When one thinks of living in the South, Florida and the Carolinas are usually the first places that come to mind. However, don’t discount their nearby neighbors Alabama and Mississippi, both of which have plenty of Southern hospitality to go around and make these areas one of the best places to live.

For those seeking thrills further afield, Arkansas and Texas offer excellent jumping off points for the next adventure. Not to mention, it’s generally less expensive to live in this region — just make sure to invest in a good air conditioner with all the money you’ll save. The South is anything but slow-moving, with both large and small cities steeped in American history, exciting economic prospects, and deep cultural, musical, and culinary traditions.