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2020 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

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Health & Outdoors

  1. Arlington

    • City in Virginia
    • 189 reviews
    #1 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Arlington is a very clean and open-minded town with educated individuals and businesses that are dedicated to producing less waste. Many stores and retail centers are modern and well-kept. It is a family friendly area with great public schools. However, traffic is prevalent and real estate prices are through the roof. But, living a healthy lifestyle is easy in Arlington with many healthy food options and amazing trails all over!
    Read 189 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 231,803 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. The Woodlands

    • City in Texas
    • 386 reviews
    #2 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: It is a very urbanized and very nice neighborhood. It also has Market Street, which I think is very pretty and nice to shopping, and only a few miles away, The Woodlands Mall is there too! I personally have had no safety problems and I see people running/biking every day! The weather is crazy and is different everyday, but I love it.
    Read 386 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 109,843 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Naperville

    • City in Illinois
    • 599 reviews
    #3 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Naperville is a nice town to grow up in! It's big enough where there are a lot of things to do but small enough that you get to know a lot of it's residents and make good connections with people. Unfortunately, the one thing that Naperville lacks is diversity. It has increased it's minority population within the last couple of years but it still lacks the ability to include all those people and make it feel like a more inclusive community
    Read 599 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 147,411 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Ann Arbor

    • City in Michigan
    • 475 reviews
    #4 Best Cities to Live in America

    Niche User: A sweet and enjoyable small town! Ann Arbor offers everything that you need in your day to day life. The town is filled with restaurants, shops, music venues, fantastic schools, grocery stores and the best farmers market! I really enjoy the small town feel, but it is also nice that we have access to Detroit and if you are up to a big adventure Chicago is only 4 hours away! I am here as a graduate student and I am very glad I chose to come to Ann Arbor. Everyday you will see students, working professionals, and retirees walking around the town, eating at restaurants and truly enjoying life! Also, the ARBORETUM is to die for (trust me, you will want to go see this place). I can definitely see myself raising my kids here one day! DEFINITELY A MUST SEE TOWN!
    Read 475 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 120,641 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. Plano

    • City in Texas
    • 798 reviews
    #5 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Plano, Tx is a Great Place to raise a family! People are very friendly and clean. I love parks and malls that surround Plano. Downtown Plano has a lot to offer for the nightlife; amazing spots to eat, walk and beautiful urban sightseeings are available as well. Plano is a quiet place to raise a family, they provide good public education, friendly environment, good food. One thing Plano lacks is diversity, which is getting better now. People are always involved in some activities, walking their dogs, jogging and most importantly they are active on neighborhood safety. Homeowners get together to keep the area safe(night-watch). Overall Plano is the best place to make long-lasting memories with your family and friends, I know I did!
    Read 798 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 284,579 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. Overland Park

    • City in Kansas
    • 397 reviews
    #6 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Overland Park is a great suburb of Kansas City. It has a terrific family atmosphere. There are plenty of places to eat and shop. OP also has great sports facilities including a world class youth soccer complex as well as several top notch sports academies. Sitting just 15 minutes outside of Kansas City, Overland Park also has access to world-class performing arts, KC Royals, KC Chiefs, the College Basketball Experience including the entertainment district Power & Light, Country Club Plaza, Crown Center (Hallmark), and much more. Of course being the BBQ capital of the nation we also are close to KC Joe's, Hayward's, Jack Stack, Gates and more!
    Read 397 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 188,687 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. Columbia

    • City in Maryland
    • 352 reviews
    #7 Best Cities to Live in America

    Nearby Resident: Columbia, MD is very family friendly and has the conveniences that all families needs such as supermarkets, malls, boutique shops, and restaurants. There are many places that you can enjoy outdoor leisure time and never have to worry about personal safety. The community is diverse and allows people to freely enjoy the secret treasures of this bedroom community. What takes it over the top is that there are options for all -- Walmart, Target, Sam's or Costco. A step further, there is Trader Joe's, Mom's and Whole Foods. One can enjoy reading a book at Barnes and Nobles, or having hot tea at the local IHOP. You can walk, jog or run around the lake, or just sit and enjoy the view. And, do not forget to pamper yourself at any number of the spas, nail shops and salons. And the warmer months allow you to enjoy the sounds of music at Merriweather Post Pavilion, which draws some of the hottest talent and largest crowds! Welcome to Columbia, MD - we are waiting for you...
    Read 352 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 103,663 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Cambridge

