Skip to Main Content

2018 Best Cities to Live in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best cities to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Ranking based on city data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 231
Best Places to Live
231 results

Economy

Health & Outdoors

  1. Ann Arbor

    • City in Michigan
    • 386
    1 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I love Ann Arbor! It's a lively city with a small-town feel. Having the University of Michigan down the street creates endless opportunities for concerts, events, and night life. The philanthropic scene is booming and small businesses are everywhere! Everyone here is happy and excited about life, passionate about this city and very environmentally-conscious and involved in the community. It is a truly wonderful place.
    Read 386 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 119,303 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Naperville

    • City in Illinois
    • 507
    2 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Naperville is an excellent, family friendly city. The schools are top notch with everything in the community is geared towards creating a warm, welcoming environment for new Naperville families as well as Naperville veterans. It is always very safe and I have never felt uncomfortable or out of place even being a young female. There are always community events happening like the Naperville 5K, Ribfest, The Last Fling, or The Chocolate Walk to name a few. There is something for everyone in a community as vast as Naperville. With that, it can be more expensive to live here as the communities are a bit more upscale but there is plenty of affordable housing available. I would not have wanted to grow up anywhere else!
    Read 507 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 146,431 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Berkeley

    • City in California
    • 115
    3 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Berkeley is a wonderful city full of an interesting, open-minded and intelligent group of people. The city is very culturally diverse and open to accepting anyone from anywhere. The food scene is to die for and if organically grown is what you live by, look no further than Berkeley grocery stores, farmers markets and more. One small down side would be the lack of club life (for the younger folks), there are however many perfectly adequate bars as well a little college student scene on Telegraph Avenue. Overall, I highly recommend living here or going to school here if accepted!
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 120,179 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Plano

    • City in Texas
    • 679
    4 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I moved to Plano about 6 months ago and have had nothing but great experiences. My area is very diverse with pretty friendly people. The grocery stores seem to have better and fresher food, many more choices for dining out, clean neighborhoods and businesses. I enjoy living here and have heard great things about the surrounding schools for my children for when they enroll soon. I don’t see myself moving anytime soon. If I could change anything it would be to have the valet trash available daily in my apartments. They only have two off days so I’m okay with that. I just don’t have anything negative to say right now. Thanks for this opportunity!
    Read 679 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 281,566 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Arlington

    • City in Virginia
    • 119
    5 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Arlington is a mixing bowl of job opportunities, people, and fun! There is incredible cuisine from many countries, authentic and delicious! Downtown has many options such as Ballston, Clarendon, Court House, Rosslyn, and more for exquisite restaurants, shopping, and night life. There are lots of trees despite the urban atmosphere. The school system is top in the state. The communities are diverse and offer a short commute into Washington, D.C.!
    Read 119 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 229,534 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  7. Cambridge

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 54
    6 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Everything about Cambridge is great! It's a very pretty city with remarkable history. It has one of the best colleges in the world; Harvard, which helped the city to be highly educated, even if they weren't Harvard students. There’s a significant number of highly intellectual people all around. Also, the city is rich in museums & galleries that encompasses a significant number historical artifacts & valuable knowledge. I also love how clean and environment friendly the city is. Plastic bags are prohibited & paper ones are charged to minimize waste. Recycling is really emphasized. Restaurants & cafes are endless! There are many highly reviewed places that are worth traveling to. Shopping is great at Cambridge! There are unlimited shopping options and there are many vintage and hand-made gift stores all around. People are nice and super friendly. The MBTA works well in Cambridge and connect it to the greater city of Boston, which makes commuting much easier.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 110,893 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. The Woodlands

    • City in Texas
    • 313
    7 Best Cities to Live in America

    Works Here: Living in the Woodlands and working here was a great experience. Everything is pretty close together, a short drive away. The real estate is getting more expensive, but there are a lot of restaurants and shopping opportunities in the Woodlands and surrounding areas. It's also only 40 minutes from downtown via i45! If coming to live here, a gated community is definitely available, but not needed. Many police are out and about in the Woodlands, and it is a generally very safe community. Public schools are generally very safe, clean, and well-taught as well. Keep in mind the area can be a little pricey. Average cost of a dinner for two is about 25-35$.
    Read 313 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 109,608 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Overland Park

    • City in Kansas
    • 340
    8 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I've lived in the Overland Park, Kansas area for about 4 years now. Overall it's a great area that has a lot to offer. It's close proximity to Kansas City, Missouri allows you easy access to bigger nightlife and large concerts, events, museums, theater, ballet, and more. Overland Park itself is family friendly with great schools. While we do have some diversity, it isn't nearly as diverse as other areas. However, you can still find some great cultural restaurants that reflect the diversity we do have, such as Indian, Ethiopian, Thai, Korean, and even from El Salvador! Cost of living is on the higher end for the KC Metro area and the housing market is very much a seller's one right now as many homes are being sold for over asking price or without stipulations such as inspections, etc. The public parks, libraries, and community centers are all great and well maintained. They all individually have quite a lot to offer.
    Read 340 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 186,147 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Richardson

