2023 Best Cities to Live in America

• City in Oklahoma

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  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,122 reviews

Current Resident: Tulsa has some great historical landmarks, such as historic downtown, Cherry Street, and many attractions along historic Route 66. We also have newer attractions that draw in many people from out of state. One in particular is Gathering Place, a world-class park with amazing attractions, all for free! It is currently 66.5 acres, but will be expanded to 100 acres by the time the park is completed. Tulsa's high crime statistics can be a deterrent, unfortunately, but it, and its suburbs, are rapidly growing cities. Overall, a great place to live and work.... Read 1,122 reviews

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• grade B+

• Population 410,652

• City in Oklahoma

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  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,353 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here, in OKC, since birth. I really enjoy it. I love traveling to other places, but I am always happy to return home. Gazing over the wide open plains and seeing the beautiful sunrises and sunsets sets my heart at peace like no other place can. I love that I can travel 2-3 hours from the metro and experience some mountain trails to hike. The vast landscape of the state we have here in Oklahoma ranges from lakes to mountains to plains. There are many exciting and fun festivals throughout the year along with the ever-growing and popular events and restaurants around Bricktown. This area has expanded into Mid-Town, Paseo, and Film Row among other fun and exciting areas around the city. Scissortail Park is a great outdoor park for kids and parents; concerts are held continuously at Scissortail, the Zoo Ampitheater, or various other venues around the city. Come and see!... Read 1,353 reviews

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• grade B+

• Population 673,183

• City in New Jersey

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  326 reviews

Current Resident: I've grown up in Jersey City, and there are many things I really love about it, such as its proximity to Manhattan and the easy access to the big city across the Hudson River thanks to the PATH train. I also appreciate the vibrant downtown area and the beautiful marina I've ridden my bike beside for years alongside my family and friends. Additionally, there's the expansive Liberty State Park for family cookouts and picnics, and much more. It's quite a charming and welcoming place. Diversity is also something remarkable about Jersey City, constantly hearing people around you talking in their native tongues and admiring different traditional clothing on the streets. If there was something I could change about this great city, I would hope to get the community more engaged with each other by having more yearly neighborhood events. This way, we can meet and share with our neighbors and create a network or a "Jersey City family."... Read 326 reviews

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• grade C+

• Population 287,146

• City in California

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  176 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here for about 2 years, I’m originally from the Bay Area but moved here from the central coast. Costa Mesa is ok as far as OC towns go, there are walking trails, Newport and Huntington Beaches are a short drive or bike ride away, there is a large shopping mall-South Coast Plaza, nearby. We have everything you need here, without ever needing to leave town. John Wayne airport is 10 minutes away, and a 40 minute drive to LAX. As others have mentioned though, there’s a large homeless population with addiction problems and untreated mental health disorders. It really sad to see, especially when I’m doing late night food deliveries because my rent is so freaking high I can barely pay my bills every month. I see so many people wandering the streets and shouting. You must make $80k a year to just barely cover the cost of living expenses. My 1 bedroom is on a really bad street near the OC fairgrounds. It’s dirty, there’s no street parking, Avocado street needs a deep pressure wash!... Read 176 reviews

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• grade B+

• Population 112,148

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  5,286 reviews

Current Resident: Houston is a great city! There's lots of infrastructure for entertainment (sports, music, etc.), a wide variety of food neighborhoods, and a wide range of job opportunities. Some of the negatives about Houston is that we are very dependent on automobiles. The public transportation system has a small range, is expensive, and is ineffective. Additionally, the Houston Independent School District lacks dedicated head employees and suffers from curriculum proficiency. If Houston improves these much-needed services, the city could strengthen its reputation from just a large to a next-level city.... Read 5,286 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 2,293,288

• City in Illinois

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  2,829 reviews

Current Resident: From the beautiful skyline, to the amazing Chicago River, Chicago is a wonderful place to live. It's not so "stuffy" like New York, but it has all the same perks. As a rower, there is nothing like being on the water in the morning or at night. I'm constantly surrounded by beautiful architecture and a heavily diverse community. Seeing as I'm a student in CPS, the schools are fantastic. The selective enrollment perks truly add to your college application, and one is heavily immersed in a diverse, caring community of teachers and peers. Real estate is "meh". Honestly, I've moved several times since being born here. Every time I've moved, my parents have had money issues regarding the real estate. Also, depending on where you live, the safety can be not so great. It mostly is good, though. As a working student, there are job opportunities for EVERYBODY! I've worked as a busser, food runner, and screenprinter. If you need a job that's decent-paying, there's always a place for you.... Read 2,829 reviews

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• grade C+

• Population 2,742,119

• City in Louisiana

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  384 reviews

Current Resident: Lafayette is an established city but also a developing city. It has both city life and suburban life, making it the perfect population and size for me. You can find the nicest and most welcoming people in Lafayette. I would like to see more people contributing to local businesses as they are having to close shop with franchises expanding. The community is very supportive.... Read 384 reviews

