10 Friendliest Cities in the US: How Community Informs the Best Places for Families to Live in the USA

Moving is hard, no matter where you move to. We did a survey last year that showed that moving anxiety is a very real thing. And it’s not just about where to get your boxes.

One of the biggest stressors of moving is finding a community that feels welcoming. Community, connection, and support can make us feel at home. And the lack of community can make our adjustment period feel like an eternity.

Having a welcoming social group can be just as important for travelers as for those looking to relocate, depending on your personality.

If the importance of a supportive group of peers resonates with you, then you’ll probably want to do some research about the friendliest cities in the US before you hit the road.

Sounds daunting, right? Don’t sweat it–we’ve done the research for you.

This article covers the friendliest cities in the US, based on recent surveys and studies like the Preply 2025 survey, WalletHub 2025 study, and the YUZU 2025 survey.

We’ll review the 10 best cities for families to live in the USA, and for anyone who values friendliness. We’ll dive into the benefits of living in a friendly city, and how it can bring you a sense of belonging, a higher quality of life, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Finally, we’ll reveal how SelfStorage.com can help you prepare for your move and the steps you can take to make moving day go smoothly.

Keep in mind that we’re judging these cities strictly based on their level of friendliness. Some of them may have a higher cost of living, while others are quite affordable. And we’ll be sure to mention which is which as we run down this list.

But what all 10 of these places have in common is friendly community engagement, hospitality, and neighborly behavior.

#1: Austin, Texas

Moving to Austin has basically become a fad at this point. And for good reason. Austin was ranked the #1 friendliest city in the United States by the Preply survey back in March 2025, with a 7.45 rating for friendliness.

And it’s not just friendly for people. A slew of survey respondents rated Austin the top city for pet-friendliness. And it ranked in the top 5 for child-friendliness as well.

Why Families Love Austin:

• Vibrant food, music, entertainment, and cultural scene
• Rich in outdoor activities, with hundreds of miles of Texas Hill Country right next door.
• Strong job market with booming service industry, medical science, and a large and growing tech industry presence.
• A robust selection of family-friendly amenities
• Fast paced and modern while maintaining the classic “country-hippie” attitude that’s welcoming to newcomers and strangers

Community Highlights:

• Lots of patio food and drink spaces, food truck parks, and dog-friendly venues that foster an outdoor lifestyle
• Known for the “Keep Austin Weird” community spirit that celebrates unique and diverse differences
• Hosts an abundance of bicycle trails, parks, public gardens, and green spaces
• Family-oriented events and festivals make ATX one of the best cities for families in the USA

Average Self Storage Unit Cost in Austin

While smaller units are obviously cheaper than larger ones, the price per square foot goes down as the unit size goes up. For example, a 5×10 unit in Austin offers 50 square feet for $41.29.

Renting two 5×10 units gives you 100 square feet of storage for $82.58. But renting a single 10×10 unit in Austin gives you that same 100 square feet for $64.04. The best storage sizes for families are the 10×10, 10×15, and 10×20, depending on how much you need to store.

Rather than one family member rening a 5×10 and another renting their own 5×10, sharing a larger unit as a family gives you the same space for less per square foot.

Moving to Austin:

Austin is a hot spot destination these days, so you’ll want to book your moving company at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak summer months. Whether you need apartment movers for a studio in Downtown Austin or help with long-distance moves from out of state, choosing the right moving services can make all the difference on moving day.

You’ll definitely want to have a place lined up ahead of time, as Austin housing can be competitive. 

Austin has a rich job market and a thriving gig economy, so finding work won’t be as difficult as finding a place to live. 

That said, the cost of living is high. We suggest having work lined up before you get there, unless you have savings you’re willing to spend.

#2: Charlotte, North Carolina

 

Charlotte, North Carolina, ranks as number 2 on our list, as the Preply survey done in March of last year tied Charlotte for #2 with a 7.16 friendliness rating. Charlotte places in the top 3 cities that are friendliest to strangers, and with a top 3 for child-friendliness, it’s clearly one of the best cities for families in the US.

