At Livability, we love small and midsize cities \u2014 the crowd-pleasing places that have it all and leave you with money left over after paying your rent or mortgage. Speaking of mortgages, you might actually be able to get one of those without breaking the bank.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For 10 years now, Livability editors have combined our love of places with data to create our annual list of the Top 100 Best Places To Live in the U.S. Today, we\u2019re not the only best places list out there \u2014 great content from our peers at U.S. News & World Report and Resonance also spotlight some amazing U.S. cities, but we take an approach no one else does.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
We consider only cities with a population of less than 500,000 \u2014 no NYC or L.A. adulation here. Not because those cities aren\u2019t incredible but because we\u2019re all familiar with their advantages and disadvantages, and we also know that our\u00a0biggest cities continue to see a significant exodus. Where should those relocators head next? Well, we have some ideas \u2014 this list of the top 100 best places to live in 2023 recognizes the unsung (or at least, less-sung) awesomeness of the many places outside of our largest metros \u2014 the cities where most Americans\u00a0create dream careers, build families,\u00a0launch businesses\u00a0and lead meaningful lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Where are the best cities in America to create a life you love, even if you\u2019re an average earner? Our list\u2019s second big differentiator is affordability. We take it seriously: Only cities with a median home value of $500,000 or less have a shot at making our best places list. As home prices hit historic highs and inflation continues to rise, we laud the cities that are growing wages and home values while maintaining an affordable cost of living, including reasonable rent and home prices relative to local income.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Plus<\/strong>: We are a diverse couple looking for the stars and good libraries in Florida. Where should we retire?<\/p>\n We partnered with\u00a0Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS)\u00a0to select our 100 best places to live in 2023. Together we curated our cities based on nearly 100 data points and an algorithm taking into account measures of a city\u2019s economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health. To learn more about how we chose the top 100 cities, check out\u00a0the methodology.\u00a0<\/p>\n Aside from the stats, our list answers other questions about what makes these places special. Where can you spend a Saturday or meet your friends for happy hour after a long day? What\u2019s the weather like? What about the local economy and taxes? How is this city different from other places?<\/p>\n If you\u2019re\u00a0looking for a fresh start, sick of insane rent and want to\u00a0find a community that\u2019s just the right fit, this list is for you. These cities are welcoming, affordable and offer the space and opportunity to grow.<\/p>\n Nestled in the rolling landscapes of Georgia, John\u2019s Creek is where modern amenities meet outdoor interests. The city exudes Southern charm with a flourishing community spirit and parks and trails waiting to be explored, all while maintaining a low cost of living.<\/p>\n Near the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Flower Mound strikes the perfect balance between natural beauty and big-city living. With lush parks, top-notch schools and an active community, it\u2019s a place where families thrive, professionals flourish and there are plenty of things to do.<\/p>\n Roughly 30 minutes outside of Indianapolis is Carmel, Indiana, a picturesque city with a stellar arts scene and top-rated schools. Carmel embraces quality of life, and residents have access to a variety of cultural events and outdoor activities.<\/p>\n Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, Broomfield provides an idyllic backdrop for those seeking a place with a low cost of living that doesn\u2019t skimp on amenities and quality of life and has endless outdoor activities and a thriving local economy.<\/p>\n Located in the heart of Texas, Sugar Land is the perfect blend of Southern charm and big city amenities. From top-rated schools to a diverse culinary scene and a strong sense of community, Sugar Land offers the ideal balance of comfort and convenience.<\/p>\n Between the Western Carolina mountains and East Coast beaches is Cary, a cozy community with a high quality of life, thanks to a thriving economy, top-ranked schools, picturesque neighborhoods and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.<\/p>\n Also see:<\/strong> I\u2019m looking for a place that has year-round mild, sunny weather and is near or on the water, and my budget is $125,000 \u2014 where should I retire?<\/p>\n Located in the heart of Kansas, Overland Park is a warm and welcoming community with picturesque neighborhoods, a strong economy, top-rated schools and plenty of things to do without skimping on affordability.<\/p>\n Minutes from Indianapolis, Fishers perfectly blends small-town suburban life and big-city amenities. With top-ranked schools, safe neighborhoods and plenty of parks and recreation, the city offers a family-friendly environment and an affordable cost of living.