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• grade B minus

• Population 122,469

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  507 reviews

Current Resident: Wilmington has a very diverse atmosphere which is what draws most to the City. Many people enjoy its charming historic district and beautiful beaches ESPECIALLY ME! Here are some aspects I really liked: Historic Charm:Wilmington's historic downtown is known for cobblestone streets, historic homes, and vibrant riverfront. Many enjoy exploring this area, its shops, restaurants, & cultural attractions. Beaches:Wilmington boasts nearby beaches like Wrightsville & Carolina Beach, which are popular during the summer! Cultural Scene:The city has a lively arts and cultural scene with theaters, galleries, & museums. The Wilmington Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River is a popular spot for events and festivals. Things I'd like to see change or improve: Traffic:Wilmington has experienced growth, leading to traffic congestion. Improved transportation infrastructure would be beneficial. Affordability:the cost of living can be high. Efforts to reduce this cost especially for housing would be beneficial.... Read 507 reviews

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• Population 115,976

• City in Ohio

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  813 reviews

Nearby Resident: I love Cincinnati, my city, where stunning architecture and lush green spaces coexist harmoniously! The city's beautiful blend of historic and modern buildings is a treat for the eyes, while the numerous parks and gardens offer tranquil retreats amid the urban bustle. Cincinnati truly embraces the best of both worlds, making it a delightful destination for architecture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!... Read 813 reviews

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• grade C+

• Population 308,664

• City in Utah

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,567 reviews

Current Resident: Provo is a beautiful area, it's a smaller college town. The people are very friendly, there are lots of stores/restaurants. The university, Brigham Young University, has a beautiful campus and great academics. For a college student, it's a great place to be! The public school system is not highly rated, wish it could be better. Summers are very hot, winters are pretty cold. There are lots of parks everywhere, and the Provo River Trail is a great option for long bike rides, roller blading, etc. There are lots of places to hike, and Provo features some good peaks as well, including Mount Timpanogos. Being in Utah, a lot of people here are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It's a welcoming community. The trax/frontrunner provide easy public transportation to SLC, and the new bus system provides easy public transportation around Provo itself. Overall, a good place to live!... Read 1,567 reviews

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• Population 113,538

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  1,367 reviews

Current Resident: After living in three different cities, Dallas has been my absolute favorite. It is incredibly family-oriented, with wonderful and safe neighborhoods in the area. It has an incredible education system and opportunities for all types of students. Dallas is an incredibly convenient city, with access to everything one might imagine, and is the perfect size. Dallas is proliferating, and traffic has been ramping up over the eight years I have lived here. Regardless, it is one of my favorite cities in the US!... Read 1,367 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 1,300,239

• City in Indiana

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  890 reviews

Current Resident: Born and raised here, left for Central Indiana and then South Florida for about 11 years due to a job transfer and have been back since 2016. I’ll say this, compared to the other locations I’ve lived in I can honestly say Ft Wayne is a great place to live. It’s home! Cost of living is so much better than others and I just bought a nice house for half of what it would cost me in So Fla. People say there isn’t a lot to do but I feel there is. I mean if you want a big city type of atmosphere with clubs everywhere then no it isn’t but there are things to do. Winter does seem long and that limits your activities to do but in the summer there is definitely a ton to do. Like every city there is a bad side of town but I don’t think the crime is out of control like some say in their reviews.It’s far less than the other places I lived. Some really good schools in certain areas and people are very midwestern friendly and accommodating. Just overall a very nice town to raise a family and live in... Read 890 reviews

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• Population 262,676

• City in California

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  231 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve only lived in Glendale for about 8 months, and I love it! It’s the perfect spot in between all of my work locations and I’m within a 20 minute driving distance to most places in LA and Hollywood. As a single female, I find Glendale to be a safe location to live. I haven’t felt uncomfortable in any neighborhood I’ve visited within the city. It’s also the perfect transition spot for someone moving to a big city that comes from a rural or suburban area. I’m from Alabama and definitely think that if I had chosen to live in Hollywood or DTLA I would be way too overwhelmed with all the changes!... Read 231 reviews

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• grade A

• Population 196,512

• City in Hawaii

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  725 reviews

Current Resident: Honolulu is a very convenient and beautiful place to live in! However, the cost of living has gone through the roof over the years which makes living in paradise a bit burdensome. However, if one can afford to live in Honolulu, it's definitely worth moving to. There are plenty of things to do such as going to the beach and hiking. Also, the food here is amazing and diverse. With a bunch of different cultures, you can find practically anything that with soothe your tastebuds!... Read 725 reviews

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• Population 406,004

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.23 out of 5  422 reviews

Visitor: Have been vacationing in Fort Lauderdale for 13 years straight! Locals are always very welcoming which makes me always want to come back! There are amazing restaurants and shops on Las Olas, which is not too far from majority of the beautiful hotels right on the beach. The beach is always cleaned and well-taken care of, even during busy times like Spring Break and Winter Holidays.... Read 422 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 182,247

• City in Tennessee

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  689 reviews

Niche User: I love Knoxville! I currently attend school here at Johnson University and it has become a second home to me. I have found a great home church here (City Hills Church) and there are many other great churches and ministries. Also, downtown is a good place for a night out with friends or family. In this city, you get the best of both worlds because you are not far from hiking trails and the mountains, but you also can explore the city and have the suburbs.... Read 689 reviews

