The 50 Best Cities to Live in the US

These are the top American cities for 2023/2024 with the best quality of life says U.S. News & World Report.

By: Felicia Feaster

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Best Places to Live in the United States

U.S. News & World Report bases its Best Places to Live in the U.S. on a host of factors: the local job market, housing affordability, quality of life, the desirability of living in that area for non-residents, and the area's appeal in actually attracting new residents. Looking for a new city to call home, or wondering if your city made the list? Read on to reveal the top places to live across the country, including the fast-growing southeastern city pictured above that comes in at number 8.

1. Green Bay, Wisconsin

Contrary to popular belief, Wisconsin has a lot more to offer than great cheese and the Green Bay Packers, Green Bay is also ranked on US News & World Report as one of the best places to retire.

2. Huntsville, Alabama

Perhaps unexpected on a list of top 20 American cities, relatively small Huntsville is the fastest growing metro area in Alabama. Known for playing a significant role in the space race of the 1960s, the area continues to attract a large number of engineers working at NASA and the US Army's Redstone Arsenal.

3. Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina

North Carolina’s Research Triangle – made up of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill – often receives accolades for its quality of life, strong economy and excellent education system. With three nearby universities, there are many opportunities for jobs in education, as well as manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology and green energy.

4. Boulder, Colorado

What makes Boulder so appealing? A paradise for those who love the outdoors, for practitioners of alternative medicine and fitness enthusiasts, wellness and health are at the core of Boulder's charm. Beautiful scenery and proximity to hiking trails and skiing makes this a wonderful city for active families, young professionals and anyone looking for great quality of life. Pictured: the Pearl Street Mall.

5. Sarasota, Florida

Incredible weather year-round makes Sarasota a wonderful draw for celebrities, families and retirees. Sarasota is also #11 on U.S. News & World Report's Best Cities to Retire list.

6. Naples, Florida

This Florida city offers everything you'd expect from a Gulf of Mexico waterfront destination. The biggest dilemma when chilling on the pearly white sands in Naples is which way to look. On one side are the rolling waves, and on the other are the gleaming mansions that make up Millionaires' Row. But more than beaches, Naples offers top-notch dining and shopping, beautiful golf courses and many features that make this an oasis for retirees escaping wintry climates.

Also See: 20 Top Beaches in Florida

7. Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is known for lobsters and lighthouses and you can have both in the winter, but without waiting in lines to get into the best restaurants or struggling to strategically crop crowds out of your lighthouse photos. For having a population of only about 66,000 people, Portland has a lot to offer in terms of arts and culture, so much so that some locals jokingly refer to their culture-filled city as Portlyn, suggesting their city is the Maine equivalent of Brooklyn, which many consider the hippest of the five New York boroughs.

8. Charlotte, North Carolina

As one of the fastest growing cities in the US, Charlotte, N.C. is a millennial magnet and has a ton of cool neighborhoods and breweries to show for it. Stay in NoDa, the city's art district, then plan to do some group yoga at Little Sugar Creek Greenway before heading to Birdsong for drinks.

9. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Nationally ranked colleges, military bases and a combination of low cost of living and low unemployment make Colorado Springs a thriving destination for residents, who can also enjoy proximity to great skiing.

10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Home to the flagship campus in the state's university system, the University of Arkansas (pictured), Fayetteville is also home to corporate giants Walmart and Tyson Foods.

11. Madison, Wisconsin

With high-tech businesses and a respected university, Madison combines big city sophistication and friendly, Midwestern wholesomeness. A great food scene and a phenomenal farmers' market only add to the city's luster and livability.

Also See: Curds and Clay: Midwest Farmers' Markets

12. Boise, Idaho

Offering the best of both city life and natural beauty, Boise boasts a bustling downtown and stunning mountains, lakes and even deserts surrounding plentiful dining and cultural options.

13. San Jose, California

Often called the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is — as you might expect of the home of tech companies like Google and Apple — one of the most expensive cities in terms of home prices and cost of living. But it's also full of incredible features, including a vibrant foodie scene and stunning natural scenery.

Also See: The 10 Most Relaxing Cities in America

14. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Located just 45 minutes west of Detroit, this college town prides itself on inclusivity, and attracts millions of visitors each year with its indie bookstores, eclectic coffee shops, theaters and unbeatable Indian, Japanese and Korean restaurants. Pictured: University of Michigan students walk their bikes past the iconic Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, Mich.

15. Melbourne, Florida

What's not to love about a city that's all beach all the time? This charming Florida city benefits from ample dining opportunities, a lack of state income tax, and slower growth that hasn't made it as overdeveloped and pricey as other parts of Florida.

