The American South — which encompasses more than a dozen states, from Virginia to Florida, Texas, and Arkansas — is one of the most diverse regions in the United States. Not only is it home to some of the country’s most dynamic cities and charming small towns, but it also claims a large portion of the Appalachian Mountains, thousands of miles of coastline, and millions of acres of rolling hills and lush farmland.
Many people associate it with moderate to warm temperatures, though many Southern states boast a true four-season climate. Take North Carolina, for example. In the summer, enjoy the sun, sand, and surf in the Outer Banks; come autumn, the mountains host some of the best fall foliage in the nation. And when winter arrives, you can take to the slopes at six different ski resorts.
These factors, plus a generally slower lifestyle, lead to highly favorable living conditions. Some Southern destinations, however, are better suited for new residents than others, so we spoke to several local real estate experts to compile a list of the best places to live in the South — based on standards of living, recreational activities, and housing opportunities. See which ones made the cut below.
Charleston, South Carolina
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U.S. News & World Report’s latest ranking for the best places to live in the United States included several Southern destinations — including Charleston, South Carolina. “Its proximity to the ocean and vibrant nightlife are magnificent,” Christine Quillin, an affiliate broker and partner with Parks Real Estate at Compass, tells Travel + Leisure. “It is truly suitable for young professionals and families looking to plant their roots.”
According to Zillow, the average Charleston home value is currently around $567,000 which is higher than the overall U.S. housing market average of around $360,000, although you’re likely to find better deals outside of downtown Charleston. Redfin notes that North Charleston, Goose Creek, and Ladson are some of the more affordable Charleston suburbs, and they’re all within driving distance of the Holy City’s beaches, historical sights, and cultural activities. John Darby, president and CEO of The Beach Company, also shares that Johns Island is a great alternative to the downtown area, as it’s a “charming escape from busy city life and [has] an easy-going lifestyle,” not to mention it’s seeing “newer communities such as Kiawah River attracting [both] locals and out-of-towners discovering the sea island lifestyle.”
Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
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“Recently, we’ve been seeing a significant increase in homebuyers moving to the more rural parts of the state, such as the Shenandoah Valley in Western Virginia,” says Ryan Price, chief economist of the Virginia Realtors Association. “These rural areas offer natural beauty and a slower pace than many suburban and urban areas.” Price also shares that with remote and hybrid work opportunities, as well as expanding broadband internet availability, there’s been more demand for smaller cities like Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Lexington, and Staunton.
“People are finding more value in terms of the home sizes, land, and lifestyle, while still being close enough to drive to the job centers a couple days per week,” he adds. For example, Zillow estimates that in Staunton, the average home value is around $289,000, more than $70,000 less than the national average.
Charlotte, North Carolina
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“The Charlotte real estate market truly offers something for everyone,” says Kate Terrigno, a realtor with Corcoran HM Properties, who shares that Myers Park, Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, and South End are some of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Queen City. “These neighborhoods offer a combination of historical charm, modern amenities, green spaces, and convenient access to the city’s core.” For a more residential feel, she recommends Myers Park. Both Dilworth and Plaza Midwood are more walkable, and South End, she notes, is “a hub for professionals and is characterized by its trendy lofts, apartments, and modern townhomes.”
While the average home value in Charlotte is around $400,000, slightly higher than the national average, this is a destination that truly combines the best of everything: public transportation, an international airport, top-rated restaurants, a growing brewery scene, professional sports, and more.
Lafayette, Louisiana
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“We call it the Hub City, as in the hub of Acadiana. Lafayette is the center of all things southwest of the Mississippi River in Louisiana, with a strong French influence in the way we speak, dance, eat, and laugh,” says Arla Slaughter, a realtor with Latter & Blum and Compass. Here, the average home value is about $219,000, and U.S. News & World Report named it the best place to live in Louisiana in 2024-2025. It earned this title due to its culinary offerings, festival calendar, and exciting live music scene. “The world over comes to our free music festivals, where we dance with abandon while holding [our] favorite beverage,” says Slaughter. Whether you’re purchasing a house or renting an apartment — according to RentCafe, the average rent in Lafayette is $1,084 — you’ll have unparalleled access to the amazing cultural celebration that is the Festival International De Louisiane, as well as a lineup of smaller musical events throughout the year.
