A lot of people will argue that the outdoor lifestyle of Traverse City is the best thing about living here, but heck, there are plenty of cities in the mitten with amazing outdoor experiences. What sets Traverse City apart more than anything else is the town itself. It’s a legitimately fun city, in a small package, that punches way above its weight socially with great restaurants, upscale bars/breweries, wineries, cafes, boutique shopping, and seriously excellent culture. This culture includes the historic [City Opera House](https://www.cityoperahouse.org/), live & cinema theater experiences at [State Theatre & Bijou By The Bay](https://stateandbijou.org/), and the [Old Town Playhouse](https://www.oldtownplayhouse.com/). Pound for pound, you can’t do better in the Midwest for a city that feels like an escape but also has a ton to do.

Ok, you also can’t overlook the outdoor experiences in and around Traverse City. It’s an integrated part of the lifestyle with in-town beaches, urban bike trails, a single track for you racers, some of the best golf courses in the country, kayaking/canoeing, skiing, and access to [**Sleeping Bear Dunes**](https://www.freep.com/story/travel/nation-now/2017/01/25/sleeping-bear-dunes/97052016/), rated one of the 20 best beaches in the world. Seriously, if the outdoors is your thing, you probably already know that Michigan is for real, and you can’t go wrong with direct access to the best of it in Traverse City.

Traverse City already has a lot going on, as noted above, but there’s even more on the way. A major development plan for the waterfront called [Your Bay, Your Way](https://www.traversecitymi.gov/userfiles/filemanager/uhn8c2cmghs3mzo52x59/) includes a new expanded farmer’s market, a new riverbank/riverwalk, a redesigned pedestrian bridge, two new pedestrian bridges over the river, and a new naturalized riverbank. All this means that not only is TC a great place to live now, but it's also a great investment as a result of all that’s on the way.

All of this is why Traverse City is featured in the [LookyLOO Guide to the Best Main Street USA cities in the U.S.](https://lookyloomove.com/tags/main-street-usa-cities).


***

Small Town Vibe, Big City Dreams

LookyLOO Review of Living in Traverse City

The [Traverse City Area Public Schools](https://www.tcaps.net/) are excellent. They rate an ["A-" on niche.com](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/traverse-city-area-public-schools-mi/) and score particularly well for academics, quality of the teachers, and college preparation. The student-to-teacher ratio is 20 to 1.

There are excellent public, charter, and private options, including top elementary schools like [Central Grade School](https://www.tcaps.net/schools/elementary-schools/centralgrade/), [Willow Hill](https://www.tcaps.net/schools/elementary-schools/willowhill/), [Tcaps Montessori](https://www.greatschools.org/michigan/traverse-city/6135-Tcaps-Montessori-School/), and [Woodland School](https://www.greatschools.org/michigan/traverse-city/100-Woodland-School/), a public charter.

At the high school level, there are wonderful options with [Central High](https://www.niche.com/k12/central-high-school-traverse-city-mi/) and [West Senior](https://www.tcaps.net/schools/high-schools/wsh/) among the best in the region. It should also be noted that a local Montessori has [relocated its middle school](https://www.traversechildrenshouse.org/junior_high.asp) to downtown Traverse City.



***

Schools in Traverse City

Traverse City has a surprisingly diverse employer base for a small city. [**Munson Healthcare**](https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/) and healthcare in general are big businesses in Michigan, and Munson is one of the largest employers in the area. Traverse City also has plenty of employment in entertainment/hospitality, with [**Grand Traverse Resort**](https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/), [**Interlochen Center for the Arts**](https://www.interlochen.org/), and tons of smaller outdoor lifestyle companies continuously hiring during their respective service seasons. The city is also experiencing growth in niche areas like [**Hagerty Insurance**](https://www.hagerty.com/insurance/classic-car-insurance-ppc?aff=g_us_br_b\&utm_source=google\&utm_medium=paid_search\&utm_campaign=ins_aut\&utm_content=text_602771671360\&utm_term=us_br\&gclid=CjwKCAiAibeuBhAAEiwAiXBoJFbYAeKJbBd5AnkaX_omgXmwl0DhGV-9H1nvKXmWQuuPD-z2eIV28RoCrHkQAvD_BwE) that insures classic cars, and plenty of new tech and consulting businesses emerging to serve Northern Michigan and national client bases.

There are hundreds of job openings in Traverse City at companies like:
-[Baker Hughes](https://www.bakerhughes.com/), a global leader in the energy industry
-[Siemens Healthineers](https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/), a pioneer in fighting the world's most threatening diseases
-[Interlochen Center for the Arts](https://www.interlochen.org/), a magical Arts Camp with a particular focus on music.

