Where to Live Now
Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southeast
Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southeast
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These 25 Southeastern cities each have something special to offer.
As one of the most biologically diverse spots in the world, is it any wonder people are drawn to the Southeast? From coastal islands and coral reefs to the Appalachian Mountains, this part of the country is rich in landscape, food, culture and history. Upbeat cities like Nashville and Austin attract a variety of newcomers with their top-class education and healthcare, while smaller cities offer new residents a slower-paced lifestyle within tight-knit communities.
Each year, we at Livability put together our Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. The list is based on nearly 100 data points and examines cities with a population between 75,000 and 500,000 to narrow down the very best places to live across the country. Here, we’re highlighting the top 25 best places to live in the Southeast based on our research. Each of these cities has something special to offer — read on to find out what.
In This Article
1. Johns Creek, GA
Residents in Johns Creek, GA, can live the good life with all the big-city perks that come with being close to a major metro and the tight-knit community lifestyle a smaller city affords. With safe neighborhoods, excellent schools and a thriving health care economy, Johns Creek earns its title as one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
The Atlanta suburb boasts one of the region’s largest concentrations of health care companies, which provide top-notch medical care and good-paying jobs to locals. More than 450 health care and social services companies are established in Johns Creek.
Another thing that makes Johns Creek so special is that the 80,000-plus residents who call the area home enjoy a tight-knit, inclusive community. The city prioritizes adaptive recreation programs; hosts celebrations to honor Lunar New Year, Juneteenth and Diwali; and has an International Festival that recognizes the city’s diverse residents. Also, the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk, within Newtown Park, holds monuments to honor veterans and is a community space where visitors can pay their respects.
Additionally, the city’s natural beauty sets it apart. Johns Creek has several parks and natural areas, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Newtown Park. These areas offer residents plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing.
Johns Creek is a dog-friendly place to live, too. The Newtown Dream Dog Park is one of the best in the country, outfitted with sprinklers, a spraying hydrant, hoops, tunnels and more. Let’s just say there’s a whole lot of dog-gone fun to have here!
2. Cary, NC
Nestled between the stunning Western Carolina mountains and the famous East Coast beaches of the Outer Banks, Cary, NC, uses its enviable location to its advantage. Located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Cary is in the center of the Research Triangle Area, which places the city less than 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. This central location and its proximity to the Research Triangle Park — the largest research park in the U.S. — make Cary one of the best places to live in the Southeast. With a robust job market, the city of 180,341 is known as a hotspot not only for employees of the Research Triangle Park but also for entrepreneurs looking to launch new businesses.
Although Cary has the amenities of a large city, including a great restaurant and bar scene, it retains an affordable cost of living and a small-town feel, reflected in the high safety rating given by background check company GoodHire. In 2022 they named Cary, NC, the safest city in the United States. Locals noted that they feel safe running or walking the quaint neighborhoods and greenways. But the safe, close-knit environment isn’t the only reason Cary is desirable for young families. The schools here are fantastic. According to Public School Review, which analyzes and evaluates the quality of public schools, Cary has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in North Carolina.
Finally, Cary is a flourishing city that offers a fantastic arts scene (gorgeous public art, galleries and more), a variety of eateries, must-visit breweries and great sporting events. Baseball fans can rejoice as Cary is home to the USA Baseball National Training Complex.
3. Roswell, GA
Lights, camera, action: Roswell, GA, is not just a popular place for movie makers but also for residents who want a happily-ever-after setting to call home. This sought-after Atlanta suburb is one of the best places to live in the Southeast because of its historic charm, welcoming neighbors, strong economy and nationally recognized health care facilities, including WellStar North Fulton Hospital, Emory Clinic and Piedmont health care. The city also has several top-rated public schools, making it a good choice for families with children.
While jet setters and business commuters appreciate that one of the world’s busiest airports, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, is close by, there’s loads of fun to be had close to home. For example, Roswell hosts annual festivals celebrating everything from lavender to Monarch butterflies. There’s even a homemade ice cream social in August with volunteer “crankers” making more than 100 varieties. Locals also love coming together on summer nights for Reels and Wheels, an outdoor movie showing with food trucks providing snacks.
