Planning to move down south but don’t know what state works best for your situation? If so, you’re in the right place.
When you’re choosing where to move, you want to make sure it’s the best possible destination. The cost of living needs to be right, the cities have to have the amenities you like, and much more. Plus, it helps if you can find work, comfort, and a good group of friends in the state you plan to move to.
While this can seem overwhelming at times, don’t worry, because we’re here to help. Read on to discover the best Southern states to live in.
Factors to Consider When Moving to a Southern State
Several factors are in play when moving to a Southern state. You’ll find that some states are more affordable than others, or some states have a better climate based on your preferences. Take some time to consider the following factors before your move:
- The temperature, climate, and seasonal variation
- The number of jobs in the area
- Age demographic
- Housing costs
- Whether or not it’s a car-friendly city or neighborhood
- HOAs are popular in the South, so consider extra HOA costs
- The quality of school districts
- Income and property tax rates
- Hurricane and other weather risks
- The type of job market
You also need to consider the cost of moving to a Southern state, which can play a big role if it’s expensive. We recommend using a curated list of affordable movers like this to find one that works for you.
The Three Best Southern States to Live In
All Southern states are viable options, and we can’t stress enough that some are better than others.
We take you through the three best Southern states to live in below.
1. Florida
When it comes to population and economy, Florida is hard to beat. It’s one of the largest states in the South based on population, and with cities like Miami, there’s plenty of opportunity for work and play in Florida. Plenty of suburbs are also available, so it’s not a bad fit for young people, families, and more.
We also love Florida due to its scenic beaches and large amounts of land. This keeps the cost of living affordable even in many of the most beautiful areas.
While the region does have a hurricane risk, most areas are safe once you move inland. There’s also no state income tax, which makes living in the area more affordable than some other Southern states in the country.
2. Texas
Texas is another great state you can live in if you want to move south. It’s one of the biggest states in the country, and cities like Austin are emerging as financial hubs in the technology industry, so plenty of opportunities are available. Suburban landscapes are also popular, so there’s plenty of space for families, young adults, and people from all types of backgrounds.
We also love Texas for the size of the country and the cost of living. It’s on the lower side, so you don’t have to worry about state income taxes eating away at your salary. Plenty of land and housing is also available, so whether you want to buy or rent, you should be able to find something.
The only drawback of Texas is that sometimes you get hit with a harsh and cold month, which can result in power loss. Open carry and other gun laws also might turn some people off to the idea of Texas.
3. North Carolina
North Carolina is one of the best places you can live in the South, especially if you want more than one season (hot) every year. In fact, sometimes the area is exposed to snow and some wintery conditions.
Popular cities and a growing population make North Carolina a good choice for people moving from New York, Florida, and even California.
The only drawback for North Carolina that comes to mind is the space between cities and towns. While this is perfect for people who have vehicles, you might experience some culture shock if you’re moving from Manhattan.
Settle Down in the Best Southern States Today!
When you’re planning a move to the United States south, you want to move to the right states. While every state can work, some are better than others based on your personal preferences. As long as you choose based on your desires and stick to the five states we covered in this article, you shouldn’t have any problems adjusting to life in the American South!
