Where Should I Move?
Where Should I Move Before I Lose My Mind and All My Money
The Complete Guide to Choosing Where to Move: A Data-Driven Approach
"Where should I move?" ranks among the most frequently asked questions in online forums, social media groups, and casual conversations across America.
Whether driven by job changes, retirement planning, cost-of-living pressures, or lifestyle preferences, millions of Americans relocate each year, with U.S. Census data showing approximately 9.8% of the population moves annually.
The challenge isn't finding places to live—it's finding the right place for your unique circumstances.
One person's paradise might be another's nightmare.
A tech professional might prioritize walkable urban neighborhoods with robust public transit, while a retiree values affordable healthcare and low crime rates.
A conservative family might seek communities with strong faith-based institutions, while LGBTQ+ individuals prioritize inclusive policies and welcoming social environments.
This comprehensive guide provides a systematic, data-driven framework for making one of life's most significant decisions.
Rather than recommending specific locations, we'll equip you with tools to evaluate options based on your priorities, plus a categorized directory of diverse communities across the United States.
Each profile includes objective data points, documented pros and cons, and clear indicators of who might thrive there.
By the end of this article, you'll have a personalized decision matrix, access to reliable data sources, and a curated list of potential destinations worth deeper investigation.
Step-by-Step Decision Framework
Self-Assessment Checklist
Before researching specific locations, identify and rank your top priorities.
Rate each factor from 1-10 based on personal importance:
Economic Factors:
Overall cost of living (housing, utilities, groceries)
Job market strength and opportunities in your field
Tax burden (state income tax, property tax, sales tax)
Average salary levels and wage growth potential
Climate & Geography:
Temperature preferences (warm year-round vs. four seasons)
Precipitation patterns (dry vs. rainy climates)
Natural disaster frequency (hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes)
Geographic features (mountains, ocean, lakes, plains)
Community & Culture:
Political climate alignment with personal values
Religious/spiritual community availability
Cultural diversity and international populations
Arts, entertainment, and nightlife options
Lifestyle & Recreation:
Urban density vs. suburban vs. rural settings
Outdoor recreation opportunities (hiking, skiing, beaches)
Public transportation quality and walkability
Educational institutions and lifelong learning options
Demographics & Social Environment:
LGBTQ+ acceptance and legal protections
Racial and ethnic diversity
Age demographics (young professionals, families, retirees)
Community involvement and volunteer opportunities
Practical Considerations:
Healthcare quality and specialist availability
Internet connectivity and remote work infrastructure
Crime rates and public safety
School quality for families with children
Data & Research Tools
Leverage these free resources to gather objective information about potential destinations:
Cost of Living:
Numbeo.com: International database comparing cities
BestPlaces.net: Comprehensive U.S. city comparison tool
MIT Living Wage Calculator: Location-specific wage requirements
Zillow and Realtor.com: Housing market data and trends
Walkability & Transportation:
Walk Score: Walkability ratings for neighborhoods
Transit Score: Public transportation quality assessments
Bike Score: Bicycle-friendly infrastructure ratings
Political & Social Climate:
Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index: LGBTQ+ policy assessments
American Community Survey: Demographic data by location
Gallup polling data: Political lean by metropolitan area
Vote tallies from recent elections by county/city
Climate & Environment:
Climate.gov: Historical weather patterns and projections
EPA Air Quality Index: Pollution levels by region
FEMA Flood Maps: Natural disaster risk assessments
Economic Data:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment statistics by metro area
U.S. Census Bureau: Income, poverty, and economic indicators
State and local government websites: Tax information and economic development data
Decision Matrix Template
Create a spreadsheet with potential locations as columns and your priority factors as rows.
Score each location (1-10) for every factor, then multiply by your personal importance weighting.
This quantitative approach helps overcome emotional biases and ensures systematic evaluation.
Sample Matrix Structure:
Rows: Your top 10-15 priority factors
Columns: 5-8 potential destinations
Cells: Location score (1-10) × Personal importance weight (1-10)
Bottom row: Total weighted scores for easy comparison
Directory of Regions by Category
Progressive/Libertarian-Leaning Urban Centers
Portland, Oregon Population: 650,000 metro area (2.5 million) Median rent: $1,400-1,800/month | Median home: $520,000 Temperature range: 37-82°F | Tax environment: No sales tax, moderate income tax Political lean: 73% Democratic, 24% Republican | Diversity index: 69/100 HRC score: 100/100 | Walk Score: 69/100
Portland combines progressive politics with outdoor recreation access, featuring extensive public transit, bike-friendly infrastructure, and a renowned food scene. The city prioritizes environmental sustainability and social justice initiatives while maintaining strong connections to nature via nearby mountains and coast.
