5 Cities I'm Thinking About Moving to as Someone Who is Burnt Out in Their 20's

I’m 24 years old and currently living in Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is often hyped as an amazing city with incredible people. Travel + Leisure even ranked it the #1 city in the U.S. for several years. But this year, it was overtaken by Santa Fe, New Mexico—and honestly, I’m not surprised.

This isn’t meant to be a Charleston "bashing" post, but there are definitely some issues here. Overpopulation, shallow social scenes, and a deeply flawed education system (South Carolina currently ranks 43rd out of 50 states) are just a few of the problems.

I’ve lived in Charleston since I was 20, after spending some time bouncing around different places. One thing I know for sure: I refuse to be miserable. Originally from New Jersey, I’ve also lived in Tennessee and Georgia. As soon as I start feeling that way, I know it’s time for a change.

2025 has been one of the hardest years of my life, and I think I’m ready to move on. That said, this post is more of a reflection than a concrete plan. I’m not 100% set on leaving Charleston or committed to any particular destination just yet, but I know something’s got to give.

Just Missed the List: Savannah, Georgia

Savannah shares a lot of similarities with Charleston—beaches, rich history, and fantastic food, which are all the things that made me fall in love with Charleston. It’s such a unique city, and you really can’t get the full experience unless you’re here.

The reason I have Savannah as my "Honorable Mention" is that I’m craving a fresh start. I want a new environment, and I feel like Savannah might be a bit too similar to Charleston for me to truly get that change I’m looking for.

5. Dallas, Texas

Let me start by saying that I’ve actually never been to Dallas. One of my best friends lives there and has given me a pretty neutral take on the city—not great, not horrible, just somewhere in between. I’ve been thinking about Texas as a whole for a few years now. I’ve been to Houston, but it didn’t quite click for me. I really liked San Antonio, though I’m not sure it’s a place I’d want to settle. That leaves Dallas and Austin, and for now, I feel like Dallas holds more potential.

That said, Dallas is still #5 on my list for a few reasons. For one, there’s no ocean nearby. I’m not someone who’s obsessed with the beach, but I do want to live near a body of water. Another factor is the vibe in Dallas—I’m just not sure what to expect. Everyone says, "Everything’s bigger in Texas," but would I actually enjoy living in Dallas or a suburb of the city? I’m just not sure yet.

4. Key West, Florida

I’ve only been to Key West once, and while I didn’t fall in love with it, I can’t deny that it’s beautiful. Look at this picture—how could you not be captivated? I was only there for a day during a cruise stop, so I didn’t get the full experience. I imagine living there would offer a completely different vibe. Key West seems like the perfect place to embrace that "Island Life" I’m craving.

3. Tampa Bay, Florida

I’ve been to Tampa before—and I’ve actually come close to moving there. If I were to relocate to Florida, Tampa Bay would be my city of choice. It’s not as chaotic as Miami, but it has a lot more to offer than Orlando or Jacksonville, in my opinion. It has been getting a bit crowded lately, but I’d look for a nice suburb to settle in.

I really believe I could thrive in Florida, especially if I find my people. That said, Florida is definitely its own world—unique, vibrant, and a little unpredictable.

2. Los Angeles, California

A few years ago, I took a trip to Los Angeles, and to my surprise, it was incredibly rejuvenating. I know “Los Angeles” and “rejuvenating” don’t usually go hand in hand—but for me, it just worked. At the time, I was dealing with some stress back in Charleston (though not nearly the level I’ve experienced in 2025), and I really needed a break. I went with one of my best friends and ended up absolutely loving the experience.

As someone who runs a podcast and creates content on TikTok, L.A. also seems like a great place to connect with other creatives and expand my network. It might just be the right move, both personally and professionally.

1. Honolulu, Hawaii

Something about Hawaii keeps calling to me, and I can’t quite explain it. I’ve never been there, but I have seen every season of Hawaii Five-0. I feel a deep connection to the islands. I truly believe I would thrive in Hawaii—whether it’s through opportunities in hospitality, business ventures, or tapping into the state’s unique marketability. It feels like the perfect place for me.

The only thing holding me back is the high cost of living and if I really want to leave Charleston.

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Dylan Deckard is small business owner, podcast host, content creator and more. He currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina and can be found on any of these links below...

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