Offering lively urban centres, green spaces, great job opportunities and fantastic transport links, America's major cities remain popular places to live, work and invest in real estate, but knowing where to settle down can be tricky. To help, financial comparison website Bankrate has examined the country's 100 largest metropolitan areas, factoring in their affordability, quality of life, diversity, job market and safety, to create a definitive list of the very best places to live in the US right now. Click or scroll on to discover who came out on top...
Named by Bankrate as the 20th best place to live in the US, Atlanta, Georgia, has plenty going for it. The home of numerous iconic corporate headquarters, including The Coca-Cola Company and Delta Air Lines, its job market is perhaps its best asset. Yet it also has a rich cultural scene too, with an annual jazz festival, large urban parks and countless galleries, museums and landmarks, including one dedicated to the life and works of Martin Luther King Jr.
Due to its draws, real estate in Atlanta doesn't come cheap. In fact, according to Zillow, house prices here have gone up by a staggering 19% over the past year. Now, the average home is priced at $403,367 (£328k). To put that into perspective, the typical home in the United States costs $337,560 (£274k). For $399,000 (£324k) though, you could get your hands on this unique 2,142-square-foot residence in the popular Cascade Avenue-Road neighbourhood of the city, which comes with four bedrooms and a beautiful backyard.
Next on the list is San Antonio, Texas. This attractive and historic city has a rich colonial heritage. Probably best known for the Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission that stands as a reminder of the battle for Texan independence from Mexico, the city also boasts a gorgeous walkway along the San Antonio River, lined with independent cafes and shops. With fantastic job prospects and a Creative City of Gastronomy honour from UNESCO, this is a place for foodies and entrepreneurs alike. It’s also considered safe and highly affordable.
You can also get a lot more bang for your buck in San Antonio. Even though home values have gone up 24.4% over the last 12 months, the average property here is priced at a very reasonable $287,310 (£233k). In fact, this spacious 1,940-square-foot, four-bedroom house is on the market for $285,000 (£231k). It comes with a large garden and a light-filled interior, plus it's located on a quiet cul-de-sac that's around a 20-minute drive from Government Canyon State Natural Area, a 12,244-acre nature reserve.
In at number 18 is Nashville, the iconic state capital of Tennessee. The ultimate place for music lovers, this city is renowned for its legendary country music venues, charming honky-tonks and the Johnny Cash Museum. According to Bankrate, Nashville offers fantastic employment opportunities in healthcare, education and insurance, has a great quality of life and low crime rates. It's also home to more than 20 parks and a pretty walking trail along the Cumberland River.
With so much on offer, it's unsurprising that real estate agents in the area estimate that 82 people move to Nashville every single day. Because of this, home values here have soared 29.8% over the last year and now the typical house is estimated to cost $428,857 (£348k) – way above the national average. By way of example, this 2,350-square-foot residence, built in 1967, offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage, and is listed with Compass for $413,000 (£335k).
Out of all the cities on this list, Denver, Colorado, probably rates the highest for quality of life. Blending city living with the chance to disconnect, this city sits in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains, providing year-round hiking, biking and skiing opportunities for outdoorsy types. It's home to Old West-era architecture, important museums and galleries, and plenty of green spaces. It’s considered a safe place to live, and the job market is strong. But there’s a catch…
Property prices here are especially high – and by high, we mean almost double the national average. According to Zillow's Home Value Index, the typical property in Denver will set you back $627,189 (£509k). To make matters more challenging, Bankrate suggests buying a place in the city is tough and rental prices have also soared throughout the pandemic. As an example, this property offers just 1,334 square feet of inside space and three bedrooms, but it's listed for a cool $624,900 (£507k).
Next on the list taking 16th place is the sought-after Californian city of Sacramento. Far more affordable than the likes of San Francisco and San Jose, many Californians have relocated to Sacramento in search of more bang for their buck. The state capital might not have access to a beach, but it does boast 250-plus days of sunshine a year and more than 32 miles of cycling trails for locals to explore. It’s also the most diverse city on Bankrate’s list and scored incredibly highly for wellness, too.