For specific job opportunities, check out the [**Michigan Career Portal**](https://michigancareerportal.org/).

The Traverse City area is growing as fast as any in the Midwest, and the job opportunities combined with the city and outdoor lifestyle experiences make it a dreamy spot to consider.



***

Worklife in Traverse City

**Living in Traverse City**
**2 yrs**&#x20;
**🦉🦉🦉🦉**

I hope I can help with some insight.

I'm 43. I was born in TC and raised in the area. I have never lived anywhere else. I have always felt safe.

Traverse City still has a bit of a small town feel with big city dreams. There's not only low crime, but also extremely low violent crime. You'll mostly find petty theft, breaking and entering, and similar occuring here and there in and out of the city limits and surrounding area.

The cost of living has skyrocketed here, but it has pretty much everywhere. There is a bit of an affordable housing crisis going on. If you expect to need to rent a house or apartment, you better jump on it soon cause everywhere has a waiting list and they are long. You can usually find cheaper housing outside of the city and into neighboring counties. That does also mean a smaller school but there are options available for your kids to attend other schools outside of the district you reside in.

There's a hefty population of older people and retirees. Quite a few are "snowbirds" and leave for the winter. Traverse City was listed as the #1 retirement town in a national magazine, so I only expect the number to rise.

The winters can be pretty harsh. Especially January and February. It's not just the onslaught of winter, but the typical January can have less than 15 minutes of actual sunshine for the entire month and both months you can expect to see negative degree temperatures in the overnight at some point. And it's not just cold, but bitter cold. Highs in the single digit and teens cold. The lake effect snow that occurs can be pretty unpredictable at times. There's no snow predicted, but it will be coming in off the lake and dropping like crazy in some spots and nothing in others.

Summers are beautiful, but feel quite short. The leaves begin to show signs of changing in the middle to end of August. There can be heat waves and stretches of hot weather, but it's usually the humidity level that will destroy you. There's water everywhere so it's not difficult to go swimming. The influx of traffic can be overwhelming. You can watch the increase happen overnight on Memorial Day weekend and slow down Labor Day. The beginning of July is even worse during Cherry Festival week and even worse the years the Blue Angels are here.

I can't really give much perspective on the kids side as my journey into that realm has only just begun. I do know there are festivals galore all over, the fair, and beautiful mother nature to enjoy!!

For more reviews of what living in Traverse City is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/petaluma/reviews). [<u>https://lookyloomove.com/locations/traverse-city/reviews</u>](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/petaluma/reviews)


***

Reviews of Living in Traverse City from Locals

### **Q: Is Traverse City expensive?**

A: By Michigan standards, yes. It has higher home prices than most parts of the state because of its tourism economy, waterfront demand, and limited housing stock. However, it’s still far cheaper than coastal cities or major metros.

### **Q: Is Traverse City safe?**

A: Generally, yes. Most neighborhoods feel stable and predictable. The west side and waterfront areas tend to have the most consistent safety ratings, but even the more mixed areas feel manageable.

### **Q: Is Traverse City walkable?**

A: Downtown, Old Town, and Central Neighborhood are the most walkable. Other areas require a car for daily errands.

### **Q: Are the schools good in Traverse City?**

A: Yes — Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is considered one of the stronger districts in northern Michigan, with recognized programs in STEM, arts, and career/technical education. There are also charter and private options nearby.

### **Q: What is the job market like?**

A: Healthcare, education, tourism, hospitality, and small professional firms anchor the local economy. There is also a growing remote-work population thanks to reliable internet and flexible Bay Area/Midwest employer policies.

### **Q: Is Traverse City a good place for remote workers?**

A: Yes. Many remote employees choose the area for lifestyle reasons — lake access, trails, slower pace — while keeping jobs with employers based in Chicago, Detroit, Ann Arbor, or entirely remote companies.

### **Q: How busy does it get in the summer?**

A: Very. Tourism peaks in June–August, which means more traffic, busier beaches, and higher seasonal pricing. Locals often schedule errands and outings around peak times.

### **Q: What is winter like?**

A: Long, snowy, and cold — but predictable. Outdoor recreation continues all winter with cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking, and winter hiking.

### **Q: How far is Traverse City from major cities?**

* **Grand Rapids:** \~2 hours
* **Detroit:** \~4 hours
* **Chicago:** \~5 hours
* **Ann Arbor:** \~3.5 hours

### **Q: Which neighborhoods are best for families?**

A: Central Neighborhood, Slabtown, and parts of Old Mission Peninsula.

