The 20 Best Places in the US to Give You a Fresh Start

For anyone looking to live big, nothing has it all like Alexandria, Virginia. Located close to Arlington, D.C. and Baltimore, this Northern Virginia city (often referred to as NoVa) is a hot spot for those working in the government sector. While pricey, its prime location (close to forests, farmlands and coastlines) makes it worth the extra dollar sign. Alexandria is also a great place for artisans and cultural enthusiasts, as it hosts a diverse population who bring amazing foods, crafts and more to the city.

As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage is an ideal place for planting new roots. With close proximity to fishing, skiing, hiking, biking (and more), Anchorage can satisfy even the most active outdoor enthusiast. Plus, Anchorage is far less congested and more affordable than other big cities in the nation. Add in Alaska’s rich native heritage, immense wild beauty and midnight sunsets (it’s true!), and it’s easy to see why anchoring in Anchorage makes perfect sense.

You name it and Austin’s got it. This rising community is full of big city aspirations with enough Texas charm to make it feel like a place nearly anyone can call home. From their incredible Tex-Mex cuisine (which some locals call a religious experience) to their thriving music scene, Austin prioritizes fun as much as it focuses on professional development. As the South’s newest technology hub (often called “Silicon Hills”), the job market’s hot in Austin, making it a great place to start anew.

Yes, Boston has an amazing history that reaches back to 1630 and includes the fascinating story of Paul Revere (and the infamous Boston Tea Party), but it’s got so much more to offer new residents. From an incredibly streamlined transportation system (meaning you don’t need a car) to award-winning cuisine (clam chowder and lobster rolls, to name a few) and plenty of job opportunities thanks to their numerous pharmaceutical and technology companies, this East Coast hub has it all.

Beautiful Boulder, Colorado, isn’t just a skier’s mecca (although skiing certainly is a big deal in this Rocky Mountains city). With more than 45,000 acres of untouched nature open to the public, there are endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Known for being one of the most open-minded cities in Colorado, Boulder is also one of the happiest and healthiest (based on a 2016 Gallup poll). While the cost of living in Boulder isn’t cheap, it also has a strong job market, thanks to the military bases and aerospace tech companies.

Carlsbad, California, is a place where living the dream is a daily activity. Nestled against the gorgeous Pacific Coast, this Southern California city is known as a surfer’s paradise but it’s also a hub for the arts. Around Carlsbad one can find more than three dozen street art installations, including paintings, sculptures and more. With just a short drive to San Diego, a plethora of great restaurants and temps averaging in the low 70s, it’s hard not to feel like you’re walking on sunshine in Carlsbad.

Another Colorado city to make our list is Colorado Springs, located just over an hour south of the state’s capital, Denver. What makes “The Springs” (as locals call it) so fantastic for a fresh start? While the cost of living in this community at the eastern foot of the Rockies is high, the pay-offs (including great schools, a strong job market and booming housing economy) make it worth the investment. Plus, the city hosts dozens of microbreweries, making it a haven for beer connoisseurs.

Ranked as the No. 19 best place to live in the nation, Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an ideal metropolitan city for young adults and families looking for affordability, job opportunities and a strong sense of community. As an LGBTQ-friendly town, Grand Rapids makes inclusivity the norm. Regardless of how residents identify, this Midwestern city is a low-cost place to live with an even lower unemployment rate, making it a top city for starting fresh.

One of the greatest low-key cities to resettle in Connecticut is Hartford, which traces its roots back to 1636. Even famous author Mark Twain recognized Hartford as one of the best (which is why he built a home there). Whether you’re a science, sports or art fanatic, Hartford has your fix with super cool museums, theaters and an enduring Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees rivalry (pick your side). Plus, New England is a postcard year round and who hates beauty? No one, that’s who.

For the eco-minded mover, Madison, Wisconsin, is a great place to go green. In 2017, the city council voted on a 100 percent sustainability and clean energy initiative, making it one of the largest Midwestern cities committed to a healthier environment. The natural beauty of Madison, which includes five lakes and endless outdoor recreation, makes it a beautiful place to play. As the capital of Wisconsin, Madison also has a strong job market, making it a great place to start a career.

