The 50 best places to live in America right now, ranked
- U.S. News & World Report releases a list of the best places to live in America every year.
- The best places to live 2019 ranking looked at five metrics: job market, value, quality of life, desirability, and net migration.
- The best place to live in America right now is Austin, Texas, followed by Denver, Colorado.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories
When deciding where to put down roots, many factors are in the eye of the beholder, such as climate, politics, or proximity to extended family.
Other aspects are coveted by nearly everybody: affordable housing, access to well-paying jobs, a low cost of living, good schools, and quality healthcare. In its ranking of the best places to live in America for 2019, U.S. News & World Report gathered data on these crucial components for more than 100 US cities.
They then categorized the data into five indexes for each city — job market, value, quality of life, desirability, and net migration — to definitively rank these major metro areas. You can read U.S. News' full methodology here.
Scores for "value," a blend of annual household income and cost of living, and "quality of life," which accounts for crime, college readiness, commute, and other factors, are included below on a 10-point scale, as well as the city's population and average annual salary.
Read more: The best cities in each US state for middle-class families
Austin, Texas, came out on top for the third consecutive year, while Denver, Colorado moved back up to No. 2 after being topped by Colorado Springs last year.
A handful of cities entered the top 50 list this year, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Knoxville, Tennessee; Lansing, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; Pensacola, Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Keep reading to discover the 50 best places to live in America.
50. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is taking steps to rehabilitate its industrial reputation with increasing amounts of green spaces and state parks. Local expert Cheryl Werber also explains that more and more companies are also migrating to the Steel City, bringing exciting job opportunities to the area. Housing in Pittsburgh is also more affordable than other major cities, despite rates slowly beginning to rise.
Population: 2,348,143
Average annual salary: $48,580
Quality of life: 6.3
Value: 8.2
49. Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is a major metropolis with more than 2 million residents. Those living in the Midwestern city have access to a number of community-building activities that make the city a nice place to live. According to local expert Tonya Goth Simmons, locals can play cards by the river at a riverboat casino, take in a show at the Kansas City Symphony, learn a little bit about the country's rich jazz history at the American Jazz Museum, or enjoy some delicious barbeque.
Population: 2,088,830
Average annual salary: $49,460
Quality of life: 6.2
Value: 7.7
48. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
In Lancaster, residents can breeze through numerous environments in the course of a day, from rolling farmland to busy city streets to quiet suburbs. Though dairy farming rules the economy here, major companies, including Kellogg's and Mars, also call the area home. Lancaster might be famous for its Amish and Mennonite population, but the town is also bustling with a mix of college students and non-religious families.
Population: 536,494
Average annual salary: $43,760
Quality of life: 7.7
Value: 6.7
47. Hartford, Connecticut
Located in the Connecticut River Valley, Hartford was once the home to notable historic figures, including Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Among the city's historic attractions, today it offers nearby entertainment venues, ski slopes, state parks. The aerospace, healthcare, and financial services industries dominate the job market in Hartford, which is home to Aetna Inc., United Technologies Corp., and Hartford Hospital.
Population: 1,213,123
Average annual salary: $60,040
Quality of life: 7.2
Value index: 6.4
46. Knoxville, Tennessee
For sports enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Knoxville, Tennessee is a great place to call home. Close to the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ijams Nature Center, getting outdoors and enjoying nature is a breeze in this Southern city.
Population: 862,490
Average annual salary: $43,840
Quality of life: 6.2
Value index: 7.4
45. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston's charming, historic, and sophisticated ambiance is exemplary of southern culture. "Not only is the area overflowing with entertainment and good food, but this low country locale is also gorgeous," said a local expert. Tourism is booming in Charleston, creating plenty of jobs, especially in the summer months. Year-round, jobs in tech, sales, marketing, and advertising keep the city's economy strong.
Population: 744,195
Average annual salary: $44,970
Quality of life: 6.5
Value index: 6.2
44. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River and the foothills of the Appalachian Trail, Harrisburg offers residents unlimited access to the outdoors. Many are employed by the state and federal government in Harrisburg, but there's also several large private-sector companies that are top employers, including Hershey's, Rite Aid, and D&H Distributing.
Population: 565,008
Average annual salary: $48,270
Quality of life: 6.9
Value index: 7.4
43. Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester, New Hampshire may be smaller than most metropolitan areas on the east coast, but it makes up for it with its strong culture, youthful vibe, and political character. New Hampshire's largest town skews young and educated thanks to the various colleges that call it home.
