The Best Places to Live on the East Coast: A Homebuyers’ Guide
Brought to you by Pulte Homes®
Searching for the best places to live on the East Coast? You have so many options! The best East Coast places to live stretch from Maine all the way down the seaboard to the Florida peninsula. From small coastal communities and big cities to quiet suburbs and tight-knit mountain towns, East Coast living has much to offer.
Summary:
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Best Places to Live on the East Coast Overall
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Best Mountain Towns on the East Coast
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New Construction Homes on the East Coast
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Best Places to Live on the East Coast Conclusion
Best Places to Live on the East Coast Overall
To create this list, we researched which cities and towns along the East Coast are in the highest demand from homebuyers: those popular spots experiencing growth as people flock to them. From the Sunshine State to the Pine Tree State, these are some of the best cities to live in on the East Coast.
Orlando, Florida
When it comes to great places to live on the East Coast, Orlando appeals to homebuyers for a number of reasons. Whether it’s spending your free time at the many amusement parks, such as Walt Disney World® Resort or SeaWorld® Orlando, or hopping in your car and driving to the coast for a beach day, Orlando offers ideal East Coast living for everyone.
The cost of living in Orlando is also a draw for many. In addition to benefiting from no state income tax, living expenses in Orlando are roughly 1% less than the national average, according to Payscale® as of May 2025. The city has a major airport, helping make travel for business and pleasure easier. Orlando, also known as City Beautiful, has an abundance of non-touristy activities, too, such as regional and local parks, a robust biking network, and museums, including the Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center. Lake Eola Park, one of the numerous lakes around the city, often hosts events. If you’re interested in new construction homes in Orlando, FL, Pulte has several communities to explore.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is one of the best beach towns to live in on the East Coast. Situated in Northern Virginia, this inviting coastal city overlooks where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The area features several nature preserves and parks, including False Cape State Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and First Landing State Park, named for where the first settlers landed in 1607.
Beyond the shorelines, Virginia Beach is home to major employers and quality schools, with a cost of living that’s on par with the national average, per the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development. With so many attractive factors in its favor, from easy access to the ocean to numerous amenities on the city’s shoreline, it’s no wonder homebuyers plant roots here.
Portland, Maine
One of the best coastal towns on the East Coast is Portland, Maine. The state of Maine is a peninsula with 3,000 miles of rocky coastline and stunning views overlooking the Fore River and nearby islands. Portland is known for its enchanting downtown area featuring the famed Old Port District, the waterfront harbor with cobblestone streets and warehouses converted into restaurants and shops. Other major attractions include the Museum of Art, Portland Head Light (the state’s oldest lighthouse), Casco Bay, Victoria Mansion, and the Eastern Promenade. Portland is ideal for skiers and snowboarders, as well as those who appreciate its quiet, friendly atmosphere.Charleston, South Carolina
A historic and charming coastal spot, Charleston is a city of colorful streets and sprawling islands alongside the waves of the Pacific Ocean on its border. In addition to the many downtown attractions enjoyed by both locals and tourists, such as the zoo, museums, and famous Charleston City Market, you can browse the weekly farmers market or spend a day exploring neighboring Johns Island and Summerville. You’ll find endless activities and outdoor adventures in this vibrant city, as well as a cost of living that’s just 1% higher than the national average, according to Payscale’s May data. As one of the nice places to live on the East Coast, if this enchanting city is calling your name, explore our new construction homes in Charleston, SC.
Jacksonville, Florida
Located along Florida’s northern coast, Jacksonville offers a few things that make it one of the cool cities on the East Coast. With 1,100 miles of waterways to explore and 22 miles of beach shorelines, Jacksonville offers a remarkable array of adventures and activities on the water. You can spend the day under an umbrella on the sand at the beach or ride a river taxi along St. John’s River. Jacksonville residents also benefit from an affordable cost of living. In addition to paying no state income tax, the Jacksonville cost of living is 7% less than the national average per Payscale as of May 2025, with housing costs 11% less. Check out new construction homes in Jacksonville, FL, from Pulte and discover the many reasons why homebuyers choose this dynamic city to plant roots.
Savannah, Georgia
North of Jacksonville is Savannah, one of the best small beach towns on the East Coast. Like Charleston, Savannah beautifully blends history with coastal living. From unique neighborhoods and serene suburbs like Richmond Hill to the shores of Tybee Island Beach, Savannah offers prime East Coast living. Residents enjoy Savannah’s laid-back lifestyle and abundant activities and attractions, including River Street, City Market, Skidaway Island State Park, and dozens of trendy restaurants and bars. Could this coastal city be the right fit for you? Explore new construction homes in Savannah, GA, for a taste of the Southern lifestyle in this charming East Coast spot.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is often considered one of the best cities on the East Coast to live in. This renowned city, founded in 1630, is the capital of Massachusetts and attracts tourists and locals alike with its waterfront views from the harbor, historic attractions, museums, robust events calendar (featuring the Boston Marathon and Boston Harborfest), and shopping options. Being pedestrian- and commuter-friendly, it’s also one of the best East Coast cities for young professionals.
