These are the southern U.S. cities that scored the highest on the U.S. News Best Places to Retire 2022 ranking. Head into town where this quaint metropolis dazzles with historic districts, local eateries, and a lively arts scene too. Median monthly housing cost: $1,533. There is always something happening in Greenville, making it a popular choice for families, retirees, and young professionals. South of France is a vast area that unfurls from glitzy seaside hangouts (St. Tropez, Cannes, Saint-Raphal) to thriving cities (Marseille, Avignon) and small, inland villages set among the . With NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center located in the city, aerospace engineering is a major industry for the metro area, which contributes to Huntsvilles high average annual salary of $61,140. Greenvilles average annual salary is $48,350. 4 of the best places to propose are in South Carolina | Hilton Head For those looking for a detour from a default New Orleans experience, Metairie is the spirited neighborhood visitors may not know to seek out. Crested Butte is a ski resort town that spans only .7-square-miles. You might be surprised at just how much real estate agents do to help ensure you find the right home or buyer and that your contract goes off without a hitch. The Best Places to Live in the South are: 25. Franklin has many charms in its own right, and people are noticing. Its no wonder that Tampa is a fast-growing area its ocean access and popular beaches make the metro area a paradise for many. 20 Most Beautiful Places In South Carolina You Should Visit Chattanooga receives its highest score for affordability. Consider spending the winter or the entire year in one of these southern. This helpful guide is for you. Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 3Metro Population: 2,034,246Median Home Price: $436,616Average Annual Salary: $61,759. Y'all get votin'! Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 18Metro Population: 478,654Median Home Price: $351,681Average Annual Salary: $40,470. Home in an impressive population of 693,200 residents, Nashville is one of the best big cities in the South. San Angelo's population density of 34.9 is the smallest population density among metro areas in the South. Knoxville, Tennessee9. Naples, Florida3. 15+ Best Places to Live in the South (Charming Southern Cities) Word is spreading quickly about this South Carolina city: The food scene is certainly something to write home about, with spots like Califas and The Anchorage making it onto many must-visit lists. Follow these 11 tips for getting your family and home ready to relocate to a new city or state. The Tampa metro area grew by more than 1.43% between 2020 and 2021 due to net migration, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Historic neighborhoods have appeal across the seasons, from blooming yards in spring to turning foliage in fall and the occasional blanket of snow in winter. Both cities are top contenders for the most charming cities in the south, but folks choose one over the other for various reasons. Check out noteworthy sights like the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Myriad Botanical Gardens during the day before heading to the city's cool Bricktown district to enjoy its lively nightlife scene. Sixth Street is the best spot to enjoy live music at bars and clubs. Because its a city that well and truly does it all, its difficult to nail down a typical Atlanta experience. Consistently voted one of the best islands in the U.S., this tiny 12 mile long and 5 mile wide island is truly one of the best places to live in the south for both families and retirees. Known for its unmistakable Southern charm, any list of the best places to live in the south wouldnt be complete without Charleston. Read on for the 25 Best Places to Live in the South. Additionally, the cost of typical goods and services are the 12th lowest out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. From 2020 to 2021, the Spartanburg metro area grew by 2.01% due to net migration, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Test your luck over the weekend at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino or Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi. Steeped in history dating back to the civil rights movement and the industrial revolution, Birmingham, Alabama, blends historical attractions like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute with outdoor spaces galore. Continue to 9 of 12 below. When you finish exploring the National Mall, visit Georgetown to indulge in some retail therapy or grab a sweet treat at one of the neighborhood's acclaimed cupcake shops. When she's not at her desk, you can find her coordinating cake layers, enjoying a jog, or hiking through the South one trail at a time. Richmond, Virginia 21. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. With average home prices clocking in at $500k, living in this popular Southern city comes at a price. What Makes Charleston Affordable. There isnt too much to do outside of the tourist attractions, so locals may need to venture out for new entertainment options. Though you won't be able to enjoy everything the area has to offer in just one trip (Disney encompasses four theme parks and two water parks, while Universal Orlando Resort features fun all its own), a weekend getaway to Orlando still promises a great time. Bath Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the south of England, and definitely one of the top places to visit. