When it comes to the best places to live in America, it’s more than just civic pride that earns a place a spot on the list. U.S. News & World Report recently published their list of the 100 best places to live in the USA, analyzing elements such as value, desirability, a strong job market and a high quality of life. If you’re looking for your next location and want to pick from the cream of the crop, check out some of these cities as your next potential target.
The Top 10 Best Places to Live According to US News & World Report
#1: Austin, TX
Love music? Crave more culture than you can shake a stick at? Then Austin, TX is the place for you. According to the study, about 50 people move to Austin every day. Cited as “Live Music Capital of the World” and home to two of the country’s biggest music, film and media festivals with Austin City Limits and South By Southwest, it’s no surprise it’s a hot destination for many renters.
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#2: Denver, CO
Known as the “Mile High City” due to its towering 5,280 feet above sea level elevation, Denver has recently shed its image of a wild west mountain town for a more cosmopolitan image. Though it’s undeniable that it is a perfect location for snow sports enthusiasts, Denver’s progressive attitude towards the legalization of recreational marijuana and its related industries has certainly seen a hike in the city’s desirability. Not a nature lover or fitness nut? There’s an emerging arts and brewing scene here that can’t be overlooked.
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#3: San Jose, CA
Do you know the way to San Jose? Though the famous lyrics may not know how to get there, it would appear that renters across the country do. Nicknamed the capital of Silicon Valley, it’s little wonder that this California stalwart is huge for those in tech. It’s not all business, though — San Jose is also great for hiking, camping and enjoying the great outdoors. Bonus: San Jose has over 300 sunny days a year, so feeling those mid-winter blues will be a thing of the past.
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#4: Washington, DC
It’s more than politics that drive people to move to the nation’s captial, and everyone from foodies to culture vultures can find a neighborhood that suits them perfectly. DC is home to a terrifically extensive public transportation system, so getting around without a car is easy. Additionally, the city is full of public parks, meaning you can still have fun in the great outdoors without losing the heartbeat of an urban environment.
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#5: Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas? Really? You bet. Full of good old-fashioned southern hospitality and currently feeling an economic boom, Fayetteville attracts those that crave a friendly, family-type atmosphere. Its close proximity to the Ozarks makes it a destination for lovers of the outdoors, and the city speaks to those who love the arts and local food movements.
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#6: Seattle, WA
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and home to a hip, urban environment, there’s a lot more to Seattle than just grunge and coffee. The people here personify “laid back,” making it a hot spot for start-ups and tech firms of all sorts. Despite the hills, bike commuting is popular, and there’s an extensive bus system that runs throughout the downtown area. And no — it doesn’t rain all the time. In fact, New York City actually gets more rain annually.
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#7: Raleigh & Durham, NC
Part of the North Carolina Triangle, this area is pulling in about 80 new residents a day. Affordable rents and shorter commute times add up to a great quality of life factor in Raleigh-Durham which has attracted a younger population to the metro area. Kick back with one of the many local microbrews and enjoy the growing arts and music scene. With a lower cost of living than the national average, you’ll be able to afford the fun.
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#8: Boston, MA
Drenched with history and flooded with culture, there’s a lot to love about Boston. Home to world-class educational institutions, hospitals, eclectic music and arts scene and one of the nation’s oldest ballparks, the people of Boston are a diverse bunch. Everyone from recent college grads all the way to retirees love the city, and each neighborhood offers up something different. Though considered expensive comparatively to the national average, it’s money well spent for a city like this.
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#9: Des Moines, IA
“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa” as the famous line from Field of Dreams said — and Des Moines is no exception. This midwest gem may not sound like a must move destination, but it’s got it where it counts. Despite its population of 600,000, Des Moines has a neighborly feel making it a popular place to raise young families. With rents and cost of living below the national average, it’s worth consideration as a great place to live in America’s crossroads.
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#10: Salt Lake City, UT
Though Salt Lake City has devout roots in religion and Mormon faith, this city definitely changes with the times. Lovers of the great outdoors revel in the close proximity to five national parks and a few excellent ski resorts, while those with more urban leanings find fun in the city’s sports teams and many downtown entertainment options. Cost of living is fairly inexpensive compared to the national average, and with more apartments and condos being built availability is high.
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To read more about US News & World Report’s methodology, click here.
Are any of these cities on your moving bucket list? Do you agree with the report? Let us know what you think below!