Plano is the perfect place for families and increasingly younger couples and singles. There are parks, bike trails, dog parks, and recreation centers that everyone can enjoy. If you’re in the mood for a pickup game of tag football, a picnic with friends, or a walk with the fam, check out the two open space preserves: [**Arbor Hills Nature Preserve**](https://www.plano.gov/1397/Arbor-Hills-Nature-Preserve), which has a pond, and [**Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve**](https://www.plano.gov/1476/Oak-Point-Park-Nature-Preserve). Within both parks are biking trails void of interruption from cars or traffic. 

If you want indoor recreation, there are 5 recreation centers in Plano, three with indoor pools, one with an outdoor pool, and a recreation center exclusively for senior residents. If you or your family has a furry friend, there are many dog parks in the area, great for an afternoon with the pup! With the favorable weather and community feel of Plano, it’s no shocker that everyone loves to get out and about!

The pandemic means that people don’t have to live in high-population areas and sacrifice happiness for location. Texas is no stranger to the post-office life migration. Texas, as a whole, offers no income tax for citizens or corporations, meaning it’s a very popular place for headquarters, including FedEx, Frito-Lay, and more. More people and more business mean, you guessed it, traffic. 

For people who are still commuting to Dallas, you’re looking at your usual 25-minute commute going up to 70 minutes in the evening rush. As more and more businesses take advantage of Texas’s lack of corporate income taxes, we can expect even more people to move to the DFW area in the coming years.


Nature, Parks, and Trails

LookyLOO Review of Living in Plano

Plano is safe, it's sunny, it's fun, and it's one of the most family-friendly cities in the country - see the [LookyLOO Guide to the most Family-Friendly Cities](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/family-friendly-cities). People who live here have found a perfect combination of work-life balance. There is a ton to do outside with family or friends, great restaurants, and amazing schools. Plano’s neighborhoods are tree-lined and gorgeous, full of families and young professionals looking for community and a good time!

If you want to see what's happening in Plano, check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.visitplano.com/events/).

We highly recommend visiting Plano and staying in the community at a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) instead of a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can also receive discounted fares on travel through our [partnership with Expedia](https://expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ).



Lifestyle in Plano

Plano is home to a huge number of headquarters. At Home, FedEx Office, Frito-Lay, J.C. Penney, and many more are in Plano! Because there are so many growing businesses already in the city and more hiring on the way, there's no shortage of job opportunities for those on the hunt. The largest employers are Capital One Finance, DXC Technology, and Bank of America.


Worklife in Plano

Plano is nationally recognized for its excellent public school system and is featured in our guide to [Cities with the Topic Public Schools in the U.S.](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/high-public-school-ratings). The city is primarily served by [Plano Independent School District (PISD)](https://www.pisd.edu/), one of the largest and most respected in Texas. PISD schools consistently earn [“A” ratings from Niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/plano-independent-school-district-tx/) and the Texas Education Agency, thanks to strong academics, advanced placement programs, and extracurricular options ranging from robotics to fine arts.

The district’s three senior high schools — [Plano Senior High](https://pshs.pisd.edu/), [Plano West Senior High](https://pwsh.pisd.edu/), and [Plano East Senior High](https://pesh.pisd.edu/) — are all highly ranked and known for competitive academic and athletic programs. Many Plano schools also offer International Baccalaureate (IB) and gifted/talented tracks, giving families a range of pathways for college preparation.

Parts of north and west Plano are also served by the [Frisco ISD](https://www.friscoisd.org/) and [Allen ISD](https://www.allenisd.org/), both of which are also top-rated districts in the Dallas–Fort Worth region. This overlap means families in Plano often have access to some of the best-performing schools in Texas.

Private school options include [Prestonwood Christian Academy](https://www.prestonwoodchristian.org/) and [Faith Lutheran School](https://www.flsplano.org/), offering additional choices for parents seeking smaller class sizes or faith-based education.

Quick Snapshot:
- Plano ISD rated “A+” on Niche.com.
- Graduation rate: ~96%.
- Student-teacher ratio: ~15:1.
- Multiple high schools ranked among the best in Texas.

For families, Plano’s strong schools are a major reason the city consistently lands on national “Best Places to Live” lists.

Schools in Plano

With the high number of headquarters already in Plano, plus more moving to the DFW area in the next few years, it’s only getting more crowded. Couple that with the pandemic’s rise in housing prices, and even a reasonably priced and populated city like Plano will boom! Move now while you can and watch Plano grow!


Move now before it’s too late!

Why Move Here Now? 

**curvedyield**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

We were in your shoes 1 year ago (almost exactly it sounds like). We made the move and it’s been 10/10 choice - very happy we did. If you have kids and family in the area it’s hard to beat.

In my mind, the biggest knocks against it are:

summers are terrible/way too hot

good city parks, but in general very limited good nature nearby (no one @ me about these fake lakes you guys have in Texas - definitely does not count)

if suburbia would bother you, then not for you (personally love it for stage of life we are in now, but at a different time or for different personalities I could see how it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea).