Population: 406,371
Average annual salary: $52,640
Quality of life: 7.1
Value index: 6.4
42. Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville's beach-adjacent location makes it ideal for outdoor activities. In addition to spending lazy days in the sand, residents can also visit the area's prime golf courses or go hiking, camping, and kayaking in the nearby parks. Jacksonville also continues to grow, with burgeoning art and music scenes, as well as new business development, according to a local expert.
Population: 1,447,884
Average annual salary: $45,760
Quality of life: 6.6
Value index: 6.3
41. Lansing, Michigan
Many residents of Lansing, Michigan are employed by nearby Michigan State University, one of the area's several large hospitals, insurance companies, and General Motors. Lansing has served as a hub for Michigan's government since the late 19th century, and many residents of the city also find themselves working in state government offices.
Population: 472,092
Average annual salary: $47,990
Quality of life: 7.1
Value index: 7.4
40. Fort Wayne, Indiana
The Rust Belt hub of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is being revitalized as of late. Manufacturers including General Motors and BAE Systems have brought jobs to the area, while its economy is seeing a spike from young people eager to move downtown from the suburbs.
"With its low cost of living and quiet neighborhoods, Fort Wayne, Indiana, is an excellent place to buy a house, start a career, launch a business and raise children," a local expert said.
Population: 429,060
Average annual salary: $43,590
Quality of life: 6.2
Value index: 8.7
39. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city that loves its food, sports, and culture. There's something for everyone in the Midwest's Queen City, from a strong job market to a busy event calendar filled with museums, baseball, and local heritage events. Residents appreciate the city's affordability — housing there is cheaper than the national average, despite Cincinnati being one of the 30 biggest metro areas in the US.
Population: 2,156,723
Average annual salary: $48,890
Quality of life: 6.5
Value: 7.9
38. Indianapolis, Indiana
With a lively downtown area home to shops, restaurants, and bars, Indianapolis provides the perfect balance between big-city living and community values. The home of one of the world's largest children's museums, the metro area also holds strong regard for sports, car racing, and great local schools. Indianapolis is also often referred to as the Racing Capital of the World because of the nearby Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the annual Indianapolis 500.
Population: 1,989,032
Average annual salary: $48,030
Quality of life: 6.1
Value index: 8.1
37. Pensacola, Florida
This diverse area is home to a 10-day fiesta, gorgeous beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico, and great areas for fishing. Pensacola received high marks for desirability and net migration, meaning more and more people are interested in moving to this beautiful part of the country.
Population: 476,702
Average annual salary: $41,200
Quality of life: 6.5
Value index: 6.5
36. San Diego, California
With year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches to boot, it's easy to enjoy living in San Diego. According to U.S. News, this Southern California gem "offers world-class dining, professional sports, and entertainment options" for college students, young professionals, and families alike. Tourism is a huge industry in San Diego — which sees more than 30 million visitors annually — but the city's seaside location is more than just eye-candy. Some of the area's largest employers include the US Navy and the Marine Corps.
Population: 3,283,665
Average annual salary: $56,410
Quality of life: 7.5
Value index: 3.7
35. Fort Myers, Florida
The charming streets of Fort Myers attract people of all ages, even if the southwestern Florida city is better known as a retirement destination. More than a third of the rapidly growing population is under 34 years old. Residents take advantage of Fort Myers' vibrant downtown, and the city's convenient location on Florida's Gulf Coast lends itself to water activities like boating and fishing. People in Fort Myers tend to pay a little extra for real estate and transportation, but they save thanks to Florida's lack of state income taxes.
Population: 700,165
Average annual salary: $41,380
Quality of life: 6.5
Value index: 5.2
34. San Antonio, Texas
At once a destination city and a down-home community, San Antonio offers up a variety of cuisines, music styles, and art for visitors and locals. The city hosts "more than 50 major events and festivals throughout the year," a number of which honor the area's Spanish heritage, said a local expert. San Antonio is home to four military and air force bases and camps, collectively known as Joint Base San Antonio.
Population: 2,377,507
Average annual salary: $46,200
Quality of life: 6.5
Value index: 6.8
33. Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada, is much more than a tourist town. "America's Biggest Little City" may have been built on the gambling industry, but today offers opportunities in a number of fields including technology and education. The city offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, and people of all ages are drawn there for its strong economy and job opportunities.
Population: 449,442
Average annual salary: $46,330
Quality of life: 7.4
Value index: 6.4
32. Omaha, Nebraska
Due to a combination of Omaha's history of cattle ranching and its current landscape of bustling tech startups, the city has earned the nickname "Silicon Prairie." Plus, eight Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Omaha, including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha. Young professionals and families are attracted to the city primarily for its affordability, safety, and strong economy.
