As Climate Worsens, These Are 10 Potential ‘Climate Haven’ Cities

By Sam Stebbins  •  June 4, 2026
Stunning autumn view of Central Park with cityscape reflecting in the lake.
Photo by Shon Fay on Pexels

In recent years, Americans have been flocking to the Southeastern United States. From Tennessee and the Carolinas, down to Florida and out through Texas, cities across the American South have reported a rapid influx of new residents. For many relocating to these areas, warm temperatures, growing economies, and a relatively low cost of living have been a major draw – but when accounting for the looming threat posed by climate change, many of these new hotspot destinations appear less than ideal.

According to Census Bureau data, the share of Americans who cited climate change as primary reason for moving increased slightly between 2021 and 2022, from 0.7% to 0.9%. But if, as is widely predicted within the scientific community, natural disasters increase in both intensity and frequency as the planet warms, climate-related relocations will likely become far more prevalent. In this scenario, certain U.S. cities appear to be far safer long-term bets than others.

Due to a number of factors, including moderate temperatures, existing infrastructure, access to fresh water supplies, and limited exposure to natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires, several U.S. cities stand out as possible safe-havens from the most extreme potential consequences of ongoing climate change.

Reviewing reports from both the media and scientific journals, Climate Crisis 247 identified some of the least expensive U.S. cities that have been singled out as potential climate havens. Cities are ranked on median home value, as reflected in five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey.

It is important to note that existing scientific research into climate haven cities is limited, and that certain cities identified as potential refuges have also been found to have meaningful climate-related vulnerabilities. As a result, until more extensive, peer-reviewed research becomes available, many cities appear on this list only as speculative possibilities.

a person walking on a path in front of a building
Photo by Christopher Chan on Unsplash

10. Ithaca, New York

  • Median home value in city: $330,100
  • Avg. temperature in 2024: N/A
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: N/A
  • Located in: Middle Atlantic region (Northeastern U.S.)
  • Local population: 31,792

9. Spokane, Washington

  • Median home value in city: $326,200
  • Avg. temperature in 2023: 50.7°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 49.0°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: Pacific region (Western U.S.)
  • Local population: 229,228

8. Fayetteville, Arkansas

  • Median home value in city: $322,500
  • Avg. temperature in 2024: 61.7°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 57.8°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: West South Central region (Southern U.S.)
  • Local population: 97,227

7. Columbus, Ohio

  • Median home value in city: $234,500
  • Avg. temperature in 2024: 57.3°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 53.8°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: East North Central region (Midwestern U.S.)
  • Local population: 906,480

6. Kansas City, Missouri

  • Median home value in city: $227,000
  • Avg. temperature in 2024: 57.2°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 56.2°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: West North Central region (Midwestern U.S.)
  • Local population: 508,233

5. Duluth, Minnesota

  • Median home value in city: $225,700
  • Avg. temperature in 2023: 42.6°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 40.5°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: West North Central region (Midwestern U.S.)
  • Local population: 86,863

4. Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Median home value in city: $215,300
  • Avg. temperature in 2024: 57.9°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 54.6°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: East North Central (Midwestern U.S.)
  • Local population: 309,595

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Median home value in city: $193,200
  • Avg. temperature in 2024: 55.4°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 52.3°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: Middle Atlantic region (Northeastern U.S.)
  • Local population: 303,620

2. Buffalo, New York

  • Median home value in city: $152,300
  • Avg. temperature in 2024: 53.0°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 49.0°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: Middle Atlantic region (Northeastern U.S.)
  • Local population: 276,397

1. Rochester, New York

  • Median home value in city: $120,600
  • Avg. temperature in 2024: 52.6°F (latest year of available data)
  • Avg. annual baseline temperature: 48.7°F (1991-2020)
  • Located in: Middle Atlantic region (Northeastern U.S.)
  • Local population: 209,720


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