The Wheaton Blog

What’s the Best Place to Move for a Fresh Start?

August 27, 2025 | Long Distance Moves

You’re not tied down by your career or other obligations, and you’re ready for a clean slate. Packing up your life in search of a new beginning is tricky if you’re not sure where you want to go. Hiring Wheaton World Wide Moving as your full-service mover takes the stress out of the logistics, and no matter what your reason is for moving, there are so many beautiful places in the United States that are full of culture, adventure and tranquility. So, how do you decide where to move to start over?

How to Start a New Life

If you’re serious about moving away from home, consider what you want to change about your current situation and what you want your new life to look like. Here are some factors and questions to consider when moving:

  • Job Market: Are you relocating for a career change? Does the market in your new city provide enough opportunities for your chosen career?
  • Cost of Living: Does the new city’s cost of living align with what you’re accustomed to, and if not, are you prepared to change your spending habits?
  • Hobbies: Are you interested in picking up new hobbies, such as surfing or hiking, in your new digs? Or are you searching for entertainment in the form of theater or nightlife?
  • Weather: Do you prefer to live in a city that’s warm for most of the year, or do you want to experience the four seasons? Can you handle an unpredictable climate?
  • Relationships: How do your family members feel about a move? Do you have a support system, such as family or friends nearby, or are you willing to meet new ones in the new city?

5 of the Best Places to Move to Start Over

Whether you’re looking for better weather, a new lifestyle, or change of scenery, Wheaton is available anytime to help you pack, move and store your belongings during your transition. These five spots are among the best cities to move to start a new life.

Anchorage, Alaska

1. Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska is an extremely popular tourist destination for its snowy mountains, unique topography and plentiful breweries. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to understand why Alaska is a great place for personal growth as well. You might not have considered living in Alaska, but you’d be surprised by its appeal.

  • Alaska pays you to move there. Yes, this is real. Through Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend Program, full-time residents receive royalties.
  • Anchorage is packed with adventure. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Anchorage is for you. From creek fishing to trail and mountain hiking to whale watching, Anchorage has something special for every type of nature lover.
  • There’s no state income tax. Once you’re a resident of Alaska, you are no longer required to pay state income tax, which puts extra savings in your pocket.

Boulder, Colorado

2. Boulder, Colorado

This energetic city in Colorado has a beautiful landscape, is thriving with job opportunities and is packed with delicious restaurants. It’s a lively spot with a population slightly over 100,000 and is often busy with tourists throughout the year. Here’s what makes Boulder a worthwhile fresh start destination:

  • You won’t believe the fresh air. Boulder is surrounded by mountains for hiking, biking, running and climbing. It is also an extremely “bikeable” city, so if you don’t have a car or don’t want one, you can get pretty much anywhere by bike in this city.
  • The cuisine is diverse. From locally sourced restaurants to craft breweries to fine dining, foodies often rave about the food scene in Boulder. Exploring local foods is an enticing way to get to know a new neighborhood!
  • It’s a great spot to get in shape. If you’re into exercise and fitness, Boulder is your perfect match. It’s known as one of the fittest cities in America because many athletes relocate there to train at altitude.

Carlsbad, California

3. Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad is located in southern California and has a population of about 150,000. If you’re looking for a West Coast fresh start, Carlsbad may be a good place to move to start over because:

  • The weather is beautiful. The sun shines in Carlsbad nearly 270 days out of the year, and you can be confident that it never snows and rarely rains. It’s the ideal town to soak up the sun while listening to the ocean waves.
  • Oceanside afternoons are a drive away. If you love to spend time at the beach, you’ll get the most out of coast life in this town. Pick up surfing or beach yoga in a place where it’s always summer.
  • You’re not too far from more bustling cities. If you’re feeling like visiting the big city for a day or weekend, you don’t have to travel far. San Diego is less than an hour away, and Los Angeles is about 2 hours away.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is the fourth-largest city in New Mexico and has a population of approximately 84,000. It makes sense why the city is known as the “Land of Enchantment” because:

  • Art and culture are everywhere. From art shows to beautiful architecture, the city is packed with entertainment, culture and art. Santa Fe is a great place for anyone looking to live among a local creative community.
  • The food is fresh and diverse. There are plenty of farmers’ markets in Santa Fe, so there is no shortage of fresh produce. Plus, the city’s staple dishes include enchiladas, tamales and huevos rancheros. Yum!
  • You can step back in time. Santa Fe is packed with museums and historical sites. In fact, the city’s history is one of its main tourist attractions. If you love ancient churches and old public buildings, your fresh start in Santa Fe awaits.

Asheville, North Carolina

5. Asheville, North Carolina

Perhaps you’re thinking your new home is somewhere on the East Coast. Consider the North Carolinian gem of Asheville. With a population of around 90,000 and mountains as the city’s backdrop, it’s among the great places to start over for many reasons, including:

  • It’s a big city with a small-town feel. Sure, Asheville is a big city with tons to do. However, visitors often rave about the sense of community and hospitality among the locals.
  • There are plenty of outdoor attractions. Asheville is nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to two national parks and two national forests. Driving through the state is an easy way to incorporate nature into your move.
  • The architecture is gorgeous. Most of downtown Asheville was built with an Art Deco architectural style, so you’ll feel like you’re walking among masterpieces.

Ready to Start Fresh? Let Wheaton World Wide Moving Help.

The thrill of a fresh start can be equally as scary as it is exciting. And for good reason: There’s a lot that goes into wiping your slate clean. Once you’ve settled on a city to put down some new roots, Wheaton World Wide Moving is available to figure out the details. Get in touch with one of our agents for a free estimate! Trust that getting your belongings to your new city will be one less item on your fresh start to-do list.

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