For foreign entrepreneurs moving to the United States on the E‑2 investor visa, deciding where to live often involves more than practical logistics. It’s a personal choice that can shape family life, routines, and long-term plans. Many families think about access to public schools, neighborhood safety, healthcare, housing, and whether the area supports their business goals.
Some prefer quieter communities with strong local networks. Others look for growing cities with a mix of professional and educational options. There’s no single formula that works for everyone, but it helps to focus on places where daily life and work can both move forward with stability and support.
Across the country, there are many places where families can settle and build stable routines. Some of these are located in states with policies and conditions that support both business activity and everyday life.
North Carolina
North Carolina offers a mix of business access, livable communities, and room to grow. In 2025, it was ranked the number one state for business by CNBC, based on factors such as workforce strength, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. For entrepreneurs managing both family life and business goals, areas around Charlotte and Raleigh offer suburban neighborhoods, access to airports, and professional networks.
Public schools in many districts report consistent academic progress. As noted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 71 percent of schools met or exceeded expected growth during the 2024–2025 academic year. Families also find the cost of living more manageable than in many coastal metro areas, with access to libraries, parks, and local programs that support daily routines.
Utah
Utah offers a combination of family-oriented communities, public school transparency, and relatively low crime rates. According to USAFacts, the violent crime rate in Utah in 2024 was 36.1 percent lower than the U.S. average, and its property crime rate was 20 percent lower. Cities along the Wasatch Front, including Salt Lake City and Provo, provide a range of residential neighborhoods, business access, and outdoor recreation that can support both family life and professional activity.
Public schools in Utah share detailed performance data, which helps parents evaluate their options. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Utah’s fourth-grade students scored above the national average in English Language Arts in 2024. Families who want clear academic standards and transparency often find this level of reporting useful when planning a move.
Texas
Texas is home to a large and diverse economy, with policies that tend to support small business formation and investment. The absence of a state income tax can help reduce financial pressure for both households and business owners. Entrepreneurs relocating with family often consider metro areas like Dallas, Austin, and Houston, which offer access to airports, major hospitals, and business networks. However, conditions can vary widely by region, so it’s common for families to focus on specific school districts and neighborhoods.
Public education data in Texas is regularly published by the Texas Education Agency, including district- and campus-level accountability ratings. In 2023, 89.3 percent of campuses earned an accountability rating of A, B, or C under the state’s performance framework. This information helps families make more informed decisions about where to live. Housing costs and safety levels also differ by city and ZIP code, which makes local research especially important when comparing options.
Minnesota
Minnesota is often chosen by families for its combination of strong public services, community stability, and access to regional business hubs. Many relocating from abroad look to areas around Minneapolis–St. Paul, which offer international airports, major employers, and family-oriented neighborhoods. Education is a consistent strength. According to CNBC’s 2024 state rankings, Minnesota ranked near the top for K–12 performance, based on outcomes, funding, and progress among underserved groups. The state also provides detailed district-level education data, allowing families to evaluate school options before choosing where to live.
Minnesota’s healthcare system is widely recognized for its quality and accessibility. According to Mayo Clinic, its flagship hospital in Rochester was ranked No. 1 in the nation across multiple specialties in 2024. The organization has held top rankings for 36 consecutive years. In the same year, 12 hospitals across Minnesota were included in national rankings of top regional hospitals, with nine located in the Twin Cities metro area. For families, this means consistent access to high-quality care, both for day-to-day needs and more advanced medical services.
Colorado
Colorado offers a blend of natural environment, urban access, and growing economic opportunity, making it a practical choice for many families relocating on the E-2 visa. Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins are home to expanding business sectors, access to international travel, and a range of school districts with clear public performance data. The Colorado Department of Education publishes district- and school-level ratings, which allow families to compare academic outcomes before choosing where to live. Outdoor recreation is also a factor for many, as families often prioritize access to parks, trails, and activities that support a balanced lifestyle.
Healthcare access in Colorado is supported by several high-performing regional systems. As reported by U.S. News in its 2024–25 hospital rankings, four hospitals in Colorado were rated as high performing across multiple specialties, including UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora and SCL Health Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver. These systems serve metro and outlying areas and offer both routine and specialty care. Families moving from abroad often find Colorado’s combination of services and lifestyle appealing, especially in communities that balance school access, safety, and proximity to employment.
Conclusion
Each family’s priorities will differ, and the right choice often depends on specific needs like school zoning, commuting distance, or access to services. While these five states offer strong overall conditions for raising a family on the E-2 visa, it’s helpful to take time reviewing local data and visiting communities directly when possible. Factors like housing availability, school performance, and healthcare options can vary even between neighboring districts.
Sources:
- LMC.edu. https://www.lmc.edu/about/news-center/articles/2025/north-carolina-named-americas-top-state-for-business-2025-by-cnbc.htm
- EducationNC. https://www.ednc.org/9-3-2025-north-carolina-releases-school-performance-grades-testing-data-for-2024-25/
- USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/answers/what-is-the-crime-rate-in-the-us/state/utah/
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/profiles/stateprofile/overview/
- Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data/school-data
- Center of the American Experiment. https://www.americanexperiment.org/what-does-cnbcs-ranking-of-minnesota-education-tell-us/
- Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/datacenter/minnesota
- Mayo Clinic News Network. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-top-ranked-in-most-specialties-for-36-straight-years-in-u-s-news-and-world-report-rankings/
- Star Tribune. https://www.startribune.com/12-minnesota-hospitals-among-nations-best-as-ranked-by-us-news-and-world-report/
- Colorado Department of Education. https://www.cde.state.co.us/accountability/performanceframeworks
- U.S. News. https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/