10 Greatest Locations to Stay on the East Coast

Portland, Maine

With greater than 17 million acres of forests, Maine actually lives as much as its moniker of the Pine Tree State. And as its most populous metro space, Portland is on the middle of its cultural and financial life. The town, which simply topped U.S. Information & World Report’s newest rating of the most effective cities to dwell on the East Coast for its low crime charges and the general well-being of its residents, attracts newcomers with its pure magnificence, bustling artwork scene, and laid-back outdoorsy way of life.

“We’re afforded such an abundance of choices to benefit from the open air: swimming, boating, mountaineering, biking, rowing, working, snowboarding, and climbing,” Jennifer Sweeney, a dealer at City & Shore Actual Property, advised Journey + Leisure. “Portland is a walkable gem of a metropolis on the working waterfront, marrying wealthy historical past with ever-evolving tradition.”

She added that among the hottest neighborhoods for first-time householders in higher Portland embrace South Portland, which “provides extra of a seaside suburban vibe, with pet- and kid-friendly seashores and entry to trails,” and Cape Elizabeth for its picture-perfect shoreline, Fort Williams Park, and extremely rated faculty system. 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Situated alongside the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth’s well-rated public colleges are a magnet for households in search of a protected and picturesque place to relocate. This yr, the historic metropolis, which is without doubt one of the oldest working ports in America, is celebrating its four-hundredth birthday.

“It’s a small but culturally wealthy metropolis, with a singular mixture of historic buildings, sidewalk cafes, distinctive eating places, artwork galleries, theaters, jazz golf equipment, and boutiques,” Lynne Joyce of Tate & Foss Sotheby’s Worldwide Realty defined.

One more reason to contemplate shifting to Portsmouth? New Hampshire is one in all eight states that doesn’t have gross sales or earnings tax, which, in accordance with Joyce, has made the state and Portsmouth extremely popular with consumers relocating from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and even California.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston residents take pleasure in among the highest annual compensations within the nation and loads of job alternatives. On high of that, the higher Boston space is residence to 2 of the most effective universities within the nation — Harvard and MIT — together with greater than three dozen different faculties, respiratory a youthful vibe into town. Boston can be a brief drive or ferry trip from among the finest seashores within the nation on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Winery. And when you take pleasure in mountain surroundings, the Berkshires has lots to supply. Boston additionally boasts among the finest hospitals within the nation and a serious worldwide airport and port, connecting town to the remainder of the world. Based on Zillow and Redfin, the median itemizing value for properties in Boston falls within the decrease $700,000s.

“Choices for consumers in Boston are limitless,” Dave Costello, an actual property agent at Advisors Dwelling, advised T+L. “The development of luxurious residences such because the 4 Seasons, Raffles, and St. Regis supply homeowners a full-service way of life with a 24-hour concierge, doorman, and valet companies. Those that want smaller, extra quaint neighborhoods reminiscent of Beacon Hill, with its row homes, cobblestone streets, and gaslit lamps, may also stroll to such landmarks as Boston Frequent and the Charles River. Leafy suburbs reminiscent of Newton and Wellesley are only a brief drive from town. Picturesque seaside cities like Cohasset and Marblehead are perfect for these seeking to dwell close to the ocean.”

Greenwich, Connecticut

Constantly ranked as the most effective locations to dwell in Connecticut and one of many wealthiest areas on the East Coast, Greenwich has all the time been a preferred selection for households looking for nice public colleges together with prestigious personal academic establishments. Low property taxes, proximity to New York Metropolis, and world-class procuring and eating are important attracts, too. On high of that, Greenwich provides the quintessential coastal way of life with stunning seashores, three marinas, and a number of other boat and yacht golf equipment.

The one draw back is that the city’s actual property market is notoriously aggressive. “Greenwich is experiencing a ‘low stock’ market and plentiful consumers…Properties ‘priced to market’ proceed to obtain a number of provides, and lots of are promoting at or above their authentic itemizing value,” David Wilk, a dealer at William Raveis Actual Property, defined. He steered consumers ought to scout for properties totally ready to make a proposal if a home meets all their expectations, but additionally maintaining in thoughts that “they greater than probably will probably be competing with different critical and certified consumers in the identical value vary.”

New York Metropolis, New York

Sure, life in New York Metropolis comes at a value, however as many New Yorkers will inform you, they will by no means dwell wherever else. The town, which is without doubt one of the high 5 locations to maneuver within the state of New York and the most effective locations to retire, is a magnet for everybody from tradition aficionados to media, actual property, and monetary professionals. New York Metropolis is residence to the most effective museums, eating places, resorts, and parks, plus it provides proximity to world-class seashores, mountain resorts, and lakes. The town actually has all of it.

“Patrons are and have been wanting additional afield with the abundance of hybrid work. That has pushed a development towards Brooklyn that was in place pre-COVID, however has continued at an accelerated tempo. Downtown Manhattan stays sizzling — Chelsea, the Village, Tribeca, and many others. — with consumers working in tech and hybrid setups driving demand,” Ari Harkov of Brown Harris Stevens defined.

