Lots of people dream of living in a big city, until they crunch the numbers and realize they can’t make it work on their budget. But this is a big country with many places to choose from and a new study reveals some where costs are low and incomes are growing.
RentCafe and Realtor.com are out with a new list of the most livable cities in the U.S. But what makes a city livable? According to the research, it’s “the combination of all the reasons that make you happy to call a place home.”
- To find the best options, the housing sites rated 138 metros across the country on 17 key metrics, including affordable cost of living, access to healthcare providers and a healthy job market with low unemployment rates.
- The study finds the most livable U.S. city is Portland, Maine. It’s known for education opportunities, income growth and sports facilities and is reportedly “perfect for” fitness enthusiasts, foodies and young professionals.
- Landing at number two is Lincoln, Nebraska, which is known for its low cost of living and strong job market. According to the study, it’s perfect for budget-conscious professionals, young families and community-minded altruists.
The Top 10 Most Livable Cities in the U.S.
- Portland, Maine
- Lincoln, Nebraska
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Washington, D.C.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Source: Realtor.com