Moving to a new city can be worrisome. You're not sure where to shop, where to eat or what to do! Start making your new city feel like home and test out a few of the local's favorite spots to frequent with our guide to enjoying the local lifestyle.

1. What to do in America’s Top Cities
THE LOCAL LIFESTYLE

2. Live like a Local
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming for you and your family. You’re unsure of the lay of
the land, where to shop, where to eat and what to do to really feel like a local. We have
compiled a list of 20 of the top cities to move to in the U.S. with some insider tips and activities
to try out. From the best restaurants, to local family adventures, you can make your new city
feel like home.

3. Arlington, VA
Only a quick ride from Washington DC, there is no shortage of museums, historic sites, and
landmarks to visit in Arlington. Arlington is full of award-winning restaurants, streets of
boutiques, theaters, art exhibits and more - all within walking distances of each other. Once
you’re settled into your new home it’s time to get the lay of the land. Be sure to check out local
favorite Ray's the Steaks steakhouse and the beloved home-cooking at The Liberty Tavern.
MUSEUMS
HISTORIC SITES LANDMARKS

4. Asheville, NC
If you’re new in Asheville it won’t take you long to fall in love with your new city in the
downtown, art galleries, shopping and enjoying the performing arts of Asheville. The food scene
in Ashville is up and coming, so you’ll want to explore the farm-to-table trendy restaurants,
local food trucks, and some of the latest restaurants in the River Arts District. Before you know
it, you’ll know the local shops better than the locals.
SHOPPING
PERFORMING
ARTS
ART GALLERIES

5. Austin, TX
Quickly becoming one of the most popular locations for high-tech start-ups and businesses
seeking a trendy crowd. A mix of southern Texan charm and unique culture, you can hike
Mount Bonnell, check out a University of Texas football game, eat at one of their infamous
food trucks or just enjoy the sights of downtown Austin. It’s a great place that mixes outdoor
adventure such as Longhorn Caverns, local foods like Franklin BBQ, and history like visiting
the Paramount Theater built in 1915. Everything may be bigger in Texas, but it seems like
everything may be better in Austin.
NCAA
FOOTBALL
HIKING BBQ

6. Berkeley, CA
A plethora of culture, history, and craziness – Berkeley is definitely for those seeking a unique and
diverse society. With the University of California, you can run into professors and students lounging
between classes or head on over to the arts district in the center of downtown Berkeley. There’s
your fair share of good eats in Berkeley as well, from Indian cuisine at Chaat Cave, or authentic
izakaya at Ippuku – let your inner foodie come out. Want something different? Check out the local
farmer’s market or for some family fun, go to Habitot and let your inner child loose with a wiggle
wall, water tables, kid’s shows and special events for the whole family.
COLLEGE
LIFE
ARTS
DISTRICT
CRAZY
CULTURE

7. Boise, ID
Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and the Boise River, you’ll want to be outdoors when you visit
Boise. Granted, you’ll have access to fine-dining, great shopping and a variety of nightlife and
cultural-related activities when you move to Boise. Whether moving from a big city or a small town,
you’ll feel right at home in Boise. It’s a blend of a big city and the great outdoors. Explore their
expanding wine region for a custom winery tour or a weekend picnic getaway for two. Or check out
the Boise museum pass for the family to dive into the local arts and culture scene. Spend some time
outdoors at the Idaho Botanical Garden or hike the Ridge to River Trail, there are countless outdoor
adventures to keep you and the family busy after you’re all settled into your new home.
BEAUTIFUL
SCENERY
WINERY TOURS ADVENTURES

8. Boulder, CO
Like to live in a city where you can walk around and explore the best parts of the city? Then it’s no
wonder you ended up in Boulder. Granted, public transportation is great and you can bike around
the city as well, but you can see and experience all the city has to offer with ease. It’s a
health-centered, active-living, foodie-driven community. Head on over to Trident, the original café
in Boulder or go to one of the many others that make up Boulder. For families who prefer active
adventures, check out one of Boulder’s better yoga studios at The Yoga Workshop, or Om Time, or
take in the scenery along the hundreds of miles of hiking paths.
BIKING
ROUTES
YOGAMOUNTAIN
LIFE

9. Burlington, VT
As you are getting settled in your new northern home, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a little
bit of something for everyone. For those interested in the history of Vermont, check out the old
home of Ethan Allen. Or those who like to be one with nature go the Green Mountain Audubon
Center for miles of bird-watching. Or for some fun together as a family, head down to the Church
Street Marketplace to bask in the talent of Burlington’s street performers. Oh and for the beer
lovers in the family, go on over to Magic Hat Brewing company to learn how they craft up some of
their delectable up-and-coming beers. Making the move to Burlington will result in outdoor
adventures, unlimited activities and whatever you can imagine.
STREET
PERFORMERS
HISTORICAL
SITES
CRAFT
BEERS