Roswell’s prime location near the Chattahoochee River means the city offers plenty of things to do for outdoor enthusiasts. The city also has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and you can enjoy a cold pint after a day floating on the Chattahoochee River. Roswell also has a thriving arts and culture scene, and the city is home to several art galleries, theaters and museums.
4. Columbia, MD
Locals have lots to love when it comes to life in Columbia, MD, which has several well-planned, walkable neighborhoods connecting residents to schools, stores and parks. Highly ranked schools, diverse residents and community treasures like Color Burst Park, which hosts free fitness classes, concerts and more, build on the reasons why Columbia is one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
Columbia is also a community that prizes inclusivity at Blandair Regional Park. In this ADA-compliant “Play-for-All” playground, families gather at baseball fields, multi-use turf, tennis courts and a Challenge Course. Residents in Columbia are entertained with endless opportunities to have fun in the city. The Columbia Festival of the Arts (think concerts, exhibits, workshops and more) adds a burst of creativity to the city each year, while live music and public art can be enjoyed year-round. And, if you’re a bookworm, you’ll notice that the street names in this cozy southern city are literary references.
Columbia is a part of Howard County, recognized as one of the most highly educated areas in the region. The economy is resilient, with businesses enjoying a central location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and a talent pipeline with highly educated workers. Some of the county’s biggest employers include Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Verizon and Coastal Sunbelt Produce. Residents can always build upon their skills or prepare for a new career at Howard Community College, which offers two-year degree and certificate programs built with high-demand careers in mind.
5. Virginia Beach, VA
Thousands flock to Virginia Beach, VA, each year to enjoy its beaches. Still, the more than 450,000 residents who call this coastal area home get VIP access to the area’s amenities year-round, from a colorful arts district to a culinary scene with festivals like a springtime she-crab soup classic.
Excellent health care is one of many reasons Virginia Beach is one of the best places to live in the Southeast, and Sentara Health Care operates top-ranked hospitals in the region. Those who move here can stretch their dollars further as the cost of living in Virginia Beach is lower than in other cities in the region. In addition, good schools, a highly educated workforce and an economy powered by various diverse industries add to the quality of life.
Residents have much to explore in Virginia Beach, too. The area has seven unique districts, including Oceanfront, where you’ll get your fill of snow cones, spot street performers and catch some waves. But for a quieter day on the water, locals love to slip away to Sandbridge, with sand dunes, sea oats and a gorgeous boardwalk. Creatives are helping shape The ViBe Creative District, a lively arts and culture district bursting with color from the murals to the art-filled parking lots. Even utility boxes have been morphed into masterpieces!
6. Hoover, AL
Hoover, AL, is a small town with big southern charm — and it just keeps getting bigger. With a population of 90,000 and growing, it’s clear that residents new and old alike appreciate the city’s top-rated public school system (which ranks in the highest 10% of the whole state), and its enviable outdoor amenities like Moss Rock Preserve and Aldridge Gardens, all making it one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
Outside of the highly-rated schools, Hoover is very family-friendly, and the assortment of community centers, recreational opportunities and playgrounds make the city an excellent place for families with children. The arts and culture scene is thriving, too. The Hoover Library and the Aldridge Gardens are among the many museums, galleries and performing arts venues available to residents.
Although Hoover has many accolades, the city especially has bragging rights when it comes to having a healthy economy. For example, the unemployment rate in the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area was 2.2% in February 2023 (the national average was 3.6% at the time).
And with its proximity to bustling Birmingham, Hoover also has access to world-class medical facilities like Children’s of Alabama, the country’s third-largest pediatric hospital.
7. Franklin, TN
Modern convenience meets old-world charm in Franklin, TN. Just 20 miles outside Nashville in neighboring Williamson County, Franklin combines a growing city, a robust regional economy, countless activities and ample business opportunities with history, Victorian architecture, Civil War battlefields and a quaint, historic downtown. Franklin’s versatility and well-roundedness make it one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
Due to its high marks in safety, Franklin is a great place to raise a family. In addition, the city is part of the Williamson County School District, which gets good marks for education and provides residents with a 16:1 teacher-student ratio. The schools are so good in Franklin that people and companies from across the country plant roots in the community. The city also offers plenty of fun for all ages at local farms, parks, a kid’s gym, a ceramic studio, theaters, art galleries, shopping centers and more.
