Choosing the perfect place to call home involves careful consideration of various factors like quality of life, job opportunities and cost of living. U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Places to Live” rankings serve as a trusted guide for millions of Americans looking to relocate or validate their current location choice.
This comprehensive analysis evaluates 150 metropolitan areas across the United States based on multiple key metrics. From employment rates and housing affordability to healthcare quality and
educational opportunities these rankings offer valuable insights into America’s most desirable cities. The data-driven methodology combines public statistics with extensive surveys to create an objective assessment that helps people make informed decisions about where to build their lives.
How US News Ranks the Best Places to Live
U.S. News employs a comprehensive data-driven methodology to evaluate 150 metropolitan areas across the United States. The ranking system weighs multiple factors through statistical analysis and consumer surveys to generate an overall score for each location.
Key Ranking Factors and Methodology
The ranking methodology combines five essential components with specific weighted percentages:
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- Job Market Index (32.5%): Measures unemployment rates, average salaries, and labor market participation
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- Housing Affordability (20%): Evaluates median home prices, monthly rental costs, and mortgage rates
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- Quality of Life (32.5%): Analyzes crime rates, healthcare access, education quality, and commute times
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- Net Migration (10%): Tracks population growth and movement patterns over 5-year periods
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- Desirability (5%): Measures public interest through consumer preference surveys
| Ranking Component |
Weight Percentage |
| Job Market Index |
32.5% |
| Housing Affordability |
20% |
| Quality of Life |
32.5% |
| Net Migration |
10% |
| Desirability |
5% |
Quality of Life Index Explained
The Quality of Life Index incorporates multiple data points from reliable sources:
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- Crime Statistics: FBI Uniform Crime Report data for violent and property crime rates
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- Healthcare Access: Medicare availability, hospital ratings, physician density per capita
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- Education Metrics: High school graduation rates, college readiness scores, student-teacher ratios
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- Well-being Scores: Gallup-Sharecare surveys measuring community satisfaction
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- Air Quality Index: EPA measurements of pollution levels and environmental health
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- Commute Times: Census Bureau data on average transportation duration
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- Infrastructure Quality: Department of Transportation assessments of roads, bridges, public transit
Each metric receives standardized scoring between 0-10, with higher scores indicating better performance in the respective category.
Top Metro Areas for 2023-2024
Based on U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings, several metropolitan areas stand out for their exceptional quality of life metrics and economic opportunities. The rankings reflect comprehensive data analysis across multiple categories including job markets, housing affordability and overall livability.
Best Large Cities
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- Denver, Colorado
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- Median Home Price: $538,932
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- Average Annual Salary: $67,500
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- Key strengths: Tech job market, outdoor recreation access, cultural amenities
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- San Jose, California
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- Median Home Price: $1.25 million
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- Average Annual Salary: $93,450
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- Key strengths: Technology sector jobs, high wages, innovation hub
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- Washington, D.C.
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- Median Home Price: $521,277
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- Average Annual Salary: $77,840
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- Key strengths: Government jobs, educational institutions, cultural attractions
Top Mid-Size Cities
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- Green Bay, Wisconsin
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- Median Home Price: $229,975
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- Average Annual Salary: $52,890
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- Key strengths: Low cost of living, strong community focus, healthcare access
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- Huntsville, Alabama
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- Median Home Price: $328,182
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- Average Annual Salary: $58,730
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- Key strengths: Aerospace industry, STEM jobs, affordable housing
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- Colorado Springs, Colorado
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- Median Home Price: $427,513
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- Average Annual Salary: $55,540
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- Key strengths: Military presence, outdoor activities, growing tech sector
| Metro Area |
Overall Score |
Job Market Score |
Quality of Life Score |
| Denver |
7.1/10 |
7.8/10 |
7.0/10 |
| San Jose |
6.9/10 |
8.2/10 |
6.8/10 |
| Green Bay |
6.8/10 |
6.5/10 |
7.2/10 |
| Huntsville |
6.8/10 |
7.9/10 |
6.7/10 |
Housing Market Analysis of Top-Ranked Cities
The housing markets in top-ranked cities demonstrate distinct patterns of affordability, appreciation rates, and market dynamics. Real estate conditions in these metropolitan areas reflect local economic strengths while presenting varying opportunities for homebuyers and investors.
Affordability Metrics
The median home price to median income ratio varies significantly across top-ranked cities. Green Bay maintains a ratio of 2.8, making it one of the most affordable markets, while San Jose shows a ratio of 9.1. Housing costs consume 21% of median household income in Huntsville compared to 45% in Denver.
| City |
Median Home Price |
Price-to-Income Ratio |
Housing Cost % of Income |
| Green Bay |
$229,800 |
2.8 |
25% |
| Huntsville |
$282,400 |
3.2 |
21% |
| Denver |
$528,800 |
5.4 |
45% |
| San Jose |
$1,284,500 |
9.1 |
42% |
Market dynamics in top-rated cities exhibit distinct patterns:
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- Inventory levels range from 1.2 months in Green Bay to 3.5 months in San Jose
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- Annual appreciation rates average 6.8% in Huntsville compared to 4.2% in Washington D.C.
