Choosing where to live is one of life’s most important decisions, and with so many incredible options across America, how can you pick your ideal place? This blog provides the criteria for evaluation, a top list of the best area to live in America, and other considerations when choosing the nicest places to live in the US. Keep following!
How to Define the "Best Places to Live"
Before finding out the best places to live in the US, think about what kind of places can be called the “best places” ? The idea of the “best” place to live is rather personal–ask 100 people, and you’ll get 100 different answers. For some, it’s all about career opportunities; for others, affordable housing or access to nature tops the list. While personal preferences vary, most people consider these key factors when choosing their best places to live:
Job availability and economic stability
Housing costs and overall affordability
Quality education options
Access to quality healthcare
Safety and low crime rates
Cultural amenities and entertainment
Outdoor activities and environmental quality
Reliable transportation infrastructure
Undoubtedly, the best place to live isn’t all about the top rankings or popularity, it’s somewhere that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle, meeting your practical needs and bringing you the most happiness.
Top 15 Places to Live in America
As an immigrant nation, the United States offers numerous communities where people from all backgrounds can thrive. While personal preferences vary, certain places consistently stand out as exceptional places to build a life. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the key livability factors mentioned above, we have listed the overall top 15 most fantastic places to live in the US. Each place has developed its unique character while maintaining those fundamental qualities that make a place truly livable. Hope it can inspire you in deciding where to live.
1.Johns Creek, Georgia (GA)
| John Creek (GA) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 81,000+ |
| Median home price | $637,500 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,750 |
| Median household income | $160,185 |
| Median age | 40.2 |
Johns Creek, Georgia, tops the list of the best areas to live in the US due to its strong job market and high desirability score. Johns Creek offers a higher value of living compared to similarly sized cities. Nestled in metro Atlanta’s affluent northern suburbs, Johns Creek boasts top-ranked schools, with a crime rate is 70% lower than the national average. This small place boasts a thriving economy and high-income jobs, with only a 15-minute commute to Atlanta’s tech and finance hubs. Johns Creek offers an upscale living without the chaos, and is home to stars like Jeff Foxworthy and Usher.
2.Carmel, Indiana (IN)
| Carmel (IN) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 103,000+ |
| Median home price | $516,600 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,199 |
| Median household income | $134,602 |
| Median age | 39.5 |
Carmel is a suburb of Indianapolis. As one of the greatest places to live in the US, Carmel is one of the safest cities in America, with a crime rate 83% below the national average. It has top 1% U.S. public schools, Carmel High School is a National Blue Ribbon winner. Carmel is known for its massive high school, which features amenities for students, including an auto shop, radio station, jewelry-making room, and even a planetarium. Carmel has a nice civic square, an art and design district, a booming job market and a network of walking and biking trails which attract many people to come here to settle down here.
3.Pearland, Texas (TX)
| Pearland (TX) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 129,000+ |
| Median home price | $368,900 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,300 |
| Median household income | $112,470 |
| Median age | 35.9 |
Pearland is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, it has had its population increase from approximately 19,000 residents to over 100,000 in the last 20 years. And the median age here is 35.9. It’s a young suburb of Houston. It ranks among the list for its affordable housing, top-rated schools and proximity to Houston jobs (20-minute commute). With low crime, diverse dinning, and 130+ parks, it offers big-city access with suburban charm. Family-friendly amenities, such as the Pearland Town Center and no state income tax make it an ideal place for growing families and professionals seeking value.
4.Fishers, Indiana (IN)
| Fishers (IN) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 103,000+ |
| Median home price | $406,400 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,175 |
| Median household income | $128,141 |
| Median age | 36.5 |
Fishers has a growing number of tech jobs, with highly demanding employment opportunities, the city attracts thousands of people to live there, and it is among the best areas to live in the US. It’s about 20 miles outside Indianapolis. It’s a place with a low crime rate, and over 130 parks, it’s perfect for families and professionals seeking suburban comfort with easy access to the city.
5.Cary, North Carolina (NC)
| Cary (NC) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 182,000+ |
| Median home price | $701,500 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,120 |
| Median household income | $129,399 |
| Median age | 38.9 |
Cary is also one of the best places to live in the USA, boasting a robust job market and a laid-back lifestyle. It is also a suburb of Raleigh and part of North Carolina’s research triangle. With many parks, diverse communities, and mild weather, it’s an ideal choice for families and professionals.
6.League City, Texas (TX)
| League City (TX) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 118,000+ |
| Median home price | $343,800 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,200 |
| Median household income | $119,870 |
| Median age | 36.1 |
League City stands out as one of America’s best places to live, offering top-rated schools, low crime rates, and affordable housing. Its prime Gulf Coast location provides easy beach access and is about 26 miles south of Houston. It is rated highly for value and desirability. Without a state income tax, League City is one of the nicest places to live in the US.
