2022 Best Places to Live in America

Chesterbrook

• Suburb of Philadelphia, PA
• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  55 reviews

Current Resident: I love Chesterbrook. It is such an awesome community! The schools are great and the people here are lovely and nice. There are so many opportunities here such as jobs. The communities are very diverse and I find it very family friendly. Thought the pricing here is a little expensive, it is definitely worth it! Chesterbrook schools include Conestoga High School, and TE Middle School, both are great public schools and ranked fairly high in the country. The staff and workers are awfully nice and make your experience amazing. So what are you waiting for? Come move to Chesterbrook now!...Read 55 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 4,800 Population

City Center

• Neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA
• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: I love living in this area, a lot of things to do and very accessible to many things.Read 2 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 4,659 Population

Penn Wynne

• Suburb of Philadelphia, PA
• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  14 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 5,932 Population

Houserville

Current Resident: Very clean, quaint, charming neighborhood of State College, PA. Voted #3 in best places to live in the United States. Great public schools, very close to Penn State University. Cata bus allows for easy commute to downtown State College...Read 12 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 1,972 Population

Cottonwood Creek South

• Neighborhood in Richardson, TX

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 1,108 Population

Ardmore

• Suburb of Philadelphia, PA
• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  32 reviews

Current Resident: Ardmore has been a wonderful place to be raised. There is so much to do in and around Ardmore. The neighborhoods are quiet, which is quite nice. The neighbors and friends you meet while living in Ardmore are the best! It is super close to Suburban Square, a shopping center filled with a diverse range of stores. Additionally, it's only a 25-minute drive from Philly, which makes it extremely easy when you need to take a trip into Philly. The Ardmore community is unmatched and many other surrounding towns attempt to replicate this same environment, but fail...Read 32 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 12,808 Population

Los Alamos

• Town in New Mexico
• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Los Alamos is a great town for outdoor enthusiasts. Miles and miles of trails, great camping sites all over, rock climbing, skiing, rafting...The longest commute to work is 15 minutes. The town is very safe, and the schools are good. Schools used to be 10/10, but in the past few years, they went down to 7/10. My oldest child is much older than my youngest, and helping at schools with both of them, I can see the difference :(...The downside of Los Alamos, is that many local residents have a mentality of living here temporary, and do not invest much in local businesses, they shop "off the hill". For the town with a median household income twice the national average, Los Alamos invests very little in itself. Poor entertainment and shopping as a result...The housing also looks a little depressing. The majority of the houses were built in the early era of Los Alamos, and only a few are remodeled. These old houses create a certain look, which may take some time to get used to...Read 22 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 12,666 Population

Hyde Park - Spanishtown Creek

• Neighborhood in Tampa, FL
• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: This neighborhood is on the edge of Downtown Tampa. It has a mix of Single Family Homes, Apartments, Townhomes, and Multi-Families. It's called Spanish Town Creek /Hyde Park after both the original developer of the area and Spanish Town Creek Waterway. Due to development over the years, the waterway has been covered up and it a now a subterranean creek. It was one of the first developed areas in Tampa. Near Univerity of Tampa, Bayshore, and Downtown. We have lived here several years and it is very safe with access to all A schools from elementary to High School and 15-minute walk to downtown. ...Spanishtown Creek, an area near where occupied by Spanish speaking fishermen during the era of Spanish control of La Florida before Fort Brooke was established.Spanishtown is believed to have been established in the mid to late-18th century. Levi Collar, the first known Anglo settler arrived in the area ca. 1820. Florida was transferred from Spain to the United States in 1821...Read 5 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 3,637 Population

Carmel

• Town in Indiana
• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  281 reviews

Current Resident: I’ve lived many places as an adult and my wife and I chose Carmel as the place to raise our family. Our initial exposure was visiting friends that had recently relocated here from California. I’ve never been anywhere that has the combination of great neighborhoods , amazing schools, outstanding athletic programs, quality restaurants all in a safe and affordable environment. I’m convinced that this is the best place to raise a family in the country! ...Admittedly, we’ve recently noticed the school board adopting more liberal policies and it appears to be proactively recruiting left leaning board members. We left our prior community in suburban Connecticut for this reason as the schools started to decline so we are particularly sensitive to this. That said, I believe the community as a whole is conservative and won’t allow this bent to ruin a good thing. ...I would highly recommend this a place to raise a family. It’s truly a hidden gem!Read 281 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 97,464 Population