Population: 914,190
Average annual salary: $47,660
Quality of life: 6.7
Value index: 7.8
31. Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The cost of living in Winston-Salem is a bargain. The city's average housing costs remain well below the national average — renters pay about $300 less per month for a one-bedroom apartment than their counterparts around the country. Residents can also take advantage of the city's cultural offerings with visits to the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.
Population: 658,195
Average annual salary: $44,910
Quality of life: 6.5
Value index: 7.3
30. Houston, Texas
Houston is a major player in the oil and gas, manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare industries — it's also home to 26 Fortune 500 companies. According to one local expert, "a paycheck goes further in Houston than it does in other major cities, with affordable housing and free or cheap attractions." Plus, the city has an affinity for food, counting some 10,000 restaurants within its boundaries.
Population: 6,636,208
Average annual salary: $53,820
Quality of life: 6.5
Value index: 7.1
29. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, is known as the horse capital of the world, and residents are especially proud of their city's reputation for equestrian. On top of world-famous horse parks and racecourses, the area has more than 1,000 horse farms, not to mention streets named after Triple Crown winners and a bevy of horse statues in parks around the city. But love of equestrian activities isn't the only thing Lexington offers.
Younger residents move there for its college-town feel and appreciation for local sports and music. And the area is a haven for fans of the outdoors — the nearby Red River Gorge and Cumberland Falls are scenic places for residents to explore their surroundings.
Population: 500,689
Average annual salary: $43,720
Quality of life: 6.9
Value index: 7.7
28. Albany, New York
Despite the snowy winters, living in Albany comes with several advantages. Albany offers a cost of living lower than the national average and the cost of housing sits well below the rest of the US as a whole. In terms of jobs, the city's state government and health care companies are Albany's primary industries for residents there.
Albany's downtown is lined with art galleries, wine shops, and churches for visitors to peruse. In keeping with the city's cold climate, hockey is the sport of choice for residents.
Population: 881,862
Average annual salary: $52,770
Quality of life: 7.2
Value index: 7.1
27. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston attracts a diverse group of residents, including everyone from recent college graduates to retirees and musicians to engineers. The historical city — often referred to as the "Cradle of Liberty," according to one local expert — also overflows with team spirit for the Red Sox and 2017 Super Bowl champions, the Patriots.
Population: 4,771,936
Average annual salary: $65,420
Quality of life: 7.0
Value index: 5.7
26. Phoenix, Arizona
Come for the weather, stay for the city: Phoenix boasts more sunny days per year than any other city in the US, according to a local expert. But it's the thriving job market, variety of shops and restaurants, and easy access to numerous outdoor activities — think everything from hiking to paddleboarding — that keep residents happy long-term.
Population: 4,561,038
Average annual salary: $49,500
Quality of life: 6.4
Value index: 6.6
25. Melbourne, Florida
Between fishing, boating, and a plethora of bars and restaurants, there's never a shortage of things to do in the Melbourne area. The city's ripe with retirees and "snowbirds" — people who split their time between colder climates in the summer and Florida in the winter — who can enjoy days on one of the many nearby golf courses and nights out exploring the local shops and art galleries.
Population: 568,183
Average annual salary: $48,240
Quality of life: 7.4
Value index: 6.1
24. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City might experience some of the snowiest weather in the country, but residents make the most of it through the multitude of ski resorts perched in the city's backyard. In warmer weather, residents can take advantage of Salt Lake's more than 900 acres of public parks and enjoy outdoor performances from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Temple Square.
Population: 2,399,521
Average annual salary: $47,272
Quality of life: 6.9
Value index: 7.4
23. Portland, Maine
Located right on the water at Casco Bay and lined with cobblestone streets, Portland immediately evokes the quaintness of a much smaller town. Between fishing, sailing, cross-country skiing, and exploring the city's buzzing nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do. Seafood lovers can nosh on fresh catches at the city's modern oyster bars and or grab one of Maine's signature lobster rolls.
Population: 525,776
Average annual salary: $48,970
Quality of life: 7.6
Value index: 6.4
22. Greenville, South Carolina
Once a sleepy small town, Greenville has witnessed a cultural revival in recent years, complete with an influx of new restaurants and businesses. Though the summers can get hot, the city's typically mild weather makes it possible to explore downtown on foot any time of the year. An influx of manufacturing jobs has also boosted Greenville's economy, with brand-name companies, such as GE and Michelin, setting up shop in town.
