10 Best Places To Live On The East Coast In 2023
UPDATED: Feb 12, 2023
Looking to make a home on the East Coast? Maybe a quaint spot on a stretch of beach? Or a town full of Southern charm? Or even a bustling city full of energy?
Any new homeowner can find their perfect spot on the East Coast, but we know there are a lot of options to choose from. That’s why we’ve created this guide with some of our favorite places on the Eastern Seaboard.
We gathered data on crime rates, cost of living, unemployment rates and median home costs in 119 East Coast cities to gather our estimates on the best places to live on the East Coast.1
To learn more about how we ranked the best places to live on the East Coast in 2023, see the methodology section.
Key Findings:
- Hinesville, Georgia, is the best place to live on the East Coast.
- 40% of the top 10 cities on the East Coast are in Georgia.
Table Of Contents
1. Hinesville, Georgia
2021 population: 82,863
Median home price: $138,200
Unemployment rate: 3.9%
Median resident age: 28
Located in southeast Georgia, Hinesville comes in as our #1 place to live on the East Coast in 2023. Not only does Hinesville have abundant Southern charm and preserved history, but it’s also one of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia.
Live under the shade of wispy live oaks and enjoy the plethora of shops and dining options in the downtown area. With a cost of living well below the national average of 100 and a low unemployment rate, Hinesville is sure to make a great home.
2. Dalton, Georgia
2021 population: 142,799
Median home price: $165,200
Unemployment rate: 3.8%
Median resident age: 31
Residing in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is Dalton, Georgia, also known as the “Carpet Capital of the World.” Besides being a pioneer city for carpet textiles, Dalton is also known for its hometown hospitality and beautiful scenery. Enjoy the mountainous parks and trails, or opt for a history tour through the town.
Dalton was also recently recognized as one of the best places to live for remote workers. For those who work from home and enjoy the outdoors, you may find your place in Dalton, Georgia.
3. Augusta, Georgia
2021 population: 615,933
Median home price: $138,400
Unemployment rate: 5.2%
Median resident age: 34
Continuing on our journey through Georgia, we come to Augusta. Augusta is most known for being home to the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, which hosts the annual Masters PGA golf tournament. There’s also plenty of other activities to enjoy in Augusta, including outdoor trails, historical tours (like the James Brown Family tour) and family-friendly dining and shopping options. Augusta was also recently ranked the best metropolitan area to live in Georgia. There’s something for everyone in Augusta, Georgia.
4. Albany, Georgia
2021 population: 147,773
Median home price: $98,200
Unemployment rate: 6.7%
Median resident age: 34
To round out our list of cities in the Peach State is Albany. Located in southwest Georgia and nicknamed “The Good Life City,” Albany sure lives up to its name. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s the flowing Kinchafoonee and Muckalee Creeks. For music lovers, there’s the Albany Symphony Orchestra and Ray Charles Plaza. Albany has a low cost of living and low median home prices. Welcome to the good life!
5. Binghamton, New York
2021 population: 245,220
Median home price: $91,100
Unemployment rate: 7.7%
Median resident age: 36
Our first city in the state of New York is Binghamton, nicknamed the “Parlor City'' for its many stately homes. This eclectic town has something for everyone – from scenic views to great food and drink to historic museums to discover. With a low cost of living and median home prices, Binghamton can make a great home for any new homeowner.
6. Burlington, North Carolina
2021 population: 173,877
Median home price: $154,800
Unemployment rate: 5.1%
Median resident age: 39
Nestled in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, Burlington is known as being a pivotal city in the turn of the 19th century for textiles, specifically hosiery. Nicknamed “The Hosiery Center of the South,” Burlington is just a quick drive from other larger Carolina cities like Chapel Hill and Greensboro.
Within Burlington, there are lots of walkable activities – from window shopping downtown to sightseeing in the public parks like the Conservators Center. Burlington has a low cost of living and is currently ranked #61 for best small places for businesses and careers.
7. Rocky Mount, North Carolina
2021 population: 143,535
Median home price: $117,200
Unemployment rate: 8.4%
Median resident age: 38
Ranked as one of the best cities to work from home, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is located in the woodsy eastern region of the state. Named after the ridges and rocky mounds of the nearby Tar River, Rocky Mount has a variety of outdoor and indoor activities for everyone to enjoy – from kayaking to enjoying a show at the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences. The cost of living in Rocky Mount also sits well below the national average at 75.6.
8. Watertown, New York
2021 population: 116,295
Median home price: $127,300
Unemployment rate: 7.8%
Median resident age: 31
The largest city in the state’s North Country region, Watertown, New York, is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a crowded city. (You can always visit New York City with 6-hour drive.) Watertown is best known for its well-maintained historic downtown, architecture, and close-knit neighborhoods. Watertown has a low cost of living at 76.4 and a low unemployment rate of 7.8%.
9. Elmira, New York
2021 population: 83,045
Median home price: $134,400
Unemployment rate: 9.6%
Median resident age: 33
Home of the great American poet Mark Twain, Elmira, New York, is a picturesque Northeastern town with lots to offer. Elmira boasts rich history and family-friendly recreation all within 44 square miles.
