You may be retiring, relocating for work, or looking for a place to make a fresh start. Whatever your reason for wanting to move, you may want to give the American South serious consideration. Each state in the country has its qualities, but there’s something particularly special about southern states.
What makes the South such a unique, terrific place to live? It’s a variety of factors. The cost of living in many southern states is much lower than other parts of the country, the communities are welcoming, the weather is milder in colder months, and the food is nothing short of amazing.
There are many great southern cities to move to, but these cities stand out for different reasons, one or more which will appeal to you. Are you ready to make your dream of southern living a reality?
Asheville, North Carolina
Not far from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina has all of the best the South has to offer. The city of Asheville has been named the “Happiest City in America,” and it’s a well-deserved designation.
The city is a cultural hub of visual and performing arts venues. The condos and lofts in center city Asheville make it quite walkable, which is ideal with the more than 300 boutiques, shops, and restaurants located there, all locally owned.
Charleston, South Carolina
A rich history, stunning architecture, and an abundance of outdoor activities to do year round are just some of the reasons to move to Charleston. Founded in 1670, the city’s buildings have a personality of their own, seen in its Classical and Gothic Revival, and Art Deco styles, among others.
It’s easy to spend time outdoors throughout the year, thanks to the hot summers, mild winters, and moderate springs and summers. This climate is perfect for going to the beach in the summer, and viewing the winter sunset from the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
Clarksville, Tennessee
Nashville and Memphis may be the most famous cities in Tennessee and attract a lot of attention. The Volunteer State has a lot of other places that are drawing people in from other parts of the country, and the city of Clarksville is one of them.
One of the most compelling reasons to move to Clarksville is the affordable cost of living. Not only is it cheaper to live there than the rest of the state, it’s also much less expensive to live there than the rest of the U.S. You can enjoy a nice quality of life without being house broke.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Finding a place that has a strong job market that’s also a nice, affordable environment to live in may sound like the stuff of dreams, but it can easily be your reality if you choose to move to Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Fayetteville has the 98th largest economy in the United States, and has an unemployment rate of only 2.7 percent. Since 2021, the area’s employment rate has expanded by 13 percent. Fayetteville is a city that’s on the rise, especially for workers.
Huntsville, Alabama
People from other parts of the country may be of the mistaken belief that the South is mostly rural. While there are rural areas, there’s a lot of vibrant, exciting culture to be found in the South, and Huntsville is proof of that.
There are a multitude of entertainment venues with something for everyone, especially in downtown Huntsville, and the restaurant scene can hold its own against any city. If you’re a dog parent, there are plenty of spots where your pup is welcome.
Knoxville, Tennessee
Some people may enjoy long winters and short summers, but others prefer their winters to be short and sweet, and their summers to be long. If you’re in this camp, then a relocation to Knoxville, Tennessee may suit you.
The city is known for its relatively short cold season, which typically runs from mid-December through late February, and its hot season, which is usually May through September. This is the perfect climate for part-time snowbirds.
Lexington, Kentucky
There’s no question that Lexington is a sports city. The University of Kentucky basketball team is an enduring presence in the NCAA March Madness tournament. As much as sports is a part of the culture in Lexington, there are other points of interest.
On Second Sunday, the city and its community partners invite everyone to participate in activities promoting good health and fitness in a festival setting. Several other gatherings take place throughout the year, like the Woodland Art Fair.
Morgantown, West Virginia
West Virginia may be a coal mining state, but it’s also gaining attention for its expansion into the tech industry. For jobseekers and those looking for new work opportunities, a move to Morgantown can very well result in a new career.
For remote workers, there’s an extra incentive to move. Ascend West Virginia is a non-profit organization that pays remote workers $12,000 to relocate to the state for at least two years. That’s a nice incentive to move to Morgantown.
Richmond, Virginia
It’s no secret that more than a few cities on the East Coast have relatively high costs of living, such as Jersey City, New Jersey, and Arlington, Virginia. Richmond is a city that’s similar in size, but is considerably less expensive.
Besides an improved public transit system, Richmond is a pedestrian and bicycle friendly city. It’s also a place that values education, as evidenced by the number of colleges and universities based there, like Virginia Commonwealth University.
Savannah, Georgia
History and modern culture are found side-by-side in Savannah, Georgia. The historical districts have houses, public buildings, and places of worship that have been restored to look the way they did during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Each of Savannah’s historical districts have unique communities. Groveland/Kensington Park in the Southside district has a lot of young families, and the Thomas Square/Starland Arts neighborhood in the Downtown district is where artists and musicians gather.