    • City in Texas
    • 219
    9 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Overall Richardson is a great place to live! many things are changing and being improved around the city. There are only a few things that have changed my perspective of Richardson. I have attended some of the city council meetings and learned that the leaders of this great city are fantastic but do not take into consideration minor details that come with the change, for example they are improving one of the high schools in the districts and did not consider the parking problems that would come with that.
    Read 219 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 111,055 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 278
    10 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Irvine is probably one of the safest, cleanest, and greenest cities in CA (if not, in the US)! It is located in Orange County, so it's really easy to go up to LA area or drive down to San Diego. Irvine is home to a lot of high-ranking schools like the University of California Irvine (UCI), Concordia University, Irvine Valley College, the Orange County Center of the University of Southern California (USC), and campuses of California State University Fullerton (CSUF), University of La Verne, and Pepperdine University. This city is really beautiful with streets dotted with flowers and trees. It is very quiet and all neighborhoods are well-maintained. There's a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities.
    Read 278 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 256,877 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Columbia

    • City in Maryland
    • 293
    11 Best Cities to Live in America

    Nearby Resident: The city is absolutely gorgeous. There is many options of places to dine at, activities to kids and parks/ paths to walk around. It is situated in the Howard County Public School System, which is the best public schools in the entire states, therefore your children will receive an excellent education. The only issue is that it is quite pricey to live her as housing prices are more expensive in this area so expect to pay more rent here. This city gives you the vibes of a city life without being overcrowded and dirty as it has a cozier feel and more plants that surround the city. Overall, Columbia is the best city to consider moving to!
    Read 293 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 103,170 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Bellevue

    • City in Washington
    • 71
    12 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I love Bellevue because of all it has to offer. You have the city life, a 30 min drive from incredible hiking, or if you travel the opposite way you're at the beach. The neighborhoods are safe, well kept up, and a great amount of diverse restaurants to try. The schools are wonderful and the people are even better. With so many different fields of work from medical to tech and everything in between there is plenty of job opportunity. Bellevue will be my forever home!
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 139,014 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Boulder

    • City in Colorado
    • 245
    13 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Boulder is a splendid place to live. It perfectly mixes together a small town vibe and an urban metropolis. There are always things to do because of the young vibrant university atmosphere, and the multitude of outdoor activities. With the various canyons that have world renowned climbing, 100+ miles of hiking trails, fly fishing in the Boulder Creek; it is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise.

    There are tons of options for groceries, housing styles, options for schools, and any and all types of restaurants. It's a town that is small enough to bike to just about anywhere you need to go, and also a magnificent amount of bike trails and lanes throughout the city and suburbs.

    If you're looking for a forward-thinking town that is inclusive and pushing the boundaries, Boulder is just the town for you!
    Read 245 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 106,271 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Madison

    • City in Wisconsin
    • 575
    14 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I love Madison! I was born and raised here and am going to Edgewood College. The things that I love most about Madison is the community. Everywhere you go you know someone or your meeting someone new. There is often children and family events to goto that are free, and in the summer there are many concerts and events to enjoy your summer. You also can enjoy yourself seeing the capital and going on state-street to enjoy local foods, and great businesses for people that look to support locals.
    Read 575 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 248,856 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  21. San Francisco

    • City in California
    • 536
    15 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: San Francisco is a great city if you are liberal, in tech, and like food. We definitely do live in a liberal bubble here and are not really accepting of others on the opposite side of the political spectrum. SF is a sanctuary city and very diverse, which may come as a culture shock to those who are moving here from other parts of the country. San Francisco is getting gentrified quickly, which means rent and the cost of living are skyrocketing. The only people who can really live here now are people who work in the tech industry, or doctors and lawyers. Because of its diversity, San Francisco has a smorgasbord of various kinds of cuisine. From Chinatown to North Beach, we have the best of all worlds right here in the city!
    Read 536 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 864,263 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Seattle

    • City in Washington
    • 557
    16 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Seattle is a small town big city. Chances are you will know everyone (at least through someone/common connections). We have amazing food, awesome coffee, and great universities. We have professional sports teams of all variety, and soon even a hockey team! We have one of the best public transit systems in the states including busses, trains, trolleys, and even a monorail! Seattle is a booming tech capital and has some of the biggest companies in the world. Capitol Hill is super fun for bar hopping. There are some fun family activities, parks all over, and many fantastic sites to see. There is always something new to do in here. Once you visit most don't want to leave!
    Read 557 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 688,245 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Round Rock

