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Last Updated: 16th April 2025 by Martha Lott

When most people imagine relocating to the United States, cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami probably come to mind as the best US cities for expats. For those seeking a more affordable, welcoming, and well-rounded lifestyle, the real magic often lies in the lesser-known corners of the country.

In this guide, we’ll take you beyond the tourist hotspots and into six unexpected US cities that offer a fantastic quality of life, strong expat communities, and plenty of charm, all without the sky-high price tags or hectic pace of the major metros. Whether you’re chasing career opportunities, sunshine, or simply a fresh start, these are some of the best places to live in America for Brits in 2025.

1. Sarasota, Florida

One of the most popular places for Brits to live in the US is Florida. It’s conveniently on the east coast, closer to the UK, and has year-round sunshine with balmy temperatures even in winter. Add in the surprisingly affordable housing and you have the perfect recipe for a laid-back, sunny lifestyle.

Rather than heading for Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Tampa, why not head for Sarasota? This small city, population of no more than 60,000, is still close to major hubs such as St Petersburg and Tampa, which greatly increases job opportunities, but maintains its small-town charm. It is fringed by beautiful white-sand, Gulf coast beaches and avoids the worst of the hurricane season, has a vibrant artsy scene, great shopping and a genteel, upmarket ambience.

There is a well-established British expat community in Sarasota, with the bringing people together. With over 130 members, the club host monthly outings, beach BBQs, and celebrations of British traditions like Bonfire Night and Christmas parties. If you’re moving to Sarasota from Wales, then check out the Sarasota Welsh Society or the St. David’s Society.

2. San Antonio, Texas

Texas is one of the best places to live in America for Brits, with Austin being the most popular, hosting around 4,000 UK expats. Austin is an important computing and technology hub and has been declared the live music capital of the world. Its vibrant arts scene, over 300 parks, and strong community feel don’t make it an affordable place to live. Why not try San Antonio as a cheaper alternative? It’s cost of living is lower than the national average, and average properties sell for around $250,000. The city also has a thriving and growing UK expat community.

Dallas is also on the up and has recently been declared the fastest growing city in the US, with the fastest-growing job market too. It has oil wealth, but there are a whole range of companies headquartered in the city, from American Airlines to AT&T, and the quality of life is ranked among the best in America. Expect great schools, hundreds of miles of space to find your perfect neighbourhood and home and a friendly atmosphere.

Houston is incredibly affordable (even on a modest income), diverse and with a great job market in everything from energy and aerospace to manufacturing. It is a great city with an exciting foodie scene, pleasant climate and some of the best universities in the state. Also, remember Texas is one of the few states in America where you don’t pay income tax!

3. Seattle, Washington

Seattle isn’t a cheap place to live, but it does offer a fantastic lifestyle for those who do make the move. With the likes of Boeing, Microsoft and Amazon offering great job opportunities, there is a strong expat population.

Yes, it rains in Seattle, but the glorious green countryside surrounding the metropolis has given it the name Emerald City, and while winters can be grey, long summers are glorious and you will have amazing parks such as just nearby. In the city, there is an exciting entrepreneurial spirit, as well as a diverse foodie offering, coffee culture, and craft beer movement that make weekends all the more fun. Washington also has no income tax advantage.

Many British expats are drawn to neighbourhoods with a community feel, like Ballard, Capitol Hill, and West Seattle. There are active Facebook and online groups for British expats living in Seattle, such as , which has over 1,000 members. There are also international expat networks like InterNations Seattle that host regular meetups.

4. Denver, Colorado

In 2018, Denver made it into in the US (just behind Austin, Texas and fellow Colorado spot Colorado Springs). Sitting at the foot of the Rocky Mountains this city of less than three million people certainly knows how to make an impact.

If you are a ski or snowboarding fan, the idea of getting into the Rockies in an hour is certainly tempting. And contrary to popular belief, the city itself enjoys some lovely balmy temperatures, while it has also attracted some serious businesses, from Google to Comcast.

With such an influx of workers to serve these new businesses in recent years, there is a young, open atmosphere in the city, with green spaces, a strong environmental conscience and an outdoorsy culture.

5. Portland, Maine

Quaint, beautiful, with a population of just 67,000 and more restaurants per capita than anywhere else in the US, you would do well to visit Portland as a possible place to live. Located in New England, it is of course surrounded by stunning natural landscapes which turn golden-red in autumn, attracting leaf-peepers from around the world.

It is also attracting its fair share of creative industries, from advertising to marketing and digital agencies, bringing an added vibrancy to an employment market that was once mainly based around the port.

Add in the beautiful coastal setting, easy access to the mountain range, affordable housing, and a laid-back pace of life and you will begin to see why more people are moving to Maine.

6. Scottsdale, Arizona

Just 10 miles outside busy Phoenix lies another city, a quieter, more relaxed hub called . It has long been a popular travel spot but it is actually a thriving city in itself as well. With its proximity to Phoenix it is often a great destination for city slickers to enjoy a night out thanks to its great restaurant and bar scene. But by day older residents and young families play golf, go shopping in the stylish Fashion Square, visit art galleries (there are more than 70) and enjoy the parks and walking and cycling trails that make this city on of the most desirable places to live in the state.

The city itself has a distinctly upmarket feel, while the surrounding desert landscape is one of dramatic beauty where you can hike, rock climb, go canyoneering or simply spot wildlife. Downtown is a burgeoning business hub thanks to its proximity of and Phoenix airports and the quality of life employees can enjoy, while the climate is, of course, another reason why so many choose to call Scottsdale home.