### **Q: What neighborhoods are best for young professionals?**

A: Downtown, Old Town, and Central/Boardman areas.

Traverse City FAQ

Downtown is where the action is, so if you want to be a short walk to the shops, restaurants, and entertainment, then Downtown Traverse City is the place for you. Front Street is the center of the Downtown scene, and the brick sidewalks and 19th-century Victorian storefronts are a big draw for locals and visitors. State Theatre is on Front, as are many of the best restaurants, pubs, and cool shops. You also have direct access to [**Clinch Park**](https://www.traversecity.com/listings/clinch-park/1752/), which sits on West Grand Traverse Bay and is perfect for a quiet afternoon or a summer festival. Housing in Downtown includes a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and condos, all within walking distance to the city's social and cultural experiences.

Good options for apartments/condos for young professionals or empty nesters include [**West End Lofts**](https://www.westendloftstc.com/home) and [**TC Lofts**](https://tclofts.com/), both of which offer Bay views and easy walking to everything Downtown has to offer. Median rentals for Downtown average just below $2,000, and the median listing price for homes is $350,000.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Central Grade School](https://www.tcaps.net/o/cgs)
\- [East Middle School](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcems)
\- [Central High School](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcchs)
**Median Home Price:** **$450,000–$700,000** (condos vary widely)
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-Petoskey’s downtown core
-Marquette’s Third Street area

Young professionals, remote workers, empty nesters.

Downtown Traverse City

If you want to take it down a notch from living Downtown, then the Old Mission Peninsula is perfect. Incredibly serene and scenic, you are surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and have breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay, but remain a short drive from Downtown.
Locals appreciate the slower pace of life, with opportunities for wine tasting, hiking, and boating. Homes here range from cozy cottages to sprawling estates, many with waterfront access or panoramic vistas.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Old Mission Peninsula School](https://www.ompschool.org/)
\- [East Middle School](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcems)
\- [Central High](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcchs)
**Median Home Price:** **$700,000–$1.5M+**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-Door County (WI)
-Petoskey’s lakeshore corridors

Families/Retirees

Old Mission Peninsula

Central is a collection of several neighborhoods, often grouped due to proximity and the [**Neighborhood Association**](https://centralhood.wixsite.com/centralhood) that supports the area. This support includes running the beloved [**Porchfest Music Festival**](https://tccna1.wixsite.com/tcporchfest) each September, along with several other summer and yearly events. These Central neighborhoods run along the waterfront and offer a mix of beautiful housing options, including historic homes to modern developments. Slabtown, known for its eclectic charm, features trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. Oak Park boasts tree-lined streets and spacious parks, perfect for families. Boardman Neighborhood is close to the Boardman River, offering opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Central Grade](https://www.tcaps.net/o/cgs)
\- [East Middle](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcems)
\- [Central High](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcchs)
**Median Home Price:** **$450,000–$750,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[Holland’s historic district](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/holland)
-[Madison’s Wil-Mar neighborhood](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/madison)

Families/DINKs/SINKs

Central Neighborhoods (Slabtown, Oak Park, Boardman)

**The Neighborhood Vibe:**
Just south of downtown, Old Town blends older homes, small apartments, and a growing restaurant/bar scene. The neighborhood has a slightly more local feel than the tourist-heavy downtown blocks. Tree-lined streets, historic houses, and walkability make it popular for people who want convenience without the noise of the commercial core.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Central Grade School](https://www.tcaps.net/o/cgs)
\- [East Middle School](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcems)
\- [Central High School](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcchs)
**Median Home Price:** **$400,000–$600,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[Grand Rapids’ Eastown](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/grand-rapids)
-[Ann Arbor’s Old West Side](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/ann-arbor) (on a smaller scale)

Young professionals, singles/couples, long-term residents.

Old Town Neighborhood 

**The Neighborhood Vibe:**
South of downtown, the Boardman area has historic homes on quiet residential blocks and for many a key benefit of  It’s walkable to parks and schools and access to the Boardman Loop Trail. It sits close enough to downtown for easy access without summer congestion. Homes are generally older, with a mix of restored properties and more modest houses.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Central ](https://www.tcaps.net/o/cgs)Elementary
\- [East Middle](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcems)
\- [Central High](https://www.tcaps.net/o/tcchs)
**Median Home Price:** **$350,000–$550,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:** Kalamazoo’s Vine neighborhood; Lansing’s Westside

Young professionals, retirees, mixed-age households.

