You may be seriously considering a move to a different city, or just dreaming for now. Whatever your motivations, you might be surprised by some of the cities in the United States that are surging in popularity. New York and Los Angeles no longer symbolize the dream city move for US citizens. Here are the unexpected cities people are now making a beeline for.
It’s part of human nature to think of moving elsewhere. We picture ourselves living different lives with other surroundings, and wonder what life would be like. Some of us want to live in a different climate, or have the sea or mountains within easy reach. Others crave a more cosmopolitan lifestyle, or an easier commute with an abundance of job opportunities.
Even for those who are firmly rooted in a community or are surrounded by important friends and family, moving somewhere else for a while can be re-energizing and bring important new life experiences.
The reality of moving takes a little planning, of course. The logistics of finding somewhere to live and selling or renting out your current home can take time. Hiring a long-distance moving company can help make this process easier. You also need consider logistics around getting a job and settling into new schools if you have children. Often, the practical arrangements that come with moving away put people off actually taking the leap to do it. But those who do embrace the adventure are almost always glad they did it.
So if it’s your time to seriously consider a move, here are ten unexpectedly desirable cities in the United States to think about.
1. Phoenix, Arizona
One of the fastest growing cities in the south-west United States, Phoenix is an increasingly popular place to live. This is thanks to the job opportunities that are growing exponentially, as well as the warmer climate, as Phoenix experiences more days of sunshine than any other US city.
2. Cleveland, Ohio
This former Rust Belt city has been reinventing itself for a few years now, and is becoming a buzzing place to be. Micro-breweries and trendy eateries bring a great social life, while affordable housing and the twinkling Lake Erie waters offer an attractive quality of life. Everything from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to impressive sport stadiums complete the picture of a life well lived.
3. Jacksonville, Florida
Although Florida is always a sought-after spot to move to, it loses its appeal for many people as it is one of the more expensive states to buy property in. Jacksonville is an exception, as it is a lot cheaper here than most other urban areas across the state. Yet it still has everything that makes Florida attractive – great weather, coastal living and an emerging entertainment and arts scene.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Known for its snowy weather and Mormon culture, many people misjudge Salt Lake City to be a slow-paced urban area. In fact, the snow brings an abundance of nearby ski resorts, which are ideal for sport enthusiasts. The city is also home to hundreds of acres of public parks and a thriving cultural scene.
5. Fayetteville, Arkansas
It’s a city many people haven’t even heard of, but Fayetteville is actually a buzzing hub of culture and commercial enterprise. With new entrepreneurial endeavors being launched here all the time, there is a distinct forward-looking feeling here. Cheap housing, great job opportunities and a thriving college football calendar mean many people want to live here for its unexpected vibrancy.
6. Portland, Maine
It is usually Portland in Oregon that makes the most sought-after city lists, but the ‘other Portland’ is becoming hugely desirable. Its postcard-perfect credentials on Casco Bay make it visually appealing, but the quality of life here is impeccable too. Fresh air, locally-caught seafood and outdoor pursuits rule the day here, while the job market and buzzy entertainment bring the best of all worlds.
7. Reno, Nevada
Formerly known as a touristy gambling city, Reno is currently making waves with the big tech and education businesses located here. Great for job opportunities and a stunning natural environment that surrounds the city, this is a place that people move to when they realize how misinformed they were.
8. Salisbury, Maryland
Ideal for those who love the splendor of the Eastern Shore and a vague proximity to New York and Washington D.C., Salisbury is being discovered by many people for the first time. A great outdoor lifestyle but a slower pace of living are what Salisbury is all about.
9. Spartanburg, South Carolina
This unassuming city enjoys the typically mild weather of South Carolina and an unexpectedly vibrant cultural scene, with free concerts and farmers markets the norm here. There is immense variety in the jobs market, and the cost of housing is among the best value of any South Carolina urban center.
10. Madison, Wisconsin
While many people dream of moving to a warmer weather state, those who are keen to embrace the cooler climes are flocking to Madison. Professionals with their young families are increasingly making the leap, for the interesting tech jobs, attractive housing and burgeoning foodie scene.
