Best Places to Live

Badge of Best Places to Live

This year’s Best Places to Live list celebrates cities and towns where a thriving economy meets affordability, diversity and an exceptional quality of life. Backed by rigorous research and data-driven analysis, these 50 places are the blueprint for the future.

Lead Editor:
Contributors: and
Published: Apr 08, 2024. Read the full methodology here.
View As:
  • Metuchen, New Jersey

    1 Metuchen, New Jersey

    This charming town has an award-winning main street, good schools and easy access to NYC.

  • Ybor City (Tampa), Florida

    Ybor City (Tampa), Florida

    The cultural epicenter of one of America's hottest cities.

  • Chattanooga, Tennessee

    Chattanooga, Tennessee

    The "Scenic City" is high on outdoor adventure and all-around charm.

  • Portland, Maine

    Portland, Maine

    A foodie paradise that's great for families.

  • Cincinnati, Ohio

    Cincinnati, Ohio

    The heart of Queen City beats stronger than ever.

  • Babcock Ranch, Florida

    Babcock Ranch, Florida

    America's first completely solar-powered town prioritizes sustainability and self-sufficiency — even during hurricane season.

  • Ads by Money disclaimer

    Sponsored by:

    ADT

    Custom smart security to fit your needs. Build for now, add more devices later, and get ADT's trusted protection on your terms.
  • Bisbee, Arizona

    Bisbee, Arizona

    A former copper boomtown, this city has its thriving population of artists and historians to thank for its free-spirited vibe.

  • La Crosse, Wisconsin

    La Crosse, Wisconsin

    This artsy Midwestern city has jobs, fishing and craft beer.

  • Thomasville, Georgia

    Thomasville, Georgia

    A Southern charmer with a small-town feel.

  • Camas, Washington

    Camas, Washington

    This town — built largely around a paper mill that dates back to 1883 — works hard to honor its history.

  • Eureka Springs, Arkansas

    Eureka Springs, Arkansas

    A tiny town with a massive heart.

  • Brevard, North Carolina

    Brevard, North Carolina

    An under-the-radar gem still unspoiled by sprawl (and boasting over 250 waterfalls, to boot).

  • Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdAds by Money disclaimer
    Smart home security every second with ADT
    ADT helps protect your home and family 24/7 with professional monitoring and smart solutions. Select your state and get a free quote today.
    HawaiiAlaskaFloridaSouth CarolinaGeorgiaAlabamaNorth CarolinaTennesseeRIRhode IslandCTConnecticutMAMassachusettsMaineNHNew HampshireVTVermontNew YorkNJNew JerseyDEDelawareMDMarylandWest VirginiaOhioMichiganArizonaNevadaUtahColoradoNew MexicoSouth DakotaIowaIndianaIllinoisMinnesotaWisconsinMissouriLouisianaVirginiaDCWashington DCIdahoCaliforniaNorth DakotaWashingtonOregonMontanaWyomingNebraskaKansasOklahomaPennsylvaniaKentuckyMississippiArkansasTexas
    Get Started
  • Fruita, Colorado

    Fruita, Colorado

    This town along the Colorado River is a nature lover's paradise.

  • Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

    Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

    The Mississippi beach town — just an hour's drive from New Orleans — has a robust art scene (and a love for golf carts).

  • Milford, Connecticut

    Milford, Connecticut

    Dating back to 1639, this small city has a classic New England feel.

  • Durham, North Carolina

    Durham, North Carolina

    This North Carolina city is the most affordable tip of the state's prestigious "research triangle."

  • Ogden, Utah

    Ogden, Utah

    A picturesque hot spot for outdoor adventurers and artists alike.

  • Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Kalamazoo, Michigan

    This town's eclectic atmosphere appeals equally to college students and families.

  • Lexington, Kentucky

    Lexington, Kentucky

    Southern hospitality served with a side of basketball and bourbon.

  • Eugene, Oregon

    Eugene, Oregon

    Arts and academia meet in this bustling city with nearby natural wonders.

  • Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdAds by Money disclaimer
    Keep your home safer round the clock with ADT
    ADT offers top home security that could potentially help save you money on insurance* and energy costs. Get a quote now and protect what matters most.
    Get Started
    *Homeowner's Insurance Savings: Some insurance companies offer discounts on homeowner's insurance. Please consult your insurance company.
  • Fayetteville, Arkansas

    Fayetteville, Arkansas

    A thriving town that's affordable and outdoorsy.

