Gen Z woman visits six US cities to find the perfect place to live—discovers unique qualities in each

Finding the ideal city to live in is a dream for many, but 26-year-old content creator and podcast host Grace Lemire turned it into a six-month mission. Determined to find the "perfect" home before her Massachusetts lease ends this January, Lemire explored cities across the U.S. Sharing her journey on TikTok (@grace_lemire), she captivated thousands, with her video amassing over 519,000 views since November 26.

Lemire, a freelance marketing business owner, shared her exploration of six cities—Boston, San Diego, Nashville, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Austin—in the video. She showcased cityscapes, street views and apartment interiors, offering her audience insight into her decision-making process. "I spent the last six months visiting cities all across the U.S. to figure out where I want to move when my lease is up in January," she shared in the clip. After living in Massachusetts her entire life, she felt ready to broaden her horizons and seek a fresh start.

Her choice of cities wasn’t random—Lemire carefully selected each based on thoughtful criteria. “I really wanted somewhere coastal, which put San Diego, Tampa, and Saint Pete on the list. I also wanted somewhere that had a lot to do, so that prompted touring Austin. I had been to Nashville once before, and Boston was home,” she told Newsweek. Her evaluations of these cities revealed a mix of advantages and drawbacks that influenced her decision. Boston, her hometown, impressed with its vibrant atmosphere, natural beauty and coastal vibe, but the harsh winters and high cost of living made her reconsider staying.

San Diego, known for its ideal weather and youthful, dynamic energy, quickly became a contender. However, the steep apartment costs—up to $3,200 per month for her preferred space—were a major drawback. Nashville offered a “cutesy vibe” with coffee shops, murals and affordable living, but its lack of coastal access and culture she described as “a bit too yee-haw” didn’t match her vision. Tampa and St. Petersburg each offered unique traits: Tampa impressed with its beauty and reasonable housing prices, but Lemire felt the city lacked sufficient activities.

St. Petersburg, on the other hand, charmed Lemire with its cozy, homey feel and vibrant city amenities. However, she found the cost of living high for what was offered and noted that the city felt unusually quiet during her visit. Austin, Texas, stood out for its entrepreneurial energy and abundance of activities. Though apartments were reasonably priced compared to her other options, Lemire found the city lacked aesthetic appeal and missed the coastal element she desired.

Reflecting on her journey, Lemire admitted that "no city is absolutely perfect," emphasizing the importance of following one’s intuition. While she hasn't disclosed her final choice, Lemire shared her excitement about the next chapter of her life. "I love the apartment I chose and can’t wait to explore a new place," she said, leaving her followers eagerly awaiting updates on her move and the journey that lies ahead.

You can follow Grace Lemire (@grace_lemire) on TikTok for more lifestyle content.