The Best Places to Move in the U.S. Based on Your Interests

The best place to move in the U.S. is different, depending on your interests. From spots for music lovers and book lovers to skiers and hikers, the options are plentiful.

Whether it is a small town, a bustling suburb, or a city that never sleeps, the variety of places to live in the United States are as diverse as the hobbies of the people who live in each one. When it comes to satisfying some of the most popular interests, such as music, hiking, skiing, and books, some places just stand out from the crowd. Let’s take a look at seven of the best places to move in the U.S. based on personal interests. 

MUSIC LOVERS: NASHVILLE, TN 

If Nashville’s most famous nickname, Music City, didn’t tip you off, maybe its reputation as the home of more country musicians than we could easily name provides a clue. If you are looking for a city that incorporates music into every corner, then Nashville is the place for you.  

Millions of tourists travel to Nashville each year for the music, and residents fully understand that the connection between the city and its musicians is only really appreciated by those with the time and ability to go to small venues and out-of-the-way bars to hear the up-and-comers of the next generation. For this reason, Music City is also known as the “songwriting capital of the world” with famous spots such as the Bluebird Cafe and the annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival serving as spaces where emerging writers can showcase their skills in hopes of capturing willing and experienced audiences. 

AVID HIKERS: PORTLAND, OR 

Portland, Oregon, is known for a lot of things — food, arts, culture, sustainable living, and more — but one type of lifestyle dominates all others in the Portland area: a love of the great outdoors, especially hiking. Traveling to Portland can give you a taste of its stellar outdoor culture, but you need to live in the area to really experience the dozens of hiking trails, forests, parks, and beaches in a way that capitalizes on your love of hiking and nature. From urban hiking trails and bike trails to some of the roughest and toughest off-the-map trails in the U.S., you will gain access to hundreds of different paths to explore when you move to Portland. 

HISTORY BUFFS: WILLIAMSBURG, VA 

Located just 44 miles from Richmond, VA, between the York and James Rivers, Williamsburg was the first capital of the Virginia Colony in 1699, making it one of the oldest settled areas of the United States nestled in a region dripping with history. From colonial times through the American Revolution, Civil War, and modern history, Williamsburg has always had a front-row seat to important changes and developments in American life, making it an ideal home for history buffs who really want to immerse themselves in American culture. 

Nestled in the heart of European-American civilization, Williamsburg offers a lifestyle that is an ideal mix of a small community nestled among farmlands alongside easy access to urban centers. With many of the surrounding areas preserved to honor American history, the city of Williamsburg allows visitors to engage in history regularly and enjoy spaces that will remain untouched for years to come. 

BEACH BUMS: SARASOTA, FL 

Consistently ranked among the top places to live by reputable sources like U.S. News and World Report, Sarasota, Florida, has a lot to offer a variety of people, especially those who love the beach. Sarasota is known for its arts scene, burgeoning food culture, and distinct atmosphere that many folks call a “beachy vibe.” This is due to its location along Florida’s Gulf Coast as well as its proximity to other popular beach-focused locations, such as Tampa and Fort Myers. 

Although Sarasota was once only viewed as a haven for retirees, its demographics have changed as young professionals have embraced the beach-oriented culture of the city. Unlike other tourist-focused Florida spots, Sarasota offers residents a small city vibe that revolves around beach life and keeps things casual. 

AVID SKIERS: BOZEMAN, MT  

On the other side of the temperature spectrum, ski lovers looking for homes with easy access to the slopes and a unique, hometown vibe don’t have to look any farther than Bozeman, Montana. Widely considered the best ski town in the West, Bozeman is most famous for its two world-class ski resorts, Bridger Bowl and Big Sky. 

However, residents of Bozeman experience a different vibe surrounding ski culture that makes living there a unique and coveted experience. Not only is Bozeman beautiful year-round, but it also offers a distinct small-town feel that keeps residents connected, despite the flow of tourists that flock to the resorts. In addition, Bozeman is known for its plentiful backcountry and cross-country skiing sites that are far easier for permanent residents to take advantage of and enjoy.  

THRILL SEEKERS: SAN DIEGO, CA 

Although many people know San Diego as a beach town that is close to the ever-popular city of Los Angeles, it is also a prime spot for people who are looking to spike their adrenaline in search of a thrill. Unbeknownst to many, San Diego offers literally dozens of different adrenaline-boosting activities. 

Thrill seekers looking to dive with sharks, paraglide, skydive, jet pack, or engage in high-speed water sports do not have to look far to find options in San Diego. The city is known for its thrill-seeking tourist attractions that really only scratch the surface of possibilities. Indeed, the beautiful year-round weather, proximity to the beach, and like-minded neighbors make finding thrilling adventures in San Diego easy and finding those off the beaten track quite fun. 

BOOK LOVERS: NEW YORK, NY 

New York City is synonymous with a lot of things, including Broadway, the financial district, art museums, the ballet, and books. New York City is a haven for book lovers for many reasons. First, as one of the United States’ oldest industrial cities, there is no shortage of small, cozy book shops filled with tomes from this century alongside the two or three that preceded it.  

New York is also home to most of the country’s top publishers and libraries. Current and former New York residents insist that the options and places to read in New York are seemingly never-ending and something that only a resident can experience. From reading on the subway on your way to work to sidewalk cafes and parks, there may be more places to read in New York City than there are days in the year. 

MAKE THE MOVE WITH MABEY’S 

Mabey’s Moving and Storage has been helping people move to the cities of their dreams for years. If there is one thing we know for certain, it’s that there is a city or a town that is ideal for every person to suit their interests. For many, a stop in the Albany, NY, area is part of that journey. Whether you are moving to Albany because of its incredible benefits or to establish your perfect new home, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more and to get a free quote.