Where in the USA is it good to live: top 10 cities for comfortable living

Research on the comfort of living in cities in the USA

A specialized study conducted by the reputable publication U.S. News has identified 100 cities in the U.S. that stand out for their level of comfort for residents. The analysis used five main criteria, each of which was assigned a weighted score on a 10-point scale, helping to more accurately assess where people live better and where there are serious issues.

Evaluation criteria

• Labor market conditions (20%) - factors such as the unemployment rate and the average salary in the city are taken into account.
• Cost of living (25%) — helping to understand how realistically one can maintain a decent standard of living based on available income.
• Quality of life (30%) reflects how comfortable and safe residents feel in their everyday environment.
• Prestige15% indicates the desired place to live based on migration rates.
• Migration (10%) — shows how many people move to this city each year.

Salt Lake City

Among the top cities in the ranking, one stands out.Salt Lake CityIt received an overall rating of 7.1. When it comes to the labor market, it scored 6.9. The cost of living here is 7.7, quality of life is 6.9, prestige is 7.3, and migration is 6.1. This city, located in the state of Utah, attracts residents not only with its economic potential but also with its beautiful nature. It is surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains and offers a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing to visiting five national parks.

Winter temperatures here fluctuate around -1°C, while in summer they reach +24°C, which attracts enthusiasts of all types of recreation.

Careers and housing costs

When it comes to careers, the unemployment rate in Salt Lake City is very low at just 3.3%. However, it's worth noting that housing prices are quite high: the average cost of a home is around $250,000, while the national average is $211,700. Even so, the cost of housing in Salt Lake City is more reasonable compared to larger metropolitan areas, considering the average annual income of $44,750 — rent here will be about $900 per month.

Diversity of the population

Salt Lake City delights with the diversity of its residents. In the city center, you can find many young professionals and graduates, while in the quieter neighborhoods, families with children and elderly citizens are more common.

Des Moines

Des MoinesThe city, which ranks ninth in this rating, has an overall score of 7.1. Here, the labor market receives 7.1 points, the cost of living is 8.5, the quality of life is 6.8, prestige is 5.3, and migration stands at 7.5. This city, located in the state of Iowa, is particularly favored by families with children due to its calm atmosphere and developing suburban infrastructure.

Despite its small population of only about 600,000 people, it has everything you need for leisure: restaurants, stores, cultural events and festivals, as well as plenty of green areas and trails for hiking and outdoor activities.

The availability of life in Des Moines

Life in Des Moines attracts many with its reasonable cost compared to other major cities in the U.S. Here, rent can be as low as $800 a month, and you can buy a house for no more than $170,000. With an average annual salary of around $47,170, this is quite an achievable goal for many.

Unemployment in the region is only 3.5%, indicating stable conditions in the labor market. In recent years, there has been a rise in housing prices, especially in the suburbs, while demand for real estate remains high and listings are quickly disappearing.

The winter temperatures here are generally around -4 degrees Celsius, while in summer, the temperature reaches a comfortable +24 degrees. Frequent precipitation creates excellent conditions for winter sports.

Boston: cultural and economic center

In this context, it's worth noting Boston, which also made the ranking with a score of 7.1. This city stands out for its high quality of life, rated at 5.8, but even more importantly, it offers unique employment opportunities (8.9) due to its historical landmarks and numerous high-tech companies.

With a population of approximately 4.7 million people, Boston has become a hub of diversity in culture and sports, attracting young people. However, life here is not cheap, as the city is considered one of the most expensive in the United States.

• Healthcare and food expensesThey can be 15-28% higher than the national average.
• Average housing costIt amounts to about $323,000, although prices can vary significantly depending on the area.
• Unemployment ratein Boston is 3.6%, with a median annual salary of $63,000, which helps pay for rent, which is kept at $1,230 a month.

The climate in Boston is moderate: winters here are usually not that cold, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0 degrees, while in summer, the temperature typically hovers around 20 degrees.

