The United States is home to a plethora of wonderful cities that provide inexpensive housing, strong employment markets, and breathtaking scenery. We have produced a detailed list of the 50 best places to live in the US country, whether you are looking for magnificent beauty or thriving economies.
Our reliable source, Niche, goes beyond generic rankings to include specialized categories such as excellent settings for families, diversified communities, and top destinations for young professionals or retirees. This allows you to find the ideal location for you and your loved ones.
In addition, prominent tourist attractions such as Charleston, South Carolina; Alexandria, Virginia (a suburb of Washington, D.C.); and Austin, Texas are among the top 15 cities in Travel & Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards. Here, we present the definitive list of the top 50 best places to live in the US (United States).
List of Top 50 Best Places to Live in the US
We examined the 50 most populated metropolitan regions to discover the best places to live. A place had to have a favorable value, be highly sought-after, have a solid employment market, and have an amazing quality of life to make it to the top of our rankings.
If you want to learn more about our process and how we rank the greatest areas to live in the United States, we recommend that you read the top 50 best places to live in the US.
1. Cambridge, Massachusetts
The bustling city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, is located in Middlesex County and is well-known throughout the country. In the Greater Boston metropolitan area, it plays a key suburban role.
It is located only across the scenic Charles River from the vibrant metropolis of Boston. Cambridge is a desirable location for both locals and visitors because of its illustrious past, world-class educational facilities, and vibrant cultural environment. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
2. Columbia, Maryland
Columbia is a well-planned town located in Howard County in the U.S. state of Maryland. It is a census-designated place, is made up of ten independent settlements and provides a distinctive way of life. The population of Columbia was 104,681 as of the 2020 Census.
Notably, Columbia has won honors, including being chosen by Money Magazine as the 6th most desired neighborhood globally and the greatest place to live in Maryland in 2022. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
3. Berkeley, California
Berkeley is a fascinating city in northern Alameda County, California, on the lovely eastern side of San Francisco Bay. It is named after George Berkeley, an important Anglo-Irish bishop and philosopher who flourished in the 18th century.
Berkeley is bordered by Oakland and Emeryville to the south, and Albany and the unincorporated city of Kensington to the north. Because of its gorgeous surroundings and ancient past, the city is a unique attraction for both locals and visitors.
4. Plano, Texas
Both Collin County and Denton County are home to the thriving metropolis of Plano in Texas. There were 285 494 people living there as of the 2020 Census. Plano, which is the largest city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is situated in one of the U.S.’s fastest-growing regions.
Plano has developed into a popular destination for residents and a vital contribution to the area’s dynamic urban scene because to its flourishing economy, good schools, and a variety of recreational possibilities. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
5. The Woodlands, Texas
The Woodlands is a census-designated place and special-purpose district in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metropolitan Statistical Area in Texas. The majority of it is in Montgomery County, but it also reaches into Harris County.
The Woodlands, a community renowned for its thoughtful development and natural beauty, provides inhabitants with a distinctive way of life. It has developed into a prosperous town within the greater Houston area with a mix of residential, business, and recreational facilities.
6. Irvine, California
Irvine, a city in Orange County, California, is a significant part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and is located there. Since Irvine’s official establishment on December 28, 1971, it has developed into a vibrant neighborhood. Its population was 307,670 as of the 2020 Census.
A strong cultural environment and a wide variety of shopping opportunities are offered to locals and visitors by the city’s numerous art galleries and shopping centers.
7. Naperville, Illinois
Naperville, a city in the Illinois counties of DuPage and Will, is a part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. It was established in 1831 by Joseph Naper and has developed into a key metropolitan hub.
Naperville is the fifth-largest city in Illinois by population and combines both suburban beauty and metropolitan conveniences. Residents have access to the many opportunities and attractions of the busy Chicago area because to its advantageous location.
8. Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, also referred to as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is a city in Kentucky’s Fayette County. It has a significant role in the state and serves as the county seat.
