Live & Thrive
LAWRENCE, KANSAS
Arts & Culture
This artistic city is anything but ordinary. A place where entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners unite, you’ll find bursting art spaces, local talent, and quaint international food markets all within an easy walk.
Favorite Coffee Shops
1900 BARKER
DECADE COFFEE & ESPRESSO
THE ROOST
42
COFFEE SHOPS LOCATED IN
LAWRENCE, KS
Places & Spaces
Picturesque brick shops and vast, green farmland make Lawrence’s unique character undeniable. Visit lush parks on the coast of the Kansas and Wakarusa rivers, or spend an afternoon experiencing art and history at the Watkins Museum of History. Bike or walk along a trail, or enjoy a fresh, farm-to-table meal.
The Lawrence River Trail, located along the north bank of the Kansas River, has been called one of the top mountain bike trails in Kansas.
BEST SMALL COLLEGE TOWNS
USA Today, 2016
Town & Trade
Lawrence’s strong economy is fostered by the agriculture, finance, and research industries as well as a strong education system. A town built around the University of Kansas, campus and community become one. In a friendly environment with a low cost of living, you’ll have everything you need right at home.
The Lawrence Art Walk is an annual arts event where many local artists open their private home studios to the public.
BEST SMALL PLACE FOR BUSINESS & CAREERS
Forbes, 2017
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
Arts & Culture
Southern charm meets easy living in this friendly city of boutiques, bakeries, museums, and green spaces. Catch a ballet, or explore a riverfront boardwalk along the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree rivers. Feeling adventurous? Try Sweet Cream Company ice cream, with unique flavors like blueberry basil.
Must Try
Saluda’s
Café Strudel
Sweet Cream Co.
4
DISTINCT FOOD DISTRICTS IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA
Places & Spaces
Find tranquil beauty in some of the tallest trees in the Eastern U.S., and spot wildlife along the shore of a 25-mile-long river trail. Enjoy watersports, an afternoon picnic, and botanical gardens in this city of outdoor adventures.
The Riverbank Zoo and Garden is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.
THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF SUNNY DAYS IN COLUMBIA
Town & Trade
Columbia the historical capital of South Carolina, surrounds the University of South Carolina with rich Southern culture and history. Columbia is full of historic sites, local eateries, music and dancing and contagious energy found in a collection of unique, nearby neighborhoods.
Columbia, South Carolina is the #3 Best College Town (Livability, 2016)
PLACES FOR BUSINESS AND CAREERS AND FOR JOB GROWTH
Forbes, 2016
AUBURN, ALABAMA
Arts & Culture
In this bustling town filled with lots of pride, enjoy sweet tea, warm biscuits, and Southern food favorites with a hint of spice. Spend the afternoon under the shade of the oak trees in Chewacla State Park with your friends, or catch an evening jazz show.
Can't Miss
Acre Restaurant
Amsterdam Cafe
Crepe Myrtle
30+
GROCERY STORES
Places & Spaces
Auburn lies near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and boasts both national forests and 16 parks, allowing for an active lifestyle for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit a classic general store, a nature reserve, or enjoy CityFest, Auburn’s free outdoor arts and entertainment festival.
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts
Davis Arboretum
Chewalca State Park
FROM ATLANTA, THE LARGEST CITY IN THE SOUTHEAST
Town & Trade
Visit your favorite local places while traveling this friendly town on foot. A sports city with thriving traditions, enjoy an Auburn Tiger’s basketball game, which unites the entire town in cheer. Looking to make career connections? Auburn is known for its bio-science and technology industries.
Auburn University employs about one fourth of the city’s total workforce.
BEST PLACES FOR BUSINESS AND CAREER
Forbes, 2017