Snappy and colorful descriptions that capture a city’s soul in 200 words or less. Target audience are job hunters vying for top-tier positions in multinational companies.

Top Business Relocation Cities: From A-Z

Location. Location. Location. It’s not just a real estate mantra. It’s also an important criterion for job hunters. This is especially true if you’re looking to find the ideal location from which to launch, or continue, your business career.

It’s not an easy choice. Because not all cities—or lifestyles—are alike. What’s good for a single person, isn’t necessarily desirable for a young family. Some might prefer the country life—with plenty of room for their llama farm or hobby vineyard. Whatever your geographical and lifestyle preference, this brief overview of top relocation cities will give you a fun “A-to-Z” “sampling” of places where you might want to live. (Sorry, no “Z” … unless your idea of a great place to live is a zoo.)

Atlanta

Unlike Chicago, Atlanta is not “gone with the wind” though frankly, my dear, you may give a damn when the humidity sticks to you like fly paper. But that’ll be quickly forgotten when you realize what a southern peach Atlanta really is. “The Big Peach” offers a wide range of attractions for every proclivity. It’s got fish (Georgia Aquarium), football (College Football Hall of Fame) and flowers (Atlanta Botanical Garden). Foodies will like the fact that Atlanta was recently dubbed, “The American South’s New Foodie Capital”. Both singles and families are attracted to Atlanta’s good ‘ol fashioned southern charm embodied in its friendly people and its collection of winsome historic neighborhoods. Create your own family history by choosing this relatively affordable city as the next up-the-career ladder location. But hurry … signs are that the south will arise again, so it’s best to settle in before real estate prices soar.

Austin

Woke, weird and wonderful, Austin has pretty much everything—except the conservatism of the rest of Texas. Dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin’s also evolved into a mini Silicon Valley—helping to boost this popular city’s already-robust economy.

With this high-flying economy come higher-than-average housing prices. You can stretch your salary further by living in the Hill Country. Or, save yourself a gnarly commute to to your Austin-based office by planting yourself in some of the hippest neighborhoods this side of Brooklyn. Techies, hipsters, and yuppies abound, and with it, all things cool in the music, arts and food scene. (Try LeRoy and Lewis’s unique sizzlin’ BBQ then hop on over to “To the Hills”—a Ratebeer.com faved beer garden located on a working ranch.)

Austin is also family friendly—boasting top-notch parks and a “warm and fuzzy” animal rescue zoo. You can bring your own child, or channel your inner child, at one of the country’s best toy museums. There’s also an opportunity for pint-sized persons to learn the difference between stalagmites and stalactites in an underground cavern. After they pass the S&S quiz, kiddos and parents can watch 1.5 million bats fly from a downtown bridge. Batty, yes, but this is Austin.

Boston

The tea party is over, but the harbor is still there … and The Patriots. The real stars of Boston, of course, are the “wicked-smaht” accents (love ‘em or hate ‘em). A close second is Boston’s charming neighborhoods, world-class healthcare, outdoor festivals galore, distinct seasons and, of course, its rich American history. Oh yeah, and wicked-good restaurants headed by top chefs. (If you can’t get great clam chowder here you can’t get it anywhere). Boston, aka Ivy League Central is brainy, but also buffed—team sports and individual sporting opportunities abound. Bonus: Compared to “car-heavy” cites, Boston is a walk in the park (Walkability score of 86.91). It has plenty of places you’ll want to walk to such as The Boston Commons, the nation’s first public park.

Charlotte

“Chaaarlotte,” a name that dances so genteelly on the tongue, is described as having that “big city vibe with a small town feel.” The Queen City (ranks 9th as the fastest growing) offers pleasantly “peasant”-priced houses (relatively speaking) and oh-so charming historic neighborhoods. You’ll love its royally friendly people and an even friendlier brewery culture—with plenty of famous North Carolina BBQ to go with those suds.

