Moving to the USA as a young professional, retiree, or someone looking to raise a family? Let us show you the best places to live and start your new life.
The best place to live in America depends on your priorities.
Families seeking excellent schools and safety should consider Raleigh, North Carolina and Overland Park, Kansas. Young professionals chasing career growth with manageable rent will find value in Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Nashville, Tennessee. Retirees prioritising healthcare access and low costs can explore Sarasota, Florida and Asheville, North Carolina.
Remote workers gravitate towards Boise, Idaho and Chattanooga, Tennessee, for affordable housing and reliable internet. Midwestern cities like Des Moines and Omaha deliver a high quality of life at reasonable prices. Coastal options include San Diego, California or Charleston, South Carolina.
This guide analyses cost of living data, job markets, safety ratings, and quality of life metrics across American cities.
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Moving to the USA as a young professional, retiree, or family requires choosing the right city. With 333 million people spread across vastly different climates and cultures, identifying the best place to live in America demands careful consideration.
This guide draws from data on popular destinations amongst those who have used PSS International Removals to relocate from the UK to America. We’ve analysed cost of living, job markets, school quality, safety ratings, and quality of life metrics to help you make an informed decision.
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Which Cities in America Offer the Best Quality of Life and Strong Job Opportunities for Families?
The best American cities for families combine robust job markets, highly-rated school districts, low crime rates, and community amenities.
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina stands out as the strongest all-around choice. The Research Triangle area — anchored by Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State — creates a knowledge economy with diverse jobs in tech, healthcare, biotech, and education, and a freelance culture entrepreneurial enough that a non-trivial slice of the local developer community runs side ventures building provably fair games and smart-contract infrastructure for bitcoin casinos alongside their day jobs. Median household income hovers around £58,000, whilst the cost of living remains 4% below the national average. Wake County schools consistently rank amongst North Carolina’s best.
Overland Park, Kansas offers affordability without sacrificing quality. Median home prices sit around £265,000—roughly half what you’d pay in comparable coastal suburbs. The Blue Valley School District routinely ranks amongst America’s top 100. Major employers include T-Mobile and Black & Veatch.
Madison, Wisconsin combines a thriving job market with exceptional public schools. Families appreciate 260+ parks, extensive bike trails, and remarkably low crime rates.
Plano, Texas deserves attention for its combination of excellent schools and major employment. Plano ISD is nationally recognised. Toyota, Liberty Mutual, and JPMorgan Chase all have major operations there. No state income tax means families keep more of what they earn.
| City | Median Home Price | School Rating | Crime Rate (per 100k) |
| Raleigh, NC | £317,000 | A | 2,847 |
| Overland Park, KS | £265,000 | A+ | 1,623 |
| Madison, WI | £283,000 | A | 2,456 |
| Plano, TX | £367,000 | A+ | 1,789 |
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What Are the Safest and Most Affordable Places to Live in America for Young Professionals?
Young professionals need cities with career momentum, cultural vibrancy, and rents that don’t consume half their paycheques.
Austin, Texas remains the flagship city for young professionals. The tech sector exploded—Tesla, Oracle, Apple, Google, and Meta all established major operations there. The median rent for a one-bedroom flat is around £1,210, roughly 40% below San Francisco. The live music scene, outdoor recreation, and progressive culture create an attractive lifestyle. No state income tax stretches paycheques further.
Nashville, Tennessee has transformed into a diversified economy spanning healthcare, tech, and finance. HCA Healthcare is headquartered there. Young professionals find median one-bedroom rents around £1,135 with strong job growth. Tennessee’s zero state income tax adds to the financial appeal.
