The 25 U.S. Cities With The Best Quality Of Life, Ranked In A New Report

The quest for a better quality of life influences many Americans’ decisions on where to live, work, play and travel. U.S. News and World Report has just released its ranking of the top 25 U.S. cities that offer the highest quality of life.

The list is based on a number of factors, including crime rates, educational quality, general well-being, commuter indices, healthcare availability, air quality, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Risk Index and more.

The report provides valuable insights for anyone considering a move, looking to travel to a high-quality place or just curious about how their city stacks up against other locations.

Topping the list as the city with the highest quality of life is Ann Arbor, Michigan, which has a score of 7.9 out of 10. “Ann Arbor is a city of contrasts. It is at once rural and urban, sporty and smart, outdoorsy and high-tech, counterculture and high society,” says U.S. News and World Report. The presence of the University of Michigan injects a vibrant cultural and educational spirit, and residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, a rich cultural scene and a strong job market, according to U.S. News and World Report. In addition the city’s cost of living and property values are above the national average, according to U.S. News and World Report, reflecting its desirability and economic vitality.

Boulder, Colorado—at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—comes in second on the list with a score of 7.7. This city is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, health-conscious community and outdoor recreational opportunities: “For residents seeking wellness, Boulder has opportunities from forest bathing and free meditation sessions to an abundance of marijuana dispensaries, spas and alternative health care studios,” says U.S. News and World Report. Combined with its active arts scene and high-quality dining options, this make Boulder a magnet for those seeking a balanced and engaging lifestyle. According to U.S. News and World Report, Boulder’s high cost of living and limited housing due to geographical constraints are notable challenges.

The list reveals a clear trend toward cities that offer a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities and cultural amenities. Most of these cities are home to major universities, which contribute to their vibrant local economies and cultural scenes.

But it’s not all small cities: New York City, one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, also makes the top 25 list. “The metro area is a place of opportunity, which is why—despite the crowds and costs—people keep coming,” says U.S. News and World Report.

Read on for the complete list.

The Top 25 U.S. Cities With The Best Quality Of Life

1. Ann Arbor, Michigan
2. Boulder, Colorado
3. Madison, Wisconsin
4. San Jose, California
5. Portland, Maine
6. Boston, Massachusetts
7. Green Bay, Wisconsin
8. Hartford, Connecticut
9. Rochester, New York
10. Trenton, New Jersey
11. Boise, Idaho
12. Washington, D.C.
13. Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina
14. Grand Rapids, Michigan
15. Fort Collins, Colorado
16. Worcester, Massachusetts
17. Albany, New York
18. Naples, Florida
19. Syracuse, New York
20. Manchester, New Hampshire
21. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
22. New Haven, Connecticut
23. Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
24. Providence, Rhode Island
25. New York City, New York

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