Pros: Excellent public transportation, vibrant arts and music scene, strong environmental consciousness
Cons: High cost of living, frequent rainfall, growing homelessness concerns
Who Might Love It: Young professionals valuing work-life balance, environmentally conscious individuals, creative professionals
Austin, Texas Population: 965,000 metro area (2.3 million) Median rent: $1,300-1,700/month | Median home: $450,000 Temperature range: 43-97°F | Tax environment: No state income tax, moderate property tax Political lean: 71% Democratic (city), 52% Republican (metro) | Diversity index: 74/100 HRC score: 100/100 | Walk Score: 40/100
Austin blends liberal city politics with Texas business-friendly policies, creating a unique environment for both startups and established corporations. The city's "Keep Austin Weird" culture celebrates individuality while maintaining strong job growth in technology and creative industries.
Pros: No state income tax, robust job market, legendary music scene
Cons: Rapid growth straining infrastructure, hot summers, limited public transit
Who Might Love It: Tech workers, musicians and creatives, young professionals seeking career growth
Burlington, Vermont Population: 42,000 city (220,000 metro) Median rent: $1,200-1,500/month | Median home: $380,000 Temperature range: 17-81°F | Tax environment: High income tax, moderate property tax Political lean: 86% Democratic, 12% Republican | Diversity index: 45/100 HRC score: 100/100 | Walk Score: 79/100
Burlington offers small-city charm with progressive values, situated on Lake Champlain with access to world-class skiing and outdoor recreation. The presence of University of Vermont creates a youthful, educated atmosphere despite the small population.
Pros: Beautiful natural setting, strong sense of community, excellent craft beer scene
Cons: Limited job diversity, harsh winters, higher cost of living than regional average
Who Might Love It: Outdoor enthusiasts, educators and students, individuals preferring small-town feel with progressive values
Conservative/Suburban/Rural Communities
Plano, Texas Population: 285,000 city (7.6 million metro) Median rent: $1,400-1,800/month | Median home: $475,000 Temperature range: 37-96°F | Tax environment: No state income tax, moderate property tax Political lean: 48% Republican, 50% Democratic | Diversity index: 78/100 HRC score: 43/100 | Walk Score: 38/100
Plano represents the modern conservative suburb, featuring excellent schools, family-friendly amenities, and strong corporate presence. The city attracts families seeking safety, quality education, and traditional community values while maintaining economic opportunity.
Pros: Top-rated public schools, low crime rates, strong job market
Cons: Car-dependent lifestyle, limited nightlife, expensive housing
Who Might Love It: Families with school-age children, corporate professionals, individuals valuing safety and stability
Colorado Springs, Colorado Population: 480,000 city (750,000 metro) Median rent: $1,200-1,600/month | Median home: $420,000 Temperature range: 18-84°F | Tax environment: Moderate income tax, low property tax Political lean: 55% Republican, 42% Democratic | Diversity index: 62/100 HRC score: 37/100 | Walk Score: 35/100
Colorado Springs combines conservative politics with outdoor recreation opportunities, home to several military installations and focus on the family headquarters. The city offers mountain access while maintaining affordable living compared to Denver.
Pros: Stunning natural beauty, lower cost than Denver, strong military community
Cons: Limited public transportation, conservative social climate, winter weather challenges
Who Might Love It: Military families, outdoor enthusiasts with conservative values, retirees seeking mountain living
Williamsburg, Virginia Population: 15,000 city (180,000 metro) Median rent: $900-1,300/month | Median home: $315,000 Temperature range: 29-87°F | Tax environment: Moderate income tax, low property tax Political lean: 52% Republican, 46% Democratic | Diversity index: 55/100 HRC score: 58/100 | Walk Score: 48/100
Williamsburg blends historical significance with modern amenities, featuring colonial architecture, quality healthcare, and family-friendly attractions. The presence of College of William & Mary adds intellectual depth to this traditional community.