Salt Lake City, Utah offers perhaps the best value. Tech companies have flocked there, unemployment sits around 2.5%, and median rent for a one-bedroom remains near £1,060. The outdoor recreation rivals Colorado.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania represents the comeback story. The city reinvented itself as a tech and healthcare hub anchored by Carnegie Mellon University and UPMC. Median rent for a one-bedroom flat is approximately £907—one of the lowest figures amongst major American cities with comparable job markets.
| City | Median 1BR Rent | Job Growth | State Income Tax |
| Austin, TX | £1,210 | 3.8% | None |
| Nashville, TN | £1,135 | 3.2% | None |
| Salt Lake City, UT | £1,060 | 3.5% | 4.65% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | £907 | 1.8% | 3.07% |
Where in America Can I Find the Best Combination of Low Taxes, Good Schools, and Suburban Living?
For many expats, the best place to live in America is one that balances financial efficiency with high-quality education.
Texas is a premier contender, offering no state income tax alongside some of the country’s finest suburban school districts. Suburbs such as Southlake, The Woodlands, and Flower Mound are frequently cited as top-tier locations for families, combining nationally-ranked schools with upscale amenities. While property taxes are higher (around 1.8%), the income tax savings often provide a net benefit for families earning above £75,000 annually.
Florida also presents itself as a fantastic option for those seeking a tax-friendly climate and excellent suburban communities. Areas around Orlando, such as Lake Nona and Winter Park, offer modern infrastructure and strong schools, while Jacksonville’s suburbs boast some of the state’s highest-rated education options at relatively affordable prices. Many residents find that the absence of state income tax makes this region a highly competitive choice.
Similarly, Washington State is often considered a top destination for professionals who want to avoid state income tax without sacrificing school quality. Seattle-area suburbs like Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland combine a thriving tech industry with exceptional school districts, though it is worth noting that home prices in these areas can rival those in Silicon Valley. For those prioritising career growth alongside a high standard of living, it remains a strong candidate for the title of most desirable location.
States with No Income Tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
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Which American Cities Are Best for Remote Workers?
Boise, Idaho has emerged as America’s premier remote work destination. Average internet speeds exceed 200 Mbps through fibre providers. Multiple coworking spaces serve the growing remote worker population. Median home prices remain around £340,000—roughly one-third of comparable Bay Area suburbs. Skiing, hiking, and whitewater rafting appeal to workers seeking work-life balance.
Chattanooga, Tennessee pioneered municipal gigabit internet through EPB, providing some of America’s fastest connectivity. Affordable housing (median home price around £246,000), a walkable downtown, and proximity to Appalachian outdoor recreation make it attractive. No state income tax sweetens the deal.
Tulsa, Oklahoma pays remote workers to relocate. The Tulsa Remote programme offers $10,000 grants to qualifying workers who commit to living there for a year. Median home prices sit around £163,000, and cost of living runs roughly 15% below national averages.
| City | Internet Speed | Median Home Price | Coworking Spaces |
| Boise, ID | 200+ Mbps | £340,000 | 12+ |
| Chattanooga, TN | 1 Gbps | £246,000 | 8+ |
| Tulsa, OK | 150+ Mbps | £163,000 | 10+ |
Which Mid-Sized Cities Are Best for Buying a First Home and Building Equity?
Huntsville, Alabama represents perhaps the best opportunity for first-time buyers. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre, Redstone Arsenal, and a growing tech sector drive economic growth whilst median home prices remain around £219,000. The city has grown nearly 20% over the past decade.
Greenville, South Carolina has transformed from a declining textile town into a manufacturing and healthcare hub. BMW, Michelin, and GE have major operations there. Median home prices sit around £234,000, with 5-year appreciation rates exceeding 50% in many neighbourhoods.
Knoxville, Tennessee offers first-time buyers affordable entry at approximately £242,000. The University of Tennessee anchors the economy, whilst proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory brings federal research funding. No state income tax allows buyers to stretch their purchasing power further.
| City | Median Home Price | 5-Year Appreciation | Population Growth |
| Huntsville, AL | £219,000 | 48% | +19% |
| Greenville, SC | £234,000 | 52% | +15% |
| Knoxville, TN | £242,000 | 41% | +8% |
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Where Are the Best Places to Live in America for Retirees?