7.Apex, North Carolina (NC)
| Apex (NC) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 75,000+ |
| Median home price | $596,000 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,250 |
| Median household income | $138,442 |
| Median age | 37.1 |
Just 20 minutes from Raleigh, Apex is one of the smallest cities on the list. Apex blends historic charm with modern amenities, offering family-friendly parks, thriving local businesses, and strong job growth in the Research Triangle. The weather there is mild in four seasons. it’s one of the best areas to live in America.
8.Leander, Texas (TX)
| Leander (TX) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 87,000+ |
| Median home price | $403,800 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,195 |
| Median household income | $140,180 |
| Median age | 35.8 |
Leander ranked among America’s best places for its rapid growth, top-value homes, and low crime. With good schools resources and natural beauty (Hill Country). It’s perfect for families chasing affordability and opportunity. And it’s only half an hour’s drive from Austin.
9.Rochester Hills, Michigan (MI)
| Rochester Hills (MI) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 78,000+ |
| Median home price | $467,000 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,800 |
| Median household income | $119,054 |
| Median age | 41.1 |
Rochester Hills is one of the best places to live in US for its calm and peaceful lifestyle. It’s an inviting downtown, full of nature trails, where nature lovers can enjoy themselves. There is also a popular cider mill, as well as many activities available throughout the four seasons. It’s a great place to live, where you can find happiness.
10.Troy, Michigan (MI)
| Troy (MI) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 89,000+ |
| Median home price | $462,500 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,200 |
| Median household income | $119,299 |
| Median age | 40.5 |
Close to Detroit, Troy is home to many automotive companies. Troy provides residents with a convenient lifestyle, offering a combination of chill and luxury. There is a mall called Somerset Collection, where you can find upscale stores including Christian Louboutin, Rolex, and Versace, etc. Troy is voted as one of the best places to live in America as well.
11.Sammamish, Washington (WA)
| Sammamish (WA) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 66,400+ |
| Median home price | $1.9 million |
| Average monthly rent | $3,845 |
| Median household income | $227,273 |
| Median age | 38.7 |
Sammamish is a picturesque city, with both the glittering Lake Sammamish and verdant forests. It can be one of the best places to live due to its peaceful, and tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Locals enjoy recreational activities including boating, fishing, and hiking in its multiple parks. And it’s only a short drive from Seattle.
12.Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (OK)
| Broken Arrow (OK) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 122,000+ |
| Median home price | $355,000 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,750 |
| Median household income | $85,220 |
| Median age | 36.7 |
As one of Tulsa’s suburbs, Broken Arrow has long connections to the Muscogee people, a subgroup of Indians, who settled in the area after the US government forced them to move from Alabama along the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. Today, its downtown has boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and an annual festival, Rooster Days, which has been held for over 90 years.
13.Ellicott City, Maryland (MD)
| Ellicott City (MD) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 75,900+ |
| Median home price | $769,000 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,812 |
| Median household income | $157,891 |
| Median age | 41.4 |
As one of the nicest places to live in the US, Ellicott City is a quaint place for living, 30 minutes from the bustle of Baltimore. There are still several old buildings from the 19th century, and there are museums dedicated to everything from turn-of-the-century firefighting to the country’s oldest surviving railroad station.
14.Flower Mound, Texas (TX)
| Flower Mound (TX) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 79,900+ |
| Median home price | $645,600 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,890 |
| Median household income | $157,737 |
| Median age | 40.8 |
Named after a local hill covered in wildflowers, the Dallas suburb of Flower Mound is known for its small-town charm just outside the big city. The area boasts a strong public school system and a robust calendar of community events, including a summer concert series.
15.Pflugerville, Texas (TX)
| Pflugerville (TX) | |
|---|---|
| Population | 66,000+ |
| Median home price | $395,300 |
| Average monthly rent | $2,195 |
| Median household income | $112,656 |
| Median age | 36.2 |
Pflugerville has more than 56 miles of recreational trails, including the 180-acre Lake Pflugerville. The nearby Typhoon Texas Waterpark is also an annual draw for both locals and visitors. It’s on the last spot of the top 15 best places to live in the US.
How to Choose the Best Place to Live in the US
What are the best places to live in the USA? The list above is not a fixed answer, the answer is subjective, there are many other people think other places like Sugar Land (TX), Naperville (IL), Roswell (GA), Overland Park (KS), Olathe (KS), Honolulu (HI), etc are also livable and pleasant. People have different personal needs, a place that is ideal for a young professional might not work for a family, and a retiree’s paradise could feel isolating to an ambitious young man. That’s why understanding what matters most to you is the essential first step in your search. Considering these factors below may help you make a wiser choice.
No Special Request
If you have no special requests, then the list above is suitable for you, you can find the places mentioned above are all good choices for you. These places are overall top ranked places.
