Where Should I Live?

Take this quiz to find out!

There’s no place like home: but where would yours be? Would you be living it up in the bustling and sleepless streets of NYC, or would you keep it more low-key and soak in the scenic views of Portland, Oregon?

We’ve got your dream home all figured out—all you have to do is hit “Start Quiz” to see which American city could be your future hometown.

A crude map of the United States, made up of colorful cut-outs of the states, roughly arranged and overlapping.

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Questions Overview

1. What type of city are you looking for?
  1. A big, busy city.
  2. A medium-sized city with lots to do.
  3. A smaller city or town that's relaxed and slow.
  4. I don't have a preference. Surprise me!
2. What type of weather makes you happiest?
  1. Hot summers and mild winters.
  2. Snow-filled winters and warm summers.
  3. Year around weather that's not too hot, not too cold.
  4. I don't have a preference. I like all weather.
3. What would you love to see outside your window each morning?
  1. Lakes or the ocean
  2. A mountain range
  3. A city skyline
  4. A friendly neighborhood
4. When you go on vacation, you love to visit cities that are famous for:
  1. Delicious food
  2. Beautiful parks and trails
  3. Cool, famous tourist attractions
  4. All of the above
5. Do sports matter to you?
  1. 100%. Sports are super important to me.
  2. I enjoy them—sometimes, I'll see live games.
  3. I’ll watch sports occasionally. Having live sports in my city isn't super exciting to me though.
  4. Nah, sports aren’t really my thing.
6. Which region of the USA has always sounded the most interesting to you?
  1. The Northeast: I love the energy.
  2. The Midwest: I love wide open spaces.
  3. The Southeast: I love warm weather and comfort food.
  4. The West: I love the scenic views.
7. Pick your dream home:
  1. A simple apartment or townhouse.
  2. A glamorous high-rise building.
  3. A big house with lots of yard space.
  4. A smaller house in a beautiful, friendly neighborhood.
8. What two words would your friends use to describe you?
  1. Adventurous and energetic
  2. Relaxed and artsy
  3. Classy and trendy
  4. Playful and fun-loving
9. Don't think: pick a food to eat right now.
  1. Mouthwatering pizza
  2. A big, healthy and filling salad
  3. A really good barbecue
  4. Whatever is in my fridge
10. Choose a postcard:
  1. Colorful buildings set against a mountain range and sunset.
  2. A famous monument reflected in a pool of water.
  3. A green forest in the middle of a big city.
  4. Red and orange leaves along a winding river.
11. You’d love it if in late autumn, it was this temperature:
  1. 70°F (21.1°C)
  2. 25°F (-3.8°C)
  3. 40°F (4.4°C)
  4. I don't have a strong preference
12. A city or town could never have too many:
  1. Coffee shops
  2. Bookstores
  3. Museums or monuments
  4. Sports stadiums
13. What type of landmark would you most like to visit?
  1. A historic and well-known sports stadium
  2. A famous bridge
  3. A beautiful mountain range
  4. A huge group of fun lakes

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Fast Facts:<\/b>

  • Region:<\/b> Northeast<\/li>
  • Population:<\/b> 8.3 million+<\/li>
  • Weather:<\/b> Cold winters and hot summers<\/li>
  • Claim to fame:<\/b> Tons of entertainment options (like Broadway) and world-class restaurants<\/li>
  • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Expensive<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-to-New-York"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Ride-the-New-York-City-Subway"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Move to New York","id":299955,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-to-New-York","image":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Move-to-New-York-Step-15.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-to-New-York-Step-15.jpg","alt":"How to Move to New York"},{"title":"How to Ride the New York City Subway","id":11646,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Ride-the-New-York-City-Subway","image":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Ride-the-New-York-City-Subway-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Ride-the-New-York-City-Subway-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Ride the New York City Subway"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Chicago, IL.","meaning":"You seem like you\u2019d be a great fit for this Illinois city\u2014and that\u2019s no joke. You definitely give off city-slicker vibes, but not quite to the extent of mega metropolises like NYC and Los Angeles. While you like to be on the go, we bet that you also enjoy some high-quality \u201cme-time\u201d at home. That\u2019s why Chicago is such an amazing fit for you: it\u2019s the perfect large city with a gentler, more hometown feel. People from Chicago absolutely love it, and that's because it offers the perfect blend of exciting city life and slower neighborhoods, too.