Along with boasting a number of top employers, especially in the tech industry, Boston offers a vibrant lifestyle, from socializing with friends at the newest bar to catching a game at Fenway Park or strolling in a park along the harbor. For a slower pace of life and a more affordable cost of living, explore the city’s suburbs. Areas like Sudbury, Woburn, and Canton are conveniently close to Boston, offering a respite from the city’s traffic and tourism. Explore our new construction homes in the Greater Boston Area.
Best Mountain Towns on the East Coast
Mountain towns have an allure all their own: the picturesque backdrop during daily errands, the crisp air, and the endless adventures that await in the wild. You don’t need to move to the West Coast to find a beautiful home near the mountains. From Vermont to Georgia, these are some of the best mountain towns to live in on the East Coast.
Stowe, Vermont
Located in the northern part of Vermont, Stowe is another of the good places to live on the East Coast, especially if you want to enjoy mountain scenery. Residents enjoy moderate temperatures in the summer compared to other cities on the East Coast, and Stowe is a popular skiing destination in the winter, with Mt. Mansfield State Forest and its ski resorts less than 10 miles away. The town features several hiking trails as well, including Smugglers’ Notch State Park, the Meadow Spur Trail, and the Cotton Brook Reservoir Trail. In addition to the mountain and hiking, Stowe is about 40 miles from the shores of Lake Champlain.
Asheville, North Carolina
As with most mountain towns, Asheville’s true beauty comes even more alive in the fall when the leaves change color, the temperature drops slightly, and everyone can be found outside, enjoying the autumn weather. The city’s peak tourism season is October, when the Blue Ridge Mountains are full of vibrant colors. Asheville has a quintessential mountain-town downtown area, with indie shops, breweries, restaurants, and often some kind of community event. One of Asheville’s most popular attractions is Biltmore Estate®, a stunning mansion and hotel decorated with period furniture and filled with activities, including a winery, that overlooks this majestic mountain region.
Roanoke, Virginia
Also located within the Blue Ridge Mountains is Roanoke, part of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region and truly a place to keep outdoor adventurers busy all year long. According to the city’s tourism website, as of May 2025, Roanoke features more than 1,000 miles of trails. The city is also quite popular for mountain biking, earning a silver-level designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Here, you can travel the Appalachian Trail, paddleboard on the Upper James River Water Trail, or go camping and boating at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. It’s one of the best East Coast towns to live in for those who love being surrounded by nature.
Bar Harbor, Maine
From cross-country skiing in winter to setting sail in the Gulf of Maine to do some whale watching during the summer, Bar Harbor is not only one of the best East Coast towns to live in, but it also offers residents a combination of mountain terrain with seaside beauty. Once the winter snows melt away, Bar Harbor will reward you with average temperatures in the mid-70s during the summer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With the mountain peaks of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park as a backdrop and the waters of Mount Desert Narrows bordering the town, Bar Harbor is perfect for those who appreciate every season and seek out adventure on land and sea.
Blue Ridge, Georgia
You can’t get much closer to the Blue Ridge Mountains than Blue Ridge, Georgia. This picturesque oasis, located 93 miles north of Atlanta, sits next to Lake Blue Ridge, so residents can take advantage of both the beauty of mountain hikes and the thrills of water sports on the lake. In addition to featuring the starting point for the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge has 300 miles of hiking trails, 100 miles of trout streams, and the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest. Living in Blue Ridge can feel like a getaway every day.
New Construction Homes on the East Coast
Ready to enjoy East Coast living in one of these incredible cities? Whether you prefer a community surrounded by mountains, one within an easy drive to sandy beaches, or a neighborhood with proximity to big-city amenities and a lively atmosphere, there’s a home on the East Coast for you. Explore Pulte new construction homes in these East Coast cities, where you can benefit from the comfort and convenience of a home tailored to your lifestyle while also experiencing all these areas have to offer.
New Construction Homes in Florida
New Construction Homes in Georgia
New Construction Homes in Massachusetts
New Construction Homes in Maryland
New Construction Homes in New Jersey
New Construction Homes in North Carolina
New Construction Homes in Pennsylvania
New Construction Homes in Rhode Island
New Construction Homes in South Carolina
New Construction Homes in Virginia
Best Places to Live on the East Coast Conclusion
From Maine to Florida, the best places to live on the East Coast offer proximity to attractions for all ages, essential amenities, and easy access to the activities you love. Whether you seek sun and fun on a regular basis, serene suburbs beneath majestic mountain ranges, or neighborhoods within driving distance of a bustling big city, you can find great places to live on the East Coast.
Explore new construction homes today or browse more Pulte blogs.
Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, East Coast-Based Freelance Journalist
Last Updated: 10/27/25