    • City in Texas
    • 281
    17 Best Cities to Live in America

    Former Resident: Round Rock is an excellent place to raise a family! From top-tier schools to a community that is laden with caring people, Round Rock is by far one of the greatest cities in Texas! I was born in Round Rock, and lived there for 15 years. In the 15 years that I lived in Round Rock, Texas, I can honestly say that the city has everything that a person could ask for. The city is filled with delicious restaurants and various forms of entertainment, such as parks and malls. Whether you are a young single person looking for work, or a person who has a family to raise, Round Rock is by far the greatest city to live in! With that being said, the only thing that I would change about Round Rock is the inclusion of more hiking trails!
    Read 281 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 116,369 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Raleigh

    • City in North Carolina
    • 916
    18 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Raleigh is one of the fastest growing cities in America. High tech and information industries are booming, people from all over the country are flocking to NC. We offer great opportunities for all! With beautiful state parks and other natural areas within only a short drive, Raleigh is perfect for those that want to enjoy the outdoors. NC, Raleigh in particular, has some of the nations fast growth in the micro brewery and niche food industry so there a lot to love about this place!
    Read 916 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 449,477 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Sunnyvale

    • City in California
    • 193
    19 Best Cities to Live in America

    Former Resident: Sunnyvale is a family friendly town with a cute mom and pop downtown full of funky restaurants and stores. The newly developed addition to downtown is more modern, with Philz coffee, luxury apartments and Orangetheory Fitness. The Saturday farmer's market is wonderful with friendly vendors and great quality produce, artisan jewelry and the quaint food trucks that have been in attendance for the past 15 years and some newer ones on the foodie fad.
    Read 193 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 151,565 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Rochester

    • City in Minnesota
    • 183
    20 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I love Rochester! Personally, I am a big fan of the weather changes and all of the seasons, so I love living in an area where I get to see the leaves change and the snow fall. The downtown area is very pretty and there are resources to many different kinds of people available everywhere. If there was one thing I could change, it would be the amount of activities available to younger people. Adults have the ability to go to bars and restaurants downtown, but students and kids don't have many activities to do. I would like to see more parks, trails, and sport-designated areas around in order to get kids outside and active. Other than that, I love it here!
    Read 183 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 112,683 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Columbia

    • City in Missouri
    • 363
    21 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I have been in Columbia since the Spring of 2013. I love what this town has to offer. With big city dreams and a small town feel, Columbia, MO, is my new home. There are amazing eateries, niche shops in the downtown area, and opportunities galore! There is some pretty amazing colleges and universities in the area as well. Also, the hospitals have amazing experiences for those in the health science and business field. Did I mention the cost of living is pretty reasonable as it was rated in the top ten best places to live in America for someone starting out in their young adulthood.
    Read 363 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 118,620 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Alexandria

    • City in Virginia
    • 213
    22 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Where the quaintness of a small town can be found outside your front door, while history, culture and hustling vibes of the big city are just down the street. Historic buildings combine with young hip singles and large or growing families to create an atmosphere of belonging and hometown nostalgia. Whether you’re visiting or unpacking here, you’ll be glad you came!
    Read 213 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 154,710 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your Area

  32. Sandy Springs

    • City in Georgia
    • 159
    23 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I absolutely love living in Sansy Springs, Georgia! I have been here for a little over ten years, and this city has afforded me many opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have had in the small town that I am from. Sandy Springs has everything a person could need or want in close proximity. I would highly recommend Sandy Springs living to anyone that would be interested. I especially love the sense of community in Sandy Springs. Not to mention the awesome police department that keeps their citizens safe. All in all, there's nothing I can say negatively about Sandy Springs!
    Read 159 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 103,703 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Austin

    • City in Texas
    • 1,718
    24 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: "Keep Austin Weird" is the logo for Austin. This is what allows this big, diverse city to come together and forget their differences. Everyone can be themselves, which makes the experience great. The festivals that take place here in Austin are always fun for everyone. They always feature popular artists, have amazing food and invite friendly people to come out and enjoy the beautiful Austin view. Another amazing feature of Austin is the Texas state capital. It is one interesting place to visit and it is only in Austin!
    Read 1,718 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 916,906 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Fort Collins

    • City in Colorado
    • 728
    25 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Active, adorable town. CSU is located here which contributes to many jobs and they have many academic programs. Shopping is great all over town, not to mention great restaurants on just about every corner! It is nestled next to the foothills so there is lots of mountain access for boating, hiking, mountain biking, riding horses, and many other things. There are family friendly activities offered through the city on a regular basis. Healthcare is top of the line and Poudre Valley Hospital a magnet rated hospital also a part of UChealth is amazing and will take care of all your medical needs! There is something for everyone in this friendly town!
    Read 728 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 159,150 Population
    View Nearby Homes
  • 1 of 10