11 Best Places To Live In The United States In 2025
Deciding where to move can be a daunting task, especially in a country as vast and diverse as the United States. Although the US is frequently perceived as a whole, each of its 50 states has its own unique culture and way of life. This diversity extends to the country’s cities and towns, each offering their own intriguing characteristics; whether that be affordability, healthcare, safety, education, job opportunities, or leisure.
If you are looking to relocate in 2025, the United States offers a truly remarkable range of communities suitable for every lifestyle. Whether you are seeking a family-centered town, a career-driven city, or a tranquil place to retire, one of these eleven locations may just be the perfect fit for you.
Carmel, Indiana
In the Midwestern United States, Carmel is a suburban city with one of the highest qualities of life in the country. In addition to being named the #1 “Most Livable Small City in America” by The MortgageReports in 2024, WalletHub also dubbed Carmel the #1 “Best Small City in America.” After examining over 1,300 US cities across 45 different areas, from crime rates to school quality, Carmel came out on top. The Indiana city also stood out for its low unemployment rates and flourishing job market in industries such as leisure, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Where there is work, there is also plenty of fun to be had in Carmel. The city hosts over 100 events every year, including the International Arts Festival, Oktoberfest, CarmelFest, and more. The city is also home to a Gold Medal park system, with something for every age and atmosphere. Families, for instance, favor parks like the Westermeier Commons Playground & Splashpad, while Flowing Well Park is preferred by older crowds of hikers and nature lovers.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is a vibrant Michigan city celebrated for its college town atmosphere, ranking #1 in Realtor.com’s list of “America’s Top 15 Cities for Quality of Life” in 2025. The University of Michigan (UMich) anchors Ann Arbor, but the city’s appeal is not limited to just students. Young working professionals have a broad range of fields to pursue here, including education, technology, and healthcare. Along with a growing startup scene, the technology sector is already well-established with leading companies like Coupa Software and Barracuda Networks. The University of Michigan Hospital is also a key player in Ann Arbor’s job market, providing residents with a strong sense of healthcare security.
Ann Arbor’s high quality of life is also maintained through its blend of big-city attractions and natural surroundings. Its downtown has a youthful energy thanks to UMich, although people of all ages and backgrounds thrive here. Families can enjoy sites like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum while the twenty-one-and-older crowd can savor the city’s nightlife at spots like the Blue LLama Jazz Club and Restaurant. When locals need a break from the hustle of urban life, they can also escape to the city’s many green spaces, including waterfront gems like Gallup Park on the Huron River.
Boulder, Colorado
For those seeking a city with even more outdoor recreation, many find Boulder well worth the investment. For many, this sentiment was proven in 1917 when National Geographic named Boulder the “Happiest City in America,” although this reputation lives on even in 2025. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this northern Colorado city is a gateway to some of the state’s best parks and postcard scenes, including Chautauqua Park, Boulder Falls, and the Flatirons mountain peak. Beyond its breathtaking backyard, Boulder also has a rich arts and cultural scene, as the home of the renowned Colorado Shakespeare Festival and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.
Although life in Boulder can get a bit pricey, the city balances this out by providing a range of well-paying jobs, especially in technology. Major employers include companies like CU Boulder and Google, which built a campus here in 2018. Additionally, the city’s access to world-class healthcare at Boulder Community Health and Foothills Hospital also adds to the value of living in this breathtaking mountain town.
Fremont, California
Dubbed the #1 Happiest City in America by Wallethub in 2025, Fremont is another city recognized for its high quality of life. Located in California’s San Francisco Bay Area, the city ranked well for its physical health, mental wellness, and welcoming community. Along with top-notch hospitals like Washington Health, Fremont stands out for its strong mental health facilities like Fremont Hospital. Diversity and inclusivity are also an integral part of Fremont’s happiness scale, with people of all backgrounds welcome here. About 49% of the city’s residents are immigrants, and more than 62% speak a language other than English.