Roles and Durham: high standards of living

In seventh place in this ranking table are Raleigh and Durham — an urban agglomeration with a high quality of life (7.2 points). The labor level here is rated at 6.5 points, while the cost of living is rated at 7.7 points.

This region is known for its educational and scientific achievements, which contributes to around 80 new residents arriving here daily, following the constant demand for labor resources.

• The people who live hereThey are mostly young and have a high level of education, so finding friends won't be too difficult.
• Surrounding natural beautyGame zones, cultural events, cinemas, and museums make this place attractive for living.

The climate in Raleigh and Durham offers pleasant sensations: in summer, the temperature rises to around 26 degrees, while in winter it hovers around 6 degrees. The living conditions in this metropolitan area can be considered affordable: with an average annual salary of $51,100, rent is about $910 per month, and purchasing a home will require around $220,120.

Cost of housing in different neighborhoods

The cost of residential real estate can vary significantly in different parts of the city. For example, in the south, prices can start at just $70,000, while in areas like Cameron Park, the cost of housing can rise to $650,000.

One of the significant advantages of this region is the low property tax rate, which in turn allows for a substantial reduction in housing maintenance costs, especially compared to other major tech hubs.

Despite the steady rise in housing prices in recent years, this trend can be explained by the increasing number of people wanting to advance their careers in this particular area. As of today, the population of the so-called "triangle" is 1.75 million, and the unemployment rate here is 4.4%.

The appeal of Seattle

Seattle, ranked sixth in the attractiveness of living, received a score of 7.2. Here the level of labor market development is 7.6, the cost of living is 6.3, and the quality of life is 6.2.

The high level of prestige is 10.0, while migration is 7.6. Seattle has become a very popular choice for Americans, primarily due to its natural beauty and comfortable climate.

Here, the rain falls less frequently than in other major cities, and the proximity to picturesque natural landscapes, such as mountain ranges and bodies of water, creates a unique atmosphere. Despite being a metropolis with over 3.5 million residents, Seattle maintains a calm and peaceful character.

Rest and nature in Seattle

This city is great for relaxing, and on weekends, it's easy to go out:

• camping
• swimming in rivers or lakes
• conquering the local mountains
• to study wine regions
• just relaxing in the numerous parks

The climate pleases connoisseurs: the temperature regime in different seasons varies from 5 to 18 degrees Celsius. However, it should be noted that life in Seattle is one of the most costly in the USA. The unemployment rate here is 4.8%.

If you are not satisfied with working for large local companies, you may need to consider moving to more remote areas or the suburbs. The average income of Seattle residents is $59,000, and you should budget around $1,160 per month for housing rent.

A house can be purchased for around $360,000; however, prices tend to vary depending on the specific area, and they have noticeably increased in recent years. The main demographic in Seattle consists of young and ambitious individuals, while families with children often prefer to live away from the city center.

Fayetteville: an educational and cultural center

Fayetteville ranked fifth with a score of 7.3. The local labor market development level here is 7.1, the cost of living is 7.9, the quality of life is 7.4, the prestige is 5.9, and the migration rate has reached 8.0.

This Arkansas city quickly transformed from a small settlement to an important educational, cultural, and commercial center. It was here that Wal-Mart was founded, Tyson Foods is headquartered, and the University of Arkansas is located.

Friendliness and the nature of Fayetteville

The local residents of Fayetteville are known for their friendliness and openness, which fosters active participation in the life of the city through numerous community organizations and initiatives. The area's natural beauty is another undeniable advantage, as the city is located in the Ozark Mountains and is famous for its parks, hiking trails, playgrounds, and green spaces.

The local climate is also enjoyable: in winter, the average temperature can drop to -3 degrees, while in summer it is around +25 degrees. All these factors make Fayetteville an increasingly attractive place to live, creating ideal conditions for working and living in harmony with the surrounding nature.

Total population and unemployment rate

This region is home to nearly half a million people, including both couples attracted by the pleasant climate and young people who tend to choose locations near good colleges and universities. Given that the population here isn't that large, the vacancy rate remains remarkably low at just 2.9%.