Pros: Rich historical heritage, excellent healthcare facilities, family-friendly environment
Cons: Limited job diversity, tourist crowds, slower pace may not suit everyone
Who Might Love It: History enthusiasts, retirees, families seeking traditional values with educational opportunities
LGBTQ+-Friendly Cities & Towns
San Francisco, California Population: 875,000 city (4.7 million metro) Median rent: $2,500-3,500/month | Median home: $1,350,000 Temperature range: 46-72°F | Tax environment: High income tax, high property tax Political lean: 85% Democratic, 13% Republican | Diversity index: 81/100 HRC score: 100/100 | Walk Score: 89/100
San Francisco pioneered LGBTQ+ rights and maintains strong legal protections, cultural institutions, and community support networks. The city's Castro District remains an iconic symbol of LGBTQ+ acceptance and activism.
Pros: Comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, vibrant LGBTQ+ community, excellent public transportation
Cons: Extremely high cost of living, housing shortage, increasing crime concerns
Who Might Love It: LGBTQ+ individuals seeking community, tech professionals, urban lifestyle enthusiasts
Atlanta, Georgia Population: 498,000 city (6.1 million metro) Median rent: $1,100-1,500/month | Median home: $350,000 Temperature range: 33-89°F | Tax environment: Moderate income tax, low property tax Political lean: 83% Democratic (city), 48% Democratic (metro) | Diversity index: 85/100 HRC score: 100/100 | Walk Score: 48/100
Atlanta combines Southern charm with progressive LGBTQ+ policies, featuring a large and active gay community, particularly in the Midtown area. The city offers career opportunities while maintaining lower living costs than coastal cities.
Pros: Growing job market, lower cost than coastal cities, strong Black LGBTQ+ community
Cons: Car-dependent outside downtown, hot humid summers, varying acceptance in suburban areas
Who Might Love It: LGBTQ+ professionals seeking career growth, individuals interested in Southern culture with progressive values
Northampton, Massachusetts Population: 29,000 city (240,000 metro) Median rent: $1,000-1,400/month | Median home: $285,000 Temperature range: 13-82°F | Tax environment: High income tax, high property tax Political lean: 88% Democratic, 10% Republican | Diversity index: 52/100 HRC score: 100/100 | Walk Score: 77/100
Northampton earned recognition as one of America's most lesbian-friendly cities, with a long history of LGBTQ+ acceptance and women's rights advocacy. The presence of Smith College and other educational institutions creates an intellectual, progressive atmosphere.
Pros: Strong LGBTQ+ community presence, walkable downtown, progressive political climate
Cons: Limited job opportunities, harsh winters, higher taxes
Who Might Love It: LGBTQ+ individuals preferring small-town community, academics and students, artists and writers
Family-Friendly Suburbs & Small Towns
Naperville, Illinois Population: 148,000 city (9.6 million metro) Median rent: $1,500-2,000/month | Median home: $485,000 Temperature range: 14-85°F | Tax environment: High income tax, high property tax Political lean: 52% Democratic, 46% Republican | Diversity index: 71/100 HRC score: 67/100 | Walk Score: 51/100
Naperville consistently ranks among America's best places to raise families, featuring top-rated schools, abundant parks, and low crime rates. The city maintains small-town charm while providing access to Chicago's job market.
Pros: Excellent public schools, family-oriented community events, proximity to Chicago
Cons: High cost of living, cold winters, limited nightlife for young adults
Who Might Love It: Families with children, commuters to Chicago, individuals valuing educational excellence
Cary, North Carolina Population: 177,000 city (1.4 million metro) Median rent: $1,200-1,600/month | Median home: $425,000 Temperature range: 29-89°F | Tax environment: Moderate income tax, low property tax Political lean: 65% Democratic, 33% Republican | Diversity index: 73/100 HRC score: 84/100 | Walk Score: 27/100
Cary combines excellent schools with career opportunities in the Research Triangle, attracting educated families seeking suburban lifestyle with urban amenities nearby. The town's planned development ensures consistent quality and safety.