Great Neck Plaza

• Suburb of New York City, NY
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: Walker’s paradise! So easy to find good places to eat: lots of sushi, Chinese food, diners, etc. Great produce at local market. Needs a new Supermarket but hopefully Stop and Shop will open up in Great Neck. Very convenient to work out at Planet Fitness. LIRR is easy to walk to and the short ride into Manhattan is great for commuters. Also lots of Nice busses to Flushing, Manhasset mall, Lynbrook, and other parts of Great Neck next to the LIRR station...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 6,957 Population

Harbour Island

• Neighborhood in Tampa, FL
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Current Resident: It’s been a great place to raise a family. Neighborhoods are upbeat, safe and friendly...easy to walk to the aquarium, sparkman’s wharf, downtown, etc. the island throws a Halloween and holiday party each year... It’s like having a suburban house but located in Central Park...Read 4 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• 4,025 Population

Okemos

• Suburb of Lansing, MI
• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  85 reviews

Current Resident: It is a great area to live, the school systems are amazing and everything is within quick driving distance. The neighborhoods are very welcoming and with Michigan State University right around the corner, you can meet people from all over the world. The community is very diverse and there are many activities going on all over the town. Make sure to visit the farmers market at the mall on Saturdays. There is a lot of fresh produce and homemade home products. If you are looking for a place to eat, there are many restaurants and fast food places throughout the area and Meijer can provide the ingredients for all of the yummy homemade dishes you are preparing...Read 85 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 24,141 Population

Richmond Heights

• Suburb of St. Louis, MO
• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here for 12 years. People are active and walking, riding, spending time outside. Prior to the pandemic we would have block parties and area food trucks would be in the neighborhood almost monthly. Many have returned multiple times. Young families are staying and supporting the school district. Older residents without children or children out of school have shown support for bonds and other financial measures. There are new homes being built in a dwindling number of vacant lots or derelict homes...Read 21 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 8,500 Population

Radnor/Fort Myer Heights

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Former Resident: After living in midtown Manhattan for ten years, we lived in the Belvedere Condominium for five years on Oak Street. If you are making $175K + this is a decent place to live, but not a lot to do at night, but you can Uber to Georgetown or Old Town. There are only a few good restaurants within walking distance but being near the Metro, Safeway, and Target is great. There was a mugging on Oak and I saw a car vandalized - both of which happen in NYC, so rather surprised that the safety rating is so high. The Belvedere is not anything like a Manhattan doorman building (staff is arrogant & rude) but it covered all the amenities we needed: David’s small store/dry cleaners in the building, parking, pool/gym. If you want to get home quickly after work/near DCA this is your location. Getting a job here is extremely difficult for professional women over 45, so it was time for us to go when I hit my expiration date. Neighbors are nice, but expect artificially inflated egos for no reason at all...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 13,944 Population

Ocean Park

• Neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA
• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Ocean Park most of my life. Over my 70 years here I have seen Ocean Park evolve from an inexpensive, iffy sleepy neighborhood of artists, beatnicks, peacenicks, elderly expats from Europe, fishermen, and younger blue collar workers (who worked one of the 3 shifts at the then local Douglas Aircraft Company) to become a pricey, yet still quiet, still somewhat sleepy, very safe, age-diverse and LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood now largely populated by highly educated creative people who work in tech, film, and business. There is still a strong sense of neighborhood in Ocean Park. There is a 'live and let live' attitude here and respect and appreciation for diversity and privacy. Residents here tend to be active, and seen out riding their bike, walking, surfing, skateboard riding, jogging or enjoying the great neighborhood parks...and of course the beach at the bottom of the hills of Ocean Park. We also have a great microclimate that is cooler here on hot days elsewhere...Read 13 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 13,379 Population

