Looking for the best places to live in the South?
This helpful guide is for you.
The south is no stranger to historic charming cities that make daily life feel like a movie set.
Best places to live in the South | Shutterstock
Couple the scenic towns with friendly locals dishing out world-class southern hospitality and youll quickly understand the hype.
The challenge is finding the best cities in the south, and thats where we come in.
It was no easy feat!
Pros & Cons of Living in Atlanta | (Shutterstock/f11photo)
But the end result was worth it.
Large Cities in the South
Southern cities with a population higher than 300,000 residents.
In fact, theres no shortage of great green spaces in Atlanta.
Pros & Cons of Living in Nashville | (Shutterstock/Kevin Ruck)
History buffs shouldnt miss the opportunity to learn more about this southern citys storied past.
Prefer food to nature?
Fret not, Atlanta wasvoted one of the best cities in the South for foodies.
Pros & Cons of Living in Jacksonville, Florida | (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)
Theres nothing sleepy about the nations music capital.
The city is peppered with legendary music venues like the Grand Ole Opry House.
They dont call it Music City for nothing, folks.
Pros and Cons of Living in New Orleans | (Shutterstock/f11photo)
Swing by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see what all the fuss is about.
Much like Atlanta, Nashville is considered one of thebest food cities in America.
From beloved hole-in-the-wall gems to award-winning high-end restaurants with long wait lists (and eye-watering prices).
Charleston, one of the most charming cities in the south | (Shutterstock/f11photo)
Likewise, A 2022 study by MoneyGeek found thatNashville has the 6th strongest job marketin the country.
Which makes Nashville one of the best places to live in the south for ambitious career-oriented folks.
So if youre looking for suburban-living, you may find Raleigh a great place to live in the south.
Lets start with the neighborhoods which are beautiful and among the finest in the state.
Crime is on the rise but that seems to be the case everywhere.
Its unlike any other place in the country and locals take pride in calling this place home.
Low Country Sunset in Beaufort South Carolina | Shutterstock
On par with famous Southern hospitality, New Orleans is considered one of thefriendliest citiesin the country.
The city is most famous for its irresistible historic downtown, full of colorful colonial homes and breathtaking parks.
Making things even better, Charleston is surrounded by water.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina | Shutterstock
Youll be spoiled for choice with beaches, rivers and lakes.
But between you and me, its a fair price to pay for such an idyllic lifestyle.
Asheville residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to playing outside.
Most weekends dont officially start until a hearty hike is capped with brunch.
No wonder locals consider this one of the best cities to live in the south.
The Savannah River separates Georgia from South Carolina.
Spanish moss-laden trees surround the most charming downtown core youll ever see.
Beautiful brick townhouses sit alongside irresistible pastel-colored homes, all connected by perfectly-manicured parks.
Walk the historic River Street for local hole-in-the-wall gems serving fresh oysters and fish.
Make no mistake, Savannah is easily one of the most charming cities in the south.
Home to Florida Atlantic University, its also a bit of a college town with youthful flair.
The city offers something for everyone and folks are willing to pay for access.
Best Small Cities in the South
Best small Southern cities with a population less than 75,000.
Its no wonder it was voted one of the Best Small Towns in the South by Southern Living Magazine.
Youll never go hungry or have reason to be bored while living in Chapel Hill.
Homes on the island average$715kwith a good percentage of them being well over one million dollars.
Homes here are pricey too, especially for Florida with a current median home price well above $600k.
However, with the high prices comes a pretty great place to live, if you might afford it.
The quality of life in Naples is much higher than the Florida average.
One consideration is the average age of residents in Naples is 65+ meaning its a retirement haven.
If you better commute for work then prepare for lots of traffic.
Not to mention that its convenient location between Atlanta and Charlotte makes traveling a breeze.