300 days of sunshine a year makes Phoenix the sunniest major city in the country. While some of those days are obscenely toasty the great majority are just plain nice. Which makes it hard to not enjoy being outside hiking, biking, outdoor yoga, poolside cocktails, or whatever it is people do when it is nice out all the time. If you like a casual lifestyle of shorts and t-shirt this is going to be your nirvana. If the outdoor's is your thing check out [LookyLOO's list of top Outdoor Meccas](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/outdoor-meccas) or be sure to choose that filter choice when searching for cities on LookyLOO.&#x20;

On the downside, all the boom Phoenix experienced had to end up somewhere. People come here in part for the same reason people have been coming west for hundreds of years: lots of space. This means that as far as the eye can see the homes and commercial strips stretch out into the desert. Phoenix lacks green, trees, and many tall buildings so this sprawl is visually striking and detracts from the sense of Phoenix having character.

Making Hay While The Sun Shines

LookyLOO Review of Phoenix

Like most sunbelt cities, Phoenix is a mix of: retirees/snowbirds, families who flocked here for inexpensive housing, young professionals from throughout the southwest looking for a lively city, and finally work-from-home refugees from more expensive cities. These communities also flock here for what many consider ideal climate. Setting aside the scorching summers the dry warm weather is appealing to many. Check out [LookyLOO's Guide to Top Cities with Ideal Climate](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/ideal-climate-cities) to expand your search.&#x20;

What all these populations have in common first and foremost is an appreciation for the outdoors. If you live here you’re going to spend most of the year hiking, camping, golfing, biking, running, swimming, kayaking, jet skiing or any other activity that takes advantage of the weather or helps you get cool relief from the weather.

If you’re looking for something to do after you finish your hike or swim, then expect to enjoy a massive outdoor culture of rooftop bars and beer gardens. That is the Phoenix lifestyle. Play outdoors during the day, and have a cocktail and fine meal outdoors at night. This is how they roll here.

If you want to see what's happening in Phoenix, check out the [calendar of events](https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/phoenix/Event).

Lifestyle in Phoenix

Phoenix has a small number of Fortune 500 companies relative to its size but with WFH on the rise that’s likely increasingly irrelevant. Where Phoenix excels is in the small business community. Consider the costs of starting and running a small business in NYC or San Francisco v. Phoenix and it is easy to understand why Phoenix was the fastest growing city in the U.S. between 2010 and 2020. Neighboring Scottsdale is home to a big percentage of the Arizona tech businesses so if you don’t mind a small commute that could be your huckleberry. 

While there isn’t much venture capital here there is tons of human capital that appreciates the low tax rate and inexpensive real estate. Generally, the population here works in mid-pay to low-pay service jobs and is now increasingly a side-hustle lifestyle. The low cost of living makes all of this possible where you can feel like you’re drowning in other parts of the country. One oddity to the Phoenix job market is the large volume of call-center jobs available here. The lack of natural disasters that would force a closure, the low cost of land/office space for housing lots of cost-center workers, and the neutral accent of most of the locals seem to pull in the business. 


Worklife

Even though Phoenix has boomed it remains an extremely inexpensive option for a big city. Much of the stress that goes with trying to slug it out in one of the other big cities comes down here. The economy is good, the cost of living is low, there are no city taxes, and the lifestyle is healthy. That makes it perfect for youngsters looking for an inexpensive place to get a start or raise a family, and ideal for empty nesters or retirees looking to stretch a relatively fixed buck.


Take Down Your Temp

Why You Should Move Here Now? 

**phxbimmer** 
Living in Phoenix
Updated 8mo ago
✭✭✭✭


I was born and raised in NYC, and in 2014 I moved from there to Phoenix. I didn't have a job lined up, I just wanted somewhere warm and sunny and relatively cheap. Nine years later and I still have not regretted my decision. Things I love:

- The weather. Yes, the summers are hot, but if you work a white-collar job it's more of a nuisance than anything... you'll find that most indoor places in Phoenix are extremely well air-conditioned. Summer is also a great time to go north, which brings me to my next point.

