Pick Or Pass On These US Cities To Live In And Get A Dream Home
- by Kaci Lane Hindman
- – on
- in Lifestyle
The United States is known worldwide for towns like New York City and Las Vegas, Nevada, where culture is plentiful. Still, there are plenty of places to travel all over America that would cause visitors to leave with nothing less than a smile. Some are pretty well known, while others are hidden gems yet to be discovered by the masses. All of these places are diverse, and where a certain person enjoys taking a vacation can say a lot about him or her.
While it's nice to think about traveling all over the United States and discovering new places, there's still no place like home. Personal preferences come into play when choosing a place to call home even more than when choosing a place to take a vacation. After all, wouldn't it be nice to come home to a place that feels like an oasis every day? That's precisely why so many people daydream about dream homes.
In order to choose the perfect at-home paradise, it helps to take a look at other places. Simply choosing to visit or not visit certain travel destinations can go a long way in helping prospective homeowners plan their personal dream home. And this quiz is here to help with that.
Orange Beach, Alabama
One of the best places for a family-friendly trip, Orange Beach, Alabama, has white sand beaches that meet the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf offers plenty of fresh seafood, which can easily be found at the area's restaurants. There are golf courses, shops and outdoor water adventures to keep everyone happy.
Anchorage, Alaska
Some prefer cold weather to sandy beaches in which case Alaska is the place to be. It doesn't get much colder than Anchorage, where travelers can hike or ski on trails, depending on the weather and snowfall. There are also glaciers to climb for the most daring. Aside from that, the city life is thriving.
Phoenix, Arizona
Thanks to both Native Americans and Spanish peoples making their mark in this area, Albuquerque has plenty of Southwestern culture, which gets highlighted in the cuisine. Just as diverse as the food are the city's neighborhoods and all the beautiful mountain and desert scenery. There's also the International Balloon Fiesta happening every year.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Anyone after a beautiful landscape would enjoy a trip to Little Rock, Arkansas. The area includes the Arkansas River and mountainous bluffs. Then, there is the Riverfront Park that has a trail, sculpture garden and splash pads. Illuminated bridges light up every hour at night for a free, majestic show.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, is home to some of the most iconic sites in North America. The Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see for any newcomer, with a botanical garden and museum nearby as well as ferry rides to Alcatraz Island. Other popular sites include the Fisherman's Wharf and the many diverse neighborhoods with superb dining options.
Denver, Colorado
Those seeking a big city with plenty of fresh air should head on over to Denver, Colorado. There is a myriad of galleries, restaurants and upscale shops downtown as well as museums and an IMAX theater. Anyone seeking a little more adventure can head out back to explore all the Rocky Mountains have to offer.
New Haven, Connecticut
The New Haven Harbor is met by the Mill and Quinnipiac rivers, making it a beautiful bay area for all to enjoy. There are parks and remarkable landscapes like lighthouses that add even more beauty to this place. It is also home to the prestigious Yale University, and travelers can take a tour of the campus.
Wilmington, Delaware
Located alongside the Delaware River, Wilmington is the biggest city in the state, even though it isn't all that big. There is still plenty to do in Willington with restaurants and museums with places to stay right on the Wilmington Riverfront. This city also includes some of America's most stunning castles.
Miami Beach, Florida
For a true cultural experience, Miami is the place to go. This is certainly a beach town, but its more known for being a cultural melting pot with plenty of Latin and Caribbean influences. The culture can easily be seen in the architecture as well as throughout the many museums. One interesting site is the Venetian Pool, which is spring-fed with caves and waterfalls.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is arguably the largest city in the deep south. The city hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics and includes many large businesses like CNN and Coca-Cola. Many movies and TV shows have filmed there, and visitors can tour the set locations. There is also a rich and diverse food culture with great restaurants.
Honolulu, Hawaii
There's plenty to do in Honolulu, Hawaii. Of course, there's the well-known Waikiki Beach but also so much more. Pearl Harbor is a popular historic site that many like to visit and the USS Arizona Memorial offers daily tours. Families and friends can enjoy beachy activities as well as the local culture and diverse cuisine.
Boise, Idaho
The state capital of Idaho is great for those who want a sizeable city with an earthy feel, as it is bike friendly and offers plenty of green space. Depending on the season, it's fun to go river rafting or snow tubing and enjoy the city's many festivals. Visitors can tour the Idaho State Capitol, take the Boise Brews Cruise or hike the Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail.
Chicago, Illinois
Right in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago has forever been a popular destination known for its deep-dish pizzas and entertainment like theaters and The Second City comedy club. Don't let the skyscrapers detract from the fact that this city is on the shoreline of Lake Michigan with beaches and waterfront recreation.