Dubbed as “Mark Twain County,” you can take a tour through historical sites dedicated to the poet, such as the Mark Twain Trail and the Center for Mark Twain Studies. Take your pick among the many wineries, dineries and nature walks. Elmira has a low cost of living at 79.9 and a low violent crime rate at 16.6%.
10. Staunton, Virginia
2021 population: 125,774
Median home price: $199,200
Unemployment rate: 5.1%
Median resident age: 42
Rounding out our top 10 cities to live on the East Coast is Staunton, Virginia. Staunton sits in the Shenandoah Valley and is known for its beautiful views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. Staunton is proud of its rich American history – which you can learn more about at Woodrow Wilson’s Presidential Library and Museum.
In 2017, Staunton was named one of the ”next great mountain towns,” so if you’re looking to make a home in a small Americana town, Staunton is a great place to be.
Best East Coast Cities To Live In
Below are the top 25 best places to live on the East Coast.
| Rank | City | Median home price | Cost of living | Unemployment rate | Violent crime rate | Property crime rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Hinesville, Georgia |
$138,200 |
78.2 |
3.9% |
25.1% |
54.5% |
|
2 |
Dalton, Georgia |
$165,200 |
81.1 |
3.8% |
21.1% |
49.2% |
|
3 |
Augusta, Georgia |
$138,400 |
79.2 |
5.2% |
27.5% |
59.5% |
|
4 |
Albany, Georgia |
$98,200 |
73.9 |
6.7% |
53.2% |
75% |
|
5 |
Binghamton, New York |
$91,100 |
74.7 |
7.7% |
36.6% |
62.7% |
|
6 |
Burlington, North Carolina |
$154,800 |
79.4 |
5.1% |
37% |
56.5% |
|
7 |
Rocky Mount, North Carolina |
$117,200 |
75.6 |
8.4% |
45.1% |
64% |
|
8 |
Watertown, New York |
$127,300 |
76.4 |
7.8% |
26.1% |
61.6% |
|
9 |
Elmira, New York |
$134,400 |
79.9 |
9.6% |
16.6% |
48.5% |
|
10 |
Staunton, Virginia |
$199,200 |
81.7 |
5.1% |
13.3% |
34% |
|
11 |
Jacksonville, North Carolina |
$166,000 |
82.9 |
5.6% |
14.4% |
39.7% |
|
12 |
Columbus, Georgia |
$127,700 |
76.4 |
5.3% |
36.8% |
75.5% |
|
13 |
Athens, Georgia |
$232,600 |
88.1 |
3.9% |
22.1% |
47.5% |
|
14 |
Brunswick, Georgia |
$163,000 |
81 |
3.9% |
55.7% |
83.6% |
|
15 |
Palm Bay, Florida |
$226,100 |
90.4 |
4.9% |
32.5% |
29.5% |
|
16 |
Syracuse, New York |
$148,700 |
84.1 |
8.6% |
39.8% |
52.9% |
|
17 |
Warner Robins, Georgia |
$143,500 |
79.9 |
4% |
29% |
77.9% |
|
18 |
Spartanburg, South Carolina |
$163,200 |
81.2 |
6.7% |
55.7% |
90.2% |
|
19 |
Greensboro, North Carolina |
$193,600 |
82.7 |
5.6% |
26% |
52.8% |
|
20 |
Goldsboro, North Carolina |
$158,300 |
81.3 |
7.1% |
50.4% |
80% |
|
21 |
North Port, Florida |
$258,500 |
96.4 |
4.7% |
11.3% |
23.3% |
|
22 |
Gainesville, Florida |
$229,700 |
90 |
4.4% |
35.4% |
52.4% |
|
23 |
Roanoke, Virginia |
$195,100 |
83.5 |
6.3% |
22.7% |
59.6% |
|
24 |
Bangor, Maine |
$198,700 |
84 |
4.9% |
16.2% |
63.3% |
|
25 |
Camden, New Jersey |
$88,700 |
78.6 |
14.4% |
95.5% |
74.8% |
Methodology
We gathered data on crime rates, cost of living, unemployment rates and median home costs in 119 East Coast cities to gather our estimates on the best places to live on the East Coast.
- Cost of living:
- Weight: 30%
- Violent crime rate
- Weight: 20%
- Property crime rate
- Weight: 15%
- Median home cost
- Weight: 20%
- Unemployment rate
- Weight: 15%
Sources
Carla Ayers
Carla is Section Editor for Rocket Homes and is a Realtor® with a background in commercial and residential property management, leasing and arts management. She has a Bachelors in Arts Marketing and Masters in Integrated Marketing & Communications from Eastern Michigan University.
Related Resources
Home Buying - 7-Minute Read
Carla Ayers - May 17, 2024
Resources For First-Time Home Buyers In Georgia (GA)
Are you a first-time home buyer and want to buy in Georgia? Read our article for resources on loans, programs and grants for first-time home buyers in Georgia.
Home Buying - 6-Minute Read
Katie Ziraldo - May 22, 2023
Moving Out Of State: What You Need To Know
Moving out of state? Check off these important items like researching your new neighborhood, changing your mailing address and creating a moving budget.
Home Buying - 5-Minute Read
Michelle Banaszak - May 22, 2024
A Guide To Cape Cod-Style Houses And Where To Find Them
Cape Cod-style houses are low and broad, with a steep roof and central chimney. Learn about this classic type of house that’s been popular since the 1600s.