings r being planned for here, the thunder r doing better than ever, we have hidden gems of restaurants. It isn't dallas level yet, but I think it will be very soon. That's why I think while right now you'd probably enjoy dallas more, okc is building for the very bright future currently.

Paseo is a good choice if u wanna live near clubs/nightlife and close to downtown and wanna be in a good area. If u wanna be in a currently gentrifying area that will be worth alot more pretty soon, I'd recommend plaza district as someone else mentioned (metro park I believe they said). It's not a war zone or anything, just an older part of town that has my favorite district in the city personally.

As someone who's lived in almost every section considered the "hood", ppl avoid south of the river generally, and the east around the capitol. Ppl also see del city as a warzone, but as someone who grew up there it isn't too terrible as long as u avoid the apartments there. Renters rights r terrible here, so don't rent cheap. Trust me, this is rule #1 (prob for any city rlly).

I hope you choose to live in our city. I've lived in dallas and am the same age as u and ur friends and prefer okc for the friendlier ppl/smaller community feel. Good luck my friend

For more reviews of what living in Oklahoma City is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/oklahoma-city/reviews).

Reviews of Oklahoma City from Locals

**The Best Thing About Oklahoma City?**  We’re #1

For a relatively small large city OKC finishes #1 in ranking in a bunch of “best of” lists. These include: #1 for High Wages and Low Cost of Living, #1 for America’s Best New Restaurants, #1 Most Passionate Live Music Fans, #1 Most Romantic Cities In America. It also finishes in the Top 10 for a whole slew of other city benefits. All-in-all these rankings signal an amazing place to be for young professionals and young families looking for the next great American city. 

**The Worst Thing About Oklahoma City?**  Public Schools

The big challenge for families is the quality of the public schools. Lots of factors have played a role in poor performing schools including: decreased state funding, suburban schools pulling away families, charter school growth, and too few kids spread across too great a size city causing funding to sink when it is based on a $$$ per enrolled student model. The district is shutting down schools as a way to improve and focus but for the time being the schools remain troubled. 

**How You Living?**  With The Millennials (and some Gen Z’ers)

There are definitely family friendly neighborhoods in OKC, like Crown Heights - Edgemere Heights, with beautiful streets, wonderful homes in every style, and prices friendly to a range of middle-class families. However, it’s the younger population that is seeing the emergence of high-growth, popular neighborhoods: Plaza District, Bricktown, Deep Duce, and Automobile Alley are all filled with young professionals and lots of art galleries, live music, theater, cool retail, bars and restaurants. 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** The Ratio

We hate to put the rational out front of the emotional in such a vibrant city but it is seriously hard to ignore the fact that OKC is the #1 city in the country for the ratio of high salaries to low cost of living. If you want to make a good living and have more of it to spend or save, OKC is your joint. The cool part of it all is that not only will you have that extra $$$ but this city has so much going you’ll get to enjoy the experience while you’re saving. That’s a tough combo to pass up. 


Oklahoma City is BIG. Not just in population but in land. It’s the second largest capital (after Juneau) in the US of A. It’s centrally located along the I-35 corridor connecting Texas and Mexico to the south, and  Wichita and Kansas City to the north. Expect a pretty good driving distance between the cities: Dallas a bit over three hours and KC a bit over five. In that region that ain’t much. 
OKC and the state in general are in a transition zone between the wetter forested regions of the east and the drier Great Plains of the south and central regions so if you go expecting things to be completely flat and dry you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 


The Area

The younger population of OKC is benefitting from the emergence of high-growth, popular neighborhoods like Plaza District, Bricktown (Thunder play here!), Automobile Alley which is host to the monthly Auto Alley Shop Hop, a huge neighborhood party, and Deep Deuce, which is a bit more affordable but every bit as fun as some of the other choices. These neighborhoods are filled with art galleries, live music, theater, cool retail, bars and restaurants as well as plenty of apartment and condo buildings available for rent or purchase. 
- Bricktown
- Downtown
- Plaza District
- Automobile Alley
- Deep Deuce
- The Arts District


Young Professionals

Bricktown

Deer Creek is a wonderful neighborhood for starting and raising a family. It houses five elementary schools to choose from and smaller but wonderful affordable homes. Warwick Estates and Warwick West are also great choices for young families - one of the safest areas of the city, it's a quiet diverse neighborhood close to Bluff Creek park, for family outings, and also has the school district considered the best in the city. 
- Deer Creek
- Warwick Estates/Warwick West
- Quail Creek 


Young Families

Deer Creek

OKC has plenty of great family neighborhoods but one that tops the list of many locals is Crown Heights - Edgemore Heights. A pretty posh place with big older homes and large yards, it is also host to a huge annual 4th of July Parade and Picnic that brings out every family in the neighborhood. Crown Heights/Edgemore Heights is also just a few minutes from downtown and has great public schools. Another popular choice is Nichols Hills. Just over the border this suburban neighborhood is home to the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club and has beautiful homes and tons of greenery and winding streets to enjoy. 
- Edgemere Heights/Crowne Heights
- Nichols Hills
- Persimmon Hills


Established Families

Crowne Heights / Edgemere Heights

Oklahoma City

**TheLoneBear**
Living in Oklahoma City
2y ago
✭✭✭

Cost of living is super cheap. Housing costs are on the rise but nothing compared to larger cities. You can typically afford a safe home as a single person with costs going up as you get closer to the city. You will be safe walking in 95% of the city and you pretty much have to be seeking out bad areas to stumble into them.

