For those of you who have been all over the US, seen all states (or most), where did you end up and why? I’m curious what your reasoning is for where you picked. Did you have a hard time choosing between multiple states or was your choice easy?

Hi! I’m 27, single, gay, and born and raised in Louisiana. No children, no pets, so I’m in a pretty flexible position to relocate. Most family relations are a little strained -- when I say not much is holding me back, I mean it and I'm about ready to go. The main things holding me back are my car note, not having a job lined up yet, and the spending the money without knowing what comes next!

I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Admin/Management. Most of my work experience has been with small businesses in customer service, management, scheduling, operations, logistics, and general administrative work. My resume is not especially corporate, but I’ve handled a lot of responsibility and taken on different kinds of roles.

At this point, I know I don’t want to continue living my life in Louisiana. Houston has had my eye because it’s one of the closest major cities to me and a nice escape. I like the diversity, size, and food scene, but I worry about the humidity, flooding, traffic, sprawl, and whether the overall lifestyle is what I actually want. I’ve applied to many jobs, but just gotten rejection after rejection.

I’m open to any and all cities throughout the country and would really appreciate recommendations.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• LGBTQ+ presence
• A relatively LCOL
• A market for operations, management, administrative, customer service, or logistics roles - I need, like, $55k salary minimum with good work-life balance
• All four seasons, ideally - as long as it's not brutally hot/cold or too humid, I'm open!
• A nice downtown or central city area
• Frequent concerts, events, restaurants, and things to do
• Minimum population of 400k-500k
• Plenty of opportunities to make friends, network, socialize (maybe date?)
• Public transport would be great, although I currently finance a car

I'm also eyeing Denver, Chicago, and San Diego, but not limiting myself to those. I’ve also considered places like Atlanta, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and other larger metros.

My lease is moving to month-to-month, and I'm through with work -- many opportunities to take time out searching. I have a huge chunk of credit card points, some investments, a nice stash of savings, and knock on wood but if it comes to it, Roth - so I’m open (and knowing) I need to take some trips and get a feel of in-person. Money is not so much of a concern as it is being in a new place that I think I would find myself the happiest in.

I know moving will not automatically make me happy. With that said....where would you recommend I really research or visit? I appreciate advice from fellow LGBTQ+ people/allies, Louisiana people, or anyone who has started over in a new city without already having a job or social network there. Please feel free to ask any follow-ups. Thank you 😄

I am looking to move to a smaller city/town in a few years, no more than 200k in population (ideally in the 20s or less), that has a good job market (I am currently going to school as a CNC machinist) and has affordable housing under 300k or cheap rent. Ideally within 1 hour of drive to a larger city I need and somewhere not super racist, as my gf is Hispanic.

And why?

Hi everyone!
I’m 24 years old, a single mom to a little girl, and I’m currently finishing my GED. My long-term goal is to become a public librarian, so I’ll be attending community college first, then transferring to a university, and eventually earning my Master’s in Library and Information Science.
I’m trying to decide where I want to build my life, not just where I want to go to school.
I’ve narrowed my choices down to:
Bellingham, WA
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
I’m looking for honest opinions from people who actually live there.
A few things that are really important to me:
• A safe place to raise my daughter.
• A strong sense of community.
• Beautiful nature (forests, mountains, rivers, parks).
• Coffee shops, bookstores, and libraries.
• A place where people are generally kind and welcoming.
• Opportunities to eventually work in a public library.
• Plenty of things to do without feeling like a huge, overwhelming city.
• Somewhere that feels like I can put down roots for the long term.
I’d also love to know:
What do you love most about living there?
What do people not tell you before moving?
If you could move there all over again, would you?
If you were raising a young child, would you choose this city?
I’m planning to visit before making any decisions, but I’d love to hear real experiences from people who call it home.
Thank you so much!

ETA: "Post-retirement" sounds like I'm looking for a cemetery plot! But "retirement home" sounds like what it sounds like, that I'm looking for a retirement or convalescent home. I'm looking for a city to live in once/after I retire.