Why Families Love Charlotte:

• Charlotte boasts a growing job market with a major corporate presence.
• An affordable cost of living and an accessible real estate market, especially compared to other major metros.
• The areas surrounding Charlotte host strong school systems
• Southern hospitality culture offers small-town hospitality in a big city with lots to do

Community Highlights:

• Welcoming and thriving neighborhoods for families
• Accessible outdoor recreation, with over 5 million acres of public land in North Carolina, including the Smoky Mountain State Park
• Charlotte hosts a variety of cultural attractions and family-friendly events.
• Charlotte’s thriving neighborhoods are sustained through community engagement programs, partnerships, and services that inform and empower residents to evolve and maintain them.

Average Storage Unit Costs in Charlotte

Storage prices in Charlotte are typically pretty reasonable, on par with or even lower than the national average. The Charlotte self storage market provides a variety of cost-effective storage solutions, from climate-controlled self storage units to vehicle storage to temporary self storage.

Moving to Charlotte:

Charlotte offers an array of diverse neighborhoods, vibrant cultural life, and a growing job market, which make it an attractive place to live. But the range of offerings makes researching the best areas to live in based on your lifestyle and commuting needs can help you settle in more comfortably.

We suggest using a professional moving service if you have a lot to pack and shuttle. Renting a self storage unit in Charlotte can ease your transition, especially if you’re arriving before your new home is ready or downsizing to a smaller living space. Planning and utilizing Charlotte’s local services can not only relaxthe stress of moving, but also help you build some community and feel at home and supported.

#3: San Diego, California

Next on our list is San Diego, California, ranked as the #1 friendliest city by a YUZU survey back in September 2025. And it’s not just friendly for humans, either–sunny San Diego made it into the Top 3 Pet-friendly cities in Preply’s survey.

San Diego is often nicknamed America’s Finest City due to its gorgeous weather and its pleasant atmosphere, which welcomes visiting travelers and residential newcomers.

Why Families Love San Diego:

• San Diego is among the best cities for families to live in the USA due to the pleasant weather all year-round.
• San Diego boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States–it’s rich and busy, with a rich outdoor lifestyle, which has earned San Diego the nickname of City in Motion.
• Lots of San Diego neighborhoods have access to high-level public schools
• San Diego is home to safe, family-oriented communities

Community Highlights:

• San Diego residents are celebrated for their laid-back, welcoming energy
• The City in Motion by the ocean hosts a bounty of parks, beaches, and recreational areas that encourage outdoor activity for people of all ages.
• San Diego residents display a strong sense of neighborhood community
• America’s Finest City is home to a diverse range of cultural attractions

Self Storage Costs in San Diego

Climate-controlled self storage options are a treasure in the hot coastal climate, where temperature fluctuations and humidity levels can eat through your temperature-sensitive items.

Self storage facilities are widely accessible in San Diego, with lots of storage centers located right off the major highways in all parts of town.

Moving to San Diego

Finding work in San Diego is much easier now than it was a few years ago. The hardest part of moving to San Diego used to be finding work, as the unemployment rates spiked in 2020. But San Diego bounced back hard, with some of its industries seeing faster growth than had been projected back before the pandemic.

The largest contributor to the high cost of living is housing. Housing in San Diego is 119 percent higher than the U.S. average. If you plan to move to San Diego, we suggest lining up a place to live ahead of time, as housing is harder to lock down than a job. 

#4: El Paso, Texas 

El Paso ranked as one of the top 5 friendliest cities in the US in the March 2025 Preply survey. But it ranked #1 for the friendliest city to strangers and #1 friendliest city to children, moving it up to #4 in our book.

And the accolades don’t stop there. Just last year, the U.S. News & World Report named  El Paso the 2nd best big city to live in in the U.S.

Why Families Love El Paso:

• El Paso boasts a strong community culture that emphasizes family values
• Real estate is accessible in El Paso, as the city offers some of the most affordable costs of living on our list
• The Sun City of 915 offers its residents safe neighborhoods
• El Paso is home to the massive Franklin Mountain State Park, which cuts right down the center of the city and hosts a variety of hiking trails.
• The Boot Capital of Texas offers a rich quality of life to families of all backgrounds.

