The 10 Best Cities To Move To Start A New Life

Have you ever dreamt of a fresh start? Whether you’re looking for new employment, recently single or just in a new season in life, it could be tempting to pack up and leave your old life behind. If you’re looking to start over in a new city, but are uncertain about which path to take, we’ve created this article just for you.

What To Consider When Deciding Where To Move To Start Over

When you’re deciding where to live, you may ponder the following factors:

• Cost of living: A city’s cost of living might be one of the first things you consider before deciding to move. The phrase “cost of living” helps you understand how much money you need in order to support a standard of living in an area. Calculating the cost of living can help you determine how affordable a city is compared to others.

• Affordability: Similar to the cost of living, you will absolutely need to consider if you can afford to live in an area. Affordability is generally measured by comparing the minimum household income required for purchasing a good with its actual price. A higher ratio indicates that it would be more difficult for households to afford the good, while a lower ratio suggests that it would be more affordable.
• Career opportunities: Lots of people decide to start over in a new city for career opportunities. Unless you’re a retiree, choosing to move to a city with plenty of careers in your profession is crucial to ensuring financial stability. If you’re an engineer or mathematician, you may look at cities to move for STEM careers. If you’re an entrepreneur, you may be looking at cities with vast markets.
• Activities and interests: Life is so much more than work. Your hobbies are just as important, so it’s crucial that you choose a city that aligns with your interests. For instance, you might look at Salt Lake City if you’re a mountain biking enthusiast, or Miami if you’re fascinated with the beach scene.
• Health care: You deserve to live a long, happy, healthy life. Your body is a temple, so why shouldn’t you have access to comprehensive, quality health care services to keep it maintained? When deciding where you should start over, it’s important that you look at the quality and accessibility of the health care services in an area.

10 Best Places To Move To Start Over

While the U.S. Census reports that only 8.3% of people moved during 2021, relocation trends suggest this number may go up now that the housing market is beginning to cool. There are a lot of reasons to buy a house in a new city. Maybe you’re looking for a new job, or even just hoping to create a more fulfilling life. So, what are the best cities to move to start over?

We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 cities to start a clean slate, based on factors like median home prices, rent, employment opportunities and cost of living. The data for each city’s population, median rental price and unemployment rate were derived from the U.S. Census Bureau. The median home sale prices were taken from the Rocket Homes^SM housing market report. Our data journalism team worked tirelessly to calculate each city’s cost-of-living index, which is also used in our methodology. Lastly, we found the well-being index of each city on Sharecare’s interactive map, with 100 being the highest possible well-being index score. The cities listed below were chosen and ranked based on each of these factors.

Now, let’s look at the 10 best cities to start fresh.

1. Denver, Colorado

• Population: 715,522 
• Median home sale price: $613,136              
• Median monthly rental price: $1,549
• Unemployment rate: 4.60%            
• Cost-of-living index: 110.5
• Well-being index: 70

With its strong economy, dynamic work force and a multitude of opportunities for growth and success, Denver is one of the best cities for young professionals to start over. The Mile High City has never-ending activities, from rock climbing to barhopping. Known mostly for its outdoor activities, diverse culture, major sports teams and beer scene, the city has a lot to offer anyone looking for a fresh start. Spend your days rocking out at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, hiking the Rocky Mountains or cheering on the Broncos and Nuggets.

Colorado’s capital has an artsy culture and great weather, making it a vibrant location. While Denver is growing as an urban center, it is also relatively affordable compared to other major cities on our list with a cost-of-living index of 110.5. It is also a city known for having healthy residents, often ranking as one of the country’s fittest locations, so it should come as no surprise that it has a high well-being index of 70.

If you're looking for an exciting place to live, work and play then you should start fresh in the Mile High City. If it seems like it might be a fit, get started by checking out the homes for sale in Denver and Denver, Colorado housing market trends.

2. Salt Lake City, Utah

• Population: 199,723
• Median home sale price: $631,725
• Median monthly rental price: $1,192
• Unemployment rate: 2.90%
• Cost-of-living index: 108.3 
• Well-being index: 73

If you’re looking to start over in a city with scenic nature views and a booming arts and culture scene, look no further than Salt Lake City. Often referred to as “Salt Lake”, Utah’s capital is also one of the top 5 cities for young professionals. As salaries rise and unemployment falls, the city has one of the hottest job markets in the country, with big companies such as Microsoft, Adobe Systems and 3M Health Information Systems moving in. In fact, Salt Lake City has the lowest unemployment rate on our list at just 2.9%.