- There's a huge diversity in landscapes. We've got the desert, forests, lakes, rivers, and everything in between. Heck, if you miss the snow you can take a visit to Flagstaff, which is one of the snowiest cities in the US. In the summer when it's hot, it's a great time to go to Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson, where it's a fair bit cooler.

- It's a 5-6 hour drive to Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Albuquerque. So if you're ever bored here, there are a ton of fun weekend trip opportunities.

- The grid-based street system is so easy to navigate, along with some useful highway loops, you'll be a natural at it in less than a month. I don't remember the last time I needed to use GPS to get anywhere.

- The roads are generally quite good compared to a lot of the country.

- There's tons of great food options and at this point most major concerts/events stop in Phoenix so you've got a lot of entertainment options.

The downsides are fairly minor, in my opinion:

- Traffic's gotten worse over the years, but is still a cakewalk compared to NYC and LA

- The public transit is not particularly useful here, so you'll have to drive most places.

- Housing has gotten more expensive over the years, but the market's starting to cool down a bit. Rents are higher than they used to be, but still reasonable compared to NYC or LA.

I may be a little biased towards Phoenix, but I have to say I still love living here. It seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it thing with people, so you'll just have to find out for yourself.

For more reviews from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/phoenix/reviews)

Reviews of Phoenix from Locals

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

**The Best Thing About Phoenix?**  Making Hay While The Sun Shines
300 days of sunshine a year make it the sunniest major city in the country. While some of those days are obscenely toasty the great majority are just plain nice. Which makes it hard to not enjoy being outside hiking, or biking, or outdoor yoga, or poolside cocktails, or whatever it is people do when it is nice out all the time. If you like a casual lifestyle of shorts and t-shirt this is going to be your nirvana. 

**The Worst Thing About Phoenix?**   Sprawl

All the boom Phoenix experienced had to end up somewhere. People come here in part for the same reason people have been coming west for hundreds of years: lots of space. Which means that as far as the eye can see the homes and commercial strips stretch out into the dessert. Phoenix lacks green, and trees, and many tall buildings so this sprawl is visually striking and detracts from the sense of Phoenix having character. 

**How You Living?**   In A Pool

Not surprisingly the way most people live in Phoenix is in an air-conditioned condo downtown or one of the home styles most friendly to beating the heat in the rest of the city. The Art District of Roosevelt is filled with historic bungalows, and the Coronado Historic District and Arcadia neighborhood are notable for flat-roofed Pueblo Revival homes. Regardless of the neighborhood or style you can count on your home having a pool. Nearly 50% of homes in Phoenix have them and so nearly everything is designed to accommodate the 300+ days of sunshine. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  Take Down Your Temp

Even though Phoenix has boomed it remains an extremely inexpensive option for a big city. Much of the stress that goes with trying to slug it out in one of the other big cities comes down here. The economy is good, the cost of living is low, there are no city taxes, and the lifestyle is healthy. That makes it perfect for youngsters looking for an inexpensive place to get a start or raise a family, and ideal for empty nesters or retirees looking to stretch a relatively fixed buck. 


As was noted in the workstyle section the Phoenix metropolitan area, known as the Valley by locals, includes Scottsdale, which is just a few miles from downtown. It also includes the city of Mesa, which at over 500k in population, is no slouch itself. The suburban cities of Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, and the aforementioned Scottsdale are all 200k+ populations making “the Valley” a booming metropolis. 

Most of the area gets around by car but there is a light rail system, called the METRO Light Rail, that runs 20 miles from Mesa, through Tempe and into Phoenix. The line connects these three downtowns, the major Phoenix airport and two of the four metro area campuses of Arizona State. It ain’t much by New York standards but there are expansions in the planning and construction stages so expect the public transport scene to improve here. 


