I’ve traveled to all 50 states. Here are the 7 cities I’d happily live in if my current one weren’t an option.

There are very few places I’d rather be in the US over Jackson, Wyoming.

The town — known for its skiing, Western vibes, and proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks — is stunning in every direction.

The city is remote and small, with a population of just over 10,000 people, but it has a bustling airport that makes it easy to come and go.

Although the mountain town’s cost of living is quite high, the benefits of living there are ample.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is near the top of my list of places I’d love to live in.

The picturesque town along the Monterey Peninsula feels like the perfect setting for a fairytale, with storybook architecture, beautiful beaches, parks, and upscale shopping.

The town is known for its quaint charm, stunning natural beauty, and rich artistic history. I also enjoy visiting one of the many wine-tasting rooms, walking along the beach, and indulging in a farm-to-table meal.

When considering another city to live in, walkability and uniqueness are crucial for me — and Santa Fe, New Mexico, has both of these attributes.

The historic town in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains — known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thriving arts scene — is one I return to over and over.

The city has a distinct creative vibe that I haven’t found anywhere else in the US, along with fantastic access to outdoor recreation.

Like Santa Fe, New Orleans feels distinct from other US cities. Known for its French Quarter, jazz, great food, and Mardi Gras celebrations, my desire to live in New Orleans has never waned — even after visiting the city dozens of times.

Although New Orleans is known for tourism, its neighborhoods are gorgeous, the people are friendly, and there are plenty of outdoor-recreation opportunities nearby.

There’s something about the Southeast Coast that always keeps me coming back. Although there are plenty of places along this stretch that I’d consider living in, Savannah, Georgia, takes the cake for me.

The city is known for its historic architecture, beautiful parks, cobblestone streets, and ample oak-draped squares. Visiting feels like stepping into another time and place.

Walkability is essential to me, and Savannah is perfect for that. It’s also near several outdoor-recreation areas, beaches, and state and national park sites.

Utah is a haven for nature lovers, with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and varied landscapes.

But if I had to choose one place to live in the state, my answer would be Park City. The charming town in the Wasatch Mountains is most notable for its world-class skiing and snowboarding.

Park City is also an ideal home base for me because of its vibrant arts and culture scene, proximity to Salt Lake City, and year-round outdoor-recreation opportunities.

As a lover of the Western US, I didn’t expect to fall in love with the Northeast. However, upon my first visit to Kennebunkport, Maine, several years ago, I immediately fell in love.

Traveling to the picturesque coastal village feels like stepping into a quaint New England movie set with stunning beaches, adorable shops, and historic landmarks.

I love visiting Goose Rocks Beach, kayaking on the Kennebunk River, and hiking at the nearby Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.

This story was originally published on September 11, 2024, and most recently updated on May 27, 2026.