  • Oneonta, New York

    Oneonta, New York

    This town boasts affordable home prices, exposed rock cliffs and a minor-league baseball team.

  • Knoxville, Tennessee

    Knoxville, Tennessee

    A musical city with a charming downtown and tons of job opportunities.

  • Northampton, Massachusetts

    Northampton, Massachusetts

    The heart of western Massachusetts' Five Colleges area is full of indie bookstores and restaurants.

  • Lawrence, Kansas

    Lawrence, Kansas

    Home to a pedestrian-friendly downtown brimming with music, shops and energy.

  • Atlanta, Georgia

    Atlanta, Georgia

    Arguably America's most diverse and welcoming big city.

  • Sacramento, California

    Sacramento, California

    Sactown boats a big city arts scene and an unwavering commitment to doing right by locals.

  • Richmond, Virginia

    Richmond, Virginia

    A Southern city that's steeped in history but forward-looking in every way.

  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Las Cruces, New Mexico

    A sun-drenched desert city with so much to offer.

  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

    This revitalized city is finally getting the spotlight.

  • Detroit, Michigan

    Detroit, Michigan

    The magic of Motor City is undeniable.

  • Pawtucket, Rhode Island

    Pawtucket, Rhode Island

    This historic mill town is artsy and affordable.

  • Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdAds by Money disclaimer
    More control, more choices, more peace
    ADT has partnered with Google to give you more ways to protect and stay connected to your home. Get smarter security now by selecting your state.
    HawaiiAlaskaFloridaSouth CarolinaGeorgiaAlabamaNorth CarolinaTennesseeRIRhode IslandCTConnecticutMAMassachusettsMaineNHNew HampshireVTVermontNew YorkNJNew JerseyDEDelawareMDMarylandWest VirginiaOhioMichiganArizonaNevadaUtahColoradoNew MexicoSouth DakotaIowaIndianaIllinoisMinnesotaWisconsinMissouriLouisianaVirginiaDCWashington DCIdahoCaliforniaNorth DakotaWashingtonOregonMontanaWyomingNebraskaKansasOklahomaPennsylvaniaKentuckyMississippiArkansasTexas
    Get Started
  • Yellow Springs, Ohio

    Yellow Springs, Ohio

    An inclusive Midwestern town with a fascinating heritage.

  • Media, Pennsylvania

    Media, Pennsylvania

    A walkable Philly 'burb with parks, restaurants and good schools.

  • Troy, New York

    Troy, New York

    This up-and-coming city on the Hudson celebrates art and architecture in equal measure.

  • Covington, Kentucky

    Covington, Kentucky

    Cincinnati's little secret brims with charm.

  • Temecula, California

    Temecula, California

    The perfect place to raise a glass (and a family).

  • Northfield, Minnesota

    Northfield, Minnesota

    A charming town near the Twin Cities with affordable homes and room for adventure.

  • Ferndale, Michigan

    Ferndale, Michigan

    A hip Detroit enclave with festivals, shops and walkable nightlife.

  • Prairie Crossing, Illinois

    Prairie Crossing, Illinois

    An eco-friendly Chicago outpost with a commitment to conservation.

  • Boise, Idaho

    Boise, Idaho

    A thriving city that's full of adventure.

  • Frederick, Maryland

    Frederick, Maryland

    This historic city has a thriving economy and an enviable food scene.

  • Tulsa, Oklahoma

    Tulsa, Oklahoma

    A booming tech hub with an abundance of affordable homes.

  • Clarksville, Tennessee

    Clarksville, Tennessee

    A mainstay on Money's Best Places to Live list that's still on the upswing.

  • Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdAds by Money disclaimer
    ADT: Smarter security for a safer home
    Choose ADT for proactive security solutions. Smarter security technology actively works to help protect you and your loved ones. Learn more today.
    Get Started
  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania

    Lancaster, Pennsylvania

    This suddenly-hip city still has a timeless charm.

  • Port St. Lucie, Florida

    Port St. Lucie, Florida

    A youthful city with jobs aplenty.

  • New Braunfels, Texas

    New Braunfels, Texas

    This fun Texas city is on the up-and-up.

  • Rock Hill, South Carolina

    Rock Hill, South Carolina

    A growing city with jobs, nature and good eats.

  • Buffalo, New York

    Buffalo, New York

    A revived Rust Belt gem with affordable housing and great food.

  • Rogers, Arkansas

    Rogers, Arkansas

    A rising star with Ozarks charm.

TOP
[embed-ca-dynamically pcuid=scb4b4e8391a]