Sarasota, Florida consistently ranks amongst America’s best retirement destinations. Multiple world-class hospitals provide comprehensive care. Cost of living runs about 5% above the national average. No state income tax preserves retirement income. The cultural scene—Ringling Museum, opera house, vibrant arts community—provides intellectual stimulation.
Asheville, North Carolina appeals to retirees seeking mountain scenery. Mission Hospital provides regional medical care. Cost of living runs about 2% below the national average. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides endless scenic drives. The food and craft beer scene rivals cities three times Asheville’s size.
San Antonio, Texas offers major metropolitan healthcare with remarkably affordable living. Median home prices sit around £212,000. No state income tax stretches Social Security further. The city’s military heritage means VA services are readily available for veterans.
| City | Median Home Price | Healthcare Quality | State Tax on Retirement |
| Sarasota, FL | £340,000 | Excellent | None |
| Asheville, NC | £317,000 | Very Good | SS exempt |
| San Antonio, TX | £212,000 | Excellent | None |
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The 22 Best Places to Live in the USA
1. New York City, New York – The Land of Opportunity
New York offers the most diversity in the USA with 8.26 million people. The city is world-renowned for entertainment—Broadway shows, historical sites, world-class museums. NYC has a very strong job market in tech, marketing, journalism, and finance. Wall Street remains the financial capital of the world.
Trade-offs include astronomical housing costs—median rent exceeds £2,650 for a one-bedroom in Manhattan. Cost of living runs roughly 80% above the national average.
2. Los Angeles, California – Incredible Lifestyle
Los Angeles has approximately 3.9 million people. The entertainment industry dominates—film studios, production companies, and streaming services employ hundreds of thousands. The tech sector has grown substantially. The diversity in neighbourhoods means it’s easy to find one where you fit—Santa Monica for beach lovers, Silver Lake for artists, Pasadena for families.
Weather is incredible year-round, with over 280 sunny days annually. Median home prices exceed £900,000.
3. Galveston, Texas – Affordable Cost of Living
Galveston has about 53,000 people. Its location on the Gulf of Mexico makes it great for coastal living. The port, tourism industry, healthcare, and offshore energy sector all provide employment. Popular beaches include Babe’s Beach, Sunny Beach, and Galveston Beach. Median home prices sit around £227,000.
4. Boston, Massachusetts – Great for Education
Boston is amongst the oldest cities in the United States, founded in 1630. The city has 54 registered universities, including MIT, Harvard, Boston University, and Northeastern. Boston’s job market excels in education, technology, biotech, and finance. Average salaries sit around £55,600. Sports fans can attend matches with the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots.
5. Springfield, Illinois – Excellent Place to Raise Your Family
Springfield enjoys 25% lower cost of living than the national average. The city has a thriving art scene, excellent parks, and a strong sense of community. Abraham Lincoln lived here before becoming president. Biking is a common mode of transportation. Median home prices sit around £163,000.
6. Hoboken, New Jersey – Lively and Exciting
Hoboken has just over 60,000 residents. The city sits directly across the Hudson River from Manhattan, providing stunning skyline views. The younger generation gravitates to this area the most. Median rent exceeds £2,100 for a one-bedroom. The PATH train connects to Manhattan in under 10 minutes.
7. San Francisco, California – Unique Bohemian Vibe
San Francisco is culturally diverse, full of artists from every conceivable genre. Cable cars still run the streets. The city has shaped American counterculture for decades. Median home prices exceed £1.3 million. The city has microclimates—different neighbourhoods can experience various weather patterns in the same day.
8. Houston, Texas – Amazing Food and Culture
Houston has over 2.3 million people. Diversity in food options means virtually every type of cultural cuisine is represented—the city has over 10,000 restaurants. The city has no zoning laws, creating interesting neighbourhood experiences. No state income tax and median home prices of around £265,000 make Houston financially attractive. The energy sector and Texas Medical Centre provide major employment.