Population: 872,463
Average annual salary: $43,230
Quality of life: 6.8
Value index: 7.7
21. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
A healthy balance of urban and rural, Dallas offers residents "big-city excitement and quiet, suburban living," shared one local expert. There's local bars, retail shops, and plenty of sports spirit to satisfy the huge population. The city — with large employers in business, finance, and education — is teeming with young professionals.
Population: 7,104,415
Average annual salary: $51,250
Quality of life: 6.7
Value index: 7.1
20. Charlotte, North Carolina
A "melting pot effect" draws all types of people to Charlotte, a place with "equal parts old-fashioned southern charm and high-energy cosmopolitan bustle," touted one local expert. NASCAR and motorsports are a cultural cornerstone of Charlotte. The Queen City houses Bank of America's headquarters and major offices for Wells Fargo, making it one of the largest financial hubs in the country.
Population: 2,427,024
Average annual salary: $50,150
Quality of life: 6.5
Value index: 7.5
19. Washington, DC
The District's neighborhoods each give off their own vibe, but across the city residents often "gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks, and converse at coffee shops," explained a local expert. While Washington, DC, is known as a hub for politics, there's also a strong job market for education and health services.
Population: 6,090,196
Average annual salary: $69,210
Quality of life: 6.6
Value index: 6.3
18. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota boasts "warm temperatures year-round, award-winning beaches, and a thriving arts and cultural scene," said a local expert. The biggest employers in Sarasota are in education, trade, and transportation, and the leisure and hospitality sector touts a low unemployment rate powered by a recent increase in tourism and a flood of new residents.
Population: 768,381
Average annual salary: $42,680
Quality of life: 7.4
Value index: 5.7
17. Boise, Idaho
Idaho's capital city is "a recreationalist's paradise," according to one local expert, who also said Boise sits "squarely on the boundary of urban and rural, civilized and wild, refined and raw." The region is home to more than 25,000 Boise State University students and provides jobs at government agencies as well as in tech and healthcare.
Population: 677,346
Average annual salary: $43,880
Quality of life: 7.2
Value index: 7.1
16. Asheville, North Carolina
It's no surprise why the mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, is beloved by tourists and residents alike. Nestled in between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, Asheville is a magnet for outdoor lovers as well as fans of music, art, and craft beer.
Population: 445,625
Average annual salary: $41,210
Quality of life: 7.5
Value index: 6.4
15. Nashville, Tennessee
Honky-tonk culture and an entrepreneurial spirit define Nashville. "A blossoming job market and an exploding entertainment scene [are] fueling an appetite (and thirst) for all things locally sourced and artisanal in craft," a local expert said. Thousands of residents work in healthcare at the area's large hospitals and research centers, small startups, and business accelerator programs.
Population: 1,830,410
Average annual salary: $47,110
Quality of life: 6.1
Value index: 7.1
14. San Jose, California
The sprawling city of San Jose is "as much defined by its suburban neighborhoods and large tech campuses as it is by the high-rises in its business district," said a local expert. Young residents and recent graduates of nearby Stanford and UC Berkeley have no trouble finding jobs in the area, which touts Facebook, Google, and Apple as its largest private-sector employers.
Population: 1,969,897
Average annual salary: $77,180
Quality of life: 7.6
Value index: 5.4
13. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids attracts "college students and young families with its healthy job market, affordable housing, and outdoor recreational activities," said a local expert. The self-proclaimed "Beer City USA" has more than 80 breweries as well as dynamic public art and music scenes.
Once a hub for furniture production, Grand Rapids' job market is now dominated by education and healthcare, with many opportunities for workers without a college degree.
Population: 1,039,182
Average annual salary: $44,770
Quality of life: 7.6
Value index: 8.1
12. Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin's capital is a "hotbed of the healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing industries," said a local expert. The area is also home to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, providing hundreds of jobs in education. Madison has a unique food culture that's a blend of fine dining and farmer's markets catering to the city's college students, young professionals, and families.
Population: 640,072
Average annual salary: $52,190
Quality of life: 7.5
Value index: 6.9
11. Huntsville, Alabama
The once-sleepy town of Huntsville, Alabama, gained fame in the 1960s when it became a hub for NASA. Now Huntsville is undergoing another renaissance, with tech companies, craft breweries, and artists all flocking to the town in recent years.
Huntsville is the fastest-growing city in Alabama, and residents are enjoying an emerging downtown shopping and dining scene even as the city maintains a low cost of living. If you can handle the heat and humidity, you might find yourself at home there.