Community Highlights:

• Sitting right on the US-Mexico border, El Paso has developed a genuinely unique cultural fabric that blends Mexican, Texan, and Native American influences into something you won’t find anywhere else. 
• El Paso’s diversity translates into a welcoming attitude toward tourists, visitors, and new residents. treats visitors and newcomers. 
• Sun Sity’s spirit of inclusion shows up throughout the calendar in the form of family-centered cultural events that celebrate El Paso’s heritage with music, food, and community gatherings. 
• El Paso’s low crime rates are the lowest of any major city in Texas, which can help put family members at ease as you settle in.

Storage Unit Pricing in El Paso

El Paso boasts a wide variety of self storage locations, which are scattered evenly around the city on both sides of the Franklin Mountains. 

As a family-centric city, it’s no wonder that El Paso’s self storage selection offers a variety of affordable options for families.

That said, Self Storage prices vary by location, with the most affordable options located on the West side and the South East, with East Central storage facilities being slightly more expensive. 

Moving to El Paso:

El Paso is one of the best cities for families to live in the USA, offering a friendly community vibe with a rich blend of cultures and traditions.  Its affordable cost of living, higher than the state average school systems, and a massive public mountain park make it an ideal location for families to thrive. 

During the transition to El Paso, you can use one of its many flexible and secure self-storage options while waiting for your house to get ready, staying with friends while you find work, or if you’re downsizing your living space as a result of the move. Low humidity and super dry climates can be as harsh on your belongings as high humidity, so we suggest a climate-controlled self storage facility if you’re storing sensitive items.

#5: San Antonio, Texas 

San Antonio, Texas, is another high-scoring friendly city, achieving a 7.16 friendliness rating in the Preply survey and tying for the #2. San Antonio has a rich cultural heritage that includes aspects of Mexican and Texas cultures, as well as a strong tradition of southern hospitality. So it’s no wonder that San Antonio was ranked #2 for friendliness toward strangers.

Why Families Love San Antonio:

• San Antonio is a rarity in Texas, offering affordable living with big-city amenities. 
• San Antonio comes out of a rich and detailed cultural heritage and history
• “Alamo City,” aka “Spurs Nation, hosts a variety of family-friendly attractions like the River Walk food, entertainment, and shopping district, the Alamo historical site, and the San Antonio Spurs professional basketball team
• San Antonio fosters an ambitious and growing job market and thriving economy

Community Highlights:

• San Antonio is known for welcoming newcomers and visitors with kindness and warmth that makes you feel at home.g.
• Alamo City residents carry a strong sense of community pride that expresses itself as hospitality and a festive mood.
• From the legendary Fiesta San Antonio to neighborhood block parties and holiday celebrations, family-friendly festivals are frequent in San Antonio. 
• San Antonio’s diverse neighborhoods each have their own distinct personality and flavor, meaning there’s a corner of the city that fits just about every kind of family.

Self Storage Costs in San Antonio

Again, with a lower price per square foot, the best deals for families are achieved by sharing a larger 10×20, 10×15, or 10×20 unit rather than renting multiple smaller units. San Antonio gets brutally hot in the summertime, making climate-controlled storage a must for anything susceptible to heat damage.  

Moving to San Antonio

Relocating to San Antonio offers an affordable cost of living, a thriving job market, and a rich cultural scene with a mix of historic and modern attractions. The proud Spurs Nation is offering.

Big-city opportunities without having to spend big bucks, moving to San Antonio could be the right choice.

The city’s cost of living falls about 10 percent below the U.S. national average and about 5 percent below the Texas state average. And there’s no state income tax.

A self-storage unit in San Antonio, TX can help manage the transition to San Antonio more smoothly, by providing a secure place for belongings that may not immediately fit into your new place or to keep your stuff safe and accessible until you’re ready to fully settle into your new San Antonio home.

#6: Columbus, Ohio 

Columbus, Ohio,o may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of friendly, but the numbers don’t lie. Columbus tied for #2 in the Preply survey with a 7.16 friendliness rating–the same score as Charlotte and San Antonio. But Columbus also ranks as the friendliest city in the entire Midwest. And with over 50 million tourists welcomed in 2024, Columbus has clearly figured out how to make people feel at home.