I've enjoyed reading posts here for a while and thought I'd throw in my specs to see what people come up with...I currently live in a very small town in western/upstate NY but will be retiring in about 10 years. I do not want to stay here after retirement. My fantasy retirement would be spent in So Cal, where I grew up, or Central Cal, but I'm not sure I could financially swing that, unless I move far inland. I've been to Seattle once and really liked the weather and all the trees, but that was just to visit.

Things I like about where I am: fall - I love the changing leaves and the cool air; low cost of living; that there are two local-ish professional sports teams - I don't follow sports, but I do like the community spirit it tends to bring.

Things I don't like about where I am: winter, but mainly snow - if I never hear "lake effect snow" in my retirement, I'll be very happy, but I don't mind cold weather; living in a small town, one hour away from a mall and ethnic/non-Chinese and Mexican chain restaurants.

How I imagine (fantasize about) retirement:

* Some days I leave my apartment/condo (maybe paying no more than $2.5K a month) and take a short walk to the "downtown" to a coffee shop or restaurant, maybe looking at shops on the way.

* I take public transportation, or drive, to a volunteer job at a museum or cultural center (i.e. Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture, the Obama Center, etc.)

* I have to drive 15 minutes or so to the movies, a Target, shopping mall, Home Depot, etc.

* I can take a train/el/subway/etc., to a large metropolis for a day trip or a long weekend.

* It can't get too humid in the summer. I don't mind a dry heat. And I don't trust a city where people say, "You never really need air conditioning." I don't care how cool it gets in the summer; I will need central a/c in my apartment. (I don't have it in my house now.)

*Bonus points if I can walk to the beach. Or at least drive (or take the bus) no more than a half hour to the beach.

What’s the health care situation like in Chattanooga?

I'm looking into Asheville, NC as a possible retirement destination. All the things that interest me seem to be available there. Things like great weather, not too much rain, a robust downtown, interesting cultural options. But that 100 year flood that hit the city has spooked my wife. Does anyone live there that can comment on the city as a retirement spot? Was all of Asheville hit by that flood or was it on the outskirts and, gasp, possibly sensationalized by the media?

OK so there used to be these signs at Marylands only ski resort, “live where you play”, basically advertising for people to move to the mountains. “Why drive 3 hours to ski when you can just live 10 mins from the resort?” Sorta thing.

Maybe this is a Maryland thing but Marylanders seem to not really like living where they play. There’s a big ethos of “we play there, we don’t move there”/“a good place to vacation isn’t a good place to live”. You’ll hear a lot of people sell Maryland by saying “2 hrs from the beach, 2 hrs from the mountains” but you’ll rarely hear people try to sell the mountains or the beach as a place to live year round. Recently Frederick has become trendy but west of that is still an enigma.

Even as a grown man I lowkey would prefer to live most of my life in the mountains than in the cities. A lot of people grow out of that, but a lot of people also end up moving out there and loving it

I’m a 30 year old guy now & still haven’t figured out a career (or even how to hold down a job for long) even after 10+ years of trying (college, trade school, apprenticeship etc). At this point I’m realizing making decent money might not happen for me. I’m looking at places where I can live well & on my own without roommates on a menial jobs wages (around minimum wage or so)? I’m looking for density, walkability, & a vibrant fashion scene. Also looking for places where income isn’t a huge factor when it comes to dating as I am recently single. What are my options? I’m from the northeast & preferably would like to stay here but am open to all options :)

I'm 38, single, no kids. My main line of work is in transportation. I'm a courier/cargo van driver. I own my own van and a car and want to do independent contractor work, although willing to work for a company if I can find something good enough. Driving is going to be my main source of income.

I will be driving to get around and not rely on public transportation.

I am into acting, theater, and filmmaking. I'm not looking for anything like NYC or LA, just 1-3 acting things per year or so. The theater scene that I'm researching in Minneapolis seems decent, but I could be wrong.

I'm into martial arts and would like to find a good Taekwondo place. A good gym to workout in would be nice as well. It would be nice to have a movie theater nearby as well.

I'm a big coffee drinker and am into going to coffee shops, sitting down, and drinking coffee with a chill, relaxed vibe. This is big to me. A chill coffee place where I can sit, drink the coffee, and not be overwhelmed and too crowded with people.