Pros: Top-tier public schools, low crime rates, proximity to Research Triangle jobs
Cons: Car-dependent lifestyle, rapid growth, limited urban amenities within city
Who Might Love It: Tech and research professionals with families, individuals seeking planned community living
Retiree Havens & 55+ Communities
Sarasota, Florida Population: 58,000 city (840,000 metro) Median rent: $1,300-1,800/month | Median home: $385,000 Temperature range: 52-90°F | Tax environment: No state income tax, moderate property tax Political lean: 53% Republican, 46% Democratic | Diversity index: 61/100 HRC score: 58/100 | Walk Score: 53/100
Sarasota offers year-round warmth, cultural amenities, and healthcare excellence, attracting retirees seeking active lifestyles. The city features pristine beaches, arts institutions, and golf courses while maintaining moderate costs compared to other Florida destinations.
Pros: No state income tax, excellent healthcare facilities, beautiful beaches
Cons: Hurricane risk, hot humid summers, limited job opportunities for younger residents
Who Might Love It: Retirees seeking warm weather, snowbirds, individuals interested in arts and culture
Asheville, North Carolina Population: 94,000 city (470,000 metro) Median rent: $1,100-1,500/month | Median home: $415,000 Temperature range: 27-83°F | Tax environment: Moderate income tax, low property tax Political lean: 74% Democratic, 24% Republican | Diversity index: 58/100 HRC score: 100/100 | Walk Score: 61/100
Asheville combines mountain beauty with cultural sophistication, featuring craft breweries, outdoor recreation, and healthcare facilities. The city attracts retirees seeking four-season climate with progressive values and artistic community.
Pros: Stunning mountain scenery, vibrant arts scene, moderate climate
Cons: Increasing cost of living, limited public transportation, seasonal tourist crowds
Who Might Love It: Active retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking mountain living with cultural amenities
Outdoor/Recreation Hubs
Bozeman, Montana Population: 53,000 city (118,000 metro) Median rent: $1,200-1,600/month | Median home: $485,000 Temperature range: 3-84°F | Tax environment: No sales tax, moderate income tax Political lean: 58% Democratic, 39% Republican | Diversity index: 42/100 HRC score: 72/100 | Walk Score: 68/100
Bozeman provides access to world-class skiing, hiking, and fishing while maintaining a college town atmosphere thanks to Montana State University. The city attracts outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure with educational and cultural amenities.
Pros: Incredible outdoor recreation access, strong sense of community, university town benefits
Cons: Harsh winters, limited job diversity, rapidly increasing housing costs
Who Might Love It: Outdoor adventure seekers, university affiliates, individuals comfortable with small-town living
Fort Collins, Colorado Population: 170,000 city (360,000 metro) Median rent: $1,300-1,700/month | Median home: $475,000 Temperature range: 15-88°F | Tax environment: Moderate income tax, low property tax Political lean: 62% Democratic, 35% Republican | Diversity index: 65/100 HRC score: 100/100 | Walk Score: 54/100
Fort Collins blends outdoor recreation with craft brewing culture, featuring Colorado State University and numerous technology companies. The city offers mountain access while maintaining career opportunities and cultural amenities.
Pros: Excellent craft beer scene, outdoor recreation access, bike-friendly infrastructure
Cons: Rapid growth straining resources, increasing housing costs, winter weather
Who Might Love It: Craft beer enthusiasts, outdoor professionals, university affiliates
Remote-Work Hotspots
Chattanooga, Tennessee Population: 182,000 city (565,000 metro) Median rent: $900-1,300/month | Median home: $245,000 Temperature range: 30-89°F | Tax environment: No state income tax, low property tax Political lean: 61% Republican, 37% Democratic | Diversity index: 64/100 HRC score: 37/100 | Walk Score: 42/100
Chattanooga pioneered municipal broadband with the fastest internet speeds in America, attracting remote workers and tech startups. The city combines affordable living with outdoor recreation and revitalized downtown areas.
Pros: Ultra-high-speed internet, low cost of living, outdoor recreation access
Cons: Limited public transportation, conservative social climate, hot humid summers
Who Might Love It: Remote workers prioritizing internet speed, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking affordable urban living
Bend, Oregon Population: 100,000 city (198,000 metro) Median rent: $1,400-1,900/month | Median home: $585,000 Temperature range: 22-82°F | Tax environment: No sales tax, moderate income tax Political lean: 58% Democratic, 39% Republican | Diversity index: 48/100 HRC score: 84/100 | Walk Score: 41/100
Bend attracts remote workers seeking outdoor recreation with modern amenities, featuring world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The city maintains small-town charm while providing coworking spaces and tech infrastructure.
