Report: 2 Kentucky cities among best U.S. cities to live in

Two Kentucky cities made the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live 2024-25 list.

The report ranks 150 cities with help from data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor as well as the U.S. News & World Report’s own internal resources. The data was compiled into four categories:

1. Quality of life index, which measures how satisfied people are with their daily lives in each city, as well as crime rates, quality of education, well-being, commuter index, quality and availability of health care, air quality index and Federal Emergency Management Agency National Risk Index. 

2. Value index, which measures how comfortably residents can afford to live in their city. This index is determined by housing affordability and price parity. 

3. Desirability index, which looks at whether people want to live in a specific city. To determine this, the report used a desirability survey, as well as looked at net migration to look at how many residents are moving to or away from a city, and if a city is attracting new residents. Weather temperateness and establishments were also taken into account. 

4. Job market index, which measures each city’s job market. This took unemployment rate and average salary into account.

Lexington was ranked No. 15 on the list, with an overall score of 6.6. It was rated a 6.8 on quality of life and a 7.8 on value. The report said Lexington “blends influences from the South and Midwest to create a unique cultural identity.” It also said the area’s population is growing, but the cost of living remains relatively low. Its diverse and stable economy makes Lexington ideal for young professionals, families and retirees, the report noted.

Louisville came in at No. 42 on the list, with an overall score of 6.6. The River City was rated a 6.6 on quality of life and a 7.6 on value. “Louisville is a modern metropolitan area steeped in tradition. Each neighborhood offers unique things to do and has its own flavor,” U.S. News & World Report said. It also noted Louisville’s strong local restaurant and coffee shop scene, as well as its promotion of locally grown and locally made “Kentucky Proud” products.