Work-prioritized
If you are an ambitious young person, you want to find places that can best cultivate your professional skills and offer prospects, when choosing a place, you should prioritize job opportunities and employment prospects. Except for the places mentioned above, places like San Jose (CA), and Seattle (WA) are also good options, as they have strong job markets and opportunities for ambitious young professionals.
Family-friendly Prioritized
If you are married or have kids, you want to find a family-friendly place to live regardless of the cost or other factors, except the places mentioned above, places like Overland Park (KS) and Plano (TX), etc are good choice for family, these places have good schools resources, and outdoor facilities, parks, etc for kids, they are friendly to families.
Affordability
If you have a limited budget, and are trying to find the best place for you to live, Green Bay (WI), Boise (ID), or Pittsburgh (PA) are also nice options, they are best for affordability, and provide you equal life experiences as other places. Pittsburgh (PA) also has sizable city perks.
Accessibility
If you are disabled, the best places for you to live must be equipped with complete accessibility, healthcare, public transportation, and inclusive community services. Except for the places mentioned above, you can also consider other places like Rochester (NY), Denver (CO), Tampa (FL), etc. Rochester (NY) has strong disability services including a strong Memorial Hospital and URMC’s disability programs, it has a deaf-friendly community, and the best public transit.
Retirement
If you are retired, and you want to find you the best place for retirement life, then places like Sarasota (FL), Asheville (NC), Portland (ME) are good choices. These places have low-taxed and top-tier healthcare. San Francisco (CA) can also be a nice place for retirement life, it is the healthiest with a long life expectancy and famous fitness culture.
Safety & Security
If safety is your priority, you want to find a safe and secure place to live, then Naperville (IL) is the safest place, with top-ranked low crime and top schools.
Outdoor Lover
If you are an outdoor lover, your priority is finding places with access to outdoor activities. Except for those mentioned above, Boulder (CO), and Asheville (NC), are good places for hiking, biking and other outdoor activities. In addition, San Diego (CA) has the best weather, with 70°F year-round and have ocean access.
Conclusion
What are the best places to live in the United States? Everyone has unique priorities, whether it’s career opportunities, schools resources for your kids, affordability or access to nature. While the “best” place varies from person to person, the key is to weigh what matters most to you. This guide highlights the overall top-rated places, and other factors to consider. Ask yourself, what are you looking for? With the right research, you will find your perfect places that fits your needs and enhances your quality of life!
FAQs:
According to 2025-2026 U.S. News Best Places to Live, the top 10 best places are Johns Creek (GA), Carmel (IN), Pearland (TX), Fishers (IN), Cary (NC), League City (TX), Apex (NC), Leander (TX), Rochester Hills (MI), Troy (MI).
Ann Arbor (Michigan) is one of the places that have the best quality of life. Ann Arbor has the University of Michigan which is a top public school, has low crime, and has excellent healthcare (Michigan Medicine). Ann Arbor is an affordable place compared to coastal cities, with vibrant arts, food and Big Ten college-town energy.
Utah, Washington, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Colorado, Virginia, Massachusetts, Florida, Wisconsin, and Idaho are the top 10 best states to live in. These states have strong economies, high-paying jobs, excellent healthcare, education, low crime, affordable living, natural beauty and various outdoor recreation.
According to Wallethub’s “Happiest States in America” and Gallup’s Well-Being Index, the happiest city is Fremont, California, where you can expect high income, and low depression rates. Other cities, such as Madison (Wisconsin), Boulder (Colorado), San Jose (California), and Honolulu (Hawaii) are also among the happiest places to live in. These cities have different lifestyles, good employment opportunities, outdoor activities, and etc. Generally, Utah, Hawaii, Minnesota, California, Colorado are the top happiest states.
Boulder (Colorado) takes the top spot, because it balances nature, prosperity, and happiness better than anywhere else. Boulder is a outdoor paradise for there is Stunning Rocky Mountain for hiking, biking, skiing; with 300+ days of sunshine a year. But to define the “best” is ver subjective, it’s all depends on your personal priorities.
The top 3 happiest states are Utah, Hawaii, and Minnesota. Utah has strong community connections, with high volunteerism and family-friendly, this state has 5 national parks where is suit for skiing and hiking; Hawaii has the highest life satisfaction in the U.S., with beaches , volcanoes, and rainforest, it’s famous for its Aloha spirit; Minnesota has tight-knit communities as well, has good schools, with four seasons outdoor access to millions of lakes, bike trails and winter sports.
The most affordable place is Wichita (KS), with the median home price of $215k, and the cost of living is 24% below the national average. Wichita has a strong job market in aviation and healthcare, as well as short commutes.
Overland Park (Kansas) is considered to be the best place to live in the U.S. for families. Overland Park has the 1 public school in Kansas–Blue Valley School District, and this place has a low crime rate, making it safer than 95% of U.S. cities.The median home price is approximately $375k, which is below the U.S. average. Additionally, various parks and activities are suitable for kids.