<\/p>\n Located on the outskirts of Chicago, Naperville residents have it all. Top-rated schools, pristine parks and a bustling downtown offer a high quality of life at an affordable cost, and the city also fosters a vibrant, inclusive community.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss:<\/strong> Want an \u2018average\u2019 retirement lifestyle? You\u2019ll need more than $1 million \u2014 sometimes a lot more \u2014 in these cities.<\/p>\n Just north of Detroit, Troy is a suburb full of modern conveniences, including highly-ranked schools, safe neighborhoods and a thriving economy. From upscale shopping to diverse dining to outdoor activities, Troy provides residents with an abundance of amenities.<\/p>\n Also on MarketWatch<\/strong>: The best and most affordable places to live in Florida<\/p>\n Just an hour outside Atlanta, Roswell captivates residents with historic charm, scenic beauty and modern conveniences. Known for its parks, award-winning schools and a strong sense of community, Roswell offers a suburban lifestyle with all the amenities.<\/p>\n You might like:<\/strong> If you\u2019re thinking of moving to the country, be aware of these hidden costs<\/p>\n Clifton\u2019s location in picturesque Passaic County and proximity to New York City make the city a haven for young families and professionals. Charming neighborhoods, excellent schools and plenty of outdoor activities contribute to Clifton\u2019s strong sense of community.<\/p>\n Columbia\u2019s location in the heart of Howard County and proximity to Washington, D.C., entices residents to this community that blends nature, culture and innovation. Great schools, pristine parks and a focus on sustainability make it a great place to live.<\/p>\n Nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, Sandy\u2019s natural beauty is unparalleled. With top-rated schools, a tightknit community and endless opportunities for outdoor activities (especially hiking and skiing), residents maintain an active lifestyle here.<\/p>\n Read:<\/strong> This couple retired in Colombia on $4,000 a month. In California, \u2018to live this lifestyle, we\u2019d have to be mega, mega millionaires\u2019<\/p>\n Olathe is the epitome of Midwestern charm, with friendly neighborhoods, top-notch schools, a thriving job market and no shortage of things to do. The city\u2019s proximity to Kansas City perfectly balances suburban tranquility and urban conveniences.<\/p>\n Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Beaverton is a welcoming, vibrant community with lush green spaces, excellent schools and a penchant for sustainable living. Beaverton offers a high quality of life with a low cost of living and diverse neighborhoods.<\/p>\n Also see:<\/strong> The 5 best \u2014and affordable \u2014places to live in California<\/p>\n Gilbert\u2019s location in the sun-soaked Sonoran Desert, well-planned neighborhoods and top-ranked schools contribute to the city\u2019s reputation as a suburban oasis. Residents can enjoy a long list of outdoor activities, a thriving economy and a welcoming, inclusive community.<\/p>\n Bloomington\u2019s location in the Twin Cities metro area makes it a prime spot for young families and professionals. Top-notch schools, a robust economy and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation contribute to Bloomington residents\u2019 high-quality, well-rounded lifestyle.<\/p>\n Just outside of Austin is Round Rock, a small town with big excitement. The city\u2019s vibrant economy, excellent schools, plethora of parks and recreation activities, and low cost of living blend to give residents the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n See: <\/strong>14 of the best and most affordable places to live on the West Coast<\/p>\nHow we chose our top 100 cities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The only thing missing? You.<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Johns Creek, Ga.<\/h2>\n
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Flower Mound, Texas<\/h2>\n
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Carmel, Ind.<\/h2>\n
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Broomfield, Colo.<\/h2>\n
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Sugar Land, Texas<\/h2>\n
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Cary, N.C.<\/h2>\n
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Overland Park, Kan.<\/h2>\n
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Fishers, Ind.<\/h2>\n
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Naperville, Ill.<\/h2>\n
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Troy, Mich.<\/h2>\n
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Roswell, Ga.<\/h2>\n
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Clifton, N.J.<\/h2>\n
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Columbia, Md.<\/h2>\n
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Sandy, Utah<\/h2>\n
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Olathe, Kan.<\/h2>\n
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Beaverton, Ore.<\/h2>\n
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Gilbert, Ariz.<\/h2>\n
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Bloomington, Minn.<\/h2>\n
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Round Rock, Texas<\/h2>\n
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Rochester Hills, Mich.<\/h2>\n