There are many great places to live in the US, but some are better than others based on affordability, crime rates, job markets, education, and other factors. Here are the top 17 that offer most of the features that Americans look for in a residential haven.
Albany, New York
New York’s capital city receives great ratings for its affordability, crime rates, and job market, with jobs that pay higher than the national average! Albany’s air quality index (AQI) is also one of the best in the entire US, and some regard it as the best city to live in New York State.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville has witnessed a net increase in population in recent years, and its lower cost of living compared to other big cities is what makes it desirable. Many also love that they get easy access to beautiful beaches, enjoy a bustling restaurant scene, and have a great job market to go with it.
Boise, Idaho
Housing affordability is Boise’s most appealing feature, and the city offers a fast-growing, community-friendly metro area to go with it. Although it’s also regarded as the best city in the US for millennials in a Business Insider story, the only downside is Boise’s lack of robust public transportation systems.
Melbourne, Florida
Florida’s Melbourne remains a favorite for many people because of its year-round temperate weather, relatively low cost of living, and vast selection of outdoor activities. It also has a solid job market, and it is the top choice for many people to retire or raise a family.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a suburban area that provides its residents with awesome public schools and a diverse selection of outdoor activities, including great restaurants and parks. It’s also highly rated for its nightlife, quality healthcare, and low exposure to extreme weather conditions.
San Jose, California
In San Jose, you have easy access to entertainment, enjoy an amazing year-round climate, and bask in its beautiful natural environment. The availability of high-paying jobs in this city is enough to override its relatively high cost of living, and San Jose’s educational institutions are ranked as some of the best in the US.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison has a midwestern appeal that’s accompanied by great job opportunities in the healthcare, manufacturing, and IT industries. It’s one of the best places for students, young professionals, and families to live, and Madison also ranks highly for its variety of recreational activities to keep residents busy.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville boasts net-positive immigration, and it isn’t hard to see why it makes our list of the best US cities to live in. US News shows that Fayetteville retains a relatively low cost of living, both in terms of consumer products and housing, despite its fast-growing population and job market.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
The naturally beautiful environment is only a plus to Colorado Springs’ historically strong job market, awesome educational facilities, and year-round temperate weather. The city has cultural attractions, which make it tourist-dense and offer great opportunities for military, healthcare, and IT professionals.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte’s general cost of living is lower than the national average while offering a fast-growing restaurant scene, and it has temperate weather—averaging up to 234 sunny days per year! Its appeal as one of the fastest-growing cities has given Charlotte a net positive migration in the past year.
Portland, Maine
In Portland, you have access to many jobs in its steady-growing employment market and enjoy a bustling arts and culture scene. The city also ranks highly for its quality healthcare, short commute times, low crime rates, and appeal for raising a family. What’s not to like about that?!
Naples, Florida
This city on the Gulf of Mexico mesmerizes its residents with miles of picturesque beaches, beautiful sunsets, and awesome year-round weather. The best part is that, alongside great air quality, Naples offers the aesthetic appeal of Miami and Tampa without the tourists that come with it.
Sarasota, Florida
With Sarasota, it’s all about the beautiful beaches, desirable weather, and bustling arts and culture scene typical of Florida’s cities. There’s a plethora of leisure activities to have your fill with here, as well as a strong, fast-growing job market to support yourself while at it.
Boulder, Colorado
Yes, Boulder has a higher cost of living than many US cities, especially when it comes to housing. However, it also has a significantly higher average annual salary—standing at $73,200! CBS says that Boulder’s job market and quality educational institutions have made it a great place for any American to migrate to.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Starting off our top three is Raleigh, a small town ranked high for its pleasant climate, abundance of jobs, and communal hospitality. Raleigh is currently enjoying an influx of residents due to its affordability and thriving research, technology, education, and healthcare industries.
Huntsville, Alabama
The Huntsville Government recognizes the city’s thriving job market, low cost of living, and high quality of life as its top selling points. Out of the most populous metros to live in the US, Huntsville proves to be the most affordable and also comes with a salary range higher than the national average.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Finally, Green Bay is the best city in the US, according to Americans! This is based on a weighted overall cost of living, job market, crime rate, quality of education, and year-round weather. The city’s best selling points are its affordability of housing and consumer products, as well as its low exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Up Next: 19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
We can debate all day about who has the safest food supply in the world. Though, I’d bet you would be surprised at how many everyday American foods are banned in other countries. Most are due to chemical additives and pesticides, which, in places like the EU, cannot be approved for use unless proven safe. Let’s take a look at 19 of them.
19 American Foods that Are Not Allowed in Other Countries
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
Whether you identify as an alcoholic or a casual drinker, alcohol can have a significant negative impact on your health. This is why more and more people are choosing to go cold turkey for the sake of their well-being. If you’re considering going sober but need a little more convincing, we’ve got you covered. Here are 19 things that will happen when you stop drinking alcohol.
19 Things That Will Happen When You Stop Drinking Alcohol
17 Things Guests Actually Notice Right Away About Your House
Inviting people into your home is a big deal. You may be very house-proud or house-conscious, and if you are either, you’ll likely get anxious about hosting. If this sounds like you, stop worrying and focus on the following 17 things that guests actually notice right away about your house.
17 THINGS GUESTS ACTUALLY NOTICE RIGHT AWAY ABOUT YOUR HOUSE