Where Are the Safest U.S. Cities for Climate Change?

Looking to escape Climate Change? Think west. With once-in-a-lifetime weather events becoming the new reality for much of the Deep South, storm weary residents could soon be looking for most hospitable surroundings. Even Asheville, N.C., the climate haven once thought immune from the effects of a warming planet, is reeling from a historic flood and death toll that could surpass the triple-digit mark. Florida was recently hit with back-to-back Category Three hurricanes although exploitive real estate developers will buoy lucrative beachfront investments while pushing out marginalized classes for the foreseeable future. You just can’t put a price on a slice of paradise. People will always ignore basic survival instincts in chasing a sandy beach. Those left without the means to rebuild in rapidly climate gentrified regions will seek out calmer pastures, but no corner of the world will be left untouched by a rebellious Mother Nature. Although we can’t outrun the storm, we can prioritize safety by relocating to areas with minimal collateral and direct climate damage.

Heading West

The experts agree: the Colorado Rockies, including  Utah, New Mexico, and the Pacific Northwest are safer for enduring the long-term effects of Climate Change. Denver, Portland, Spokane, and Boise are just a handful of places that have a strong governance and supporting infrastructure to withstand freakish weather and rapid temperature fluctuations. But safety comes at a steep price. The average home value in Denver and Portland is more than $500,000 with existing housing stock is expected to contract because of a dwindling, yet overpriced market. Homeowner’s will also pay higher premiums as duplicitous insurers contrive more dubious policies to conceal a lack of comprehensive flood coverage. Although renting has long been considered an effective solution for those unable to saddle burdensome mortgages, homeowners will look to offset costs of maintaining primary residences by passing on higher rents to local residents who will never be able to afford their first home. It’s an exploitive market and a vicious cycle. America’s poorest classes will suffer the most during the unpredictable Climate Change era.

Finding Hidden Desert Gems

Affordable housing is difficult to find in a post-pandemic America, but not impossible. A cursory Google search returns several reasonably priced homes in remote areas of New Mexico, far removed from hurricane prone corridors and Tornado Alley. Although these affordable, humble abodes don’t rival opulent McMansions in well-manicured housing developments, you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Besides, isn’t escaping the huddled masses’ worse impulses the whole point in relocating to safer communities?

Then Again, There’s No Place Like Home

We get it. Not everyone has the means, resources, or desire to leave the place their families have called home for generations. Regardless of inclinations, residents in storm prone areas must consider strengthening their existing infrastructure to withstand Mother Nature’s wrath in the coming years. Our panelized safe room kits can fortify almost any residence against extreme weather events, including hurricanes and tornadoes. They can be easily and safely installed into any existing home office or bedroom without sacrificing superior strength in protection. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation!