The 13 Best Cities to Live in the USA According to Votes
Looking for the ultimate place to call home? These 13 cities, voted the best in the USA, strike the perfect balance between thriving job markets, affordability, and unbeatable quality of life. For instance, Austin, TX, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is growing by 152 people daily due to its tech boom and cultural vibrancy.
“Cities like Raleigh and Charlotte exemplify how urban hubs can offer excellent education and family-friendly amenities while maintaining affordability,” a U.S. News report notes. Suppose you’re drawn to Colorado Springs for its Rocky Mountain vistas or Seattle for its tech-driven economy. In that case, these cities highlight the best of American living.
Austin, Texas
Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin offers a vibrant cultural scene, a strong job market, and a low unemployment rate.
In May 2024, Austin’s unemployment rate was 3%, lower than the national rate of 4%. The median family income (MFI) for a family of four in the Austin-Round Rock area is $126,000, and the average rent is $1,440 monthly. It combines affordability with economic opportunities.
Naples, Florida
This coastal city scores high for its desirable weather, low unemployment rate of 3.5%, and abundant outdoor recreation options. Naples is also a top retirement destination, thanks to its healthcare infrastructure and wellness amenities.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nestled near the Rockies, Colorado Springs offers an active lifestyle with proximity to hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. It has long been a top-10 contender, with high scores for desirability, a steady job market, and affordability.
Colorado Springs was named the United States’ most desirable place to live and ranked third in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Places to Live ranking.
Boise, Idaho
Boise’s rapidly growing population reflects its reputation as a friendly, affordable city with a strong sense of community.
With a median home value of $478,245 and access to outdoor spaces, it’s a favorite among families and young professionals.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina, is a growing city in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a low cost of living, a strong job market, and many outdoor activities.
The average monthly rent for an apartment in Greenville is $1,410. The most affordable neighborhoods are Augusta Acres, Donaldson Heights, and Greater Sullivan, where the average rent is $921.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh, part of the Research Triangle, stands out for its education and tech sectors. The area benefits from excellent public schools and a lower cost of living than other tech hubs, making it a wonderful place for families.
In 2022, Raleigh, NC, had a population of 466k people, a median age of 34.6, and a median household income of $78,631.
Huntsville, Alabama
Known as “Rocket City,” Huntsville excels in the aerospace and engineering industries. As of June 2024, the average sales price for a home in Huntsville, Alabama, was $393,000. Its innovation-driven economy attracts top talent.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is lauded for its coastal lifestyle and safety. It consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in the U.S. Its strong military presence supports economic stability.
Virginia Beach offers endless ways to enjoy its sandy shores and seven unique districts, including the lively Oceanfront with its 3-mile boardwalk, bars, restaurants, and entertainment or the serene Chesapeake Bay and Sandbridge.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder combines a thriving tech scene with unmatched access to nature. Known for its high life expectancy of 82.6 years, thanks partly to its active lifestyle culture, Boulder is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte boasts a robust banking and financial sector, ranking as the second-largest banking hub in the U.S. It has over $362 billion in banking assets. The city’s affordability and expanding job market make it a magnet for young professionals.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s tech-driven economy, home to giants like Amazon and Microsoft, attracts high-paying jobs. A substantial 23% surge in tech jobs occurred from 2010 to 2019, and in 2019 alone, Seattle added over 14,000 new tech positions. The city also focuses on sustainability and offers stunning natural beauty, from Puget Sound to Mount Rainier.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is known for its eco-friendly initiatives, with commuters using public transit or biking. According to a 2024 news release from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), biking in Portland increased by 5% from 2022 to 2023.
This increase was seen across the city, with NW Portland seeing a 15% increase. Its creative culture and affordability relative to West Coast standards make it a favorite for artists and young professionals.
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
The Twin Cities shine for their cultural richness, high-quality education, and strong healthcare system. Minneapolis is known as the “City of Lakes.”
It is abundant in water, with 13 lakes, wetlands, the Mississippi River, creeks, and waterfalls. Despite cold winters, the cities offer a high standard of living and abundant job opportunities.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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