Why Families Love Columbus:

• Columbus offers one of the most affordable costs of living of any major city on this list, with a real estate market that still has room for first-time buyers.
• The public school systems throughout the Columbus metro are strong
• The city’s diverse economy ranges from healthcare to education to tech to finance, making job opportunities plentiful.
• And unlike some Sun Belt cities, Columbus gives you four distinct seasons without the brutal winters that scare people off from other Midwest metros.

Community Highlights:

• Columbus has a reputation for welcoming neighborhoods and active community involvement that soars above the expectations for a city of its size.
• Columbus’s arts and culture scene has grown over the past decade, with vibrant districts like Short North enticing both residents and tourists.
• Columbus families have no shortage of parks, attractions, and events to keep them busy year-round.
• “Arch City’s” sheer variety of neighborhoods means there’s a corner of Columbus that fits just about every lifestyle.

Average Storage Unit Costs in Columbus

Columbus storage prices are among the most affordable on this list, reflecting the city’s overall lower cost of living. 

With four seasons, climate-controlled storage is worth considering if you’re storing anything sensitive to temperature swings between those humid summers and cold fronts in January and February.

Moving to Columbus:

Columbus has the amenities of a major metro without the sticker price shock of coastal cities. And its central location makes it easy to get just about anywhere by road.

Housing is competitive but not impossible. And the job market is stable enough that you won’t need to arrive with a position already locked down, though it never hurts. 

That said, you will want to book your movers early if you’re arriving in summer, as Columbus’s growing population has made peak-season moving services busier than they used to be.

#7: Virginia Beach, Virginia 

If friendliness were measured purely by how much residents give back to their community, Virginia Beach would be at the top of the list.

WalletHub ranked Virginia Beach the #1 most caring city in the United States in December 2025. The city earned this score because its residents log more volunteer hours than any other city in the nation.

Virginia Beach has the fourth-highest share of residents who fundraise for charitable donations.

Why Families Love Virginia Beach:

• Families are drawn to Virginia Beach for the beaches, which are as good as you hope they are.
• V Beach boasts the second-lowest violent crime rate in the country, granting parents some peace of mind.
• Schools and family amenities are strong throughout this beachside metro.
• Virginia Beach holds the sixth-lowest adult poverty rate and thirteenth-lowest child poverty rate in the United States, thanks to a caring and active community.

Community Highlights:

• Virginia Beach has a Volunteer-based civic culture that permeates the neighborhoods, local events, and the way residents engage with their community.
• V Beach strikes a balance between being a genuine beach town with the infrastructure and services of a major city.
• The unique infrastructure and community care make Virginia Beach feel relaxed and welcoming without feeling sleepy.

Self Storage Costs in Virginia Beach

One thing to keep in mind when storing belongings in Virginia Beach is the coastal climate. The combination of heat and humidity can be tough on furniture, electronics, and anything else susceptible to moisture. 

Climate-controlled storage is strongly recommended for anything you plan to keep in a Virginia Beach self storage unit for more than a few weeks.

Moving to Virginia Beach:

Virginia Beach is a military-friendly city with a long history of welcoming people from all over the country, so newcomers tend to integrate quickly. 

The housing market is more accessible than some coastal cities of comparable quality of life, but Virginia Beach has no shortage of oceanfront and resort-area properties that cost a premium price.

If you’re coming from out of state, having a neighborhood in mind before you arrive will save you time. V Beach covers a lot of ground, and the vibe and prices can vary quite a bit between areas. 

A self-storage unit can be a smart bridge while you get your bearings, especially if your new place isn’t move-in ready right away.

City #8: Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee, has become one of the most talked-about cities in the country over the past decade, and its reputation for friendliness is a big part of why.

Multiple 2025 surveys placed Nashville in the top 10 friendliest cities in the US, and it ranked as the city most likely to see residents performing everyday friendly gestures like holding doors and elevators and offering spontaneous compliments.

With over 17 million visitors in 2025, Music City is well-experienced at rolling out the welcome mat to visitors of all backgrounds.

