10 Reasons to Move to the Southeast - Moving.com (2024)

Thinking of moving to the Southeast? From the year-round sunshine and tasty barbecue to the friendly people and low cost of living, there’s plenty to love about living in this beautiful part of the country. The Southeast is made up of 12 states, including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas. If you’re moving to this area of the U.S., then consider yourself lucky. Here are 10 reasons why you should move to the Southeast this year.

Why you should move Southeast

1. You’ll be showered in Southern hospitality
   

   There’s no place more welcoming than the South. With all the “hey y’alls” and Southern charm you’re sure to encounter, you won’t have any trouble meeting people and making friends once you move to the Southeast. Hallmarks of Southern hospitality include general politeness and exchanging of everyday pleasantries with those around you, helping neighbors and charitable giving. Southerners are also the first to bring over a casserole, pecan pie or other home-cooked dish to welcome newcomers to the neighborhood.

2. There are so many charming places to explore
   

   The Southeast is jam-packed with some of the most historic, charming cities in the country. Several of the most popular include Charleston, SC, St. Augustine, FL, New Orleans, LA, Birmingham, AL, Atlanta, GA, Nashville, TN, Savannah, GA, Memphis, TN, Asheville, NC, Greenville, SC and Richmond, VA –among others. Whatever Southeastern state you end up in, you can be sure there will be many charming, historic cities and towns to visit nearby.

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3. The winters are usually mild
   

   The summers may be hot and humid but the fall and winter months are mostly mild. While the Southeast does experience the occasional wintry mix, the majority of states in the region don’t see temperatures dip below freezing very often. If you’re looking to avoid winter altogether, we suggest moving to South Florida, where winters are particularly warm and balmy. Even in January and February, South Florida residents can expect nothing colder than light jacket weather. These mild winters mean Southeast residents spend more time outdoors and less time sitting inside during the year.

4. Locals love their college football teams
   

   Nowhere in the country are residents as obsessed with college football as they are in the South. Take a drive through the region, and you’re sure to spot cars outfitted in team bumper stickers and front porches decked out with team flags. Whether you love the ACC or SEC, there’s a college football team for everyone here. Come Saturdays in the fall, you’ll find residents glued to a television screen, rooting on their favorite team. Popular college football teams in the area include the Clemson Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide, South Carolina Gameco*cks, Ole Miss Rebels, Auburn Tigers, LSU Tigers, Florida Gators and Virginia Tech Hokies –among many others.

5. The food and drink are delectable
   

   Travel anywhere, and you’re sure to spot replicated versions of classic Southern dishes on menus throughout the U.S. The food and drink in the region are simply unmatched. Iconic gastronomical delights throughout the Southeast include fried green tomatoes, pecan pie, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, sweet tea, cornbread, collard greens, boiled peanuts, pimento cheese, deviled eggs, fried catfish and buttermilk biscuits –and that’s just scratching the surface. Of course, you’ll also find various kinds of barbecue throughout the region. Popular barbecue types include North Carolina’s vinegar-based BBQ, South Carolina’s mustard sauce BBQ, Alabama’s mayonnaise-based BBQ and Tennessee’s Memphis-style BBQ.

6. No income tax in Florida and Tennessee
   

   Looking to save as much of your hard-earned money as possible? Florida and Tennessee may be the Southeastern states for you. Given that Florida residents don’t have to pay personal state income taxes, the area has quickly become a hot spot for retirees, families and high-net-worth individuals. The money saved means locals have more to spend on vacations, schools and every day needs. Tennessee also lacks a state income tax, so residents save more on their wages and earnings. Though it’s important to note that the state does still tax interest and dividend income.

7. You’ll enjoy a lower cost of living
   

   Speaking of saving money, Southeastern residents enjoy a lower cost of living than many other Americans. Everything from housing costs and childcare to restaurant prices and amenities tends to be less expensive in the South. According to World Population Review, five of the 10 cheapest states in the U.S. are located in the Southeast, including Mississippi, Georgia, Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama. Even many of the most popular cities in the Southeast offer an overall cost of living that is below the national average, including Charlotte, NC, Birmingham, AL, Nashville, TN and Louisville, KY.

8. Residents are close to the beach and the mountains
   

   No matter where you live in the South, the beach and the mountains are just a short drive away. This makes weekend getaways and short vacations possible for busy, working residents. The Southeast is home to many of the country’s most beautiful and sought-after beaches. Popular beach destinations include Sarasota, FL Myrtle Beach, SC, Virginia Beach, VA, Hilton Head Island, SC and Destin, FL –just to name a few. The nearby Blue Ridge Mountains also provide a welcome retreat for locals. The stunning mountain range runs through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

9. The colleges and universities are top-notch
   

   The Southeast offers a number of top-notch colleges and universities to those seeking higher education. Several of the best include the University of Virginia, Vanderbilt University, Tulane University, University of Florida, Clemson University, Furman University, Duke University, University of Georgia, University of Richmond, Davidson College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Wake Forest University, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Washington & Lee University.

10. Business is booming
    

    With its business-friendly local governments, robust workforce and lower cost of living, the Southeast region has quickly become a favorite among major corporations and small startups alike. In addition, many Southeastern cities offer businesses low corporate income tax rates and easy access to an abundance of major airports. Several big companies headquartered in the Southeast include Michelin, The Home Depot, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta, Cox Enterprises, Lowe’s Companies, Northrop Grumman, FedEx, Yum! Brands and Walmart – among many others.

Moving to the Southeast?

Think you want to make the Southeast your new home? For more information about cities within the Southeast region, check Moving.com’sCity Profile Reportfeature. Our reports include city demographics, real estate information, quality of life factors and more. Simply enter the zip code or the state and city of your potential move to get a free report at the click of a button.For help finding and booking the best moving company, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable interstatemovers. Best of luck and happy moving!