Residents of San Jose have an average annual income of $78,620. With such financial capabilities, it is relatively easy to rent an apartment costing around $1,690 per month or to purchase a property priced at about $828,110. This region offers excellent job prospects: the labor market is rapidly developing, and the unemployment rate remains low at 3.9%. San Jose is a large city with a population of nearly two million people, predominantly consisting of families.

Residents can enjoy a wide range of opportunities for active leisure, including sports, hiking, ski resorts, and visiting various museums. This is why many people are eager to settle in this city.

Denver: a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts

Denver, ranked second on the list of most livable cities, received a score of 7.5. Important indicators such as employment and cost of living are at 7.5 and 7.3 respectively. The overall quality of life score is 7.3 and the prestige score is 8.4. The migration rate is impressive, reaching 9.8.

Once a modest mining town during the gold rush, present-day Denver has become a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and advocates of a healthy lifestyle. For winter sports lovers, this city is a true magnet thanks to the magnificent mountain resorts in the surrounding area and the numerous parks right within the city limits.

• The city has over 2,000 hectares of green spaces.
• The cultural life here is vibrant: festivals are held, including the national beer festival, along with many other events.
• Same-sex marriage is legal in Denver, and since 2012, the use of marijuana for recreational purposes has been permitted.

This has spurred the rapid growth of the related industry, which also contributes to the low unemployment rate of only 3.2%. The median annual income in the city is $54,450, making it possible to rent a home for $1,050 per month and think about buying a property that starts at $313,820 and up, depending on location.

Denver is known for its comfortable climate, where winters are mildly cold and summer temperatures can reach 20–22 degrees Celsius. The city attracts young people and singles, with a population exceeding three million.

Austin: the cultural capital of Texas

Austin ranks highest in quality of life among U.S. cities, receiving a score of 7.8. In categories such as employment, living standards, and cost of living, Austin was rated 7.5, 7.3, and 7.3 respectively. The city's prestige is rated at 8.4, while the migration level stands at 9.8.

Austin, known as the cultural capital of Texas and a hub for live music, welcomes around 50 new residents every day. The city is filled with musical activities, creative projects, and ongoing festivals.

• Austin offers a variety of green parks, diverse restaurants, and sporting events.
• The unemployment rate here is only 3.2% and the median income is $49,560 per year.
• The cost of renting housing in Austin is quite reasonable, averaging around $1,044 per month.

The average price of real estate here is also relatively affordable, reaching $265,360, which allows many residents to consider the possibility of purchasing their own home.

Conclusion

The conclusion presented in this study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment of cities based on various criteria that affect the quality of life.

The analysis conducted by U.S. News specialists allows us not only to assess the actual living conditions in different parts of the U.S. but also to reflect on what truly matters to people when choosing a place to live.

Each city in this ranking has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. For example,Salt Lake CityandDes Moinesthey offer comfortable conditions at an affordable price, whileBostonAlthough it is a cultural and economic center, it may not be suitable for people on a tight budget due to the high cost of living.

Comparing cities likeRolesandDarimWe see how modern opportunities for work and education can be combined with a pleasant atmosphere and natural surroundings, making them attractive to young people and families.

Key factors in choosing a city:

• Economic conditions (unemployment rate and salaries)
• Cost of living (the high prices of housing and food)
• Quality of life (crime rate, access to healthcare and education)
• Prestige (the desire of people to move to this city)
• Migration (number of incoming residents)

It is important to note that, in addition to economic and social factors, indicators such as crime rates and the quality of healthcare also significantly influence the decision to relocate. People considering the possibility of moving should take into account all aspects of life in each specific city.

Such studies can have a significant impact on the choice of future residence, as they help to create a more complete understanding of cities.

Result

Ultimately, the final choice depends on individual preferences and life circumstances. I hope this information provides valuable support to those who are in the process of choosing a new home and helps them make a more informed decision.

American cities are diverse, and everyone can find something that meets their needs and expectations.