
If there’s anything we’ve all learned in the past few years, it’s how unpredictable the economy is. So, it’s only natural for you to want to be prepared for the future of uncertainties. Here are 15 cities you could move to in the US to have the best quality of life during a recession.
Salt Lake City, Utah

The best place to move to in tough times would be Salt Lake City. According to the Zebra, Salt Lake City has a low unemployment rate of 3.80% and a low cost of living, the place is good enough. Their GDP is also 0.4% higher than the national average, so people here feel secure.
Castle Rock, Colorado

If you want to ride out a recession in peace, Castle Rock is the place to be. It ranks 10th on the employment rate in the country with a housing rank of 7, indicating affordable prices. The social assistance here also beats out many by ranking at a whopping 3rd place.
Boise, Idaho

This city is where you want to go if a food shortage ever arises. Boise offers a strong agricultural base in case a recession causes a shortage. Moreover, affordable housing options are available in Boise, which is surrounded by farmland. In short, this city is truly self-sufficient.
Denver, Colorado

In 2024, Denver’s GDP growth rate is 1.4% and is expected to increase. Additionally, the housing security is also high in the city. Only 20% of the people expressed worries about the same as per Co Policy Org in 2020. Hence, during an economic collapse, this city can be your choice.
Raleigh, North Carolina

Tying with Denver, Raleigh ranks fourth for its strong GDP growth and slightly below-average unemployment rate. The city’s cost of living is moderate compared to others on the list. However, housing insecurity is a concern, with 23% of residents unsure if they can make their next payment according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2024.
Wichita, Kansas

During the last recession, Wichita’s unemployment rate increased. However, it seems that they’re well-prepared now. According to Livability, the city experienced a 3.5% decrease in the unemployment rate in 2018. The residents there also have the third lowest income-to-debt ratio in the nation.
Victoria, Texas

Owing to its strong economy and varied industries, this small city excels during recessions. Major companies like Caterpillar, DuPont, and Formosa Plastics anchor the local workforce. Positioned between Houston and Corpus Christi, Victoria thrives as a hub for energy and manufacturing, offering steady job growth and stability.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

With its steady economy and low unemployment at 3.1%, the city can be your stop during crisis. Minneapolis’s GDP growth is modest at 1.1%, but living costs are 23% lower than in New York according to the data in 2018. The city’s housing security is strong, with only 18.5% of residents uncertain about meeting their next payment—one of the lowest nationwide.
Knoxville, Tennessee

A report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in August 2024 suggested that Knoxville features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, below the national average. Its economic stability is highlighted by a median home price of $134,600. Known for high job satisfaction and a lively downtown, Knoxville offers a balanced lifestyle.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

With a low unemployment rate of 3%, Pittsburgh reflects a robust job market. The city’s affordable cost of living ranked 781 in 2024, enhances its economic attractiveness. Additionally, a GDP growth rate of 1.2% signifies a healthy and expanding economy, reinforcing Pittsburgh’s appeal for residents and businesses alike.
Tulsa, Oklahoma

According to the Tulsa Future website, Tulsa has seen robust job growth, adding 10,900 jobs in November 2023—a 2.4% increase. Key sectors include construction, natural resources, and leisure. Moreover, the BOK Center, opened during the 2008 recession, highlights Tulsa’s resilience and thriving energy sector alongside its rich cultural heritage.
Charlotte, North Carolina

The unemployment rate in the city stands at 3.4%, just below the national average, while the GDP growth rate is an impressive 2.5%. However, the cost of living index sits at 81.1, higher than many Southern cities. Notably, 23% of residents express concerns about meeting upcoming housing payments as reported by multiple studies.
Boston, Massachusetts

The city excels in a lot of areas and the one that makes it unique is the 2.7% unemployment rate and strong housing confidence—only 17.1% feel insecure. But with just 1.3% GDP growth and a high cost of living index over 90, it remains a challenging city for affordability, according to the 2015 government data.
Des Moines, Iowa

Resilience defines the city’s economy, as housing prices fluctuated by just 0.1% during the last recession. Des Moines’ unemployment rate only rose by 1.2%, and it continues to thrive as the fastest-growing city in the Midwest, with booming industries in agribusiness and financial services, attracting young professionals, as reported by 2023 trends.
Fargo, North Dakota

During the 2007-2009 recession, North Dakota stayed steady with a 3.4% unemployment rate while the rest of the US faced soaring rates. Fargo, home to Microsoft and Case New Holland, contributes billions to the state’s economy, offering recession resilience, a strong workforce, and growing opportunities.