You will need a car. As others have said the public transport is pretty much nonexistent.

OKC is the most liberal area of Oklahoma and if you're downtown even more so.

There's not quite as much to do as a bigger city but I always say if you're not having fun it's your fault, not the city's. There are many different areas of downtown that offer a diversity of nightlife. We have some of the best breweries in the middle of the county.

Depending what you're into, we have excellent golf courses, D&D groups, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, a large road-biking community, etc.

The people here are generally very nice and welcoming. Generalizing, there are some Trump nuts you'll run across especially in the surrounding rural areas and suburbs but I can honestly say that it doesn't come up in daily conversations around the city very much. Our governor is not great but looks like he'll be voted out next term. Our mayor is pretty progressive for a red state and he is very focused on improving life in the city.

**puppatea**
Living in Oklahoma City
2y ago
✭✭✭

I’ll just speak to the part about being single and in your 30s since I think other posters have pretty well explained the pros and cons of Oklahoma. I agree with all the pros and can see the perspective of the cons.

The dating scene can be rough here, especially depending on your sexual orientation. However, I’ve yet to meet or talk to anyone from another state that hasn’t said it’s also hard elsewhere. I think you will run into different problems here than other places while dating, but it doesn’t mean it’s more difficult per se. I grew up in evangelical circles so I was convinced if I wasn’t married by 25 then I wouldn’t have anyone to hang out with or do things with. This is far from the truth. There are a lot of people in their 30s here who are married and single and value friendships highly, so if you’re open and work at it, you can create a really nice social circle.

I saw another poster say people don’t like when you approach them here. I have never experienced that once in my 32 years of living in Oklahoma. I approach people all the time and people approach me all the time as well.

Also, if you’re religious there’s plenty of places for that. And if you’re not, there’s a growing population of young people who aren’t, in addition to the mass exodus of the church over the last 2 years. A lot of people I know who were very into church have no desire to step into one again.

**emijay82**
Living in OKC
5mo ago
✭✭✭

If you look at the OK state parks, quite a few have trails, from beginner to more intermediate. If you are looking for mountains, we don't have much of those. But our state parks do have beautiful and/or interesting trails. Plenty of places to hike in Roman Nose and Lake Thunderbird, both of which are pretty close to the metro area. I have lived in Norman for 17 out of the last 19 years, all as an adult working full time. I enjoy Norman. Schools are decent, we have a free immersion language charter school, walking on and around campus and campus corner is really pretty most of the year. We have some super cold weather, or snow or ice, but the majority of winter is not crazy terrible. This year, we started having weather in the mid 80s off and of in mid to late February, and while we have had some front blow through with cold weather, they did not last long.

I am moving for reasons unrelated to Oklahoma in about a month. But OP should feel free to reach out to me about what to do for outdoors activities.

**One_Preference6619**
Living in OKC
6mo ago
✭✭✭✭✭

I think okc is a great city. The best part abt it, is it's growing rapidly rn. This is the perfect time to get situated be4 prices skyrocket even more then they have recently. It's on the verge of exploding: it just became the 20th biggest city in the US, we're getting a new arena, many buildings r being planned for here, the thunder r doing better than ever, we have hidden gems of restaurants. It isn't dallas level yet, but I think it will be very soon. That's why I think while right now you'd probably enjoy dallas more, okc is building for the very bright future currently.

Paseo is a good choice if u wanna live near clubs/nightlife and close to downtown and wanna be in a good area. If u wanna be in a currently gentrifying area that will be worth alot more pretty soon, I'd recommend plaza district as someone else mentioned (metro park I believe they said). It's not a war zone or anything, just an older part of town that has my favorite district in the city personally.

As someone who's lived in almost every section considered the "hood", ppl avoid south of the river generally, and the east around the capitol. Ppl also see del city as a warzone, but as someone who grew up there it isn't too terrible as long as u avoid the apartments there. Renters rights r terrible here, so don't rent cheap. Trust me, this is rule #1 (prob for any city rlly).

I hope you choose to live in our city. I've lived in dallas and am the same age as u and ur friends and prefer okc for the friendlier ppl/smaller community feel. Good luck my friend

**Pros & Cons of Living in Oklahoma City**

Everyday I’m Thunderin!

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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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Everyday I’m Thunderin!

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