If you’re looking for a permanent change of scenery, you’re not alone. With the convenience of working remotely, people are starting to realize they can live anywhere. They want to work from a place that reflects their energy, activity level, and interests. Here are popular cities to move to in 2022.
1. Boulder, Colorado
A beautiful city nestled in the valley and surrounded by mountains, Boulder boasts more parking spaces for bikes than cars and high quality of life. The cost of living and real estate prices are a bit higher here. But they also have a reliable public transportation system and rich culture thanks to the nearby University of Colorado at Boulder.
2. Raleigh, North Carolina
Credit a growing tech industry and pleasant weather most of the year for a couple of reasons as to why Raleigh is experiencing unprecedented growth lately. In addition to an enviable array of restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities, Raleigh is affordable and accessible. If you love the mountains and the beach, you don’t have to choose. This area of North Carolina has both.
3. Madison, Wisconsin
This city is attracting young professionals thanks to low unemployment rates, along with a low cost of living. The University of Wisconsin at Madison provides an educated population and great music venues. Even though Wisconsin can get cold in the winter, residents enjoy plenty of outdoor activities and a thriving arts scene year-round.
4. Portland, Oregon
Portland is known for its quirky culture, but hipsters and young professionals love it for many other reasons. It’s one of the most eco-friendly and laid-back cities in the country. The cost of living can be a little high, but you get decent public transportation and world-class art and eating establishments. You can also enjoy outings in nearby forests, mountains, and waterfalls.

5. Charlotte, North Carolina
Another popular southern city to watch, Charlotte is affordable and growing more exciting every year. This charming town enjoys a solid reputation for great music, food, beer, and coffee. Rich in history, you can also take advantage of nearby lakes and mountains.
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is an affordable city with a lot to offer, including a thriving economy and job market. Its Skyway System, nine miles of enclosed bridges, allows residents and tourists to move around freely despite cold winter weather. They also boast employment opportunities in the tech industry and plenty of beautiful lakes and mountains.
7. Providence, Rhode Island
If you want a walkable city with plenty to do and excellent public transportation, look no further than Providence. A quaint city with lots of history and charm, this affordable alternative to Boston is a day’s drive from many great places to visit in New England. It also has a fun nightlife and delicious restaurant scene.
8. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids’ residents enjoy a low cost of living, affordable real estate, and only 40 minutes travel time to the shores of Lake Michigan. You can swim in the summertime and ski in the winter. There are also places to enjoy microbrews and family-friendly attractions.
9. Indianapolis, Indiana
Sports fans flock to the Indy 500, Colts games, and major collegiate championship events. The eight-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail takes walkers, runners, and cyclists through downtown and nearby neighborhoods. And amazing restaurants, affordable housing, and major companies are attractive to retirees and young professionals. They’re coming from all over Indiana, Illinois, and the rest of the country.
10. Austin, Texas
Austin is a unique Texas city known for its community of young professionals and artists. Delicious food, a world-renowned music scene, and a respected university system bring in tourists and new residents every year. Pleasant weather year-round doesn’t hurt either. If you’re okay with extremely hot summers and a crowded yearly festival, Austin is an exciting and fun place to live.
When you decide to relocate, consider some of the most popular cities to move to and use Colonial Van Lines to help. Get an estimate today!