The South’s Best Cities on the Rise
Looking a for change of pace? Ready for your next move? Look no further than these up-and-coming cities. Whether you prefer the small-town feel or big city amenities, the South has got the perfect place for you. Discover everything your heart desires in these cities on the rise.
Marietta, Georgia
Average Income: $65,000
Median Home Price: $386,000
Stroll through sunny parks and shaded gardens paths or experience acclaimed arts and culture – in Marietta, Georgia, your dreams come true. Just 20 minutes outside of Atlanta, Marietta is a remarkable city filled with a rich and fascinating history. Constantly evolving and growing to offer more to visitors and residents alike, Marietta is filled with museums, music, live theatre, hiking trails, parks, and more. Discover the heart of entertainment in Marietta – where arts and culture abound. With several theaters, it's easy to enjoy the best performances in town. Experience film classics at the Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, first-class comedy, and drama at New Theatre in the Square, or thought-provoking performances at Out of Box Theatre. With several breweries in the Marietta area, taste, and tour to your heart's content at Red Hare Brewing Company or Glover Park Brewery. Eat, sip, and savor the wide variety of food and drink featured in Marietta’s bustling food scene. Marietta is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of family fun before watching the Atlanta Braves game or seeing the all-stars of tomorrow playing on the sports fields of today. Located in Cobb County, Marietta is one of the most popular and fastest-growing cities in the Atlanta metro area and the perfect place to relocate, raise a family, and enjoy your well-deserved retirement.
visitmariettaga.com
Wilmington, North Carolina
Median Salary: $60,000
Average Home Price: $303,000
Discover adventure, renewal, and your new home in Wilmington, North Carolina. From the vibrant riverfront and scenic Riverwalk that winds around the storied Cape Fear River to three colorful island beaches, there’s something about Wilmington’s water that surrounds, transforms, and enthralls. Explore North Carolina’s most accessible coastal city, flowing with energy and creativity. Be inspired by the variety of architectural styles and moss-draped live oaks that line the city’s National Register Historic District, spanning more than 230 blocks. From horse-drawn carriage rides on the old brick-lined streets to the rhythm of live music along the riverfront, Wilmington embraces influences from the past and present. Mingling historic and Victorian architecture with modern design and new attractions like a performing arts center, waterfront park, an amphitheater, an event pier near the Port City Marina, hotels, and restaurants make Wilmington one of America’s Best Riverfronts. With easy access to boutiques, cafes, and vibrant nightlife, downtown Wilmington’s walkable river district is an incredible spot for an in-town escape. See a Broadway show after dinner, board the Battleship North Carolina – where the distinguished services and sacrifices of World War II sailors live on – or visit the family-friendly museums, Wilmington’s delightful attractions are boundless. From a vintage seaside boardwalk to surf lessons at one of the world’s nationally recognized surf destinations to under-the-sea animals at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, and one-of-a-kind festivals and events and options for outdoor play both on and off the water, Wilmington is full of family adventures, lifestyle amenities, and recreational pleasures.
wilmingtonandbeaches.com
Conway, South Carolina
Average Home Price: $243,000
Population: 28,000
With so many beautiful areas and cities in South Carolina, it’s difficult to narrow down the ideal city for you and your family to settle into and call home. But there is one, in particular, that people have their eye on, for myriad reasons. Nestled about fifteen miles northwest of Myrtle Beach lies Conway, South Carolina, a beautiful town, home to an array of unique dining, shopping, and scenic views for residents to enjoy. Picture yourself walking down Main Street, shaded by moss-draped oaks, popping into charming antique stores, cozy coffee shops, and delicious bakeries. Full of nostalgia and southern charm, it’s easy to fall in love with Conway. Bursting with turn-of-the-century architecture, Conway is loaded with activities and adventures for families to enjoy. With most of the downtown area is listed in the National Historic Register, Conway is often referred to as South Carolina’s historic river town. Step back in time, in one of the oldest towns in South Carolina. Discover all the charm and grace of a historic Southern community in Conway.
