The Best State to Live in the Southeast

The southeast contains a number of candidates for the best places to live in the United States. From the retirement haven of Florida to the antebellum saga of the deep south, this region is steeped in tradition. Although nearly every state in the southeastern region has a city or town that deserves a place on our list for one reason or another, only one exemplifies every criteria. North Carolina contains all the necessary ingredients to be named one of the best states to live in the Southeast and perhaps even the country.

The Best City to Live in North Carolina

North Carolina has enjoyed the title of fastest growing state in the US every year since 2008, and no city has grown faster than Wake Forest. With a 118% population growth since 2000, Wake Forest is located just north of the state capital of Raleigh. Median family income is $60,408 and Wake Forest enjoys an unemployment rate of 7.4%, nearly two percentage points lower than the national average of 9.1%. The Wake Forest job market has experienced a recent upswing, and the Wake Forest Economic Development Team was formed in order to bring more jobs to the area. Schools are consistently rated as “excellent” and score an average of 20.25% higher than the state as a whole on both reading and math tests. With great schools, a good job market and a high median family income, Wake Forest is among the best cities to live in North Carolina.

Cheapest Place to Live in North Carolina

Statistically, big cities are more expensive than small towns. In North Carolina, however, the opposite appears to be true. Charlotte, North Carolina is both the biggest city and the cheapest place in the state to live. Overall, the cost of living in Charlotte is 7% less than the national average, while housing and utilities are 20% lower and 7% lower respectively. The median home price here is $169,493, while the median family income is nearly $60,000. Schools here are among the top in the country, with Charlotte elementary schools earning top NAEP honors in 2009. The low cost of living, great schools and many job opportunities combine to make Charlotte not only the cheapest place in North Carolina to live, but also one of the best.

Best Place to Retire in North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina, is a prime retirement destination for those who seek safety, security, and a beautiful place to call home. Voted “Safest City in the South” in 2005, Cary is located in the midst of the triangle created by Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. 17.4% of Cary’s population is 55 or older. Median income is upwards of $71,000 and the median home price has held steady at $259,000 for the past three years. Two of the nation’s rated “best hospitals” lie within 30 miles of Cary and the average property tax bill stands at $2300. Cary also has a public transit system that offers door-to-door service for the elderly.

North Carolina is our clear winner for the southeast Best Place to Live competition. With a low unemployment rate, inexpensive cost of living and relatively low crime rate, North Carolina is a prime location for people of any age. Wake Forest, Charlotte and Cary are just three of the many great places to live in North Carolina.

The Best State to Live in the Southwest

The southwestern United States is a place of growing popularity. It is a land of turquoise-colored mystery; a world where the west is still somewhat wild. New Mexico is among the best states to live in the region. With its distinctive southwestern flair, relatively low cost of living and many outdoor activities, New Mexico earns our top spot as the best state to live in the Southwest, and may well be one of the best places to live in the United States.

Best City to Live in New Mexico

Although rather small and relatively unknown, Rio Rancho, New Mexico is one of the best cities to live in New Mexico. A suburb of Albuquerque, this city of 82,000 is a safe and secure place to raise a family. Although not immune to the foreclosures the rest of the country has seen over the past five years, Rio Rancho is a great place to find an amazing deal in the housing market. With a median family income of $66,000, jobs in Rio Rancho have grown nearly 70% in the past ten years. The median home price is $169,000 and the average property tax bill stands at $1400 per year. School test scores in reading are 22% above the New Mexico average, while scores in math are an astounding 41% higher. The Intel Corporation is the area’s biggest employer, although the retail and service industry round out the economy nicely. New construction, including a hospital and large office complex, promise to bring even more jobs to the area in the coming years. Rio Rancho is ever-changing and always growing, making it a wonderful place for families and singles alike.

Cheapest Place to Live in New Mexico

Here, Rio Rancho makes a repeat appearance on our list. Not content to be only the best city in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is also the cheapest. Housing here is 11% below the national average, while utilities are 10% cheaper. Overall, Rio Rancho falls a full 4% below the national cost of living average across the board. Healthcare is the only measured category in which Rio Rancho exceeds national expenditures, and even here it is only 1% over. As a comparison, New York City is 126% more expensive than Rio Rancho.

Best Place to Retire in New Mexico

Las Cruces, New Mexico has been voted “Best Place to Retire” in the state many times over. AARP listed it as a Top 5 in 2006, while Money Magazine has ranked it twice in two separate years. Las Cruces offers wonderful weather and plenty of senior living activities. With four golf courses and tons of nearby hiking and fishing, those 55 and older will not lack for recreation. New Mexico taxpayers are also afforded tax breaks from income sources that fall below $28,500. An average three bedroom house costs a mere $168,000, making Las Cruces easily affordable for those on a fixed income. Las Cruces is a wonderful place for seniors to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy all of the senior activities the city has to offer.

The southwest is an amazing place to live, and no state contained within it is more amazing than New Mexico. The affordability, school systems and economy continue to improve. New Mexico is the southwest's best place to live for people at any stage of their lives.

Best Place to Live in America

Here's an interesting little (?) study reported by CNN about the Best Places to Live in America. The list actually comes from Money's list of America's best small cities so, the 'small' part may skew the results somewhat. That said many people probably would agree that 'small' is better when it comes to lifestyle and quality of life. Drum role please....

Eden Prairie, Minnesota tops Money's list as the Best Place to Live in America.

Ismat Mangla reports that this small city is family friendly and has a "dynamite economy". For 2010 the unemployment rate was 5.1% which is almost one point less than the rate of the county and more than four percent lower the national average. This small city boasts 50,000 jobs right in town.

The major major companies in Eden Prairie are C.H. Robinson (A Fortune 500 trucking co); Starkey Labs (A major manufacturer of hearing aids) and the beloved Minnesota Vikings, who have their practice facility and their front office based right here in Eden Prairie.

Unlike many small cities in America Eden Prairie doesn't have a vibrant downtown. That's certainly something they could work on and benefit greatly from. If you read my post about San Luis Obispo you may have picked up on the fact they built their small city into the Happiest Place in America by revitalizing their downtown core with extra wide sidewalks and ordinance changes to encourage open air cafes and restaurants. The changes have been a boon for SLO. But that missing piece aside Eden Prairie has an abundance of outdoor beauty including gently rolling hills and 17 nearby lakes which local residents flock to for vacation and liesure. EP residents love their rural liesure pursuits like lake swimming in summer and ice skating in winter. Parks within and around the city are also a major part of the lifestyle here with more than 125 miles of running, hiking, and biking trails. With that kind of activity level it's no surprise that EP residents are among the healthiest people in America too. Finally to put icing on this lovely mid-west cake Eden Prairie is known for it's low crime rate (safety) and top of the class schools. What more does is needed to be one of the best cities in America? I can't think of much else!

A few stats about Eden Prairie:
Ranked #1 pf 100 (Winner) by Money Magazine as the Best Small City to Live in.
Population - 64,000
Unemployment Rate - 5.1%
Moody's Bond Rating - AAA