    Fast Facts:<\/b>
    • Region:<\/b> Midwest<\/li>
    • Population:<\/b> 2.6 million+<\/li>
    • Weather:<\/b> Cold winters and hot summers<\/li>
    • Claim to fame:<\/b> Tons of entertainment options, a rich sports culture, and a beautiful lakefront
      <\/li>
    • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Expensive<\/li><\/ul","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fake-a-Chicago-Accent"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Fake a Chicago Accent","id":241688,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Fake-a-Chicago-Accent","image":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Fake-a-Chicago-Accent-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Fake-a-Chicago-Accent-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Fake a Chicago Accent"},{"title":"How to Move","id":70525,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Move"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in San Francisco, CA.","meaning":"You seem like you\u2019d be a great fit for San Francisco, a beautiful city on California\u2019s northern coast. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and beaches, San Francisco has absolutely gorgeous scenery and tons of outdoor activities to enjoy\u2014a perfect fit for you and your flexible and free-spirited lifestyle! With your adventurous approach to life and love of the arts, we think this could be the place for you.

      Fast Facts:<\/b>
      • Region:<\/b> West<\/li>
      • Population:<\/b> 808,000+<\/li>
      • Weather:<\/b> Cool summers and temperate winters<\/li>
      • Claim to fame:<\/b> Beautiful scenery, lots of outdoor activities, and historical sights<\/li>
      • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Expensive<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Become-a-California-Resident"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move"}],"link_data":[{"title":"An Expert-Approved Guide to Becoming a Legal Resident of California","id":9457491,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Become-a-California-Resident","image":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Become-a-California-Resident-Step-14.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Become-a-California-Resident-Step-14.jpg","alt":"An Expert-Approved Guide to Becoming a Legal Resident of California"},{"title":"How to Move","id":70525,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Move"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Portland, OR.","meaning":"We think you\u2019d love it in Portland, Oregon: a city with tons of artistic flair and outdoor activities. While you have plenty of energy to go around, you\u2019re perfectly content to channel that energy in creative ways, whether that\u2019s drawing, painting, writing, or something. With the rich art culture Portland has to offer (and plenty of outdoor sights to boot!), we think you could really hit your stride in this western city.

        Fast Facts:<\/b>
        • Region:<\/b> West<\/li>
        • Population:<\/b> 635,000+<\/li>
        • Weather:<\/b> Warm and dry summers; cold and wet winters<\/li>
        • Claim to fame:<\/b> Popular theaters and scenic outdoor sights<\/li>
        • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Expensive<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Move","id":70525,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Move"},{"title":"How to Move Out of State","id":1291121,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg","alt":"How to Move Out of State"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Tampa, FL.","meaning":"Time for some fun in the sun\u2014because it sounds like the ideal place for you is Tampa, Florida! You have one of the brightest and sunniest personalities around, so it just makes sense for you to settle down in this warm and bustling slice of paradise. Whether you\u2019re checking out the unforgettable festivals or strolling the beautiful beaches, we think you\u2019ll find that Tampa is the perfect spot for you.

          Fast Facts:<\/b>
          • Region:<\/b> Southeast<\/li>
          • Population:<\/b> 398,000+<\/li>
          • Weather:<\/b> Warm and humid<\/li>
          • Claim to fame:<\/b> Beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and delicious food<\/li>
          • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Average<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-to-Florida"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Become-a-Florida-Resident"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Move to Florida","id":2202016,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-to-Florida","image":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Move-to-Florida-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-to-Florida-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Move to Florida"},{"title":"How to Become a Florida Resident from Another State in Just 12 Steps","id":1339281,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Become-a-Florida-Resident","image":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/1339281-12.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-1339281-12.jpg","alt":"How to Become a Florida Resident from Another State in Just 12 Steps"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Dallas, TX.","meaning":"Pack your bags; you\u2019re heading to Dallas, Texas! You seem like an independent spirit who likes calling the shots in your life, which is just one reason why we think you could call Texas home. The city\u2019s laid-back energy is a perfect fit for your chill vibes, and we have no doubt that you could easily settle down in this beautiful southern city.

