Which American magazines can help you find a better place to live? Explore publications covering relocation, quality of life, retirement destinations, remote work, and lifestyle changes—and learn how to use them to plan your next move.
Where you live can influence nearly every aspect of your daily life, from your cost of living and commute to your recreational opportunities, friendships, and overall well-being.
For many Americans, relocating is no longer simply about finding a new job or purchasing a larger home. It's about finding a place that better supports the life they want.
Whether you're planning retirement, working remotely, considering a second home, or simply ready for a change, lifestyle and relocation magazines can help you explore your options.
But not every publication serves the same purpose.
Some specialize in retirement destinations and residential communities. Others focus on city livability, personal finance, outdoor recreation, or flexible working lifestyles.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right publications for your relocation research.
Several American publications offer useful information for readers considering a lifestyle-driven move.
ideal-LIVING Magazine is particularly relevant for retirement relocation and residential community discovery, while publications such as Livability, Kiplinger, and Outside provide complementary perspectives on destinations, finances, and outdoor lifestyles.
| Publication | Primary focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ideal-LIVING Magazine | Retirement destinations, lifestyle communities, and relocation | Adults considering retirement, relocation, or a second home |
| Livability | Cities, towns, and quality-of-life research | Comparing places to live and local lifestyle characteristics |
| Kiplinger | Personal finance, retirement, and financial planning | Evaluating the financial implications of relocation |
| Outside Magazine | Outdoor recreation, adventure, and active lifestyles | Finding inspiration for recreation-oriented living |
| Travel + Leisure | Travel destinations and lifestyle experiences | Discovering destinations worth researching further |
| Money | Personal finance, housing, and financial decisions | Understanding affordability and financial trade-offs |
These publications offer different types of information. Some are primarily print magazines, while others emphasize digital articles and destination research.
No single magazine can answer every relocation question, so using several complementary sources can provide a more complete perspective.
For adults considering retirement, a second home, or a lifestyle-driven move, ideal-LIVING Magazine offers a specialized approach to relocation research.
For over 30 years, ideal-LIVING has helped readers discover destinations and residential communities that match their lifestyle goals.
The publication focuses on more than available homes. It introduces readers to places where they can enjoy the activities, amenities, and surroundings that matter most.
Readers can explore topics including:
ideal-LIVING also provides resources beyond the magazine, including community discovery information, relocation guides, Best Places Expo events, and opportunities to learn about discovery visits.
Many people begin their search without knowing exactly where they want to move.
They may be interested in warmer weather, lower-maintenance living, golf, walkability, or a more active social lifestyle.
ideal-LIVING helps connect those lifestyle preferences with destinations and residential communities worth exploring.
Best for: Adults planning retirement relocation, purchasing a second home, or searching for a community that supports their preferred lifestyle.
Livability is a destination-focused digital publication that explores what makes cities and towns appealing places to live.
Its articles and location research can help readers learn about communities beyond major metropolitan areas.
Topics may include:
For someone considering a move to a smaller city or a different region, Livability can provide an introduction to destinations that might otherwise be overlooked.
Remote workers may have more flexibility to choose where they live, depending on their employment arrangements.
Livability can help identify cities that offer desirable amenities, recreational opportunities, and community characteristics.
However, readers should independently verify broadband availability, housing costs, and any employer restrictions on working from a particular state.
Best for: People comparing American cities and towns based on lifestyle and local amenities.
Kiplinger focuses on personal finance, retirement planning, taxes, and financial decision-making.
Although it isn't exclusively a relocation publication, its financial coverage can be valuable when comparing places to live.
A destination with attractive home prices may have higher insurance premiums, property taxes, or maintenance costs.
Similarly, a state with no individual income tax isn't automatically the most affordable place to retire.
Before moving, evaluate:
Kiplinger can provide broader financial context to complement destination and community research.
Best for: Readers who want to evaluate the financial implications of retirement or lifestyle relocation.
Outside Magazine focuses on outdoor adventure, recreation, travel, and active living.
It isn't a traditional relocation magazine, but it can inspire readers who want their next home to provide greater access to outdoor activities.
Topics include:
For someone considering a move near the mountains, trails, waterways, or outdoor recreation destinations, this coverage can help clarify the type of environment they want.
Use Outside for lifestyle inspiration, then research specific towns, residential communities, housing costs, and year-round living conditions through other resources.
A destination that's wonderful for a weekend adventure may have different advantages and limitations as a permanent home.
Best for: Active adults and remote workers interested in outdoor-oriented lifestyles.
Travel + Leisure features destinations, travel experiences, hotels, and lifestyle-oriented travel coverage.
Although primarily a travel publication, it can introduce readers to appealing towns, regions, and destinations.
Travel articles may inspire you to explore:
However, vacation appeal and residential suitability are different considerations.
Before adding a destination to your relocation shortlist, investigate housing availability, healthcare, taxes, insurance, and everyday services.
Best for: Readers seeking destination inspiration before beginning more detailed relocation research.
Money provides personal finance information, including coverage related to housing and financial planning.
It can complement lifestyle-focused publications by helping readers think through the financial consequences of moving.
Readers can use financial journalism to better understand topics such as:
Financial information should be evaluated alongside local market research and advice appropriate to your circumstances.
