Move here if you want to … have a personal transformation.

It is not hyperbole to say Santa Fe is a magical place. From the transcendent breakfast burritos to the immersive art experiences, there’s a reason Santa Fe’s motto is, “The City Different.”

A lot of people come to Santa Fe because it offers a different kind of lifestyle — and an invitation for self-reflection and evolution. Living here means being surrounded by desert vistas, sunshine, cultural traditions and an abundance of visual and performing arts.

The city is also home to Southwestern College, a graduate program focusing on counseling and art therapy, which means for a small city, there are plenty of mental health professionals here to help facilitate your personal transformation.

We asked someone who retired to Santa Fe to tell us their favorite thing about living here. The answer?

“People. Sunsets. The fragrant smell of pinion logs burning in our fireplace. The aroma of fresh chiles being roasted outside during the season. Taking out-of-town visitors hiking at Kasha Katuwe and showing them Meow Wolf and blowing their minds both places. And the fact that you would never, ever, ever mistake this dusty little cowboy town for anyplace else on earth.”

Move here if you want to … defy expectations.

Vegas has long been one of the quintessential “fresh start” cities. Case in point: how many people have bought a one-way ticket here with the express purpose of reinventing themselves?

While Vegas reinventions typically conjure images of sequins, feathers and/or a starring role in a Cirque du Soleil show, today’s Las Vegas is a multifaceted city with much more to offer people from all walks of life.

Median home prices in Las Vegas are well below $300,000, and the city is experiencing growth that’s creating opportunities in many different fields. Jobs in the service industry and hospitality are always plentiful, of course, but so are roles in marketing, communications, and construction.

While most people define Vegas by the bright lights and craziness of the Strip, living here can be surprisingly… wholesome experience. With tight-knit neighborhoods, tons of outdoor activities and a great foodscene, living in Las Vegas defies all expectations.

But rest assured: it’s still Vegas, which means you’ll never be bored.

Are you considering a move out of California?  We can help!  Visit www.ExitCalifornia.org

7 – Longmont, CO

Population: 89,814

Move here if you want to … join a tight-knit community.

Located about an hour outside of Denver, Longmont is a small city that feels like a small town. The sense of community is palpable because the people who live here are proud to live here. (Want proof? Check out the popular shirts sold by a local boutique that proclaim, “Longmont vs. Everybody.”)

With a walkable downtown stocked with local businesses (including a great beer scene!) and friendly faces, living in Longmont is a fun and social experience. And with a cost of living lower than many cities in the Denver area, the lifestyle here feels more laid back and accessible.

Oh, and it’s also a dream destination for cheese lovers. Need we say more?

Are you considering a move out of California?  We can help!  Visit www.ExitCalifornia.org

6 – Oklahoma City, OK

Population: 610,672

Move here if you want to … find an artistic community.

When you think of artistic cities, your mind probably flashes to New Orleans, NYC or Los Angeles. And while those places are undoubtedly brimming with creative energy, we’d like to propose an unexpected place that’s quickly becoming one of the country’s premier creative scenes: Oklahoma City.

Yes, you read that right.

Whether you want to make art, see art or just soak up the creative energy of other people making art, OKC has got you covered. From a fantastic indie film festival to a ridiculously cool gallery district, the artistic expression happening in Oklahoma City right now — and the local support for it — is unmatched.

“Oklahoma City has a really strong and supportive arts community,” says Kelsey Karper, one of the founders of  Factory Obscura, an artist collective that creates wildly popular immersive art experiences. “Because of the network of support we have cultivated amongst the arts community, there is room for people to try things without fear of failure.”

Are you considering a move out of California?  We can help!  Visit www.ExitCalifornia.org

5 – Fargo, ND

Population: 113,464

Move here if you want to … start your own business.

Lots of cities around the country are creating effective entrepreneurial ecosystems, but few places have the combination of entrepreneurial opportunity and a supportive, tight-knit community that Fargo has. If you want to start your own business, Fargo offers personal and professional support, a culture of growth and an affordable cost of living that is crucial when you’re getting a new business off the ground. It’s no surprise the city has a thriving startup scene.