            Fast Facts:<\/b>
            • Region:<\/b> South<\/li>
            • Population:<\/b> 1.3 million+<\/li>
            • Weather:<\/b> Really hot<\/li>
            • Claim to fame:<\/b> Active sports scene and lots of entertainment<\/li>
            • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Affordable<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Become-a-Legal-Resident-of-Texas"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Get-an-ID-in-Texas"}],"link_data":[{"title":"Becoming a Legal Resident of Texas for Tuition, Tax, Voting, or ID Purposes","id":1539159,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Become-a-Legal-Resident-of-Texas","image":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Become-a-Legal-Resident-of-Texas-Step-18.jpeg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Become-a-Legal-Resident-of-Texas-Step-18.jpeg","alt":"Becoming a Legal Resident of Texas for Tuition, Tax, Voting, or ID Purposes"},{"title":"Getting a Texas State ID for the First Time: Online Application and Appointment","id":11049032,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Get-an-ID-in-Texas","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Get-an-ID-in-Texas-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Get-an-ID-in-Texas-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","alt":"Getting a Texas State ID for the First Time: Online Application and Appointment"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Raleigh, NC.","meaning":"We think you\u2019d be a perfect fit for Raleigh, North Carolina, a town with a comforting dose of southern charm. You don\u2019t mind heading off on a new adventure, but you really thrive when you can hang loose and take things day by day. With its beautiful scenery, delicious food spots, and plenty of things to do, the world is really your oyster in Raleigh\u2014which is why we think you\u2019d love it there.

              Fast Facts:<\/b>
              • Region:<\/b> Southeast<\/li>
              • Population:<\/b> 476,000+<\/li>
              • Weather:<\/b> Humid summers and cold winters<\/li>
              • Claim to fame:<\/b> Big culinary scene, amazing universities, and outdoor sights<\/li>
              • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Affordable<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Move","id":70525,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Move"},{"title":"How to Move Out of State","id":1291121,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg","alt":"How to Move Out of State"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Colorado Springs, CO.","meaning":"We think you\u2019d absolutely love Colorado Springs, Colorado, a city known for its gorgeous mountain views and plentiful outdoor activities. With your chill vibes and free spirit, you\u2019d fit right into this mid-sized city. There\u2019s always something new to see and admire in Colorado Springs\u2014which is why we think it could be the picturesque, mountainous city of your dreams.

                Fast Facts:<\/b>
                • Region:<\/b> West<\/li>
                • Population:<\/b> 486,000+<\/li>
                • Weather:<\/b> Warm summers and cold winters<\/li>
                • Claim to fame:<\/b> Beautiful scenery and plentiful outdoor recreation<\/li>
                • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Affordable<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Move","id":70525,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Move"},{"title":"How to Move Out of State","id":1291121,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg","alt":"How to Move Out of State"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Santa Fe, NM.","meaning":"It seems like you\u2019re a great fit for sunny, warm Santa Fe, New Mexico! With your curious and open-minded perspective toward life, we think you\u2019d love everything this smaller city has to offer, from its rich culture and history to delicious cuisine. You\u2019d blend right into the slow-paced feel of Santa Fe, where it\u2019s easy to relax and enjoy yourself.

                  Fast Facts:<\/b>
                  • Region:<\/b> Southwest<\/li>
                  • Population:<\/b> 89,000+<\/li>
                  • Weather:<\/b> Warm summers and cold winters<\/li>
                  • Claim to fame:<\/b> Cultural landmarks, festivals, events, and cuisine<\/li>
                  • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Expensive<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Move","id":70525,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Move"},{"title":"How to Move Out of State","id":1291121,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg","alt":"How to Move Out of State"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Washington, DC.","meaning":"You have a bright future ahead of you in Washington, DC, better known as the USA\u2019s capital. With your thirst for knowledge and your high-energy lifestyle, we think you\u2019d fit right into this city that\u2019s full of iconic attractions and famous historical monuments. It\u2019s hard to resist the allure of this bustling, internationally-known hotspot\u2014and we don\u2019t think you\u2019d be able to!