visitmyrtlebeach.com
Knoxville, Tennessee
Average Salary: $60,000
Average Home Price: $268,00
There is something for everyone in Knoxville. With a unique mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural attractions, Knoxville is a nature-loving, adventure-seeking, artsy kind of town just waiting to welcome you. Knoxville’s ever-growing list of things to do includes everything from historical tours to outdoor adventure, fine food to festivals, award-winning theatres to live music to delight every ear. And Knoxville welcomes all members of the family, including your furry best friend, and there is no better place to experience that affinity for four-legged friendship than at the up-and-coming Scruffy City. Known for its southern hospitality, Knoxville is most definitely the perfect playground for your all family members. Explore mountaintops, traverse natural trails, and splash around in local "watering holes." Choose your own adventure in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, a spectacular outdoor adventure area where you can hike, bike, climb, paddle, or just wander in the woods – all within the heart of the city. Over 50 miles of trails and greenways connect you to a beautiful nature center, pristine lakes, historic sites, dramatic quarries, adventure playgrounds, five city parks, and a 500-acre wildlife area. With a walkable downtown, ample outdoor recreation, and an idyllic way of life, Knoxville has an adventure for everyone.
visitknoxville.com
Frisco, Texas
Crime Rate: 49% lower than the National Average
Average Salary: $80,000
Just 30 minutes north of downtown Dallas, and a convenient 25-minute drive from both Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport, Frisco is a little slice of heaven in the heart of Texas. From shopping to sports, art, and history, there are a variety of experiences to enjoy in fabulous Frisco. Home to several professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas, the Frisco RoughRiders, and the future home of PGA of America, Frisco is Sports City, USA, and the ultimate sports lover’s paradise. Frisco features more than 9 million square feet of retail and over 400 restaurants to delight the family any night of the week. When it comes to arts and culture, Frisco offers a growing museum district that includes the Museum of the American Railroad, the National Videogame Museum, the Frisco Heritage Museum, and the National Soccer Hall of Fame, as well as a public art trail and the Texas Sculpture Garden. No matter your style – Frisco is the go-to place for fun in the DFW Metroplex. Fight fires at KidZania, float down the Lazy River at Rider's Field, or score the winning goal at the National Soccer Hall of Fame, there’s plenty of fun activities for kids, and grown-ups, in Frisco. From local artists to national bands, you can find live music and an enthralling nightlife on any given night in Frisco. Get frisky in Frisco, where life is anything but dull.
visitfrisco.com
Winchester, Virginia
Population: 30,000
Average Home Price: $306,000
A great place to live and work, Winchester/, Virginia in Frederick County offers a charming small-town feel within close proximity to the treasures and pleasures of Washington D.C. Whether starting your first career, switching careers, or heading down the retirement path, there is so much to love about Winchester. From the friendly people to the scenic landscape and outdoor recreation opportunities, Winchester’s vibrant downtown creates the ideal climate and community for everyone. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Winchester is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region. A great place for careers, residents can find housing options for any budget or lifestyle, with prices nearly 40% lower than Washington, DC. With numerous destinations less than a day's drive, heading out for a vacation has near been easier. Enjoy a slower pace of living in Winchester, but don't miss out on the community-based fun, like volunteering with civic organizations, attending concerts and festivals in Old Town Winchester, visiting incredible museums like the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, outdoor activities, dining in a wonderful restaurant, or shopping for outstanding antiques. Known as the "Apple Capital", Winchester is surrounded by vast orchards making up one of the largest apple export markets in the nation and the largest apple-producing region in Virginia. Drawing in crowds of more the 250,000 people every year, Winchester’s Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is the perfect way to welcome spring and discover the beauty of your new community.
oldtownwinchesterva.com
visitwinchesterva.com/moving-here
Embrace the best of Southern living in your new hometown. Art, adventure, history, and recreation are waiting to be discovered.
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