Year-round sunshine, miles of glistening coastline and thrilling theme parks… just some of the reasons why Florida is the US state that international buyers want to live in most.
But there’s more to the world’s greatest superpower (and democratic beacon) than just sunshine and roller coasters. There are many other great places worth checking out if you’re thinking about buying a home there. So it’s time to leave your preconceptions behind and really consider your options. Here are six faves among Your Overseas Home readers.
Lakeside living in Houston, Texas
Texas
The Lone Star state, when you think about Texas, it’s hard not to conjure up images of cowboy boots, horses and, if you’re old enough, Southfork Ranch. But a state bigger than Soain and Portugal combined, has much more to offer than that.
Why you will love it there
Like Florida, Texas has great weather and multiple theme parks. It’s also got two national parks (and some 90 state parks) and a lively sports culture.
Texan food isn’t all 72-ounce steaks, corn dogs and deep-fried butter either (lovely though those are!). There’s a wide range of fine-dining and healthy restaurants in the state. Plus, it boasts plenty of job opportunities, there’s no state income tax and property tax rates are also among the lowest in the country. Yee-haw!
Hometown hotspots
The most popular places to live in Texas are Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin, all of which have populations of more than 979,000. If you’re a “bigger is better” kind of person, you might want to consider buying in Houston, which has the largest houses in the country, averaging almost 2,000 square feet. That’s twice the size of an average UK home.
For a four-bedroom detached house, you can expect to pay between $250,000 and $600,000 depending on whether you’re buying in an urban or rural area. Prices for a two-bedroom apartment typically range from around $150,000 to $300,000, depending on the city and neighbourhood.
Huntington Beach, California, at sunset
California
Beautiful beaches, mild weather and no shortage of family entertainment. You’d be forgiven for thinking we’re describing Florida again, but we’re actually talking about California. With so many similarities to the “Sunshine State”, it’s no wonder expats rate California as a highly desirable place to live.
Why you will love it there
While Florida is nicknamed the “Sunshine State”, California is dubbed the “Golden State” – a term that originated during the Gold Rush in 1848 but remains relevant thanks to its golden sunsets, gold poppies and Golden Gate Bridge.
There are more than 60 coastal cities located on 840 miles of Pacific coastline, including San Francisco and Los Angeles. Imagine having a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge from your apartment window. Or spotting celebs shopping for groceries in your local LA supermarket!
Hometown hotspots
Sacramento may be the state capital, but the iconic cities of LA and San Franciso are two of the most desirable places to live in California. LA is by far the most populous city in the state, with 3.9 million residents.
Property prices in California range from around $400,000 to more than $800,000 for a two-bedroom flat and from around $600,000 to more than $1.5 million for a four-bedroom detached house. However, in cities like LA and San Francisco prices are often much higher.
Mountain resort in Stowe, Vermont
New England
Searching for somewhere that offers more than just sunshine and beaches? New England could be the answer. Made up of six very different US states, the region of New England has wildly varying landscape, from rocky coastlines, rivers and lakes, to forests and mountain ranges to fields and farmland.
Why you will love it there
If you see changing seasons as a good excuse to change your wardrobe, New England – with its four distinct seasons – could be the perfect location.
The region really flourishes in winter, when lakes and waterfalls freeze over, offering ample opportunity for ice-skating and – for the more daring – ice-climbing, whereby you ascend frozen waterfalls and glaciers.
Hometown hotspots
Consisting of the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, New England has plenty of relocation options.
Massachusetts is the most populous state and Vermont is the least. City slickers will love Boston in Massachusetts, while those who prefer the peace and quiet of the countryside should consider Stowe, which is known for skiing and other outdoor activities.
In New England, prices range from around $250,000 to $600,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and from around $400,000 to more than $1m for a four-bedroom detached house. Again, property prices in urban areas like Boston tend to be towards the higher end.
Atlanta skyline at sunrise
Georgia
Like New England, the state of Georgia has four distinct seasons, with warm springs, long hot summers, mild autumns and short winters that don’t bring severe frosts. Located in the south of the country, just above Florida, Georgia’s landscape consists of everything from coastal plains and sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north.
Why you will love it there
There are many reasons why Georgia could be a good option for those thinking about moving to the US. Activities range from hiking the famous Appalachian Trail or fishing in the Chattahoochee National Forest to shopping along Savannah’s waterfront or watching a band play in Athens. Georgia’s growing economy and relatively low cost of living make it a strong contender for someone looking to buy property in the US.
Hometown hotspots
If you’re a small town person, Georgia could be the place for you. There are many small towns and cities dotted all over the state, the biggest being Atlanta, with a population of just 500,000. You won’t find any sprawling metropolises here! Outdoor enthusiasts will love Roswell, which is located along the Chattahoochee River, while Peachtree City has a thriving golf community.
In Georgia, you can get a two-bed flat for between $150,000 and $300,000, with flats in Atlanta on the higher end of the scale. Four-bed detached houses range from around $300,000 to $600,000, depending on the location and neighbourhood.
Waterfront homes in Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona
If you’re looking to escape cold winters but you don’t care about beaches and coastlines, try extending your US property search to Arizona.
The sixth-largest US state by area, Arizona’s landscape is extremely varied, ranging from natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon to sprawling cities. The state benefits from a warm, dry climate, thanks to its sub-tropical location.
Why you will love it there
Arizona’s year-round sunny weather is a big draw for expats, especially those in retirement. Compared to states like California, Arizona has a lower cost of living, making it more affordable than many coastal areas. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the state’s national and state parks provide numerous recreational activities like hiking, rock climbing and water sports.
Hometown hotspots
Two of the most popular places to live in Arizona are Phoenix and Tucson. Phoenix – the state capital and the fifth-largest city in the US – provides all the urban amenities you’d expect from a big city, while Tucson has a more laid-back vibe.
Two-bedroom apartments in Arizona range from $200,000 to $400,000 and four-bedroom detached houses cost between $400,000 and $700,000, with properties in Phoenix and Tucson at the higher end of the scales.
New York City’s towering skyscrapers
New York
New York City is like the Prom Queen of the US, getting more love from worldwide media than anywhere else in America. However, this is a little unfair considering the rest of New York State has much to offer too. Stretching from Quebec in the north to Pennsylvania in the south, Vermont in the east and Ontario in the west, it boasts mountains, lakes, forests and coastlines across a sprawling 54,500 square miles. Weather-wise, there are vast differences between regions, but in general, the state experiences cold winters and warm summers.
Why you will love it there
New York is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean as well as two of the Great Lakes (Lake Ontario and Lake Erie), making it a haven for those who love water activities like boating and fishing. Great transport links make it easy to get around – either to explore more of what the state has to offer or to give those living in rural areas access to urban amenities.
Hometown hotspots
NYC may be the state’s largest and most well-known city, famous for its skyline, culture and vibrant neighbourhoods, but places like Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany have rich cultural scenes too.
Brace yourself: In New York City, you can expect to pay a whopping $600,000 to more than $1.5m for a two-bed flat, depending on the borough and neighbourhood. And four-bedroom detached houses in New York City cost an eye-watering $1m to more than $3m in desirable neighbourhoods. Prices are much more affordable upstate, ranging from from $200,000 to $400,000 for a two-bedroom flat and $300,000 to $700,000 for a four-bedroom detached house.
Helpful information about moving to the US
If you’re thinking about buying a property in the US, speak to one of our property experts who will guide you through the process. Alternatively, you can download our USA Buying Guide, where you will find all the essential information you need for buying a house in the US.
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