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the XV Beacon Hotel in Boston. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Averaging 7 million visitors per year, this is one of the most popular cities in the South, but not without reason. 4 of the best places to propose are in South Carolina | Myrtle Beach Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2023-2024, The Best Places to Live By the Beach in the U.S. in 2023-2024. The average annual salary, at $50,030, is roughly $8,000 below the national average of $58,260, but costs remain low compared to more populated metros in the South. 1 concern, consider Hickory as your next hometown. Even if you think you know it well, from the Design District to the Art District to the Main Street District, theres always a fresh spin to find on this classic city. But is it worth the cost? If you need to commute for work then prepare for lots of traffic. The South's Best of 2023 | Southern Living Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 41Metro Population: 672,914Median Home Price: $305,115Average Annual Salary: $51,070. Raleigh ranks number two, while Greensboro comes in at number five. Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 24Metro Population: 3,146,074Median Home Price: $369,299Average Annual Salary: $53,270. Start your vacation at Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. 4 Best Place to Live nationwide and helped it clinch the top spot on this regional list. Huntsville, Alabama Sean Pavone/Getty Images Huntsville's legacy is manifold. Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southeast - Livability We could go on: the vibrant culinary scene, the fantastic shops and boutiques, the coastal breezes blowing in over the Batteryits no shock that The Holy City stays at the top of this list year after year. If a quiet weekend on the warm sand - complete with spotty cell reception and a good book in hand - sounds like your type of escape . Those looking for one of the best coastal cities in South Carolina will easily fall in love with the area. Austin, Texas19. Hit up as many (or as few) beaches as you'd like while you are here; some traveler favorites include Coligny Beach Park (the most crowded), Daufuskie Island and Mitchelville Beach. When you find the perfect home, sometimes worries about future resale can make you doubt yourself. Grab your partner and start planning a long weekend in Savannah in order to both relax and enjoy the best that the city has to offer. The U.S. Census Bureau defines the South as the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. All told, Boca Raton is one of the most expensive places to live in the south, but not without reason. Jacksonville is one of the best places to live in Florida for a number of reasons. The city is peppered with legendary music venues like the Grand Ole Opry House. The average home cost is significantly below the national average at around $285k and offers access to above average schools for families with children. Known for housing a plethora of high-caliber universities and scholarly institutions, Raleigh alongside Chapel Hill and Durham is known as the Research Triangle. Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 2Metro Population: 483,366Median Home Price: $304,290Average Annual Salary: $61,140. Winston-Salem, North Carolina20. Take a drive through the oak tree-lined streets of Old Metairie to behold the beauty of New Orleans's first suburb or spend the day on Metairie Road where a bustling corridor of shops and restaurants await. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up for helpful guides, interesting topics, and tips from locals. Bentonville has made many a "top southern towns" list, and there's a reason why. Make sure to check out the Centennial Olympic Park, which served as the site of the 1996 Olympics, grab a picnic table and invite some friends for an easy-going weekend. Pack your bags and embark on a trip to one (or all!) But just because this historic city has blossomed beyond its small-town roots doesn't mean it's outgrown its iconic Southern charm. Sometimes the best way to refresh the mind, body and soul after a long workweek is to enjoy a short weekend trip. Don't miss the National Videogame Museum or the Texas Sculpture Garden. When hunger strikes, enjoy lunch or dinner at the famed Olde Pink House, a restaurant that's reportedly haunted. 25 Best Places to Visit in the Southern USA - VacationIdea.com Climb to the top of the hilly neighborhood for panoramic vistas of the Vieux Port. Since Hilton Head Island is a top tourist destination, with over 2.5 million visitors each year, it can be quite crowded during the summer months, making it difficult for locals to enjoy amenities and even maneuver the islands small roads. Austin is the 20th best place to live in the South, and it holds the No. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina8. Its no wonder it was voted one of the Best Small Towns in the South by Southern Living Magazine. 