Dreaming of living in the USA? Find out which cities will be the best places to live in 2024/2025 based on quality of life, affordability, income, healthcare, and more.
U.S. News & World Report has analyzed data from 150 major US cities. We present the ten winners here!
This year's best place to live in the USA is Naples, a sunny vacation spot on Florida's Paradise Coast. Tourists may visit Naples for its miles of white sand beaches and stunning sunsets, but immigrants make Naples their home primarily for its high standard of living.
The city ranks 4th in desirability and 3rd in the job market, aided by its low unemployment rate of 3.57% and nearly six-figure household incomes.
Naples also boasts an average of 264 days of sunshine per year, world-class shopping, fine dining, and a vibrant arts scene, including numerous art galleries and the renowned Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts.
Although Naples is often considered one of the most affluent cities in Florida, there are affordable housing options in the surrounding areas. Another plus is the lack of state income tax in Florida, which is financially attractive to many expats.
The city also has a well-developed infrastructure with excellent health services and schools, making it an ideal place for families. Naples also offers a variety of employment opportunities, particularly in the tourism, healthcare, and real estate sectors.
| Naples Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 123,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 98,000 |
| Surroundings | Naples Botanical Garden, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Lowdermilk Beach Park, Clam Pass Park, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park |
| Want to explore Naples? | Book tours and activities for Naples here!* |
The second-best place to live in the USA is currently Boise, the capital of Idaho and the unofficial "City of Trees". Boise has become an attractive destination for immigrants thanks to its high standard of living and dynamic economy.
The region's natural diversity of forests, canyons, mountains, deserts, rivers, and lakes provides residents with many opportunities for outdoor recreation during the city's 230 days of sunshine per year. Boise ranks #3 in quality of life, led by high scores in education, low crime, and low risk of natural disasters.
Downtown Boise is vibrant and diverse, with world-class restaurants, breweries, boutiques, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
The city also has a strong economic base with a variety of employment opportunities, particularly in technology, education, and agriculture. Boise is home to companies like Micron Technology and numerous start-ups, making it a hotspot for innovation and growth. For all it has to offer, Boise is also very affordable.
| Boise Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 277,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 86,000 |
| Surroundings | Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Boise River Greenbelt, Idaho Botanical Garden, World Center for Birds of Prey, Boise Depot |
| Want to explore Boise? | Book tours and activities for Boise here!* |
Colorado Springs in the US state of Colorado is not only one of the more affordable cities to live in the USA, but it also regularly makes it into the "best-places-to-live-in-the-USA" rankings of the major media.
Here you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains just an hour from Denver and still take advantage of the growing job market. With an ever-improving infrastructure and a steady influx of new businesses, all signs point to a bright future for Colorado Springs.
Now is the perfect time to look for a place to live in Colorado, as prices are still affordable. The nearby city of Boulder is also a great place to relocate: USA fans from all over the world come here to study.
| Colorado Springs Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 528,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 89,000 |
| Surroundings | Rocky Mountains, Garden of the Gods |
| Want to explore Colorado Springs? | Book tours and activities for Colorado Springs here!* |
Greenville in South Carolina is an up-and-coming town that has become an attractive destination for immigrants thanks to its high standard of living and dynamic economy.
The city center is in harmony with nature and has a high density of restaurants and bars. The Southern Beauty consistently received top marks in the analysis but shone most brightly for its quality of life and the job market. Major companies such as Michelin North America and BMW have major offices here, and numerous innovative start-ups are fueling the economy.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are many hiking trails, waterfalls, and parks to explore. The city enjoys a mild climate with approximately 220 days of sunshine per year, allowing for year-round outdoor activities.
Greenville is known for its strong educational system, with many quality schools and the prestigious Clemson University nearby. The city also has a low crime rate, making it a safe place for families. In addition, Greenville is relatively safe from natural disasters, which is another plus for residents and newcomers.
Despite all the amenities Greenville has to offer, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other popular immigration destinations. It's no wonder that more and more people are choosing this charming place as their new home.
| Greenville Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 77,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 76,000 |
| Surroundings | Falls Park on the Reedy, The Swamp Rabbit Trail, Paris Mountain State Park |
| Want to explore Greenville? | Book tours and activities for Greenville here!* |
Charlotte has a healthy balance in all ranking categories. Often referred to as the "Queen City," the largest city in North Carolina is known for its impressive skyline, vibrant culture, and economic dynamism.
For expats, Charlotte offers a perfect blend of Southern charm, modern urbanity, and excellent living conditions. Charlotte is home to the second-largest banking system in the USA, after New York City. The city is home to the headquarters of Bank of America, and major branches of Wells Fargo can also be found here.
In addition, numerous energy, technology, and healthcare companies offer a wide range of employment opportunities. The growing economy and diverse job opportunities make Charlotte a great destination for professionals and entrepreneurs.
Popular neighborhoods such as Uptown, South End, and Dilworth are known for their vibrant communities and proximity to shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. Charlotte is also home to several prestigious colleges and universities, including the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), Queens University of Charlotte, and Central Piedmont Community College.
For sports fans, Charlotte is home to professional teams such as the Carolina Panthers (NFL) and the Charlotte Hornets (NBA). NASCAR fans should visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum, which celebrates the rich history of motorsports in the region. Nearby Lake Norman and the Uwharrie National Forest also offer plenty of opportunities for water sports and hiking.
| Charlotte Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 863,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 89,000 |
| Surroundings | Lake Norman, Fort Mill, Belmont, Concord, Gastonia |
| Want to explore Charlotte? | Book tours and activities for Charlotte here!* |
Haven't you heard of Raleigh before? And yet, North Carolina's beautiful and welcoming capital city regularly makes the top lists of best places to live in the United States. Particularly if you're looking for career opportunities in the high-tech industry, moving to Raleigh is an excellent choice.
