Preparing to leave your mark on a brand new city is one of life’s most significant milestones. At its best, it can be an exciting new adventure. Unfortunately, relocating can also be a source of great stress and anguish if you dive in unprepared. Proper planning is vital to making your move as easy as possible.
Preparing for your move
Adequate preparation involves more than just making liberal use of your label gun. It also means doing your research on your destination, creating a detailed schedule, and soliciting free quotes from reputable shipping providers like Guardian Auto Transport—a company that provides auto shipping Arizona residents and drivers located nationwide can trust. Partnering with only reputable companies like these can make your move a breeze.
You should also start sketching out a rough budget. That said, you can’t plan much of anything before you know where you’re going. Here are the top-shelf picks for cities to move to in 2021 and 2022.
The best U.S. cities to move to in 2021–2022
Whether you are planning to move for a lower cost of living or be closer to family, and whether it’s across the country or the state, there are several factors to consider.
Here are ten cities that rank high across many categories, including affordable housing, cost of living, job market, quality of education, and recreational activities.
Hartford, Connecticut
Population: 1,207,677
Hartford is one of the oldest cities in the country, making it a hub of U.S. history and culture. New residents can explore the local farmer’s markets, attend arts and culture festivals, or take in the breathtaking Connecticut River Valley scenery.
Charleston, South Carolina
Population: 774,508
Charleston attracts people with its Southern charm, overflowing with entertainment, great food, and sophisticated art galleries. Close to several beaches, Charleston has many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as fishing, surfing, and kayaking.
Kansas City, Missouri
Population: 2,124,518
Famous for its barbecue, Kansas City boasts a cost of living lower than the national average and a booming job market. It is an attractive destination for families looking for safe neighborhoods and excellent schools and is also home to a thriving creative community with its own children’s theater company.
Jacksonville, Florida
Population: 1,503,574
If you’re looking for life near the beach, Jacksonville has that and more. Its expansive coastline is ideal for fishing and boating and offers magnificent views from many famous golf courses. Although it has a large retirement community, Jacksonville is a popular city for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Boise, Idaho
Population: 710,743
Boise is growing in popularity as a place to raise a family due to its affordable housing, low crime rate, and various outdoor activities. The landscape features rivers, mountains, deserts, lakes, and canyons. Whether hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or snowboarding, Boise has something for everyone to enjoy all year long.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Population: 514,259
Home to Tyson Foods and Walmart, Fayetteville is attracting families for its economic stability, quality schools, and low cost of living. As the fastest-growing metro area in Arkansas, the city boasts a median home sale price lower than the national average as well as a steady job market.
Portland, Oregon
Population: 2,445,761
Portland is a city known for its self-expression, becoming the birthplace of many of the nation’s entrepreneurial businesses and startups. It has one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and several museums and art galleries. If the outdoor life is on your wishlist, Portland is close to the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The Willamette Valley is known for the wine produced in its fertile vineyards.
San Diego, California
Population: 3,316,073
San Diego is attractive for its sunny weather and magnificent beaches, allowing people to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Cycling, tennis, and golf are popular pastimes. It’s a place that attracts young professionals to its big-city amenities and higher education opportunities and families to its quiet neighborhoods.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Population: 723,498
Sitting close to 6,000 feet above sea level, Colorado Springs attracts people looking for an affordable alternative to the more expensive Denver area. With a median age of thirty-five, Colorado Springs draws those with love for the great outdoors, whether it is mountain biking or hiking the trails of Red Rock Canyon. The city’s population is diverse, a combination of college students, military families, professionals, and retirees.
Austin, Texas
Population: 2,114,441
Regularly ranked as the #1 place to live in Texas, Austin has a booming technology, education, and health care job market. It is also a mecca for visitors who enjoy live music events such as the South by Southwest festival. Another reason to move to Austin is that Texas does not have a personal or corporate income tax.
Before you start packing
Moving to a new city can be as exciting as it is stressful. The critical thing to remember is to do your research before embarking on a life-changing move.
Be organized. Label everything. Hire movers. Moving to a new city does not have to be stressful if you have done your homework.