There are never-ending activities in Salt Lake. Since the city lies in a mountain valley, living there means you have easy access to activities such as skiing, mountain climbing and hiking. Salt Lake City is also home to the gorgeous Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.

Aside from the plentiful activities and gorgeous nature scene, Salt Lake is relatively affordable compared to other populus areas. In fact, the cost-of-living index is only 108, which is one of the lowest in the country. So, if you’re looking to start fresh somewhere with plenty of job opportunities, affordable living and a high well-being index, look no further than the capital of the Beehive State.

According to the Salt Lake City, Utah housing market trends, the median home sold price in the city is $631,725. If you’re not ready to purchase a home yet, rent in Utah is about $1,200 on average. If you’re looking to start over somewhere quiet, gorgeous and full of outdoor activities, consider checking out the homes for sale in Salt Lake City.  

3. Austin, Texas

• Population: 961,855 

• Median home sale price: $585,200

• Median monthly rental price: $1,426
• Unemployment rate: 4.00%
• Cost-of-living index: 101     
• Well-being index: 66

Young adults and retirees alike love our third choice, and for good reason. Leave your old life behind and start over in Austin to experience big city living for an affordable price. The vibrant, artsy capital of Texas is full of life. Beautiful scenery, both manmade and natural, decorate the location and provide an endless number of activities for you to indulge in – outside and in.

Austin has an abundance of jobs available in technology, health care, education and manufacturing industries. With the rapid growth of these industries over the past few years, there are plenty of rewarding job opportunities to look at. However, the economy is not the only attractive things about the city.

In such a large, robust city, you can expect to never run out of things to do and see in Austin. The city is home to several trails and parks, including The Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail and the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, two amazing parks with gorgeous scenery. It is also home to the Barton Springs Pool, a relaxing, impressive, self-heating geyser. If you’re more of an indoor person, Austin also houses plenty of amazing restaurants and bars, museums and live show venues.

For singles and young professionals who are looking to start fresh, Austin offers great employment opportunities, affordable living, a lively night life and plenty of things to do. Whether you’re relocating for employment, or to build a new social circle, the city of the Violet Crown might be the place for you.

If you think you would want to start fresh in Austin, you should check out the homes for sale  and Austin, Texas housing market trends.

4. Alexandria, Virginia

• Population: 154,706 
• Median home sale price: $618,543
• Median monthly rental price: $1,814
• Unemployment rate: 3.30%            
• Cost-of-living index: 137.1 
• Well-being index: 84

Alexandria is a gorgeous city located on the Potomac River, just south of Washington, D.C. If you’re looking to start fresh in a small town, this city might be the location for you. Alexandria is known for the busy, historic district along the Potomac named Old Town. The cobblestone streets and 18th century townhouses are beloved Virginian treasures.

Unlike the other cities we’ve listed up to this point, Alexandria is small but mighty. There’s a reason why the cost-of-living index is so high. The Virginian city has a strong, robust economy with ample job opportunities. Big companies like Amazon are looking to build headquarters in the city, meaning property values will soon go up. Alexandria also has one of the highest well-being index numbers in Virginia at an 84.

This historical district is a great place to start over, for both young professionals and retirees. Regardless of your age, if you are looking for a historically rich, safe, religion-centric small town with plenty to offer, look no further than Alexandria. This city is the melting pot for history lovers, artists and foodies, as there is something for everyone. If you’re looking to buy a home in a suburban neighborhood, there are even districts designed around the modern taste.

If you think you’d like to start over in this quiet Virginian city, you should look at the homes for sale in Alexandria and Alexandria, Virginia housing market trends.

5. Raleigh, North Carolina

• Population: 467,665 
• Median home sale price: $405,395
• Median monthly rental price: $1,256                     
• Unemployment rate: 3.80%
• Cost-of-living index: 96.1    
• Well-being index: 67

Raleigh is a bit of a sleeper town, meaning many people simply do not understand how amazing this city is. Most people know of the capital of North Carolina because of the technology and scholarly institutions in the area, including North Carolina State University. However, the city has so much more to offer. Whether you’re a Gen Zer looking for something fresh after graduating, a millennial looking for a new career, a Gen Xer looking to start somewhere fresh or a boomer looking to retire, this southern city is a viable option for you.