11 Best Place to Retire in 2023-2024, and with a median age of more than 53 years, its clear that many retirees are already calling it home. And in winter, travelers can enjoy skiing and tubing at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area. Galveston. The college towns in the Willamete Valley in participar are great - Salem, Corvallis, Eugene. Nathan Lambrecht Franklin, TN Walk along cobblestone streets to soak in the city's outstanding architecture and take a stroll down King Street to delight in a treasure trove of independent eateries and boutiques. Add great shopping, world-class festivals, and a buzzing arts scene, and you have a one-of-a-kind city thats always on the rise. It's hard to keep up with the play-by-play in this booming, sports-centric city just 30 minutes north of Dallas. The beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains is just one of Lynchburg's many wonders. Plenty of people would like to call this Florida metro area home Pensacola ranks 28th out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. for desirability. While it may be best known for its laid-back beaches and picturesque views, Fort Myers is buzzing. The 10 Best Places to Retire in the South - U.S. News As for the best destinations for a marriage proposal nationwide, these are the top 10, according to Mixbook. Population: 87,531 Home Price: $212,000 median purchase price; $910 median monthly rent Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of U.S. cities Unemployment Rate: 3.9% Nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is considered one of the best places to live in the South. Sarasotas cost of living requires 24.89% of the median household income, which isnt as low as many other parts of the South. Best places to watch By Annette Cary Updated July 11, 2023 8:49 PM Local photographers Scott Butner and Shuttha Shutthanandan captured the aurora borealis as it made an appearance above the. You might also love visiting cities . The south is no stranger to historic charming cities that make daily life feel like a movie set. Along with this influx has come higher prices all around which are expected to continue rising in the coming years. Atlanta is the 11th most populous city in the US. However, with the high prices comes a pretty great place to live, if you can afford it. If you want Southern heat, a short drive to the beach and plenty of friends and family who will find an excuse to visit you, Savannah may be the right next hometown for you. When you're not eating, be sure to enjoy Falls Park on the Reedy, a beautiful, 26-acre green space that runs through the city. If you need a break from the ocean, Destin also has golf courses, shopping malls and a marine adventure park, so no one will get bored. Strange & Morbid Attractions Around the South. The Jacob's Well Natural Area is about an hour southwest of Austin, Texas, and can be visited as a day trip from the city. Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 34Metro Population: 514,392Median Home Value: 263,651*Average Annual Salary: $50,030. The metro area best known for its many horse farms benefits from a relatively low cost of living for residents housing costs require just 22.27% of the areas median household income. Though Oklahoma City may not immediately come to mind when planning a weekend trip, you may be surprised to find it boasts plenty of things to do. Here Are 15 Of The Most Remote Towns In America - Only In Your State Best places to travel solo: 14 top destinations, per an expert For one, its a lot of fun. The Crescent City, the Big Easy, the Birthplace of Jazz New Orleans goes by many names, which isnt surprising, considering how legendary the place is. You don't need a sprawling backyard to have access to your own fresh herbs for cooking or mixing cocktails. This island city is full of Southern charm. The friendly locals. Which cities in the South are the best to live in? Here, we're highlighting the top 25 best places to live in the Southeast based on our research. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The two Coast cities ranked higher than Hilton Head, South Carolina and Tampa, Florida. And it's almost all exclusively built from honey-coloured Bath stone, so the overall effect is really breathtaking. When you live in Alabama theres no question that you live in the South, but many people describe life in Huntsville as a combination of Southern living with Northern influence because its major employers bring many transplants to the area. Naples offers the ideal Florida lifestyle in areas like Marco Island and Immokalee, in addition to the city of Naples itself. In fact, taking a ghost tour is a must-do activity in this spooky Georgia city and is sure to leave you with fun memories of your weekend vacation. Once they arrive on South Padre Island, travelers can plan on spending the entire weekend in (or, at least, near) the water. But urban influences (not to mention traffic on its main thoroughfare, Roswell Road) make themselves known in the city's standout medley of dining, shopping, and mixed-use developments. Almost everyone who visits Charleston these days is tempted to unpack their bags and move right in. With many neighborhood pockets, each possessing its own personality, you can be sure theres something for everyone to find in Atlanta. Daniel Hoherd. Savannah ranks No. #11 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South. Daytona Beach, Florida24. Learn all about our country's art history at the Moshe Safdie-designed Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by . The South is calling and youre ready to make it your home. Seriously, youll find a festival for every occasion, which is why the city attracts party animals from all corners of the country. The 50 Best Small Towns In The South 2023 - Southern Living The best places in the U.S. to live by the beach are: Los Angeles Miami Corpus Christi, Texas Santa Barbara, California San Diego Fort Myers, Florida Salisbury, Maryland Port St. Lucie,. Likewise, A 2022 study by MoneyGeek found that Nashville has the 6th strongest job market in the country. While Lake Charles, Jackson, and Meridian were not a big surprise, Port Arthur and Brownsville were more unexpected. Atlanta, Georgia Population: 496,500 Median home price: $375K Average age: 33.2 years Atlanta is one of the largest metro areas of all the Southern cities mentioned on this list. Their tagline these days is Yeah, that Greenville, and its easy to see why. Tampa, Florida10. The Stockyards National Historic District is home to both classic honky-tonks and brand-new watering holes. (Getty Images). Photo by Peter Frank Edwards Hilton Head Island has a picturesque lighthouse and plenty of other lovely spots. The Raleigh Beer Garden boasts of being the largest in the world, while culinary delights, from Crawford and Son's elevated fare to The Pit's authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue, guarantee a meal for every kind of craving. Fort Worth has a strong sense of its history. rank it your way 1 1,098 votes Charleston South Carolina, USA 2 965 votes Savannah Georgia, USA 3 913 votes Nashville Tennessee, USA 4 We're humble about our hidden gems, be it the roadside stand only we know how to find or a secluded beach we intend to keep secret. It's well known for its historical architecture as well as its thriving arts and music scene, with galleries and live shows at nearly every turn. Here are some things to consider before you choose your new siding. Asheville, North Carolina13. Lists about the life below the Mason-Dixon line just as fresh and cool as a glass of sweet tea on the back porch in the summertime. Winston-Salem also ranks 28th out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. for its low rates of property crime, violent crime and murder, based on data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both towns deliver a classic beach town experience, with lovely stretches of sand, fishing piers, and boardwalks. These units can be the cat's meow when carefully considered. Copyright © 2023 The Honest Local | This post may contain affiliate links - read our Standards, Corrections, & Privacy Policy. If you like the idea of living in this small metro area along the Gulf Coast near where Everglades National Park begins, prepare to pay more for housing, as residents spend 27.45% of the median household income on the cost of living. 30 Best Weekend Getaways in the South | U.S. News Travel The median age in the metro area is 47 years, and is the No. Savannah often gets compared to Charleston and at first blush, its easy to understand why. Home inspectors are essential to the integrity of the homebuying process. 15 Wildly Romantic Getaways in The South USA Lovers Key, Florida With lover in its name, you know that Lovers Key Florida is going to be a perfect romantic getaway. The fastest growing city in the state, Huntsville's influx of engineers and scientists are making an impact beyond aerospace, sowing seeds in arts, culture, craft brewing, and more. Consider up-and-coming cities like Birmingham, Memphis, and Little Rock. Art enthusiasts will have their pick of the Baltimore Museum of Art, The Walters Art Museum and the quirky American Visionary Art Museum (or all three, for good measure), while sports fans can catch a weekend baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The cost of living is low, and it is near many social clubs and outdoor activities like golfing, boating, and kayaking. With a cost of living that requires just 18.95% of the areas median household income, Hickory is the most affordable place to live out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S. They dont call it the Magic City for nothing. Like Sydney and Vancouver (as well as the winner, below), Venice has been a top-10 ever-present since 2013. Make your way to Birmingham's Railroad Park, which locals lovingly call "Birmingham's Living Room," to take advantage of its lake, jogging trails and grassy areas, or enjoy a relaxing stroll through the picturesque Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Winston-Salem residents benefit from a relatively low cost of living, which requires just 21.73% of the areas median household income to cover mortgage payments or rent, property taxes and utilities. As Oklahoma's capital and largest city, it offers a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions to keep travelers of all interests entertained for days. Consider adding a catio to your home. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your home more manageable and organized. 12 Best Family Beaches in the Southeast U.S. - TripSavvy Chattanooga area residents spend just 21.68% of the areas median household income on housing expenses, including mortgage payments, rent, property taxes and utilities. Broadway is downtown Nashville's hub of nightlife, dining and entertainment. Even with a salary nearly $10,000 below the national average, residents enjoy a lower cost of living which requires just 21.31% of the areas median household income. Bentonville may be known as the birthplace of Walmart, but the opening of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art more than a decade ago launched the city into the limelight. Fret not, Atlanta was voted one of the best cities in the South for foodies. 