The Area

As with most cities, Downtown Phoenix is the starting point for young professionals looking for a place to live. It sits right next to the financial and business districts so you can walk to work but perhaps even more importantly it’s where the greatest concentration of bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and rental properties sit. Neighborhoods that border the downtown area, and so get the walkscore benefits, but without some of the density, include Encanto and Camelback East. Both have their own commercial districts for more casual nights out, but they also have quick access to downtown nightlife but have the benefits of not only reasonably priced apartments but also single-family homes. 
- Downtown Phoenix
- Encanto Village
- Camelback East Village


Young Professionals

Downtown 

One of the most popular neighborhoods for families getting started is Estrella. Just 20 minutes from downtown it has newer subdivisions with great homes at very low purchase or rental prices. It also has a robust commercial district for restaurants and shopping. It also is home to the Tres Rios Wetlands, a 700- acre reclamation project that offers free outdoor exploration for you and the little ones. 
- Estrella
- North Gateway
- South Mountain


Young Families

Estrella

Established Families:
One of the most highly rated neighborhoods for families in Phoenix is Ahwatukee Foothills. Located on the southernmost border of Phoenix in the foothills of South Mountain Park and Preserve it has the highest rated public schools in the area and beautiful shaded homes and blocks for kids to play. The immediate proximity to 16,000 acres of parkland with trails for hiking and horseback riding don’t hurt either. Paradise Valley Village is another great option for those with the $ for a bigger home and more of a country club lifestyle. It sits near Old Town Scottsdale, which has a jumping social scene, but has a small town feel with its own police and fire departments. We should finally note that Encanto, which has great options for young professionals, also has a historic district that has great big beautiful homes for those who crave the manor but want to be in a more dense urban district. 
- Ahwatukee Foothills
- Paradise Valley Village
- Encanto Historic District
- Desert View
- Deer Valley
- Arcadia


Established Families

Ahwatukee Foothills

The Phoenix area, it probably goes without saying, is one of the most popular locations for retirees, empty nesters and snowbirds in the country. This includes quiet neighborhoods in the city that satisfy the peaceful part of the equation. It also includes vast developments like Sun City that are outside the city limits but serve the needs of those looking to live near the city. Sun City is the original 55+ community and while it is not a gated resort like some it has a self-contained neighborhood feel that attracts full-time retirees and snowbirds. Sun City, like many of these resorts has its own pools, rec centers, restaurants, event center, banks, & shopping, all reachable by golf-cart. If you’re looking for this lifestyle then the Phoenix area should be on your list. 
- Sun City
- Sun Lakes
- PebbleCreek
- Trilogy at Verde River
- Victory in Verrado


Retirees/Empty Nesters

Sun City 

Phoenix

**Whats it like living in Phoenix?**
**phxbimmer** 
Living in Phoenix
Updated 8mo ago
✭✭✭✭


I was born and raised in NYC, and in 2014 I moved from there to Phoenix. I didn't have a job lined up, I just wanted somewhere warm and sunny and relatively cheap. Nine years later and I still have not regretted my decision. Things I love:

- The weather. Yes, the summers are hot, but if you work a white-collar job it's more of a nuisance than anything... you'll find that most indoor places in Phoenix are extremely well air-conditioned. Summer is also a great time to go north, which brings me to my next point.

- There's a huge diversity in landscapes. We've got the desert, forests, lakes, rivers, and everything in between. Heck, if you miss the snow you can take a visit to Flagstaff, which is one of the snowiest cities in the US. In the summer when it's hot, it's a great time to go to Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson, where it's a fair bit cooler.

- It's a 5-6 hour drive to Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Albuquerque. So if you're ever bored here, there are a ton of fun weekend trip opportunities.

- The grid-based street system is so easy to navigate, along with some useful highway loops, you'll be a natural at it in less than a month. I don't remember the last time I needed to use GPS to get anywhere.