Fremont’s high quality of life is also linked to its connection to Silicon Valley. Its proximity to the renowned tech hub has fostered a thriving market for innovation and advanced manufacturing. This reputation began to take shape in the 1980s when major companies like Apple established their first manufacturing site in Fremon. Since then, the city has proudly thrived as the “hardware side of the Bay,” resulting in a robust and diverse job market that flourishes to this day. Beyond the workplace, Fremont is also a fantastic place to play and learn. Outdoor spaces like Coyote Hills Regional Park are great for staying active out in nature, while families can appreciate Fremont's nationally recognized public schools.
South Burlington, Vermont
Stationed on the shores of Lake Champlain, South Burlington is a better choice for families seeking more of a small-town feel. With just over 21,000 locals in 2023, this New England community offers a relaxed pace and sense of security, earning it a spot on Fortune’s list of “Best Places to Live for Families” in 2023 and 2024. The ranking references South Burlington’s high Community Well-Being Index Score, proximity to award-winning healthcare, and access to natural beauty. Whether taking a family hike at Overlook Park or picnicking on the lake at Red Rocks Park, fresh air and recreation are some of the best joys of living here.
Adding to its family-friendly reputation, Forbes named South Burlington the #1 of the “25 Safest Cities In The US” in 2024. The town is credited with financial safety, low crime rates, and low risk of national disasters. With the city of Burlington as its neighbor, South Burlington locals can also enjoy a short commute to a diverse range of industries, maintaining the town’s quieter atmosphere while keeping its unemployment rates low. Burlington is home to the University of Vermont and the University of Vermont Medical Center, making education and healthcare popular industries and amenities here.
St. Petersburg, Florida
For retirees hoping to enjoy Florida's Gulf Coast and sunshine on a budget, St. Petersburg is a great choice of hometown. Compared to other Gulf Coast cities, like the ever-popular Naples, homes in St. Petersburg are more cost-effective. While homes in Naples sold at a median of $700K in February 2025, homes in St. Petersburg sold at just $420K by comparison. With countless top-rated medical facilities right in town, retirees prioritizing their health can also save on travel for healthcare. Facilities like HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital, St. Anthony's Hospital, and the Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital are all located right within St. Petersburg.
Although the Sunshine State has always been known for its fabulous weather, St. Petersburg has a special tie to its skies. Beginning in 1967, this “Sunshine City” earned a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine, lasting for 768 days. Plus, with weather this wonderful, it is easy to enjoy St. Petersburg’s best attractions. Whether crossing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, strolling the waterfront in Downtown St. Petersburg, or exploring the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, sunshine will follow you every step of the way.
Albert Lea, Minnesota
Cost-conscious retirees and families on a budget may prefer the hospitality and affordability of Midwestern towns like Albert Lea. Like other Minnesota towns, Albert Lea is favored for its down-to-earth locals and close-knit community. However, its affordable housing is where it truly shines. With a median home-sold price of $161K in February 2025, this charming lake town is perfect for young families buying a starter house or budgeting pensioners looking for their forever home.
For some, this affordability may be surprising given the town’s desirable waterfront setting. Often called "The Land Between the Lakes," Albert Lea is sandwiched between two stunning bodies: Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake. It is a gateway to attractions like Myre-Big Island State Park, where lake views and nature can be enjoyed in all seasons, whether fishing in the spring, paddling in the summer, hiking in the fall, or cross-country skiing in the winter. Retirees are also drawn to attractions like the Three Oak Vineyards and Winery and Wedgewood Cove Golf Course & Restaurant, while families may prefer fun at the Albert Lea Aquatic Center and Mall Cinema 7 Theatre.
Huntsville, Alabama
Further South, Huntsville is a fast-growing Alabama city great for families, retirees, and young professionals alike. Looking at it now, you would never know Huntsville, Alabama’s largest city, was once a small farming town. Its ties to NASA and the 1960s Space Race helped it rocket into the urban center it is today, with Aerospace, technology, and manufacturing still thriving as some of its main industries. Education and healthcare also allow the city’s job market to flourish, with institutions like The University of Alabama in Huntsville and Huntsville Hospital providing thousands of jobs.