Franklin is also known for its top-notch health care, largely thanks to its many health-related businesses.
With four national and seven local historic districts, Franklin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its charming Main Street is a major draw, where visitors (locals, too!) come to shop, eat or drink, enjoy one of many festivals, or just stroll the historic streets lined with original architecture, some of which date back to the city’s founding in 1799. In addition, the Downtown Franklin Historic District stretches for 16 blocks and offers a look back at the past but with all the present-day amenities, including boutiques, wine and juice bars, tap rooms, restaurants, offices, a distillery and more.
8. St. Petersburg, FL
Located on the Pinellas Peninsula, St. Petersburg, FL — St. Pete for short — is a fast-growing city and one of the best places to live in the Southeast. In St. Petersburg, work-life balance includes lots of beach days. Nicknamed the “Sunshine City,” it’s sunny 361 days a year here, and the community holds a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine. For the record, it was a 768-day stretch that started in 1967!
Locals and residents alike mingle at more than 1,000 special events and festivals that happen annually, ranging from yachting events, farmers markets, Florida’s largest Pride celebration, and a long-running parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. Petersburg is also a city that prides itself on inclusivity. For example, the city scores a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s annual Municipality Equality Index.
Stellar amenities also help St. Pete shine — we’re talking lots of pickleball courts, plus dog parks, the 45-mile Pinellas Trail that’s built atop old railroad tracks, award-winning golf courses, and a historic shuffleboard and lawn bowling complex with 74 courts and grandstand seating. St. Petersburg also gets accolades for being an artsy city. Second Saturday ArtWalks, the Salvador Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg can’t be missed.
But of course, one of St. Pete’s most prized amenities is its natural beauty, which includes 244 miles of shoreline along Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and intercoastal waterways. There’s also a unique downtown waterfront with restaurants and bars and a free Looper Trolley that connects to the city’s major attractions.
9. Fort Lauderdale, FL
With a motto of “live where you vacation,” Fort Lauderdale, FL, has a knack for turning tourists into residents. As one of the best places to live in the Southeast, Fort Lauderdale is a diverse city with a 24-mile stretch of golden sand along the Atlantic Ocean, world-class restaurants and bars, plus 31 distinct neighborhoods.
Business is booming in Fort Lauderdale, too, with a robust economy fueled by aviation, aerospace, financial services, global logistics, technology and marine industries. Dollars stretch further in this sunny city, too. The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is ideal because there are low taxes (including no state income tax), relatively affordable housing, and all kinds of free and low-cost fun to be had, from beach days to trips to Everglades National Park. Greater Fort Lauderdale also embraces the arts, and residents can visit museums dedicated to LGBTQ+ culture, antique cars, fine art, African-American and Native-American heritage and more.
Improved transportation is also a perk to living in Fort Lauderdale, and getting around town is easy, with the high-speed Brightline train connecting Southern Florida. Of course, water taxis, paddle boards, gondolas and bikes are also some fun ways to get around Fort Lauderdale and the inland waterways that weave through the city.
10. Concord, NC
Concord means to be in a state of agreement or harmony, and in Concord, NC, it’s easy to live a harmonious life. Within commuting distance of Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, Concord is the perfect blend of a quaint, Southern town and an up-and-coming metropolis, making it one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
Outside of its proximity to Charlotte (less than 30 miles!), Concord is also near several scenic attractions, including Lake Norman and the Uwharrie National Forest, and residents can enjoy a safe environment with plenty of conveniences, from shopping to dining and entertainment. But you don’t have to leave Concord to experience the good life.
The historic downtown and surrounding parks give Concord a peaceful vibe and contribute to the tight-knit community and friendly atmosphere the city is known for. The area has a rich history and offers a variety of cultural events and activities, including festivals, museums and galleries.
Concord also has a lower cost of living compared to many other major cities in the United States, making it an affordable place to live for families and young professionals.
History buffs will love visiting the nearby Reed Gold Mine, a historic site that was the first documented gold mine in the country, and the Cabarrus County Historical Museum, which features exhibits on the area’s history, like the development of the NASCAR industry. And, if you have the need for speed, Concord is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, attracting fans and making the city a major player in the auto racing industry.