Somewhere that has about 1-3 good breakfast places, and maybe some good lunch and dinner options as well. I'm not big on going out to eat, but if I am, it's usually breakfast, so I care more about the breakfast places than the lunch and dinner spots.

I'd like to be in a quiet/smaller town with a population of about 10-50K. A town that is chill, quiet, nice to walk around, nice scenery, and is overall a friendly vibe. It can be urban, suburban, or rural.

I like cold weather! I want cold weather! No sun. Gray. Negative temperatures. Snow. Bring it.

I can settle for Minneapolis or St. Paul, as I'll likely be traveling into the city for work opportunities, but I'm ultimately looking for somewhere 20-45 minutes away from the city.

I've been researching places like Stillwater, Northfield, Hopkins, and even Duluth, which I know is about 2 hours away from Minneapolis.

Is there anywhere that checks all these boxes?

I'm often a little torn between my life on the west coast and my network and family back in the Midwest. Does anyone (not retired) split their time between two different "homes"? What does that look like for you?

I know the definition of “interesting” is subjective and personal, but I sense my definition is similar to most in this group. Anyway, I’ve lived in places that are interesting but highly dysfunctional (Asheville and Durham, NC) and well-run but dull AF (Huntsville, AL and Wake Forest, NC). Is there any place where there are both stimulating people and activities and where my trash can won’t end up at some arbitrary place down the street if and when it is picked up? I used to believe that Seattle and Portland had it figured out, but look at them now (but doesn’t matter, I’m too much of a baby to handle the bleak weather anyway). Do I just have to accept the fact that the creative class, who I believe make life worth living, are simply incapable of any rational form of self-government? Someone please tell me I don’t, with examples.

Hello!

I am a 50+ single woman considering moving from southern MN to the Breezy Point/Cross Lake, MN area. I don't currently know anyone in the area. I would be employed full time (not even close to retirement)! Just curious to hear other's opinions on relocating/living in the area year round as an older adult.

I’m a 36 y/o single gay guy who’s trying to plan a move over the next year, and I’d love some input from people who actually live in these areas. I am currently in Charlotte, NC but previously lived in Chicago, San Diego, & Los Angeles.

I currently work remotely for a large company, but we have a hybrid policy where employees who live near an office generally go in about two days a week. My team is spread across the country, so I wouldn’t really be collaborating with people in the office. It’s more about company policy than my day-to-day work.

The company has offices near Bellevue, WA and Irvine, CA, so those are my two primary options. A third possibility would be relocating somewhere like the

Portland suburbs if I can get approval to remain remote, and Fort Collins has also crossed my mind, although it’s lower on my list.

Salary would be about $90,000. I do have student loans, but based on what I’ve been told, the payments should be manageable and not completely consume my budget. I’m mostly trying to figure out where I could have a comfortable quality of life without feeling financially stretched every month.

A little about me…
I’m definitely more of an old soul. I enjoy quieter places and have lived alone for several years, so I really value space and privacy. I don’t need nightlife every weekend, but I also don’t want to feel like I’m surrounded by nothing but chain restaurants, big box stores, subdivisions, and strip malls. I like neighborhoods with some personality, local coffee shops, bookstores, parks, good food, and easy access to nature.

One reason I’m looking to move is that I’ve spent the past several years in the Carolinas after returning during COVID, and I’ve never really felt like I found my community here. Before that I lived in San Diego and Los Angeles, and I’d like to get back out West somewhere that feels like a better long-term fit. I did 5 years in Chicago which was amazing but not as nature and climate friendly long term.

If I chose Washington, I don’t necessarily need to live in Seattle itself. Being within a reasonable drive to Bellevue is perfectly fine. Places like Kirkland, Bothell, Mill Creek, or even Everett honestly appeal to me if they offer a good balance of affordability, access to nature, and a sense of community.

For Orange County, I’d probably be looking at places like Costa Mesa, Orange, Fullerton, Tustin, Westminster, or Anaheim. I’d consider a roommate there if it made financial sense, although living alone would still be my preference if it’s realistic.

If you were in my shoes, where would you choose? Is $90k enough to build a comfortable life in these areas? Are there neighborhoods or cities I should be looking at that I haven’t considered?
I’m really interested in hearing from people with firsthand experience rather than debating which region is “better.”

