From the mountains of Colorado to the seaside towns of California, there is a little something for everyone looking to live in America. But with 50 states and numerous cities to choose from, it can get a bit tricky to find the best place to settle down.
Both Niche and Money compiled data based on education systems, location, the cost of living, and more, and named these cities the finest places to live in their respective states.
Moscow, Idaho
Home to the University of Idaho, there is always plenty to do in the town of Moscow, especially downtown on game days! With a population of 25,319, the town isn't nearly as big as some might assume, making it an odd mix of a college town and suburb.
With an average home value of $229,900, Moscow's small-town life, hiking trails, and bike paths might look very attractive to some people!
Catalina Foothills, Arizona
Surrounded by the Santa Catalina Mountains, Catalina Foothills, Arizona is both picturesque and affluent. Located close to the larger city of Tucson, Catalina Foothills only boasts a population of 50,796 people.
An extremely safe town, it contains some of Arizona's most expensive land and homes with a median home value of $440,100.
Bentonville, Arkansas
The city of Bentonville, Arkansas, is steadily growing, with its population increasing by 53% from the 2010 to 2020 census. Now, with a population of around 54,000 people, Bentonville is a bustling area with museums, hiking trails, and mom-and-pop shops.
With a median home value of $232,600, it is hard to say no to this piece of small-town living.
Incline Village, Nevada
While Incline Village, Nevada, is not the cheapest place to buy a home, it is a nature lovers paradise; situated on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village has numerous hiking trails, ski slopes, bike paths, and waterfront activities for families to enjoy.
The median home value is $869,900 while rent is $1,528. Even so, a majority of the 8,669 residents own their homes.
Holly Hills, Colorado
Located 15 minutes from downtown Denver, Holly Hills, Colorado, is the textbook definition of a small town with a population of 2,835. Even with under 3,000 residents, there is no shortage of activities.
A quick ride to the city allows for fun evenings on the town, concerts, and trips to various museums. And, it is still Colorado, so there are always plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy! The best part about Holly Hills is that 97% of people own their house, with the median home value at an agreeable $460,100.
West Hartford, Connecticut
A population of 63,063, West Hartford, Connecticut, is a gorgeous New England town. Whether it's a green summer or colorful autumn, there is always something to do in the popular downtown area of West Hartford, including the Elizabeth Park Concert Series.
With the median home value being $334,300 and the public high schools being some of the best in the country, it is the perfect place for a young family to settle down.
Santa Monica, California
Located right on the Pacific Ocean, it isn't hard to see why Santa Monica, California, is one of the best places to live in the United States. With delicious restaurants, a theme park on the pier, and gorgeous real estate, Santa Monica is home to numerous A-list celebrities.
While the location is pristine, the median home value is a pricey $1,382,700.
Pike Creek, Delaware
The small population of 7,613 shouldn't deter people from thinking about settling down Pike Creek, Delaware. The town is home to numerous parks, 3,600 acres of hiking trails, and bike paths that lead directly to the University of Delaware campus and the downtown Newark area.
With 1.6% of the population well below the poverty line, it is a safe town to settle down.
Princeton, New Jersey
Aside from being the location of the ivy league school, Princeton, New Jersey, has a whole lot to offer residents in terms of culture. Founded before the Revolutionary War, Princeton is now a hub of delicious restaurants, quirky shops, and beautiful architecture.
With a population of 31,000, the town is known for its prep schools and its short distance to the city of Philadelphia.
Barrington, Rhode Island
According to Money Magazine, Barrington, Rhode Island, is one of the Best Places to Live in the United States, thanks to its education system, location, and community.
A population of 16,131, residents get to enjoy emasculate ocean views and various outdoor activities, including the Osamequin Nature Trails and Bird Sanctuary.
Jericho, New York
Located on the North Shore of Long Island, east of Midtown Manhattan sits the quaint town of Jericho, New York. With a population of 13,889, Jericho is a lazy town, a far cry from the city that never sleeps.
The town continuously ranks as having some of the top public high schools in the country, making it a great place to raise a family.
College, Alaska
College, Alaska is a small suburb of Fairbanks, with a population of 11,332. Small town life right next to the big city is a great place to settle for those who don't want the hustle and bustle of city life.
A rural area, College is a great spot for outdoorsy people who love to hike, fish, and save money along the way. The median home value is $244,700.
Madison, Alabama
With a population of just over 40,000 residents, Madison, Alabama, is a tiny city with a big personality. Even as one of the wealthiest cities in the state, Madison is also affordable, with the median home value being $253,000.
Tack on the fact that the town also has one of the best school systems in the state and it is the perfect town for a young family.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Warm, sunny, and surrounded by gorgeous beaches, who wouldn't want to settle down in Honolulu, Hawaii? The capital of the state, Honolulu, is a huge city that always has something to do.
A population of 400,317, Honolulu sees more people renting than owning property, with the median home value around $749,000 and the average rent $1,534.
