Tech startups and VCs are flocking to San Diego. The attraction is a big, functional city with all the attendant benefits but set in a surfer’s paradise. Long known as the older, less cool cousin to Los Angeles, the beach scene, the LGBTQ scene, the craft brew scene, the college town scene, and the proximity to the best Mexican food anywhere (Mexico) have coalesced to create something youthful and unique.

There are some downsides including: square footage costs are well over average. And frankly, so is everything else. And, the fires and drought and earthquake -- not great.



Chill Vibe in a Big City.

LookyLOO Review of San Diego

One of the biggest contributing factors to the lifestyle of San Diego is the nice weather. Being sunny and temperate almost all year round, plus the proximity to some amazing beaches, means that people spend a lot of time outside. Everyone you know either surfs, spends their weekends hiking or biking, or plays beach volleyball. Despite being a huge city, this gives it a relaxed, beach-town vibe. The median age in the city is just under 35, which means it’s a great city for young professionals and young families. The city is also influenced by its proximity to the border, the military, and tech and tourism. 

If you want to see what's happening in San Diego now and throughout the year check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.sandiegomagazine.com/calendar/).


Lifestyle

San Diego has a ton of economic opportunities for recently relocated residents. Even with the pandemic, San Diego has seen steady job growth over the past few years, with large industries like defense/military, tech, and life sciences dominating the job market. The top employers are the US Navy, Kaiser Permanente, The University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.


Worklife

The [**San Diego Unified School District**](https://www.sandiegounified.org/) is one of the best in California, rating an [**"A" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/san-diego-unified-school-district-ca/) with exceptional ratings for College Prep. 

While there are schools with "A's" throughout the district, the highest scoring regions are on the north/west sides and the far east region near Mission Trails Park. A couple of secondary pearls amidst the large district include:

-[**Mt Everest Academy**](https://mteverest.sandiegounified.org/): a K-12 Alternative Public, that receives an [A+ on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/mt-everest-academy-san-diego-ca/?map) and is rated the best elementary school in California.
-[**Scripps Ranch High School**](https://www.scrippsranch.sandiegounified.org/) is another gem. Located north of the city it also rates an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/scripps-ranch-high-school-san-diego-ca/) and is renowned for Academics and College Prep. 

Schools

San Diego is the perfect place if you find yourself wanting to escape the bleak winters of the East Coast or the dreary fog of the Pacific Northwest. It may be expensive, but you can earn good money, live close to the ocean, and live like you’re in a Corona commercial.

Escape

Why You Should Move Here Now? 

**ronj1983**
Living in San Diego
1y ago
✭✭✭✭✭

From NYC 37 years. Here 2.5 years. The fucking people here will give you the shirt off their backs. I am black and have been in trouble in some all white, upper class areas and the people have hepled me there greatly. So much so I thought I was on candid camera. I hangout at Sky Deck, which is a rooftop bar in Del Mar. Only black person there and it is all love. I run so I am friends with everybody. White, Mexican, Indian/Middle Eastern etc. Just go to a bar, shoot your mouth off, and people will love you. South of the 94 is supposedly the hood for the most part. Again, I'm from NYC so I laugh at that. Encanto and Lincoln Park are south of the 94 and are supposed to be the worst areas. Again, I laugh. Personal favorite? I am biased as I work from Del Mar to Carlsbad so that is it for me. If I am close to home? My place would be Kensington to live. Middle East background? You will love Kearny Mesa and Mira Mesa for food. Very good Indian/Middle Eastern food there. I live right off of El Cajon Blvd and College Ave. Kinda diverse and in the middle of everything. Get to the beach in 20-25 minutes driving no traffic.

For more reviews of what living in San Diego is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/san-diego/reviews)

The Shirt off your Back

Reviews of San Diego from Locals

**The Best Thing About San Diego?** The chill vibe in a big city. 
Tech startups and VCs are flocking to San Diego. The attraction is a big, functional city with all the attendant benefits but set in a surfer’s paradise. Long known as the older, less cool cousin to Los Angeles, the beach scene, the LGBTQ scene, the craft brew scene, the college town scene and the proximity to the best Mexican food anywhere (Mexico) have coalesced to create something youthful and unique. 


**The Worst Thing About San Diego?** Housing is not cheap. 
Square footage costs are well over average. And frankly, so is everything else. And, the fires and drought and earthquakes...not great. 


**How You Living?** Probably bouncing around at first.
There are Encinitas phases and North Park phases, South Park phases and Normal Heights phases. Neighborhoods will fluctuate with phases of life but it will likely be more beachy than not and you’ll be surrounded by surfers and skateboarders. And, you’ll be driving even though The Trolley is indeed a thing.


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** You can earn good money and live in a Corona commercial. 


