6 Best Cities To Move To In 2023
2023 is promising to be an exciting time to make a major life change for many people. When brainstorming and browsing new locations to move to and call home, there are a ton of factors to consider, and it is helpful to have a little background knowledge in recent moving trends.
Recent Moving Trends
Over the past few years, there has been a consistent decline in the percentage of people that move within the United States. In 2021, 8.4% of Americans moved, down from 11% of moving Americans in 2017. For the first time in years, 2022 signaled a (slight) incline in the percentage of those that moved, coming in at 8.6%.
However, 2023 does look promising—compared to the previous year, a more stable housing market is making it possible for moving trends to climb back to where they previously were.
Notable moving trends:
Source: Ruby Home
Approximately 50% of movers claim housing prices as their primary motive to move.
People between 20-29 are the most likely age group to move.
In 2022, New Jersey and California saw the greatest decline in population due to out-of-state moves, whereas Florida and Vermont saw the greatest increase of new residents.
In 2021, the rise of remote work allowed between 14 and 23 million Americans to relocate.
Where are people moving to?
Source: Extra Space
To less densely populated areas
To warmer, more stable climates (particularly the South and the West)
Looking ahead in 2023
Looking at the year ahead, there are plenty of exciting and promising cities that offer different benefits to newcomers, whether it is a milder climate, a growing job market, affordable cost of living, and more.
We have compiled six of the most popular and opportune cities to move to in 2023. If you are considering a move, read on to get inspired to find a potentially great fit for you in this list!
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Population: 490,000
Colorado has seen a great influx in population in recent years, as the city-to-country movement grows in the U.S., and Colorado Springs has become one of the most popular cities to settle into in the gorgeous state.
Ranked the #1 place to live in Colorado, Colorado Springs offers a booming economy, up-and-coming development, quality schools, job market opportunities, and undeniable access to the outdoors and natural beauty. Many young professionals are drawn here for the outdoor recreation, young and vibrant social community, and new job opportunities. The city rivals Boulder and Denver in attracting newcomers.
The city’s alluring list of attractions includes Old Western sites, the Old Colorado City, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Olympic Committee. Outside of the city towers Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Population: 469,000
Ranked as the nation’s second fastest-growing metro (right behind Austin, Texas) and the #1 city to live in North Carolina, Raleigh is trending as a massively popular city for newcomers.
Why is it gaining popularity? It boasts an affordable cost of living, strong economic growth, a vibrant cultural hub, a great restaurant scene, excellent education, and a youthful social community.
Three nearby colleges—Duke University, Chapel Hill, and NC State—keep the Raleigh area youthful, exciting, and alive. Raleigh draws college students, recent grads, and young professionals looking for a fresh start in a booming job market and possibility for salary growth; it houses the nation’s largest research park.
More than the economic opportunity, Raleigh has that small-town atmosphere and Southern charm that many people are drawn to. Raleigh has preserved its historical sites, is known for cultural events and music entertainment, and boasts a dining hub that would please any foodie.
For those with outdoor inclinations, Raleigh rests conveniently within reach of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge mountains.
Raleigh’s neighbor just 30 minutes away, Durham, is also a highly popular and up-and-coming location to move to.
Portland, Maine
Population: 69,000
Charming Portland is consistently ranked as one of the most recently popular cities to move to. It is ranked the #8 city to move to by U.S. News, but other lists will place this gem of a town even higher up.
The slower pace of life that is available in the northeast-most corner of the United States just grants a little magic to this New England city. It’s hard not to fall in love with the Atlantic waters, the quaint and charm-filled downtown, the locally-caught and homegrown dining options, and laid back coastal atmosphere.
Portland is quiet, safe, and beautiful: full of families, artists, creatives, fishermen, small-business entrepreneurs, seafood-lovers, retirees, and those seeking a more rustic and wholesome community to belong to. It is the kind of town that encourages walking over driving and takes pride in its local feel.
Portland is also Maine’s economic and cultural hub. Because of its recent increase in popularity and influx of newcomers, the cost of living has risen over the years, creating a mix of old blood and fresh faces. But, there is a steady job market with opportunity for those seeking a fresh start.
Portland’s proximity to the wild coastline, wilderness, forests, and rivers will attract anyone with a passion for outdoor recreation. In the fall, the forests light on fire with stunning autumn colors that the rest of the nation envies.
Huntsville, Alabama
Population: 210,000
It may surprise you to know that a once-quiet Alabama town is trending as the #1 city to move to in America and is also the biggest city in the state. Huntsville is gaining a ton of momentum as newcomers, business, and opportunities flock to northern Alabama, and recent development in the town has made this southern city a bustling center for education, arts, and more.
Reasons for moving there include the town’s affordable cost of living, devotion to arts appreciation, jobs connected to the area’s tech and aerospace industry, and the growing bustle of dining, entertainment, and economic opportunity.
Highlights include the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the Von Braun Center for all types of performances and events, and the Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment. Monte Sano State Park and the Tennessee River promises outdoor recreation in the summer and a warm climate year-round.
Nashville, Tennessee
Population: 690,000
Nashville’s reputation precedes it. Country music, honky-tonks, amazing nightlife, and bachelorette parties come to mind when recalling the Music City.
Ranked highly on nearly all lists of top cities to move to in recent years (and including 2023), Nashville sits comfortably as a highly desirable town. It remains one of the fastest growing cities in the US, and is known for its high quality of living, booming entertainment scene, plethora of job opportunities, and higher education.
Nashville walks the fine line between being a major cosmopolitan area and powerhouse with a definitively southern and explosive personality. It draws approximately 14 million tourists annually! With its mild climate and proximity to the country and mountains, Nashville residents are not stuck with just city-living. You won’t stay bored in this big city!
Population: 55,000
Florida saw the a larger influx of newcomers in 2022 than nearly any other state. Florida has always attracted retirees and snowbirds, but as of recently, much younger generations are making their way to the Sunshine State, and more specifically, Sarasota.
And why is that?
The enviable great weather and climate, access to the ocean, affordability, low tax rate, and career opportunities all make attractive components to a fantastic city to live in. Sarasota has made its mark on many best-cities-in-the-US consistently now, including as the nation’s #2 city by Coldwell Banker’s standards.
Just an hour south of Tampa, Sarasota is a quieter and more reasonable option than its loud northern neighbor. However, it has all the perks of a big city, with great cultural events, museums, entertainment options, nightlife, and historical sites.