16. Jacksonville, Florida

Surrounded by water views and blessed with mild weather, Jacksonville, Florida offers city amenities but a slower pace. Access to golf courses and attractions on nearby Amelia Island and the growing Southbank Riverwalk district on the St. Johns River means there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

17. Albany, New York

The capital of New York state, Albany is situated on the scenic Hudson River. A lively downtown, home to many small businesses and monthly First Fridays art openings, means there is always lots to do, even when the snow starts.

18. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Though it is more often thought of as a vacation spot, Myrtle Beach has much to offer beyond sunbathing — great golf, the peaceful MarshWalk, hiking and biking trails and lovely Brookgreen Gardens Park. And because it's a tourist destination, residents can enjoy those same amenities all year long.

Also See: The 10 Best Beaches in America

19. Des Moines, Iowa

Iowa's capital, Des Moines offers boundless cultural events, festivals and a thriving bar and restaurant scene.

20. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Michigan's Fulton Street Market is just one reason US News & World Report also named Grand Rapids as #26 on their list of the best places to retire. More than 1,200 acres of city parks, a great craft brewery scene and a commitment to public art make Grand Rapids a great destination for city adventurers.

21. Knoxville, Tennessee

A charming Southern city with a great food scene and wonderful weather, Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee, which draws a diverse, international student body and teaching population to the city. Football is a big deal here, but Knoxville's status as the headquarters of HGTV also makes it a nexus for creative types.

22. Syracuse, New York

Retirees and families flock to Syracuse for its affordability where the median home price is just $194,758. Shown here: Syracuse's Hanover Square was the first commercial district in the city, and comprises 17 historic buildings. Now the setting for many cultural gatherings and live music, the square was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

23. Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins has a small-town vibe and is a nice alternative for those who have been priced out of Denver or Boulder.

24. Tampa, Florida

Mild weather, sparkling water and a slower pace, Tampa's scenic Bayshore Boulevard — a popular spot for walking and running — is just one of the amenities that make this Florida city such a draw.

Also See: The 10 Best US Cities for Green Thumbs

25. Hickory, North Carolina

The mild climate in this mountain town and proximity to Charlotte and to Asheville (both about an hour away) makes Hickory a top pick for both young professionals and retirees.

26. Rochester, New York

One of the country's most sustainable city in the US, Rochester is also notable for its incentives and policies supporting renewables and energy efficiency.

27. Buffalo, New York

With its gentrifying waterfront, Buffalo has become a desirable city for younger residents and those looking for a slower pace than the New York metro area.

28. Pensacola, Florida

This westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle is much more than just the beautiful beaches that line the Gulf of Mexico. Ranked by US News & World Report as number 3 in the top cities to retire, Pensacola has plenty to offer residents at any stage of life. Great fishing, numerous public parks, historic sites and plenty of fresh seafood at local restaurants, combined with a lower cost of living than the national average, make this a very livable city.

29. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is often referred to as "The Paris of the South" because it is home to so many artists, galleries and antique shops. Asheville boasts a nationally praised, vibrant restaurant scene, a thriving craft beer culture and astounding natural beauty, all accessible close to downtown.

Learn More: 10+ Great Things to Do in Asheville, North Carolina

30. Virginia Beach, Virginia

A weekend may not give you enough time to enjoy Virginia's First Landing State Park. Along with 1-1/2 miles of sandy shoreline along Chesapeake Bay, this oasis in the city of Virginia Beach offers an abundance of activities including boating, nature and history programs, hiking, biking and picnicking. Fishing and crabbing are popular here, and you can swim in the bay, but be aware that there are no lifeguards. Book a stay in a cabin or yurt, pitch a tent or choose a campsite with water and electric hookups.

31. Greenville, South Carolina

A Southern town that has experienced a rapid revitalization of its downtown, Greenville has become a mecca for visitors but also for new residents. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville features plenty of natural beauty — like this fall-foliage show at Caesars Head State Park — as well as a mix of restaurants, boutiques and activities in its thriving downtown.

Also See: The 30 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America

32. Lincoln, Nebraska

The capital of Nebraska, Lincoln also features a growing craft beer scene and a vibrant downtown entertainment district.

33. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne is a safe, affordable Midwest city with great public schools and plenty of outdoor recreation options. At Promenade Park, take in a concert at the Sweetwater Bandshell or sail away on a replica canal boat called the Sweet Breeze. You can also rent a kayak or canoe to get out on the water from Fort Wayne Outfitters. Public art is popular in Fort Wayne as new murals are added each month to beautify public downtown spaces.

34. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky

If you want to understand Lexington’s importance as an equestrian center, you’ll want to visit at least one of the many horse farms in the area that give this city the nickname Horse Capital of the World. Lexington is also a unique blend of the South and Midwest, a town founded on a love of University of Kentucky basketball and affordability.

35. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

Minneapolis may be better known for its bitter cold winters, but this destination is well worth a visit ahead of the first frost. For one, you're never more than six blocks from a park, making it easy to stay active in Minneapolis.

Also See: America's Top 20 Healthiest Cities

36. Portland, Oregon

A city whose motto "Keep Portland Weird" perfectly expresses the bohemian, hipster spirit of this fascinating spot, Portland is as beloved for supporting innovators as it is for its natural beauty and access to vineyards, hiking and outdoor activities of every sort.

37. Savannah, Georgia

The epitome of Southern charm, Savannah is also home to the Savannah College of Art and Design which means the city is filled with artists, galleries, a contemporary art museum and the annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival. It's also known for its food scene and quick access to surrounding beaches and waterways.

38. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's capital has an array of outdoor activities many of them along the Susquehanna River at Riverfront Park. Hikers can enjoy the Appalachian Trail and the plethora of nearby state parks. And for city lovers, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC are all just a few hours drive away.

39. Washington, DC

What's not to love about a city with free, stellar museums, charming neighborhoods and a population composed of people from all over the world (which also means there are lots of great restaurants and lots of diversity).

40. Austin, Texas

Home to the University of Texas and a booming film industry, Austin, Texas has long had a reputation for quality of life coupled with a thriving cultural scene, including the city's destination status for the annual South by Southwest festival each March.

41. Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Home to Wake Forest University and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, among others, Winston-Salem is a boomtown for entrepreneurs that manages to hold on to its small-town feel. Lower housing prices and cost of living also make this area attractive.

42. Richmond, Virginia

Richmond is home to adorable local businesses like the Charm School Social Club ice cream shop and some great galleries, a wonderful local museum (the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts), and an art school (the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts), which promises lots of cool murals and culture alongside the town's fascinating history.

43. Spartanburg, South Carolina

Beautiful scenery, plenty of outdoor activities, numerous festivals and a lower cost of living make this Southern city especially appealing.

44. Boston, Massachusetts

Known as a nexus of top-ranked colleges, Boston has a lot to recommend it on the cultural, arts, history and food fronts. The first public botanical garden in America, Boston Public Garden, was established in 1837. The Charles River is a great resource for boating and biking and walking along the water. Cultural opportunities abound, from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston to the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum, an intimate, home-like setting to take in a remarkable collection of American and global art.

Also See: The 10 Most Sustainable Cities in America

45. San Francisco, California

What's not to love about this city by the bay? Sure, the cost of living is high, but it's hard to match San Francisco's reputation as a haven for entrepreneurs, artists, LGBTQ communities and free-thinkers and innovators of every stripe.

Also See: The 10 Most Glamorous Cities in America

46. Omaha, Nebraska

Affordability and a robust economy make Omaha an attractive city for younger families. A vibrant arts and culture scene sweetens the deal for anyone considering relocating.

47. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh is a fun and family-friendly destination with a variety of activities for all interests and ages. Start your day at the Carnegie Science Center, which has exhibits that range from the Little Learner Clubhouse, a nature-inspired zone for kids age 6 and under, to SpacePlace, a hub that allows big kids to explore rockets, space missions and planets. Space-crazed kids will also love the new hands-on Moonshot Museum. Enjoy a picnic and hiking trails at Point State Park, then take a ride up Mount Washington on the Duquesne Incline to the observation deck for scenic panoramas across Pittsburgh.

48. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Like Greenville, South Carolina, Chattanooga — once tagged "the dirtiest city in America" — has undergone a sweeping overhaul of its riverfront, Warehouse Row and downtown districts. It is now home to breweries, coffee shops boutiques, a very good art museum (the Hunter Museum of American Art) and a lot more activities to attract the younger crowd. It has also been nicknamed "the Scenic City" for its lovely natural surroundings.

49. Daytona Beach, Florida

Best known for its NASCAR racing scene, Daytona Beach is also garnering attention for its real estate, including vacation homes. There’s so much to do here too thanks to 23 miles of sandy coastline, art museums, scenic lighthouses and a legit surfing scene. Stroll the Daytona Beach Boardwalk to take in views across the ocean in between stops in gift shops and pizza joints. The historic Coquia Clock Tower is a beloved landmark on the boardwalk.

50. Cincinnati, Ohio

The Great American Ball Park, home to the Cincinnati Reds, is, understandably, a popular destination for locals in Cincinnati. This Midwestern city has great public and private schools and a number of Fortune 500 companies. Home prices tend to be below the national average.

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