2023 Best Counties to Live in America

• County in New Mexico

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: While being a safe environment, there are many things that make up Los Alamos. Such as, all the different events that happen throughout the year. During the summer there is the Gordon concerts, craft fair, science festival, farmers market, etc. During the winter there is meeting santa, ice skating, skiing, etc. Many companies help put on different events so there is always something to do. With all the different activities, it is very safe. There is very little criminal action. The schools have a wide variety of programs and there are many amazing teachers. Though Los Alamos is great, its not perfect. Many students have experienced a depression/anxiety because of the high expectations. Like every school, there are amazing teachers and "not the best" teachers. All the classes are reasonable, but it is the "not the best" teachers that make the classes tough. Overall, it is an amazing town that is safe and is keeps you on your toes.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 19,169

• County in Georgia

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: I love the amount of variety. We have open farm land, and shopping centers. However I don’t want to see it grow unreasonably.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 41,006

• County in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  51 reviews

Current Resident: This is a rapidly growing community with plenty of fun, safe opportunities to explore! There are parks, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, churches, community events, and much more. It is a short distance from Raliegh and Durham but is still small-town living. There is a perfect harmony of activities for all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. It is home to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and very close to Wake Technical Community College, NC State, and UNC-Chapel Hill. There are four moderate seasons to enjoy as well as relative close proximity to the NC mountains and beaches. From a small coffee shop to big city living, Wake County has it all.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,112,883

• County in Maryland

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  122 reviews

Current Resident: Having one of the best schools in the state, Howard county is more expensive than other counties, however, that’s one of the selling points of this county. I would not consider moving out to any other county! Even going to different counties I always notice how different the vibe is, and overall how different the people are from Howard county residents. It feels safe here, even in the relatively shadier places I still know I’m safe. The police are highly active and alert, ready to go at any moment. Overall, this is definitely the best place for a family to live in, and that’s coming from someone who is not from this country!... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 329,248

• County in Georgia

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: We moved here from Gwinnett County in Metro Atlanta three years ago and the quality of life is much better in many ways. The county has plenty of parks and green spaces and includes Lake Lanier and the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. The schools are the best in Georgia and the county is much safer than Atlanta. The people have also been extremely welcoming. Medical facilities, plenty of shopping and diverse restaurant options are readily available. They are in the process of building an amphitheater near the square in Cumming and there are NoFo and Cherry Street microbreweries. I'm glad we purchased when we did as home values are escalating fairly dramatically. As I no longer have to commute to Atlanta, the major drawback has been a non-factor. We love it!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 245,754

• County in Indiana

• •
  Rating 4.83 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Growing up in Hamilton County Indiana is something I am lucky to say that I have done. The community is accepting to everyone, and it is such a welcoming community. There is a lot of diversity, and a little something for everyone. I have always felt included through all the different opportunities and activities to discover. Because of Hamilton County I have been able to play volleyball, and engage in lots of volunteer work. Never once have I felt unsafe in Hamilton County, and I always know I am protected here. I am beyond grateful to have grown up here, and I would do it all over again if I had the chance. -Tressley Parkin... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 341,616

• County in Alabama

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  148 reviews

Current Resident: I like Madison, the only thing I would change is when they do construction. I love that they are constantly trying to improve the pavement of the roads and getting stuff remodeled. I just would rather them do that not in rush hour or when all of us are on our way to school early in the morning. I also think its pretty cool how even though we all come different parts we all can come together when the county is in danger. When the tornadoes came through I feel like I really saw the definition of southern hospitality. Everyone in the county came together and helped those who's houses got destroyed. Its was truly a beautiful thing to see. I enjoy my little county even if we are a little country.... Read 148 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 382,149

• County in Illinois

• •
  Rating 4.54 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: I am a new resident of DuPage County and so far I have been blessed with several opportunities. I now have access to a library that is very resourceful and helpful which has made a significant difference in my education. I also have access to local parks, churches, stores, recreation places, voting places, and other places that are important to have. DuPage county is full of opportunities and its population is very diverse as well. I love seeing all the cultures this county has and keep growing over the years.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 934,094

