Good schools, great scenery and more: 10 of the best places to live in the Southeast U.S.

Each year, we at Livability put together our top 100 best places to live in America. The list is based on nearly 100 data points and examines cities with a population between 75,000 and 500,000 to narrow down the very best places to live across the country. Here, we’re highlighting the best places to live in the Southeast based on our research. Each of these cities has something special to offer — read on to find out what.

1. Johns Creek, Ga.

Residents in Johns Creek, Ga., can live the good life with all the big-city perks that come with being close to a major metro and the tightknit community lifestyle a smaller city affords. With safe neighborhoods, excellent schools and a thriving healthcare economy, Johns Creek earns its title as one of the best places to live in the Southeast. 

The Atlanta suburb boasts one of the region’s largest concentrations of healthcare companies, which provide top-notch medical care and good-paying jobs to locals. More than 450 healthcare and social services companies are established in Johns Creek. 

Another thing that makes Johns Creek so special is that the 80,000-plus residents who call the area home enjoy a tightknit, inclusive community. The city gives priority to adaptive recreation programs; hosts celebrations to honor Lunar New Year, Juneteenth and Diwali; and has an international festival that recognizes the city’s diverse residents. Also, the Johns Creek Veterans Memorial Walk, within Newtown Park, holds monuments to honor veterans and is a community space where visitors can pay their respects.

The city’s natural beauty sets it apart. Johns Creek has several parks and natural areas, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Newtown Park. These areas offer residents plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing. 

Johns Creek is a dog-friendly place to live, too. The Newtown Dream Dog Park is one of the best in the country, outfitted with sprinklers, a spraying hydrant, hoops, tunnels and more. Let’s just say there’s a whole lot of doggone fun to have here.

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2. Cary, N.C.

Nestled between the stunning Western Carolina mountains and the famous East Coast beaches of the Outer Banks, Cary, N.C., uses its enviable location to its advantage. Located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, Cary is in the center of the Research Triangle Area, which places the city less than 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. This central location and its proximity to the Research Triangle Park—the largest research park in the U.S. — make Cary one of the best places to live in the Southeast. With a robust job market, the city of 180,341 is known as a hot spot not only for employees of the Research Triangle Park but also for entrepreneurs looking to launch new businesses. 

Although Cary has the amenities of a large city, including a great restaurant and bar scene, it retains an affordable cost of living and a small-town feel, reflected in the high safety rating given by background check company GoodHire. In 2022 they named Cary, N.C., the safest city in the U.S. Locals noted that they feel safe running or walking the quaint neighborhoods and greenways. But the safe, close-knit environment isn’t the only reason Cary is desirable for young families. The schools here are fantastic. According to Public School Review, which analyzes and evaluates the quality of public schools, Cary has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in North Carolina.  

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Finally, Cary is a flourishing city that offers a fantastic arts scene (gorgeous public art, galleries and more), a variety of eateries, must-visit breweries and great sporting events. Baseball fans can rejoice as Cary is home to the USA Baseball National Training Complex. 

3. Roswell, Ga.

Lights, camera, action: Roswell, Ga., is not just a popular place for movie makers but also for residents who want a happily-ever-after setting to call home. This sought-after Atlanta suburb is one of the best places to live in the Southeast because of its historic charm, welcoming neighbors, strong economy and nationally recognized healthcare facilities, including WellStar North Fulton Hospital, Emory Clinic and Piedmont healthcare. The city also has several top-rated public schools, making it a good choice for families with children. 

While jet-setters and business commuters appreciate that one of the world’s busiest airports, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, is close by, there’s loads of fun to be had close to home. For example, Roswell hosts annual festivals celebrating everything from lavender to Monarch butterflies. There’s even a homemade ice cream social in August with volunteer “crankers” making more than 100 varieties. Locals also love coming together on summer nights for Reels and Wheels, an outdoor movie showing with food trucks providing snacks. 

Roswell’s prime location near the Chattahoochee River means the city offers plenty of things to do for outdoor enthusiasts. The city also has a burgeoning craft beer scene, and you can enjoy a cold pint after a day floating on the Chattahoochee River. Roswell also has a thriving arts and culture scene, and the city is home to several art galleries, theaters and museums. 

