Finding the right home for oneself generally depends upon personal preferences. Choosing where to live in the USA can be a very daunting task as each city in this country has varying characteristics. However, taking into account a broad view of the cities and some of its characteristics such as weather, affordability, education, job market, and culture, 10 cities of the USA are worth considering. Let’s take a look at the 10 best places to live in USA.
1. Austin, Texas
Affordability: 6 out of 10
Culture: 7 out of 10
Safety: 8 out of 10
Job market: 8 out of 10
Education: 9 out of 10
Known as the ‘Live Musical Capital’ of the world, Austin is ranked #1 among the ‘Best places to live in the U.S.A’. The city plays host to major festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. It is one of the fastest-growing metro areas and also the most educated cities in the USA. With a lower unemployment rate of 2.9%, no state income tax, clean water, and plenty of open spaces surrounding this city, it has more than 700,000 people who live in this city. The city experiences pleasant weather most of the time, although in summer the temperature is very hot. The median sale price for a single-family home in Austin is $291,533. Also, Austin is ranked the number four city in the country for employers offering teleworking.
2. Denver, Colorado
Affordability: 6 out of 10
Culture: 7 out of 10
Safety: 5 out of 10
Job market: 8 out of 10
Education: 9 out of 10
According to the U.S News, Denver is ranked #2 among the ‘Best places to live in the U.S.A.’ Strategic development over the past few years has enhanced Denver’s quality of life. A low unemployment rate of 3.0%, short commute timings, and a large number of employers has given Denver’s job market an edge over other cities. The average home sale price in Denver is $393,842 which is higher than the national average. The weather in Denver is mostly dry and sunny, although occasionally there can be quick bursts of rain, snow, and lightning owing to its geographical relation to the foothills of the mountains.
3. Portland, Oregon
Affordability: 7 out of 10
Culture: 9 out of 10
Safety: 7 out of 10
Job market: 5 out of 10
Education: 9 out of 10
Portland is a well-rounded region that offers more than off-beat shops and events. The West Coast city offers a walkable downtown with museums, art galleries, and restaurants. The area has loyal sports fans who support their NBA basketball team, MLS soccer team, and hockey team. It also has one of the highest education rates in the USA. The average home sale price in Portland is $375,425 which is higher than the national average. Summers are generally sunny and dry, and temperature during winter does not fall below freezing point. The rainy season lasts from October to mid-spring. Major employers in the area include Intel, Nike, and Boeing.
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Affordability: 8 out of 10
Culture: 4 out of 10
Safety: 8 out of 10
Job market: 9 out of 10
Education: 9 out of 10
Minneapolis offers its residents a historic atmosphere that includes parks, government offices, and museums. It is a good place for job seekers with an average unemployment rate of 2.7%. There are several Fortune 500 companies like UnitedHealth Group, Target, Best Buy, etc whose headquarters are located in and around the city. Also, the city’s population scores high on educational achievements. The median home price of Minneapolis is $237,367 that is higher than the national median. Despite the colder weather, residents of Minneapolis enjoy music, art, outdoor recreation, as well as pro baseball and football.
5. Raleigh, North Carolina
Affordability: 8 out of 10
Culture: 3 out of 10
Safety: 9 out of 10
Job market: 8 out of 10
Education: 9 out of 10
Raleigh is one of the safest places in the U.S.A. The place is surrounded by beautiful lush green spaces, museums, and galleries. Raleigh is also one of the fastest-growing and most educated cities in the USA. The local economy is driven by employers like Duke University, Walmart and Target drive . The cost of a house in Raleigh is $249,294 which is slightly lower than the national average. Low property taxes make home ownership easier than in other cities. Summers are generally hot and humid while winter is cold with possibilities of snow and sleet.
6. Cincinnati, Ohio
Affordability: 9 out of 10
Culture: 6 out of 10
Safety: 9 out of 10
Job market: 6 out of 10
Education: 7 out of 10
Cincinnati is relatively affordable than other large metro areas with low housing costs along with low property and violent crime rates. The cost of the house in Cincinnati is $161,483 which is lower than the national average. People are drawn to this place because of its excellent public and private schools. Also, there are several Fortune 500 companies like Kroger, Proctor & Gamble, and Macy’s that attract talent. Also, there are museums, restaurants, and professional sports that entertain residents. Cincinnati has a fairly temperate climate where summers are generally hot and humid while winters are rainy and gray.
7. Nashville, Tennesse
Affordability: 6 out of 10
Culture: 6 out of 10
Safety: 5 out of 10
Job market: 8 out of 10
Education: 8 out of 10
Nashville, also known as Music City is famous for its growing music industry. There is also healthcare, education, automobile production, finance, and insurance that makes up a large section of the flourishing job market. Residents of the city enjoy blooming food scenes, music venues, and several museums and attractions. Although the cost of living is lower compared to other metro cities of the USA, housing prices have risen in recent years owing to an increase in its population. The median home price of Nashville is $248,883. The weather in Nashville is pleasant, with more than 200 days of sunshine per year.
8. Louisville, Kentucky
Affordability: 8 out of 10
Culture: 5 out of 10
Safety: 5 out of 10
Job market: 5 out of 10
Education: 6 out of 10
The city of Louisville that sits along the Ohio River is one of the most affordable places in the USA with the cost of living below the national average. The median home sale price of Louisville is $167,300. It is a well-educated city with more than 22,000 students enrolled at the University of Louisville. Local restaurants and coffee shops make Louisville a culinary destination, with restaurants serving bourbon, meat and dairy products made in Kentucky. The city is also famous for its cultural events like the ‘Kentucky Derby’, ‘Forecastle Music Fest’ and ‘St. James Court Art Show’. Summers are generally hot and humid while winters are cold with possibilities of snow.
9. Kansas City, Missouri
Affordability: 8 out of 10
Culture: 3 out of 10
Safety: 4 out of 10
Job market: 9 out of 10
Education: 7 out of 10
Millennials are flocking to this Midwest metropolitan city because of its lively job market and a low cost of living. The median home sale price of Kansas City is $201, 900. Companies like Amazon, Ford, Garmin, General Motors and HCA have offices in this city. Although it ranks low on the number of restaurants and drinking establishments, Kansas City is home to several museums and theaters. Residents can enjoy a show at the Kansas City symphony while playing a game of cards in a riverboat casino. Periods of unseasonable weather are common in both winter and summer while spring brings rain and violent storms.
10. New Orleans, Louisiana
Affordability: 4 out of 10
Culture: 9 out of 10
Safety: 3 out of 10
Job market: 3 out of 10
Education: 8 out of 10
New Orleans enchants visitors and locals with its music, diverse cuisines, and phenomenal culture. The region overflows with live music, food, and a variety of cultural attractions like museums, galleries, shops, and bars on Bourbon Street. Although the city ranks high in terms of educational attainment, the city can be frustrating due to its infrastructure and crime issues. Job seekers can expect to find famous employers like Harrah’s New Orleans Casino & Hotel, Ochsner Health System, and Tulane Health System. The cost of living in New Orleans is at par with the national average, although the home prices and rental costs are a bit high. The median home sale price of New Orleans is $193,575.