Favorite US cities to live in, from a woman who’s been to 50 states

I would love to live in the amazingly scenic town of Jackson, Wyoming.

There are very few places I’d rather be in the US than Jackson, Wyoming. The town—known for its skiing, Western vibes, and proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks—is stunning in every way.

The town is remote and small, with a population of just over 10,000 people, but it has a bustling airport that makes it easy to get to and from. The cost of living in the mountain town is quite high, but the benefits of living there are extensive.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California is near the top of my list of places I’d like to live. 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 city is known for its scenic charm, stunning natural beauty and rich artistic history.

I also enjoy visiting one of the many wine tasting rooms, walking the beach, and indulging in a farm-to-table meal.

I haven’t been anywhere that matches the distinctive energy of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

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

The historic town at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains – known for its rich history, stunning architecture and thriving arts scene – is one I keep coming back to.

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

New Orleans is a well-known tourist destination for a reason.

Like Santa Fe, New Orleans feels particularly unique 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 faded—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.

After visiting almost all of Utah several times, I settled in Park City.

WalletHub named Utah the happiest state in the US, and after visiting nearly every inch of the state multiple times, I can see why.

Utah is a nature lover’s paradise with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and varied landscapes.

But if I had to pick 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.

There is so much to do in Savannah, Georgia.

There’s something about the South East Coast that keeps me coming back. While there are plenty of places along this stretch I would consider living, Savannah, Georgia takes the cake for me.

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

Walkability is essential to me and Savannah is perfect for that. It is also near several outdoor recreation areas, beaches, and national and state parks.

The coastal village of Kennebunkport, Maine would be a dream to live in.

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

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

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