                    Fast Facts:<\/b>
                    • Region:<\/b> Northeast<\/li>
                    • Population:<\/b> 671,000+<\/li>
                    • Weather:<\/b> Warm summers and cold winters<\/li>
                    • Claim to fame:<\/b> Plentiful attractions, museums, and historical monuments<\/li>
                    • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Expensive<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Prepare-for-a-Week-Long-School-Field-Trip-to-Washington-D.C"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington,-D.C"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Prepare for a Week Long School Field Trip to Washington D.C","id":13817354,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Prepare-for-a-Week-Long-School-Field-Trip-to-Washington-D.C","image":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Prepare-for-a-Week-Long-School-Field-Trip-to-Washington-D.C-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Prepare-for-a-Week-Long-School-Field-Trip-to-Washington-D.C-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Prepare for a Week Long School Field Trip to Washington D.C"},{"title":"How to Avoid Traffic Around Washington, D.C","id":683575,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington,-D.C","image":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Avoid-Traffic-Around-Washington%2C-D.C-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Avoid Traffic Around Washington, D.C"}],"minimum":0},{"text":"You should live in Ann Arbor, MI.","meaning":"Based on your answers, we think that Ann Arbor, Michigan, would check off all your boxes and be an amazing home for you. You live life balancing your sense of adventure with your sense of relaxation\u2014and Ann Arbor complements those vibes perfectly! Known for being a welcoming place with a uniquely refreshing energy, there\u2019s no doubt that this Midwestern city is the ideal spot for you.

                      Fast Facts:<\/b>
                      • Region:<\/b> Midwest<\/li>
                      • Population:<\/b> 119,000+<\/li>
                      • Weather:<\/b> Warm summers and cold winters<\/li>
                      • Claim to fame:<\/b> Vibrant art community and university town<\/li>
                      • Expensive or affordable:<\/b> Expensive<\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Move","id":70525,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move","image":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Move"},{"title":"How to Move Out of State","id":1291121,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Move-Out-of-State","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Move-Out-of-State-Step-24.jpg","alt":"How to Move Out of State"}],"minimum":0}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>\"Style<\/picture>","alt":"What Is My Style Quiz"},{"title":"What Is My Aesthetic Quiz","id":13281612,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/What-Is-My-Aesthetic-Quiz","image":"\"What<\/picture>","alt":"What Is My Aesthetic Quiz"},{"title":"What Makeup Should I Wear Quiz","id":13240117,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/What-Makeup-Should-I-Wear-Quiz","image":"\"What<\/picture>","alt":"What Makeup Should I Wear Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"I\u2019d like to change my mindset.","result":"What a great goal! Here are a few quizzes to help you get started:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"What's Your Mindset Quiz","id":13699974,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Whats-Your-Mindset","image":"\"Whats<\/picture>","alt":"What's Your Mindset Quiz"},{"title":"What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need Quiz","id":13747022,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Reality-Check-Quiz","image":"\"Reality<\/picture>","alt":"What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need Quiz"},{"title":"How You Can Discover Happiness","id":14456136,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/What-Do-You-Need-To-Be-Happy","image":"\"What<\/picture>","alt":"How You Can Discover Happiness"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>

Where’s the Best Place to Live? Factors to Consider

Ultimately, there’s no “best” or “right” place to live for every single person on the planet. It really depends on your likes, dislikes, and the general vibe you’re going for. Whether you’re simply imagining your dream home or on the hunt for the real deal, what matters most is asking yourself the right questions and answering them to the best of your ability. Here are a few questions to get you started:

Do you prefer a big city or a small town?
This is purely a matter of personal preference; big cities are a lot bigger and often have a wide range of entertainment, culture, food, and so on—but they’re usually more expensive. On the other hand, small towns don’t have as much to do, but they’re typically much more spacious and affordable.

What's the weather like?
Once again, this all comes down to what you like the most. Do you love snow and skiing? Move somewhere with cold winters and chilly temps, like Minnesota or Wisconsin. Do you want to have fun in the sun year-round? Shift your focus to places with a warmer reputation, like Florida or Texas.

Will you be close to friends or family?
For some people, staying close to friends or family might be super important—but it’s totally valid if you’re looking for some space. When it comes to a new move, how close (or far) a place is from your friends and loved ones can be a real deal-breaker.

What are your present and future needs? It never hurts to put some serious thought into what you want (or need) most. Are you always on the move, bouncing to the latest and greatest trends? Do you thrive in wide-open spaces? Focusing on your wants and needs in the present with thoughtful consideration of the future can go a long way as you brainstorm your dream home location.

Want to learn more?

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