Boardman Neighborhood (Boardman/Oak Park)

Traverse City

**Living in Traverse City**
**2 yrs**&#x20;
**🦉🦉🦉🦉**


I hope I can help with some insight.

I'm 43. I was born in TC and raised in the area. I have never lived anywhere else. I have always felt safe.

Traverse City still has a bit of a small town feel with big city dreams. There's not only low crime, but also extremely low violent crime. You'll mostly find petty theft, breaking and entering, and similar occuring here and there in and out of the city limits and surrounding area.

The cost of living has skyrocketed here, but it has pretty much everywhere. There is a bit of an affordable housing crisis going on. If you expect to need to rent a house or apartment, you better jump on it soon cause everywhere has a waiting list and they are long. You can usually find cheaper housing outside of the city and into neighboring counties. That does also mean a smaller school but there are options available for your kids to attend other schools outside of the district you reside in.

There's a hefty population of older people and retirees. Quite a few are "snowbirds" and leave for the winter. Traverse City was listed as the #1 retirement town in a national magazine, so I only expect the number to rise.

The winters can be pretty harsh. Especially January and February. It's not just the onslaught of winter, but the typical January can have less than 15 minutes of actual sunshine for the entire month and both months you can expect to see negative degree temperatures in the overnight at some point. And it's not just cold, but bitter cold. Highs in the single digit and teens cold. The lake effect snow that occurs can be pretty unpredictable at times. There's no snow predicted, but it will be coming in off the lake and dropping like crazy in some spots and nothing in others.

Summers are beautiful, but feel quite short. The leaves begin to show signs of changing in the middle to end of August. There can be heat waves and stretches of hot weather, but it's usually the humidity level that will destroy you. There's water everywhere so it's not difficult to go swimming. The influx of traffic can be overwhelming. You can watch the increase happen overnight on Memorial Day weekend and slow down Labor Day. The beginning of July is even worse during Cherry Festival week and even worse the years the Blue Angels are here.

I can't really give much perspective on the kids side as my journey into that realm has only just begun. I do know there are festivals galore all over, the fair, and beautiful mother nature to enjoy!!

**Moved to Traverse City**


We just moved to Traverse City from Charlotte North Carolina this summer. We are loving the milder weather. The comments about the cost of living are true. Some things are more expensive, like gasoline, and some things are not as expensive. We have a great neighborhood and have been impressed with the schools so far (8yo & 11yo), although the first day is next Tuesday!! We love exploring, we love being outdoors, and we are looking forward to having a winter. Feel free to message me about the differences and similarities to Charlotte, North Carolina, plus the things that we miss and wish were more available here. So far we love our decision and I think it was the right one. Someone else said it best, that this is kind of a fun place to be as the food choices expand and the roads get better and there are increasing opportunities here.

**Perspective On Living In Traverse City**

Ive lived in TC my whole life. It's got a lot going for it. Fantastic outdoor activities. Great food options, lots of events, it's a pretty open minded area for the size, and it's a steadily growing small city. There's fantastic farmers markets, TONS of beautiful nature trails, kayaking, biking etc. Really world class for that. The state hospital grounds are very unique and fun to visit as a local even. So the touristy spots are actually used by locals too.

The surrounding towns are also fantastic, Sutton's bay, Northport, elk rapids, and day trips to charlavoix and Petosky are great. Plus the sleeping bear dunes and pretty much all of leelanau county are absolutely stunning and basically at your doorstep. Opening up even more outdoor activities.

Nightlife is pretty quiet, sidetraxx is the only real nightclub, other than that you basically just have typical dive bars, breweries wineries and fancy bars. The town is really quiet at night, there are only a handful of places that stay open passed 11:00 PM

Having lived here 34 years, I still enjoy walking around downtown, and going to the various nature preserves. There's very cute cafes, the beaches are great in the summer as well. And the seasons are beautiful here, winters can be long but they're not as intense as some places, but definitely expect cold and snowy.

The economy is strong if you can afford it. Housing can be a bit difficult to come by and moves VERY fast. So if you do decide to move here definitely be ready to hit the ground running and jump at opportunities because they can be tricky to come by if you're renting.

Purchasing a home also moves very fast, there's a lot of competition with all the people moving here from major cities.

Overall, I've lived here 34 years and still enjoy it. I still enjoy the touristy things, the food, the culture. And have no plans of moving in the foreseeable future.



# Traverse City, Michigan - Samantha Brown's Places to Love

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

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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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Traverse City, Michigan

Small Town Vibe, Big City Dreams

Looklyloo Score: 93