10. Cedar Rapids, IA
You’ll fall in love with your new home in Iowa. Go to one of their many different festivals all year
round from Farmer’s markets, to Latin festivals, beer tastings, and movie nights. Oh and the fact
that you have 338 miles of the Cedar River that extends from southern Minnesota all the way
through to the Illinois border, you can hike along the banks of the river, delight in a picnic or just
enjoy the scenic views. The second largest city in Iowa you can sit back and relax and enjoy the four
seasons as they roll by. With a big Czech and Slovak and population, head down to the southern
side of Cedar River to check out Sykora Bakery, Deda and Babi’s Antiques or the National Czech &
Slovak Museum & Library.
BEER
TASTINGS
RIVER
LIFE
LATIN
FESTIVALS

11. SHOPPING
BEACH
VOLLEYBALL
WATER
ACTIVITIES
Quincy, MA
The home of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, it’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor
fun. Along the coastline, you can enjoy water activities (when it’s warm enough) such as swimming,
picnicking, and beach volleyball. Or head into downtown Boston for more history, business,
shopping and a variety of restaurants, it’s a great home away from the city. Obviously as a local,
you’ll already have visited the Quincy Historical Society and the Adams National Historical Park, and
then it’s time to find your favorite place to eat. Check out Gennaro’s eatery for some authentic
Italian, or The Fat Cat for some comfort food brought to the next level.

12. Reno, NV
Known as “the Biggest Little City in the World,” your new home will keep you busy all year long,
and with 300 days of sunshine, why wouldn’t you want to move here? Granted it has great casinos,
shopping and a hot nightlife scene, but what about the rest of the family? There are over 50 golf
courses nearby, head on over to Lake Tahoe and take a skiing or boarding lesson, go camping or
rent an RV and spend a few nights camping out. And don’t forget to take a hot air balloon flight
before the move; the scenery will have you packing your bags and ready to move in the next day!
Grab a cup of coffee at Hub Coffee Roaster before a day of shopping and adventure, stock up on
sandwiches at Yosh’s Unique Deli and then save some room for dinner at Sterling’s Seafood
Steakhouse. Reno really does have it all, doesn’t it?
CASINOS
GOLF
COURSES
NIGHTLIFE

13. BREWERIES
RIVER
WALK
SEAWORLD
San Antonio, TX
Move into a whole new world in San Antonio, one filled with heritage, culture, food, and adventures
for everyone in the family. Experience the beautiful river walk, or explore the San Antonio missions
to learn about your new home before it was even Texas. As a local, you’ll learn to avoid the freeway
during rush hour, but you’ll be greeted by some of the nicest people in the world in San Antonio.
Visit the latest happening spots, like Pearl Brewery or bring the family over to SeaWorld for the day.
Go shopping at the Alamo Quarry Market, or pick up some sweets at Bakery Lorraine, and stroll
through Brackenridge Park – you’re a true local now.

14. San Diego, CA
You’ll never run out of new places to visit or adventures to try when you move to San Diego. Feeling
artsy today? Why not check out one of the nine art districts in San Diego? Go to one of the 15
museums, see a show at the Tony ® Award winning theaters, or check out some local street art or
performers. While it may seem like a tourist area, be sure to get acquainted with the Gaslamp
Quarter filled with Victorian-era buildings, some of the best restaurants, art galleries, concert
venues and nightclubs. Also home to bustling businesses, the Gaslamp quarters is great to get to
know the city and spend the day exploring together as a family. Test your surfing skills off of Ho Chi
Minh Trail to hit the waves, but be careful – it’s quite the tricky path. From La Jolla to Mission
Hills, your San Diego move has outdoor adventure and sunny days ahead.
ART
GALLERIES
SURFINGMUSEUMS

15. COCA-COLA
MUSEUM
BOATING CNN STUDIO
TOUR
Sandy Springs, GA
North of Atlanta, you can still experience the southern charm of the city while enjoying the space and
serenity of the suburbs. Settled along the Chattahoochee River, you have your own little oasis from the
city. Great for outdoor-loving families, you can go boating, swimming, fishing and kayaking in the river
or check out one of the 11 parks in Sandy Springs. Even though you’re going to be a local, you can’t
miss out on a CNN Studio Tour, head into downtown Atlanta and see behind the scenes of one of the
leading news providers. While you’re there – head on over to the Coca-Cola museum and taste the
world of Coke. Lastly, for some family fun – don’t miss out on the Young Chef’s Academy where your
kids can learn to cook like a pro. You’ll have your fair share of fine dining establishments, shopping
trips, but most definitely great outdoor adventures in Sandy Springs.