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• grade B+

• Population 189,339

• City in Florida

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  373 reviews

Current Resident: Clearwater is a good suburban area with a nice beach, but other than the beach, there isn't much to do. It isn't a super "young" or recently renovated city compared to its neighbors like St. Pete and Tampa. It is a nice place to settle down though!... Read 373 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 116,616

• City in Indiana

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  Rating 3.59 out of 5  2,661 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Indiana it is a safe and popular city. We are home to nascar and have Lucas oil’s stadium. We have a wide variety of entertainment and scenic nature parks. There is nothing like a Sunday sunset I’m Indiana. It brings peace to our city before the week starts. Indiana is like a big, small town, with an exciting up and coming night life. We’re you know almost everyone and feel safe no Matter where you go. And great state for beautiful well rounded colleges. So after you catch a colts games, made sure you head to Massachusetts ave or broadripple area, to celebrate with the local community. And feel like you’re amongst friends, when surrounded by strangers. And if night life isn’t your thing our beautiful canal I’m the heart of downtown or our arts garden at newfields will be right up your alley! Go Colts!... Read 2,661 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 880,104

• City in Arizona

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  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,644 reviews

Current Resident: I really love Mesa, Arizona! Everything is about a 15 minute drive from where I live which makes it very convenient. Mesa is very family friendly and there is so much to do. My favorite things to do in Mesa are going to the lake or river. It is a very cheap and fun activity to stay cool during the hot summer months. The only thing I would change about Mesa is how many drug shops there are so it can be even more family friendly.... Read 1,644 reviews

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• Population 497,752

• City in New York

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  513 reviews

Current Resident: Buffalo, New York is a city with a rich history and a strong cultural identity. It is known for its beautiful architecture, including its many historic homes and buildings, as well as its world-class museums and galleries. The city is also famous for its food, particularly its chicken wings, which are considered some of the best in the world. Buffalo is home to several prestigious universities, including the University at Buffalo, which is the largest public university in New York State. Additionally, the city is situated near several natural attractions, such as Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty.... Read 513 reviews

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• grade C

• Population 276,011

• City in Kansas

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  976 reviews

Current Resident: Wichita is a pretty great place to live! There's a plethora of places to eat, from small local businesses to bigger chains (depending on your preference) and a lot to do if you're looking for a night out on the town, including the theater and small amusement park. There's various pretty decent sizes festivals annually that people come in out of town for, and there is always something holiday related you could do too. My favorite place is the zoo, which is actually one of the best in the country. The home cost here is on the cheaper side which makes it a great place for a retirement home.... Read 976 reviews

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• Population 394,574

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  408 reviews

Works Here: There are many good experiences that people can have in small towns. Some common examples include a strong sense of community, a slower pace of life, and the opportunity to get to know one's neighbors and local businesses. Additionally, many people enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities that are often available in small towns. Tyler is a great place to raise a family and experience a tight-knit, supportive community. Of course, what constitutes a good experience will vary depending on the individual, but there are many potential positives to living in a small town. It's difficult to say what specific changes Tyler could benefit from, as each town is unique and will have its own set of challenges and opportunities. Some possible changes that could benefit small towns include increased economic development, the creation of new job opportunities and efforts to preserve and enhance the town's natural environment and cultural heritage.... Read 408 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 104,945

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,117 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I moved to Arlington before the start of sixth grade and I've lived here ever since. The City of Arlington is very close to Mansfield and Grandpraire which is really great for Arlington residents. Arlington is known for homing AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, and Texas Live. Arlington is a growing city and an excellent place for people looking to settle down and start a family! Arlington receives only four stars because there aren't any fun activities for kids and teens. The city could also do more to engage with the community and foster a positive atmosphere. Even though I live in Arlington I attend school in the Mansfield district, which is really great. Comparing the two districts Arlington needs to step up their game. Overall, The City of Arlington is very affordable and the social life is really great.... Read 1,117 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 392,304

• City in California

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,374 reviews

Current Resident: San Jose is a bright technology hub of a city with an amazing education system and financial opportunities. On the surface, San Jose plays the role as the heart of the Silicon Valley and a cultural and technological epicenter. However, in regions like the downtown, streets are poorly maintained and many bedraggled looking people wander the streets aimlessly. Just last week when I visited, homeless laid on cardboard mats and under bridges. It reminded me of Gotham City from Batman. Moreover, the courts system is severely backed up with cases that had occurred pre-pandemic! And while the city has provided counseling services and invested in affordable housing, the crime and homelessness unfortunately prevail. I would love to see a cleaner and better maintained downtown area with more housing for those wanting to get off the streets.... Read 1,374 reviews

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• grade A

• Population 1,013,337

• City in New Mexico

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  562 reviews

Niche User: Amazing town with great food and resources! I recommend visiting all of the attractions, they're beautiful.... Read 562 reviews

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• grade B

• Population 109,934