- The roads are generally quite good compared to a lot of the country.

- There's tons of great food options and at this point most major concerts/events stop in Phoenix so you've got a lot of entertainment options.

The downsides are fairly minor, in my opinion:

- Traffic's gotten worse over the years, but is still a cakewalk compared to NYC and LA

- The public transit is not particularly useful here, so you'll have to drive most places.

- Housing has gotten more expensive over the years, but the market's starting to cool down a bit. Rents are higher than they used to be, but still reasonable compared to NYC or LA.

I may be a little biased towards Phoenix, but I have to say I still love living here. It seems to be a love-it-or-hate-it thing with people, so you'll just have to find out for yourself.



**Do you like living in Phoenix?**
**fingerblast69**
Living in Phoenix / Updated 2y ago
✭

Personally, not really. I’ve been here my whole life though and I’m just kind of burned out.

Real tired of the heat, lack of rain or anything really green in the valley. I wouldn’t even call it affordable either at this point with how much housing and rentals have sky rocketed. Some of the highest inflation in the country.

Depending on where you live in the valley can suck pretty hard too. Like the west side is a bunch of lifted truck driving, angry Republican bro’s.

I get the appeal of Arizona to people who are from cold climates, I really do. I’m just a firm believer in people want the opposite of what they grew up in so I’d love to have some rain and greenery around me, maybe even some snow. Basically just a place with four seasons 🤷🏻‍♂️

**Any_Drive6497** / Living in Phoenix / 1y ago
✭✭✭✭

I left twice and always came back for the same reasons. We all know the heat sucks, but I’d rather have a monsoon season than a tornado or hurricane season. I’ve never had shovel heat or slipped and broken an ankle on sunshine.

Through out the year you can be in almost any climate you can ask for in less than 4 hours. How many other states can you go from sand dunes to snow covered peaks and end up at natural wonder of the world in one day?

People fly from all over the world to see LA and Vegas, we can drive there in half a day. We are one of only a handful of states where you can take a day trip to a completely different country. No big deal to drive and go skiing or surfing.

Our state flag is easy to draw when your in elementary school. The song “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” was written at the Biltmore. We are one of two states with spring training. Half of Hollywood lives in Scottsdale. Our roads are on a grid system. I’m pretty sure there’s nothing worth nuking here.

And I will fight anyone who says their state has better Mexican food.

**What is it like to live in Phoenix, AZ?**
**David Waedemon**
Lives in Houston, Update 3yr

I moved here in 1994. Phoenix is a place that is like no other I’ve seen. Barring some sort of natural or man made disaster it will remain my city of choice. Phoenix is built out instead of up. Traveling from the different cities that make up the Phoenix area takes well over an hour on the interstate. Yet ever during rush hour you still get where you are going without too much trouble. nothing like New York gridlock. The city is laid out using Thomas Jefferson’s grid pattern. each main road intersects with another every mile. Directions are not given in terms of left or right at a light or sign. Compass terms are used. It’s very easy to find your way around.

There are plenty of cultural things like museums and concerts. We have major sports all year long. There are local publications that give details for whatever type of event you may be looking for. We have just about anything. Cost of living has increased over the years as we have a lot of transplants. I’m one of them.

We have our problems like all major cities. But for the most part we don’t have the issues of L.A. Chicago or N.Y. Just about anyone can be self sufficient here. That may not seem like a big deal but I’m comparing it to cost of living in new York where five grand a month gets you a shoe box.

It is hot in the summer. Like blast furnace, makes the devil sweat, can actually be life threatening, hot. So three months a year folks don’t do much outside. To me that is a small price to pay for skipping Jersey winters.

**Things you should know before moving to Phoenix AZ**

The Spicy Chicken

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.


City Size

Region

City Type

Phoenix, Arizona

The Spicy Chicken

Look Score: 87