11. Louisville, KY
Midwest sensibilities and Southern hospitality meld in Louisville, KY, well-known for its fantastic bourbon, hosting the Kentucky Derby and creating hard-hitting baseball bats — Louisville Sluggers.
As one of the best places to live in the Southeast., Louisville also has a strong economy, with companies like Yum Brands, UPS, Humana, Texas Roadhouse, and more headquartered in the business-friendly region. Did you know that Louisville has the largest concentration of health care providers in the health and aging innovation sector?
Diversity is valued in the region, with initiatives like the Minority Business Incubator and Power to Prosper Minority Business Accelerator helping entrepreneurs launch and scale. And the city fosters an inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.
New residents, of course, can get a solid introduction to life in Louisville by imbibing along the Urban Bourbon Trail. Other rites of passage include a sunset cruise aboard the Belle of Louisville, a rare Mississippi River-style steamboat, and a membership to the Speed Art Museum, which has an impressive collection of Black and Native American works, plus a cinema.
12. Metairie, LA
Metairie, LA, is located just 6 miles outside New Orleans and is under the Greater New Orleans umbrella. Most Metairie residents consider themselves to be New Orleanians. The French settled the area in the 1700s, quickly becoming New Orleans’ first suburb. While its accessibility to New Orleans is a bonus for finding things to do in the area, Metairie has plenty going for it on its own. The countless shopping options, offices, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, sports arenas, theaters and parks make Metairie one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
Metairie has a low unemployment rate and good job options in various industries. Metairie is the largest community in Jefferson Parish (a parish is the Louisiana equivalent of a county).
Like the neighboring New Orleans, Metairie residents know how to have a good time, and the city is known for its many events and festivals. Another cool thing about Metairie? It’s located on the massive Lake Pontchartrain, which is not really a lake at all but an estuary. At 40 miles wide and with 630 square miles of total area, it’s one of the largest estuaries in the country. For Metairie, this means lakefront dining, marinas and boating, waterfront walks on the boardwalk, and a former fishing village turned seafood restaurant hot spot known as Bucktown.
13. Lexington, KY
Tucked within the rolling hills of central Kentucky, Lexington, KY, offers more than initially meets the eye. Although its famous racehorses and bourbon are integral to the culture of this city, its strong economy, education and affordable housing market are what helped earn its designation as one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
Lexington is home to several important equestrian centers and has earned the title “Horse Capital of the World.” These places offer more than a fun pastime; the equestrian industry helps drive the culture and keep the economy strong. Along with the tradition of racehorses, bourbon remains a popular industry. Situated along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Lexington has several local distilleries and a thriving food culture to go along with it. In addition, the city’s affordability makes it a magnet for entrepreneurs and startups.
As a college town, Lexington has a pipeline of homegrown talent to support these industries. The University of Kentucky is one of the universities that contributes to the city’s youthful energy, helping to attract creative, young minds to Lexington, and that helps to drive the economy, as well. College basketball fans are in heaven here as the town fervently supports the Wildcats!
14. Frederick, MD
Frederick, MD, is steeped in history yet enviously trendy. The growing city of almost 75,000 is known for its close proximity to other major cities like Gettysburg, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
Frederick is one the best places to live in the Southeast due to its picturesque mountain views, access to local vineyards and compelling history. It serves as a final resting place for Francis Scott Key, author of the national anthem, and hundreds who passed in the Civil War and played a pivotal role in the trajectory of the war in the battle of Monocacy (all of which can be learned about by visiting its many museums and memorial sites).
And it’s clear that Frederick’s future is just as compelling as its past – serving as the home to higher-education institutions like Hood College and Frederick Community College, as well as a highly rated public school system. Residents can also enjoy a small-town atmosphere in Frederick but easily hop over to the big city thanks to its accessible public transportation system. The MARC commuter rail train goes right through town, and it can connect you directly with AMTRAK service to Union Station in Washington, D.C., which will take roughly an hour and 40 minutes.
Everyone can find their niche here, as Frederick is home to life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology, tourism and film sectors. And options abound for outdoor activities (think camping, hiking, water recreation and more).
15. Durham, NC
The quality of life in Durham, NC, is unparalleled. Home to a top-ranking hospital system, the prestigious Duke University, and an abundance of arts, international foods and entertainment, it’s no wonder that Durham is one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle and home to the Blue Devils, Durham’s residents are highly educated. The city’s strong public school system makes it a great place to plant roots and start a family.