Located smack dab in the middle of the mountains and beaches, this squeaky clean city is a stone’s throw away from outdoor adventure. Hike, bike, zip line, rock climb and run the rapids. Then, head to the hills for some toe-tapping bluegrass that’s bet-your-sassafras wonderful. (Bluegrass joints abound in the city, too.) Or stay close to home and enjoy any one of Charlotte’s 60 parks, 20 golf courses, and seven farmers markets. Not to mention popular Lake Norman. Charlotte could just be the ideal location for your next career move.

Chicago

Chicago just may be your kind of town. There’s a lot here to take a bite out of, and an infamous bone-chilling wind to bite into you. Despite its mercurial weather, Chicago is a big city with a midwestern heart. Chicagoites are down to earth and the houses are too (you can still snatch up an affordable mid-century gem here) with costs lower than New York City and San Francisco. The Windy City boasts the world’s largest shopping mecca (you could spend a month “splashing out” at Magnificent Mile). Besides unparalleled shopping, there’s sumptuous food—with a diverse array of culinary faire rivaling the Big Apple. And, of course, the Bears, Bulls and White Sox.

A big draw for art and theater lovers, Chicago is home to the famed Second City Improv Theater as well as art galleries. And don’t forget an eclectic mix of world-famous museums. If you can handle the winter chill, Chicago is a thrill for just about everybody.

Dallas

There’s a reason Dallas was named as one of the Best Places to Live in a 2019 US News report. If you’re looking for both big-city excitement and quiet, Texas-style living, where you won’t have to ask, “Where have all the cowboys gone?” then the Dallas-Ft. Worth metro area might be your best. Dallas offers the requisite trendy local bars and high-end shopping, plus the most loyal sports fans anywhere. (Just don’t cheer for the opposing team—or say you’re from California). Here Tex-Mex mixes with the least-vexed population anywhere (read: friendly) with a nighttime skyline view that will leave you breathless.

Denver

This “Mile High City” college town is woker than woke. But fortunately you won’t be Austin-style “woke broke” because housing here is slightly more affordable. Plus there’s skiing! And snowboarding! And mountain climbing! And drinking! And whitewater rafting! And green chilies! You’ll find Colorado’s porky goodness signature dish all over town, blanketing burritos and burgers or being consumed straight from a bowl. Wash it down with suds (more beer is brewed here than anywhere else in the US) and you’ll be a true Denverite.

Biking is big in Denver. The city’s incredible 85 miles of crisscrossing cycling trails and a nifty bike-sharing program prove it. Denver offers world-class museums, a stimulating art scene and more music festivals than there are musicians. Denver is a singularly single city that’s popular with young professionals, but families are on the rise here, too. It seems that singles, after getting hitched, are loathe to leave.

Houston

Houston, we don’t have a problem. Do we? Not according to Houstonites who are as culturally diverse, yet still Texas loyal, as you’re ever going to get. Houston was dubbed, “The new capital of southern cool” by GQ Magazine. It’s the fourth largest city in America, and the newest hot spot for foodies. Just as important, community spirit is as strong as a Texas Longhorn here … with unlimited creative energy undergirding its rapid growth. Amenities and public spaces are everywhere—including stunning downtown attractions and green spaces such as Buffalo Bayou Park and Cistern, a massive underground reservoir now used for art installations.

Houston has been amusingly described as “Texas’s older, cooler sibling—he’s got some miles on him, he’s been through some stuff, but he totally knows what’s cool and what’s not”. An iconic building location that houses many Houston-based multinational companies is pretty cool too. There’s a multi-level waterfall and the top of this skyscraper resembles a Mayan pyramid. See, you don’t even have to go to Cancun.

