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.
View All 112 PhotosBoulder, CO
#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... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.8
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 8.3
- Value
- Value
- 6.3
- Overall Score
- 7.8
- Quality of Life
- 8.3
- Value
- 6.3
View All 54 PhotosDenver, CO
#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... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 7
- Value
- Value
- 6.6
- Overall Score
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- 7
- Value
- 6.6
View All 50 PhotosAustin, TX
#3 in Best Places to Live
People are drawn to the Texas capital's music, outdoor spaces and cultural institutions. Austin was established along... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 7.1
- Value
- Value
- 6.6
- Overall Score
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- 7.1
- Value
- 6.6
View All 74 PhotosColorado Springs, CO
#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... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 6.9
- Value
- Value
- 6.5
- Overall Score
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- 6.9
- Value
- 6.5
View All 70 PhotosFort Collins, CO
#5 in Best Places to Live
Fort Collins was once overshadowed by Colorado’s heavily populated Front Range and famous mountain ski towns. That... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 7.6
- Value
- Value
- 6
- Overall Score
- 7.4
- Quality of Life
- 7.6
- Value
- 6
View All 40 PhotosCharlotte, NC
#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... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.3
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 6.4
- Value
- Value
- 7.6
- Overall Score
- 7.3
- Quality of Life
- 6.4
- Value
- 7.6
View All 78 PhotosDes Moines, IA
#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... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.3
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 7.3
- Value
- Value
- 8.4
- Overall Score
- 7.3
- Quality of Life
- 7.3
- Value
- 8.4
View All 54 PhotosFayetteville, AR
#8 in Best Places to Live
Located in a region that's experiencing drastic growth, Fayetteville – together with Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.3
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 7.2
- Value
- Value
- 8.3
- Overall Score
- 7.3
- Quality of Life
- 7.2
- Value
- 8.3
View All 48 PhotosPortland, OR
#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... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.3
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 6.7
- Value
- Value
- 6.1
- Overall Score
- 7.3
- Quality of Life
- 6.7
- Value
- 6.1
View All 54 PhotosSan Francisco, CA
#10 in Best Places to Live
A beautiful region filled with iconic landmarks, independently owned businesses and trendsetting residents, San... Read More- Overall Score
- Overall Score
- 7.2
- Quality of Life
- Quality of Life
- 6.6
- Value
- Value
- 5.1
- Overall Score
- 7.2
- Quality of Life
- 6.6
- Value
- 5.1