What are the best places to live in the South?

1. Columbus, GA

Also known as “The Fountain City”, Columbus is located at Georgia and Alabama’s border on the breathtaking Chattahoochee River. This up-and-coming city is the second largest in Georgia, yet its low density means that residents can enjoy shorter commutes and more natural beauty. With a lower cost of living than many top Southern cities, it is the perfect place to start or grow a family and stretch your dollar.

Sitting on the border of Georgia’s Piedmont region and the Coastal Plains, Columbus is an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities – including hiking, cycling, and kayaking. One of the most famous hikes in Georgia, Providence Canyon (also known as the “little Grand Canyon”), is less than an hour’s drive from the city. If you prefer staying inside, Columbus’ Uptown area also offers great shopping and dining, as well as a lively music scene and nightlife.

As part of the city’s investment in the wellbeing of the community and the long-term growth of the region, Columbus launched a Remote Worker Talent Incentive Program for new residents and offers an ambassador program to help connect people to local activities and organizations! We may be a little biased … but due to the low cost of living, intimate social scene, and abundant outdoor activities, we think Columbus should be at the top of your list of best Southern cities to move to!

• Population: 203,000
• Density: 955 /sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 25/100
• Median Home Price: $315,000
• Median Rent Price: $957
• Median Household Income: $54,561
• Major Employers: Moore, Aflac, Synovus, Muscogee County School District

Learn more about what it’s like to live in Columbus here!

#2. Asheville, NC

Asheville is a beloved mountain town, known for its breathtaking views of Pisgah National Forest and its vibrant and welcoming community. Located off of the infamous Blue Ridge Parkway on the western side of North Carolina, this city is perfect for hiking in the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains. The city experiences all four seasons and transforms in the fall – with the leaves turning a beautiful mix of red, green, and orange.

The city also offers a bustling downtown area with great restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and shops. One of the most famous tourist attractions is the Biltmore Estate, a gorgeous mansion and museum that has trails, a rose garden, spa, and winery. In Asheville, adventure is truly just outside your front door.

• Population: 94,000
• Density: 2,080/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 37/100
• Median Home Price: $463,000
• Median Rent Price: $1,407
• Median Household Income: $63,810
• Largest Employers: Mission Health, Ingles Market, Buncombe County Board of Education

#3. Dallas, TX

What makes Dallas, Texas stand out? Abundant career opportunities, affordable housing prices, and a vibrant community filled with diverse voices. Dallas is much more affordable than other top metropolitan areas along the West Coast or in the North, meaning you can enjoy the perks of this famous city without skyrocketing prices.

Dallas ranks as one of the best cities in the South for community building. Although the city is large, it’s easy to explore and find a downtown scene you’ll love. Dallas is also the leading metro in the US for job market performance. Regardless of your industry, this city is bursting with opportunities!

• Population: 1.3 million
• Density: 3,841/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 46/100
• Median Home Price: $435,000
• Median Rent Price: $1,323
• Median Household Income: $63,985
• Notable Employers: AT&T, CBRE, Southwest Airlines

#4. Savannah, GA

Located less than 20 miles from Georgia’s coastline, Savannah residents have access to many envied features, including beaches, cobblestone streets, quaint town squares, and Savannah’s famous oak trees that are covered in Spanish moss. With a rich history and beautiful architecture, Savannah is the epitome of Southern charm.

The city is home to a vibrant downtown scene and is integrated with the Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD frequently hosts art events, like special film screenings, creative networking events, and art shows. If you would like to get away for the weekend, the city is close to popular vacation destinations like Tybee Island and Hilton Head.

• Population: 148,000
• Density: 1,383/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 44/100
• Median Home Price: $324,000
• Median Rent Price: $986
• Median Household Income: $54,748
• Largest Employers: Joseph’s Candler, Memorial University Medical Center, Walmart

#5. Huntsville, AL

Home to the Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Army, and Boeing, Huntsville, Alabama, is a city on the cutting edge of engineering and technology. If you are a recent graduate or looking to take the next step in your career in the aerospace or defense industry, we highly recommend considering Huntsville.

It is also considered one of the safest cities in America. The city’s low crime rates, combined with exceptional education programs and low cost of living make Huntsville an ideal city for families. It’s no wonder that Huntsville is ranked as one of the best cities in the South.