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- New construction permits increased 15% in Denver during 2023
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- Median days on market span from 12 days in Green Bay to 28 days in San Jose
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- Tech sector expansion drives San Jose’s premium valuations
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- Defense contracting supports Huntsville’s steady appreciation
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- Government employment stabilizes Washington D.C.’s market
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- Manufacturing growth maintains Green Bay’s affordable pricing
Job Market and Economic Opportunities
The U.S. News & World Report’s best places to live rankings indicate strong correlations between employment metrics and overall city desirability. These metropolitan areas demonstrate robust job markets with diverse industry sectors and competitive compensation packages.
Employment Growth
Metropolitan areas leading the rankings show significant job creation rates across multiple sectors. Austin, Texas experienced a 4.5% job growth rate in 2023, adding 53,000 new positions primarily in technology and healthcare. Raleigh, North Carolina maintains a 3.8% annual employment growth rate, driven by expansions in biotechnology and research institutions. Salt Lake City, Utah reports a 3.2% increase in employment opportunities, particularly in financial services and outdoor recreation industries.
| City |
Job Growth Rate |
New Jobs Added |
Leading Industries |
| Austin, TX |
4.5% |
53,000 |
Tech, Healthcare |
| Raleigh, NC |
3.8% |
41,000 |
Biotech, Research |
| Salt Lake City, UT |
3.2% |
35,000 |
Finance, Recreation |
Income Potential
Top-ranked cities demonstrate strong earning potential across various professional levels. San Jose leads with a median household income of $138,500, reflecting its concentration of high-paying tech positions. Boston reports a median income of $94,300, supported by its educational institutions and biotechnology sectors. Seattle maintains an $89,700 median household income, driven by aerospace and technology employers.
| City |
Median Household Income |
Top Industry Salaries |
| San Jose, CA |
$138,500 |
Tech: $165,000 |
| Boston, MA |
$94,300 |
Biotech: $125,000 |
| Seattle, WA |
$89,700 |
Aerospace: $110,000 |
Quality of Life Considerations
Quality of life metrics form 32.5% of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live rankings. These measurements evaluate essential aspects of daily living across education healthcare access climate.
Education and Schools
Top-ranked metropolitan areas demonstrate exceptional educational outcomes through measurable metrics:
| City |
High School Graduation Rate |
Student-Teacher Ratio |
College Readiness Score |
| Boulder, CO |
93% |
17:1 |
89/100 |
| Ann Arbor, MI |
91% |
16:1 |
87/100 |
| Raleigh, NC |
89% |
15:1 |
85/100 |
School districts in these areas feature specialized programs including:
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- International Baccalaureate curricula
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- Advanced Placement course offerings
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- Dual language immersion programs
Healthcare Access
Healthcare accessibility ratings consider three primary factors:
| Factor |
Measurement Criteria |
| Hospital Density |
Facilities per 100,000 residents |
| Physician Coverage |
Doctors per capita |
| Insurance Coverage |
Percentage of insured population |
Leading metropolitan areas showcase:
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- Multiple nationally ranked medical centers
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- Specialized treatment facilities
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- Extensive preventive care networks
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- Emergency response times under 8 minutes
Climate and Recreation
Top-rated cities offer diverse recreational opportunities aligned with their climate patterns:
| City |
Annual Sunny Days |
Parks per Capita |
Miles of Trails |
| San Diego, CA |
266 |
2.8 |
340 |
| Portland, OR |
144 |
3.2 |
385 |
| Denver, CO |
245 |
2.5 |
850 |
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- Municipal sports complexes
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- Connected greenway systems
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- Public swimming facilities
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- Waterfront recreation areas
Making the Move to a Top-Ranked City
Relocating to a top-ranked city requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. The transition involves evaluating multiple factors from housing logistics to financial preparation.
Relocation Tips
A successful relocation starts with a comprehensive moving checklist 3-4 months before the move date. Key preparation steps include:
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- Schedule housing visits during different times of day to assess neighborhood activity patterns
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- Research local transportation options including public transit routes commute times
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- Connect with local real estate agents who specialize in specific neighborhoods
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- Obtain school records medical documentation employment references
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- Update legal documents including driver’s license voter registration insurance policies
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- Book moving services early considering peak season rates availability
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- Create a room-by-room inventory of items to move store donate
Cost of Living Comparisons
| Expense Category |
Average Range (%) |
| Housing |
25-35 |
| Transportation |
15-20 |
| Food |
10-15 |
| Healthcare |
8-12 |
| Utilities |
5-10 |
| Entertainment |
5-8 |
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- Calculate income tax differences between current future locations
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- Compare average utility costs based on seasonal climate variations
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- Research local property tax rates insurance premiums
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- Evaluate grocery prices through local store comparisons
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- Consider parking fees toll expenses public transit costs
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- Factor in state-specific expenses fees licenses
Real Estate Trends
Choosing the right place to live remains a deeply personal decision that extends beyond rankings and statistics. While U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live list serves as a valuable starting point it’s essential to consider individual preferences lifestyle needs and long-term goals.
The comprehensive analysis of factors like job markets housing affordability and quality of life provides crucial insights for anyone contemplating relocation. Whether someone’s drawn to the tech opportunities in San Jose or the affordable living in Green Bay these rankings offer a data-driven framework for making informed decisions about where to call home.
The best choice ultimately depends on finding the right balance between personal priorities and a city’s offerings. What matters most is selecting a location that aligns with individual needs while providing opportunities for growth and a satisfying lifestyle.
