The Southeast part of the country is filled with cultural diversity, fantastic food scenes, varying job markets, and classic Southern charm.
There are many areas to choose from, whether you are looking for bustling city life, a quiet neighborhood to retire, or somewhere new and inspiring to settle into.
Arlington, Virginia
Coming across affordable Arlington real estate is a great find for would-be residents, as this area is known as one of the healthiest places to live and also one with an incredibly low crime rate.
This Northern Virginia city on the Potomac River offers proximity to the nation’s capital and tons of fun things to do.
There are different neighborhoods to consider here: National Landing, the city’s largest walkable downtown and a vibrant live, work, and play community; Arlington Ridge, located between I-395 and Aurora Highlands, making it a central location; Bluemont, the center of the city that contains the most recently built homes, plenty of parks, and some of the best restaurants; Yorktown, the perfect community for family living; and Shirlington, an emerging hot spot of shopping, cuisine, and culture.
Charlotte, North Carolina
On average, only 26 percent of an income goes toward housing expenses for an average family here, making this a very affordable place to live.
It’s also a great place for jobs, consistently having a low unemployment rate and a median salary that’s greater than the United States’ average. Some of the largest job providers in the area are Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Lowe’s, and American Airlines.
Coffee enthusiasts will love the scene here, as will beer and wine drinkers with the city’s many vineyards and breweries.
The Queen City will also be attractive to sports enthusiasts, as it’s home to the Carolina Panthers, The Charlotte Hornets, and NASCAR.
Lafayette, Louisiana
This is one of the best places to settle down in the Bayou State, with many perks in terms of finances.
Housing expenses are 25% lower than the national average, transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 4% lower than the national average, and even grocery prices are 2% lower than the national average.
The way of living and history here is so rich, steeped in Cajun and Creole culture. It’s also often called the Hub City for its central role in the Gulf Coast’s oil and gas industry.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette gives the surrounding area a bustling college-town feel, and the downtown area has a wide selection of restaurants, live music venues, festivals, diverse shopping, and art galleries.
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers has reasonable housing and a cost of living and provides a relaxed atmosphere for its residents. The population is made up of a mix of college students, young families, and retirees.
The year-round temperature here averages at 75, making this a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, who like to hit up beaches or golf courses.
There is a revitalized downtown historic river district with cobblestone streets, as well as the suburban, close-to-schools area of Whiskey Creek and the retirement community of Iona.