Los Angeles

The City of Angels, where laid back meets La-La Land, is unique, diverse, edgy and filled with aspiration. It’s a magnet for foodies, surfers, those surfing for fame, the hip and the homeless, fashionistas and genuine 60s hippie holdouts (accept no imitations) hiding out in the canyons. No one would accuse LA of not being vibrant or uninteresting. And that may be draw enough for you to pick LA as your next big career-move city of choice. And why not? It has sand, sun and surf, killer-view mountain hikes, plus the spectacular Getty Museum and the iconic Ice-Age era LA Brea Tar Pits. It’s also home to top medical centers, universities, everything film related (with the usual celebrity sightings), plus world-class music (vinyl shopping here is super fun). Just avoid hitting the freeway at … well, at any time. In LA, Uber will become your new best friend.

Minneapolis

US News Report ranks the Twin Cities metro area, where city and nature seamlessly merge, as the sixth best place to live. (That’s among America’s 125 largest metro areas). Aside from being tempted to plaster a “My other car is a snowplow” bumper sticker on your car, the “capital of cool” is home to four major sports teams. It also boasts a vibrant creative community of chefs, artists, writers and every other creative type. But Minneapolis isn’t just artsy—the Silicon Valley of the Midwest is also home to a tidal wave of techies. If you’re a foodie, rejoice: Minneapolis is renowned for its culinary scene (Top chefs rank Minneapolis as one of the best food cities in the world.) Its bastion of breweries will keep you toasty warm in the middle of the tundra or you can just walk around the super-sized Mall of America.

Added bonus for all your business-related travel days is a super clean, amenity-packed airport (some rate it as #1 in the US). This major flight connector hub makes waiting for that next flight almost a treat.

Nashville

Tennessee native Dolly Parton would not pardon herself over proudly belting out,“ I Will Always Love You” about Nashville—the city that launched her country music career. Besides being a multi-university town, Nashville offers a hopping bar scene (stop and refine your dart game at the historic Villager Tavern) and more java joints than your coffee addiction can handle. More good news is that Music City’s housing costs are lower than Austin’s. Nashville is also home to nearly 90 parks, 22 libraries and nine farmers markets. From honky-tonks to year-round quirky festivals and competitive sporting events, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Perhaps you’ll be devising strategies for your clients by day inside the iconic “Batman Building” skyscraper and write that next country song by night—really, anything’s possible here.

New York

If you‘re in a New York State of mind, or are willing to acquire one, than yes, “New York, New York, is such a wonderful place.” Every one should live in the Big Apple at least once—preferably while you’re still energetic enough to walk … a lot. It’s the best fat-fighting city around. (Word to the wise: if you become a New Yorker, you’ll probably want to trade in your Helmut Langs for your Hoka’s when going from Point A to Point B.) Be warned: the calories expended walking from museum to museum, boutique to boutique, and bookstore to bookstore may be offset by the city’s unparalleled eateries.

After you check out a Broadway show or see experimental theater on the Lower East Side or spend a day at the massive Met or meet up with Matisse MoMA.  Harlem’s trash museum is pretty cool, too.. Carnegie Hall. Snug Harbor Cultural Center. El Museo del Barrio. Lincoln Center. The Empire State Building, for Pete’s sake.

That’s one of the most fabulous things about living here: New York constantly challenges your expectations of what this city is all about. Like the highest natural point on the eastern seaboard (south of Maine, anyway) found in Staten Island. Or centuries-old trees located in of all places, the  Bronx? Or, if you want a little action, how about  riding  a zipline or go bouldering in Queens? Really, you have to be ready to explore it all.

No need to “sell” New York City—it truly does sell itself. No doubt, New York is an exciting place to live; that is, if you don’t mind living communally. Or do what many people do and get more bang for your buck by commuting. The City’s workers get a lot done on their commutes.

Philadelphia

Declare your independence from the boring and the mundane and get silly with Philly. Called by many names, Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love offers an appealing mingle of both the edgy and the sophisticated. Ornate architecture and cobblestone streets mix with a medical oddity museum. The Andy Warhol-themed opera has a beer garden inside city hall (don’t fight it). After taking a slice out of the Pizza Brain Museum, upgrade your tastes with a visit to the famed Philadelphia Museum of Art. Your pocketbook will also “feel the love” (Philly is actually affordable)—and so will your taste buds.