Why Families Love Nashville:

• Nashville’s booming economy hosts a job market that attracts major employers in healthcare, tech, and finance.
• “Music City” is home to a legendary music and entertainment scene.
• Southern hospitality is baked into Nashville’s culture in a genuine, non-performative way.
• Family-friendly neighborhoods have been growing steadily across the metro, and the city’s rich musical and cultural heritage gives it an identity and energy that’s genuinely hard to replicate.

Community Highlights:

Nashville residents are famously outgoing, and the city’s social scene reflects that. Community engagement is high, filtered through neighborhood associations, live music venues that double as community gathering spots, and an abundance of year-round festivals and events.

Parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Music City’s metro area.

Nashville’s food scene has evolved from a regional curiosity into a nationally recognized culinary destination.

Storage Unit Costs in Nashville

Nashville’s storage market is busy. We suggest booking your unit early, especially in high-demand areas closer to downtown.

Nashville summers are hot and humid, so climate-controlled storage is worth the investment for anything that doesn’t do well in heat.

Moving to Nashville:

Nashville’s rapid growth has elevated the housing costs compared to where they were just five years ago. In fact, the housing market is  65 higher than the national median, and 32% above the state average.

But housing costs are balanced out by lower costs for utilities, food, healthcare, and transportation seen throughout the state, so budget before the move, and you’ll be able to pinch pennies in one category to spend them in another.

And don’t underestimate how much easier your first few weeks will be with a self storage unit. Nashville’s movers are in high demand, so having your stuff staged and ready to go in storage means you’re not racing the clock on moving day.

#9: Denver, Colorado 

Denver, Colorado, was ranked in the top 10 friendliest cities in the YUZU survey in September 2025, claiming the #2 spot for pet-friendliness in the Preply survey.

It’s no wonder that pets love Denver–residents are active, community-minded, and genuinely welcoming, with a laid-back energy that makes newcomers feel at ease almost immediately.

Why Families Love Denver:

Mile High City’s outdoor recreation access is unmatched, thanks to the Rocky Mountains in the backyard.

Denver families have world-class skiing, hiking, biking, and camping within easy reach year-round.

Denver has a strong, diversified job market and high-performing schools in many parts of the metro.

The active, health-conscious culture makes Denver a fit for families who want their kids growing up with a similar mindset.

Community Highlights:

Denver’s diverse neighborhoods each have their own distinct personality, but they share a common thread of community focus and outdoor enthusiasm.

Parks and trails are woven throughout the Denver metro area, and year-round outdoor activities keep residents engaged with both the city and each other.

The food and arts scenes have evolved into some of the richest in the country.

Dever’s growth over the past decade has brought new energy without losing the approachable, neighborly atmosphere Denver has always been known for.

Self Storage Pricing in Denver

Denver families often own lots of gear–skis, bikes, kayaks, camping equipment. A self-storage unit can be a practical solution for the stuff that takes up valuable space in a garage or closet.

Denver’s semi-arid climate is actually gentler on stored belongings than humid cities, but temperature swings to cold during the winter make climate-controlled storage worth exploring.

Moving to Denver:

Colorado is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., and Denver’s population has increased 17 percent over the last ten years, driving up housing costs above the national average.

That said, Denver has a higher-than-average median income to balance that out. Denver’s job market took a hit during the pandemic, but it rebounded quickly. Colorado’s capital continues to add tens of thousands of jobs annually in a diverse array of industries, including tech, finance, health, aerospace, and marijuana.

Something families moving to Denver don’t always expect is the impact of the altitude when you’re a mile high in elevation. Give yourself some grace in those two weeks as you acclimate to the altitude.

#10: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City ranked as the 9th friendliest city in the US in the Preply survey. In fact, OKC redients call it “The Big Friendly” by its own residents, as Oklahoma City takes its reputation for kindness seriously.

OKC also ranked in the top 6 for child-friendliness, which makes it a well-kept secret in terms of family-friendly options.

Why Families Love Oklahoma City:

• The low cost of living is one of the best arguments for Oklahoma City, since Real estate is genuinely affordable.
• OKC’s low cost of living makes it possible for families to stretch a salary in ways that aren’t always feasible in larger metros.
• Oklahoma City’s Crime rates are low, neighborhoods are safe, and the sense of community is strong.
• OKC’s economy has diversified steadily beyond its energy-industry roots, with growing opportunities in aerospace, healthcare, and tech bringing new employers and new jobs to the area.