Other than that, some things that surprised me (positively) vs my expectations:

had been visiting here for ~15-20 yrs before we moved, but I’ve really been noticing how clean it is vs anywhere else we’ve lived (mostly recently Boston suburbs). Not sure if that’s consensus opinion, but I run a lot and it’s not even close - really really clean vs anywhere else I’ve lived.

ppl are generally very friendly/neighborly

This place is stunningly pro construction/development (which I personally appreciate. The mayor joked about the orange traffic cone being the city flower of Plano and got applause. In the northeast or west coast they would 100% throw rotten fruit at you for that).

it feels/seems quite safe to me. The one exception would be driving. IMHO drivers here seem (overall), better than many cities, but there is a real road-rage vibe (& have seen a few incidents).

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

The Reapers

Reviews of Plano from Locals

Young professionals in Plano have a ton to keep them occupied. Whether you’re commuting to Dallas or work at one of the many headquarters in town, your weekends will be filled with hanging out with friends outdoors, taking your favorite furry friend to the park, or hitting up one of the many great restaurants or bars. Stay close to the action in these neighborhoods:
- Downtown Plano
- Pitman Creek


Young Professionals

Downtown

Young Families settling down in Plano have a ton to look forward to. There are plenty of future fixer-uppers and great neighborhoods with awesome schools and parks, all while being close to the action.
- Timbercreek
- Pitman Creek
- King’s Ridge


Young Families

Timbercreek

Older families will find it no trouble at all to find a place in Plano to call home. There is a wide variety in listing price, all while giving your and your family the amenities and privacy they want. These neighborhoods have tree-lined streets, easy access to parks and nature trails, and great schools.
- Russell Creek
- Lakeside
- Legacy West


Established Families

Russell Creek

There is plenty in Plano to keep recently retired singles and couples busy. There are great shops, restaurants, and a ton of outdoor activities to participate in. If you find your nest recently empty, check out these areas:
- Downtown 
- Oak Point 


Retirees

Oak Point 

Plano

**Cloudy_Automation**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Dad-type advice here.

The quintessential Texas supermarket is HEB, and one opened in Plano at Preston&Spring Creek. If you haven't visited one, it's worth at least one visit. There are plenty of Tex-Mex and Barbeque restaurants, but there are a number of ethnic restaurants, Indian, Japanese, Korean, German, Jamaican and others.

While the speed limits seem more of a suggestion, once school starts, every school zone is strictly enforced, including handheld phone use. You have to stop for school buses in both directions, even on a 6 lane road. Getting a Texas drivers license takes forever, make an appointment online as soon as possible. You need to have your car insured, inspected, and registered in Texas within 30 days, and this has to be done before you go to your driver's appointment.

From what my daughter told me, the wine walks in Deep Ellum were fun, best to get there on DART and back, with an Uber of one has consumed too much. The DART train is in eastern Plano. It's also a good way to go to the State Fair in September, everyone needs to go once.

**Anonymous**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

A more balanced and accurate view of Plano, for someone that takes pride in thinking accurately. Plano is a dense suburb of Dallas, population near 285K, good mix of residential options but is mostly single family homes, ranging from high end homes mostly in the west side to more modest homes in the east. There are also apartments, garden style and new urbanist style in several locations. The city has excellent parks, bike trails, recreation centers, good restaurants, fairly good cultural amenities (performing arts)for a suburban city in the U.S. The population is diverse. Crime is low. Road infrastructure is good, excellent sidewalks for a car oriented city. Public transportation is good, with rail to Dallas on the east side, fair to good bus transit with routes from train station to employment areas on the west side of town, two park and ride bus centers and an on demand transit system across most of the city not on a bike route. Thus, the comment that public transportation is a joke is not accurate. It is not Paris or London, but good to very good for a U.S suburban city. 

**sapphirekangaroo**
Living in Plano
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Plano is a boring city and expensive BUT it’s an amazing place to raise a family. I have a 4 and 8 year old - there are excellent schools, many parks, lots of family entertainment, and it’s safe and clean. Plano itself has lots of shops and restaurants and is easy to live in. Traffic within the city isn’t too bad, except during rush hour. Dallas and two major airports are nearby. The people of Plano are great - a family member recently came out as transgender and we’ve had no issues and only neutral to welcoming responses.

**Thinking about moving to Plano. Have some questions.**

hailstorms occur every few years. they happen but too often. summers are brutal - i was born and raised here and still hate going outside; the only time when its tolerable is early mornings and late evenings. winters are ok, mild, rarely snows but it has happened before!

politically conservative but I've never encountered super expressive people. most keep to themselves especially with the more diverse population.

population is pretty diverse as i said before. in recent years, I've noticed more Asians especially Chinese moving in (I'm Asian myself and I grew up with many other Asian peers at school). There's been a lot of new cute resturants and cafes opening that students have been going to but there isnt really that much of a night life going on. We weren't ranked as one of the most boring cities in the States for no reason lol.

Plano is known to be very safe. Gun violence has never been a problem until recent years. You don't NEED one but owning a gun is very common in TX.

Haven't heard of opioid crisis but drugs are a known issue in high school (then again this isnt an unique problem) especially on the West side. i went to a school known as the 'pharmacy' where weed was dealt freely and drugs were found in restrooms so 🤷‍♂️

**Living in Plano, Texas [EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW]**

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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The Reapers

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