Where Should I Live?

How to choose where to live

Choosing where to live is a personal decision that depends on your preferences. It can be good to consider factors like:

Budget

Think about how much you can afford to spend on housing, food and activities. Make sure to factor in financial goals like saving for retirement or paying off debt. Doing the math ahead of time will help you get an idea of where you can afford to live.

Small towns vs. cities

Once you have a budget in mind, think about whether you’d prefer to live in a small town, a city or the suburbs. If you have a small budget but you’re set on living in a city, you’ll likely either need to increase your income or live with roommates. However, if you’d prefer to live in a rural area, you may be able to afford to buy a home.

Needs vs. wants

Laura McHolm, co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company, said that it’s important to differentiate between needs versus wants when deciding where to live.

“When evaluating your essential needs[,] you will want to consider things like proximity to schools and work,” McHolm said. “You should research crime rates and safety in the area. And, consider factors like commute times [and] access to public transportation.”

McHolm also suggested making a separate list of your wants, like outdoor activities and weather, then combining your lists of needs and wants and ranking items based on importance to help you figure out the perfect place.

Where to go for great K-12 schools

If you have children, their education is probably high on your list of concerns. Some cities and states are better than others in this regard. You may want to consider cities such as:

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago area has some of the highest rated public schools in the country. It also has plenty of cultural and educational opportunities, including planetariums, museums and science centers.

Arlington, Virginia

The Arlington, Virginia area is also known for its highly rated public schools. There are also plenty of preschools and private schools in the area.

» READ MORE: The best states for public education

Where to go for affordability

Housing costs continue to rise nationwide. Still, some places are less expensive than others. When looking for affordable cities, it’s generally a good idea to research local housing, food, healthcare and transportation costs. Some cities to consider include:

Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown, Ohio is a Rust Belt city once dominated by steel manufacturing. Housing costs are generally low, with the median home price currently around $122,000 and the median rental price around $900 per month, according to Realtor.com.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Home to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is located on the scenic Tennessee River. The downtown area is filled with unique shops and historical sights. For a large city, it’s on the more affordable end, with a median home price of $409,000 and a median rent price of $1,952 per month, according to Realtor.com.

» READ MORE: Want to move to a big city? Here are the cheapest places to live

Where to go for small-town charm

Compared to larger cities, small towns often have fewer things to do and less access to public services, but they also tend to have reduced traffic and lower crime rates. Here are some small towns to check out:

Taos, New Mexico

Taos has a population of around 6,500. It’s known for its beauty, making it a popular destination for artists and writers.

Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish is a small, family-friendly town. It will likely appeal to people who love snowboarding, skiing, hiking, mountain biking or all of the above. It’s popular with tourists due to its location outside of Glacier National Park and its wide range of recreational opportunities.

» READ MORE: Montana cost of living

Where to go for nightlife

If you prefer city life, you can’t go wrong with one of the largest cities in the U.S. when it comes to nightlife.

Miami, Florida

Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture and club scene. There’s no shortage of lively bars, clubs and lounges to choose from.

New York, New York

Nightlife is central to New York City, which is also known as the city that never sleeps. The city is huge, with plenty of opportunities for cultural enrichment, public services and after-hours activities.

» READ MORE: Moving to a major city? Here's the income you'll need to make ends meet

Where to go for having a family

Midsize cities are generally a good option for families because they tend to have good schools, low crime rates and family-friendly activities.

Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville has a high average hourly wage of $33.35, which is higher than the national average of $32.66, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. It also has a relatively low cost of living, so having a family there is more affordable.

San Jose, California

The San Jose metro area has solid schools and plenty to do, but it can be expensive to live there. If you want to be in the general area but are looking for a more affordable town, you may want to consider Sacramento or Vallejo, California.

» READ MORE: The best states to raise a family

Where to go for warm weather

If you’re tired of cold weather or snow, moving somewhere sunny and warm can be a serious mood booster.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Not only is Fort Lauderdale, Florida known for its sunshine and warm weather, but it also offers plenty to do and a lower cost of living than Miami.

Los Angeles, California

Temperatures in Los Angeles typically range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Expect hotter temperatures in the summer and slightly cooler ones in the winter, though it rarely gets colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

» READ MORE: Want to live near the ocean? Here are the best coastal cities to move to

Where to go for cold weather

If you love scenic locations or winter sports, a cold-weather city might be the place for you.

Bangor, Maine

Bangor, Maine is along the Penobscot River, not far from the coast. It offers a robust arts and dining scene, along with plenty of snow during the colder months.

Duluth, Minnesota

Located on Lake Superior, Duluth is no stranger to cold temperatures. It’s one of the largest cities in Minnesota, with around 88,000 people. It’s also fairly popular with tourists thanks to its lakeside location and abundance of water and winter activities.

» READ MORE: The best places to live in the Midwest

Where to go for renters

Renting allows you to try out different places more easily than buying a home. Rent prices tend to decrease as you head away from the coast and large metro areas.

Austin, Texas

Austin can be a great place for renters. The average rental price in Austin is around $1,950, according to Zillow. It also offers plenty to do, including outdoor activities, top restaurants and cultural experiences, like museums.

Cleveland, Ohio

The average rental price in Cleveland is around $1,250. The city is growing and economic opportunities are plentiful, making it ideal for young professionals, families and entrepreneurs alike.

» READ MORE: The best (and worst) states for renters

Bottom line

Deciding where to live is a personal decision. Ultimately, the choice depends on what lifestyle factors are most important to you and your budget. While some cities have lively nightlife and cultural enrichment opportunities, others may be more affordable and better suited to families. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each area before packing your bags.

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