The Top 10 Most Livable U.S. Cities: Where Low Costs Meet Growing Incomes and Endless Fun
You will never run out of things to do in New York or Los Angeles. However, residing in these cities can be challenging. often prohibitively expensive .
If you seek an affordable yet pleasant place to live with a good equilibrium between career and personal life along with plentiful leisure activities, look into Portland, Maine.
Portland topped RentCafé's latest ranking for being the number one city. most livable metropolitan areas in the US , taking into account 17 distinct elements spread across three main areas — socioeconomic indicators, geographical position and communal aspects, as well as overall quality of life metrics such as cost of living, availability of entertainment and recreational options, pace of income increase, and levels of civic engagement.
Portland received top scores for its quality of life and community setting. According to RentCafé, the city boasts an extensive range of sports amenities, healthcare services, educational institutions, and excellent dining options.
Nevertheless, Portland ranks lower regarding cost of living. According to RentCafe, it is approximately 10% more expensive on average to reside in Portland than across the remainder of the U.S., as cited by the Council for Community and Economic Research. cost of living index .
Although it may not be the cheapest metropolitan area, it is significantly more budget-friendly compared to cities such as New York and Los Angeles. The cost of living in these two cities is 44% and 50% above the national average, respectively, according to RentCafe's research.
The following are the top 10 most livable metropolitan areas in the U.S., as ranked by RentCafe:
- Portland, Maine
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Washington, D.C.
- Pittsburgh
- Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
RentCafe evaluated 140 major U.S. metropolitan areas, each having a population of at least 300,000, for their rankings. It’s worth highlighting that Asheville, North Carolina, originally claimed the third position; however, because of the severe effects of Hurricane Helene Earlier this autumn, RentCafe briefly took the metropolitan area out of its rankings.
Following Portland, the subsequent five top-ranking metropolitan areas and No. 9's Green Bay, Wisconsin, come into play. all in the Midwest .
In this area, most cities typically received high marks for their cost of living. For instance, according to RentCafe, people residing in Lincoln, Nebraska experience a cost of living approximately 6% below the national average. Similarly, in Des Moines, Iowa, expenditures tend to be around 12% less compared to the nationwide level on average.
However, Portland’s superior quality of life could offset the higher cost of living and provide it with an edge in the comprehensive ratings. The city boasts 36 healthcare providers for every 10,000 residents, as stated by RentCafe using information from CountyHealthRankings.org, which contrasts sharply with only four providers per 10,000 in Des Moines and 11 in Minneapolis.
Ultimately, the the ideal spot for your residence will ultimately depend on your individual likes and dislikes, for instance if you wish to reside in a big metropolis or the type of climate you enjoy Additionally, consider your budget and determine whether opting for something pricier is both achievable and justified.
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