Likely because of the fantastic quality of life the city offers, you’ll pay more than the national average when buying a house here, but it’s still one of the more reasonably priced places to enjoy the Californian sunshine. Zillow estimates the typical Sacramento home costs $502,228 (£408k), but to really put that into perspective, this adorable tiny house spans just 568 square feet and features a single bedroom and bathroom, but comes with a $489,000 (£397k) price tag.
In at number 15 is Indianapolis, Indiana. Known for its fantastic food, local breweries, family-friendly activities and the annual Indy 500 automobile race, this picturesque city has gorgeous green spaces, including the eight-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail, as well as awesome job prospects. Oh, and it's also one of the most affordable cities on Bankrate's list, making it a great option for first-time buyers.
Houses here, generally, are priced well below the national average, at just $217,177 (£176k). To put that into perspective, this characterful white house dates back to the 1920s and offers a gorgeous 1,838-square-foot interior, with two bedrooms, a modern kitchen and two leafy backyards. It's also overflowing with lovely period fixtures and could be yours for just $170,000 (£138k).
Next up is Tucson. This city was named the 14th best place to live in America, mainly thanks to its affordability, job market and wellness opportunities. Here, there are endless ways to boost your Vitamin D intake, because Tucson enjoys sunshine approximately 85% of the year. In fact, it’s the sunniest city on Bankrate’s list. Aside from this, it’s also got the Sonoran Desert, countless hiking trails and some of Arizona’s best attractions on its doorstep. Much like San Antonio, the city boasts a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy honour, making its food scene a fantastic draw.
Adding to its plus points, house prices here are also very reasonable and sit well below the national average at $311,868 (£253k). That's despite the fact that Tucson home values have gone up more than 24% during the last 12 months, according to Zillow. This 2,462-square-foot residence, which lies in the Mission West neighbourhood of the city, is priced at $280,000 (£227k) and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large backyard complete with a swimming pool – perfect for soaking up those rays!
Named the 13th best place to live in the US, Grand Rapids, Michigan, is perhaps one of the most affordable places to buy in the entire country. Yet there are many more incentives to move here than just price. For starters, it’s just a 40-minute drive to Lake Michigan, while the ski slopes of Boyne Mountain Resort are just a few hours away, making it great for wellness, too. It’s incredibly diverse and safe, and the job prospects here are plentiful. Grand Rapids is also known for its many breweries – need we say more?
But back to its affordability. Homes in Grand Rapids are priced far below the US national average and come in at just $252,688 (£205k). For example, this attractive historic home was built in 1925 and comes complete with 1,412 square feet of inside space, three bedrooms, a leafy backyard, a spacious kitchen and a lovely living room with hardwood floors, and all for a mere $250,000 (£203k).
Kansas City, Missouri, was found by Bankrate to be the 12th best place to live in the US and rated highly for affordability, wellness and job prospects – it's home to many leading companies, including Hallmark, and has an unemployment rate of less than 3%. Food lovers will be drawn to the city’s barbecue scene, while party animals will adore its jazz heritage and annual music events.
Plus, living here is extremely affordable. In fact, rent on a one-bedroom home in the city actually declined by 4% in the last year, according to rental site Zumper. As for buying, the average house here will set you back a very reasonable $222,939 (£181k) – and for this affordable sum you'll gain a decent amount of floor space. This property, for example, spreads 1,272 square feet, has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a pretty backyard, and it's listed with Keller Williams for just $219,500 (£178k).
Positioned just outside of the top 10 places to live in the US is Columbus, Ohio. In recent years, this city has undergone significant changes, with new developments and housing projects cropping up everywhere. That’s because it’s seen an increase in people moving to the city, drawn there by its job opportunities in computing, finance and e-commerce. It also blends cosmopolitan charms with fantastic outdoor options, including the Scioto Mile, a 175-acre network of parks and rivers.
Yet, one of the best things about this up-and-coming city is its house prices. Here, a property will set you back on average $233,037 (£189k) and most residences are of a decent size, too. This pretty 1,430-square-foot wooden home is on the market with Core Ohio for $220,000 (£179k) and provides two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a garage and a sizeable backyard.
