The Great Unknown

America’s Top 15 Cities Recruiting You to Call Them Home

Choosing where to live is a monumental decision, but most people rarely explore all their options. Psychology plays a big role in why: status quo bias and familiarity heuristics often lead us to stick to what we know—our hometowns, cities near family, or places heavily advertised. We rarely consider states or cities we’ve never visited or that don’t dominate pop culture.

Why don’t we explore more? States like California, New York, and Illinois spend billions promoting their attractions, while smaller cities lack the resources to compete. As a result, hidden gems—places with vibrant economies, affordable living, and high quality of life—go unnoticed.

Here’s a ranked list of 15 top cities that deserve your attention, along with 5 honorable mentions. These cities aren’t just great places to live; they’re actively recruiting you to build your future there.

Top 15 Cities Recruiting You

1. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: The Research Triangle

 • Rating: 4.9/5

 • Population: ~1.4 million (metro area)

 • Dating Scene: 55% single, even male-to-female ratio.

 • Cost of Living: 6% below the national average.

 • National Reviews: Ranked among the Best Places to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: North Carolina ranks 9th with a GDP of $728 billion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: It’s overshadowed by larger cities like Atlanta and Washington, D.C., despite its booming tech and healthcare sectors.

 • Pitch: With top universities, a booming economy, and mild weather, Raleigh-Durham is perfect for professionals and families alike.

2. Austin, Texas: The Capital of Cool

 • Rating: 4.8/5

 • Population: ~964,000

 • Dating Scene: 58% single, slightly more males than females.

 • Cost of Living: 3% above the national average.

 • National Reviews: Among America’s Fastest-Growing Cities.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: Texas ranks 2nd with a GDP of $2.5 trillion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: Many see Austin as too “hip” or think Texas is just oil and cowboy culture.

 • Pitch: Austin combines a thriving tech industry with live music, incredible food, and endless opportunities for innovation.

3. San Diego, California: Coastal Perfection

 • Rating: 4.7/5

 • Population: ~1.4 million

 • Dating Scene: 61% single, slightly more women than men.

 • Cost of Living: 17% above the national average.

 • National Reviews: Praised as one of America’s Best Beach Cities.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: California ranks 1st with a GDP of $4.7 trillion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: San Diego often gets lost in California’s shadow, eclipsed by Los Angeles and San Francisco.

 • Pitch: Perfect weather, stunning beaches, and career opportunities make San Diego an unbeatable place to live.

4. Boulder, Colorado: A Playground for the Active

 • Rating: 4.6/5

 • Population: ~108,000

 • Dating Scene: 64% single, slightly more women than men.

 • Cost of Living: 15% above the national average.

 • National Reviews: Rated one of the Healthiest Cities in America.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: Colorado ranks 16th with a GDP of $507 billion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: Many assume Colorado is just ski resorts or rural towns, overlooking Boulder’s vibrant urban lifestyle.

 • Pitch: Boulder offers incredible outdoor adventures, top schools, and a strong sense of community.

5. Seattle, Washington: The Emerald City

 • Rating: 4.5/5

 • Population: ~737,000 (city); ~4 million (metro area)

 • Dating Scene: 59% single, slightly more men than women.

 • Cost of Living: 14% above the national average.

 • National Reviews: Frequently named one of America’s Most Innovative Cities.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: Washington ranks 10th with a GDP of $790 billion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: Rainy weather and higher living costs scare off some people.

 • Pitch: A tech hub with a thriving arts scene, Seattle offers career growth and endless exploration opportunities.

6. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota: The Best of the Midwest

 • Rating: 4.4/5

 • Population: ~3.7 million (metro area)

 • Dating Scene: 52% single, even male-to-female ratio.

 • Cost of Living: 8% below the national average.

 • National Reviews: Consistently ranked as one of America’s Best Cities for Families.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: Minnesota ranks 17th with a GDP of $503 billion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: The cold winters can deter potential residents.

 • Pitch: Affordable living, family-friendly communities, and a vibrant arts and food scene make the Twin Cities a hidden gem.

7. Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Hospitality Meets Modern Growth

 • Rating: 4.3/5

 • Population: ~152,000

 • Dating Scene: 50% single, slightly more women than men.

 • Cost of Living: 4% below the national average.

 • National Reviews: Often named America’s Friendliest City.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: South Carolina ranks 26th with a GDP of $295 billion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: Some think Charleston is only for tourists or retirees.

 • Pitch: Charleston combines history, culture, and coastal beauty in a way few cities can match.

8. Portland, Maine: Coastal Living Without the Crowds

 • Rating: 4.3/5

 • Population: ~536,000 (metro area)

 • Dating Scene: 53% married, near-equal gender ratio.

 • Cost of Living: 8% above the national average.

 • National Reviews: Featured among America’s Best Small Cities.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: Maine ranks 43rd with a GDP of $81 billion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: Maine is often perceived as too rural or cold.

 • Pitch: Portland’s seafood, coastal charm, and family-friendly neighborhoods make it a standout option.

9. Orlando, Florida: The Entertainment Capital

 • Rating: 4.2/5

 • Population: ~2.7 million (metro area)

 • Dating Scene: 58% single, slightly more females than males.

 • Cost of Living: 5% below the national average.

 • National Reviews: Ranked as one of America’s Best Cities for Tourism.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: Florida ranks 4th with a GDP of $1.4 trillion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: Many think Orlando is just for tourists, not long-term residents.

 • Pitch: With affordable housing, endless attractions, and warm weather, Orlando is a vibrant city for all ages.

10. Richmond, Virginia: Southern Charm Meets Modernity

 • Rating: 4.1/5

 • Population: ~1.3 million (metro area)

 • Dating Scene: 55% single, even male-to-female ratio.

 • Cost of Living: 6% below the national average.

 • National Reviews: Recognized as one of America’s Best Mid-Sized Cities.

 • State Contribution to U.S. Economy: Virginia ranks 13th with a GDP of $687 billion.

 • Why People Don’t Consider It: Often overshadowed by D.C. or larger Southern cities.

 • Pitch: Affordable living, a rich history, and strong economic growth make Richmond a standout for families and professionals.

11. Salt Lake City, Utah: Outdoor Adventure Hub

12. Madison, Wisconsin: Lakeside Living

13. Honolulu, Hawaii: Tropical Paradise

14. Nashville, Tennessee: The Music City

15. Savannah, Georgia: Historic Coastal Charm

Why Explore Beyond the Usual?

The psychology of staying close to the familiar holds many back, but the opportunities in these cities prove there’s life beyond the obvious choices. Which city will you call home?