• County in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  55 reviews

Current Resident: I have enjoyed living in Collin County for the last few years. It has many places with diverse and amazing places to experience exquisite cuisines. Moreover, this place is excellent for anyone wanting to live considering it is the seventh most populous county in Texas. Specifically, Mckinney, a city in Collin County, is one of the safest areas to live in the entire country. There many opportunities for people to find jobs in this county.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,039,812

• County in Georgia

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  65 reviews

Current Resident: Cobb county is extremely different depending on where exactly you are. In east Cobb you are around kids who get a mustang as their first car. South Cobb is the complete opposite with metal detectors in the schools.... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 762,500

• County in Maryland

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  133 reviews

Current Resident: Montgomery County is a great place to live! Beautiful scenery, friendly people, very diverse and excellent education, recreation, and job opportunities. Although it is highly populated, it seems every knows everyone around here. Schools are excellent, and the county is home to many well-paying jobs. The weather is good; hot and humid in the summer and cold with moderate snow in the winter. Transportation is good although traffic is an issue. The county government does a great job with recreation and providing jobs to people. All in all, an amazing place to call home!... Read 133 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,057,201

• County in Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  189 reviews

Current Resident: Loudoun County is a growing county in Northern Virginia that offers many opportunities for children and adults. The education system is also well-established and ensures intellectual growth in students. Loudoun County is not perfect, but for people deciding to move, it is a great option!... Read 189 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 413,574

• County in Minnesota

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: It is a great place to live! Within walking distance of many different activities. The one thing I do not like is the snow emergency system. I was under the impression that cars would be towed if they were parked on the wrong streets for certain days. However, I have only seen them plow around those cars leaving a mess where the cars were parked. Also, when they plow the main streets that first day of the emergency they tend to block off my side street with a wall of snow. Very inconvenient since those are the only streets we are supposed to park on that first day.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,270,283

• County in Kansas

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  26 reviews

Current Resident: My experience growing up in the Johnson County area has left a pretty positive impact on what I could accomplish and become inspired by. Whether it was community service, compromising, and many other ways people in the community can be helped out. It's overall a mostly liberal place, yet some people are still pretty conservative. The public schools here are also really great at getting everyone involved in wanting what's best for each person living here. A lot of the school teachers here are amazing at there and it's easy to tell they loving being teachers and deserve higher paychecks. Everyone is mostly pretty polite to each other without creating tension or getting into arguments or fights. It's also extremely safe here considering in this part of Kansas, public safety is taken very seriously. There is also a huge diversity of ethnic backgrounds from all over the world and considering it's one the most affordable parts of the country to live in makes it a bonus for real estate.... Read 26 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 605,154

• County in Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  225 reviews

Current Resident: York County is home to the Colonial National Historic Park, where the 1781 Siege of Yorktown took place. The best thing about the county, besides its historical significance, is that its ~65,000 residents benefit from the perks of living in a "small town" area (low crime, safe, family friendly, gorgeous woodlands) yet enjoy "city life" attractions, including a movie theater, an ice rink, a bowling alley, museums, and a beach with a boardwalk. Also, York County is bordered by the cities of Newport News, which is home to the Patrick Henry Mall, and Williamsburg, which is home to the Busch Gardens amusement park and the Water Country USA water park. Another great thing is that the area is unusually diverse for a small southern county. The political demographic is moderate, but leans to the right. Lastly, the schools in York County are terrific. The high schools all offer a full range of AP courses as well as the IB Diploma Program.... Read 225 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 69,635

• County in Pennsylvania

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: This is an excellent township to live in. The schools are great and the teachers are great. The township takes good care of the roads and the snow very quickly. The taxes are moderate. The neighborhoods are quiet and the people are friendly. There are lots of parks and dog parks to take your dog or go for a walk. Many people are starting to play pickleball and the township makes sure that there are pickleball courts available to residents. The high school is less than 5 years old and the middle school has had many renovations and added a brand new building. The township was very good at giving us information during the COVID pandemic about how to be safe in the area. Especially how are children will be taken care of during school hours and the hand sanitizer stations and the mask policy. We were kept up to date on all changes and services that were available during COVID at it's heights. We are fortunate to be able to live in a great community. Mont County.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 850,890

