From Sightseeing to Settling: The Appeal of CNN’s Best Towns to Visit

July 29, 20245 min read

Providence, RI | Michael Denning

Earlier this year, CNN unveiled its list of the best towns to visit in the U.S. Below, we’ll explore CNN’s ranked cities, highlighting why they can be worthwhile places to live and their real estate dynamics.

1. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia’s capital city, tops the list with its vibrant arts scene, exquisite cuisine, historical attractions, and lively festivals. As a historical city that played significant roles in the Civil War and the American Revolution, Richmond’s rising job market and modest cost of living are attractive features for people looking to put down roots. In June, Redfin reported a median home sale price of $422,500, with homes going pending within five to 10 days, translating to a very competitive market. According to Niche, City Center, Colonial Place, and Malvern Gardens each stand out among Richmond’s finest neighborhoods.

Richmond, VA | Nathaniel Villaire

2. Providence, Rhode Island

Hailed as the “Creative Capital” of New England, Providence boasts a wealth of art exhibits and public golf courses. Federal Hill offers a variety of unique shops, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants housed in historic buildings. The growing job market in Providence is promising for people looking to relocate there, as is its pedestrian-friendly layout. The city presents an extremely competitive real estate market, with homes selling at a median cost of $540,000 and pending within seven to 16 days, per Redfin’s June data. When considering the most desirable neighborhoods in Providence, College Hill, Mount Hope, and Blackstone are highly recommended by Niche.

Providence | Rafael Rodrigues

3. Tacoma, Washington

Celebrated for its glass art and stunning scenery, Tacoma is home to history museums, parks, and nature preserves. Owen Beach offers visitors opportunities for kayaking, scenic walking trails, and Vashon Island vistas. For locals, an affordable cost of living and rising job opportunities stand among the city’s most popular features. Tacoma has a highly competitive real estate market. Redfin reported a median home sale price of nearly $490,000 in June, with properties going pending within an impressive four to seven days. Among the city’s finest neighborhoods are North End, New Tacoma, and Northeast Tacoma.

Tacoma, WA | Ennif Pendahl

4. Portland, Maine

CNN’s praise of Portland centers around this small city’s ability to offer amenities typically found in larger urban areas. Victorian-era architecture graces the West End, while sophisticated museums, local guided tours, and waterfront parks regularly attract visitors. The city’s booming college scene and high income per capita rate appeal to locals and prospective residents. In June, Redfin reported that the Portland real estate market is moderately competitive, with a median sale price of $650,000 and homes typically pending within about 21 days. Niche lists Black Cove, West End, and Parkside as being among Portland’s best places to live.

Portland, ME | Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

5. San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo’s laid-back atmosphere, combined with its rich arts and culture scenes, and engaging wine-tasting experiences, and nature tours, earned it a spot on CNN’s list. Boasting a high quality of life and year-round warm weather, it’s not hard to see the upsides of calling the city home. According to Redfin, San Luis Obispo has a very competitive real estate market, with a median home sale price of $1.02 million reported in June and homes typically going pending within around 26 days.

San Luis Obispo, CA | Madison Detwiler

6. Flagstaff, Arizona

Beloved for its outdoor activities, Flagstaff is a haven for ziplining, hiking, and other adventures across its nature reserves and state parks. Growing economic opportunities in Flagstaff make it an attractive place to call home, as does the city’s low crime rates. Redfin reported a median home sale price of $695,000 in June, with homes going pending in around 14 days, reflecting a highly competitive market.

Flagstaff, AZ

7. Macon, Georgia

Hailed for its national parks and dynamic downtown scene, Macon features museums, performing arts theaters, and exceptional cuisine. Low living expenses and the city’s lower-than-average unemployment rate benefit residents. Macon’s real estate market is moderately competitive, with a median sale price of $186,250 and homes typically going pending within 41 days, per Redfin’s June data. According to Neighborhood Scout, some of the town’s most exclusive neighborhoods include Wesleyan and Rotary Park.

Macon, GA

8. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Home to a fantastic art scene and family-friendly activities, Grand Rapids offers botanical gardens, art museums, and nature preserves. Both its affordable cost of living and its standing among the nation’s top five cities to build a business work in favor of Grand Rapids for residents and those considering a move. In June, homes sold at a median price of approximately $300,000 and went pending within about 6 days, equating to a moderately competitive market, according to Redfin. Niche ranks Eastgate, Eastown, and Fulton Heights as excellent starting points for house hunting.

Grand Rapids, MI | Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

9. Knoxville, Tennessee

Knoxville’s architecture, live music, and gourmet cuisine earned it the 9th spot on CNN’s coveted list. Perched on the Tennessee River, this town offers museums, nature preserves, and botanic gardens. Knoxville’s proximity to major cities and its array of job opportunities make it an appealing place to live. Real estate in this city is somewhat competitive. According to Redfin data from June, the median home sale price was nearly $335,000 and homes typically went pending in about 40 days. Knoxville’s finest neighborhoods include Sequoyah Hills, Westmoreland, and Northshore.

Knoxville, TN | Stephen Ellis

10. Duluth, Minnesota

Nestled on the shoreline of Lake Superior, Duluth’s outdoor activities are central to its appeal. Skating, charter fishing, hiking, biking, and snowmobiling are all popular pastimes. Duluth’s below-average living costs and diverse job opportunities are among its most appealing attributes for potential residents. The local real estate scene is fairly competitive. Homes sold at a median price of $315,000 in June and typically went pending within about 13 days, per Redfin.