Finding the best cities for living in America requires more than just scanning statistics—it demands experiencing the soul of a place firsthand. In an era where remote work has untethered us from traditional urban centers, the search for America’s best places to live has never been more nuanced or personal. Our editorial team gets the unique opportunity to travel, dine at the best restaurants, and test products across the country. While we admittedly couldn’t relocate to each of these locations permanently, the heated debates around our Best Cities For offices about which destinations deserve top honors were nothing short of passionate. Keep reading to find out which cities earned our favor and why some of us are already planning our next visit—or perhaps even a permanent move!
The New Geography of American Contentment
The American dream has always been inextricably linked to place—the right environment where one can thrive professionally while building a life rich in meaning and connection. As we navigate 2025, the calculus of what makes the best cities for living has evolved dramatically, reflecting shifts in how we work, socialize, and define quality of life.
While recent rankings from U.S. News & World Report offer quantitative metrics for evaluating America’s urban landscapes, our exploration goes beyond statistics to capture the lived experience of these remarkable places. What makes a city not just habitable, but truly exceptional? The answer lies in the delicate alchemy of affordability, cultural vibrancy, natural splendor, and community spirit.
The Coastal Renaissance: Naples Claims the Crown
Naples, Florida—perched between the mystical Everglades and the crystalline Gulf of Mexico—has emerged as America’s most coveted address. Unlike the frenetic energy of Miami or the tourist-saturated atmosphere of Orlando, Naples offers a refined coastal experience characterized by pristine beaches, world-class dining, and a cultural scene that belies its modest size.
“The Naples of today represents a new paradigm in luxury living,” observes local architect Marina Fernandez. “We’re seeing residents who could live anywhere in the world choosing this pocket of paradise for its perfect balance of sophistication and genuine community.”
What distinguishes Naples from other coastal enclaves is its remarkable accessibility—despite its reputation for affluence, the city maintains neighborhoods with varying price points, allowing for a diverse tapestry of residents that enriches its cultural landscape.
The Mountain West Reimagined: Boise and Colorado Springs Ascend
The pandemic-era exodus to the Mountain West wasn’t merely a temporary flight from urban density—it represented a fundamental reappraisal of what constitutes the best places to live in America. Boise (#2) and Colorado Springs (#3) exemplify this shift, offering residents immediate access to breathtaking wilderness without sacrificing urban amenities.
Boise’s transformation from overlooked western outpost to vibrant cultural center has been nothing short of remarkable. The city’s River District hums with energy as tech professionals discuss startup proposals over locally-roasted coffee, while families picnic along the banks of the Boise River. What makes this metamorphosis particularly compelling is that Boise has managed to grow without losing its unpretentious character.
Colorado Springs, meanwhile, continues to capitalize on its extraordinary setting beneath the watchful gaze of Pikes Peak. The city’s commitment to outdoor recreation—with over 9,000 acres of parkland and an extensive trail network—makes it a paradise for those who measure quality of life in summit views and miles traversed.
The New South Rises: Greenville, Charlotte, and Raleigh Redefine Southern Living
Perhaps no region better exemplifies the changing American landscape than the South, where cities like Greenville (#4), Charlotte (#5), and Raleigh (#6) have transcended old stereotypes to become models of forward-thinking urbanism.
Greenville’s revival centers on its spectacular Falls Park on the Reedy, where a once-hidden waterfall now anchors one of America’s most enchanting urban spaces. The city’s thoughtful approach to development has created a downtown that feels simultaneously historical and contemporary—a place where century-old brick buildings house farm-to-table restaurants and innovative galleries.
Charlotte, with its gleaming skyline and tree-canopied neighborhoods, offers a masterclass in balanced growth. The city’s banking industry provides economic stability, while investments in public spaces like the Rail Trail and ambitious cultural institutions have created a quality of life that attracts newcomers from across the country.
Raleigh, as part of the Research Triangle, benefits from the intellectual capital of three major universities while maintaining a distinctly livable scale. The city’s warehouse districts have transformed into creative hubs where technology and artisanship intersect in unexpected ways.
The Contrarians: Hidden Gems Challenging Conventional Wisdom
While coastal enclaves and established tech hubs often dominate conversations about the best cities for living, several entries on this year’s list challenge conventional wisdom about where Americans can find fulfillment.
Huntsville, Alabama (#7) continues its remarkable ascent, leveraging its aerospace heritage into a broader innovation economy. The city’s combination of southern hospitality and forward-thinking infrastructure makes it particularly appealing to young families seeking affordability without sacrificing opportunity.
