The results are in, and people are on the move in 2018. Whether pursuing job opportunities, looking for a better quality of life, or just craving a change in scenery, young and old alike are packing up and moving out (and in!).
When you’re deciding where to move, you’ll probably consider things like housing prices, average income, and the number of things to do in your new ‘hood. You might also be wondering: Where are the cheapest places to live in the US? After all, the amount of money you’re left with after bills contributes greatly to a city’s livability.
We sorted through the data and came up with these 5 best places to move to in America. Put these cities on your short list.
1. Pleasanton, California
Image via Flickr by www78
One question you’re probably not asking yourself is “What state has the highest cost of living in the US?” But if you were, California would be on that list. The Golden State may not be one of the cheapest places to live in the US, but Pleasanton makes up for the cost of living with a median household income of over $112,000.
Homes are on the expensive side, so if you have to downsize, consider Pleasanton storage your new best friend. The good news is that unemployment is low, at about 3.7 percent, and crime rates are also low. And, the schools are great, with secondary school children earning excellent marks in math, science, and language.
2. Tucson, Arizona
Image via Flickr by photogenicz
Tucson is a great place to move in order to start over. The mountains and desert provide a gorgeous change of scenery and plenty of fresh air. Housing prices and cost of living in Tucson are below the national average, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you contemplate your future.
There’s never a shortage of things to do in this friendly city, from the largest gem and mineral show in the world and the Tucson Rodeo to hiking and biking in one of the many state parks and national forests. And with plenty of Tucson storage options, relocation is a breeze.
3. Columbus, Ohio
Image via Flickr by jpmueller99
Columbus prides itself on being one of the best places to relocate with a family, with a cost of living nearly 10 percent below the national average and housing costs 14 percent below average. Wages for the city’s residents are at the national average, making Columbus overall one of the cheapest cities to live in.
With plenty of sports teams and world-class museums, there’s always something going on in Columbus. With vibrant nightlife and great restaurants, it’s also the perfect place to move after college—and we named it one of our best cities for millennials in 2018. Drop your stuff in a Columbus storage unit and get out there!
4. Cary, North Carolina
Image via Flickr by bobistraveling
If you’re looking for the best places to move for jobs, we bet you haven’t considered Cary, North Carolina. Wages in Cary tend to be high, at about $2 above the national average. With jobs projected to grow 11 percent over the next few years, Cary’s future shines brightly.
Though the city has its share of corporate and industrial areas, it’s mostly residential and has a heavy tree cover, making it a green place to live. And, you’ll have your choice of storage units in Cary or nearby Raleigh to keep your stuff safe while you house hunt.
5. Arlington, Virginia
Image via Flickr by timkelley
It began as a suburb of the nation’s capital, but Arlington, Virginia has really come into its own. Since the federal government is the city’s largest employer, Arlington is one of the best cities in the USA for military families and government employees.
Young families and singles flock to the city’s Clarendon neighborhood, where they can find farmers markets, restaurants, and nightlife. With a median household income of over $100,000, a median home price of just under $600,000, and plenty of storage options, Arlington can easily become your new hometown.
Moving to a new city may be a major life change, but it doesn’t have to be disruptive. CubeSmart can simplify the moving process, thanks to accessible and affordable storage and professional assistance with organization and moving logistics. That means you’re free to focus on the fun part: getting to know your new city.