In at number 10 is Jacksonville. Florida is the only US state to have two cities place in the top 10 – can you guess the other? Scoring 8/10 for affordability, wellness and job opportunities, Jacksonville has a lot going for it. Brands like Johnson & Johnson and the Mayo Clinic are based here, and the city is steeped in nature, with 80,000 acres of marshes, wetlands and woods, not to mention an Atlantic coastline dotted with gorgeous strips of sand and beach houses.
Despite all of these alluring features, Jacksonville is also one of the best cities for your wallet. Here, homes cost on average just $288,061 (£234k) – well below the national House Price Index. There are plenty of opportunities to snap up a bargain here, too. This pretty little property is listed with Prime House Realty for $230,000 (£187k), for example. It has a 1,094-square-foot interior, three bedrooms, a small but beautiful backyard and is just two blocks away from the shoreline of the Cedar River.
With incredibly affordable housing and one of the top wellness rankings on the Bankrate list, there’s a lot to like about Cincinnati. The job market here is also fantastic – with companies such as P&G and Kroger, and institutions including Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati, the city has plenty of options when it comes to work. Though it doesn’t benefit from a coastline, it does have wonderful waterfront homes nestled along the Ohio River. Plus, with major sports teams based here, this is a city for lovers of work and play!
But, of course, one of the biggest benefits of choosing Cincinnati is the fact that you can pick up a home here for, on average, $225,228 (£183k). For a little over this figure, $229,900 (£186k) to be precise, you could get your hands on this attractive residence on the cusp of idyllic Mill Creek. Mount Storm Park and the city's zoo and botanical garden are within walking distance, too. Inside, the house offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms across its 1,184-square-foot floor plan.
Minneapolis in Minnesota was named the eighth-best city in the US in 2022 and it's really no wonder. For starters, the city ranks third on The Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore list, which identifies the top US places for convenient access to green spaces. Overflowing with lakes and parks, Minneapolis also has many cultural landmarks like the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Scoring highly for wellness, jobs and diversity, it’s also fairly affordable.
Coming in below the national average, the typical home in Minneapolis costs $338,040 (£274k). This gorgeous little property is on the market for $334,900 (£271k) and for your money you'll gain 1,378 square feet of interior space, including two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a light-filled lounge, spacious kitchen and a full basement. What's more, its pretty backyard overlooks Basset’s Creek. We don't mind if we do!
Next up at number seven is Providence, Rhode Island. If the city's beautiful riverside, striking architecture and important museums aren't enough to entice you, then perhaps you'll be drawn in by the cost savings it affords. According to Bankrate, the city has the highest walkability score of all the destinations on its list this year. But, in addition to saving money on gas, you could also save a bundle on a house, too.
According to the Zillow Home Price Index, the average home in Providence sets homeowners back $331,694 (£269k), which is well under the national figure. Yet, for $299,900 (£243k), you could snap up this charming residence. As well as 1,458 square feet of inside space, this historic home, which was built in 1930, has three bedrooms and lovely living rooms kitted out with period features. Oh, and it's less than a 20-minute drive from Snake Den State Park, and around a 40-minute walk to the very heart of the city.
In at number six is Boise, Idaho. Apparently, the city welcomed a lot of new residents during the pandemic. Offering a high quality of life, Boise is known for having more than 200 sunny days a year, the perfect conditions for enjoying the scenic Boise Mountains, which seduce outdoor explorers all year round. Companies such as HP have offices here, which resulted in Boise receiving 10/10 for job opportunities. It’s also considered extremely safe, plus its wonderful architecture and endless green spaces make it easy on the eye.
Houses in Boise are priced much higher than in other parts of the country though. In fact, the average home here will set you back $536,372 (£435k). There are some cheaper options, however. This house, for example, is located on the edge of Indian Lakes Golf Club and comes with 2,064 square feet of living space, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It's currently on the market for far less than the city average, at $450,000 (£365k).