These job opportunities are one of countless reasons Huntsville was named the 7th “Best Place to Live” by US News & World Report for 2024 to 2025. The report also factored in Huntsville’s affordability and overall quality of life, which is highly connected to the city’s blend of urban life and outdoor scenes. Locals of all ages can enjoy art and culture in the city at spots like Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, the Huntsville Museum Of Art, and the EarlyWorks Children's Museum. But for those times when you need a break from city life, spaces like the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Big Spring International Park are the perfect escape.
Charleston, South Carolina
Although Charleston is South Carolina's most populated city, its historic preservation and coastal scenes create a charming small-town atmosphere. Established by English colonists in 1670, the city's cobblestone streets and historic structures transport you to an era long before it was home to over 150,000 residents. From the 18th-century pastel homes on Rainbow Row to the 1790s Charleston City Market, history flows through every corner of Charleston, infusing the city with a timeless beauty.
Through Travel and Leisure, local real estate experts dubbed Charleston the #1 “Best Place to Live in the South in 2024,” celebrating its combination of city and coast. Although its housing market can average more than the US rates, the article notes some of its more affordable suburbs as well, including Ladson, Goose Creek, and North Charleston. Each is also within a reasonable driving distance of Charleston’s prettiest shores, including Folly Beach, Isle of Palms Beach, and Sullivan's Island Beach.
Bisbee, Arizona
With around 5,000 residents, the Arizona mountain town of Bisbee is an ideal home for free-spirited introverts seeking history, nature, and art at a mellow pace. Formerly a mining town, Bisbee's art movement emerged in the 1970s after its main mine closed, transforming the community into a quirky, creative haven. The town, built into the sides of the Mule Mountains, is equally beloved for its charming setting and laid-back atmosphere, its elevation providing a more secluded feel. There are tons of serene hiking spots in the area as a result, including the Youngblood Hill loop trail.
Bisbee's elevated location also comes with the perk of a cooler climate. While you can still enjoy the warm Arizona sun here, the heat is much tamer compared to cities like Phoenix and Tucson. Residents can also enjoy local healthcare despite Bisbee’s out-of-the-way setting at the Copper Queen Community Hospital. As for what Bisbee locals do for fun, its attractions are not just for tourists. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy sites like the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum and Queen Mine Tour, along with the town's colorful art alleys, murals, and graffiti. Bisbee’s downtown is also where you will find its best museums and galleries, including the Artemizia Foundation and 55 Main Gallery.
White Rock, New Mexico
Finally, we have White Rock, a New Mexico community The Travel called the “Happiest Small Town in America” in 2024. While happiness is subjective, the study looked at metrics such as crime statistics and unemployment rates, and in both cases, White Rock’s were extremely low. Unemployment rates were noted to be nearly a full point below the national average here in 2024, at just 3.1%. Coupled with the town’s jaw-dropping natural surroundings, it is easy to see why locals are so happy to call White Rock home.
Located on the Rio Grande canyon rim, this rural community is proof that big things can come in small packages. The town is a gateway to three stunning national parks: the Bandelier National Monument, the Valles Caldera National Preserve, and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. White Rock is also just a short drive from necessary amenities like the Los Alamos Medical Center, meaning its rural charms can be enjoyed with peace of mind.
Choosing The Best Place To Live In The United States In 2025
While many of these towns and cities consistently rank among the best places to live in the United States, your ideal destination will depend on your personal priorities. For families and retirees, safety often takes precedence, making towns like South Burlington ideal. In contrast, students and young professionals may focus more on factors such as the job market and recreational opportunities, which are abundant in places like Fremont. Ultimately, choosing your hometown or city requires thoughtful reflection on what you value most in a community. Whether that be affordability, safety, healthcare, education, or lifestyle, these 11 towns and cities represent the finest options the US has to offer.