Lexington, the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 59th-largest city in the country, has a sizable population. It ranks as the 28th largest city in the nation by total land area. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
9. Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, located in Florida, is a notable city since it serves as the county seat of Alachua County. Its population of 141,085 makes it the biggest city in North Central Florida as of 2020.
With a population of 339,247 as of 2020, it serves as the main city of the Gainesville metropolitan area and contributes to a dynamic urban area. Gainesville has a thriving local community and acts as a regional center for economic, educational, and cultural pursuits. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a significant part of American culture and is regarded as one of the most rich, influential, and historically significant cities in the country. The city offers a diverse range of experiences and is well known for its distinctive baked beans, Fenway Park, and bustling arts scene.
With millions of visitors each year, Boston’s quality of life places it as the ninth finest city in the world. Boston is one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the country thanks to its historical significance and exciting attractions.
11. Arlington, Virginia
Arlington County is a county in Virginia that is located on the western bank of the Potomac River, immediately across from Washington, D.C. It is also coextensive with Arlington, the census-designated place established by the U.S. Census Bureau and is the second-largest city in the Washington metropolitan area.
Arlington County, which is in Northern Virginia, provides its citizens with a lively and active atmosphere. Its appeal and regional significance are enhanced by its closeness to the nation’s capital.
12. Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park, which is in Johnson County, Kansas, and with a population of 197,238, is the second-largest city there. It bears the distinction of being the most populous suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, and is one of the major cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Overland Park is a lively community that contributes to the expansion and improvement of the area. It is an important city in the state of Kansas due to its advantageous location and sizable population.
13. Sunnyvale, California
The Santa Clara Valley is home to Sunnyvale, a city in Santa Clara County, California’s northwest. One of the largest cities in the famed Silicon Valley, which is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it occupies a key position.
Sunnyvale, known for its technical advancement and booming industry, makes a substantial contribution to the region’s dynamic landscape by drawing firms and experts from all over the world. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
14. Round Rock, Texas
Williamson County, Texas’s Round Rock, is a city that is a component of the Greater Austin metropolitan area. Round Rock, which has 119,468 residents as of the 2020 Census, is located about 20 miles north of the center of Austin.
Along Texas State Highway 45, the city and Austin share a border, promoting accessibility and connectivity between them. Round Rock is significant in the area because of its advantageous location and expanding population.
15. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a thriving metropolis and busy port that is situated on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. It is one of the most international cities in the country, serving as the cultural and financial center of the western United States.
San Francisco is well-known throughout the world for its iconic sites, such as the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge and the well-known cable cars. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
16. Madison, Wisconsin
The county seat of Dane County is located in Madison, the state capital of Wisconsin. It is the 80th-biggest city in the United States and the second-largest city in the state with a population of 269,840 (2020 Census).
Milwaukee is the largest city in the state. James Madison, a significant American Founding Father and President, is honored by the naming of the city. As the political and cultural epicenter of the state it represents, Madison is significant.
17. Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad is a charming seaside city that may be found in San Diego County, California’s North County. It offers a convenient and beautiful setting, being located 35 miles north of downtown San Diego and 87 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.
Carlsbad is well-known for being a well-liked vacation spot, drawing people with its gorgeous beaches and housing a large number of golf-related enterprises. The city’s appeal is further enhanced by prominent attractions like the San Diego Botanic Garden.
18. Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is a city that serves as the county seat of Madison County and is located in Madison County and Limestone County, Alabama, with a tiny fraction extending into Morgan County. It is the most populous city in the state and is situated in the Appalachian region of northern Alabama.
Huntsville is significant in the area because of its advantageous position and booming population, which also provide a lively and dynamic community for both locals and visitors.
19. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, a huge Southern city and the most populous in North Carolina, is located in the picturesque Piedmont region. According to the 2020 census, it has an estimated population of 874,579, serving as the county seat of Mecklenburg County.
