Residents can enjoy some of the greatest quality of life in the region in these cities along the Eastern Seaboard.
Our nation's Eastern Seaboard is filled to the brim with picturesque landscapes, natural wonders, historic landmarks, and distinctive cultural experiences that entice immigrants from all over the world, from the lush forests and rugged coastline of Maine to the romantic white-sand beaches of Florida. However, the East Coast, which consists of 14 states and the District of Columbia, is also home to some of the richest and most developed metro areas in the nation, as well as all eight Ivy League colleges and many other top-rated educational institutions, making the region a fertile ground for innovation and professionals looking for better job opportunities and career advancement.
We've therefore put together a list of the greatest places to live on the East Coast with the highest standard of living and a variety of recreational activities in case you're thinking about moving to one of the states that border the Atlantic Ocean.
Oregon City, Maine
Maine undoubtedly lives up to its nickname as the Pine Tree State with its more than 17 million acres of woodlands. Portland is also the hub of the region's cultural and economic life and is also its most populous metro area. The city draws newcomers with its natural beauty, vibrant art scene, and laid-back outdoorsy lifestyle. It recently topped U.S. News & World Report's rating of the greatest cities to live on the East Coast for its low crime rates and the overall well-being of its citizens.
According to Jennifer Sweeney, a broker with Town & Shore Real Estate, "we are offered such an abundance of alternatives to enjoy the outdoors: swimming, boating, hiking, bicycling, rowing, running, skiing, and climbing." Portland, which marries a rich past with a constantly changing culture, is a walking gem of a city on the busy waterfront.
South Portland, which "offers more of a seaside suburban vibe, with pet- and kid-friendly beaches and access to trails," and Cape Elizabeth, with its picture-perfect coastline, Fort Williams Park, and highly regarded school system, are some of the most well-liked areas for first-time homebuyers in the greater Portland area, she continued.
Manchester, New Hampshire
Portsmouth, which is situated along the Piscataquis River, draws families looking for a beautiful and secure community to relocate because of its highly regarded public schools. The ancient city, one of America's oldest operating ports, is commemorating its 400th birthday this year.
According to Lynne Joyce of Tate & Foss Sotheby's International Realty, "It is a small yet culturally rich city, with a unique blend of ancient buildings, sidewalk cafes, great restaurants, art galleries, theatres, jazz clubs, and shops."
Added justification for going to Portsmouth? According to Joyce, New Hampshire is one of just eight states without a sales or income tax, making the state and Portsmouth particularly appealing to people looking to relocate from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and even California.
Massachusetts's Boston
There are many career options and some of the best annual salaries in the nation for Boston residents. In addition, the greater Boston region is home to two of the nation's finest institutions, Harvard and MIT, as well as more than three dozen other colleges, giving the city a youthful feel. Some of the nicest beaches in the nation may be reached by car or ferry from Boston by travelling to Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard. The Berkshires also have a lot to offer if you like mountain views. Boston also has some of the top medical facilities in the nation, as well as a significant port and international airport that link the city to the rest of the globe. The median listing price for properties in Boston, Massachusetts, is in the lower $700,000s, according to Zillow and Redfin.
Off the coast of Virginia, @DominionEnergy is developing the East Coast’s only utility-owned offshore wind farm with enough energy to power 660,000 homes. The 180-turbine wind farm should be completed in 2026. Learn more: https://t.co/7DIBfedH8z pic.twitter.com/cmuXQYogax
— Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) (@VEDPVirginia) February 6, 2023
According to Dave Costello of Advisors Living, there are countless options for buyers in Boston. The development of opulent homes like the Four Seasons, Raffles, and St. Regis provides owners with a full-service lifestyle with a 24-hour concierge, doorman, and valet services. Boston Common and the Charles River are also within walking distance for those who prefer smaller, more quaint areas like Beacon Hill, with its row houses, cobblestone streets, and gaslit lamps. Wellesley and Newton, two leafy suburbs, are only a short drive from the metropolis. Those seeking a coastal lifestyle should consider Cohasset and Marblehead, two charming seaside communities.
New London, Connecticut
Greenwich, one of the wealthiest areas on the East Coast and one of the nicest locations to live in Connecticut, has long been a favorited among families looking for both excellent public schools and prominent private educational institutions. Significant draws include low property taxes, close proximity to New York City, and world-class food and shopping. Greenwich also provides the classic coastal lifestyle with lovely beaches, three marinas, and a number of boat and yacht clubs.
The sole drawback is the town's fiercely competitive real estate market. "There are lots of buyers and a 'low inventory' market in Greenwich... "Priced to market" properties continue to draw numerous offers, and many are selling for more than their initial asking price, according to broker David Wilk of William Raveis Real Estate. While bearing in mind that "they more than likely will be competing with other serious and qualified purchasers in the same price range," he advised buyers to search for houses fully prepared to make an offer if a home satisfies all of their criteria.