9. Austin, Texas – Fantastic Job Opportunities
Austin has an abundance of job opportunities. Tesla, Oracle, Apple, and Google all have major operations there. Thirty-two per cent of Austin residents speak multiple languages. The city’s “Keep Austin Weird” slogan reflects its independent culture. Live music venues line Sixth Street. Median home prices now exceed £530,000.
10. Orlando, Florida – Fun Activities
Orlando has something fun around every corner. Disneyworld, Universal Studios, and many more theme parks cover the land. Many offer resident discounts. Florida ranks as the best state for education. Orlando offers opportunities for engineers, tech specialists, and designers—these theme parks need constant innovation.
11. Chicago, Illinois – Mecca for Sports Lovers
Chicago dates back to 1871 with 2.7 million people. The city draws many for its food culture—deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and authentic dim sum in Chinatown. Chicago is a mecca for sports lovers. Rivalries run deep between Cubs and White Sox fans. Median home prices hover around £317,000, with career opportunities in finance, manufacturing, tech, and healthcare.
12. Seattle, Washington – Thriving Arts Culture
Seattle has no income tax, but sales tax exceeds 10%. The city averages 150 rainy days per year. Seattle has a transport system including buses, light rail, and a ferry system. The city has a thriving art scene. Major employers include Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks. Median home prices exceed £680,000.
13. Miami, Florida – Beautiful Beaches
Miami is highly diverse. Seventy-two per cent of the city is Hispanic, creating a bilingual culture. The city has 443,665 people. The nightlife centres on South Beach, Wynwood, and Brickell. Cuban culture dominates—authentic restaurants in Little Havana, cafecitos on every corner. Housing in Miami is 47% higher than the national average, with median home prices around £567,000.
14. Portland, Oregon – Green City
Portland is art-centric. Many grunge and indie bands have emerged from Portland’s music scene. The city has over 70 breweries, food cart pods serving international cuisine, and an independent business culture. Portland is very green—recycling and composting are mandatory, and bike lanes run throughout the city. Median home prices sit around £530,000.
15. Las Vegas, Nevada – World-Class Entertainment
Las Vegas has sensory overload. The lights are bright, and there’s a casino around every corner. Residents know where to get away—small communities in Henderson, Summerlin, and North Las Vegas function like normal suburbs. Locals visit locals’ casinos like Red Rock and Green Valley Ranch. Median home prices hover around £416,000. No state income tax and 310 sunny days per year sweeten the deal.
16. Dallas, Texas – Great Job Opportunities
Dallas has 1.35 million people. Thirty-seven per cent speak Spanish. There’s no income tax, but higher sales tax (8.25%) and very high property tax (averaging 2.2%) compensate. Median home prices sit around £317,000. Major employers include American Airlines, AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments.
17. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Good Cost of Living
Philadelphia is famous for the Philly Cheesesteak. Cost of living aligns with the national average, with median home prices around £265,000. The city has a strong job market in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and pharmaceuticals. The city played a pivotal role in American independence—Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Revolutionary War sites make it a living history lesson.
18. Tampa, Florida – Excellent Weather
Tampa’s cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, with median home prices around £378,000. The job market consists of tourism, finance, healthcare, and technology. Tampa has up to 246 sunny days each year. Winters are wonderfully mild, rarely dropping below 15°C. Tampa’s Gulf Coast location provides easy access to Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach.
19. Honolulu, Hawaii – Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Honolulu has thriving employment in tourism, healthcare, and military-related sectors. Island hopping becomes your form of getaway—flights to other islands take 30-50 minutes. Hiking trails like Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, and Koko Head offer stunning views. Cost of living is approximately 88% higher than the national average, with median home prices exceeding £795,000.
20. San Diego, California – High Quality of Life
San Diego excels in healthcare, biotech, and military employment. Naval Base San Diego is the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet. Cost of living is 60.4% higher than the national average, with median home prices exceeding £907,000. The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, and perfect weather year-round make it highly desirable.
