Green Bay and Huntsville are some of the best places to live in the US in 2025. Green Bay’s cost of living is 8% below the national average. Meanwhile, Huntsville has a booming tech market. It ranks #1 among emerging North American tech markets, with 17.9% job growth over five years.
These cities reflect what makes a place truly livable in 2025—affordability, opportunity, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re chasing career growth, lower living costs, or a better lifestyle, the top cities in the U.S. have something for everyone.
👉 Download the Houzeo mobile app and start your US home search today.
Best Places to Live in the United States in 2025
Here’s our ranking of the most beautiful cities to live in the US. We’ve considered the community well-being score, median home price, monthly expenses, and the population of the cities.
| # | City | Population | Median Home Price | Monthly Expenses | Community Well-Being Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Green Bay, WI | 105,744 | $276,500 | $8,670 | 59/100 |
| 2. | Huntsville, AL | 225,564 | $340,950 | $8,222 | 56/100 |
| 3. | Raleigh, NC | 482,295 | $425,000 | $8,953 | 63/100 |
| 4. | Boulder, CO | 105,898 | $1,012,500 | $11,231 | 74/100 |
| 5. | Sarasota, FL | 57,602 | $495,000 | $8,767 | 61/100 |
| 6. | Naples, FL | 19,704 | $725,000 | $9,331 | 64/100 |
| 7. | Portland, ME | 69,104 | $677,500 | $10,076 | 64/100 |
| 8 | Austin, TX | 19,704 | $546,000 | $7,705 | 61/100 |
| 9 | Boise, ID | 235,421 | $546,000 | $8,223 | 59/100 |
| 10 | Madison, WI | 280,305 | $425,000 | $9,964 | 67/100 |
10 Best Places to Live in the US
Here’s our list of the top 10 cities that offer comfortable living options in America:
#1 Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Median home price: $276,500.[2]
- Median household income in Green Bay: $59,174.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
Green Bay has small-town charm and big-city amenities. The city is known for its passionate football culture and is home to Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is 8% more affordable than the rest of the country.
Beyond sports, Green Bay boasts a vibrant arts scene. It hosts the Artstreet Festival and the Meyer Theatre. The city’s job market is expected to grow by 21.6% in the upcoming years.
» Green Bay, WI Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this city.
#2 Huntsville, Alabama
- Median home price: $340,950.[2]
- Median household income in Huntsville: $67,874.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 56/100.[6]
Huntsville is an ideal college town and is home to the University of Alabama and Oakwood University. Space exploration and defense technologies are some of the most preferred domains of research education.
Huntsville has growing job opportunities in the tech industry. Some of the most popular tech companies, like Facebook and Google, have offices in Rocket City.
» Huntsville, AL Homes for Sale: Browse thousands of property listings in Huntsville.
#3 Raleigh, North Carolina
- Median home price: $425,000.[2]
- Median household income in Raleigh: $78,631.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 63/100.[6]
Raleigh has an 88% job satisfaction rate. The Research Triangle Park (RTP) has the headquarters of some of the biggest businesses in the country. Companies like MetLife, Red Hat, Citrix, etc. are located outside of RTP.
The Triangle has prominent higher education institutions as well. Duke University, Davidson College, and Wake Forest University are popular colleges in the area.
» Raleigh, NC Homes for Sale: View thousands of properties for sale in this city.
#4 Boulder, Colorado
- Median home price: $1,012,500.[2]
- Median household income in Boulder: $80,243.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 74/100.[6]
Boulder has been named the “happiest city” in the country. The city also has various meditation and community centers for the mental well-being of its residents. Popular ones include Bohemia Boulder and the Boulder Shambhala Center.
The average rent for an 828 sq. ft. apartment in Boulder is $2,510. Boulder has a robust tech industry and hosts major tech companies like Twitter, Apple, and Google.
» Boulder, CO Homes For Sale: Discover new property listings in the happiest city.
#5 Sarasota, Florida
- Median home price: $495,000.[2]
- Median household income in Sarasota: $68,870.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 61/100.[6]
Sarasota is a coastal paradise known for its beautiful beaches, cultural scene, and vibrant arts community. The cost of living is 4% higher than the national average.
In addition, with a 3.9% low unemployment rate, the city attracts young professionals each year. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Sun Hydraulics are among the prominent employers.
» Sarasota, FL Homes For Sale: Find your dream home in this beach town.
#6 Naples, Florida
- Median home price: $725,000.[2]
- Median household income in Naples: $135,657.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
Naples is a picturesque city on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It is known for its high-end shopping, fine dining, and white sandy beaches. The average rent for a 1,017 sq. ft. apartment in Naples is $2,316.
Naples also has a strong job market, especially in healthcare, hospitality, and real estate. It has a projected growth rate of 49.36%. With a growing economy and a low unemployment rate, the city is ideal for professionals and entrepreneurs alike.
» Naples, FL Homes For Sale: View best luxurious properties for sale in Naples.
#7 Portland, Maine
Portland is one of the best cities to live in the US.
- Median home price: $677,500.[2]
- Median household income in Portland: $71,498.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
Portland has a solid public school system. Yarmouth Schools (a school district) ranks #3 best in the state. Other popular schools include Longfellow School-Portland, Ocean Avenue, and Harrison Lyseth Elementary School.
