Data Finally Reveals The 10 Most Liveable Cities in The USA
Not all US cities make it easy to live your healthiest, happiest life. In fact, some are downright challenging. But these 10 cities have been crowned the most livable for 2024, and for good reason! So, if you’re thinking about a move, these top spots offer high quality of life, amazing amenities, and friendly communities that’ll make you want to pack your bags a little bit faster. From vibrant urban hubs to charming small towns, these cities prove that where you live can make all the difference.
The article is based on data from World Population Review.
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 ease and availability of commute were also included.
Austin, TX
Austin has a vibrant culture filled with expressive festivals, live events, and rich entertainment. It 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 a 71.5% 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 beyond its snowy peaks. The city’s prosperous job market contributes to a staggering average household income of over $122,771. 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 Air Force Academy prove it 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% home ownership rate. The city’s mean household income is $84,823, with a high employment rate of 62.1%. 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 as the capital of Iowa, Des Moines has a staggering 60.3% homeownership rate, proving the city’s desirability. The city boasts a mean income of $116,759 for married families. The city’s unemployment average is just 4.6%. 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 35.08% of its young population holding a bachelor’s degree. 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 $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 for providing 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 are blessed with growth opportunities, specifically in IT and research. 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 high employment rate, which is considerably increasing as technologies advance.
Which city should you move to?
Deciding where you want to reside requires knowing how compatible you are with the cities. This compatibility 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.
The article was inspired by Livable Cities In The U.S.