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4. Columbia, Md.

Locals have lots to love when it comes to life in Columbia, Md., which has several well-planned, walkable neighborhoods connecting residents to schools, stores and parks. Highly ranked schools, diverse residents and community treasures like Color Burst Park, which hosts free fitness classes, concerts and more, build on the reasons why Columbia is one of the best places to live in the Southeast. 

Columbia is also a community that prizes inclusivity at Blandair Regional Park. In this ADA-compliant “Play-for-All” playground, families gather at baseball fields, multiuse turf, tennis courts and a Challenge Course. Residents in Columbia are entertained with endless opportunities to have fun in the city. The Columbia Festival of the Arts (think concerts, exhibits, workshops and more) adds a burst of creativity to the city each year, while live music and public art can be enjoyed year-round. And, if you’re a bookworm, you’ll notice that the street names in this cozy southern city are literary references. 

Columbia is a part of Howard County, recognized as one of the most highly educated areas in the region. The economy is resilient, with businesses enjoying a central location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and a talent pipeline with highly educated workers. Some of the county’s biggest employers include Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Verizon
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and Coastal Sunbelt Produce. Residents can always build upon their skills or prepare for a new career at Howard Community College, which offers two-year degree and certificate programs built with high-demand careers in mind. 

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5. Virginia Beach, Va.

Thousands flock to Virginia Beach, Va., each year to enjoy its beaches. Still, the more than 450,000 residents who call this coastal area home get VIP access to the area’s amenities year-round, from a colorful arts district to a culinary scene with festivals like a springtime she-crab soup classic. 

Excellent healthcare is one of many reasons Virginia Beach is one of the best places to live in the Southeast, and Sentara Health Care operates top-ranked hospitals in the region. Those who move here can stretch their dollars further as the cost of living in Virginia Beach is lower than in other cities in the region. In addition, good schools, a highly educated workforce and an economy powered by various diverse industries add to the quality of life.

Residents have much to explore in Virginia Beach, too. The area has seven unique districts, including Oceanfront, where you’ll get your fill of snow cones, spot street performers and catch some waves. But for a quieter day on the water, locals love to slip away to Sandbridge, with sand dunes, sea oats and a gorgeous boardwalk. Creatives are helping shape The ViBe Creative District, a lively arts and culture district bursting with color from the murals to the art-filled parking lots. Even utility boxes have been morphed into masterpieces.

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6. Hoover, Ala.

Hoover, Ala., is a small town with big southern charm — and it just keeps getting bigger. With a population of 90,000 and growing, it’s clear that residents new and old alike appreciate the city’s top-rated public school system (which ranks in the highest 10% of the whole state), and its enviable outdoor amenities like Moss Rock Preserve and Aldridge Gardens, all making it one of the best places to live in the Southeast. 

Outside of the highly-rated schools, Hoover is very family-friendly, and the assortment of community centers, recreational opportunities and playgrounds make the city an excellent place for families with children. The arts and culture scene is thriving, too. The Hoover Library and the Aldridge Gardens are among the many museums, galleries and performing arts venues available to residents. 

Although Hoover has many accolades, the city especially has bragging rights when it comes to having a healthy economy. For example, the unemployment rate in the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area was 2.2% in February 2023 (the national average was 3.6% at the time).

And with its proximity to bustling Birmingham, Hoover also has access to world-class medical facilities like Children’s of Alabama, the country’s third-largest pediatric hospital. 

7. Franklin, Tenn.

Modern convenience meets old-world charm in Franklin, Tenn. Just 20 miles outside Nashville in neighboring Williamson County, Franklin combines a growing city, a robust regional economy, countless activities and ample business opportunities with history, Victorian architecture, Civil War battlefields and a quaint, historic downtown. Franklin’s versatility and well-roundedness make it one of the best places to live in the Southeast. 

With its high marks in safety, Franklin is a great place to raise a family. In addition, the city is part of the Williamson County School District, which gets good marks for education and provides residents with a 16:1 teacher-student ratio. The schools are so good in Franklin that people and companies from across the country plant roots in the community. The city also offers plenty of fun for all ages at local farms, parks, a kid’s gym, a ceramic studio, theaters, art galleries, shopping centers and more.