Charlotte’s unique fusion of southern warmth and urban conveniences is what gives the city its charm and attractiveness. Charlotte provides both inhabitants and visitors with an enthralling experience thanks to its stunning surrounds and bustling metropolitan scene.
20. Rochester, Minnesota
Rochester, the county seat of Olmsted County, is a city famous for its location atop the undulating cliffs of the Zumbro River’s south branch in Southeast Minnesota. It has the distinction of housing and giving birth to the illustrious Mayo Clinic.
As a center of medical innovation and quality, Rochester, which has 121,395 residents as of the 2020 Census, thrives. The city is a popular travel destination in the area due to its picturesque setting and illustrious healthcare facility.
21. Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, the county seat of Lancaster County and the state capital of Nebraska, is a vibrant metropolis. It will be the second-most populous city in the state and the 73rd-largest in the country in 2021 with a population of 292,657.
Lincoln, which covers an area of 100.4 square miles, has a thriving and diversified community. The city is well-known for its extensive history and cultural importance and has a significant location in the state of Nebraska.
22. Richardson, Texas
Dallas’ inner suburb of Richardson is situated in the Texas counties of Collin and Dallas. It has 119,469 residents as of the 2020 Census and is the location of the Telecom Corridor and the University of Texas at Dallas.
The city is a hub for technical growth thanks to the significant presence of telecommunications corporations. Located in the center of the Dallas metropolitan area, Richardson has a mix of residential, commercial, and academic options.
23. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, a thriving maritime city, is situated on the West Coast of the United States. With a projected population of 749,256 in 2022, it will be the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest of North America, serving as the capital of King County, Washington.
With a population of 4.02 million, the Seattle metropolitan area is the fifteenth largest in the country. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
24. Boulder, Colorado
The county seat and most populated municipality in Boulder County, Colorado, is the home rule city of Boulder. The city had 108,250 residents as of the 2020 US Census, making it Colorado’s 12th most populous city.
Colorado’s picturesque terrain and the bustling municipality of Boulder draw both locals and tourists. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
25. Minneapolis, Minnesota
The county seat of Minnesota’s Hennepin County is Minneapolis, often known as the City of Minneapolis. It is the largest city in Minnesota and the 46th most populated city in the country, with a population of 429,954 as of the 2020 Census.
Minneapolis provides inhabitants and visitors with a diverse and dynamic urban experience. The city is well-known for its thriving arts scene, gorgeous lakes, and rich cultural legacy.
26. Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is the state capital of Nebraska and the county seat of Douglas County. It provides a strategic location as it is located in the Midwest of the United States along the Missouri River, about 10 miles north of the mouth of the Platte River.
The 2020 census put its population at 486,051, making it the 39th-largest city in the country. Omaha is a prominent urban center in the center of Nebraska and is well-known for its thriving population and rich cultural legacy.
27. Tampa, Florida
The major city in the Tampa Bay area and the county seat is Tampa, which is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It offers breathtaking waterfront views as it borders Old Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay.
With a projected population of 398,173 people in 2022, the city will rank as the 49th largest in the nation. Tampa offers inhabitants and visitors alike a vibrant and diverse experience that is known for its coastal beauty and cultural attractions. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
28. Raleigh, North Carolina
The second-most populated city in the state, after Charlotte, is Raleigh, which serves as both the state’s capitol and the county seat of Wake County. Raleigh is the largest city in the Research Triangle metro area, ranking as the tenth most populous city in the Southeast and the 41st most populous city overall.
The city, which is well-known for its contributions to academia and technology, provides its citizens and guests with a dynamic and forward-thinking community. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
29. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The county seat of Allegheny County is Pittsburgh, which is located in the state of Pennsylvania. It ranks as the second-most populated city in Pennsylvania, behind Philadelphia, and the 68th-most populous city in the United States.
It is also the most populous city in both Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh provides its citizens and visitors with a distinctive fusion of history, innovation, and community. Pittsburgh is well known for its industrial past, dynamic neighbourhoods, and cultural activities.
30. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Washtenaw County’s administrative centre is in Ann Arbour, Michigan. It is the fifth-largest city in the state with 123,851 residents as of the 2020 census. Ann Arbour is the primary city of the Ann Arbour Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes the entire county of Washtenaw.
Ann Arbour, which is well-known for its rich culture, esteemed university, and forward-thinking climate, offers a diversified and thriving community for its citizens and visitors.
31. Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue is a city in King County, Washington, located on the Eastside area and across Lake Washington from Seattle. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
It has been referred to as a satellite city, a boomburb, an edge city, or a suburb, among other terms. Bellevue, the third-largest city in the Seattle metropolitan area, has a unique identity all its own.
32. Irving, Texas
Irving, a city in the U.S. state of Texas, is a suburb of Dallas and is situated in Dallas County. It plays a crucial role in the dynamic Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The most recent estimate made available by the US Census Bureau in 2019 indicated that Irving had a population of about 239,798 people.
Irving, a notable city in the state of Texas known for its advantageous location and lively community, is still thriving. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
33. Pasadena, California
Pasadena is a bustling city found in Los Angeles County, California, 11 miles northeast of the centre of Los Angeles. It is notable for being the most populous city and acting as the San Gabriel Valley’s main cultural centre.
The city’s oldest business sector, Old Pasadena, is notable for encapsulating its rich history and charm. Pasadena offers a distinctive fusion of tradition and contemporary thanks to its near proximity to downtown Los Angeles and its vibrant cultural scene.
34. St. Petersburg, Florida
The vibrant American city of St. Petersburg is situated in Pinellas County, Florida. With a population of 258,308, it ranks as Florida’s fifth-most populous city as of the 2020 Census.
Additionally, it is the second-largest city in the Tampa Bay Area, after only Tampa itself. St. Petersburg is notable for being the biggest city in the state without a county seat, which adds to its distinctive character and significance within the region.
35. Salt Lake City, Utah
The dynamic capital and largest city of Utah in the United States is Salt Lake City, also referred to as Salt Lake or SLC. It holds a key position within Utah as the county seat of Salt Lake County, the most populous county in the state.
With a population of 200,133 as of 2020, Salt Lake City cemented its position as the heart of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
36. Columbia, South Carolina
Within the area, Columbia, the capital of the U.S. state of South Carolina, occupies a significant location. It is the second-largest city in South Carolina, reflecting its importance and impact, with 136,632 residents as of the 2020 Census.
Columbia, which serves as the county seat for Richland County, also reaches into the nearby Lexington County, broadening its influence. Because of its fascinating past, many attractions, and advantageous position, Columbia has thrived as a vibrant metropolitan centre in South Carolina.
37. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, which is located in South Carolina, has the distinction of being the state’s most populated city. It acts as the main city within the broader Charleston metropolitan area and is the county seat of Charleston County.
Charleston is tucked away along the scenic Charleston Harbour and is strategically situated just south of the coastline’s midpoint in South Carolina. The Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers come together to form this harbour, which is an impressive entrance of the Atlantic Ocean.
38. Torrance, California
The thriving Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to Torrance, a city in the state of California’s Los Angeles County. It has a spot in the South Bay area, which is renowned for its allure of the coast.
1.5 miles of stunning beachfront along the Pacific Ocean in Torrance, providing locals and guests with a picturesque getaway. The city also enjoys a mild environment all year round with 12 inches of annual rainfall on average. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
39. Santa Clara, California
Santa Clara, California’s Santa Clara County, is home to this thriving city with a lengthy past. The city had 127,647 residents as of the 2020 Census, making it the eighth-most populous city in the Bay Area.
Santa Clara, which is tucked away in the southern Bay Area, was established by the Spanish in 1777 under Junpero Serra’s direction. An important turning point in the history of the city was marked by the founding of Mission Santa Clara de Ass.