More from ExitCalifornia.Org

• What state do you want to relocate to – Find out here
• Helpful moving resources
• Moving credit
• California Relocation Guide

But don’t take our word for it. When we asked Christy Tehven, a florist who started her own floral and events shop in Fargo, how basing her business in Fargo helped her succeed, here’s what she had to say:

“I just love the heart of our city, the kindness that is shown towards others. Starting a business, you never really know how people are going to show up and support you. When I asked for customers and asked for people to help support me, they totally did, no questions asked. The hearts of the people here are really genuine. They want the best for you, not like, ‘I hope this person doesn’t make it.’”

P.S. Just in case you didn’t know: Fargo is way cooler than you think.

4 – Black Mountain, NC

Population: 8,079

Move here if you want to … simplify your life.

Black Mountain is a small town located 15 miles from Asheville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Between the lush mountain views, quaint cottages and adorable downtown (dotted with oversized rocking chairs!), Black Mountain is so beautiful it will make your heart hurt a little. It’s also the perfect home base for people who want to slow down and embrace a simpler way of life. This is the kind of place where neighbors greet each other at the general store, fireflies light up summer evenings and bluegrass jams are a frequent occurrence.

While you’re enjoying the outdoors and learning how to make bread (with supplies from the adorable local kitchen shop that calls itself “a toy store for foodies”), rest assured you’ll still be close enough to Asheville to enjoy all the amenities of a bigger city.

Are you considering a move out of California?  We can help!  Visit www.ExitCalifornia.org

3 – Iowa City, IA

Population: 71,832

Move here if you want to … jumpstart your literary career.

If this is the year you promised yourself you’d get serious about writing, a move to Iowa City might be just the spark you need.

Iowa City is home to the famous Iowa City Writers’ Workshop, an MFA program at the University of Iowa where famous writers like Ann Patchett, Kurt Vonnegut, and John Irving have studied and taught. But even if you’re not enrolling in the program, the entire city itself is a literary treasure. Literally. Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature, an international designation bestowed on the city for its dedication to celebrating and supporting literature.

The beloved local bookstore, Prairie Lights, will keep you well-stocked with reading the material and inspired with a full roster of events, readings, and author visits.

When you’re not hard at work on The Great American Novel, this lively college town has plenty to do to keep you entertained and connected. Plus, the cost of living here is below the national average, which means you don’t have to be a starving artist (unless, of course, it’s part of your process).

Are you considering a move out of California?  We can help!  Visit www.ExitCalifornia.org

2 – Bend, OR

Population: 81,780

Move here if you want to … get active.

Does your current day-to-day life feel flat and stagnant? Are you yearning for fresh air and adventure? Moving to Bend, Oregon, is the remedy for all that ails you.

Not only is Bend located in central Oregon, which happens to be one of the most beautiful areas of the Pacific Northwest (and possibly the whole country), it provides easy access to all the outdoor adventures you could ask for. Want to take a day off and hit the slopes? You’re less than an hour from Mt. Bachelor. Want to do a little whitewater kayaking in the morning before work? The Deschutes River conveniently runs right through town. Can you see why Livability named Bend one of the Best Home Base Cities for Adventure Enthusiasts?

If you want to make outdoor adventure your full-time job, there are plenty of ways to make a living outside in Bend, from working at a resort to becoming a guide or instructor.

Are you considering a move out of California?  We can help!  Visit www.ExitCalifornia.org

1 – Cleveland , OH

Population: 390,584

Move here if you want to … find a new job.

If you’re looking for a place where you can grow professionally and be surrounded by new opportunities, you need to give Cleveland a second look.

Cleveland currently has thousands of job openings — in many fields but especially in healthcare, IT and manufacturing — and not enough qualified people to fill them. In fact, Livability recently highlighted Cleveland as one of the 10 Best Places for Job Seekers thanks to the combination of job openings, economic growth and low cost of living.

In addition to the job market, can we talk about how cool Cleveland has gotten in the past few years? The city has had a renaissance and transformed into a surprisingly hip, youthful and creative city brimming with the energy of newness and rejuvenation — perfect for anyone looking to tap into that energy in their own life.

This article originally appeared on Livability

Are you considering a move out of California?  We can help!  Visit www.ExitCalifornia.org