Top 15 Cities to Live in America

Cheerful young couple standing isolated over blue background, wearing american flag

Choosing a place to live and raise a family is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Some people prioritize affordability, while others look for a city with a booming economy. Fortunately, there are many great cities to choose from in America.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the top 15 cities to live in America based on data from a comprehensive study from Scholarloo, a website that helps students find affordable solutions to fund their college education. The site used publicly available information to evaluate 151 American cities across 8 metrics.

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

#1 Naples, Florida

Aerial view of city of Miami flying in over city.
Image Credit: brians101 /Depositphotos.com.

Naples, Florida, takes the top spot on our list. This city scored high marks in several categories, including safety, quality of life, healthcare, and infrastructure. With a thriving economy and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, Naples is a great place to call home.

Related: Guide to the 11 Best Things to Do in Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, FL

#2 Carmel, Indiana

Cloudy Winter Dusky Sky over Old Derelict Farm and Windmill
Image Credit: Angelina_Cecchetto /Depositphotos.com

Located just outside of Indianapolis, Carmel, Indiana, is a rapidly growing city with a lot to offer. It scored high marks in opportunity, infrastructure, and safety. With a strong economy and plenty of job opportunities, Carmel is an excellent choice for those seeking a suburban lifestyle.

#3 Naperville, Illinois

City of Chicago. Aerial view of Chicago downtown at twilight from high above.
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Naperville, Illinois, is a beautiful city located just outside of Chicago. It scored high marks in safety, economy, and quality of life. With excellent schools and a vibrant downtown area, Naperville is a great place to raise a family.

Related: 20 Best Cheap Travel Destinations Across America

#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, is a small town with a lot of charm. It scored high marks in safety, economy, and quality of life. With easy access to Boston and other major cities, Amherst offers the best of both worlds.

#5 Portland, Maine

The most iconic lighthouse in southern Maine of Cape Elizabeth
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If you love the ocean, Portland, Maine, is the perfect place to call home. It scored high marks in infrastructure, quality of life, education, and healthcare. With a thriving arts scene and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, Portland is a great place to live for those seeking a small-town feel.

#6 Alpharetta, Georgia

Mtskheta, ancient capital of Georgia. Top view of old town with Svetitshoveli Cathedral and Aragvi River
Image Credit: mors74 /Depositphotos.com.

Located just outside of Atlanta, Alpharetta, Georgia, is a great place to call home. It scored high marks in safety, economy, and opportunity. With a booming tech industry and excellent schools, Alpharetta is an excellent choice for families and young professionals.

#7 Madison, Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi, USA skyline over the Capitol Building.
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Madison, Mississippi, is a small town with a lot to offer. It scored high marks in safety, economy, education, and healthcare. With a low cost of living and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, Madison is an excellent choice for those seeking a slower pace of life.

#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.
Image Credit: mandritoiu /Drpositphotos.com.

Located just outside of Omaha, Papillion, Nebraska, is a rapidly growing city with a lot to offer. It scored high marks in healthcare, education, safety, and economy. With excellent schools and a low cost of living, Papillion is an excellent choice for families.

#9 Leawood, Kansas

Exterior of the Kansas State Capital Building in Topeka, Kansas
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Located just outside Kansas City, Leawood, Kansas, is a great place to call home. It is ranked 3rd in the economy and 7th overall for healthcare. With excellent infrastructure and high safety scores, Leawood is an excellent choice 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. This city ranked at the top for education and opportunity. With world-renowned universities and a vibrant arts scene, Cambridge is an excellent choice for those seeking 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.
Image Credit: mandritoiu /Drpositphotos.com.

Lincoln is the capital city of Nebraska. It is known for its excellent schools, low crime rate, and affordable cost of living. It has a vibrant downtown area with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

#12 Green Bay, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, USA state capitol building at dusk.
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Green Bay is a city located in northeastern Wisconsin. It is known for its passionate sports fans, strong economy, and friendly community. It is home to the Green Bay Packers football team and has a thriving downtown area with many shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It ranked 8th overall for affordability.

#13 Charleston, South Carolina

Country Road and Tunnel along Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
Image Credit: TallyPic /Depositphotos.com.

Charleston is a historic city located on the coast of South Carolina. It is known for its beautiful architecture, excellent restaurants, and friendly southern charm. It has a strong economy based on tourism and ranked high on education as well.

Related: The 5 Best States To Retire (And 5 Worst)

#14 Tampa, Florida

Aerial view of city of Miami flying in over city.
Image Credit: brians101 /Depositphotos.com.

Tampa is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and cultural diversity. The city is home to various museums, parks, and other cultural attractions. However, despite its thriving economy, infrastructure, and cultural scene, Tampa ranks lower in terms of affordability, which may make it less attractive to some residents. Nonetheless, the city is still considered one of the best places to live in America due to its overall high quality of life and range of opportunities.

Related: Experiences You Can Give as Gifts for Every State This Holiday Season

#15 Woodstock, Vermont

An early autumn foliage scene of houses in Woodstock, Vermont mountains
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Woodstock, Vermont, is a small town known for its charming architecture, stunning landscapes, and quaint downtown area. Woodstock ranks high in terms of quality of life, opportunity, and safety, making it an ideal place for families and retirees looking for a quiet, peaceful lifestyle. However, it ranks lower in terms of affordability and infrastructure, which may make it a less attractive option for younger residents.

Related: These 12 States Don’t Tax Social Security or 401(K)/IRA Retirement Income

Where Do You Want To Live?

Cheerful young couple standing isolated over blue background, wearing american flag
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In conclusion, choosing the right city to live in requires careful consideration of a variety of factors. These 15 cities represent the best of the best, with strong economies, excellent schools, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a bustling metropolis or a quiet suburban town, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Featured Image Credit: Vadymvdrobot /Depositphotos.com.

This article was originally published on Ash & Pri.

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Ash & Pri

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.