Raleigh is a large city with a strong economy and plenty of job opportunities. Only 3.8% of its residents are unemployed, and the median salary amongst those employed is north of $70,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There are 13 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Raleigh, including Microsoft, Northwestern Mutual, ADP and Discover.

Work aside, there are plenty of activities to do in the city. If you’re a nature enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several state parks just moments away from the bustling streets of Raleigh, with hiking trails, campsites and lakes with plenty of biting fish.

For the foodies, there are ample restaurants, bars and food trucks to choose from. Enjoy some North Carolina-style barbecue, or classic southern soul food on your cheat days. Green fried tomatoes, livermush and North Carolina country ham are just a few Raleigh classics that might pique your interest.

If you’re looking to start over in a city that’s big (but not too big), has a fun night scene (but also has a healthy job market) and is absolutely breathtaking, you should consider looking at the homes for sale in Raleigh and Raleigh, North Carolina housing market trends.

6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

• Population: 681,054
• Median home sale price: $244,955
• Median monthly rental price: $936
• Unemployment rate: 3.90%
• Cost-of-living index: 90.1
• Well-being index: 60

If you’re looking to start over in a big city with small town prices, Oklahoma City might be the place for you. With a staggering population of 681,000 people, Oklahoma City only has a cost-of-living index of 90.1. As mind-blowing as this fact may be, the lower cost of living is precisely why this city is rapidly growing.

With an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, Oklahoma City has a robust job market. If you are looking for a career in energy, aviation or health care, you would be pleased to know that these are some of the city’s top industries.

Regardless of your interests, Oklahoma City has options for you to stay engaged and active. There are national parks and hiking trails, plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from and an active night life.

If you’re an artist looking to start fresh, Oklahoma City might be the perfect fit. The location has been named the top city for street art, with expressive pieces decorating the walls and streets. The Plaza District is the center for artists to show off their work, as 25 are chosen annually to update the walls of the district. There is art all around Oklahoma City, both on the streets and within museums.

Think you’d like to make Oklahoma City your new home? Be sure to check out the homes for sale in Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma housing market trends.

7. Charlotte, North Carolina

• Population: 874,579 
• Median home sale price: $395,221
• Median monthly rental price: $1,301
• Unemployment rate: 3.60%
• Cost-of-living index: 97.9    
• Well-being index: 66

North Carolina is coming in hot for these rankings, with another major city landing at number seven. Charlotte is another big city with small town prices. This bustling location has a booming job market, a mix of natural attractions, close-knit communities and opportunities for everyone. Mountains, beaches, golf courses, nightlife and good food are just a few reasons why you should start over in Charlotte.

With an unemployment rate of only 3.6%, there are expanding opportunities in all fields of work. Fortune 500 companies, including Honeywell, Lowes, Bank of America, Sonic and Microsoft all have corporate operations in Charlotte. If you’re the entrepreneur type, this city could be a lucrative market for you as well. Unlike other big cities, Charlotte’s size means you can appeal to a vast market, and the affordability means your overhead costs will likely be cheaper.

Activities and attractions are endless in North Carolina’s most populus city, including rock climbing, swimming, fishing, golfing and barhopping. The city is home to striking mountains, gorgeous beaches and impressive state parks.

Get ready to start off on a clean slate in this gorgeous city by looking at the homes for sale in Charlotte and Charlotte, North Carolina housing market trends.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

• Population: 641,903
• Median home sale price: $402,863
• Median monthly rental price: $1,249
• Unemployment rate: 6.70%            
• Cost-of-living index: 101     
• Well-being index: 60

When you think of Las Vegas, you probably think about the casinos, luxury resorts and extravagant restaurants and live shows. You’re probably a bit shocked to find out that this tourist destination is a great place to start over, but it the city has plenty to offer. Compared to other major cities such as New York City and Los Angeles, Las Vegas is a relatively affordable place to live with a cost-of-living index of just 101. On average, homes sell for about $402,000, and you can rent a place for a monthly rate of about $1,200.

