Nearly 40% of households in America are thinking about moving in the U.S. in 2022, with about half of those considering relocating away from their current metro area. Reasons people give for wanting to move include affordability and lower cost of living, being closer to family, a new job, and the ability to live wherever they want while working remotely. If you’re one of those in America with wanderlust or a need to be in a new city, start your research with our list below of the best U.S. cities to move to.
1. Durham, North Carolina
Durham offers plenty of big-city amenities, but living here feels more like living in the suburbs. Outdoor activities are possible here, even in populated areas, thanks to plenty of parks and green spaces and the nearby Butner Falls of Neuse game lands. If you’re looking to buy a house when you move to your next city, Durham may be a financially sound choice. Home prices and housing costs in the city are 23% lower than the national average.
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh offers affordable housing, especially when compared to other northern cities. In addition to affordability, it has plenty of amenities and cultural opportunities for singles, couples, and families. With 15,000 acres of green spaces in the city and easy access to larger state parks, outdoor activities abound.
3. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is a cultural powerhouse in the heart of Texas. There’s plenty to visit in this city, from the Riverwalk, where you can eat, shop, or take a lazy boat tour down the river, to the Alamo, where you can step into history. And while San Antonio is a full-fledged big city with all the nightlife and amenities that come with that designation, it maintains a sleepy, community feeling that other large cities can’t pull off.
4. Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington lets you enjoy North Carolina coastal living without the high price tag that often comes with easy access to the ocean. The low cost of living in the city is below the North Carolina state average, and locals overwhelmingly rave about the quality of life and rate the city as friendly to neighbors, families, and pets. Around 60% of residents in the city say they can walk to nearby restaurants and enjoy the sense of community the city offers.
5. Tampa, Florida
Florida is the number one destination for people moving out-of-state. Tampa is a great gateway for those looking to move into Florida. Enjoy sunny climates and a laid-back Florida lifestyle without putting your career on hold or giving up quality of life or sacrificing access to plenty of cultural, entertainment, shopping, or dining amenities. Tampa rides the middle of the road when it comes to cost of living, coming in just at the national average, but the crime here is 18% lower than the national average.
6. Sacramento, California
Sacramento often plays second fiddle to San Francisco and Los Angeles. But the California state capital has its own robust arts scene, plenty of locations to make foodies salivate, and options for outdoor activities including river rafting and cycling. Plus, it’s only a couple of hours from San Francisco, making it possible to access the Bay Area metro area on weekends or days off.
7. San Diego, California
Many people might not realize that San Diego was the first point settled by people coming from the East to the West. Today, this California landscape draws modern singles and families. Mild weather with lots of sunshine and access to beaches makes this one of the best cities to move to for sun lovers. You’ll find plenty to explore during your days off, including SeaWorld and the iconic San Diego Zoo.
8. Leawood, Kansas
Leawood is one of the popular cities to move to outside of Kansas City. If you’re looking to cut down on costs by making a move, this isn’t the place you want to land. The cost of living is above both state and national averages. But young families looking for a safe place to live with awesome amenities and great schools may want to give this city a look. On average, students here score well above national averages, and overall crime rates are more than 50% below national averages.
9. Chicago, Illinois
One of the biggest and best cities in the midwest, Chicago is a love-it-or-leave-it type of place. The Windy City, with neighborhoods covering a variety of cultures and living options, is a favorite of many young professionals and couples. Moving to Chicago gives you access to miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan, job opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best museums in the nation.
10. Austin, Texas
Austin, the capital of Texas, is known for its eclectic live-music scene and the many parks and lakes for outdoor activities. Austin is a great place for career builders, as you’ll find plentiful openings across a wide variety of job markets. Young professionals especially may find numerous opportunities in Austin’s tech companies, and singles and young couples may love the nightlife, live music, and entertainment options available. In Austin proper, the culture is more open-minded, and you can find family-friendly neighborhoods peppered throughout the greater Austin metro area, too.
11. Charleston, South Carolina
If you want to split your time between beaches, historical sites, and great nightlife, Charleston may be an ideal move for you. While the city’s cost of living is higher than the South Carolina state average, you can find lower costs and more affordable housing in nearby suburbs and still access all that Charleston has to offer. Magnolia Plantations, Fort Sumter, and the Historic Charleston City Market are just a few must-enjoy South Carolina sites for those living nearby.
12. Alpharetta, Georgia
Alpharetta is a suburb city of Atlanta, and moving here lets you access all that A-Town offers, but with a lower cost of living that Atlanta can’t match, including crime rates that are 42% lower than the state average. More than 70% of current residents consider the area quiet, and over 60% say it’s family- and pet-friendly.
13. Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is the capital of Connecticut, and it’s home to plenty of culture and history. Many parts of the city are bike-friendly communities. Readers might love living here, where they can visit the Mark Twain House, and artists and intellectuals alike can find plenty of options for entertainment and learning in the city. Plus, it’s only half a day’s drive (or train ride) away from other major metro areas, including Boston or New York, so it makes a wonderful base camp location for urban explorers.
14. Denver, Colorado
Dubbed the “Mile High City,” Denver repeatedly makes lists as one of America’s best cities. Denver’s appeal stretches from the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Rocky Mountains to the vibrant downtown with its bike trails, breweries, and nightlife. The metro area boasts a booming job market, which attracts young professionals as well as those interested in a more laidback life filled with outdoor activities year-round.
15. Boise, Idaho
Though a small city, Boise boasts a whole lot of open spaces and some of the better parts of a big city. Boise has low crime rates, notable schools, and easy access to almost any outdoor activity. A college town, Boise is hipper than you might first think. Plus, the city offers young professionals a low unemployment rate and a thriving job market, especially in tech companies.
16. Cayuga Heights, New York
Cayuga Heights is one of the best cities to move to in the state of New York. The crime rates in this city are more than 65% less than the New York state average, and 100% of the locals say the area is friendly for families and pets. When asked, locals said the city was quiet and safe at night, making this a great location for young families looking for a home.
17. Minneapolis, Minnesota
One of the midwest’s major economic centers and a cultural mecca, Minneapolis is home to 22 lakes, which means natural beauty and outdoor activities. Famous for negative wind chills and the Mall of America, Minneapolis also is known for its booming tech scene, fantastic food, and thriving outdoor culture.
Next Steps With LemonBrew
Choosing where you might want to live next is the first step in what can be an exciting but stressful process. Next, you’ll need to find a home. We understand the real estate process can be complicated and that’s why LemonBrew was created. With over 40 years of industry experience, the LemonBrew team of experts knows that relationships are extremely valuable to success. We’re here to help you with mortgage services to find the right home loan for you! We offer quick closings (average of two weeks), streamlined processes, and unique technology, like LemonBrew Pay. Choose to get a mortgage loan and pre-approved with LemonBrew Lending.