Voted the Best: 16 Top Cities to Live in the USA
Are you in the market for a new home? Are you curious about your options but unsure where to start looking? We’ve selected the best places to live in the USA based on several factors. Crime rate, affordability, weather, job opportunities, and beauty all contribute to these cities’ high quality of life.
1. Naples, Florida
Settled against a pristine white sand beach, this Floridian oasis is one of the happiest and best places to live out of all cities in the US. Part of the draw is the high portion of retirees who flock to Naples for a restful retirement. With warm weather, endless sun rays, and the absence of state income tax, what could make a Naples citizen happier? Active citizens enjoy the plethora of watersports and outdoor activities available year-round. Given Naples’ esteemed reputation, job boards overflow with opportunities, especially during peak tourist seasons.
2. Ann Arbor, Michigan
The phrase, “the vibes are immaculate,” applies to life in Ann Arbor. The college city (home to the University of Michigan) levels out between an overwhelmingly large city and a small rural town. Cutesy cafes and locally owned shops comprise the walkable town layout, markets, and commercial franchises. A music and arts scene prevails throughout the town, enriching citizens’ culture. Plus, the healthcare system and trusty, steady employers provide residents with relief unavailable in other cities.
3. Boulder, Colorado
The quality of life trumps Colorado’s high costs of living. Like Ann Arbor, the college town exists as a haven for university-aged adults, kids, and older adults. The Denver suburb switches out a rushed city feel for a relaxed mountain town with hiking, skiing, mountain biking, camping, and birding opportunities. Boulder shuffles through four seasons, attracting individuals who enjoy leaf changes, snowfall, spring blooms, and summer sun. Boulder also houses a fabulous job market, opening its doors to people from all places and backgrounds.
4. Boise, Idaho
Boise is the ambitious small-town version of a big city. The Idaho capital’s distinct location, smack in the middle of agricultural gold, helps to mitigate food prices. Add low food prices and fresh food to lower the cost of living, and you will get an affordable heaven. Families appreciate the high regard for safety and the low crime rate, which is evident in Boise. The city’s striking beauty allures those searching for a respite from the humdrum scenery of their hometowns. Biking trails line the city and its mountains, offering a fresh perspective of Idahoan life. The Boise River rollicksthrough the city.
5. Austin, Texas
Otherwise known as one of the major foodie hubs in the US, Austin, Texas, specializes in serving some of the world’s best barbeque and Tex-Mex food. If trying every unique Austin dish doesn’t solidify the move for you, maybe the city’s diversity will. Along with dishing out delicious food, Austin produces a quality music and entertainment scene with festivals like Austin City Limits and mixed media festival SXSW (South by Southwest) each year. Not into that, either? What about a home ground where you can paddleboard on the water, work a steady job, pay affordable rent, and bask in subtropical weather?
6. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota houses the prestigious film school Ringling College, making it a semi-college town set in a retirement haven. The sunbathing city appeals to all ages, with access to the Ringling Museum, the celebrated MOTE aquarium, and the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. Centrally located between Tampa and Fort Myers, Sarasota presents Florida’s best beaches. Venice Beach (aka sharktooth central) invites guests to the iconic hub for finding shark teeth. Local shops and beachy-themed restaurants freckle the lining of Siesta Key. Within Siesta Key, Crescent Beach showcases unique limestone rock formations bordering coral reefs.
7. San Jose, California
Nicknamed “The Capital of Silicon Valley,” San Jose, California, ranks as one of the leading places to live and work, and it comes out as one of the best-managed cities. Part of its ranking deals with the city’s pledge to value “Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect, and Celebration.” San Jose presents a diverse arts and entertainment scene as well as a flourishing foodie scene. In addition to the entertainment and food, San Jose cherishes its access to famous landmarks like the Winchester House or the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. Numerous areas of green parks and forests spread throughout the California spot.
8. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh backs itself on an unbreakable economy, leading to dependable jobs. Dependable jobs lead to pleasant people, and pleasant people matched with pleasant climates lead to paradise. However, in North Carolina, the state still sticks to its southern hospitality roots, attracting those searching for that specific charm. Like larger cities such as New York or Chicago, Raleigh fosters a walkable downtown scene perfect for capturing a dream job and commute.
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City emulates a big city vibe as a small city. Skyscrapers jut into the sky, decorating the skyline and providing citizens with access to jobs and a gorgeous cityscape view. Oklahoma City offers ample access to public transportation and welcomes bikers and pedestrians, as the traffic never reaches immense congestion.
Into art? Great! Oklahoma City is ranked among the top cities in the US for street art displays. Enjoy a mural on the way to work, or marvel at a masterpiece during the morning commute.
10. Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, blends all the best assets of a valuable place to live into one city. In the winter, the old village vibe permeates the cobblestoned streets. A lighthouse beams over the harbor, shining out over the Casco Bay. In the summer, sailors set out, enjoying the sun and mild summer weather. Hometown artists display their talents in local markets and downtown galleries. Portland reports high attention to safety, which is supported by a low violent crime and property crime rate.
Remember to try a lobster roll!
11. Providence, Rhode Island
Three major universities live in Providence, Rhode Island: Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Johnson & Wales University. The establishment of these universities contributes to Providence’s refined New England college-town culture. The town focuses on strong sustainability efforts, hoping for a community focusing on local food, low waste output, and sustainable energy and transportation. The coastal town delights locals and visitors with its stunning beauty. The skyline swims on the Providence River. Housing comes in at lower costs than other Rhode Island cities, and Providence also reports a low crime rate.
12. San Francisco, California
Chase your childhood dreams of living a Full House life with a move to San Francisco. The location in northern California, alongside the San Francisco Peninsula, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, lends to San Francisco’s comfortable climate. Citizens enjoy active lifestyles full of surfing, biking, or running out in the beautiful city. The public school system surpasses other California and US school systems, pulling families toward the Golden Gate Bridge’s hometown. For technologically savvy people, San Francisco is a dream place to live because of its advancements in the technological scene. Google, Facebook, and Apple all have headquarters near this city.
13. Lincoln, Nebraska
A Lincoln local described Lincoln, Nebraska, as “a giant small town.” Everything that makes up a small town unfurls throughout Lincoln, though it masquerades as a bigger city. What does that mean? Close circles of friends go to the same local bar every Friday and hang out with friends they made in elementary school. That is not to say that making friends in Lincoln is impossible because the population maintains a friendly, welcoming demeanor. Families treasure the small-town feel and the strong family-first demeanor of the town and Lincoln’s low crime and high safety rate.
14. New York City, New York
You will never run out of things to do in New York City. New York City can’t comprehend the definition of the word shortage. Diversity dances on every corner, ranging from food to music to art to job opportunities. The densely-populated city overflows with people, yes, but if you can stomach the mass population, New York City rewards and hugs its citizens. New people come in and out of the city every day, lending to the endless diversity. People who don’t have cars love the 24/7 subway access and NYC’s plethora of public transit. NYC receives bonus points for a one-of-a-kind food scene.
15. South Bend, Indiana
Notre Dame University pops up on the outskirts of South Bend, Indiana, which draws a large crowd of college-aged students to the area. The prestigious college scene interests citizens with year-round sporting and entertainment events. Housing in South Bend is an affordable and available option. In fact, South Bend’s housing market is 3.9% lower thanthe national average. Save on rent to explore South Bend’s artistic and historic scene in places like Raclin Murphy Museum of Art and Bend’s Civil Rights Museum,
16. Greenville, South Carolina
Live like you’re on vacation. Greenville promotes the farm to table eating approach where restaurants work with local farmers for ingredients. Locals say this approach contributes to the high-quality food. The city remains on the smaller side, featuring lower rent and less congestion than busier nearby cities. A blossoming market means increased job opportunities and business ventures for locals to invest in. Additionally, the prosperous city experiences a mild climate year-round in its urban area, thanks to the surrounding mountains and nearby rivers.
Cheap Travel: Start With These 15 Budget-Friendly Locations
According to Bankrate, a financial services company, the average cost of a solo vacation in USD is $1,991. Budget travelers learn where to visit to cut costs and optimize experiences. Budget travel does not, however, require one to dial back on leisure. These 15 locations provide a broad range of entertainment and attractions for an affordable price tag.
Cheap Travel: Start With These 15 Budget-Friendly Locations
17 Cities With the Highest Quality of Life
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Before you answer that question, you might want to learn more about the most liveable cities in the world. Some cities have higher living standards than others. A recent study by Mercer, a world-class consulting firm, surveys and ranks cities according to quality of life. Who doesn’t want to go to the places with the highest life quality.
17 Cities With the Highest Quality of Life
Golden Years: 13 U.S. Cities Ideal for an Unforgettable Retirement
Choosing the ideal place to retire is a momentous decision that influences one’s quality of life in later years. With countless options across the United States, this guide delves into the top 13 retirement destinations, each offering unique advantages. From serene coastal communities to vibrant urban centers, these locales cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles. Factors such as cost of living, healthcare access, recreational opportunities, and cultural amenities play pivotal roles in the selection process.
Golden Years: 13 U.S. Cities Ideal for an Unforgettable Retirement
