Consider one of these desirable locations for your next move.
Not everyone wants to live in the same place, but it's probably OK to say that everyone wants the same things in a home—like job security, safety, access to excellent schooling, affordability, and then some. Although searching for that perfect house can be a drag, yearly research and reports point to the best locations to consider.
For 2022 through 2023, U.S. News & World Report revealed its annual Best Places to Live in the United States list that compares 150 of the most populated metro areas in the country. The report is based on affordability, quality of life, desirability, job market, and net migration. Data was collected through resources including the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Labor (read more about the methodology here!). Ahead, take a look at locations that made the top 10 on the list.
Median Home Price: $192,667
Average Annual Salary: $58,730
Population: 464,607
Huntsville earned the top spot on the list with its low cost of living and relatively high income. The northern Alabama metro area features NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, making it an attractive location for residents who work in defense, aerospace engineering, and other STEM jobs. It also boasts the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, where kids can go to Space Camp.
Median Home Price: $555,072
Average Annual Salary: $55,540
Population: 735,480
Outdoorsy types will adore the hiking and mountain biking opportunities in Colorado Springs. With a city floor around 6,000 feet above sea level, it's home to plenty of parks for enjoying nature. Not to mention, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Centers and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum are located there.
Median Home Price: $181,700
Average Annual Salary: $50,020
Population: 320,827
Home to the beloved Green Bay Packers, this Midwestern city offers both a small-town feel and a bustling scene. It's located in the heart of northeast Wisconsin and makes an excellent option for young families and retirees.
Median Home Price: $528,833
Average Annual Salary: $70,450
Population: 324,682
Like Colorado Springs, Boulder is a hotspot for outdoor recreational activities—from skiing and hiking to wellness sessions like forest bathing and yoga. It attracts young professionals, families, academics, and more.
Median Home Price: $1,455,741
Average Annual Salary: $93,450
Population: 1,985,926
Dubbed the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is filled with suburban neighborhoods and large tech campuses. The diverse area has no shortage of places to shop, eat, drink, and explore. Although the cost of living is one of the highest in the nation, it made the top five mainly for its job market and quality of life.
Median Home Price: $436,760
Average Annual Salary: $59,174
Population: 1,999,253
The region that encompasses Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill in North Carolina has strong job growth and high quality of life. With a welcoming community, the area has a solid restaurant scene, tons of green spaces, and cultural facilities.
Median Home Price: $203,150
Average Annual Salary: $50,470
Population: 526,101
Located near the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville has been experiencing significant growth for its higher education, culture, commerce, and entrepreneurialism. There are plenty of jobs, namely thanks to Tyson and Walmart.
Median Home Price: $310,300
Average Annual Salary: $55,790
Population: 536,314
As the largest metro area and economic hub in Maine, Portland is set on a peninsula and adored for its farm-to-table dining and artful living. Take up residence downtown, or settle down in one of the coastal town's residential communities.
Median Home Price: $387,630
Average Annual Salary: $48,180
Population: 821,613
Sarasota's array of beaches, dining options, modern condos, up-and-coming neighborhoods, and art scene cement it as a playground for both retirees and young professionals alike.
Median Home Price: $1,082,875
Average Annual Salary: $81,840
Population: 4,709,220
Packed with everything from iconic landmarks to local businesses, San Francisco is beloved by tourists and residents alike. While the cost of living is high, the city made it into the top 10 for its high desirability and vast job market.
Find the full 150 Best Places to Live list here.
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