These Are the 25 Best Cities To Live in America in 2024, Study Shows

Niche, a top ratings and reviews site, recently rated the top cities to live in America for 2024. It includes cities on the East Coast and the West Coast — and plenty of places in between.

Here are the cities that made its list, including ratings for housing, jobs and cost of living. You’ll also find details like whether most people own or rent and the state of schools.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the prime places to live.

• Housing: A-
• Jobs: A-
• Cost of Living: B-

Naperville is considered one of the best places to live in Illinois. Most people own their homes. Additionally, many families live there and the public schools are highly rated.

• Housing: A-
• Jobs: A+
• Cost of Living: B

The Woodlands is a good place to raise a family. Most residents own their homes and the public schools have high ratings. 

• Housing: C+
• Jobs: B
• Cost of Living: C-

Cambridge is one of the best cities in America for young professionals. Most people rent their homes and there are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, bars and parks.

• Housing: C+
• Jobs: B
• Cost of Living: C

Arlington is considered one of the best places to raise a family, according to Niche. Residents mostly rent their homes and there are numerous restaurants, coffee shops and parks. The public schools are highly rated.

• Housing: B+
• Jobs: A
• Cost of Living: B-

Many families and professionals live in Plano, and most own their homes. The city is considered a dense suburban area.

• Housing: C
• Jobs: B-
• Cost of Living: D+

If you’re interested in living in Orange County, Irvine is one of the best places to live, according to Niche. It has excellent weather and outdoor fun, an excellent place for families. 

• Housing: A-
• Jobs: A
• Cost of Living: B-

Residents in this Kansas city mostly own their homes. Many young professionals and families live there. Additionally, the public schools have high ratings.

• Housing: B-
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: C

Ann Arbor has some of the best public schools in America, according to Niche. Many young professionals live there and most people rent their homes.

• Housing: C
• Jobs: B
• Cost of Living: D+

Berkeley is full of young professionals, most of whom rent their homes. The city offers plenty of bars, restaurants, parks and coffee shops. It’s also a good place for families and the public schools have high ratings. 

• Housing: B
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: B-

Richardson is a northern suburb of Dallas, and many young professionals and families live there. Most people own their homes.

• Housing: C
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: C-

Sunnyvale is one the best cities to raise a family in America, according to Niche. Residents mostly rent their homes. The public schools are highly rated. 

• Housing: C+
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: C

Even though many families and young professionals make their home in Sandy Springs, it’s considered one of the best cities to retire in, according to Niche. It has an urban/suburban feel.

• Housing: C
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: C-

Santa Clara is considered one of the best cities for young professionals. The city is also good for families, and the public schools are highly rated.

• Housing: C
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: C-

Seattle is another great place for young professionals to live. Most residents rent their homes.

• Housing: C-
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: D+

San Francisco has a dense urban vibe and most people rent their homes. It’s a great city for young professionals.

• Housing: C
• Jobs: B
• Cost of Living: C

Alexandria is a great place for families and young professionals. Most residents rent their homes. The public schools have above-average ratings.

• Housing: B-
• Jobs: A-
• Cost of Living: C+

Most residents rent their homes in Madison. Many young professionals make their homes here. 

• Housing: C
• Jobs: B
• Cost of Living: C-

Boulder has a lot of young professionals as residents. However, it’s still a good place for families to live, and the public schools have A+ ratings. 

• Housing: B
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: B-

Most residents, which are a healthy mix of families and young professionals, tend to own their homes in Raleigh. Public schools have A ratings.

• Housing: C-
• Jobs: B-
• Cost of Living: C-

Torrance is considered a good place to live for both families and young professionals and has A+ ratings for its public schools, outdoor activities and weather.  

• Housing: C+
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: C+

College Station, home of Texas A&M University, is full of young professionals, but it also has high ratings for families and public schools.

• Housing: A-
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: B+

Huntsville residents tend to own their homes. Many young professionals and families live there, and the public schools have above-average ratings.

All data was sourced via Niche and is accurate as of June 2024.