For a while, it felt like everyone was moving South.
The trend took off during the pandemic, when remote work gave more Americans the flexibility to live wherever they wanted. Many headed to states where homes were more affordable and jobs were easier to find.
Southern states such as Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina became darlings of the housing market, attracting waves of newcomers. But in the years since, some transplants have realized the grass wasn’t greener after all.
In July, I wrote about Sandra Bonola, a native New Englander who was drawn south by news stories and social media posts portraying the region as an affordable paradise. She moved from her home state of Connecticut to South Carolina twice — first to Charleston in 2021 and then to Beaufort, a small coastal city, in 2023.
Neither move turned out the way she had hoped. Bonola told me Charleston was more crowded, more expensive, and less down-to-earth than she expected. And while Beaufort was more affordable — allowing her to buy a large, beautiful home — the heat kept her indoors much of the time, leaving her feeling miserable and isolated.
In 2024, Bonola sold her Beaufort home and returned to Connecticut— this time for good. Since moving back, Bonola said she has fallen in love with the state all over again and can hardly believe she once considered leaving it behind.
Commenters debated whether the mover did her research
The article drew a strong response from Business Insider readers, receiving over 100 comments. Some proud Southerners defended their states, while others sympathized with Bonola’s relocation regret. A number of readers also felt she hadn’t done enough research before moving.
One commenter argued that Bonola chose the wrong Southern city if she was looking for affordability.
“You chose one of the most expensive cities in the South,” one commenter wrote, adding that “Charleston is wonderful, but it sounds like you didn’t do your research. So many other beautiful spots in the South aren’t as pricey.”
They have a point about Charleston’s relative affordability. While the city is cheaper than major metros such as Los Angeles and New York, its cost of living is significantly higher than in nearby smaller, less popular cities. Data from RentCafe, an apartment-search website, shows that Charleston’s cost of living is 4% below the national average but 6% above the South Carolina average.
Several readers drew the same distinction between Charleston and smaller cities elsewhere in the state.
“Charleston, although beautiful, does not represent a typical South Carolina city,” another commenter wrote. “Charleston has been overrun by tourism, expensive housing, and trendy restaurants for tourists to spend their money. A smaller town would have provided a much better experience and showcased how nice this state can be.”
Others suggested places they believed would have been a better fit.
“She should have checked out Greenville,” one commenter wrote. “The downtown area is great. Not as expensive as Charleston. Also Asheville. She made a big mistake.”
Readers also questioned Bonola’s expectations about the Southern climate.
“I have a hard time understanding her logic,” one wrote. “She felt Charleston was too hot, so she decided to try a town even further south?!”
Another commenter offered a blunt warning about the weather for anyone considering a similar move.
“If you are considering moving to the Southeast, take note of a few things,” they wrote. “It’s hot here. We have mosquitoes, big roaches, snakes, and several other forms of wildlife. From mid-June to mid-September, you will either need to learn to enjoy sweating or spend lots of your daylight hours indoors.”
Not everyone dismissed Bonola’s experience. Some commenters who had made similar moves said they, too, were shocked by just how hot it got in the South.
“I’m right with you on the unbearable summer weather,” one commenter wrote. “I miss summers in New York, where I could actually walk my dog and breathe.”
Another reader said moving away from California had left them with similar regrets.
“We are feeling the same way,” they wrote. “Moved out of California. Just can’t seem to find the grass greener. The weather in California was beautiful all year long. We miss that. We are trying our best to look at the bright side. Just can’t find it with this ugly weather.”
Whatever side readers took, the comments underscored how much culture shock can come with moving to a new place — and how important it is to know what you’re getting yourself into.