Apart from good schools, Portland is the 10th best city to live in the USA for jobs. The city’s low unemployment rate of 2.3% is lower than the national average of 4.3%. The sectors with the fastest growth include manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology.
» Portland, ME Homes For Sale: Find best properties in the Portland neighborhood.
#8 Austin, Texas
Austin is one of the best places to live in America.
- Median home price: $546,000.[2]
- Median household income in Austin: $86,556.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
Austin is known for its booming tech industry and growing job market, earning it the nickname “Silicon Hills.” Companies like Dell, Apple, and Tesla have major operations here. Also, the city’s job market is projected to grow by 47.8% in the next decade.
Additionally, the city is a hub for live music, art, and dining experiences. The SXSW festival and the Austin City Limits Music Festival are among the major events. The city is also affordable compared to other tech hubs like NYC and Washington, D.C.
» Austin, TX Homes For Sale: Explore the best properties in Austin.
#9 Boise, Idaho
- Median home price: $546,000.[2]
- Median household income in Boise: $76,402.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 59/100.[6]
Boise is 13% more affordable than other Western cities, like Portland and Sacramento. The job market is projected to grow by 39.8% in the upcoming years. The city’s economy thrives in industries such as tech, agriculture, and healthcare.
The city also offers access to outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, and more. Popular spots include the Boise River Greenbelt and Bogus Basin.
» Homes For Sale in Boise, ID: Find affordable homes in this fast-growing city.
#10 Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is one of the best places to live in the US.
- Median home price: $546,000.[2]
- Median household income in Madison: $86,556.[3]
- Community Well-Being Score: 64/100.[6]
Madison has excellent rankings for both education and healthcare. It is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, ranked #1 out of 255 universities. Also, its UW Health University Hospital ranks among the best in the nation.
The city’s job market is expected to grow by 37.26% over the next decade, primarily in the tech, education, and healthcare sectors. The city also hosts popular local events like Dane County Farmers’ Market and the Wisconsin Film Festival.
» Madison, WI Homes For Sale: Find the best property listings in this vibrant city.
Best Places to Live in the US Based on Demographics
We have researched the best places for single families, young professionals and retirees. The cities are ranked on parameters like education, employment opportunities and healthcare facilities.
| Demographic | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| Single Families | Bellevue, WA | Naperville, IL | The Woodlands, TX |
| Young Professionals | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO |
| Retirees | Boston, MA | Minneapolis, MN | Philadelphia, PA |
So, Where Is the Best Place to Live in the US?
Green Bay, Huntsville, and Raleigh are among the best cities to live in the US. They offer a comfortable life with affordable living costs, growing job markets, and excellent quality of life.
Whether you’re drawn to Green Bay’s team spirit, Huntsville’s aerospace edge, or Sarasota’s Gulf Coast charm, the US offers a wide range of lifestyles. Explore listings, compare prices, and make offers online with just a few clicks on Houzeo, America’s best home buying website.
Research Methodology for Best Places to Live in the US
We researched several cities across all states to rank the best places in the US. Comparison criteria for the best cities to live in the US and the information sources are as follows:
- Population: Demographic Reports [1]
- Median Home Price: Redfin[2]
- Median Household Income: United States Census Bureau[3]
- Monthly Expenses: Economic Policy Institute[4]
- Unemployment Rate: US Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]
- Community Well-Being Score: Community Well-Being Index by Sharecare[6]
Additionally, we have listed the good cities in the USA to live in for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.
Best Places to Live Near You
| Region | Best Places to Live Near Me |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Connecticut | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Vermont |
| Midwest | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri| Nebraska | North Dakota | Ohio | South Dakota | Wisconsin |
| South | Alabama | Arkansas | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maryland | Mississippi | North Carolina | Oklahoma | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Virginia | District of Columbia | West Virginia |
| West | Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | Hawaii | Idaho | Montana | Nevada | New Mexico | Oregon | Utah | Washington State | Wyoming |
Why Houzeo is the #1 Home Buying Website in America?
Houzeo.com is the best real estate website in America due to these reasons:
- Max Access to Listings: Houzeo features thousands of properties across all 50 states, including FSBO (For Sale By Owner) listings.
- Contact Agents Instantly: Want more details or to schedule a tour? Reach out to listing agents directly through the platform for quick responses and flexible showings.
- Mobile Convenience: Use the Houzeo Mobile App to explore listings, track offer status, and receive real-time updates anytime, anywhere.
>> Houzeo.com Reviews: Read why more homebuyers trust Houzeo every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest city to live in the United States?
Broadview Heights, Ohio is the safest place to live in the US. Violent crimes stand at a minuscule 0.1 per 1,000 residents. This makes it a standout among the safest cities to live in America.
Where is the best place to live in the US?
Huntsville (Alabama) is the best place to live in US. It offers affordable cost of living and a thriving job market. Knowing how to buy a house can make it easier to find your perfect home in this city.
What are the cheapest places to live in US?
Cities like Rockfrord (Illinois) and Memphis (Tennessee) are some of the cheapest places to live in the US. They offer affordable living with a great quality of life.