The city is located in the so-called Research Triangle of America and is home to many large companies such as IBM, Cisco Systems, Deloitte, and TQL. Thanks to a constant stream of job openings, it shouldn't be hard for you to find your dream job in Raleigh.
After work, the city, which despite its economic success, still retains a romantic small-town atmosphere, has a lot to offer. For instance, Raleigh has a creative food scene, exciting events, great parks, lakes for swimming and boating – and usually fantastic weather.
| Raleigh facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 470,000 |
| Average household income | approx. $ 88,000 |
| Neighborhood | Lake Johnson Park, Fred G. Bond Metro Park |
| Discovering Raleigh | Book your tours and activities in Raleigh now! |
Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama! Huntsville proves that the American southern states are very popular with people looking to relocate. The "Rocket City" became famous as a NASA research location back in the 1960s. Huntsville is currently experiencing another renaissance and is the fastest-growing city in the US state of Alabama.
A growing number of technology companies promise excellent career opportunities, and families can look forward to good schools. The vibrant downtown is a haven for students and creatives, teeming with trendy shops, restaurants, bars, breweries, and art institutions.
Warm temperatures year-round, plenty of outdoor activities and affordable housing also benefit all Huntsville residents. In short, Rocket City is a great place to live for people of all ages!
| Huntsville Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 238,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 83,900 |
| Surroundings | Huntsville Botanical Garden, Monte Sano State Park |
| Want to explore Huntsville? | Book tours and activities for Huntsville here!* |
Virginia Beach in the US state of Virginia stretches along the Atlantic coast and is known for its extensive beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports activities. The Oceanfront district with its famous promenade spoils you with a variety of restaurants, stores, and entertainment options.
The city has a vibrant economy driven by the military, tourism, and technology sectors. Its proximity to several major military bases, including Naval Air Station Oceana, provides numerous jobs and contributes to the economic stability of the region. There are also many job opportunities in the healthcare and education sectors.
Housing options in Virginia Beach range from modern apartments near downtown to spacious single-family homes in quiet suburbs. Popular neighborhoods such as Sandbridge, Great Neck, and Kempsville are known for their excellent schools, family-friendly communities, and proximity to many amenities.
Education is another of Virginia Beach's assets. The city is home to several prestigious schools and colleges, including Virginia Wesleyan University and Tidewater Community College.
The cost of living is relatively moderate compared to other coastal cities, making Virginia Beach an attractive place for families and young professionals. Virginia Beach ranks eighth in the nation for quality of life and has one of the lowest crime rates for a city of its size, according to the FBI.
| Virginia Beach Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 460,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 96,800 |
| Surroundings | Colonial Williamsburg, Norfolk, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, First Landing State Park, Cape Henry Lighthouse |
| Want to explore Virginia Beach? | Book tours and activities for Virginia Beach here!* |
If you ask people in the USA where to live cheaply and well, the answer is often "Austin, Texas". This is only partly true, as rents in the city center have risen considerably in recent years, but with Austin's excellent public transportation, you can easily get to neighborhoods where housing is still affordable.
Thanks to a huge green initiative that has made Austin one of the most liveable cities in the USA, you're never far from the nearest park. What's more, the Texan capital is all about energy and transportation, and more and more jobs are being created in sustainable industries.
What else does Austin have to offer? With over 300 days of sunshine a year and a vibrant music and club scene, you can make the most of your free time!
| Austin Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 1,002,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 98,500 |
| Surroundings | Barton Creek Greenbelt, McKinney Falls State Park |
| Want to explore Austin? | Book tours and activities for Austin here!* |
Boulder, Colorado, is known for its natural beauty and strong economic environment. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers an unparalleled quality of life that attracts outdoor enthusiasts as well as academics and professionals.
Boulder's economy is driven by technology, education, and health care. The city is home to the University of Colorado, a renowned institution that offers not only excellent educational programs but also numerous jobs in research and science. In addition, many high-tech companies and start-ups have chosen to call Boulder home, creating a vibrant culture of innovation. Well-known companies such as Google and IBM have major offices here.
Although the cost of living in Boulder can be higher than in other cities, the high quality of life and amenities justify the expense. Popular neighborhoods such as Mapleton Hill, Chautauqua, and North Boulder are known for their charming homes, top-rated schools, and proximity to parks and natural areas.
Boulder is also a center for arts and culture, with a variety of theaters, museums, and art galleries. The city also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Boulder International Film Festival and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. The Boulder community is known for its friendliness and commitment to sustainability. Numerous initiatives and organizations promote environmentally friendly practices and help newcomers integrate quickly.
| Boulder Facts | |
|---|---|
| Population | approx. 122,000 |
| Median Household Income | approx. $ 97,000 |
| Surroundings | Rocky Mountain National Park, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Chautauqua Park, Boulder Creek Path |
| Want to explore Boulder? | Book tours and activities for Boulder here!* |
Are you already planning your immigration to the USA? Once you have found the perfect city for your new start, there is still a lot to organize.
Our guides will give you a good overview of what you need to do now:
Win one of 55,000 Green Cards in the official Green Card Lottery of the US authorities!