10 Best Places To Live in the South (Updated for 2024)

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If you prefer warm weather and a low cost of living, consider moving to the South. This region is famous for football, food and fun times regardless of the state. That said, some cities stand out from the others. Here are the 10 best places to live in the South, featuring some underrated destinations to keep your eyes on.

1. Austin, Texas

If culture is your priority, consider Austin, Texas. The capital of the Lonestar State is a modern tech hub with a growing and diverse population. When accounting for Round Rock and San Marcos, Austin is the second-fastest growing metro area in the U.S. Why is it so popular? 

Austin is an excellent city if you’re a young professional looking to advance your career. Apple, Oracle and Google have offices in the city, making it a top destination. Plus, you get excellent nightlife and tasty restaurants along the Colorado River. Barbecue fans can rejoice in Austin.

2. Nashville, Tennesse

Another southern city with a growing population is Nashville. While the Tennessee capital is famous for country music, it offers something for everyone. Nestled on the Cumberland River, Nashville has professional sports teams, bars and plenty of entertainment opportunities around the city.

Nashville is one of the best places to live in the South because of its affordability relative to other metro areas. Research shows Tennessee has the ninth-lowest cost of living in the U.S. Therefore, you might find it cheaper to move here than New York City or other big towns. 

3. Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re looking for underrated cities, look no further than Charleston, South Carolina. This historic town sits on the Atlantic Coast and boasts classic southern charm. When you walk the streets of Charleston, you see the antebellum influence in cobblestone roads and beautiful buildings.

South Carolina’s largest city has become famous for its food. Traveling to Charleston lets you taste dishes with French, African and Native American influences. It’s hard to leave the restaurants hungry after you’ve eaten shrimp and grits, cornbread and turnip greens. The low cost of living and nearby job opportunities make the city attractive.

4. Raleigh, North Carolina

In nearby North Carolina, you can find numerous great cities for families. The abundant college towns are excellent if you specialize in education and research. Which one stands out as the best? Raleigh has a solid argument because of the incredible amenities around town. 

The state capital and home to North Carolina State University is famous for museums and urban parks. If you need a break, head to Pullen Park or Umstead State Park to appreciate nature. Raleigh also has an affordable housing market, which could be great for planting family roots.

5. Savannah, Georgia

Atlanta gets much attention in Georgia, considering the 6.3 million people in the metro area. However, other Peach State cities deserve recognition for their southern charm. For instance, Savannah is one of the best places to live in the South because of its vibrant culture. 

Savannah is where old architecture meets modern lifestyles. The East Coast town has nearly everything you’d want in a Southern town: great food, beach access and year-round mild weather. The city’s antique feel also brings walkability, so you might not have to rely on cars to travel.

6. Richmond, Virginia 

Richmond, Virginia, is hard to resist with its delectable cuisine and art movements. The city has intimate, fun vibes that make it feel like a small town with many different housing options. There are so many historical sites that make Richmond a part of history. 

Their bus system provides complimentary transportation, which is a fantastic asset for residents. Richmond has spectacular food options and has been made one of the World’s Top 10 places to travel for food in National Geographic. It has a good job market and a reasonably low living cost, about 6% lower than other Virginia cities. Richmond also offers excellent health care options and top-rated hospitals.  

7. Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama, isn’t just one of the best places to live in the South — Rocket City is among the nation’s best. U.S. News and World Report ranked the growing metro area seventh nationally because of the job opportunities, shopping districts and emerging nightlife. 

What makes Huntsville unique? You can find your next employer here if you’re interested in the aerospace industry. Rocket City gets its name for a reason, considering the Marshall Space Flight Center in Redstone Arsenal. You also get outdoor opportunities because you’re not far from the Tennessee River and the foothills of Appalachia.

8. St. Petersburg, Florida

Florida is famous for being the Sunshine State, so it’s easy to find a town with beaches and fresh seafood. That said, St. Petersburg stands out from its fellow Florida competitors because of its bustling urban environment and art scene. Plus, you get to watch and participate in fun sports year-round. 

Many cities boast an arts scene, but only a fraction compete with St. Pete. Tampa’s next-door neighbor has the Salvador Dali Museum, the Imagine Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, offering hours of fun. This central Florida area could be an attractive retirement destination due to its mild weather and plentiful year-round sunshine.

9. Biloxi, Mississippi

Mississippi is an overlooked part of the South because its metro areas lack the same popularity as others. However, the Magnolia State has a few locations to consider, such as Biloxi. This town is close to the Gulf of Mexico and might as well be the Las Vegas of the South. 

That said, the residents love the town and embody Southern hospitality. Biloxi is one of the best places to live in the South if you want an underrated town. In southern Mississippi, you get world-class seafood, endless entertainment, white-sand beaches and numerous museum opportunities.  

10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is another underrated city and state combination in the South. Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is a fun college town. You also get the benefit of living near Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, one of the premier recreational sites in the South. 

The Ozarks and Hot Springs National Park steal the spotlight in Arkansas, but Fayetteville holds its own. In this city, you can enjoy the Razorback Greenway and the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Besides the outdoors, you can enjoy a solid arts scene in Fayetteville with Theatre Squared and Terra Studios.

Finding the Best Places to Live in the South

The South is a rapidly changing region filled with burgeoning art scenes, excellent food and plenty of recreational activities. Which one do you want to move to? If you like the mountains, you may enjoy Asheville, North Carolina, or Chattanooga, Tennessee. Regardless of your choice, you’ll enjoy mild weather and southern hospitality. 

Originally published 2/14/2023 — Updated 11/19/2024