San Diego is situated in the southwestern corner of the US. It’s the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the country. Considered the cooler, more chill younger sister city of Los Angeles, it’s south of LA and Irving and is north of Chula Vista (on the border). The city itself is bordered on the north by the famous San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. The city itself can feel really clogged, especially during rush hour and peak tourism seasons. The location of the city influences the city a lot: it’s a border town, a beach town, and in California, which means it’s expensive. The city has a lot of great neighborhoods, but if you want to escape the dreaded traffic you’re going to want to head to any one of the super popular San Diego suburbs like Encinitas or Chula Vista which are nice, but definitely not San Diego. 


The Area

San Diego is home to a couple of great universities including UC San Diego, University of San Diego, San Diego State, and National University. One of the more popular universities, UC San Diego, is right next to University City, which is a large residential and university district close to campus. Through the center of the neighborhood is Rose Canyon Open Space Park, which has hiking trails and woodland areas perfect for weekends away from campus. There’s also a ton of great restaurants, shopping, and more in the area— what else can you ask for?
- University City
- La Jolla Village
- College Area


College Students

University City

Young Professionals
What better way to spend your time after work than on the beach or grabbing drinks with friends on an outdoor patio? Living in San Diego as a young professional makes the 9-5 sludge almost bearable. If you’re wanting to relocate, we’d suggest starting your search in Hillcrest. This neighborhood is just north of downtown near the Zoo and is known for its friendly neighbors, walkability (by San Diego standards), and is at the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in SD. It has a ton of restaurants and bars, has live events, and a plethora of townhomes and apartments to choose from. 
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach


Young Professionals

Hillcrest

Young families looking to relocate to San Diego are in luck. On top of everything that’s great about the city, San Diego also has amazing schools. If you’re looking to settled down, but not embrace suburbia yet, we suggest starting your search in North Park. The neighborhood has a city feel to it, but there are a ton of single-family homes, condos, and townhomes to choose from. On the weekends, you can get out and wander around art galleries, attend a festival, or hit the farmer’s market with the fam!
- North Park
- Mira Mesa
- La Mesa


Young Families

North Park 

San Diego has a lot to offer for families with older children like great schools and some pretty stellar neighborhoods. That being said, it can get pricey. If you can afford it, Carmel Valley is our vote for the first place to check out in the city. It has a really family-feel to it, you won’t get side-eyed for saying “hello” to neighbors, and there are great schools!
- Carmel Valley
- Torrey Hills
- La Jolla


Established Families

Carmel Valley

San Diego

**ronj1983**
Living in San Diego
1y ago
✭✭✭✭✭

From NYC 37 years. Here 2.5 years. The fucking people here will give you the shirt off their backs. I am black and have been in trouble in some all white, upper class areas and the people have hepled me there greatly. So much so I thought I was on candid camera. I hangout at Sky Deck, which is a rooftop bar in Del Mar. Only black person there and it is all love. I run so I am friends with everybody. White, Mexican, Indian/Middle Eastern etc. Just go to a bar, shoot your mouth off, and people will love you. South of the 94 is supposedly the hood for the most part. Again, I'm from NYC so I laugh at that. Encanto and Lincoln Park are south of the 94 and are supposed to be the worst areas. Again, I laugh. Personal favorite? I am biased as I work from Del Mar to Carlsbad so that is it for me. If I am close to home? My place would be Kensington to live. Middle East background? You will love Kearny Mesa and Mira Mesa for food. Very good Indian/Middle Eastern food there. I live right off of El Cajon Blvd and College Ave. Kinda diverse and in the middle of everything. Get to the beach in 20-25 minutes driving no traffic.


**bellabelleell** / Living in San Diego / 1y ago
✭✭✭

1+5) There is huge diversity in San Diego, many pockets of Middle Eastern communities if you need a taste of home. Otherwise, you will fit in anywhere in the county. People here tend to keep to themselves, but are typically kind and outgoing once you begin socializing. I have found that meeting people in San Diego is pretty hobby-driven. You won't normally make friends by going to bars or the beach, but if you love cars or hiking, joining meetup groups for those hobbies will introduce you to many like-minded people. For a county as big as SD, social media is almost essential.

2) I'm not sure if you are looking for a place you can feel safe walking around in OR if you are looking for areas that are within walking distance of a beach (two very different answers). San Diego County is made of many smaller cities, almost all of which are within a 20-30min drive of each other. Two rules to consider when deciding where to live: A) rural areas are less tolerant of other cultures (this is how the US is in general), so suburban and urban areas will be safer for you. B) The more urban the area, the more you will experience issues like homelessness (a byproduct of our weather and population density).

Suburban areas to consider: La Mesa, Santee, and Encinitas. El Cajon has a larger Middle Eastern community, but is a little underdeveloped compared to some of the nicer parts of San Diego.

Urban areas to consider: Golden Hill, Hillcrest (a safe haven for alternative lifestyles), and Pacific Beach.