Ethnic enclaves with great regional eateries, historical attractions, free museums, an extensive city rail system and a lively theater culture abound. A consortium of top colleges and universities fuel the demand for “cool places”. We’re sure, a demand that will only increase with the city’s steadily growing economy. If you choose this location as , stop at Sonny’s then smile and say “cheesesteak!” Nothing beats the taste of Philly’s finest sautéed rib eye beef and melted cheese on a long, crusty roll. Yum-philly-icious.

San Francisco

Open its Golden Gates and leave your heart here –though it will more likely be your wallet. Sure, “The City by the Bay” is expensive, but it’s also stunningly beautiful. It’s also ideal for singles (San Francisco has more dogs than children) and those who take their politics ultra liberal. The weather is near-perfect (especially if you love fog). Diversity is openly celebrated and the surrounding area filled with fabulous weekend destinations (including wine country and surfin’ Santa Cruz).

In the natural beauty department, we’ll claim everyday that NorCal wins by a landslide over its glitzy sister to the south. Environmentalism, conservation and outdoor recreational activities are taken very seriously here. It’s easy to see why. It’s Eden-esque in that neck of the woods. With nearby Muir Woods and its awe-inspiring 500-to 800-year old redwoods beckoning you to become one with nature. The mind matters too here— San Francisco is the fourth most “well read” city in America with the intellectual capital to prove it. When you really want to give a peace a chance spend a weekend in the counterculture city that became notorious for the 1960s “Hell No, We Won’t Go” university sit-ins and an outright rejection of 1950s establishment values. That’s right, we’re talking Berkeley. The famously rebellious city is taking itself a little less seriously these days. It’s transitioned into a vibrant and culturally intriguing destination spot making it a hot weekend getaway spot for neighboring SF workers.

Seattle

The rumor is true. Seattle buys 50 percent more sunglasses per capita than the national average. Sure the skies are perennially grey here. Yet, that doesn’t stop outdoor recreation lovers from enjoying the greener-than-green topography created by all that rain. Hike, climb, kayak, sail, and “boulder” in and around Seattle then stop in anywhere for a cup of Joe. Seattle’s patron saint is, of course, St. Arbucks (Starbucks)—meaning a trip to the Seattle Barista Academy is a must.

Take trips to beautiful Bainbridge Island, the Museum of Pop Culture, Pike Place Market and a Beneath the Streets tour. Cultural hot spots abound, though being actually “hot” (climatically speaking) is rare. This is due to a median temperature that hovers below 60 degrees! Expect to drink copious amounts of coffee (those sunglasses will hide your darting eyes)—all secretly planned to make you sleepless, but happily productive, in Seattle.

Washington DC

Gather on the stoop for block parties, commingle at doggie parks and converse at coffee shops about the latest political goings-ons. It’s all part of the cool DC neighborhood experience. Pricey Washington DC with its volatile weather has its downsides; still, it’s very much a one-horse town with all the accompanying charm. DC offers high-brow entertainment (lots of theater and dance), a rich history and free access to many museums and such. Not to mention fun festivals and embassy tours. Nature hikes, kayaking and boating on the Potomac River are easily accessible and the Blue Ridge Mountains are less than two hours away. But you don’t have to travel all that far to enjoy incredible views. DC’s Deloitte office location is politically neutral and breathtakingly beautiful.

Wind Up (Not a city)

It’s good to have options. And there are plenty of them when deciding which corporate offfice location would best suit your personal and career goals, as well as your lifestyle preferences and cultural sensibilities. Each of these vibrant and diverse cities has something unique to offer, and they’re all worth exploring in greater depth. One of them is sure to have your name written on it.