• Population: 222,000
• Density: 985/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 24/100
• Median Home Price: $338,000
• Median Rent Price: $1027
• Median Household Income: $67,874
• Largest Employers: U.S. Army/Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville Hospital, NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center

#6. Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina is home to some of the most stunning architecture in the South, with cobblestone streets and picturesque antebellum homes around every turn.

This beachfront city, with mild weather year-round, is beloved by residents. Those who live in Charleston can take advantage of one of the most unique food and nightlife scenes in the South, with fun activities like boating across the Charleston Harbor or even a ghost tour!

• Population: 154,000
• Density: 1,309/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 40/100
• Median Home Price: $436,000
• Median Rent Price: $1,326
• Median Household Income: $78,795
• Largest Employers: Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, Boeing

#7. Chattanooga, TN

Similar to Asheville, Chattanooga is an eclectic mountain town that offers a great arts and music scene. The Tennessee River runs through the city, which is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon – either walking along a riverfront trail, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding.

There are plenty of fun activities for tourists, including Rock City, Ruby Falls  and Lookout Mountain, which overlooks seven states (Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama)! Ultimately, Chattanooga’s low cost of living, low density, and proximity to so many major Southern cities, like Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Knoxville, make it a great place to settle down.

• Population: 184,000
• Density: 1,272/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 29/100
• Median Home Price: $415,000
• Median Rent Price: $1263
• Median Household Income: $57,703
• Major Employers: Erlanger Health System, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Hamilton County Schools

#8. Raleigh, NC

If you are looking to join an up-and-coming city, look to Raleigh, North Carolina. Raleigh is part of North Carolina’s “Research Triangle” which refers to the broader Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas and was named for its proximity to three major research universities, including Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.

Raleigh has a booming economy, growing population, competitive higher-education, and great opportunities in the biotech and technology industries, making it the ideal location for college graduates. Plus, if you are considering a move with your family, it has plenty of family-friendly activities like the Marbles Kids Museum.

• Population: 477,000
• Density: 3,178/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 31/100
• Median Home Price: $440,000
• Median Rent Price: $1,337
• Median Household Income: $78,631
• Notable Employers: Duke University and Health System, IBM, Fidelity Investments

#9. Atlanta, GA

If you want the appeal of big-city life without the hefty prices of Los Angeles or New York, Atlanta is your desired destination! Atlanta stands as an epicenter of culture, film, and art in the South. Most concerts, shows, and experiences make stops in Atlanta, meaning that you’re never left out of the cultural zeitgeist.

Whether you want to live centrally in Downtown or Midtown, or you’d prefer a slower pace in one of Atlanta’s suburbs, this city has everything you could imagine. Because Atlanta has 242 distinct neighborhoods, you’ll never run out of new places to visit or new restaurants to try. A few of our favorite spots are the Atlanta Beltline, a converted railroad to walking trail scattered with popular restaurants and bars, Ponce City Market, The Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Georgia Aquarium.

• Population: 499k – Density: 3,685/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 48/100
• Median Home Price: $485k
• Median Rent Price: $1475
• Median Household Income: $77,655
• Notable Employers: Delta Airlines, Emory University, Piedmont Healthcare

#10. Knoxville, TN

Located in the picturesque Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is the ideal city for those desiring a mix of outdoor adventure, artistic community, and big-city activities.

Knoxville residents don’t have to go far from home to enjoy the natural beauty the city has to offer. Natural parks, including Ijams Nature Center and Fort Dickerson, mean that you’re only a short drive away from the great outdoors.

Knoxville has a thriving economy and a lower cost of living compared to cities of similar size. The city’s mild but distinct seasons also mean you can enjoy the city’s beauty year-round and residents can choose from innumerable homes with charming, southern architecture.

• Population: 196,000
• Density: 1,932/sq. mile
• Walkability Score: 31/100
• Median Home Price: $320,000
• Median Rent Price: $975
• Median Household Income: $68,580
• Notable Employers: Covenant Health, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Y-12 National Security Complex

The Bottom Line on the South’s Best Cities

If you’re looking to get away from the noise (and long commutes) of the big city, let Columbus, Georgia be a soft place to land. Young professionals can elevate their career by working for large employers like Synovus and Aflac. Or you can take advantage of Columbus’ resources for entrepreneurs and join the city’s many small business owners.

Whether you’re moving solo or growing your family, Columbus’ affordable housing, stellar schools, and supportive community make it a great place to live in the South.