Building a home offers a unique kind of freedom. You get to choose everything from the layout of the kitchen island to the exact shade of the shutters. But before you break ground, you face a decision that matters more than the floor plan or the fixtures: location.
If you’re open to building your home anywhere in the US if the price and factors are right, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we list the current best states in the US to build a home this year.
8. Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the opportunity to build your dream home. One of the state’s biggest draws is the lack of state income tax, which immediately puts more money back into your pocket for premium building materials or high-end appliances. The job market is remarkably robust, with cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston attracting major tech and energy companies.
Texas offers a distinct lifestyle for every taste. Austin provides a haven for music lovers and food truck enthusiasts, while San Antonio offers deep historical roots and Tex-Mex culinary traditions. The Hill Country, west of Austin, is rapidly becoming a premier wine destination, perfect for oenophiles looking to build a farmhouse near the vines.
7. Tennessee
Tennessee appeals to those who want their money to go further. Like Texas, Tennessee creates a tax-friendly environment with no state income tax on wages. The cost of living here is significantly lower than the national average, meaning many homebuilders can secure a prime lot of land for a fraction of what they’d pay elsewhere.
Nashville isn’t just the capital of country music; it has evolved into a cosmopolitan city with a red-hot dining scene known for hot chicken and “meat and three” diners. If you prefer nature over neon lights, East Tennessee offers the Great Smoky Mountains. Building a cabin here gives you front-row access to America’s most visited national park, where hiking, fishing, and scenic drives become part of your daily routine.
6. South Carolina
For those who dream of slow mornings and sweet tea, South Carolina offers an idyllic setting for a custom build. The state’s economy is growing steadily, particularly in manufacturing and tourism, but the real draw is the lifestyle. The coastline is stunning, with areas like Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach offering classic seaside living.
Charleston serves as the culinary heart of the state. Food and Wine magazine frequently names it one of the best food cities in the US for its Lowcountry cuisine. History buffs and architecture lovers will find endless inspiration in the antebellum homes and cobblestone streets.
5. Florida
Florida remains a top destination for home builders, and it’s easy to see why. The promise of endless summer attracts retirees and young families alike. The lack of state income tax is a major financial incentive, and the tourism industry supplements a vibrant economy. While hurricane preparedness is a necessary consideration for construction, modern building codes ensure homes are safer and more resilient than ever.
Culturally, Florida is incredibly diverse. Miami offers world-class Latin American cuisine and nightlife, while the Panhandle provides a more traditional Southern feel. From fresh seafood to key lime pie, the local diet is fresh and flavorful.
4. Idaho
Idaho might surprise some, but it has quietly become one of the best states in the US to build a home this year and a desirable place to live. The state offers stunning natural beauty and a high quality of life. The tech industry in Boise is booming, earning the city a reputation as a new tech hub. This economic growth supports a strong housing market, making a new build a smart long-term play.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Idaho is paradise. You have access to world-class skiing in Sun Valley, whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, and endless miles of hiking trails. The state also produces excellent wines, particularly along the Snake River Valley.
3. Colorado
Colorado offers an unbeatable combination of economic vitality and outdoor adventure. The state attracts a highly educated workforce and hosts a thriving startup ecosystem. While Denver’s altitude matters when building your custom home, enlisting the help of local contractors will help you skirt these potential problems in the Mile High City.
Colorado is the ultimate playground for active travelers. You can ski the Rockies in the winter and hike the Flatirons in the summer. Building a home in Colorado means incorporating elements of the outdoors, such as expansive decks and large windows that frame the breathtaking scenery.
2. Washington
A robust economy anchored by giants like Amazon and Microsoft drives Washington’s robust economy. While the Seattle area can be expensive, the rest of the state offers a wide range of affordable building options. The absence of a state income tax is another significant financial perk for residents.
The landscape of Washington is dramatically diverse. To the west, you have the lush, green beauty of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula, famous for fresh oysters and seafood. To the east, the climate dries out, creating the perfect conditions for growing hops and grapes. Building a home in Walla Walla or the Yakima Valley puts you in the heart of wine country, where you can enjoy world-class Cabernet Sauvignon right in your backyard.
1. Utah
The Beehive State consistently ranks high for economic strength, job growth, and fiscal stability. Utah boasts a young, growing population and a tech sector in the “Silicon Slopes” that rivals California’s, but with a much lower cost of living. Utah offers a quality of life that is difficult to replicate.
Utah residents have access to the “Mighty 5” national parks, offering some of the most surreal landscapes on the planet. The skiing near Salt Lake City and Park City is world-renowned for its light, fluffy powder. Salt Lake City itself has developed a sophisticated dining scene, with innovative chefs and local roasters transforming the culinary landscape. Building a home in Utah means investing in a future where economic security meets adventure.
Start Your Journey Today
Choosing where to build is just the beginning of the adventure. Whether it’s the rugged mountains of Utah, the vineyards of Washington, or the coastal charm of South Carolina, each of these states offers a unique foundation for your new life.
The perfect plot of land is out there waiting for you. Take the next step in your journey by researching local builders and visiting these communities to feel the vibe for yourself. Your dream home deserves the perfect setting.
Feature Photo by Pieter van de Sande on Unsplash
