The Best Five US Cities To Move To

New York City, New York

New York City is often regarded as one of the best places to live, consistently ranking as one of the world’s most desirable locations.

The bustling city is home to a wealth of culture including the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History and Broadway.

Its comprehensive travel network makes it easier for residents to move around the city and visit key landmarks such as Central Park.

However, a major downside for those looking to live in New York is the property market, with the city having some of the world’s most expensive rents, with many New Yorkers forced to commute in from the suburbs if they wish to become homeowners.

Los Angeles, California

Seen as the ultimate movie glamour city, Los Angeles has a vibrant nightlife with some of the US’s top restaurants calling it home.

It is also a top destination for sports fans with the presence of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Rams, and LA Galaxy. Of course, the city will also host the Summer Olympic Games in 2028.

Yet due to its size, Los Angeles has significant traffic congestion, with large parts of the city gridlocked during peak hours, leading to poor air quality and frustrated commuters.

Miami, Florida

Florida has always been a popular tourist destination, and the city of Miami is growing in popularity with those relocating from overseas to the US. It is a diverse city and welcoming to a variety of cultures.

It has year-round sunshine, amazing beaches, and, for the financially savvy, there is no state, inheritance or estate taxes – making it very attractive as a place to retire to.

However, it may not be the best destination for those who are wary of the local wildlife. It is not unusual to find an alligator in your back garden or a bear looking through your bins, especially as Miami’s suburbs continue to expand into the surrounding rural areas.

San Francisco, California

If you are considering moving to the US to study then the city of San Francisco in California could be an ideal option. The West Coast city is home to some of the country’s most prestigious academic institutions including Stanford and UC Berkeley. The large number of students means the city has a young population and this helps add to its youthful atmosphere.  

San Francisco may also appeal to those who love the outdoors as the city has invested significantly in boosting the city’s hiking and bike trails in recent years and there is a wealth of green open spaces.

Anyone looking to relocate to California should be aware that the cost of living in the region is significant and a shortage of homes has steadily increased property prices.

Houston, Texas

For those looking to move to the south of the country Houston in Texas could fit the bill, especially for foodies. The Lonestar city is ethnically diverse, and it is estimated around 145 different languages are spoken in the region – with an amazing number of top-quality restaurants reflecting this rich culture.

People are also attracted by Houston’s low cost of living, which is below the national average, despite it being one of the largest cities in the US.

Car ownership is seen as a must with it very difficult to walk anywhere once you are outside of the main centre district. In addition, the local public transport network is limited with a lack of routes and reliability.

Considering Relocating to the United States and Confused About US Visa Options?

Deciding the most appropriate visa route is one of the most important decisions when moving abroad. The US immigration system is notoriously difficult to navigate with a wealth of options depending on your individual circumstances.

It is important to understand there are two different categories of visa:

• Immigrant Visas – issued to those living permanently and are a pathway to permanent residence and US citizenship. Examples includes Family Visas and some work visas such as the EB-1 Visa.
• Nonimmigrant Visas – for those planning to relocate to the US temporarily and intend to return home once their visa expires. Examples include the study visas F1 Visa or M1 Visa or tourist permits including the B2 Visa.

For further information on which US visa is the most suitable for you and your loved ones get in touch for the latest advice and guidance.

How Can IAS Help?

Wherever you decide to move to in the US, IAS is on hand to provide expert advice on a whole host of immigration-related issues. Our knowledgeable team can offer support in applying for the correct US visa, checking documents, advising your employer on compliance or assisting with a rejection appeal. Reach out to IAS for personalised advice on +1 844 290 6312 or use our live chat to find out how we can help you start a new life in the US.