Indianapolis, Indiana
For the best art galleries and hip music and cafes, Indianapolis is the place to be. Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors in the center of the city at White River State Park, and on warm days they can ride a kayak or gondola down the Central Canal. There's also the Cultural Trail that connects all the cultural districts.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is both the largest city and the capital city for the state of Iowa. This is the place to go for people who love to shop. There is a huge antique mall and plenty of specialty stores. Families will find plenty to keep them busy as well with parks, a zoo and a botanical garden.
Kansas City, Kansas
Travelers wanting to be in two states at once can take a trip to Kansas City, as it stands at the junction of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. Anyone who loves Midwestern foods will enjoy the many restaurants offering top-notch barbecue and steaks. The metro area includes Overland Park and more than 20 distinct neighborhoods.
Lexington, Kentucky
Three words have often been used to sum up this state: bluegrass, bourbon and horses. History buffs will enjoy seeing the Mary Todd Lincoln House, while others might enjoy tours via horseback or a horse-drawn trolley. There's an annual Festival of the Bluegrass, but visitors can hear bluegrass music throughout the year.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Anyone wanting culture is sure to find what he or she is looking for in New Orleans. Every day is like a holiday with music playing on every corner. There is also a variety of rural plantations and city life all at the same time. And who could forget Mardi Gras?
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a seaside village with mountainous views. Visitors will enjoy taking a stroll down Shore Path beside the ocean and can walk to Bar Island via a land bridge. Acadia National Park is perfect for hiking and biking or skiing in the wintertime. In town, guests can watch a lumberjack show and see the many estate homes.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is an All-American city indeed, as the "Star Spangled Banner" originated there. The Baltimore Water Taxi makes it easy to view the city from the water. In addition to the coastline, there is a good bit of history with museums and historic ships. It's also well-known for the seafood with delicious blue crabs.
Boston, Massachusetts
In Boston, there's a little bit of everything for everyone. It's historic meets hip as cobblestone streets and the Freedom Trail are neighbors to trendy shops and restaurants. Boston is known for its beautiful architecture with sites like the Trinity Church and Boston Public Library. Beyond that, there's Fenway Park for sports lovers and fun activities for kids.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
A cross between a big city and a small Midwestern town, Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan and houses plenty of museums for adults and kids. Downtown offers a variety of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Other activities include kayaking the Huron River or visiting the Cobblestone Farm and Museum that teaches about life two centuries ago.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is a sports' enthusiasts dream with a number of professional sports teams as well as Target Stadium, one of the best stadiums in America. This city has been voted the healthiest and fittest city on multiple occasions for its many great parks and trails. It's also home to the Mall of America.
Jackson, Mississippi
This is Mississippi's largest city and its state capital. It is known as "The City With Soul" and has every kind of music imaginable. The city has three historic cultural districts as well as plenty of diverse museums and arts. There are plenty of festivals and the annual Dixie National Rodeo.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a popular vacation spot for families and friends as it's known for live entertainment with everything from bands to comedians to magicians. Many people choose to visit Branson during the holidays. The Ozark Mountains and numerous lakes make it an outdoors lover's paradise. It also has several national golf courses.
Bozeman, Montana
This rustic city is perfect for anyone wanting to bask in the great outdoors. It's next door to Yellowstone National Park and offers a rugged landscape perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, skiing and white water rafting. Visitors also enjoy taking a dip in the natural hot springs and seeing the city from a hot air balloon.
Omaha, Nebraska
Travel along the Missouri River waterfront to discover all the culture Omaha has to offer, including museums, studios and plenty of shopping. There are parks and forests to explore for those who want to enjoy the natural landscape. For animal lovers, Omaha has both a zoo and an aquarium downtown.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is one of those cities that attracts people worldwide for its nightlife and for the slot machines and card games, of course. A stroll down The Strip leads to casinos, restaurants and a variety of live entertainment shows. There is also plenty of natural wonders to see with the Grand Canyon nearby.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Although Portsmouth is a rather tiny town, it attracts plenty of travelers for its beaches and lighthouses. Located at the Piscataqua River's mouth, there are plenty of water activities like paddle boarding, swimming and kayaking. Those who prefer to stay on land can enjoy ethnic restaurants and shopping for local antiques and crafts.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
This New Jersey resort town has a nightlife like no other. It's known for luxury resorts with everything from kids' playgrounds to top-notch spas and golf courses. There is plenty of live entertainment out on the boardwalk and more fun to be had on the beach. Anyone wanting exercise can make the long climb to the top of the Absecon Lighthouse.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Thanks to both Native Americans and Spanish peoples making their mark in this area, Albuquerque has plenty of Southwestern culture, which gets highlighted in the cuisine. Just as diverse as the food are the city's neighborhoods and all the beautiful mountain and desert scenery. There's also the International Balloon Fiesta happening every year.