**ronj1983** / Living in San Diego / Updated 1mo ago
✭✭✭✭✭

Well, I am gonna be very detailed here. This is gonna be long. I had no idea about this place. I met a girl on Facebook from here in early 2011. She tells me it is 72 degrees in January. Told her I would eventually come check it out. Came in 2014 with my now wife for a week and we ran a half marathon (we are big time runners). Came in 2018 again for a week and ran another half marathon. Then comes the cost of living. Homes here are a little more than NYC, but if you are renting it is probably even if you are smart. We live in a 1BR complex with a 2 pools, a gym, 2 laundry rooms and 2 stainless steel grills for $1,735 a month and 2 parking spots. My wife is in healthcare and left NYC 3.5 years ago making 88K. She started here at 110K. Now she is almost at 150K. I did Instacart full time for 2.5 years and still do it a little, but started my own mobile mechanic business. I love the winter here because you can wake up and it can be high 30's at 6am so you do get a little pinch of back home for a few hours. The coldest days in the winter are like mid 50's. The summer is not nearly as hot as NYC as the humidity is low here. The beaches from La Jolla all the way up to Carlsbad are absolutely bliss. The people here, they will give you the shirt off of their backs and are really polite. Hard to be a douche when you wake up to palm trees daily and good weather. People will tell you that you need to make $2974429257929 a year to live here and it is not the case. The bad about herr is the tap water is not close to that of NYC and there are a lot of homeless people, but the huge population is mostly downtown. If you are not downtown then it will not look bad at all. They are pretty much scattered. I have had no issues with homeless people or my car broken in etc. The gas is like $1 more, but the car insurance is cheaper so it offsets. You can do 75 on any highway and the cops won't even look at you. Less traffic of course. The public transportation I have never taken, but it does not seem bad. We have a train that goes all the way to LA as well. I would suggest you come and stay for a week. San Diego is HUGE in size. I can be at the border, drive for 2hrs with no traffic and still be in San Diego. Oh, we have a place called Julian which is high elevation and it snows. Freaked me out to see snow in San Diego. You can go up there for a weekend if you want to an almost Poconos type feel. Legoland is here, Disneyland is less than 2hrs away. LA is 2hrs with no traffic, Sesame Place just opened up, we have Belmont Park which is a smaller scale Coney Island and a little safer, Sea World is here, the San Diego Zoo is here and the biggest zoo in the country. Whatever your line of work is look to see what it pays here. For example, the city jobs in NYC pay very well. The cops, Firemen, MTA, garbagemen etc. Here, they do not pay nearly as well for those jobs.

**AmeriKantDream** / Living in San Diego / 1y ago

San Diego is generally known for its friendly and laid-back atmosphere, and many people find it relatively easy to make new friends. The city attracts a diverse population, including locals and transplants, which contributes to a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Some of the nice and safe areas to stay in that are close to the beach and walkable include:

La Jolla: Located along the coastline, La Jolla is an affluent neighborhood with beautiful beaches, upscale shops, and restaurants. It offers a luxurious and picturesque living experience.

Del Mar: Situated north of downtown, Del Mar is a charming coastal community known for its stunning beaches, upscale homes, and a laid-back lifestyle.

Coronado: Just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado is an idyllic island community with pristine beaches, a historic hotel, and a quaint downtown area. It offers a luxurious and relaxed atmosphere.

Encinitas: Located north of San Diego, Encinitas offers a coastal living experience with beautiful beaches, a vibrant downtown area, and a thriving surf culture.

Areas to exercise caution and potentially stay away from in San Diego include certain neighborhoods with higher crime rates, such as parts of Southeast San Diego, City Heights, and some areas near downtown. It's always recommended to research specific neighborhoods and consult with locals or real estate professionals for the most up-to-date information on safety.

**The REAL Pros and Cons of living in San Diego California**

Sandy Eggo

California

Michigan

Minnesota

New Jersey

New York

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


**Lifestyle**

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

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

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


**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Worklife** 

**Major Industries:**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**Why Move Here Now?**

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

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

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

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

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

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

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

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


**Who’s Moving to Virginia?**

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

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

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

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


**Worklife**

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

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

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

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

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

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


**Why Move Here Now?**

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

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


Virginia

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

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

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

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

**Lifestyle** 

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

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

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


**Who’s Moving to North Carolina?**

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

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

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

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


**Worklife** 

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

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

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

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

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

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


**Why Move Here Now?**

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

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

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


North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

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

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

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

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


**Lifestyle** 

Maryland is a state of contrasts:

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

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

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

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

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


**Who’s Moving to Maryland?**

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

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

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

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


**Worklife**

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

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

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

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

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

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


**Why Move Here Now?**

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

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


Maryland

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

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

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

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



**Lifestyle** 

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

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

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

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



**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

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

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

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

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

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



**Worklife**

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

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

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

- Healthcare: especially in Seattle and Spokane

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

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

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



**Why Move Here Now?**

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


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