Where should you live when you can live anywhere?
COVID has changed the way we work and where we work. Many companies have already announced that certain roles will now be fully remote. After being cooped up for a year, people are ready for relocation. In fact, moving companies are reporting a surge in moves for 2021.
Should you relocate when there's nothing holding you back? Here are a few of the best places to live in the country. Give them a look as you consider spreading your wings and buying a house out of state.
Live where you can explore
Throughout the pandemic, people spent more time outdoors. Connecting with your natural surroundings is a great way to relieve stress and stay healthy. Find a place where you can explore year-round.
Denver, Colorado
Love to ski, hike, and climb? With over 50 fourteeners, as the locals call them (peaks over 14,000 feet), you'll have an abundance of mountains to scale and natural wonders to see living in Colorado. Denver is also known as one of the sunniest places in America with over 300 days of sunshine a year. If you're looking to release some endorphins and enjoy the great outdoors, you'll love this active city. Note: If you're still on the hunt for remote work, there are some obstacles to remote work in Colorado that you might want to be aware of.
Interested in the suburbs? Check out the reasons why you should relocate to Boulder, CO. It's one of the best places to live in the Denver area.
Santa Rosa, California
Located in the heart of wine country, you'll enjoy exploring the beautiful countryside and your palate in Santa Rosa. You're minutes from over 400 wineries in Napa, Sonoma, Healdsburg, and more. Santa Rosa is also home to the Russian River Brewing Company and the Charles M. Schulz "Peanuts" Museum. Plus, San Francisco, Muir Woods, and the Pacific coast are all just a quick drive away. Enjoy an easy-going lifestyle and adventures in every direction living in Santa Rosa, CA.
Live where people are happy
Where we live can certainly make a difference when it comes to our happiness levels. These cities often find a spot in the various "Happiest Cities" rankings which consider things like health, cost of living, average leisure time spent per day, and other happiness indicators.
Plano, Texas
With great schools, low crime rates, and lots of sunshiney days, Plano is a great place to raise a family. Plano is proud of its diverse, inclusive, and friendly communities—you'll find all kinds of ethnic grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping areas. Plano is also known for its charming downtown, museums, and more than 70 parks, plus it's just 20 miles from Dallas.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Well known for its luxurious getaways and beautiful golf courses, Scottsdale is an ideal location for families, 20-somethings, and retirees alike. The city has a beautiful downtown waterfront. It's home to tons of shopping, dining, and nightlife. And it's one of the top five art markets in the country with over 70 galleries. Enjoy a little bit of everything in sunny Scottsdale.
Madison, Wisconsin
Want to live in a place where you can enjoy all four seasons? Located near five lakes, and also known for record snowfalls, Madison is a great place to settle. It's got renowned chefs, a great festival calendar, and one of the best rock show lineups in the country. Home to the University of Wisconsin, Madison offers college-town energy that's contagious. And its students are known for actively engaging in the community. Madison has also been named one of the greenest cities in America with high marks for air quality, green jobs, eco-friendly buildings, and parks per resident.
Live where you can save
Affordable cities
One of the best ways to save money for your future is to live in an affordable area. Check out the low cost of living cities in your area and even across the country. Put these three cities on your list as you search.
Greenville, South Carolina
You'll love the reasonable housing prices and the unending list of things to do in Greenville, SC. Its recently revitalized downtown attracts all kinds of festivals and events, plus it's got a great food and art scene. And with beautiful year-round weather and nearby mountain ranges, you can get out to hike, bike, and climb whenever the urge calls. Read more on why you should relocate to Greenville.
Omaha, Nebraska
That's right, we said it. Omahans make more and spend less than national averages. Plus, the city's got tons of youthful energy—the median age is 33 years, and about one-third of the city's residents are 24 years or younger. With low housing costs, low crime rates, and solid schools it's a great place to live for families. The city even has one of the top-ranked zoos in the country. Looking to work locally? A number of Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Omaha, including Berkshire Hathaway, headed by Warren Buffet. If one of the richest people in the world calls this place home, it might be worth a look.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Turns out Las Vegas isn't just a carefree vacation destination. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are well below the national average, and Nevada has no state income tax. All that saving might free up some cash for some of the best entertainment in the U.S. If you can stand the desert heat, put Las Vegas on your list.
Want more tips on where to relocate? There's an app for that. And be sure to check out how to buy your first home out of state as well as the rest of our relocation section in the blog.