Settle Down in the South: The Best Southern Cities to Raise a Family in

Over the last three decades, the South has become an attractive region of the country for families looking to relocate. In fact, the 2018 U.S. census found that more than 1.2 million people moved from one region of the country to a southern state, yet only 714,000 people left the South for another area. The southern portion of the country has so much to offer—a moderate climate, delicious food and unique culture. But, for those who have children, you want to make sure you’re moving to an area with the best environment to raise a family. If you’re thinking about packing up and purchasing a home down South, consider one of these top destinations.

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Charleston, S.C.

A bustling coastal city, Charleston, S.C. has received a lot of attention from the travel world in the last 10 years with Travel + Leisure’s Annual Reader’s Choice Awards putting this destination in the number one spot for Best U.S. City six years in a row. For young professionals and families alike, this area is a truly glorious place to live with easy access to several beaches, a downtown area with an incredible selection of gourmet restaurants and year-round outdoor events.

If you’re interested in moving to Charleston, S.C., there are several different areas in the county that you can consider. Downtown is the most expensive area but will put you at the center of the action. Several high-ranked public schools are located downtown, as well as the renowned private all-girls school Ashley Hall. Just a few minutes away, James Island encompasses a more laid-back lifestyle with Folly Beach 10 minutes down the road. West Ashley is another popular part of Charleston for families as it’s close to downtown and also features high-ranked schools, particularly West Ashley High.

Arlington, VA

Just outside of Washington, D.C., Arlington allows residents the luxury of being close to the city while enjoying the suburban lifestyle. One aspect that attracts many new families to the city is the job prospects—Arlington’s job market has been steadily growing, leading more people to relocate to the area. Because of the proximity to D.C., you’ll have a high chance of snagging a great job somewhere nearby. In your free time, there is so much to explore on a date night out or on a Sunday afternoon with the kids. Located right on the Potomac River, you can take advantage of fun summer water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding or explore the nearby Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Being so close to the city means you’ll never miss a big concert or event and the kids will have so much to do on the weekends. The school system has an average rating of 9 out of 10 according to GreatSchools.com, so you can guarantee your children will get the public education they deserve.

Asheville, N.C.

For a little taste of every season, Asheville, N.C. is the best Southern city to reside. The winters are mild, but you’ll still witness some beautiful fall foliage, and the nearby mountains provide a great outlet for weekend hikes and picnics with the family. The city itself is a charming, downtown area with tons of breweries, restaurants and quaint little shops. Overall, this area has a very artsy vibe with a large creative community and an emphasis on outdoor activities. You can look for a house in the city or in the nearby West Asheville, or move a bit further out to enjoy a quieter, suburban lifestyle in the mountains while remaining close to all the city’s events and activities.

Decatur, GA

Decatur, GA is a lovely suburban area just 20 minutes outside the city of Atlanta with highly ranked schools and plenty of great things to do in the area. For a taste of a big city, you can head into Atlanta to explore the many public parks, restaurants and bars. You’ll also be close to one of the area’s most popular attractions, the BeltLine. This redevelopment project connects different neighbors of the city through an extensive network of trails and parks, allowing people to navigate the city more easily and explore the outdoors. Though it’s only six miles from Atlanta, Decatur is also home to its own unique city life with more than 200 restaurants, bars and shops, as well as the DeKalb Farmers Market and year-round events.

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Mount Pleasant, S.C.

If you’ve been considering a move to Charleston, S.C., you may want to look into the nearby town of Mount Pleasant. When you first travel to Charleston, you’ll notice one of the city’s most recognizable features—a beautiful suspension bridge known as the Ravenel Bridge. This infrastructure connects downtown Charleston to the city of Mount Pleasant. While Charleston County offers plenty of great areas to live, Mount Pleasant is one of the most popular places in the area for families to move with highly rated, innovative public schools and two nearby beaches. Over the last two decades, Mount Pleasant’s development has ramped up, meaning most of the neighbors and homes are new and modern, and the town itself has a bustling scene of restaurants and shops. When you move to Mount Pleasant, S.C., you’ll be able to escape the city and live a more suburban life while being just a few moments away from the beaches.

Moving is a tough process that involves selecting a new location, finding a job and packing up years’ worth of belongings in preparation. Make the process a bit easier by picking a great new place to live. The South offers cities with top-rated public schools, beautiful year-round weather and tons of family activities. Whether you’re interested in moving to Charleston, S.C. or exploring the outskirts of Washington, D.C. in Arlington, VA, once you’ve visited these locations, you’ll realize why so many people are heading South.