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.

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Published: Apr 08, 2024. Read the full methodology here.
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  • 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.

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  • 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).

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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