A move to Monterey on California’s central coast is a great idea, especially for people looking to live as if they’re on vacation 24/7. Located near Big Sur, Monterey boasts gorgeous beaches with abundant marine life, endless outdoor recreation, including kayaking, surfing, hiking and more. Artists will particularly love this coastal community as it’s home to numerous museums, studios and performance theaters.

Skip touristy Honolulu and claim a little piece of aloha on Oahu’s Windward shore. The lush half of the island features popular cities like Kailua (with its famous beaches), Kaneohe, Kahuku and more, while boasting some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. While Kailua isn’t cheap, accommodations in Kaneohe and in cities further north like Punalu’u are often far more affordable and less tourist-heavy. Plus, according to Gallup, Hawaii is the happiest place to live in the U.S. What a great place to start fresh!

The low cost of living alone makes Omaha an ideal place to move. With median home values coming in at around $169,000 (and steadily rising), planting your roots in this Midwestern city isn’t just affordable, it’s also smart! (Just ask Warren Buffet, who owns a home there.) If home ownership isn’t enough, consider this: Omaha is the birthplace of those juicy steaks we all drool over and was possibly where the Reuben sandwich was invented (it’s debatable). Still, who could ask for more?

Like strawberries? Then chances are, you’ll love Oxnard, California. This Southern California city (less than two hours northwest of Los Angeles) is home to the state’s Strawberry Festival and seemingly endless berry farms, meaning there’s no shortage of jams, jellies and pies to be had. Aside from a sweet tooth, Oxnard has beautiful, open beaches, a great school system for kids and a love of art and culture. Even better, crime is relatively low, making it a safe city to call home.

If hipsters had a home base, it would undoubtedly be Portland. As the biggest city in Oregon, this artisanal paradise is where people go to do things all their own. Whether it’s raising chickens in backyard coops or beekeeping, Portlanders (don’t call them Portlandians) are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and have at it. Plus, Portland has an incredible food scene, including gourmet vegan and farm-to-table options that can rival some of the biggest cities in the U.S.

For urban dwellers who want the luxury of the big city with the comfort of family-driven communities, Queens is one of the best of New York City’s five boroughs. Named for Queen Catherine of Braganza in 1683, this ethnically diverse city boasts a solid suburban landscape that’s surprisingly affordable (for New York standards). Featuring numerous parks, pools and museums, Queens is a self-contained universe of awesomeness that’s perfect for kicking off the dust and starting anew.

Located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean is Raleigh—a little slice of Southern charm in the U.S. Not only is there plenty of outdoor recreation, but this capital city also has four definite seasons, including clear, sunny summers and snowy winters. Add in Raleigh’s affordable cost of living and sublime job market (even Forbes considers this city one of the best in the nation to start a career), and you’ll see why we think Raleigh is the place to move on the Eastern seaboard.

For those who can afford the good life, San Francisco is one of the best places to relocate. Considered one of the most expensive places to rent a home in the world, this historic city definitely isn’t for everyone’s budget. However, if you’re one of the lucky few who can afford a place in San Fran, you’ll be met with temperate climates year round, a bustling food scene (including their famous sourdough bread), Golden Gate Park, cultural enclaves (like Chinatown) and a thriving job market.

Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is the glistening green jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Just because it’s likely drizzling in the city (they only average around 71 days of sunshine per year), it doesn’t mean people aren’t out and about, enjoying activities like kayaking, hiking or just heading to the local coffee shop for an amazing cup of joe. And since tech companies like Apple, Google and Facebook have offices in Seattle, that means the jobs (like the restaurants) are plentiful.

As one half of the famed Twin Cities (which includes Minneapolis), St. Paul is the perfect place to start fresh. The diverse community hosts people from all walks of life, which means there are incredible markets, restaurants and cultural opportunities throughout the city. As the capital of Minnesota, St. Paul has a booming job market and is surprisingly affordable. The cost of living in the city is about average for the nation, meaning even those with humble budgets can afford to relocate.