The Definitive Best Cities to Live in the US
There are over 19,500 villages, towns and cities across the United States in which to live, so if you’re thinking about making a move, you’ll have lots of options. While there is no “perfect” city and what some find desirable others find a turnoff, these American cities are definitely the best places you could choose to live in.
Austin, Texas
If you find yourself searching through Austin houses for sale, you definitely won’t be the only one. The Texas capital was recently ranked as the No. 1 city in which to live for the second consecutive year by US News & World Report’s Best Places to Live. Its prime location in the middle of the “Texas Triangle,” between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio means easy access to much of what the state has to offer. It’s also just a short drive from picturesque Hill Country which brings plenty of outdoor adventure, while the coast and beautiful beaches at Rockport is just a three-hour drive away. Austin offers plenty of its own to residents as well, from one of the best nightlife scenes in the nation with plenty of live music to be found every night of the week to mouthwatering BBQ and a wide range of cultural attractions.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, just a little over an hour’s drive south of Denver, has lots to offer for nature and outdoor enthusiasts along with a strong job market, relatively low cost of living and a high quality of life overall. Spectacular Garden of the Gods is just minutes from downtown offering world-renowned hiking and climbing through stunning red rock formations, and soaring Pikes Peak lies just west, offering miles and miles of scenic trails. Old Colorado City, the national historic district near downtown, is a great place to hang out with lots of great local coffee shops, restaurants serving delicious country-cooked meals and bars that host live music.
Boise, Idaho
Boise is rather isolated, with the closest major cities, Portland, Seattle and Salt Lake City, all a six- to eight-hour drive away, but that just means it’s had to provide for itself. It’s home to a theater, the symphony and plenty of impressive shopping and dining opportunities, including lots of locally-sourced food and drink, though its natural amenities are perhaps what makes it most appealing. The Boise River runs through downtown, while both mountains and desert surround it. The climate is mild throughout the year, but you’ll still enjoy a change of seasons. It also offers a relatively affordable cost of living with the average household income around $50,000 and the median home price tag just above $200,000.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison often makes its way on various “Best Places to Live” lists with its vibrant cultural hub of music, art, food and beer. It boasts a thriving food scene with world-renowned chefs heading top restaurants, along with multiple food coops and food festivals. It hosts more rock shows per capita than any other city outside of Austin, and it also offers lots of recreational opportunities. There are five lakes within its vicinity for boating and fishing, along with 200 miles of hiking and biking trails – in fact, there are more bicycles in Wisconsin than cars, one of the reasons it’s been named America’s greenest city too.