Did you guess correctly? The second Florida city to make it into the top 10 best places to live in America is Tampa. Nestled on the Gulf Coast, this thriving city is a major business centre, so the job market is booming. It’s also loved for its museums and cultural offerings, such as Busch Gardens and the historic Ybor City neighbourhood. It’s also at number three on LinkedIn’s ranking of remote-friendly big cities and has a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, which ranks cities on how welcoming they are to the LGBTQ+ community.
Money-wise, there are plenty of perks of living in Tampa, too. For one, Florida doesn’t have a state income tax. Secondly, houses here typically cost in the region of $387,130 (£314k), which is why Bankrate gave Tampa 7/10 for affordability. If you have a smaller budget, you need not miss out, though. This property is listed with Coldwell Banker for $369,900 (£300k). It has 1,345 square feet of inside space, two bedrooms and a sizeable backyard with its very own private pool!
In fourth place is Oklahoma City. Scoring 10/10 for jobs, and 8/10 for both affordability and diversity, this city has a lot going for it. Here, you could snap up a role with the likes of Boeing or Integris Health, and the city’s unemployment rate is below 2%, so it’s no wonder it’s been attracting droves of new residents. In addition, the city enjoys around 235 sunny days a year and is filled with walking trails and idyllic lakes, where kayaking and whitewater rafting can be enjoyed.
Amazingly, homes in Oklahoma City don’t come with a big price tag, either. In fact, it has an average house price of just $189,370 (£155k), according to Zillow's Home Value Index. That's way below the national average, and the cheapest city on the list by far. If you want to get your hands on a property, then how about this one-of-a-kind home? Up for grabs via Whittington Realty for just $195,000 (£158k), it spans 1,468 square feet and has two bedrooms and living rooms decorated with original period features from the 1920s.
Now we're in the top three! First up, Austin. The Lone Star State has not one, but three cities in the Bankrate list of best places to live in America (Houston came in at number 24). Scoring 9/10 for both wellness and job opportunities, this is a city that can balance work and play. According to Bankrate, more than 150 companies, including Elon Musk's Tesla, have relocated their operations to Austin, so the job market here is thriving. From early morning bike rides to late-night jam sessions on Sixth Street, there are plenty of other reasons to relocate here too.
Austin isn't the cheapest place to buy, however. It scored 6/10 for affordability and, on average, homes cost a cool $676,077 (£548k) here, which is around double the national average. If you've got $669,990 (£543k) going spare, then this dreamy property could be yours. Listed with Compass, it was built in 2007 and sprawls 3,107 square feet. Inside, there are five bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as bright and free-flowing living areas with high ceilings and high-end finishes.
Just missing out on the top spot is Charleston, South Carolina. Historic, attractive and offering some of the best cuisine in America, there are endless reasons to relocate to Charleston. According to a 2021 LinkedIn survey, the city is fast becoming a hotspot for working from home, but it also scored highly for wellness, too. With countless nearby beaches, a historic cobblestone centre and lively rooftop bars, we can see why so many people are upping sticks to this city.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, homes in Charleston are a little over the national average, at $486,865 (£395k), but there are always bargains to be had. If you have the budget, this modern home in the Johns Island area of the city is listed with Southern Bell Living for $445,000 (£360k). It encompasses 1,750 square feet of space, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a gorgeous porch for sitting back and whiling away the hours. But which city was crowned the best in the US?...
Named the best place to live in America in 2022, Raleigh, North Carolina, is beautiful and thriving in equal measure. Scoring highly for job prospects, safety, affordability and wellness, this is a city with much to offer. Thanks to The Research Triangle, the largest research park in the US, Raleigh attracts major companies. In fact, in 2021, Apple announced a new East Coast campus in the area, which will create around 3,000 new jobs. Aside from this, it has a great cultural offering, with plenty of places to eat, drink and enjoy the great outdoors, Plus, it offers what so many cities can’t – low crime rates.
Considering the city's perks, homes here aren't crazily priced. The typical property will set you back $436,641 (£354k), but for that amount you can gain plenty of square footage. As an example, this grand home was built in 2009 and offers 1,506 square feet of inside space. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and a chic lounge with historic-inspired fireplaces and hardwood floors, all for just $430,000 (£348k). We don't know about you, but we're starting to see the appeal...
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