Whats up everyone
US News and World report just came out with their Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2023-2024 list this past week so let’s go through the top 10 and see if we should all be moving anytime soon!
To make the top of the list, a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.
They use data from different sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Labor and measure the quality of life by evaluating and giving a weighted score in different categories such as crime rates, quality of education, well-being, commuter index, health care and more. To see the entire list of categories and how they weigh each one, check out the link in the description.
So, let’s dive right in!
#10. Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville is also ranked #90 for best place to retire, #13 for cheapest place to live and #15 for fastest growing place.
Fayetteville, Arkansas is a vibrant and dynamic city nestled in the scenic Ozark Mountains of the southern United States. Known for its natural beauty, thriving arts and culture scene, and prestigious educational institutions, Fayetteville offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. It is home to the University of Arkansas and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, lively downtown area, and rich history.
#9. Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs is also ranked #97 for best place to retire, and #2 for best place to live in Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO, is a captivating city nestled at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, it offers breathtaking views and an abundance of outdoor activities. Opportunities for hiking and mountain biking are abundant.The city is home to iconic landmarks such as Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Its charming downtown area offers a mix of shops, restaurants, and historical sites, providing a delightful blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.
#8. Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is also ranked #62 for best place to retire and #2 for best place to live in NC
Charlotte, North Carolina is a thriving city known for its southern charm and modern amenities. Charlotte is nestled between two lakes, Lake Norman and Lake Wylie, both accessible in under an hour by car for boating, swimming and fishing. As the state’s largest city, it serves as a bustling economic hub with a diverse and growing population. The city has a strong economic identity – it’s the second-largest banking hub in the U.S. behind New York City . Sports enthusiasts can cheer for professional teams like the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets, adding to the city’s energetic atmosphere. Charlotte’s culinary scene is also noteworthy, featuring a variety of restaurants offering everything from southern comfort food to international cuisines.
#7. Portland, ME
Portland is also ranked #37 for best place to retire, #4 safest place to live, #5 Best place to live for quality of life and #24 fastest growing places
Portland, Maine is a charming coastal city known for its historic charm and picturesque waterfront. Situated on the Casco Bay, it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby islands. The city is renowned for its thriving culinary scene, featuring a wide array of seafood delicacies and farm-to-table dining options. Portland also boasts a vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues showcasing local talent. Its cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and Victorian architecture add to its unique and enchanting New England atmosphere.
#6. Naples, FL
Naples is also ranked #6 best place to retire, #1 safest place to live, #2 best place to live in Florida, #9 fastest growing place and #18 best places to live for quality of life.
Naples, Florida is a stunning coastal city renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The city is known for its luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and upscale shopping and dining experiences. With its tropical climate, Naples offers year-round sunshine and a variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife exploration in the nearby Everglades. The city also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums showcasing local and international talent. Whether enjoying the natural beauty, indulging in upscale amenities, or immersing oneself in the arts, Naples provides a perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication, although it is very expensive.
#5. Sarasota, FL
Sarasota is also ranked #11 best place to retire, #1 best place to live in Florida, #2 fastest growing places and #7 safest place to live
Sarasota, Florida is a captivating coastal city located on the Gulf Coast. It is renowned for its pristine beaches with powdery white sand and clear blue waters, offering an ideal destination for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Sarasota’s rich history is evident in its charming architecture, particularly in the historic district of Towles Court. This metro area of just over 800,000 people has a renowned opera house, a number of rooftop barsand the popular beach of Siesta Key. What makes the region special is its duality –downtown Sarasota boasts resorts and fine dining,but strolling Siesta Key Village or St. Armands Circle offers a more intimate, seaside ambience.
#4. Boulder, CO
Boulder is also ranked #130 for best place to retire, #1 best place to live in Colorado, #2 best place to live for quality of life and #23 most expensive place to live
Boulder, Colorado is a captivating city nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Boulder offers stunning views, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is home to the University of Colorado, which contributes to its youthful and vibrant atmosphere. The downtown area features a lively pedestrian mall with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and street performers. This blissed-out enclave attracts young professionals, families, academics, scientists, transplants from both coasts, old guards who insist it was way cooler in the 1970s and, above all, lovers of outdoor recreation. Trail runners, hikers, climbers, cyclists and more move here to live in this perpetual playground, where the answer to “What do you do?” is often one’s activity of choice, not occupation.
#3. Raleigh & Durham, North Carolina
Raleigh & Durham are also ranked #29 best place to retire, #1 best place to live in North Carolina, #13 best place to live for quality of life and #21 in fastest growing places
Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are known for their research/technology roots and collegiate rivalries. This tri-city region (known as the Triangle) is luring new residents every day with strong job growth and high quality of life. Raleigh, the state capital, is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant downtown, historic sites, and world-class museums. It offers a blend of urban amenities, including diverse dining options, shopping centers, and cultural attractions such as the North Carolina Museum of Art. Durham, on the other hand, is renowned for its thriving arts and food scene, anchored by the revitalized American Tobacco Historic District. The city is home to Duke University, adding to its intellectual and cultural vibrancy. Both Raleigh and Durham boast a strong sense of community, a rich history, and a commitment to innovation.
#2. Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama is also ranked #51 best place to retire, #4 cheapest place to live and #14 fastest growing places
Space is at the center of Huntsville’s identity. It is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, where visitors can explore the wonders of space through interactive exhibits and educational programs. Huntsville also houses NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, playing a pivotal role in space exploration and research. In addition to its scientific endeavors, Huntsville offers a charming downtown area with a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The downtown area hosts outdoor concerts, movies and food truck rallies throughout the year. Monte Sano State Park is a favorite with hikers and mountain bikers. Boaters and water sports enthusiasts head to the nearby Tennessee River for a day out on the water.
#1. Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay, Wisconsin is also ranked #27 best place to retire, #7 best place to live for quality of life, #8 cheapest place to live and #18 safest place to live
Green Bay, Wisconsin is a historic and spirited city located on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is best known as the home of the Green Bay Packers, one of the most iconic and successful franchises in professional football. The city’s deep-rooted football culture is evident in the passionate support of its fans. Green Bay offers a charming downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Neville Public Museum and the Meyer Theatre. With its proud football heritage, welcoming community, and natural beauty, Green Bay offers a delightful blend of sports, culture, and outdoor adventures. The Green Bay area also has many craft beer and winery establishments.