16. Scottsdale, AZ
Aside from the near-perfect weather all year round, Arizona has plenty of other activities and
benefits that will make you feel at home with your move. It offers the largest wilderness preserve,
the Botanical Gardens, and MacDonald’s ranch where your kids can partake in pony rides and
adventures. For museum-lovers, you’ll have the historical museum, the contemporary art museum,
and the Fiesta bowl museum all at your disposal. Adventure seekers can go hiking, rock climbing or
even go to Cowboy College and learn how to wrangle! And when it comes to food, go on a food
tour when you first get there, because the three hour tour takes you all throughout the city to get a
taste of the best of the best, it doesn’t get much better than that. Soak in the scenery, the sunsets
and the family fun you can have together when you arrive in Arizona.
BOTANICAL
GARDENS
ROCK
CLIMBING
WILDERNESS
PRESERVE

17. FRESH
SEAFOOD
SPACE
NEEDLE
BARS &
NIGHTLIFE
Seattle, WA
So when you make the move to Seattle, you (hopefully) know what to expect when it comes to the
weather. That also may mean you know to check out the Space Needle, to grab some fresh seafood
at the waterfront and to walk through the infamous Pike Place Market. Now, what about all of the
local joints that you will need to know to feel like a real Seattleite. Head on over to Capitol Hill to
check out Melrose Market – similar to Pike Place, but smaller and bit more trendy; perfect for those
interested in the farm-to-table, organic lifestyle. For those interested in awesome bars and nightlife
must-see locations, then seek out Needle and Thread, where if you are lucky enough head upstairs
to a speakeasy where you can get a custom crafted cocktail. And if you have kids, bring them down
to see the Fremont Troll – a large, scary troll eating a VW bug underneath a bridge, it’s definitely
something unique that you should experience upon getting settled in Seattle.

18. St. Louis Park, MN
Aside from the chilling temperatures, St. Louis Park is near to Minneapolis and offers all the great
city activities, with more of a residential feel. Just over 115 years old, St. Louis Park is a mix of
traditional and modern homes with high-quality schools for your kids. Referred to as “The Park” –
St. Louis Park offers hiking trails and nature parks that help connect The Park to Minneapolis and is
close enough for a quick stop for some shopping or catching a major league game. Check out one
of the many surrounding lakes for a day ‘at the beach’ just a few short miles from The Park’s city
center. Or brave the cold winters inside at one of their local pubs or at the ice rink, whatever is
more your style.
HIKING
TRAILS
PROFESSIONAL
BASEBALL
HIGH QUALITY
SCHOOL SYSTEM

19. LIVE
MUSIC
NIGHT
LIFE
SHOPPING
Stamford, CT
A bustling city and commercial center, Stamford is not too far from New York City but is populated
with businesses, culture and fun. Check out downtown Stamford for great restaurants and a fun
night-life. In the summer, check out their Alive@Five concert series – where live bands perform
every Thursday night in Columbus Park in Stamford. Get lost shopping for hours at a variety of
stores, or hop on the train to go shopping in Greenwich. Dine at one of their top Italian restaurants,
wine bars, Gastrobars or pizzerias. Remember, it’s not too far from NYC, so the pizza is almost as
good. Great for families who want to work and reside in the same city and have access to great
schools and great activities all in one, Stamford is your place.

20. Tampa Bay, FL
Not just a vacation spot for families, Tampa Bay is a great location for those who love living on the
beach; waking up to the best oceans views and enjoy some outdoor fun in the sun. Recently,
Tampa has been expanding their restaurant scene to include more diverse and eclectic tastes – but
don’t count out the classics like Mise en Place that’s been around since 1986 or grab some soul
food at Big Momma’s Smokehouse. So when you first move to Tampa, it’s definitely okay to act like
a tourist and check out all of the local gems, like going to Shell Island and going snorkeling or
going on a dolphin watching tour. You can take your little ones on an adventure to the Tampa
Lowery Park Zoo or the Florida Aquarium and let them explore nature hands on. The fun is
never-ending and the weather is a definite pro for moving to Tampa Bay.
SOUL FOOD
SNORKELINGOCEAN VIEWS

21. WINERIES
CAMPING
GREAT
SCHOOLS
White Plains, NY
A train ride away from New York City, White Plains is a great middle of the road city for people who
want to be near a major metropolitan area or just a short drive away from the Hudson Valley filled
with mountains, camp-sites, wineries, and plenty of great schools. The area is filled with
commuters, professional athletes, and a plethora of others who want to escape the everyday hustle
and bustle of NYC. You can expect high-quality restaurants, top-notch shopping and basically
anything you could want to do within a fifteen minute drive. Explore nearby towns and villages for
small-town charm or hop on the metro-north to visit Manhattan, everything is just within reach
when your family moves to White Plains.

22. WWW.ESTESSUREMOVE.COM
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