Holly Hills

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: HH since 2015 where Hutchinson Homes were very well built in 60s. Big yards, mostly good neighbors, multi-use trails wind through the 'hood and just south of the Cherry Creek Trail. Most homes actually in Denver County though some homes are in Arapahoe County. Lower crime than in my old central Denver neighborhood. Many great schools in the area from K-12 and also undergraduate and grad schools nearby. Light rail is under 1 mile from my home. Still in Denver but lots are bigger so you can get a house with a good 2-car garage where in more-central Park Hill neighborhood people have to park on street and move their cars on street-sweeping days. A few original residents. Bible Park is a Denver City Park that has a brand new huge playground for the younger school aged "yard ape" kids, tennis courts for all, but no live music like some city parks such as City Park which has a free summer live jazz concert -- and oldsters complain if you suggest live music at Bible Park...Read 8 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 2,835 Population

Brookline

• Suburb of Boston, MA
• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  135 reviews

Current Resident: Brookline's public transportation is excellent, and restaurants and businesses are everywhere in the historic districts, making shopping and dining an overall experience. LIVING in Brookline is a little bit more difficult though, as all parking is reserved for shoppers and visitors, so if you plan on being a resident here, plan on renting a separate home for your vehicle (Craigslist). ...You're a stones-throw from most activities though, and it may be more advantageous for those who can to avoid having a car all together. The only other downside to living in Brookline is the cost of rent. A one bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3,000 on the high end, so be prepared! ...Living here has been a great experience so far, just a little strapping on the wallet.Read 135 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 59,180 Population

Great Neck Gardens

• Suburb of New York City, NY

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 1,150 Population

University South

• Neighborhood in Palo Alto, CA
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: Palo Alto is a healthy and beautiful city to reside in. The heart of Stanford University, there are ample resources to be creative and change the world by way of entrepreneurship, technology, research and being in the presence of like minded individuals. I have never seen skies this blue or grass so green. Palo Alto offers safe clean neighborhoods with a very diverse population. I would definitely live here again if the cost of living were more affordable...Read 2 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 8,890 Population

Park Lake/Highland

• Neighborhood in Orlando, FL
• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Park Lake/Highland is a hidden gem and it is quickly becoming a colorful neighborhood. Commuting is a breeze with multiple outlets to I-4, Downtown Orlando and Winter Park. But the best part of the neighborhood is the lively art, theater, and restaurant scene. It's exciting to see the neighborhood grow while continuing to maintain its original charm...Read 5 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• 2,564 Population

Mid-City

• Neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA
• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  15 reviews

Niche User: Santa Monica is an amazing city. Theres a lot of fun things to do there. You can go to the beach, visit the pier, drive up and down pch. The food is amazing and the weather is outstanding.Read 15 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 23,540 Population

Clarendon Hills

• Suburb of Chicago, IL
• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: We have lived here since 2015 (moved from La Grange) and are very happy here. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. They also have newer infrastructure (electric, sewage, roads). You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. The schools are extraordinary, teachers top of their game and school resources phenomenal. It's a great place to live!...Read 29 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 8,716 Population

Sammamish Valley

• Neighborhood in Redmond, WA

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 13,538 Population

Bluemont

• Neighborhood in Arlington, VA
• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Former Resident: I lived in Bluemont between 1985 and 2007. I walked to Ballston Metro station and rode in to DC for work. I liked being nearby to parks, a swim club and local stores. When we moved in, we had neighbors who worked as restaurant cook, laundry machine repair, and print shop. But within 10 years after moving in, we could have never afforded to buy there, and the population changed toward lawyers and techies...Read 3 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 8,439 Population

Princeton Junction

Current Resident: Moved here from Manhattan and been living here for 21 years, and love it. Great for raising a family, social and cultural diversity, convenience, safe, great schools, lots of outdoor spaces in and around town. Great sense of community, pride and ownership in town. Eclectic food scene. Access to Princeton University, NYC and Philadelphia...Read 21 Reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• 2,336 Population