Green Bay, Wisconsin (#12) offers a compelling case for mid-sized midwestern cities, where tight-knit communities, surprisingly diverse cultural offerings, and genuine affordability create environments where middle-class lives can flourish without the financial strain common in coastal markets.
Fort Wayne, Indiana (#20) represents perhaps the most surprising entry, demonstrating how thoughtful urban planning and economic diversification can transform once-struggling industrial centers into genuinely desirable places to build a life.
The Complete List: Top 20 Best Places to Live in America for 2025
For readers seeking a comprehensive overview, here’s the complete ranking of America’s 20 best cities for living in 2025:
- Naples, Florida – Nestled between the Everglades and Gulf of Mexico, offering refined coastal living
- Boise, Idaho – A recreationalist’s paradise with a perfect blend of outdoor access and urban amenities
- Colorado Springs, Colorado – Mountain living with the iconic Pikes Peak as backdrop
- Greenville, South Carolina – Revitalized southern gem in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Charlotte, North Carolina – Charming yet sprawling southern city with strong economic foundations
- Raleigh, North Carolina – Research Triangle hub known for education, technology, and livability
- Huntsville, Alabama – Former farming town transformed into a space and technology center
- Virginia Beach, Virginia – Coastal city blending resort amenities with residential appeal
- Austin, Texas – The laid-back, “Keep Austin Weird” creative capital of Texas
- Boulder, Colorado – Progressive mountain town where the plains meet the Rockies
- Sarasota, Florida – Gulf Coast city with a vibrant, distinctive arts scene
- Green Bay, Wisconsin – Midwestern gem offering affordability and strong community connections
- Charleston, South Carolina – Historic preservation meets new development in this coastal charmer
- Madison, Wisconsin – Academic hub with progressive values and casual sophistication
- Lexington, Kentucky – Unique blend of Southern and Midwestern influences with strong equestrian heritage
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Western heritage city with impressive urban renewal
- Asheville, North Carolina – Mountain arts enclave known as the “Paris of the South” and “Beer City”
- Omaha, Nebraska – Midwestern culinary mecca with farm-fresh ingredients, acclaimed steakhouses, and a surprisingly vibrant restaurant scene
- Ann Arbor, Michigan – College town of contrasts: rural yet urban, sporty yet intellectual
- Fort Wayne, Indiana – Quiet, affordable Midwestern city ideal for families and first-time homebuyers
Beyond Rankings: Finding Your Place
While rankings provide valuable insights into objective measures of livability, they cannot account for the deeply personal nature of finding one’s place in the world. The best city for an outdoor enthusiast may differ dramatically from the ideal setting for a theater lover or a culinary professional.
What makes America’s urban landscape so extraordinary is precisely this diversity—the fact that from coastal villages to mountain towns, from southern cities to midwestern communities, there exists a place where each of us might feel truly at home.
As remote work continues to reshape our relationship with place, Americans have unprecedented freedom to seek out environments that align with their values and aspirations. The best places to live in America aren’t simply those with the highest statistical rankings—they’re the communities where individuals can write their own unique stories against backdrops of natural beauty, cultural richness, and genuine human connection.
We know we’ve piqued your curiosity. Where does our editorial team think the best cities for living in America are located? Keep reading to find out.
Editorial Favorites: Where Our Team Returns Again and Again
While we strive for objectivity in our rankings, we’d be remiss not to mention the cities that have captured our team’s hearts. Several staff members have developed special connections with Sarasota and Naples, Florida, making regular pilgrimages to enjoy their pristine beaches and vibrant cultural scenes. Our editorial director even maintains a small pied-à-terre in Sarasota’s arts district, claiming it provides the perfect creative retreat.
Perhaps more surprisingly, Omaha has emerged as an unexpected darling among our younger staff, who praise its unpretentious food scene, affordable housing, startup ecosystem, and genuine community spirit. Two of our team members have relocated there in the past year, citing the city’s livability and growing creative class and art scene as major draws.
These personal connections remind us that beyond statistics and rankings, the best places to live are ultimately the ones where we feel most at home—whether as visitors, part-time residents, or those lucky enough to call these remarkable places home every day.
What do you think are the best cities for living in America today? We want to hear from you about your own experiences and discoveries in these remarkable places.
This article was created in consultation with recent data from U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Places to Live rankings, which evaluated 150 metropolitan areas based on quality of life, value, job markets, and desirability.