From the arts to the outdoors, Durham is booming with opportunities. This dynamic and diverse city of more than 287,000 offers a low cost of living and plenty of affordable housing options for residents in each neighborhood. As a center for the arts, Durham is home to renowned film and dance festivals, so residents are never bored. The city also boasts the largest performing arts center in North Carolina, DPAC, and the Durham Arts Council offers classes to students of all ranges and skill levels, letting residents flex their creative muscles.
The city has an energetic startup culture and is considered a Silicon Valley of the South. The friendly, collaborative community is home to a wealth of resources for established businesses and startups alike. Durham’s diverse economy is ripe with opportunity, and with world-class research taking place every day, it’s clear that residents are highly motivated and think outside of the box.
But Durham is also steeped in tradition and has a rich history. For example, the city is home to North Carolina Central University, the nation’s first public liberal arts college for African Americans. Also, the American Tobacco Company was founded here. The historic Duke University campus also features stunning architecture, while nearby 9th Street provides a bohemian vibe brimming with unique shops and restaurants.
16. Charleston, SC
Prepare to be charmed by Charleston, SC, which has a steeple-studded skyline, colorful homes along Rainbow Row, cobblestone streets and a pineapple-shaped fountain at the Historic Waterfront Park. Founded in 1670, Charleston is the oldest city in South Carolina. It’s known as the “Holy City“ due to the prominence of churches and was one of the only cities in the original 13 colonies that promoted religious tolerance.
Today, the city is an exciting combination of history, hospitality and culture. Mild winters, beautiful landscapes, great golf and an unmatched culinary scene all further contribute to the good life in Charleston. When you move here, you can slurp oysters by the dozen, sail the harbor and spend Saturdays at nearby beaches — Charleston truly is a place that encourages you to live out your best coastal life.
As one of the best places to live in the Southeast., this city has all kinds of career opportunities in fields like life sciences, defense and logistics. Charleston has become known as “Silicon Harbor” because of all of the tech companies expanding and setting up shop here, and this beach town is a haven for entrepreneurs. Some of the region’s largest employers, including Boeing and Mercedes-Benz Vans, are in the manufacturing sector. Charleston is highly educated, too, with the presence of the Citadel and the College of Charleston.
17. Asheville, NC
You may hear the catchphrase “Keep Asheville Weird,” and that’s actually a point of pride here in Asheville, NC, a place where drum circles gather on Friday night, street performers put on shows, dogs often go to work with their humans, and you can get married in a chapel that doubles as a vintage shop and bar. On top of all that, a famous craft beer scene, restaurants led by award-winning chefs, Art Deco architecture and artists’ galleries all up the ante in Asheville, one of the best places to live in the Southeast.
Residents have a love for all things local here, with more than 300 locally-owned shops and restaurants in town. The city is the world’s first Foodtopian Society and is known as “Beer City USA,” as it boasts more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. In addition, there are plenty of iconic destinations to explore around Asheville, including the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous quirky, welcoming neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe.
Asheville is also an outdoor lover’s paradise, with the French Broad River, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and dozens of waterfalls nearby. ART buses, a walkable downtown, and proximity to I-26 and I-40 make getting around easy. No wonder this vibrant city of more than 96,000 (plus lots of dogs!) has a knack for converting tourists into residents.
18. Winston-Salem, NC
In Winston-Salem, NC, arts and culture abound. This mid-size city is centrally located in North Carolina, and its superior quality of life and accessibility have earned it a spot among the best places to live in the Southeast.
With the cost of living below the national average, residents can get more bang for their buck and choose from a wealth of housing options, from historic homes to downtown lofts.
Education is a top priority to residents, and Winston-Salem is home to several renowned educational institutions. Because of the number of higher education institutions (six!), employers have access to a rich talent pipeline and a highly educated workforce. In addition, downtown’s Innovation Quarter is a renowned research center making a name for itself on the national stage in regenerative medicine research.