    • City in Massachusetts
    • 92 reviews
    #8 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I initially moved to Cambridge for school, and I love it! Yes, the winters can be a bit annoying - they're a bit longer than I'm used to. But everything else about Cambridge is A+. The public schools are amazing, and there are many universities in the area so it's a great place to be for young adults! Cambridge is rich with restaurants, bars, parks, and residential areas. You get to take advantage of all the opportunities in Boston, but live in a little bit quieter (and cheaper) area!
    Read 92 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 115,665 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Berkeley

    • City in California
    • 151 reviews
    #9 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Moving to Berkeley is undoubtably the best decision I have ever made! This particular city is wildly diverse and full of vibrance and excitement. Overlooking the high-cost of living that comes with the Bay Area -- the weather and college atmosphere are unprecedented. I highly recommend living here. After all, everyone deserves the happiness and opportunity this community offers to its residents.
    Read 151 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 120,926 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Bellevue

    • City in Washington
    • 132 reviews
    #10 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: It is like Seattle's fancier little sister! There is always so much to do, whether it's going to the mall to shop or swimming in Lake Washington at one of the many public docks. The only thing that I wish would change is the amount of construction. Because the city is always developing and growing, there is nonstop construction, which can be quite the hassle and causes lots of traffic.
    Read 132 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 142,242 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Irvine

    • City in California
    • 420 reviews
    #11 Best Cities to Live in America

    Former Resident: I lived in Irvine for 20 years. From ages 8-28 years old and I generally believe that Irvine is a wonderful place to live. Increasingly, more diversity has entered into the city of Irvine and has brought really great culture and a livelier atmosphere. Before, there were not many restaurant choices or activities to do but now there are a wide variety of cuisines to try and a lot of investments to creating family-friendly places that I really appreciate. The only downside is that much of Irvine is hard to afford for even the middle class families. Many programs and extra curricular activities also weigh a heavy burden on families and can cause a lot of strain. Lastly, because of the academic progress of the public schools, many students have had serious problems with mental illnesses and deal with struggles over mental health and sanity. I hope that there can be a healthy balance between these factors.
    Read 420 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 265,502 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Richardson

    • City in Texas
    • 274 reviews
    #12 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Living in Richardson has been a thrill for the past several months. Not only do I feel safe in my home, there are plenty of parks and trails nearby to take my dog on a walk. While I am not too big into nightlife so it's not a concern, there is not a 'hit spot in town', but we are only a 20 minute drive to Dallas! While my commute is only 4 miles, I cannot explain how light the traffic is, even on Monday mornings or Friday evenings!
    Read 274 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 114,402 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Raleigh

    • City in North Carolina
    • 1,123 reviews
    #13 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Raleigh is simply an amazing place to live. There’s always something to do and something new to see! In Raleigh, you don’t have to go out of your way to find anything because it’s all right here. Despite being a big city, Raleigh still keeps its southern charm and hospitality without feeling too overwhelming. The people here will always welcome you with open arms! Another thing to add, Wake County Public Schools is consistently ranked in the top 10 school districts in NC. My children love growing up in Raleigh and we couldn’t have picked a better city to live in!
    Read 1,123 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 457,159 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. San Francisco

    • City in California
    • 766 reviews
    #14 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Gorgeous architecture and history, incredible opportunities for all kinds of different activities in fields such as art, culture, various kinds of cuisines, numerous parks and of course, the beach, make San Francisco a multi-faceted city.

