10 Mid-Size Cities to Move to This Year
Tired of big city living but not quite ready to leave the amenities and vibrant culture behind? Consider moving to a second-tier city instead. For those who’ve grown tired of the hassles that come with living in a massive first-tier city (think: New York, San Francisco and Chicago), moving to a second-tier city could be the right decision. In general, “second-tier” cities are considered to be mid-size cities with less than a million people. Though smaller in scale than first-tier cities, these mid-size cities still tend to have a strong job market, top-notch amenities and plenty of cultural opportunities. Below, we’ve included our list of reasons for why you should consider moving to a second-tier city as well as our top 10 picks for the best second-tier cities in the U.S. We’ve also included data from Realtor.com and AreaVibes to help paint a picture of each city’s livability. Best of luck and happy moving!
5 reasons to move to a second-tier city
- Lower cost of living – Second-tier cities tend to be more affordable than their first-tier counterparts. For example, New York City, San Francisco and Boston are three of the most expensive metropolitan areas in the country. Charlotte, Tampa and Columbus, on the other hand, are relatively affordable, with cheaper amenities and lower home prices.
- Easier work commute – Many professionals who move to second-tier cities find that the work commute is much easier. Not only do residents tend to live closer to work (because they can afford to do so), but there’s also less traffic on the road than in large cities.
- More residential neighborhoods – Dreaming of a neighborhood with tree-lined streets and ample yard space? Unlike first-tier cities, you won’t have to move out to the ‘burbs in order to find a residential neighborhood.
- A family-friendly feel – Second-tier cities are full of families with school-age children. Not only do the public schools tend to be better in mid-size cities, but the neighborhoods tend to have a more family-friendly vibe.
- Higher quality of life, in general – From the lower cost of living and family-oriented nature to the abundance of parks, bike trails and cultural events, second-tier city residents may enjoy a higher quality of life than those living in very large cities.
The 10 best second-tier cities to call home
There are plenty of incredible second-tier cities to call home, but these (in our opinion) take the cake. If you’re looking for an exceptionally livable mid-size city to move to this year, consider these 10 spots.