Many of us have considered moving to a completely different city over the course of our lives. Whether it’s for your dream job, a partner, or even if you simply want a fresh start, moving to a new city is never a bad idea.

The United States of America comprises approximately twenty thousand cities, villages, and towns that are spread out across over nearly 3.8 million square miles of the area which we call the US. Therefore it is safe to say that Americans are not short of options when deciding where to settle down, which they do quite often. It is a well-established fact that Americans love to move, and gone are the times when people used to spend their lifetimes in a single place. ‘American Migration’ is a thing and around 14 percent of the entire population of the United States move domestically each year.

According to the State of Moving study, people in the United States primarily migrate due to four main reasons: location, money, love, and community. Keeping this in mind, the top five cities to live in in the United States are:

Austin, Texas

Austin is currently the best city to move to if you’re living in the United States. But what is it about Austin that makes it irresistible for the American mover? Apparently, it’s a combination of various things. The capital of Texas has a thriving job market, a budding startup culture, and lively street life which is filled with good music and good food. What more could you ask for?

If the forecasts are to be believed, the financial situation is expected to get even more attractive in the future. According to Realtor.com, the jobs are expected to increase by 10.9 percent in the next four years and that coupled with the fact that the city has an unemployment rate of just 3 percent, that is already below the national average, makes an ideal city for financial migrants.

Apart from the ideal financial situation, there’s a lot in Austin to keep you entertained. It is known as the live music capital of the world according to Money.com. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in the US, and if you are a foodie, you will definitely not be disappointed with Austin.

Denver, Colorado

Although migration has slowed down to Denver in recent years, it still remains one of the top destinations for American migrants. Like all other desirable cities, it also has a flourishing job market and a sound financial backbone, but there is more to this city than just dollars. If you are looking for that ‘high’ life, there’s no need to look any further than Denver as Colorado is one of the states to have legalized recreational marijuana in 2012. By doing so it not only amplified its recreational scene but opened up a whole new lucrative and flourishing industry. Activities such as skiing and snowboarding are also just an hour’s drive away from the city.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Just an hour’s drive from Denver, it is not only close distance-wise but also close to Denver in desirability. Colorado Springs is in close proximity to Aspen and Vail, which are world-renowned for their world-class ski facilities. This place has high college preparedness amongst its high school students and a stable and lucrative job market.

Computing Technology Industry Association rates Colorado Springs as one of the best tech hubs in the US, and the jobs are expected to increase by 7 percent by 2022. To top it all off, the cost of living in Colorado Springs is relatively lower than most of the big cities in the US. Other than tech, the economy and culture are also influenced by military jobs and jobs in medical innovation.

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Fayetteville is growing in desirability amongst migrants each passing year. It is a fast-growing metro area with a low cost of living, a high population growth rate, and a high quality of life scores. Fayetteville is surrounded by headquarters of seven of the Fortune 500 companies which include Walmart and Tyson Foods. Over the years, residents of Fayetteville have seen their city evolve from a small town to a center of higher education, culture, commerce, and entrepreneurialism.

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines is a city that has been a prime attraction for millennial migrants and young families in recent years. It is lined with quirky and unique shops, hip bars, and locally-owned restaurants. What more can a millennial want in a city? Apart from the hustle-bustle, Des Moines is also home to quiet neighborhoods with historic residences. Couple that with the fact that it is home to more than 80 big insurance companies like Allied Insurance and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Des Moines provides a stable and thriving job market to potential migrants.

Conclusion

The movement of people across the United States is not as random as you might perceive it to be and, luckily for you, there are many places for you to consider if you’re planning on making a move. Sometimes you need a change and the United States has plenty of places to offer that can help you find exactly what you’re looking for!

Have you ever moved cities in the United States? Where did you move and which cities would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!