    Needless to say, the city also has issues that it needs to work on; for example helping the homeless population, or making public transport more accessible, safe and clean.

    Nevertheless, the city offers so much potential for ambitious and creative people, and is just all around welcoming to visitors and people from abroad.

    Another unique aspect is the climate - San Francisco’s micro climates are mind baffling, even after several years of having lived here; one neighborhood might be chilly and overcast at around 50 degrees, while another district, not 5 minutes away, is boasting sunny 69 degrees! Visitors, be warned - bring layers!

    I am enjoying living in this city, and I can’t wait to watch San Francisco continue to blossom and develop!
    Read 766 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 870,044 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Seattle

    • City in Washington
    • 795 reviews
    #15 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Seattle is the greatest city I've ever lived in. There is so much to do, indoors and outdoors. Lots of tourist attractions, easy access to both the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Public transit is everywhere and it's cheap which makes getting around very easy. I live in Ballard and I can walk to dozens of restaurants, breweries, and more! The people are respectful and friendly, and I've found that traffic and driving in general is more pleasant here than in other cities I've traveled to. The city government itself seems to invest their money wisely in infrastructure and social programs.
    Read 795 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 708,823 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Madison

    • City in Wisconsin
    • 659 reviews
    #16 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I really enjoy living in Madison, WI. For one of the bigger cities in Wisconsin, it feels very open and comfortable. Everyone is really nice and there is so much to do! I love going to different markets, museums, and just walking through the pretty parts of the university campus. It is also in such a great position, between lake Mendota and Monona, because you can have your city life, but also your outdoors/lake life through hiking and kayaking, etc. The only difficult part about the quality of living is renting is super expensive in Madison. Also, if you are a student they almost scare you into renting as soon as possible, which is usually by October!
    Read 659 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 252,086 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Sunnyvale

    • City in California
    • 224 reviews
    #17 Best Cities to Live in America

    Works Here: Sunnyvale is the city I've grown up in, and I love it! Sunnyvale has some of the best public schools, starting from elementary all the way up to high school. There are a lot of different areas in Sunnyvale to shop, explore, and have fun. There are still small businesses in Sunnyvale, such as Zanotto's Family Market, the fruit stand, and others around the city. Sunnyvale is a rather big town, but it has that small town feel. You get to know your neighbors and everyone is super friendly. For nightlife, downtown is a great place to go, filled with many restaurant choices, bars, nightclubs, and an ice rink in December. Over the summer, downtown hosts different bands for free concerts on Wednesdays, bringing the community together even more. These are just a few things that make Sunnyvale unique - come visit and see for yourself!
    Read 224 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 152,323 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Boulder

    • City in Colorado
    • 296 reviews
    #18 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I relocated to Boulder, CO for educational purposes. It seems to be a great town to study and focus in. I very much enjoy being so submerged in nature and having endless amounts of clean, safe and maintained trails at my fingertips to hike, bike or run on. I love the sense of safeness and healthy lifestyle that surround me here. I do however, miss the diversity of ethnicities and the rich art and creativity that brings to a community. If it is one thing Boulder could use more of, it would be diversity. Despite the feeling of living in a beautiful buble, there are many opportunities and much encouragement to get out and explore the midwest. I feel very much privileged and lucky for this opportunity to experience such a beautiful place on earth. I look forward to exploring what the midwest has to offer as a whole.
    Read 296 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 107,360 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Alexandria

    • City in Virginia
    • 317 reviews
    #19 Best Cities to Live in America

    Former Resident: Alexandria is an enormous locale. Here you have ordinary suburbia (regions like Kingstowne), you have outstanding Old Town, excellent neighborhoods like Del Ray, and you have monstrous regions of locales in those decisions.
    Living in Old Town is exceptional. Everything is walkable, there are unbelievable restaurants, shops, and preoccupation, just a few stages away. The waterfront reliably has events going on, and having the alternative to walking around the Potomac is incredibly lovely. In addition, by and by, you're essentially minutes from the National Harbor and the activities there at the MGM Grand and the rest of the national harbor.
    Read 317 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 156,505 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Torrance

