10 Best Places to Live in the USA 2022

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Choosing where to live can be one of the most challenging choices you have to make. That’s why, at Richr, we’ve done the research for you and put together a list of what we found to be the best places to live in the United States. This list considers several factors such as crime rates, schools, housing, cost of living, job economy, and local amenities.

Rankings

Are you looking for a new city to live in? Several cities have ranked as the best places to live this year.

US News & World Report shares their report annually with the intent to inform those looking for a new city in which to locate. The company uses several indexes to determine the top cities and various factors. They ranked the top cities in the United States to live in, in 2022 based on the following factors:

• Overall good value
• Strong job market
• Desirable city in which to live
• High quality of life

The top cities are as follows:

1. Boulder, Colorado

Overall Score: 7.6

Quality of Life: 8.2

Value: 6.0

Boulder, Colorado, is a stunning city to take in amazing views with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Boulder offers top-tier restaurants, bars, and nightlife. The abundance of outdoor activities contributes to the quality of life with many opportunities for hiking, biking, snowboarding, and skiing with many natural mountains, rivers, and forests.

Below we’ve outlined some of the top places to visit in Boulder, Colorado:

• Pearl Street

The brick-paved Pearl Street is a place where locals and visitors alike come to stroll and shop among the historic storefronts, dine at restaurants, sip coffee, drink a microbrew, or simply people-watch.

• The Flatirons

The Flatirons are slanting, massive slabs of sandstone that form Boulder’s backdrop from just about any angle. Tourists look up at them from the hiking area’s meadow, where dozens of trails lead to the foothills. You can hike up into the Flatirons if you seek more exercise and adventure.

• Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

This teahouse is handcrafted by artisans in Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe. The structure was shipped piece-by-piece from Tajikistan and assembled in Boulder. It is an inviting and enjoyable place to sip on one of the dozens of types of teas and grab a bite to eat while taking in the vibrant carvings and paintings that cover every inch of the interior.

• Boulder Creek Path

Miles of paved paths meander through the heart of Boulder and are easily accessible to all. Join locals who bike, jog, skate and walk Boulder Creek Path. The babbling creek beneath shady old-growth trees offers some fresh air and beautiful Boulder views.

• Boulder Theater

The historic Boulder Theater has been around since 1906, though in various incarnations.

Today, the theater’s art deco facade and neon marquee are almost as iconic to Boulder as the Flatirons. And from big-name musical acts like The Lumineers and Brandi Carlile to local faves such as Big Head Todd and the Monsters and The Samples, the Boulder Theater has put on some of the finest shows in Boulder’s history.

• Boulder Farmers Market

Boulder’s Farmers Market is rated one of the top farmers’ markets in the country. It was established in 1986 by local farmers and is known for its farm-fresh produce. Shoppers are offered the best selection of locally grown seasonal produce, eggs, cheeses, meats, herbs, flowers, wines, and gourmet food products.

Additionally, the Museum of Boulder and the E-Bike Tours are very popular.

1. Raleigh & Durham, North Carolina

Overall Score: 7.5

Quality of Life: 6.9

Value: 7.7

Raleigh, North Carolina, continues to grow in popularity with the tri-city region, or the Triangle. The city offers a thriving job market for young employees and major corporations. For example, Apple is moving a new campus to the city to provide around 3,000 new jobs. The city is known for its research and technology roots. Additionally, the city cultivates its culture with restaurants, bars, and outdoor activities. The climate is generally mild, and there are very low crime rates.

1. Huntsville, Alabama

Overall Score: 7.4

Quality of Life: 7.0

Value: 8.7

Huntsville, Alabama, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Alabama.

1. Fayetteville, Arkansas

Overall Score: 7.3

Quality of Life: 7.2

Value: 8.1

Fayetteville, Arkansas, and many of its surrounding cities are thriving as a location focused on higher education and commerce. The city is associated with the founding of Walmart and the headquarters of Tyson chicken. Also, the University of Arkansas is located in the city.

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1. Austin, Texas

Overall Score: 7.3

Quality of Life: 7.0

Value: 6.5

Austin consistently ranks as a top place to live on many lists. The city is still considered affordable compared to several other cities, and major employers relocate their headquarters to the city. Over 150 companies announced their intentions to move to Austin during the pandemic. Many relocations are technology companies, including Dell, Tesla, and Apple.

The city also offers a unique culture, several outdoor activities, and vibrant nightlife.

1. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Overall Score: 7.3

Quality of Life: 6.7

Value: 6.4

The median price for a single-family home in Colorado Springs is still minimal compared to surrounding cities such as Denver. The median price for a single-family home in Colorado Springs is around $425,000 and in Denver is $535,000. However, Colorado Springs offers many of the same benefits as Denver, a more populous city. The city provides hiking, biking, and destinations such as the Garden of the Gods Park and Pikes Peak.

1. Naples, Florida

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 7.7

Value: 4.7

Naples is a wealthy city with many activities, including golfing, going to the beach, dining and shopping. The residents tend to be seniors, but the city attracts small business startups and younger entrepreneurs due to no state income tax. The city does suffer from a lack of affordable homes in the greater Naples area, but the summer months are still delightful, particularly for tourists.

