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150 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2020-21

U.S. News analyzed the 150 most populous metro areas to find the best places to live. 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.

For more information on how we rank, read the Best Places to Live methodology.

Summary ∨

Real Estate Rankings

Rankings Category

Population Size

Average Rent

Median Home Price

Commute Time

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150 matches
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150 place matches

Boulder, CO

badge #1 in Best Places to Live

Snug against the foothills where the Great Plains give rise to the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is nothing if not a looker. This city … more

Boulder, CO photos
  • 7.8 Overall Score
  • 8.3 Quality of Life
  • 6.3 Value
Boulder, CO photos

Denver, CO

badge #2 in Best Places to Live

Founded in the mid-1800s as a mining hub during the gold rush, Denver has come a long way since its Wild West days. Over time, its re… more

Denver, CO photos
  • 7.4 Overall Score
  • 7.0 Quality of Life
  • 6.6 Value
Denver, CO photos

Austin, TX

badge #3 in Best Places to Live

People are drawn to the Texas capital's music, outdoor spaces and cultural institutions. Austin was established along the Colorado Ri… more

Austin, TX photos
  • 7.4 Overall Score
  • 7.1 Quality of Life
  • 6.6 Value
Austin, TX photos

Colorado Springs, CO

badge #4 in Best Places to Live

Colorado Springs might not jump off the map as an economic or cultural hub the way larger metro areas like Denver do. But in a quiete… more

Colorado Springs, CO photos
  • 7.4 Overall Score
  • 6.9 Quality of Life
  • 6.5 Value
Colorado Springs, CO photos

Fort Collins, CO

badge #5 in Best Places to Live

Fort Collins was once overshadowed by Colorado’s heavily populated Front Range and famous mountain ski towns. That status has chan… more

Fort Collins, CO photos
  • 7.4 Overall Score
  • 7.6 Quality of Life
  • 6.0 Value
Fort Collins, CO photos

Charlotte, NC

badge #6 in Best Places to Live

Charlotte is a region that's equal parts old-fashioned southern charm and high-energy cosmopolitan bustle. You'll still hear "y'all" … more

Charlotte, NC photos
  • 7.3 Overall Score
  • 6.4 Quality of Life
  • 7.6 Value
Charlotte, NC photos

Des Moines, IA

badge #7 in Best Places to Live

The capital of this so-called flyover state may not top your to-visit list, but Des Moines is a great place to live and raise a famil… more

Des Moines, IA photos
  • 7.3 Overall Score
  • 7.3 Quality of Life
  • 8.4 Value
Des Moines, IA photos

Fayetteville, AR

badge #8 in Best Places to Live

Located in a region that's experiencing drastic growth, Fayetteville – together with Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale – has transfo… more

Fayetteville, AR photos
  • 7.3 Overall Score
  • 7.2 Quality of Life
  • 8.3 Value
Fayetteville, AR photos

Portland, OR

badge #9 in Best Places to Live

Portland's population toes the line between an innocent playfulness and a shameless wild side. Naked bicycle rides, a fully costumed … more

Portland, OR photos
  • 7.3 Overall Score
  • 6.7 Quality of Life
  • 6.1 Value
Portland, OR photos

San Francisco, CA

badge #10 in Best Places to Live

A beautiful region filled with iconic landmarks, independently owned businesses and trendsetting residents, San Francisco has long fo… more

San Francisco, CA photos
  • 7.2 Overall Score
  • 6.6 Quality of Life
  • 5.1 Value
San Francisco, CA photos
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