Community Highlights:

• Oklahoma City’s revitalized downtown entertainment district has become a genuine community gathering place.
• Downtown OKC has expanding dining, events, holiday, and nightlife scenes. 
• Family-friendly cultural attractions give kids plenty to do in OKC.
• Oklahoma’s welcoming attitude toward newcomers means the adjustment period tends to be shorter than you might expect, hence the nickname and reputation of being the Big Friendly.

Affordable Storage Options in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City has some of the most affordable self-storage prices on this entire list, which fits right in with the city’s lower cost of living overall. 

The climate runs hot and dry in summer and can dip sharply in winter, so climate-controlled storage is a wise investment for furniture, electronics, or anything else that could be impacted by temperature shifts.

Moving to Oklahoma City:

OKC is one of those rare cities where the stars align for families looking to get more for their money without giving up quality of life. Housing is accessible, the job market is growing, and the people are glad you’re there.

If you’re relocating from a higher cost-of-living city, the financial breathing room you’ll find in Oklahoma City tends to come as a pleasant shock.

Book your movers within a reasonable timeframe, as the Big Friendly attracts more newcomers every year. And as always, remember that self storage is here to bridge the gap if your move-in date and your arrival date don’t line up.

How We Chose The Friendliest Cities in the US

Now that we’ve covered our choices for the top 10 friendliest cities in the US, you might be curious as to how we chose. “Isn’t Santa Fe, New Mexico, a friendly place?” People are always nice to me in Key West when I’m on vacation. What about New Orleans?“

It’s true that there are lots of friendly cities in the United States that didn’t make it to our list. But we had to narrow it down to only 10. Here’s how we chose.

Our Methodology: What Makes a City Friendly?

In order to narrow our list down to the top 10 friendliest cities in the US, we analyzed:

• Resident surveys and satisfaction ratings
• Community engagement metrics like volunteering hours, social work, and civic participation
• Family-friendliness indicators like schools, safety, child-friendly amenities, child-poverty rates, and community & social services
• Welcoming attitudes toward newcomers and strangers
• Quality of life factors
• Multiple 2024-2025 studies

How These Metrics Tell the Story of Friendliness

When families consider relocating, they’re typically looking for a supportive community that makes them feel welcome and safe. Resident surveys and satisfaction ratings provide insight into how current residents feel about their community. 

Community engagement metrics can highlight the degree of community spirit and involvement, and how interconnected and eager the community is to uplift one another in times of need.

Quality schools, safety measures, and child-friendly amenities ensure that family needs are met, providing a nurturing environment where your kids can flourish into their own. When your neighbors have access to community and social services, they likely feel more economic stability. Being under less stress makes us less competitive and more welcoming toward newcomers.

And last but not least, quality-of-life factors, encompassing aspects such as healthcare, recreation, and work-life balance, tell a compelling story about how enjoyable and fulfilling life in the community can be, making them crucial considerations for families planning a move.

Why Friendliness Matters for Families 

There are lots of studies and surveys about the cost of living, job markets, and education. But friendliness is a metric that often gets neglected. When considering your next place to live, friendliness matters a lot. After all, community warmth not only has a measurable impact on how quickly newcomers feel settled, but also on family dynamics.

For example, these surveys find that residents of friendlier cities report a stronger sense of belonging. And that makes sense. When you think about it, that feeling of being known and looked out for is the felt experience of being a part of a community.

Kids who grow up surrounded by engaged, welcoming neighbors develop stronger social skills and build friendships with more ease. Having these social faculties readily available can help children feel more secure in their identity as they come of age.

Places with a strong emphasis on community building often provide easier access to mental health counselors. The Preply survey also dives into some of the common friendly actions you can expect from community members and neighbors in these places. They include:

• Holding doors open for others
• Holding elevators
• Offering directions to visitors
• Providing local recommendations
• Giving compliments and friendly words

Living in one of the friendliest cities in the US also makes it more likely that family members and friends from your old dwelling place will come visit you. The Luvlink survey found that friendliness and places considered among the best cities for traveler hospitality have a higher percentage of return visitors.