Dallas, Texas
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“Dallas emerges as a top choice… for its dynamic economy, cultural diversity, and favorable living costs,” says Graham Snowden, chief investment officer at RREAF Holdings, a private real estate investment and development firm. Though downtown Dallas has experienced climbing real estate prices in recent years, U.S. News & World Report notes that the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area “offers a better value than similarly-sized metro areas when comparing household costs with median household income.”
If the average Dallas home value, estimated by Zillow to be around $320,000, isn’t in your budget, consider exploring more affordable suburbs. Places like Duncanville, Irving, Mesquite, and Wilmer are all within 20 miles of Dallas, giving their residents relatively easy access to all the Dallas highlights — including its international airport, art galleries, museums, and ever-impressive roster of hotels and restaurants.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Charleston may tempt home buyers with its waterfront communities and public beaches, but it’s not the only South Carolina city with real estate opportunities and appealing weather. Historically known as a tourist town, Myrtle Beach makes its way to this list due to its relatively lower home prices. Zillow shares that the average Myrtle Beach home value is currently about $308,000, and Redfin reports that homes sold for a median price of $286,000 in April 2024.
Given the city’s association with tourism, it’s no surprise that leisure is a top priority in the area. Myrtle Beach has a number of golf courses, two beautiful state parks, and a seemingly endless number of places to swim, fish, sunbathe, and go boating — all of which can be equally enjoyed by retirees, families, and young professionals.
Franklin, Tennessee
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There are a few reasons Franklin, Tennessee’s population increased by 33 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to population numbers provided by the United States Census Bureau. “It has small-town charm, and its proximity to downtown Nashville offers the best of both worlds,” says Quillin, who shares that its residents enjoy “trendy restaurants, quaint antique shops, and even a captivating downtown square.” As an added bonus, she notes that “Franklin has one of the best school systems in Tennessee.”
It’s important to note, however, that Franklin’s average home value is incredibly steep, so potential home buyers may want to narrow down their real estate search and focus on more affordable neighborhoods like Shadow Green, Rolling Meadows, and Simmons Ridge.
Richmond, Virginia
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Noted by real estate experts as one of the top places to live in Virginia, Richmond is the definition of a livable city. Within the capital of Virginia, you’ll find all of the amenities you’d expect from a thriving metropolis: art museums, historical sites, several universities, and one of the best culinary scenes in the South. Still, there’s an inherent small-town feel to the 226,000-person city, and its access to the great outdoors and the James River is much appreciated by residents.
Zillow reports the average home value in Richmond has risen 5.7 percent in the last year — now almost $360,000 — and Redfin details that homes spend a median of nine days on the market. According to Steadily, Richmond has continued to be a seller’s market, but there is still hope for buyers: May 2024 witnessed a 5.1 percent increase in homes for sale compared to April 2024. Though it’s a competitive market, home buyers should make a concerted effort to research each of Richmond’s neighborhoods, determining which one best suits their wants and needs.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
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“Chattanooga, Tennessee offers beautiful scenery on the Tennessee River [and] a walkable town where you can hike in the morning and enjoy an amazing BBQ in the evening,” says Quillin. Plus, she says, “It has the hustle and bustle of a college town with lots of up-and-coming neighborhoods.” For those who want to be surrounded by history and green spaces, Redfin reports that Alton Park, where the median sale price of homes is $228,000, is a good place to look. Alternatively, there’s East Chattanooga, where homes sell for an average of $180,000.
When the U.S. News & World Report named the Scenic City one of the best places to live in the South, it noted that this relative affordability was one of the top determining factors. Zillow estimates the average home value in the entire city is around $308,000, over 10 percent below the national average.
Huntsville, Alabama
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Huntsville, Alabama made the top 10 on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Places to Live rankings — a position it earned thanks to its recent growth and overall real estate value. Spurred by the Space Race in the 1960s, Huntsville’s development has historically been directly tied to NASA and the Marshall Space Flight Center as well as Boeing’s facilities. Redfin reports that the technology and engineering job markets continue to thrive, with the addition of a Meta Data Center in 2021.
Modern-day Huntsville has evolved in other areas, too — from shopping and dining to arts and real estate. It’s also incredibly favorable for first-time homebuyers; as of July 2024, Zillow reports that the average home value in Huntsville is around $281,000, significantly below the national average.