• County in Missouri

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  396 reviews

Nearby Resident: Overall, I really enjoy St. Louis County. I love the amenities that you can take part in for either a low price or free, including the zoo, the Science Center, the art museum, etc. Along with these activities is cheap, high-quality housing fit for any family. This gives them the opportunity to live a sustainable life without having the burden of being low on money. For the most part, the commute to places is easy, since the St. Louis area is sparsely populated in comparison to the other big cities in the US. However, if you are looking to work in big industries or have a business start-up, St. Louis is not the place to be in, as most of them here are small and end up failing. While there are safe areas to live in, the county has more poor and dangerous areas in the north and south that are best to avoid. The nightlife suffers too, as in the city, with the crimes that gone on, it makes it hard to find enjoyment at this time. Even with issues, St. Louis is a great place to be in.... Read 396 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 1,001,982

• County in Georgia

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  133 reviews

Current Resident: Very nice, small, and clean area! Not to overpopulated, has a good amount of people. Does not have traffic.... Read 133 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 117,828

• County in Texas

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: Love the suburban neighborhood, growing shops and stores. Lots of parks and recreation areas, walking/running paths. Safe and quiet.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 806,497

• County in New Jersey

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  51 reviews

Current Resident: Somerset county is a very diverse place. Especially in a town called Franklin is one of if not the most diverse places in New Jersey. The school system is great and the kids come out ready for post graduate life. My neighbors and friends are very familiar with each other and helpful if we or they have any needs. The extra- curriculars in Somerset are a very wide variety. In my life I have done sports, girl scouts, and community service. That is not even half of what the town has to offer for the youth.... Read 51 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 343,950

• County in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I'm originally from New Jersey so moving to Orange county was definitely a culture shock, but I really enjoy it here. People are neighborly and the environment just always feels comfortable. What I enjoy most is looking out my window at the runners and walkers and dog walkers! I feel like I'm in a movie.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 147,376

• County in Michigan

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: Washtenaw County is home to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. It is always bustling with life and it is very family friendly.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 372,428

• County in Mississippi

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  108 reviews

Current Resident: The thing I love the most about growing up and living in Madison County is the sense of community. Our mayor is family-oriented and makes all of her decisions based off of the immediate needs of the county. I feel blessed to have been able to grow up in the beautiful City of Madison and even more blessed to choose to live there as an adult. I hope to one day start a family and have my children grow up in Madison. The schools are immaculate and the neighborhoods are safe. There are homes available at all price points. There are beautiful parks and sidewalks lining most streets. There is a strictly-enforced leash law. The diversity of people in the city, as well as the availability of restaurants, both chains and locally-owned are diverse. There are great local job opportunities, including the Nissan Plant and the newly opened Amazon Warehouse. Located just outside the capitol city of Jackson, Mississippi, Madison is located close to the airport and both the coast and New Orleans.... Read 108 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• Population 108,248

• County in Wisconsin

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I have been a resident of Ozaukee County for 25 years, and am very fortunate of my upbringing and all the amenities that Ozaukee County has to offer. Ozaukee County is oriented around small businesses, charming downtowns, top tier education, and very friendly residents. Being located just north of Milwaukee makes this county very accessible to all the larger amenities that the city offers while having such a small-town feel in each community. I am very happy to be a homeowner in Ozaukee County and support all the wonderful businesses in Port Washington and the rest of the county. Outdoor pursuits such as the Ozaukee Interurban Trail, Muttland Meadows in Grafton, beach access to Lake Michigan, kayaking down the Milwaukee River, and all the amazing parks in the county make it a very enjoyable area to live in and thrive outdoors on top of all the incredible small businesses. I am very happy with the quality of life being a resident in Ozaukee County.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 91,029

• County in Virginia

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  573 reviews

Current Resident: Living in Fairfax County has been a remarkable experience. I am enamored by the vibrant community, excellent schools, and abundant opportunities this region offers. The county's commitment to education and diverse extracurricular activities has nurtured my personal and academic growth. The strong sense of community fosters a supportive environment where I feel valued and connected. However, one area that could be improved is the accessibility of affordable housing options. Ensuring that all residents have access to affordable housing would enhance the inclusivity and diversity of Fairfax County, allowing more individuals to benefit from its exceptional resources. Overall, I am grateful for the enriching experiences Fairfax County has provided, and I believe addressing affordable housing would further enhance the community's strength and cohesiveness.... Read 573 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,146,825