This multifaceted support network of community organizers and counselors who are there to lean on, neighbors who notice when something’s off, and friends who show up with a casserole when life gets hard is more than just a luxury.

For families navigating a new city, friendliness can make the difference between thriving and just getting by. 

How Self Storage Makes Your Move More Friendly

Self storage can play a huge role in easing your transition to a new place, no matter how friendly or whether you’re looking for a social place to be single or the best cities for families to live in the USA.

For starters, self storage plays a huge role in decluttering and downsizing before your move. Before you start packing, take a complete home inventory and make elimination decisions as you go to avoid keeping duplicates or items you don’t use.

Since you’re moving, you’re not using storage as a permanent place to keep unwanted items, but as a decision-making tool that buys you time and mental space as you organize and pack. And once you’ve decided what you’re keeping, pack as much as you can ahead of time and stage your moving boxes in your storage unit.

• One of our favorite moving hacks is booking a storage unit near your current place.
• Rent a second unit in the friendly new city you plan to move to, as close to your old and new addresses as possible.
• Pack and stage as many boxes and broken-down furniture into the unit as you can, little by little, during the month leading up to the move.
• On moving day, you just pull up to your storage and load up your rental truck–or have the professional movers meet you there–and move your belongings from one storage unit to the next.
• Then you move the essentials into your new place and return the truck, or tell the movers goodbye and unload into your new place little by little at your convenience.
• You only move the essentials into yor new place immediately and unpack as you go.
• The rest of our stuff can stay in temporary storage, so you don’t live among boxes while you’re getting used to your new place.
• Simply move things little by little into the new living space as you need them, unpacking as you go.

You can also use self-storage to stage your current house for sale, so it’s nice and empty for the real estate agent viewings. Then, your things are in storage during that awkward time in between selling the old house and closing on the new. When moving day comes, you’re packed up and ready to go.

But with all the time-consuming aspects of researching and planning moving to a new city ahead of you, how can you find a self storage unit that has the amenities you need, like climate control, and is also large enough for all your stuff near your current address? And how are you supposed to find self storage in a place you don’t even live in yet? That’s where SelfStorage.com comes in. 

Moving to One of the Friendliest Cities in the US? How SelfStorage.com

By now, you should have a pretty clear picture of why we consider Austin, Charlotte, San Diego, El Paso, San Antonio, Columbus, Virginia Beach, Nashville, Denver, and Oklahoma City to be the friendliest cities in the US. 

We also covered why frinedliness matters when choosing the best cities for families to live in the USA, and how important community is to family dynamics and the process of settling into a new place.

We reviewed how self storage can help ease the transition when moving long-distance to a new city, no matter how friendly the place is. But how do you find the ideal storage unit for your belongings, either near your current address or your new home?

First, you can use our self storage size guide to explore different self storage unit sizes, layouts, how many rooms’ worth of stuff they can fit, and common use cases.

Then, you decide on what amenities you need. Punch the zip code you want to find a unit in into our handy self storage search tool, select the size and storage features you need, and we’ll find all the nearby units that have everything you need.

You select your self storage move-in date, and we’ll even take care of the booking for you. And the best part? Our service is free! 

Cost of living, job markets, and school ratings are all important factors to consider when you’re researching a new city to call home. But study after study shows our mental healthand quality of life hinge on feeling welcomed and supported by our community.

Sources:

• Worldpackers article (October 2025) – Charleston mentioned for friendliness
• LuvLink survey (October 2024) – Savannah, Jackson, Murfreesboro ranked highly for kindness
• Reader’s Digest (February 2025) – Provo, Utah ranked nicest place 2024
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (October 2024) – Milwaukee ranked friendliest by Betway
• WalletHub (December 2025) – Boston ranked 2nd most caring city. Preply survey of 1,258 Americans (March 2025) – ranked Austin, Charlotte, Columbus as top 3
• YUZU survey (September 2025) – ranked San Diego as #1 friendliest
• WalletHub study (December 2025) – Virginia Beach ranked most caring city