The city’s unemployment rate is higher than most of the options we’ve already listed, but as the city’s population and economy expands there are more opportunities to find work. In fact, the average salary in Las Vegas is $54,000 – a little higher than the national average.

Its large population and boundless activities make Las Vegas the perfect spot for anyone looking to start over. Of the plentiful activities and attractions in the city, the Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam are among the most popular. However, Vegas is also home to a few more breathtaking places, including the majestical Lower Antelope Canyon and the Red Rock Canyon. The city is also just a drive from Willow Beach, Arizona, home to the breathtaking Emerald Cave.

The premiere destination is popular amongst foodies because of the vast, unique dining options. The picturesque natural beauty created by the surrounding canyons and mountains will never get old for the nature lovers, hikers and mountaineers. The vast, gorgeous golf courses and plentiful fishing spots should appeal to the people looking to escape into a relaxing, laid-back new life.

Now that you know why Las Vegas is a great place to start over, check out the homes for sale in Las Vegas and Las Vegas, Nevada housing market trends.

9. Youngstown, Ohio

• Population: 60,068   
• Median home sale price: $87,640              

• Median monthly rental price: $644

• Unemployment rate: 7.40%
• Cost-of-living index: 66.1    
• Well-being index: 53

When you think of starting over, do you imagine escaping into a small, quiet town? Youngstown is starkly different from the other options on our list, but the city has a lot to offer. Maybe you’ve spent your life in large, bustling cities, and you’re looking for something more reserved. Maybe you want to pack up and move away after retirement, but you want to do so on a budget. Regardless of your reason, if you’re ready to start over in a small, overlooked city, Youngstown, Ohio might be the place for you.

While the economy may not be suitable for people looking for work, retirees and remote workers can settle down comfortably in Youngstown. With the lowest cost of living index, home sold price and median monthly rent on our list, this city is truly out of the ordinary. Could you imagine buying a home for about $80,000, or paying around $600 for rent in 2023?

The process are not the only perks to living in this city, however. Although Youngstown is the least populous on our list, it just so happens to be the 11th largest city in Ohio with just over 60,000 residents. It is a quiet, conservative town with plenty of museums, wineries and state parks to check out. If you want to spend your new life lake fishing, golfing and sightseeing, this quaint town is the perfect place to do so.

If you’re ready to start over somewhere no one would ever think to find you, consider looking at homes for sale in Youngstown and Youngstown, Ohio housing market trends.

10. Carlsbad, California

• Population: 114,746 
• Median home sale price: $1,345,641
• Median monthly rental price: $2,437
• Unemployment rate: 3.40%            
• Cost-of-living index: 143.8
• Well-being index: 70

Last, but certainly not least, is Carlsbad, California. This location is robust, lively, and sunny year-round. Carlsbad’s well-being index is amongst the highest on our list at 70, and has a small town population of just over 100,000. It is a breathtaking location with gorgeous beaches, fine dining, a booming job market and a lively nightlife. So why is it number 10 on our list?

While Carlsbad has so much to offer, it has slipped to the number 10 ranking due to the cost-of-living index, which is extremely high at 143.8. With homes selling for about $1.3 million on average, Carlsbad may not be the place for an average working-class person. However, if you’re someone who has some cash set aside and is looking to start over, you should consider looking at the homes for sale in Carlsbad.

Should you consider starting over in the city, you will not be disappointed with the amenities and activities available to you. From premiere golf courses to stunning nature conservations, Carlsbad has something to offer everyone.

Carlsbad housing market trends.

Where Is The Best Place To Move To Start Over?

With so many great places to live, you might have a hard time choosing where to start over. Keep in mind that while these cities are our top 10 choices, you may find joy in starting over somewhere we did not name. Deciding to pack up and move to a new city requires time, consideration and a well-executed plan. This list is not intended to replace the hours of research that goes into making this decision, but to supplement your research in order to give you an idea of your options. What’s best for you will depend entirely on your lifestyle. Our number one option may be your number 10, so take your time and choose wisely.

The Bottom Line

Think you’re ready to start fresh in a new city? Taking this leap of faith can be scary, but we know you can do it. If starting over seems like it would be best for you, take your time to weigh your options and do your research before making a final decision.

Get started on your home buying journey today by applying for a home loan with Rocket Mortgage^®. We wish you the best on your newest endeavor! 

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