    • City in California
    • 243 reviews
    #20 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: The city of Torrance has an amazing feeling of home to it. Due to it being a smaller city, it is very easy to meet the people around you and live in a very connected community. Its location in comparison to other areas of Southern California is considered convenient and "in the middle of everything" by many. Although there isn't much to nightlife, the city has many beautiful and restaurants and places with unique qualities to them so one could still have an amazing night out. The city overall is a perfect place for families and even young individuals. Torrance has something to offer, no matter who you are!
    Read 243 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • 146,392 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Sandy Springs

    • City in Georgia
    • 193 reviews
    #21 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I have really enjoyed Sandy Springs! It is just a short drive from Atlanta populated with anything from families, to up and coming young professionals. There is something for everyone here. My personal favorite thing to do is visit some of the community parks and nature areas. VERY well-kept and safe for everyone.
    Read 193 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • 105,411 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Round Rock

    • City in Texas
    • 343 reviews
    #22 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I loved growing up in Round Rock. My parents chose to live here because the schools are good, it has a low crime rate and the cost of living is reasonable. Outdoor recreation is abundant such as boating, biking, running, fishing, hiking, swimming, outdoor theater and many, many others. There are lots of historic sites. The Chisholm Trail runs right through the center of town. The Sam Bass cemetery contains graves of people born before the American Revolution. Round Rock has the feel of a small town with easy access to larger cities. Round Rock is about 23 miles north of Austin proper. The food here is the best! Everyone knows about Texas barbecue; no food anywhere can even compare. The weather is fantastic, with Round Rock boasting about 300 days of sunshine per year. The people are friendly and there is a strong sense of community. All in all, Round Rock is a great place to live.
    Read 343 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 120,157 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Austin

    • City in Texas
    • 2,096 reviews
    #23 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: I love my hometown, Austin Texas. I have lived here all of my life, as did my parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Austin is a city for people who love to be outdoors and explore new things! We have tons of amazing parks, hiking trails, and natural swimming holes. We have great local restaurants and the people here are very friendly! We also have a great live music scene! Austin City Limits (ACL) is a music festival hosted at Zilker park in October! Past performers have included Lizzo, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, AJR, Mumford and Sons, Artctic Monkeys, Paul McCartney and more!
    Read 2,096 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Public Schools
    • 935,755 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Scottsdale

    • City in Arizona
    • 308 reviews
    #24 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Scottsdale, Arizona boasts a wide variety of entertainment from world-class dining & nightlife to family-friendly fun such as waterparks, museums, and the Phoenix Zoo - the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States and home to over 3,000 animals including 30 threatened or endangered species. Scottsdale is also great if you seek outdoor adventure such as hiking Camelback Mountain or just want to relax at one of the numerous spas in the area. Oh and did I mention, we have some pretty awesome sunsets too!
    Read 308 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 246,026 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Santa Clara

    • City in California
    • 192 reviews
    #25 Best Cities to Live in America

    Current Resident: Lived in Maywood Park since 2005. Our son grew up here. Santa Clara has a surprisingly provincial compared to neighbor Sunnyvale which feels busier, or Mountain View which is, like Palo Alto, rather more elitist. Santa Clara is just... friendly in comparison. Bland initially, it has improved over the years with more trees and better retail. Climate is perfect. Gets a bit polluted during winter, like the rest of the bay area. Cupertino schools are truly top notch. Feel exceedingly safe. Excellent city services. Houses go for 1.5M+ in my neighborhood, but very little inventory year over year. Traffic is the main neighborhood concern due to Apple commuters. However residential streets are not really affected just avenues. Love to walk and run daily through all local streets. Busier Palo Alto feels too urban and busy for that. Overall we feel very blessed and fortunate to have landed in southwest Santa Clara!
    Read 192 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • 126,209 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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