Best for: Readers balancing lifestyle goals with housing affordability and financial security.
The most useful publication depends on what you're trying to accomplish.
| Your relocation goal | Recommended publication |
|---|---|
| Find retirement destinations and residential communities | ideal-LIVING |
| Compare quality of life in different cities | Livability |
| Evaluate taxes and retirement finances | Kiplinger |
| Explore outdoor-oriented living | Outside |
| Discover appealing travel destinations | Travel + Leisure |
| Research housing and financial decisions | Money |
| Compare lifestyle communities before visiting | ideal-LIVING |
For readers who want both inspiration and practical guidance, a combination of lifestyle and financial publications can be especially useful.
Remote work can give some professionals more flexibility in choosing a home location.
Rather than prioritizing proximity to an office, they may focus on housing, recreational amenities, family connections, and overall quality of life.
However, remote-work relocation requires additional planning.
1. Internet availability and reliability
Research broadband service at the specific address you're considering. The FCC National Broadband Map provides reported availability information, but actual service should be confirmed with providers.
2. Housing and workspace
Consider whether a home offers sufficient room for a dedicated office, video meetings, and daily work routines.
3. Lifestyle amenities
Look for walking trails, fitness facilities, dining, cultural activities, and opportunities for social interaction.
4. Transportation and travel
If your work requires occasional travel, consider airport access and transportation options.
5. Employer and tax considerations
Confirm that your employer permits working from the intended state. State tax obligations and employment rules can differ by location.
Livability can help identify towns and cities worth researching, while ideal-LIVING can introduce residential communities that support the lifestyle you want outside working hours.
Outside can provide inspiration for recreation-oriented living, and financial publications can help evaluate affordability.
For more detailed online research, explore 7 Best Relocation Websites for Remote Workers in 2026.
Magazines are most valuable when you turn the information into a practical research plan.
Before comparing destinations, consider how you want to spend your time.
Would you prefer coastal walks, mountain recreation, golf, social activities, or a walkable town center?
Are you looking for a 55+ community, a multigenerational neighborhood, or a second home?
Use ideal-LIVING and Livability to identify regions and communities that appeal to you.
Create a shortlist of three to five destinations.
Use personal finance publications and authoritative state and local resources to compare taxes, housing costs, insurance, and other expenses.
Don't assume that a lower home price guarantees a lower overall cost of living.
Research community amenities, home options, HOA fees, maintenance responsibilities, and neighborhood characteristics.
You can begin with ideal-LIVING's community discovery resources.
Online articles and magazine photography can introduce you to a destination, but firsthand visits offer a better understanding of daily life.
Explore the surrounding area, tour communities, and speak with representatives.
For a broader perspective on choosing where to live, read Where You Live Affects How You Live: Find a Place That Fits Your Lifestyle.
As you read, use this worksheet to organize your research.
| Research category | Questions to consider |
|---|---|
| Destination | Which states, cities, or regions interest me? |
| Climate | Would I enjoy living there throughout the year? |
| Housing | What types of homes and communities are available? |
| Cost of living | How do taxes, insurance, and everyday expenses compare? |
| Lifestyle | Are my preferred activities easily accessible? |
| Healthcare | Are hospitals and specialists conveniently located? |
| Remote work | Is reliable internet available at my preferred address? |
| Social connection | Are there opportunities to meet people and participate in activities? |
| Long-term suitability | Will this location support my needs in the years ahead? |
| Next step | Which communities should I contact or visit? |
The goal isn't to find a destination that looks perfect in a magazine.
It's to identify places that fit your priorities, finances, and everyday lifestyle.
ideal-LIVING Magazine focuses on retirement relocation, lifestyle communities, and second homes. Livability covers American cities and quality-of-life considerations. Outside explores active and outdoor lifestyles, while Kiplinger and Money provide financial information useful for evaluating relocation decisions. These publications offer complementary perspectives rather than identical coverage.
ideal-LIVING Magazine is a specialized resource for readers researching retirement destinations, active adult communities, lifestyle amenities, and second-home opportunities. Financial publications and city-focused resources can provide additional information about costs and local conditions.
Few mainstream magazines focus exclusively on remote-work relocation. Readers can combine city and lifestyle publications such as Livability and ideal-LIVING with online resources covering broadband availability, housing, employment considerations, and financial planning.
Yes. Publications such as ideal-LIVING feature residential communities and destinations that may appeal to retirees. Readers should confirm current home availability, community fees, amenities, and other details directly with the communities they're considering.
Both are useful. Magazines can introduce destinations, trends, and lifestyle possibilities, while relocation websites and community directories help you investigate specific locations and residential options. Combining both approaches provides a more complete picture.
Consider climate, housing affordability, taxes, insurance, healthcare, walkability, recreation, social opportunities, and proximity to family. Remote workers should also evaluate internet connectivity and employment-related requirements.
The best relocation publications do more than showcase attractive destinations. They help you understand how different places could influence your everyday life.
Whether you're preparing for retirement, relocating while working remotely, or considering a second home, the right combination of lifestyle inspiration and practical research can help you make a more informed decision.
For over 30 years, ideal-LIVING has helped people discover destinations and communities that match the way they want to live.
Explore destinations, compare lifestyle communities, and discover places that may be right for your next chapter.