Population: 444,908
Average annual salary: $53,600
Quality of life: 6.6
Value index: 8.8
10. Raleigh & Durham, North Carolina
Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill are collectively known as the Triangle, an area anchored by its foundation in research and tech. The Triangle employs nearly 40,000 residents at companies like IBM, SAS Institute Inc., and Cisco Systems as well as surrounding colleges Duke, North Carolina State, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A strong job market coupled with a burgeoning microbrewery and dining scene draws new residents every day, said a local expert.
Population: 1,824,266
Average annual salary: $53,788
Quality of life: 6.9
Value index: 7.7
9. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is sandwiched between water and mountains and doesn't get as much rain as you'd think, said one local expert. The city's residents are drawn to the area for its atmosphere of "calm and patience" and its close proximity to nature. Jobs in Seattle are concentrated in tech, healthcare, and maritime industries, but the city is also a huge manufacturing center for companies like Boeing.
Population: 3,735,216
Average annual salary: $63,120
Quality of life: 6.6
Value index: 5.9
8. Portland, Oregon
Portland isn't for everybody — its slogan is "Keep Portland Weird," after all. But one local expert asserts that it's a "well-rounded city with more than just the offbeat shops and events" and a population that has "more academic degrees than the national average."
Major employer Intel Corporation calls Portland home, as well as the headquarters for Nike, located about seven miles outside of Portland.
Population: 2,382,037
Average annual salary: $55,330
Quality of life: 6.7
Value index: 6.0
7. San Francisco, California
A local expert described San Francisco as "the heart of the bohemian lifestyle, the epicenter of the LGBT rights movement, and the launching point of the technology era." In the last decade, thousands of tech companies have raced to set up shop in the Bay Area, sending the cost of living through the roof. But despite all the focus on the tech and startup scene, the city also has plenty of business jobs available with more than 30 international finance headquarters.
Population: 4,641,820
Average annual salary: $69,700
Quality of life: 6.8
Value index: 4.9
6. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
The Twin Cities have "big-city amenities like museums and sports stadiums, but also have an approachable, Midwestern feel," according to a local expert. Residents are accustomed to the area's changing seasons, participating in ice fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter and music festivals and baseball games in the spring and summer.
Jobs are available in science-focused fields at companies like Xcel Energy and Medtronic as well as retail corporations like Best Buy and Target.
Population: 3,526,149
Average annual salary: $56,030
Quality of life: 7.1
Value index: 7.7
5. Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines is drawing millennials and young families alike for its "one-of-a-kind shops, locally-owned restaurants, and hip bars" as well as its historical residences in quiet neighborhoods, said a local expert. Home to more than 80 insurance companies including giants Allied Insurance and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the job market is thriving.
Population: 623,113
Average annual salary: $50,600
Quality of life: 7.0
Value index: 8.4
4. Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville sits among the Ozark Mountains and is home to the University of Arkansas' flagship campus. The surrounding area of northwest Arkansas is home to headquarters for seven Fortune 500 companies including Walmart and Tyson Foods. The city has experienced immense growth, according to a local expert, who said the region has evolved "from a small town to a center of higher education, culture, commerce, and entrepreneurialism."
Population: 514,166
Average annual salary: $45,830
Quality of life: 7.5
Value index: 8.2
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is "booming, with new residences popping up alongside quality schools, parks, and cultural attractions," touts a local expert. The city is just an hour drive from Denver and in close proximity to Aspen and Vail's world-class ski resorts. Military jobs influence Colorado Springs' culture and economy, but jobs are also available in medical innovation and tech.
Population: 698,595
Average annual salary: $50,050
Quality of life: 7.0
Value index: 6.6
2. Denver, Colorado
While Denver sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it's not considered a mountain town since it takes at least an hour to get to the Rockies for snowboarding and ski activities, a local expert explained. At 5,279 feet, the Mile High City lives up to its name in more ways than one: In 2012, Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, paving the way for a flourishing and lucrative cannabis industry.
Population: 2,798,684
Average annual salary: $57,400
Quality of life: 7.0
Value index: 6.7
1. Austin, Texas
The capital of Texas gains about 150 new residents daily, many seeking out the city's "music, outdoor spaces, and cultural institutions," said a local expert.
Austin is beloved for its live music scene and is host to some of the country's biggest music and culture festivals, including South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. The city was nicknamed "Silicon Hills" in the 1990s for its status as "among the top areas for venture capital investment in the country."
Population: 2,000,590
Average annual salary: $51,840
Quality of life: 7.3
Value index: 6.7
- Read more:
- The 50 best suburbs in America, ranked
- The 17 best US cities to live a nice life and still save money, ranked
- The 10 cities with the best quality of life in the world
- The 10 most livable cities in the world in 2019