In recent years, the 16 states below the Mason-Dixon line have seen significant population and economic growth.
In 2023, the 10 counties in the US with the most people moving in from other parts of the country were mainly in the South, according to the latest regional migration data from the Census Bureau .
Surely you've read the many tales of New Yorkers and Californians moving to the South in search of better job opportunities and, in many cases, a more affordable cost of living . Other reasons movers cite include better weather and more laid-back atmospheres.
Are you considering a move to the South, too?
You're in luck. Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks 150 major cities based on criteria including quality of life, education, crime rates, employment opportunities, and housing affordability to identify the best places to live in the United States.
Business Insider compiled the 15 best cities in the South to live from U.S. News' list. They're all places where jobs are plentiful, home prices and rents are relatively affordable, and the standard of living is high.
North Carolina takes center stage, with multiple spots on the list. While Charlotte, ranked No. 3 on the list, and Raleigh, at No. 4, are well-known, the small city of Hickory, at No. 15, is more of a hidden gem.
Known for its breathtaking mountain scenery and coastal charm, North Carolina offers an appealing cost of living, coupled with a low unemployment rate of 3.6% as of May, according to the latest economic data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis .
"If you work in the technical sector in any way, this is a very forgiving area," Yuschak said. "You can lose your job today and you can be working somewhere else within a week or two."
Here are the 15 best places to live in the South, according to US News & World Report.
Data sources: Population is from the US Census for 2023, income is from the US Census for 2022, median home price from Realtor.com for May 2024, and median rent from Zillow for July.
15. Hickory, North Carolina
Population of the metro area: 44,415
Median home price: $317,500
Median monthly rent: $1,229
Median household income: $58,251
14. Greensboro, North Carolina
Population of the metro area: 302,296
Median home price: $290,000
Median monthly rent: $1,600
Median household income: $55,051
13. Fayetteville, Arkansas
Population of the metro area: 101,680
Median home price: $365,000
Median monthly rent: $1,695
Median household income: $56,881
12. Asheville, North Carolina
Population of the metro area: 95,056
Median home price: $506,250
Median monthly rent: $2,200
Median household income: $63,810
11. Oklahoma City
Population of the metro area: 702,767
Median home price: $270,000
Median monthly rent: $1,375
Median household income: $64,251
10. Lexington, Kentucky
Population of the metro area: 320,154
Median home price: $329,000
Median monthly rent: $1,600
Median household income: $66,087
The population and income data for Lexington is for Lexington-Fayette Urban County.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0