USA TODAY ranks Roanoke & Lynchburg as ‘Best Cities’ in the South for moving

ROANOKE, Va. ( WFXR ) – If you have ever dreamed of moving to the South, where would you go? According to USA Today, you should consider these top cities according to a 2024 study.

The USA TODAY Homefront research team ranked a total of 209 cities to determine locations that are best to call home. Virginia cities Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Richmond claimed three of the top 10 spots due to their affordable rent and less turbulent climates.

According to USA TODAY, and the US Census Bureau, the American South is the fastest-growing region in the country and is likely to keep growing due to low crime rates, fair costs of living, resilience to severe weather, and other key benefits for new residents.

When moving to a new state, important factors to research ahead of time should include housing statistics, crime rates, climate conditions, and unemployment. Understanding this information can help you decide if you are moving to a safe and affordable place.

In 2023, more than 1.2 million people moved to the South, which was more than other regions.

The list includes:

1. Johnson City, TN
2. Roanoke, VA
3. Greenville, SC
4. Lynchburg, VA
5. Auburn, AL
6. Albany, GA
7. Hoover Ala.
8. Laredo, TX
9. Concord, NC
10. Richmond, VA

Roanoke Virginia took the number two spot on the list with a low expected annual loss score of 42.2. This allows residents to live comfortability in the area as it is more resilient in severe weather cases than in other parts of the country. Roanoke also offers low average homeowners insurance of $1,404.

Roanoke also has the seventh lowest unemployment rate at just 2.1% offering many employment opportunities. This included banking and automotive supply industries.

Lynchburg, Virginia within the Blue Ridge Mountains, was named to the number four spot. It is known for its love of nature as it is close to the Appalachian Trail. Lynchburg also offers its love for the art scenes such as operas and symphonies.

Lynchburg has a favorable climate indicating its resistance to severe weather along with natural disasters. The city also offers an affordable cost of living with the typical rent at $1,296.

With an honorable mention, Richmond holds the 10th spot on the list.

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