21. Nashville, Tennessee – Friendly People
Nashville is where country music began—Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and honky-tonks on Broadway. People love food in Nashville—Nashville Hot Chicken, southern barbecue, and meat-and-three restaurants. Beyond music, Nashville has a strong healthcare sector and growing tech presence. No state income tax and median home prices around £454,000 make it financially attractive.
22. Salt Lake City, Utah – Active City
Salt Lake City residents enjoy outdoor activities year-round. World-class skiing sits 30 minutes away at Park City, Deer Valley, and Snowbird. The tech sector has boomed—Adobe, Oracle, Qualtrics, and hundreds of startups call the area home, creating the “Silicon Slopes.” Weather extremes require adjustment—summers exceed 32°C, winters drop below -10°C. Median home prices sit around £530,000.
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What City Has the Best Quality of Life in the USA?
San Diego, California often tops quality-of-life rankings for year-round mild weather, beaches, outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities. The biotech and military sectors provide stable employment. Median home prices exceed £907,000, limiting accessibility.
For affordable quality of life, Raleigh, North Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; and Boise, Idaho offer exceptional living standards at reasonable costs. These cities combine strong job markets, excellent education, low crime rates, and sufficient cultural amenities.
Where Is the Most Affordable Place to Live in America?
Pure affordability rankings typically identify small cities in the Midwest and South:
- Wichita, Kansas: £128,000 median home price
- Tulsa, Oklahoma: £163,000 median home price
- Little Rock, Arkansas: £151,000 median home price
- Memphis, Tennessee: £136,000 median home price
Raw affordability often reflects limited economic opportunity. The most meaningful measure combines affordability with employment options and quality-of-life metrics.
What Is the Safest Place to Live in the United States?
Safety is a primary concern when searching for the best place to live in America. Amongst cities with populations exceeding 100,000, several locations consistently rank as the best places to live in the US for security. Irvine, California, leads the way with only 60 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Other top places to live in US rankings for safety include Cary, North Carolina (75 incidents) and Naperville, Illinois (80 incidents). Other top places to live in US rankings for safety include Cary, North Carolina (75 incidents) and Naperville, Illinois (80 incidents), whilst Frisco, Texas, remains a favourite with just 85 incidents per 100,000. Considering the national average violent crime rate exceeds 380, these represent the best areas to live in USA for those seeking a secure environment.
What Are the Best States to Live in the USA?
Identifying the best place to live in America often starts with choosing the right state. For overall quality of life, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Colorado are frequently cited as the best places to live in the USA, excelling in education, healthcare, and health outcomes.
If you are looking for the best cities to live in America that combine affordability with quality, the following states offer excellent value:
- North Carolina: Offers strong employment and a moderate climate.
- Tennessee & Texas: Both are popular choices for where to live in America due to having no state income tax and diverse economies.
- Georgia: Combines affordable living with a major corporate and tech presence in Atlanta, making it one of the best places to live in the United States for career-minded expats.
Making Your Move to America
Relocating to the United States is a significant life event, and finding the best place to live in America requires a strategic approach. To ensure you settle in one of the best places to live in the US, follow these essential steps:
- Visit before committing: Before deciding on the best cities to live in America for your needs, spend at least a week experiencing daily life. Don’t just stick to tourist attractions; drive commute routes at rush hour and visit local grocery stores, parks, and neighbourhoods at different times of the day.
- Research neighbourhoods: Even the best places to live in USA have areas that vary dramatically. Crime rates, school quality, and local amenities can change from street to street. Use tools like CrimeReports.com, GreatSchools.org, and Walk Score to research specific addresses within the top places to live in US.
- Understand the total cost of living: When determining where to live in America, remember that taxes, insurance, utilities, and transport determine actual affordability more than just rent or mortgage prices. Calculate comprehensive monthly expenses, including property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and commuting costs.
