In the Top 100 best cities to live in America, where do you think your city ranks? Livability.com tracks interest in small to mid-sized cities, or cities home to between 75,000 and 500,000 people.
The company compared 40 data points about different living factors, like infrastructure or health care accessibility, in U.S. cities to create their list, according to a Livability press release. Their survey showed that millennials prioritize affordability and job opportunities when deciding on a home base. Each city featured on the list maintains a median home price of $500,000 or less. For each city on their list, you can see the score by category (education, health care, amenities, security, affordability, etc).
We took a look at what makes the top 10 cities so coveted. Spoiler alert: walking trails, cute local shops and football fans ahead!
1. Carmel, Indiana
Topping the 2024 list is the Midwestern town just north of Indianapolis. It ranks particularly high on housing and cost of living as well as health. The city also boasts outdoor as well as cultural activities. The Palladium, pictured above, is a fantastic venue for concerts and plays.
2. Cary, North Carolina
Cary sits in the middle of North Carolina’s tri-cities—Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill—with their excellent universities Duke, University of North Carolina and North Carolina State. In addition to educational opportunities, this also positions Cary well economically as this area is a hub for research and industry. North Carolina’s temperate climate doesn’t hurt, either.
Related Reading: Rustic Cottage Style with an Edge (in North Carolina)
3. Columbia, Maryland
Located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Columbia also rates highly on education and economic opportunities with schools like Johns Hopkins close by. The city is intentionally family friendly with playgrounds, walkable neighborhoods, and festivals such as the Columbia Festival of the Arts.
4. Fishers, Indiana
Fishers scores an impressive 94 (on a scale of 100) for housing and cost of living. It also ranks highly on education and economy. A fast-growing suburb of Indianapolis, the city’s 85 miles worth of trails make it one of the best cities to live in, particularly for families looking to relocate out of the big city with its big city prices.
5. Naperville, Illinois
A suburb of Chicago, its proximity to the Windy City is a selling point, but Naperville has virtues of its own, including a nationally recognized public library, good schools, job opportunities, a strong sense of community and a river walk along the DuPage River.
6. Broomfield, Colorado
Situated between Denver and Boulder, Broomfield offers the advantages of the Centennial State without the price tag of its capital. It boasts job opportunities, access to amenities such as the nearby mountains, as well as 281 miles of outdoor trails within city limits!
7. Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park, the second largest city in Kansas also known as the Gateway to Kansas City, ranks highly on education, health and economy. The variety of industries headquartered here makes its economic draw especially compelling. It’s also boasts good schools and many parks.
8. Sugar Land, Texas
So-named for its former production of sugar, Sugar Land sits outside Houston and ranks highly in economy, health and education. Sugar Land itself offers many walking and biking trails as well as attractions such as Kidtropolis and Constellation Field, home to minor league baseball team, the Space Cowboys.
9. Frisco, Texas
Outside of Dallas, Frisco is actually home to the Dallas Cowboys and is nicknamed Sports City USA. In addition to sporting events, Frisco ranks highly in health, education and economy. The proximity to Dallas provides many economic opportunities, and Keurig Dr. Pepper is actually headquartered in Frisco itself.
10. Troy, Michigan
Just north of Detroit, Troy scores highly on housing and cost of living, amenities and education. In addition to good schools, health communities, economy and open space, Troy also offers upscale shopping, a combination that makes it one of the best cities to live in.
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