US News and World Report just released its latest list on the Best Places to Live in the US. Of the 125 cities included on this 2018 Best Places to Live, 21 cities had a population size of +2.5M, 32 had a population size of 1M-2.5M, 46 had a population size of 500,000-1M and 26 had a population size of 50,000-5000,000.

To make it to the top of the list, cities had to have good value, a strong and stable job market, a high quality of life and be a desirable place to life. US News and World Report utilized data from the US Census Bureau, the Department of Labor, the FBI and internal resources of the publication.

Here is the top 10 best of the best places to live with short descriptions of the top 5 best places. To see the entire list of the 125 Best Places to Live in the US, click

https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live

  1. Austin, TX – 7.7 out of 10 overall; quality of life 7.1; 7.1 value – The Live Music Capital of the World is filled with students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, wealthy retirees, attorneys and lobbyists who savor the music scene, outdoor spaces and cultural institutions. The median home price is $278,608. There is no personal or corporate income tax; there are low state and local taxes. The only drawn back, traffic.
  2. Colorado Springs, CO – 7.6 out of 10 overall; quality of life 7.2; 7.2 value – One of the quieter, gentler place to live in the US, Colorado Springs draws students, professionals and military personnel wanting to enjoy its low cost of living, low unemployment rate and tremendous access to outdoor and recreational opportunities. Pike’s Peak is close…the Garden of the Gods sandstone boulders and the Seven Falls of cascading waterfalls are even closer. The Old Colorado City Historic District offers the look, taste and feel of the Old Wild West of the Springs mid 19thC mining hub days. The median home price is $255,233.
  3. Denver, CO – 7.5 out of 10 overall; quality of life 6.7; 7.2 value – Sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City has come a long way from being a gold and silver mining hub. A slew of ambitious, progressive-minded fitness buffs, nature lovers, students, entrepreneurs and out-of-state, out-of-country migrants is spurring unprecedented growth to the city. The median home price has increased due to the population boom to $362,492. The city flourishes with an exciting arts and music scene, professional sports franchises, 5,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses and playgrounds, 85 miles of bike trails, 100 breweries, a light rail system that connects with Boulder and Stapleton Airport and the rush of cannabis-related commerce.
  4. Des Moines, IA -7.3 out of 10 overall, quality of life 7; 8.5 value – The capital of the Fly-Over State, Des Moines is great for living and raising families. The size of the town renders a true community feel with cultural events and festivals that draw all ages. The median home price is $181,217, much lower than the national median at $222,808, though moving into the suburban areas of West Des Moines, Urbandale and Ankeny are more expensive. The downtown area with its skywalk system is wonderful for walking. Ample bike trails, parks, hiking and camping are easily accessible.
  5. Fayetteville, AR – 7.3 out of 10 overall; quality of life 7.5; 7.9 value – Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville, along with Bentonville, Springdale and Rogers, has experienced enormous growth and has become a center of higher education, culture, commerce and entrepreneurialism. Students, millennials and families are flocking to the area’s economic stability, quality public schools and well-maintained public spaces. The Walton Arts Center books top-of-the-line Broadway theater, performing arts groups and much-sought-after thought leaders from all over the world. The median home price is $182,528. Miles of trails and many parks are accessible to all.
  6. Portland, OR – 7.3 out of 10 overall; quality of life 6.5; 6.5 value
  7. Huntsville AK – 7.2 out of 10 overall; quality of life 7.0; 8.8 value
  8. Washington DC – 7.2 out of 10 overall; quality of life 6.4; 7.4 value
  9. Minneapolis – Paul, MN – 7.2 out of 10 overall; quality of life 6.9; 7.9 value
  10. Seattle, WA – 7.2 out of 10 overall; quality of life 6.2; 6.4 value 

The most popular places to live in the US, according to US News and World Report, include in this order Denver, Grand Rapids, Fayetteville, Austin, Raleigh-Durham and Santa Rosa.

 

 

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