Franklin is also known for its top-notch healthcare, largely thanks to its many health-related businesses.

With four national and seven local historic districts, Franklin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its charming Main Street is a major draw, where visitors (locals, too) come to shop, eat or drink, enjoy one of many festivals, or just stroll the historic streets lined with original architecture, some of which date to the city’s founding in 1799. In addition, the Downtown Franklin Historic District stretches for 16 blocks and offers a look back at the past but with all the present-day amenities, including boutiques, wine and juice bars, tap rooms, restaurants, offices, a distillery and more.

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8. St. Petersburg, Fla.

Located on the Pinellas Peninsula, St. Petersburg, Fla.,—St. Pete for short — is a fast-growing city and one of the best places to live in the Southeast. In St. Petersburg, work-life balance includes lots of beach days. Nicknamed the “Sunshine City,” it’s sunny 361 days a year here, and the community holds a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine. For the record, it was a 768-day stretch that started in 1967.

Locals and residents alike mingle at more than 1,000 special events and festivals that happen annually, ranging from yachting events, farmers markets, Florida’s largest Pride celebration, and a long-running parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. Petersburg is also a city that prides itself on inclusivity. For example, the city scores a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s annual Municipality Equality Index.

Stellar amenities also help St. Pete shine — we’re talking lots of pickleball courts, plus dog parks, the 45-mile Pinellas Trail that’s built atop old railroad tracks, award-winning golf courses, and a historic shuffleboard and lawn bowling complex with 74 courts and grandstand seating. St. Petersburg also gets accolades for being an artsy city. Second Saturday ArtWalks, the Salvador Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg can’t be missed. 

But of course, one of St. Pete’s most prized amenities is its natural beauty, which includes 244 miles of shoreline along Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and intercoastal waterways. There’s also a unique downtown waterfront with restaurants and bars and a free Looper Trolley that connects to the city’s major attractions. 

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9. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

With a motto of “live where you vacation,” Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has a knack for turning tourists into residents. As one of the best places to live in the Southeast, Fort Lauderdale is a diverse city with a 24-mile stretch of golden sand along the Atlantic Ocean, world-class restaurants and bars, plus 31 distinct neighborhoods. 

Business is booming in Fort Lauderdale, too, with a robust economy fueled by aviation, aerospace, financial services, global logistics, technology and marine industries. Dollars stretch further in this sunny city, too. The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is ideal because there are low taxes (including no state income tax), relatively affordable housing, and all kinds of free and low-cost fun to be had, from beach days to trips to Everglades National Park. Greater Fort Lauderdale also embraces the arts, and residents can visit museums dedicated to LGBTQ+ culture, antique cars, fine art, African-American and Native-American heritage and more.

Improved transportation is also a perk to living in Fort Lauderdale, and getting around town is easy, with the high-speed Brightline train connecting Southern Florida. Of course, water taxis, paddle boards, gondolas and bikes are also some fun ways to get around Fort Lauderdale and the inland waterways that weave through the city. 

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10. Concord, N.C.

Concord means to be in a state of agreement or harmony, and in Concord, N.C., it’s easy to live a harmonious life. Within commuting distance of Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, Concord is the perfect blend of a quaint, Southern town and an up-and-coming metropolis, making it one of the best places to live in the Southeast.

Outside of its proximity to Charlotte (less than 30 miles), Concord is also near several scenic attractions, including Lake Norman and the Uwharrie National Forest, and residents can enjoy a safe environment with plenty of conveniences, from shopping to dining and entertainment. But you don’t have to leave Concord to experience the good life. 

The historic downtown and surrounding parks give Concord a peaceful vibe and contribute to the tightknit community and friendly atmosphere the city is known for. The area has a rich history and offers a variety of cultural events and activities, including festivals, museums and galleries. 

Concord also has a lower cost of living compared with many other major cities in the U.S., making it an affordable place to live for families and young professionals. 

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History buffs will love visiting the nearby Reed Gold Mine, a historic site that was the first documented gold mine in the country, and the Cabarrus County Historical Museum, which features exhibits on the area’s history, like the development of the Nascar industry. And, if you have the need for speed, Concord is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, attracting fans and making the city a major player in the auto racing industry. 

Read the original article on Livability to see the full list of 25 cities.

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