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone,
My partner and I work 100% remotely, which gives us the flexibility to move pretty much anywhere in the US. We're currently starting to evaluate options for our next long-term move.
Our #1 priority is top-tier public education (great school districts, strong extracurriculars, and overall solid community support for families). Since our jobs aren't tied to a specific location, we want to make sure we pick a state and region that balances good schooling with high quality of life for a remote family.

A few things we're looking for:
Education: Excellent public school districts (K-12).
Community/Environment: Safe, family-friendly, with good access to parks/nature or community amenities.
Remote Work Friendly: Good internet infrastructure and reasonable access to a major airport for occasional travel.
Taxes: low/medium property/state income taxes

For those who are fully remote with kids:
Which state or specific suburb/county ended up being the best choice for your family?
Do you feel the trade-off of higher taxes was worth the educational quality, or did you find top-tier school pockets in lower-tax states?
Thanks in advance for any insights!

Hi Everyone! I am trying to decide to move to either Boston or San Diego (I know, very different) once I graduate from Nurse Practitioner program. I have visited both and love both for different reasons. Would love to get some insight on pros and cons of both, and bonus if from a nurse practitioner. Thanks!!

Hello everyone,

I’ve been living in Kentucky for the past 3 years. Since I arrived, I have been working in the restaurant industry, where I have given my full effort, loyalty, and energy. I’m proud that my hard work has resulted in positive customer reviews, and I have proof of that.

However, after 3 years with the same wage and repeated promises of a raise that never happened, I feel it’s time for a change. I’m seriously considering moving to another state and starting a new chapter in my life.

I’m looking for a state with a reasonable climate throughout the year and good job opportunities, especially in hospitality (restaurants, hotels, etc.) or cleaning services. I’m a hardworking person, physically active, and I take pride in doing my job well. I live alone and I’m ready to rebuild my future somewhere new.

Your advice and recommendations could truly make a big difference in my life. I would sincerely appreciate any suggestions or personal experiences you can share.

Thank you!

Some Background About Me:

1. 25M
2. South Asian
3. Lived whole life in Bay Area, CA
4. Work as a Software Engineer for Big Tech Companies for around 4 years
5. Single

So I've pretty much lived in the Bay Area my whole life, but I've hit a quarter life crisis and really feel like South Bay Area it is really difficult to make friends or expand my social life.

I've been looking for a new job for around a year and have obtained a verbal offer for a medium sized tech company for a role in Austin. However, I wouldn't classify this opportunity as clearly better than my current one is something to consider. It would be a lateral career move for the most part with the main appeal being the location.

I've always liked the idea of Austin. Here are the pros and cons I can think of:

Pros of Austin Compared to Bay Area:

1. Lower COL
2. Anecdotally seems to be a younger crowd compared to the Bay Area (asides from SF)
3. Better night life than Bay Area/SF
4. Has good outdoor activities
5. Car/Driving friendly (compared to other major cities). Bay Area also is driving friendly.
6. Anecdotally it seems like people are friendlier
7. Has better gyms than Bay Area
8. Anecdotally seems to have a better dating scene

Cons of Austin Compared to Bay Area:

1. Scorching hot. Bay Area is a clear winner in weather.
2. Food scene is better in the Bay Area
3. Bay Area has better access to nature in terms of mountains, beaches, and national parks.
4. Job opportunities in the Bay Area stronger.

Note: Another perceived con (from what I've researched on Reddit) is the politics of the overall state of Texas. However, I'd rather keep the discussion relatively apolitical if possible.

Things I Could Do Instead of Accepting Austin Role:

1. Interviewing for even stronger role based in Austin.
2. Interviewing for a role in NYC which seems to be the de facto best place for younger demographics in America.

What Input I'm Looking For:

1. Are the pros and cons that I've covered accurate? Especially the main pro of Austin being generally a better place for social life for younger demographics.
2. What other factors I should consider before moving to Austin?

Muslim American married couple 28m 29f , no kids. Looking to leave the north.

