15 Exceptional American Cities to Call Home

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Selecting a suitable place to settle down and raise a family is a significant decision that warrants thoughtful deliberation. While some individuals prioritize affordability, others seek cities with thriving economies. Fortunately, America boasts numerous exceptional cities to consider for this purpose.

In this article, we explore the top 15 cities to reside in America, as determined by a comprehensive study conducted by Scholarloo, a website dedicated to helping students find affordable solutions for financing their college education. This analysis encompassed 151 American cities, evaluating them across eight key metrics, utilizing publicly accessible data.

Metrics considered: Safety, affordability, economy, health, education, opportunity, and infrastructure.

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#1 Naples, Florida

Aerial view of city of Miami flying in over city.
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Leading our list is Naples, Florida, a city that excelled in several categories, including safety, quality of life, healthcare, and infrastructure. With a robust economy and abundant outdoor activities, Naples emerges as an outstanding choice for a place to call home.

#2 Carmel, Indiana

Cloudy Winter Dusky Sky over Old Derelict Farm and Windmill
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Situated just outside Indianapolis, Carmel, Indiana, is a rapidly growing city offering ample opportunities, commendable infrastructure, and a strong safety record. This city is an excellent option for those in search of a suburban lifestyle with promising economic prospects.

#3 Naperville, Illinois

City of Chicago. Aerial view of Chicago downtown at twilight from high above.
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Naperville, Illinois, an attractive city on the outskirts of Chicago, has garnered high scores in safety, economy, and quality of life. Its exceptional schools and vibrant downtown make it a welcoming environment for families.

#4 Amherst, New Hampshire

The state house capital building of New Hampshire is located in the city of Concord, NH, USA with surrounding grounds.
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Amherst, New Hampshire, a charming small town, stands out with its commendable safety, economic stability, and quality of life. Its strategic location affords residents access to major cities like Boston, offering the best of both worlds.

#5 Portland, Maine

The most iconic lighthouse in southern Maine of Cape Elizabeth
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Portland, Maine, is an ideal home for ocean enthusiasts, scoring well in infrastructure, quality of life, education, and healthcare. With a flourishing arts scene and abundant outdoor activities, Portland suits those seeking a small-town atmosphere.

#6 Alpharetta, Georgia

ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA - September 13, 2019: The Alpharetta Historic District contains several historic buildings dating from the late 19th century and older, and includes dining and shopping.
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Alpharetta, Georgia, located just outside Atlanta, offers a favorable mix of safety, economic vitality, and opportunities. Its burgeoning tech sector and stellar educational institutions make it a preferred destination for families and young professionals.

#7 Madison, Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi, USA skyline over the Capitol Building.
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Madison, Mississippi, a quaint town, offers a pleasant pace of life with notable safety, economic prospects, education, and healthcare. A lower cost of living and an array of outdoor activities add to its appeal.

#8 Papillion, Nebraska

Lincoln skyline and Nebraska State Capitol. The Nebraska State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of Nebraska and is located in downtown Lincoln.
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Nestled outside Omaha, Papillion, Nebraska, is a swiftly developing city excelling in healthcare, education, safety, and economy. Outstanding schools and a reasonable cost of living make it a prime choice for families.

#9 Leawood, Kansas

Exterior of the Kansas State Capital Building in Topeka, Kansas
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Situated just outside Kansas City, Leawood, Kansas, impresses with its high ranking in the economy and healthcare. Superior infrastructure and strong safety measures make it an attractive option for families and young professionals.

#10 Cambridge, Massachusetts

A spectacular view of natural rock formation due to natural erosion in The Vineyard Island
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Rounding out the top 10 is Cambridge, Massachusetts, leading the way in education and opportunity. Renowned universities and a vibrant arts scene foster an intellectual and creative community.

#11 Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln skyline and Nebraska State Capitol. The Nebraska State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of Nebraska and is located in downtown Lincoln.
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As Nebraska’s capital, Lincoln boasts excellent schools, low crime rates, and affordability. Its vibrant downtown teems with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

#12 Green Bay, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, USA state capitol building at dusk.
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Green Bay, in northeastern Wisconsin, is famed for its passionate sports enthusiasts, robust economy, and friendly community. It is home to the Green Bay Packers and features a lively downtown with numerous attractions.

#13 Charleston, South Carolina

Country Road and Tunnel along Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
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Charleston, a historic coastal city, is celebrated for its exquisite architecture, superb dining, and warm southern hospitality. Its thriving tourism-based economy and educational offerings contribute to its high ranking.

#14 Tampa, Florida

Aerial view of city of Miami flying in over city.
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Tampa, Florida, known for its splendid beaches, lively nightlife, and cultural diversity, boasts various museums, parks, and cultural attractions. While its economy, infrastructure, and cultural scene shine, affordability is relatively lower.

#15 Woodstock, Vermont

An early autumn foliage scene of houses in Woodstock, Vermont mountains
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Woodstock, Vermont, a tranquil small town with picturesque architecture and a charming downtown area, excels in quality of life, opportunity, and safety. It appeals particularly to families and retirees seeking serenity, though affordability and infrastructure are slightly less favorable for younger residents.

10 Things That Will Fade Away as the Baby Boomer Generation Bows Out

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The winds of change are upon us, and as the baby boomer generation slowly makes its way into their senior years, many users agree that there are certain aspects of life that will inevitably fade into the past. The generational shift is bound to bring about transformations that might leave us both nostalgic and relieved.

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18 Things Millennials Do That Annoy Boomers

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Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are the demographic cohort born between 1981 and 1996. They have grown up in a world that is vastly different from that of their parents and grandparents, the Baby Boomers. As a result, there are certain behaviors and attitudes that Millennials exhibit that can be perceived as annoying by Boomers.

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13 Things That Were Once Highly Respected But Is Now a Complete Joke

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We scoured social media threads to bring you the most candid and honest responses from real people. From the mundane to the shocking, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the things that were once highly respected but is now a complete and utter joke.

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11 Old-School Etiquette Rules You Don’t Need To Follow Anymore (And 3 You Do)

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In a rapidly changing world, social norms and etiquette have evolved significantly over the years. What was once considered proper and polite may now seem outdated and unnecessary. While some old-school etiquette rules still hold value today, others have become obsolete.

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22 Things Non-Boomers Share That Makes Them a Complete Boomer

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A social media post asked folks to share what makes them feel like total “boomers” even as they embrace the digital age. Their responses were both amusing and relatable, proving that no matter how advanced we become, some things will always have us shaking our heads.

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Pri Kingston

Ash & Pri are the Founders of AshandPri.com and have spent the last decade building their way towards financial freedom and a lifetime of memories. Having successfully achieved their early retirement goal in under 10 years, they look forward to sharing their financial sense with like-minded people. Read more about Ash & Pri in the 'About Us' section.