New York City, New York
People both inside and outside of the United States dream of visiting New York for all the culture it has to offer as well as the historical significance. Anyone who is into national landmarks will enjoy visiting the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Ellis Island. On top of that, there's shopping, restaurants and theaters galore.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is a city with two sides. On the one hand, it's a booming cosmopolitan area filled with museums, an arts district and live music venues. On the other hand, it's known for housing both the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Hendrick Motorsports Complex. Beyond that, there's plenty of good food and lots of golfing and river rafting.
Bismarck, North Dakota
Inviting and hospitable, Bismarck is the second largest city in North Dakota and sits right along the Missouri River. It has plenty of parks for nature lovers as well as a sizeable zoo and golf course. The food is unique to most visitors as locally sourced meats like bison and rabbit appear on the menu at many restaurants.
Cincinnati, Ohio
This city overlooks the Ohio River and most of its known landmarks sit near the water. The Roebling Bridge runs between the Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, and it ends at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Visitors also enjoy the diverse cuisine and German influences on the town, such as Oktoberfest.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This is one big city that has stuck to its roots as the cowboy culture runs deep in Oklahoma City. Known as "The Horse Show Capital of the World," this city offers many shops, restaurants and activities with an Old West theme. See the town from the SandRidge Sky Trial or from a water taxi on the Bricktown Canal.
Portland, Oregon
Explore the great culinary scene of Portland in Chinatown with Saturday Market that includes arts and crafts too. Washington Park is right in the heart of the city close to several gardens, a children's museum and a zoo. As far as outdoor adventures go, the Oregon Coast and the area's wine country.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a booming cosmopolitan city with creativity and intellectual technology. There are several historical landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The diverse neighborhoods offer plenty of quality cuisine, and downtown has ballet, museums and operas for cultural lovers to enjoy. On top of that, it has the largest urban park system that is owned by any city.
Newport, Rhode Island
The Newport area is filled with coastal charm, from beaches and resorts to scrumptious seafood. Known as America's very first resort during the Gilded Age, several mansions that are now National Historic Landmarks are open for touring. Visitors can also tour vineyards, ride the country on horseback or hike trails to see rare wildlife.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a city filled with Southern hospitality that gets a fair number of visitors every season of the year. It has a lovely outdoor environment with plantations that take visitors back in time and beaches for relaxing strolls. Beyond that, there's golfing, great food and historical sites to check out.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City is known for its close proximity to Mount Rushmore and several national parks. The Black Hills don't just showcase former presidents but also Native American culture in additional carvings. With mountains, canyons, creeks and lakes, this is an outdoors lover's paradise. Downtown is home to many presidential sculptures to accompany the mountains.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is known for being the hub of country music, but there are many other genres of musicians recording and performing there. Downtown Nashville is a good place to find delicious Southern meals and unique shops. Popular sites include the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Houston, Texas
This Texas city is booming with intellectual advances, as its home to both NASA headquarters and the renowned Texas Medical Center. Downtown attractions include Memorial Park that has a golf course, trails and swimming pool as well as Discovery Green that houses ice skating in the winter seasons and a farmer's market.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is a laid-back environment with plenty of urban and outdoor activities for guests to enjoy. Downtown has a myriad of shops and restaurants, along with museums and the Rio Tinto Stadium. The landscape is diverse with deserts and forests, world-class ski resorts and close proximity to several national parks.
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier is the smallest capital city in the United States, but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. The Winooski River runs through the center of town and walking trails are abundant. Visitors can tour the State House and maple syrup farms that sale plenty of delicious souvenirs.
Arlington, Virginia
Located on the Potomac River, Arlington is probably best known for its political history and significance. This city is home to The Pentagon, the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters and Arlington National Cemetery. A stroll through the neighborhoods offer plenty of diversity with turn-of-the-century buildings located right beside modern high-rise buildings.
Seattle, Washington
Located between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, a great way to see Seattle is by a water cruise. On the waterfront, guests can browse Pike Place Market, the oldest market to operate continuously in the United States. The famous Space Needle is found here as well, and Seattle is where Starbucks coffee originated.
Wheeling, West Virginia
Wheeling is a truly historic place, known mainly for the Wheeling Suspension Bridge that runs across the Ohio River. Set in the Appalachian Mountains, this city was once the industrial epicenter, creating practical products like overalls and cut nails. There are museums and landmark sites that highlight that old-world charm, and residents love to restore and repurpose old buildings.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan where three rivers meet, this city is steeped in German culture and has something for every season. Summerfest happens here, which is the largest outdoor music festival in the world. When winter creeps in, visitors can ice skate or tour downtown in a horse-drawn carriage.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
This is the place to go for anyone wanting to escape the big city life for the great outdoors. At Grand Teton National Park, guests can paddle board, spot extraordinary wildlife and photograph breathtaking landscapes. In the wintertime, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the freshly fallen snow.