Clarendon Hills, Illinois
Clarendon Hills, Illinois, is a suburb of Chicago with a population of 8,716. A small town compared to the big city, Clarendon Hills offers an exceptional education system, with 96% of the students' test scores meeting or exceeding Illinois Learning Standards.
With 1,700 acres of natural wildlife, a community theater, and a low crime rate, it is a great place for a young family to settle down.
Bozeman, Montana
A gorgeous town located in the Rocky Mountains, Bozeman, Montana, is picturesque and quaint, even if it is home to Montana State University! A population of 46,746 people, Bozeman boasts numerous hiking trails, like the Bozeman Trail and interesting museums such as the Museum of the Rockies.
Of course, with its many mountains, Bozeman also boasts some top-tier ski slopes.
Mount Vernon, Iowa
The charming midwestern town of Mount Vernon, Iowa, has a small population of 4,451. Even so, they have annual events that bring the entire town together, such as Chalk The Walk, which has residents creating artwork on 4,000 square feet of the main street!
In 2009, Budget Travel Magazine named Mount Vernon one of the Coolest Small Towns in America.
Nocatee, Florida
The coastal community of Nocatee, Florida, boasts a population of 14,747 people and around twenty-two neighborhoods, all of which are located within minutes of gorgeous beaches, pristine golf courses, and various shopping centers.
An affordable place to live, Nocatee's median home value is $389,500, with around 86% of residents owning their home.
Prairie Village, Kansas
A laid-back location with gorgeous scenery, Prairie Village, Kansas, has everything people look for in a town. With a modest population of 22,170 people, the town is known for its superb education system, high graduation rates, and safe neighborhoods.
With an agreeable median home value of $290,600, it is a fantastic location to own property.
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Since 2006, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has been listed in Money Magazine as one of the Best Places to Live in America. It is the perfect location for outdoor lovers with over 170 miles of multi-use trails, community gardens, and seasonal ice rinks.
Eden Prairie is also very affordable, with the median home value being $368,100.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
A quintessential seaside town in New England, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is both beautiful and affluent. A population of 9,275, the small town is known for its Beach to Beacon 10K race, named after its iconic Crescent Beach State Park and Portland Head Light.
The median home value is around $435,700, allowing a majority of residents to own their homes instead of rent.
Decatur, Georgia
Decatur, Georgia, is an excellent option for those who want to be close enough to Atlanta to experience city life but far enough away that they can go home to a quiet neighborhood. Located only five miles away from the metropolis, Decatur offers both!
Even locals say, "Everything is Greater in Decatur."
Brookline, Massachusetts
Ground in a whole lot of American history, Brookline, Massachusetts, was once the stomping ground of John F. Kennedy. Now, it is a family-friendly town with 63,191 residents.
A Boston suburb, Brookline has numerous outdoor activities, parks, and walking tours to keep people active. There are also weekly farmer's markets for residents to enjoy!
Carmel, Indiana
Carmel, Indiana, was ranked as one of the best places to live in America by Money Magazine, getting the ranking in 2012, 2013, as well as 2018. With its fantastic educational system, low crime rate, and median home value of $333,200, it isn't hard to see why!
The city has also been honored as one of the best places to start a career and raise a family.
Prairieville, Louisiana
Wanting to get out of Baton Rouge, many people are beginning to flock to the suburb of Prairieville, Louisiana. With a lower crime rate than the bustling tourist town and a great educational system, it is a great location.
The best part is, even for those moving away from Baton Rouge, it still isn't far away, allowing Prairieville residents to still enjoy the restaurants, music, and nightlife.
Okemos, Michigan
Located next to Michigan State University, Okemos, Michigan, is a fantastic place for a family to raise kids, thanks to all of the youth sports programs. On top of that, Okemos is relatively affordable, with the median home value being $243,200.
Another selling point for the town is the Meridian Historical Village, a park adorned with homes from the 19th century.
Fort Thomas, Kentucky
With seasonal art walks through downtown and healing mineral pool health spas, who wouldn't want to move to Fort Thomas, Kentucky?
A quaint town with a population of 16,308, Fort Thomas is celebrated for its public school system, one that is frequently ranked as one of the top systems in the country.
Madison, Mississippi
Madison, Mississippi, has a lot to offer its 25,592 residents, including the running tail at Strawberry Patch Park, the sports fields at Liberty Park, and wooden trails located throughout Simmons Arboretum.
On top of the outdoor recreational opportunities, people will be happy to learn that Madison is incredibly affordable, with the median home value being $261,900.
Richmond Heights, Missouri
Closely located to the city of St. Louis, Richmond Heights, Missouri, is a small friendly-family town with an amazing public school system. With a population of 8,500, Richmond Heights is the perfect suburb to raise a family.
The best part is that aside from its amazing location, the housing market is affordable, with the median home value being $253,700.
South Kensington, Maryland
The town of South Kensington, Maryland, is quaint, with a small population of 8,763. Thanks to the low number of residents, South Kensington is a popular location for families, as the crime rate is low and the graduation rates are high.
Not only that, there are numerous outdoor activities to do around town, from hiking and biking to boating and fishing.
