Not every US city is a good place to live. In fact, there may be more cities to avoid than good places to live. However, these 10 cities were ranked as the most livable for 2024. If you are looking to relocate, be sure to move to one of these destinations.
U.S. livable cities ranked
The most livable cities were ranked after a careful and thorough evaluation of several metrics to determine their livability. These metrics include quality of life, job market and opportunities, quality of education, crime rate, household costs, and income. Other factors like commute availability were also included.
Austin, TX
Austin has a vibrant culture filled with expressive festivals, live events, and rich entertainment and is the fastest growing city with almost 150 new residents joining daily, the majority of whom are college students and retiring baby boomers.
Austin also has a robust job market with over 71% employment rate, providing citizens with promising employment opportunities. The city’s median household income is $122,474, encouraging a spirited community.
Denver, CO
Denver’s proximity to the Rockies makes it a thriving spot for thrill seekers, but the city is desirable for reasons more than just its snowy peaks. The city’s prosperous job market contributes to a staggering median income of over $122,000.
Attractions like the Denver Art Museum speak for the city’s fondness for culture and arts, reflected in its high rate of college students. It is one of the few in the United States actively practicing sustainability, ensuring a higher quality of life than elsewhere.
Colorado Springs, CO
Nestled near Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs gets its fair share of love from tourists and residents. However, the city truly deserves appreciation; the Olympic Training Center and Airforce Academy prove the city is more than just a tourist spot.
Colorado Springs’s average household income is $102,139, comfortable enough for a stable and reputable life for long-term residents. The city is actively working to improve the aerospace and defense industries, promising a prosperous future.
Fayetteville, AR
The best thing about living in Fayetteville is being able to afford housing, leading to a 40.2% rate of home ownership. The city’s mean household income is $84,823, with a high employment rate of 65.7%.
The city has a robust educational structure, with more than 23% postgraduate levels, and houses the University of Arkansas. Fayetteville also has some of the lowest poverty rates, with just 3.56% for full-time workers.
Des Moines, IA
Known for the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and being the capital of Iowa, Des Moines has a staggering 60.3% homeownership rate, proving the city’s desirability. Des Moines boasts a mean income of $116,759 for married families.
The city’s unemployment average is just 4.6%, lower than the national average itself. Des Moines has an active community with numerous cultural festivals and performances to entertain its citizens.
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Being a metropolitan area in a confluence has blessed Minneapolis-St. Paul has wondrous characteristics, including a low crime engagement and an incredibly high employment rate (69.1%).
Minneapolis-St. Paul has some of the finest healthcare facilities, making it ideal for long-term residence. The metropolitan area boasts one of the highest undergraduate (32.14%) and graduate (21.36%) rates and a median income of $108,980.
San Francisco, CA
Seeing San Francisco on this list isn’t too surprising since it is California’s 4th most populous city. The city has an incredibly diverse and rich culture of innovation, contributing to a job market and a 66.6% employment rate.
The city's thriving atmosphere stems from its focus on education, with almost 60% of its young population holding graduate and undergraduate degrees. Moreover, its iconic parks and landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, significantly contribute to its allure.
Portland, OR
Not many of us think about sustainability and its impact on our lifestyle, but Portland is one of the few taking the debate seriously. Counted as one of the most eco-friendly cities in the U.S., Portland provides a promising and healthy lifestyle.
The city frequently dabbles in arts and music. More than half the population are homeowners, while the city also boasts a median income of $136,571 for couples and $116,103 for families.
Seattle, WA
This economic hub was bound to make the list; Seattle has remained one of the most economically stable cities in the United States, and its penchant to provide people with an affordable, luxurious lifestyle only makes it more ideal.
The city is home to some of the nation’s most renowned educational institutions, including the University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University. The mean household income is $161,694 - enough to live comfortably.
Raleigh & Durham, NC
Situated in central North Carolina, Raleigh & Durham, or the Research Triangle, is blessed with growth opportunities, specifically in IT and research. Naturally, it has an excellent educational background (more than 50% college-age residents).
The combined area is one of the only areas in North Carolina offering luxurious yet affordable housing, leading to 52% home ownership. The city boasts a 66.3% employment rate and is considerably increasing it.
Which city should you move to?
Deciding where you want to reside requires knowing how compatible you are with the cities. This compatibility basically means comparing factors that may affect your experience living in each city to settle on the one that suits you and your needs the most.
These factors include access to amenities like healthcare, education, and job opportunities, as well as social and meteorological conditions; the friendliness of the community; climate and weather patterns; and public transport.
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The article was inspired by Livable Cities In The U.S. and first appeared on Spatula Desserts.
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