Many visit in the early summer before the weather is too warm.

1. Portland, Maine

Overall score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 7.4

Value: 6.6

Portland, Maine, is known for its “do it yourself” spirit. The city is the largest metropolitan area in Maine and has an old-world feel with cobblestone streets and bays with large ships. The city offers farm-to-table seafood dining, community gardens, and several businesses with self-made goods and products.

1. Sarasota, Florida

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 7.3

Value: 5.5

Sarasota is a more artistic city than other Florida cities. Mainly the Rosemary Beach District is known for its murals and modern options for living. The city also offers a vibrant restaurant scene and tranquil beaches. More young professionals are relocating to Sarasota than ever before due to its eclectic vibe and startup opportunities as a state with no income tax. Sarasota’s exciting art and restaurant life pairs perfectly with its more relaxed beaches, which attracts long-term residents to the city.

1. Portland, Oregon

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 6.8

Value: 6.0

Portland, Oregon, is a city that has a unique spirit with a laid-back attitude and friendliness. With many festivals and activities, residents have the opportunity to connect. The city culture focuses on self-expression, and many entrepreneurs move to the city to start their businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one, top-rated, best place to live in the US?

At the top of the list is Boulder, Colorado. You can’t beat it with an overall score of 7.6, quality of life score of 8.2, and value score of 6.0.

What is the most affordable place to live in the US?

The top five most affordable cities to live in the US in 2022 are:

1. South Dakota
2. Reno, Nevada
3. Provo, Utah
4. Madison, Wisconsin
5. Huntsville, Alabama

What is the best state to move to in 2022?

World Population in Review ranked the top states to live in in 2022 based on the following factors:

• Healthcare- access to quality healthcare and the general health of the public
• Education- performance of public schools testing, graduation rates, and higher education costs
• Economy- how well the economy is doing, and its potential based on job growth, population, and frequency of new businesses opening.
• Infrastructure- availability of transportation, quality of roads, communications, and access to the internet
• Opportunity- costs to live, housing costs, gender, and racial equality
• Fiscal stability- government’s financial health and budget
• Crime and corrections- how safe the city is based on crime and incarceration rates
• Natural environment- the quality of air and water and levels of pollution

The top 10 states on their list are ranked below.

1. Washington
2. Minnesota
3. Utah
4. New Hampshire
5. Idaho
6. Nebraska
7. Virginia
8. Wisconsin
9. Massachusetts
10. Florida

Florida made the top 10 list based on several factors.

Healthcare: 25

Education: 3

Economy: 8

Infrastructure: 20

Opportunity: 33

Fiscal Stability: 7

Crime & Corrections: 26

Natural Environment: 18

Florida ranks as one of the top states and has risen steadily since 2017.

In addition, the Sunshine State ranks the highest in the country for its access and affordability to higher education. The state is home to many college-level students and offers high graduation rates with low student loan debts.

The economy in Florida is also booming. Florida’s GDP in 2021 was $1.1 trillion, slightly lower than each of the top 14 wealthiest nations in the world. The population growth is exploding, and many people move to Florida daily.

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What is the best state to raise a family in 2022?

1. Massachusetts

Many Massachusetts residents are well-educated. The city has the second-highest level of education in the country and offers excellent schools.

2. Minnesota

Minnesota ranks second as it has the second-lowest number of residents in poverty in the country. The state also has the highest median family income of $93,584. In addition, there is a very low divorce and separation rate in the state, the fifth lowest in the country.

3. North Dakota

North Dakota has very affordable housing, the third-most affordable in the US. The median home value is $235,358. The state also has the third-highest median family income. Additionally, the state has the second-lowest divorce and separation rate.

What state has the best quality of life?

Washington state has the best quality of life. The top reasons to move to Washington state include:

• Picturesque landscape. The city offers access to the ocean, similar to northern California. The state also has several mountain ranges, including the Cascade Mountains.
• The state is also home to three national parks, Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park.
• Robust economy. The state has one of the wealthiest state economies in the country. Washington has a thriving job market and is home to many corporations, including Alaska Airlines, Amazon, Boeing, Costco, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks, and Weyerhaeuser.

Low overall income tax burden. Washington state has no personal state income tax. There are only nine states without this tax, including Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming.

• Also, the state does not charge corporate income tax.
• Temperate year-round climate. The weather usually does not go above eighty degrees in the summer.
• High resident satisfaction rate. Several resident polls indicate high satisfaction among residents.

What is the safest US state?

The safest states in the US are ranked below:

• Maine
• Vermont
• Minnesota
• Utah
• Wyoming
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire

What is the cheapest state to buy a house?

• Mississippi.
• West Virginia
• Arkansas
• Oklahoma
• Kentucky

Summary

Whether you’re seeking a vibrant city or a quiet suburb, carefully comparing your relocation options is essential. Choosing the best city to live in the United States can be difficult, especially with many exciting places to choose from. Hopefully, this list of the 10 best places to live can help you get started and guide your research, remember to keep in mind and prioritize the factors and features that are most important to you.