- Plan your physical move: Once you have identified the best areas to live in the USA for your lifestyle, professional logistics support is vital. International moves require expert handling to ensure belongings arrive safely and all customs requirements are properly managed.
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The best place to live in America depends on your specific priorities. Families seeking excellent schools and safety find optimal conditions in cities like Raleigh, Overland Park, and Madison. Young professionals balancing career growth with affordability gravitate toward Austin, Nashville, and Denver. Retirees prioritising healthcare access and low costs discover value in Sarasota, San Antonio, and Asheville.
Visit your target destinations before committing. Research neighbourhoods specifically, rather than judging entire cities by reputation. Calculate the true cost of living, including taxes, insurance, and transportation.
PSS International Removals provides comprehensive support for your American relocation—from packing and shipping to customs clearance and delivery. With over 40 years of experience, we’ll ensure you can focus on settling into your new home. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to live in America?
The best place to live in America depends entirely on your personal priorities. Raleigh, North Carolina, is currently ranked as a top all-rounder for its balance of job opportunities in the tech and biotech sectors, affordable housing, and high-quality schools. For families specifically, Overland Park, Kansas, is frequently cited as a premier choice due to its exceptional safety record and world-class public education system.
What city has the best quality of life in the USA?
San Diego, California, consistently tops quality-of-life rankings thanks to its year-round Mediterranean climate, famous beaches, and diverse cultural amenities. However, this lifestyle comes with a high price tag, as median home prices often exceed £907,000. For those seeking a similar standard of living at a more accessible price point, Raleigh, NC, and Madison, Wisconsin, are excellent alternatives.
Where is the most affordable place to live in America?
Wichita, Kansas, offers some of the lowest housing costs in the United States, with a median home price of approximately £128,000. Other highly affordable options include Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Memphis, Tennessee. While these cities provide a very low cost of living, it is important to balance these savings against the specific job market opportunities available in your industry.
What is the safest place to live in the United States?
Irvine, California, is statistically the safest major city in the USA, boasting a violent crime rate of only 60 incidents per 100,000 residents—nearly six times lower than the national average. Other cities with exemplary safety records include Naperville, Illinois, and Cary, North Carolina, both of which are highly favoured by families for their secure community environments.
What is the best place to live in America for families?
Overland Park, Kansas, is a standout choice for families, offering a combination of top-rated schools (specifically the Blue Valley School District), very low crime rates, and affordable housing with a median price of £265,000. Plano, Texas, is another strong contender, providing excellent education and the financial benefit of no state income tax.
Which US cities have the best job opportunities?
Austin, Texas; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Denver, Colorado, are the current leaders in job growth. Austin has become a major hub for tech giants like Tesla and Oracle, while Raleigh’s “Research Triangle” offers stability in healthcare and education. These cities are particularly attractive to young professionals because they offer career momentum alongside a manageable cost of living compared to coastal hubs.
What are the best states to live in the USA?
For overall quality of life, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Colorado consistently rank highest due to their superior healthcare, education systems, and economic stability. If you are looking for a combination of quality and financial value, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are excellent options, with the latter two offering the significant benefit of no state income tax.
Where should I move in America?
To decide where to move, you should first evaluate your primary motivation: is it career growth, family safety, retirement, or a specific lifestyle? Research “micro-markets” rather than just states; for instance, Pittsburgh is ideal for healthcare tech, while Boise is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It is highly recommended to visit your target city for at least a week to experience the daily commute and local amenities before committing.
What are the best places to live in the US for retirees?
Sarasota, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas, are top choices for retirees. Both offer excellent access to specialist healthcare and a high density of cultural activities. Financially, these cities are very attractive because Florida and Texas have no state income tax, allowing retirees to maximise their pension and Social Security income.
Which American cities are best for remote workers?
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a pioneer for remote work, offering some of the fastest municipal gigabit internet in the country and affordable housing (median £246,000). Boise, Idaho, is also a premier destination, offering reliable high-speed connectivity alongside immediate access to world-class outdoor recreation, such as skiing and hiking.