But it isn’t all work and no play in Winston-Salem. Navigating the city is a breeze! From almost any point, residents can easily access a wide range of restaurants, museums and retailers. Downtown Winston-Salem is the city’s central business district and is bustling with things to do, all in a few walkable blocks. More than 75 restaurants and 30 bars and breweries are in the downtown area, and the city is the gateway to the Yadkin Valley Wine Region, making Winston-Salem a foodie’s paradise.
Winston-Salem is home to more than 3,500 acres of parks and 25 miles of greenways and trails; it’s easy to maintain an active lifestyle in this Southern city. For water lovers, Salem Lake in the southeastern region of the city offers a 7-mile trail with sweeping views of the 365-acre lake, which visitors can explore by jon boat or kayak rentals.
19. Orlando, FL
Disney is known as the happiest place on the Earth, and all of those good vibes spill over into Orlando, FL, so it’s easy to see why this city is one of the best places to live in the Southeast. Residents here can enjoy year-round sunshine, diverse neighborhoods, access to excellent health care and, of course, mingling with Mickey at Disney World.
Orlando has more than 35 colleges, universities and technical schools, which means residents are highly educated and provide a strong talent pipeline for the region’s diverse industries. With a mixture of quality public and private schools, the city is a perfect place to relocate for families with young children. And the tight-knit community will make you feel right at home.
Those who relocate here have their pick of communities. Arts and culture are big here, too, as Orlando is home to premier museums, galleries and theaters, including the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Orlando Museum of Art. Plus, Orlando is pretty diverse, making it a cultural hub for those looking to celebrate a community with people from all walks of life.
20. Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN, is the largest city in East Tennessee and the third-largest city in the entire state. Knoxville is one of the best places to live in the Southeast and is home to the University of Tennessee, a paradise of outdoor activities and miles of riverfront homes and businesses. It offers arts and culture and endless dining and entertainment options, as well as nature and scenery — from the river bluffs to the famous flowering dogwood trees to its location at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The downtown neighborhood is a vibrant and bustling area centered around Market Square, with shops, restaurants, galleries, nightlife, breweries and two fountains for the kids to play in. There is always something happening in Knoxville, including several farmers markets and a range of festivals and special events.
The strong business presence in Knoxville helps foster a good economy. Big-name corporations headquartered there, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Pilot Flying J and Regal Cinemas, provide resources, revenue and jobs for the city. The city also offers good professional diversity, with people working in everything from education to government to retail, and the industries are constantly growing and expanding. Knoxville also has diverse types of architecture and housing, including many affordable options and a relatively low cost of living.
Another advantage? Knoxville is highly accessible and easy to get around. Whether you want to go to the zoo on one end of the city or the stadium on the other, getting almost anywhere is a breeze. In addition to the many convenient roads and highways crisscrossing the area, Knoxville has a highly-rated bus system (which saw 3 million passengers in 2022!). The city also provides a free trolley for the downtown and university neighborhoods. And there’s ample parking — free in many places in the evening and on weekends — including in the heart of downtown. Knoxville is very walkable and bike-friendly, with 112 miles of greenways and “soft-surface” trails.
21. Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas is nicknamed the Natural State, and Fayetteville, AR, will show you why. Not only is the cost of living lower than the national average but there are also all kinds of free ways to have fun outdoors here. Tucked in the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is surrounded by natural beauty, and residents have access to 70 parks with 40 miles of trails and three lakes.
As one of the best places to live in the Southeast, Fayetteville has all kinds of cool amenities that forge a sense of community. Take, for instance, ArtCourt, an artsy basketball court where you can shoot hoops or join in on a pick-up basketball game. The one-of-a-kind court is located on Dickson Street in downtown Fayetteville amid the shops and bars. Also downtown, Boulders & Brews is an indoor rock climbing gym and coffee shop. Northwest Arkansas also hosts more than 175 events annually, from Mardi Gras to Pride to a trick-or-treating event on Fayetteville’s downtown square. As a result, Fayetteville is a city with a strong sense of community, and incentive programs entice new residents to call the city home.
Legacy manufacturers, retail trade and specialized technology are among some of the industries in Fayetteville. And this city is thrumming with innovators and provides support and programs for them, including the University of Arkansas’ Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
22. Wilmington, NC
Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC, is a playground for water sports enthusiasts with its coastal beaches and mild climate. Coupled with its affordable cost of living and historic charm, you can easily understand why more and more people are flocking to this beautiful destination and are determined to call it home.