New York, New York City
Yes, there are expenses associated with living in New York City, but many residents would tell you they wouldn't want to live anyplace else. The city is a draw for everyone from culture vultures to media, real estate, and financial experts. It is one of the top five places to move in the state of New York and one of the greatest places to retire. The best parks, restaurants, hotels, and museums are all located in New York City, and there are also world-class beaches, ski slopes, and lakes nearby. The city has everything.
"Due to the prevalence of hybrid work, buyers are and have been expanding their search. This has contributed to a trend towards Brooklyn that existed prior to COVID but has proceeded at a faster rate. With buyers in the IT industry and hybrid setups fueling demand, downtown Manhattan remains hot, including Chelsea, the Village, Tribeca, etc., according to Ari Harkov of Brown Harris Stevens.
The District of Columbia's capital city
As the centre of our government, Washington, D.C., has one of the most secure economies in the country, according to Roby Thompson, a broker with Long & Foster.
With all federally supported cultural institutions allowing free access, the city is also one of the places in the nation with the most museums per square mile. Unquestionably a work of art in terms of architecture, D.C. offers its citizens waterfront access to the Potomac River as well as green spaces like Rock Creek Park. Weekends are spent by residents of Washington either hiking in Shenandoah National Park or enjoying the sun on the Delmarva Peninsula's beaches.
The upper Northwest section of the city, Cleveland Park, Capitol Hill, Logan Circle, and Dupont Circle are a few of my favourite attractive districts in Washington, D.C., Thompson continued. "Buyers are putting a lot of emphasis on wanting access to Metro stations, as well as access to restaurants, stores, and things to do that are walkable from home," says the expert. And if living in a big metropolis isn't for you, think about smaller communities like historic Alexandria, which are close to Washington, D.C., and accessible by car or metro.
Carolina's Charleston
The largest city in South Carolina and a member of T+L's World's Best Awards Hall of Fame is awash in southern charm and tradition. The Holy City is one of the top 10 most sought-after places for relocation, per U.S. News & World Report, thanks to its seaside position and highly rated job market.
Lisa Horan, a broker with Long & Foster, said, "From the stunning sunsets to wearing flip-flops in January, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The local real estate market has benefited from enormous development.
"Homes here offer the best value for the money anywhere. A home that costs $500,000 here would cost $1 million elsewhere, she continued. "The hottest location to reside right now is Summerville, which is further inland. There is something for everyone in our pricing range, which is from $300,000 to well over $1 million.
And if being close to South Carolina's stunning beaches is a must for you, think about Mount Pleasant and West Ashley.
Georgia's Savannah
It's hard to deny the beauty of Savannah's picture-perfect downtown, filled with ancient oak trees covered in Spanish moss. But prospective residents can expect much more from the Hostess City. While the city is situated on the banks of the Savannah River, if you prefer the ocean you'll only need to take a short trip to reach some of Georgia's best coastlines, including Tybee Island. You can see why Savannah was one of the metro areas that saw a significant increase in population in 2022 when you combine its newly acquired reputation as one of the nation's greatest cuisine destinations with its picturesque surroundings and reasonably priced residences.
According to Staci Donegan, a realtor with Seatbelt Real Estate, some of the most popular areas in the city for first-time homebuyers are the National Historic Landmark District, the Stirland District, Victorian District, and Skidway Island.
"The best recommendation I can give for purchasing a home in Savannah is to see a variety of homes and communities to choose which one best suits your needs. In order to be prepared to make an offer when you find the ideal property, make sure to have your financing preapproved beforehand as well.
Dolphin, Florida
The diverse cultures that make up our community are what set us apart from other cities, according to Ron Sheffield, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, who spoke to T+L.
Miami's famous skyline, which is made up of high-rise buildings and swaying palm trees, serves as an excellent reminder of what life is like in the Magic City, where you may attend a business conference in the afternoon and spend the evening on the beach admiring the infinite vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Major draws include the city's top-notch nightlife, sports teams, venues, cultural scene, excellent weather, and renowned educational institutions.
And if you're thinking about moving to the Miami region, this is a terrific moment to invest in a home.
In the second part of 2022, we observed that inventory started to increase once more. The majority of single-family home and condo inventories have increased, while the median price has decreased, according to Sheffield.
He continued by saying that while single-family homes are a terrific alternative as well, especially if you're seeking for more property, condominiums are currently especially popular.
Condominiums provide a very handy and carefree way of living, and many buildings in Miami's downtown have high walkability levels. Our single-family neighborhoods are renowned for their spacious nature, with many trees and canopies.
Florida's Jacksonville
Jacksonville is renowned for its 22 miles of white-sand beaches, as well as for having the largest urban park system in the nation, which includes 400 local parks, seven state parks, two national parks, a national preserve, and more. And with an average of 270 sunny days per year, Jacksonville residents have plenty of chances to take advantage of each one.
In comparison to other beachside areas in the Sunshine State, real estate in the city is also reasonably priced ($312,639, per Zillow), providing a high level of living.
Broker Jan Shields of Watson Realty Corp. stated, "The coastal neighborhood's of Atlantic, Neptune, and Jacksonville Beach continue to be hot places. A+-rated schools make St. Johns County in particular a fantastic choice for families with children.