Washington, District of Columbia

“Because the anchor of our authorities, Washington, D.C. has one of the crucial steady and financially safe economies in the US,” Roby Thompson, a Lengthy & Foster dealer, shared.

The town can be one of many nation’s most museum-packed locations, with all federal-backed cultural establishments providing free entry. D.C. is an undisputed architectural gem that gives its residents with inexperienced areas reminiscent of Rock Creek Park and waterfront entry to the Potomac River. Washingtonians spend their weekends exploring Virginia’s wine nation, mountaineering Shenandoah Nationwide Park, or absorbing the solar on the seashores of Delmarva Peninsula.

“There are lots of fascinating neighborhoods in D.C., and some of my favorites are Cleveland Park, Capitol Hill, Logan Circle, Dupont Circle, and the higher Northwest space of town,” Thompson added. “I am seeing a powerful concentrate on consumers wanting accessibility to Metro stations, in addition to entry to eating places, outlets, and issues to try this are walkable from residence.” And if large metropolis life is not for you, contemplate smaller cities reminiscent of historic Alexandria, inside a simple drive or Metro trip from D.C.

Charleston, South Carolina

Southern allure and tradition abound in South Carolina’s greatest metropolis and T+L’s World’s Greatest Awards Corridor of Fame honoree. Based on U.S. Information & World Report, the Holy Metropolis’s oceanfront location and high-ranking job market rework it into one of many high 10 most sought-after cities for relocation.

“From the attractive sunsets to carrying flip-flops in January, I would not wish to be wherever else,” Lisa Horan, a dealer at Lengthy & Foster, shared, including that the native actual property market has profited from large development.

“Houses right here present extra bang on your buck than wherever else. A house costing $500,000 right here could be $1 million wherever else,” she added. “Summerville, which is extra inland, is now the most well liked place to dwell. Our value level ranges from $300,000 to effectively over $1 million, so there’s one thing for everybody.”

And if proximity to South Carolina’s stunning seashores is on the high of your checklist, contemplate Mount Nice and West Ashley.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s postcard-worthy downtown space, full with centuries-old oak timber draped in Spanish moss, is definitely a factor of magnificence. However the Hostess Metropolis has lots extra in retailer for potential residents. Whereas town itself is positioned on the banks of the Savannah River, when you’re an ocean individual, you may be a brief drive away from among the finest stretches of shoreline in Georgia, together with Tybee Island. Add to that Savannah’s newfound standing as one of many nation’s finest meals locations, scenic landscapes, and inexpensive properties, and also you get a great image of why it was one of many metro areas that skilled an enormous inhabitants enhance in 2022.

Among the hottest neighborhoods within the metropolis for first-time householders embrace the Nationwide Historic Landmark District, the Starland District, Victorian District, and Skidaway Island, in accordance with Staci Donegan, a realtor at Seabolt Actual Property.

“My finest recommendation for getting a house in Savannah is to tour a variety of properties and neighborhoods to see the most effective match on your way of life. Additionally, be sure you have your financing preapproved upfront so that you’re able to make a proposal if you discover the fitting property,” she added.

Miami, Florida

“Numerous cultures make up the threads of our neighborhood, and it is this distinctive issue that actually differentiates us from cities worldwide,” Ron Shuffield, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, advised T+L.

Miami’s iconic skyline, dominated by high-rises and swaying palm timber, is an effective reminder of what life is like within the Magic Metropolis — you can be in a enterprise assembly within the afternoon and on the seashore absorbing the infinite Atlantic Ocean views by cocktail hour. The town’s world-class nightlife, sports activities groups and venues, arts scene, nice climate, and top-rated academic establishments are main attracts, too.

And now is a superb time to put money into a house when you’re contemplating shifting to the Miami space.

“We noticed stock start to develop once more within the second half of 2022. The median value has dropped, and most single-family properties and condominium inventories have recorded upticks,” Shuffield defined.

He added that condominiums are particularly common proper now, however that single-family properties are an important possibility, too, particularly when you’re in search of extra land.

“Condominiums supply a really carefree and handy way of life, and lots of buildings in Miami’s city core permit for a excessive walkability issue. Our single-family properties and neighborhoods are recognized for being sprawling — numerous tree vegetation and tree canopies.”

Jacksonville, Florida

It’s straightforward to see what makes Jacksonville so fascinating to each Florida and out-of-state newcomers – town is residence to 22 miles of white-sand seashores and the biggest city park system within the nation, encompassing seven state and two nationwide parks, a nationwide protect, and 400 metropolis parks. And with 270 days of sunshine on common per yr, Jacksonville residents have loads of alternatives to take pleasure in all of them.

Actual property within the metropolis can be comparatively inexpensive ($312,639, in accordance with Zillow), particularly in comparison with different beachfront communities within the Sunshine State, providing a great lifestyle.

Jan Shields, a dealer with Watson Realty Corp, defined, “The recent areas stay the seashore communities of Atlantic, Neptune, and Jacksonville Seaside. St. Johns County, particularly, is a superb selection for households with youngsters due to the A+-rated colleges.”