Swimming, surfing and paddleboarding abound amidst the myriad of beaches available to Wilmington residents. From Wrightsville Beach to Kure Beach, soaking up the sun, surf and sand is an easy pastime for anyone keen on embracing a slower-paced life without sacrificing the modern amenities of big-city living. Wilmington’s historic downtown offers breweries and local coffee roasters, annual festivals and a vibrant shopping scene. The diversity of restaurants attracts people of all palates, especially because the cost of living is lower than the national average, which means your typical Wilmington resident has more wiggle room in the budget to spend on things like craft brews and Japanese-inspired takeout.
With all the perks of coastal, small-town living and easy accessibility to larger cities, Wilmington truly is among the top places in the country, specifically within the Southeast, to plant deep roots. You can rest easy knowing southern hospitality will carry you a long way down the road of building community in this laidback beach town.
23. Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA, is a welcoming and diverse community with all the amenities that make living in a mid-sized city so desirable. An abundance of housing options and live, work and play opportunities sprinkled throughout this unique city are just some of the reasons Richmond is known as one of the best places to live in the Southeast. Young professionals, families and retirees alike will find a place to call home in one of the city’s many delightful neighborhoods.
The Fan District, located near the VCU Art School, is 85 blocks of Victorian homes with stylish architecture from the early 1900s. This walkable neighborhood has a vibrant LGTBQ community and features many sidewalk cafes, shops and bars. Locals in the know start their morning at The Fancy Biscuit, where brave diners can try a gravy flight of three different gravies. Then, wrap up your day at one of Richmond’s hippest cocktail spots, Alewife, named one of the best restaurants in the South.
24. Columbia, SC
While it is often overshadowed by other cities in the state, Columbia, SC, is a charming city offering residents a vibrant and active lifestyle without compromising on crucial must-haves like safety and healthcare. Downtown Columbia is undergoing an impressive revitalization that highlights its rich heritage and history, as well as its up-and-coming arts and culture scene. Coupled with its proximity to both beaches and mountains and affordable cost of living, can you really go wrong here?
Summers are hot and humid, as is often the case in the Southeast, but the many wooded trails, paths and waterfalls offer you ample opportunity to cool down without parking yourself beside the air conditioner. Many people are moving to Columbia with the intent of working in the city and escaping west to the mountains on the weekends. Others head east towards the almost 3,000 miles of coastline, including Hilton Head and Kiawah Island, for a bit of R&R with a good book and drink in hand.
Those more likely to stay in town on the weekend are treated to the city’s multitude of arts and culture events. Live performances, art film showings and public art collections abound. Families will love spending leisurely afternoons perusing the Columbia Children’s Theatre or Richland Library. The city is even home to two professional ballet companies and a professional theatre company.
Whether you are attracted by the big city amenities or the slow-paced outskirts, Columbia is understandably a worthy contender for anyone hoping to relocate to the beautiful and beloved state of South Carolina.
25. Little Rock, AR
Is Little Rock, AR, calling your name? You aren’t the only one. This thriving community is large enough to offer residents all the mainstays of modern life without sacrificing its historically tight-knit community feel, making it one of the best places to live in the Southeast. Residents are smack dab in the center of bustling metropolis hotspots such as Dallas, Memphis, St. Louis and Kansas City, all of which provide easy access to world-class entertainment on those treasured annual family vacations.
But don’t worry. You don’t need to leave Little Rock to enjoy everything from good eats to great art. Residents swarm to the multitude of Southern eateries, and the barbecue joints around town are off the charts. River Market is a delightful destination for anyone looking to enjoy a night out with friends and a little live music. Several renowned bands have graced the riverside stage, and many locals enjoy lingering afterward at Flying Saucer, a bar boasting, quite literally, hundreds of brews to choose from.
As decadent and addicting as the food may be, we know not everyone is interested in simply eating their way through Little Rock (although we wouldn’t judge you if that were your primary motivation for relocating). The city is also home to worthwhile stops such as The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Big Dam Bridge. Outside the city center, you can find ample hiking options such as Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Hot Springs and Mount Magazine, which holds the record for the highest peak in the entire state.
Best Places to Live in the Southeast Map
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