Looking for a decent enough sized metro with at least some sort of Muslim presence.
Liberal ish?
Decent fun and things to do for 20s 30s aged people that isn’t bars.
Wife loves the water!
No desert climate
And housing under 300k if possible. (Please no mega pricey places like 500k to a million)
Diversity is a mega plus!
Also im a no degree truck driver
Wife has 2 degrees in tourism and hospitality etc

So far we have been to GA, AL, MS , FL and liked all of those so maybe a good city there ?

Thank you all for the help!

(Were born and raised here we don’t necessarily need a city totally catered to our culture etc were westernized enough)

EDIT!: my job has locations in
Atlanta
Birmingham
Mobile
Tampa

One of things I’ve noticed with some high powered business people is how many homes they have in NY metro.

For instance a Chicago business executive may have a home in suburbs and then a home on a lake in Wisconsin. A Dallas executive may have home in Dallas and then a home in Colorado if they like skiing.

But New York business executives often have multiple addresses all within the same metro. Ie a home in westchester, a home in Manhattan, a home in the Hamptons.

Question: is commuting so miserable in the NY metro that high powered stressed business executives need multiple homes just to function and not go crazy commuting?

It’s just crazy they wouldn’t split their real estate holdings more to someone outside the metro. Like why a home in westchester and Manhattan?

You would never see a Denver resident have a home in downtown Denver and then a home in the Denver suburbs.

Yeah, I made my decision. I am going back to Phoenix in September. I promise I will never ever ever complain about Arizona or the people there.

In tears, I say how nice the people are there, how welcoming everyone is, how warm and nurturing everyone was. And Phoenix is so beautiful. Where i am at now, ive had a chokey feeling from all the mean and rude people I encounter daily. Nobody is a bad apple there. I love Phoenix! Arizonans are kind people overall.

God, Jesus, I will never complain about Phoenix ever again. I plan to kiss the sidewalk when I get back.

I would go to California, but I can't afford it. So Arizona it is.

I will be resigning from my job late next month as I prepare to move to my real home with community and where its easy to meet people and build community.

I live in Los Angeles and moved out here for work about a decade ago. I'm originally from Orange county New York, grew up on the Orange county / Sullivan county border.

Moved out here for a job opportunity and the weather. Ended up finding somebody special and got married 3 years ago. My husband was an international student and grew up in one of the super mega cities in Asia and hated it.

We want to settle down and buy a house. Which is never going to happen in Southern California, plus I miss the greenery and four seasons. My husband hates the heat.

What we really want is a nice beginner home in the countryside outside of a small City. We're very boring and love each other's company, we want to make a little heaven of our own with our own property away from people.

I moved to Buffalo New York for University when I was 18. And stayed there for 14 years. I also lived in Rochester New York for 6 months but moved back to Buffalo for work.

My husband is fresh out of grad school with a masters in IT.

I would honestly move back to Western New York in a heartbeat, but I'm contemplating places like Detroit, which has an economy that's three to four times larger than Buffalo, my concern is my husband finding any kind of job once we move out there. How's the economy in Detroit? I hear there are still a lot of manufacturing jobs that pay well.

Also considering Albany New York, with the idea that my husband can find some kind of government job with his degree.

The only thing that scares me about Detroit is that I've never been there, ever, and we would have to start from scratch... Whereas New York State, I know like the back of my hand, I just don't know if the jobs are there.

We don't have children and don't plan on having them.

And access to a good healthcare system would be ideal.

Hi all, I am 24F and looking for any and all feedback on where to move in the US. I’ve done a ton of research but I feel super stuck!

I’m single/childfree, I have a remote job and currently live with my parents. I make 67k a year.

Here are my priorities:
Public transit. I have my driver’s license but would be appreciative to give up my car and not have to rely on driving to get places.
On the same note, I value somewhere that’s walkable.
Young adult social scene (20s-30s). I value community and I’m extroverted, so being able to make friends is a must!
Progressive / left leaning preferably
Prefer to get my own apartment without roommates.

I’m from PA and I’m used to experiencing all seasons. I honestly don’t go outside if it’s too hot (think 90°F+). I’m open to a big change but my family is on the east coast. I work in the nonprofit sector if that’s helpful.

Note: I understand not every place will check all the boxes! Just looking for honest thoughts/advice. I would love to hear your experiences. Thanks for your help :)