12 Best Place to Retire for 2022-2023. Residents benefit from a low cost of living, which requires just 21.13% of the areas median household income. Pity, with average home prices clocking in at $375K, Atlantas housing market is one of the most affordable of all the best cities in the South. Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. Cities With the Highest Humidity In the top five, we have Lake Charles, LA, Jackson, MS, Meridian, MS, Brownsville, TX, and Port Arthur, TX, all at 90% humidity. Charlottes population increased by 1% between 2020 and 2021 due to net migration. Alpharetta is more than just a suburb of Atlanta. If you'd rather explore off the beaten path, consider signing up for a swamp tour to see alligators, deer and other wildlife throughout New Orleans' bayous. Atlanta is the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., AND Georgia played a key role in both the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. On the downside, Jacksonville public transportation is not up to snuff and getting anywhere seems to require a 30 minute drive. Home to Thomas Jefferson's former residence, Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia, is rich in American history. Founded in 1699, this Virginia town will transport you back in time with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and Colonial architecture. Holding the No. 12 Best Cities in the South of the USA to visit San Angelo, Texas. Spanish moss-laden trees surround the most charming downtown core youll ever see. Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. 1. Theres a plethora of beautiful parks in and around the city as well as great access to the water (both the river and ocean). If youre looking for urban amenities and a great place to set down roots in South Carolina, Greenville is a great choice. Fayetteville is home of the University of Arkansas, and many graduates remain or return years later for work. If youre interested in shopping, head to Ponce City Market, which features boutiques, coffee shops and more. Those in the know have been touting Birminghams appeal for years: Fantastic parks and hiking trails, a world-class symphony, charming neighborhoods, and an astonishingly good food scene are just a few of the draws that bring people to the city and keep them here. Homes here are pricey too, especially for Florida with a current median home price well above $600k. Jacob's Well is the second-largest completely submerged cave in Texas. Have a favorite Southern spot? Best Places to Live in the South | Money This, combined with its location, makes Huntsville the fourth most affordable place to live out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S., requiring just 19.62% of the median household income to cover housing costs. | May 17, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. 16 Top Things to Do in South Carolina Riding the Ferris wheel at Myrtle Beach, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and dining on honey fried chicken are just some of. Have you heard about Greenville? Tampa Riverwalk-Tampa, Florida. Large Cities in the South Southern cities with a population higher than 300,000 residents. 12 for air quality. - Travel Advice, Travel Inspiration, Home Inspiration, Food . For memories that will last a lifetime, consider seeing a musical performance at the Grand Ole Opry or at least take a tour to see the impressive venue and learn about its history. Beyond the celestial, Huntsville has thriving pockets of artistic and cultural experiences (like Lowe Mills ARTS & Entertainment, where a reimagined cotton gin houses artist studios), and burgeoning brewing businesses and coffee shops too. 21 Charming Texas Coastal Towns. Retiring in Lake Havasu is ideal for many retirees and is one of the best places to retire in the Southwest. Top 14 Walkable Cities in the U.S. - Trips To Discover Other top attractions in this Tennessee city include Belle Meade, the Johnny Cash Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This quirky Texas destination has more to offer, too. 18. Now a hub for sports, technology, and innovation, the city is turning progress into an opportunity for culture and family fun. With that age group comes lots of complaints of NIMBY attitudes (think Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino Not In My Backyard). Lourmarin. Grab your cowboy boots and pack your bags for a weekend trip to the Music City. In addition to the citys many breweriesyoud be hard pressed to find another region as richly steeped in the stuffits a hub for hiking as well as arts and culture, with several arts districts offering gallery and studio space for the citys creatives. Miami is a top-notch weekend getaway destination for those seeking a buzzing nightlife, art and dining scene, with a splash of art deco architecture. Charlotte is a financial epicenter, sure, but that doesnt mean its lacking in fun. The South's Best Cities on the Rise 2022 - Southern Living Pensacola, Florida12. Best Places 2023-2024 Rank: 29Metro Population: 465,558Median Home Price: $388,700Average Annual Salary: $47,470. And don't forget to pack your golf clubs, as Hilton Head also offers some of the best places to golf in America. Groove to live music, indulge in the best barbecue around, paddleboard on the water, and take a dip in local-favorite swimming holes. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park-San Diego, California. It never seems like theres a shortage of things to do in Jacksonville.