40. Austin, Texas
The American state of Texas places a lot of significance on Austin, its capital city. With portions of it spreading into Hays and Williamson counties, it serves as the county seat and most populated city of Travis. Austin, which was founded on December 27, 1839, has a long history and is now the tenth-most populous city in the entire country.
Austin, a distinctive and prospering city in Texas, continues to draw residents and tourists alike thanks to its lively culture, thriving music scene, and dynamic economy.
41. Washington, D.C.
The capital city of the United States is Washington, D.C., also referred to as Washington or D.C. and officially known as the District of Columbia. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
It is tucked away on the Potomac River’s eastern bank, bordered to the north and east by Maryland, and shares a southwest boundary with Virginia. This thriving city is significant politically and historically for the country.
42. Atlanta, Georgia
The largest and capital city of Georgia, Atlanta is significant from a political and demographic standpoint. It sprawls past the boundaries into neighbouring DeKalb County while serving as the county seat of Fulton County, Georgia’s most populous county.
Atlanta is a key player in determining the cultural and economic landscape of the area due to its size and significance in administration and population. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
43. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, was incorporated in 1951 and has a small population of 2,000. The city’s founder and former U.S. Army chaplain, Winfield Scott, gave it its name.
It is a part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Since its founding in 1894, Scottsdale has developed into a thriving community that successfully combines natural beauty, history, and urban growth.
44. Sandy Springs, Georgia
Sandy Springs is a suburb of Atlanta that is located inside the inner ring in Fulton County, Georgia. It has the distinction of being Georgia’s seventh-largest city, with 108,080 residents as of the 2020 census.
Along with being a major residential area, Sandy Springs is also home to a number of company headquarters, including that of UPS, Newell Brands, Inspire Brands, Focus Brands, Cox Enterprises, and Mercedes-Benz USA.
45. Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is a stand-alone city that is a part of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
It is situated about 7 miles south of the centre of Washington, D.C., on the Potomac River’s western bank. Alexandria, the third-largest “principal city” in the Washington metropolitan area, is significant to the cultural, economic, and social fabric of the area.
46. College Station, Texas
College Station is a city in Brazos County, Texas, in the centre of the Brazos Valley in East-Central Texas. It is located 83 miles northwest of Houston and 87 miles east-northeast of Austin, on the eastern end of the area known as the Texas Triangle.
In the midst of Texas’s diverse terrain, College Station thrives as a thriving community with a population of 120,511 as of the 2020 census. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
47. Columbia, Missouri
In the state of Missouri, Columbia acts as a prominent city. It serves as Boone County’s County seat and is well-known for housing the prestigious University of Missouri. The capital of the five-county Columbia metropolitan area, Columbia was founded in 1821.
It is the fourth most populous and fastest-growing city in Missouri, with a projected population of 128,555 people in 2022. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
48. Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a separate city in the US, located on the southeastern coast of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is the most populous city in Virginia and the 42nd most populated city in the entire United States, with a population of 459,470 as of the 2020 census.
Virginia Beach offers a diversified and lively atmosphere for inhabitants and visitors alike, despite having a primarily suburban feel. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
49. Tempe, Arizona
The American city of Tempe is situated in Maricopa County, Arizona. Its reported population as of the 2020 Census is 180,587. The Greek Vale of Tempe is whence the city gets its name.
Tempe, which is a part of metropolitan Phoenix’s East Valley, is bordered to the west by Phoenix and Guadalupe, to the north by Scottsdale and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, to the south by Chandler, and to the east by Mesa.
50. St. Paul, Minnesota
The city of Saint Paul, which serves as both the state capital and the county seat of Ramsey County, is perched atop steep bluffs that offer sweeping views of the Mississippi River’s scenic bend. The city plays a prominent role as the administrative centre for Minnesota and as a key regional business hub.
Saint Paul encapsulates the essence of both natural beauty and administrative prominence in the state thanks to its advantageous position and hive of activity. It is one of the best places to live in the US.
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