Pros: Outstanding outdoor recreation, growing tech community, moderate climate
Cons: High cost of living, limited job diversity, increasing traffic congestion
Who Might Love It: Remote tech workers, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, individuals seeking mountain lifestyle
Budget/Affordable Markets
Indianapolis, Indiana Population: 887,000 city (2.1 million metro) Median rent: $800-1,200/month | Median home: $185,000 Temperature range: 17-85°F | Tax environment: Moderate income tax, low property tax Political lean: 63% Democratic (city), 54% Republican (metro) | Diversity index: 69/100 HRC score: 84/100 | Walk Score: 31/100
Indianapolis offers big-city amenities at small-city prices, featuring professional sports teams, cultural institutions, and a growing tech sector. The city provides career opportunities while maintaining affordable housing and living costs.
Pros: Very affordable housing, growing job market, major league sports teams
Cons: Car-dependent lifestyle, cold winters, limited public transportation
Who Might Love It: First-time homebuyers, sports enthusiasts, individuals prioritizing affordability
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Population: 695,000 city (1.4 million metro) Median rent: $700-1,100/month | Median home: $145,000 Temperature range: 26-93°F | Tax environment: Moderate income tax, low property tax Political lean: 60% Republican, 38% Democratic | Diversity index: 71/100 HRC score: 25/100 | Walk Score: 34/100
Oklahoma City combines extremely affordable living with a revitalized downtown area, featuring energy industry jobs and growing entrepreneurship scene. The city offers homeownership opportunities often unavailable in higher-cost markets.
Pros: Very low cost of living, homeownership accessibility, growing downtown scene
Cons: Severe weather including tornadoes, conservative social climate, limited public transit
Who Might Love It: Young professionals seeking homeownership, energy industry workers, individuals prioritizing affordability over amenities
Interactive Resources & Analysis
Comparative Location Matrix
Scores based on relative comparison within sample. Adjust weightings based on personal priorities.
Decision-Making Template
Download your personalized move decision matrix template:
Create a copy of this Google Sheets template
List your top 10 priority factors
Weight each factor by personal importance (1-10)
Score each potential location on every factor
Calculate weighted totals for objective comparison
Additional Research Resources
Government Data Sources:
U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
Bureau of Labor Statistics Metropolitan Area Employment
EPA Environmental Quality Index
FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics
Third-Party Analysis:
Wallet Hub Best Places to Live rankings
Niche.com city and neighborhood ratings
Reddit city-specific communities (r/Austin, r/Denver, etc.)
City-Data.com comprehensive city profiles
Specialized Resources:
Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index (LGBTQ+ policies)
AARP Livability Index (age-friendly communities)
Walk Score neighborhood walkability ratings
Climate Central climate change projections by location
Conclusion & Next Steps
Choosing where to move requires balancing multiple factors unique to your circumstances, values, and life stage.
No single location excels in every category, making personal priority setting essential for successful relocation decisions.
The framework and directory provided here offer starting points for systematic evaluation rather than definitive recommendations.
Use the decision matrix to identify 3-5 locations worth deeper investigation, then conduct virtual or in-person visits to experience daily life rhythms, community interactions, and seasonal variations.
Consider timing your research across different seasons, connecting with local residents through social media or community organizations, and exploring neighborhoods during both weekday and weekend periods.
Many factors that seem important during initial research may prove less significant than unexpected discoveries made through direct experience.
Remember that no decision is permanent.
Americans move frequently, and today's choice can evolve as circumstances change.
Focus on finding the best match for your current priorities while remaining open to future possibilities.
Immediate Next Steps:
Complete the self-assessment checklist, ranking your top 10 priorities
Use the provided data sources to research 5-8 potential locations
Create your personalized decision matrix scoring each location
Schedule visits to your top 3 choices before making final decisions
Connect with local communities online or through mutual connections
Share Your Experience: Have you recently relocated using a systematic approach?
What factors proved most important in your decision?
What advice would you offer others considering a move?
Your insights contribute to a growing community resource helping Americans find their ideal places to call home.
