Whether you’re planning a move or just dreaming big, you’re no doubt considering the livability of the place you’d like to call home. But as universal as this experience is, it’s also very personal. After all, not everyone defines livability in the same way.
The perks that make a city particularly livable for retirees aren’t necessarily priorities for singles or young families. Some folks put a premium on access to leisure amenities and exercise opportunities, while others focus on the cost of living or the unemployment rate. Still others prioritize top-notch health-care facilities and award-winning school systems.
There’s a lot to consider, but luckily for us, RentCafe did the legwork. It analyzed 139 metropolitan areas and looked at key factors like cost of living, quality of life and community to figure out the most livable city in the United States. Keep reading to learn more about the most livable city, plus other places you’ll want to call home.
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How were the most livable areas determined?
RentCafe analyzed 139 metropolitan areas with populations of at least 300,000. From there, the team assessed each location based on 17 metrics across three categories to determine the most livable metro areas in the United States.
Here’s the breakdown of the three categories:
- Quality of Life: With a weight of 40%, this category takes into consideration access to exercise opportunities, physical inactivity, poor physical health days, poor mental health days, the food environment index, the uninsured rate and the number of health-care providers per 10,000 people.
- Location and Community: Given a weight of 40%, this category considers the social association rate, severe housing problems, long commute times, highly educated residents and art, entertainment and recreation establishments per 10,000 people.
- Socioeconomics: With a weight of 20%, this category includes the cost of living, income growth rate, poverty rate, unemployment rate and income inequality.
Which city is the most livable?
Out of the 139 metro areas that RentCafe analyzed, Portland, Maine, ranked fifth in both the Quality of Life and Location and Community categories, earning the title of the most livable city in the United States.
“Portland, Maine, is a coastal gem that combines natural beauty, vibrant culture and a welcoming community,” says real estate agent Joanne Goguen, the president and CEO of the Masiello Group, a New England real estate agency. “With stunning ocean views, charming cobblestone streets and a thriving food and local business scene, it offers something for everyone.”
She adds that residents appreciate Portland’s walkable neighborhoods, excellent health care, cultural activities and scenic charm, all of which make it an ideal place to live or invest.
What other cities round out the top five?
The other cities rounding out the top five all have one thing in common: They’re located squarely in the Midwest. Let’s take a look at what factors helped these cities top the livability list.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Rank: 2
Lincoln’s high number of social clubs and community organizations helped it rank second in Location and Community. Also a major plus: The cost of living is 6% lower than the national average; combined with a strong job market, that makes this Midwest gem an excellent place for almost anyone to live.
Lincoln is a unique state capital in that it blends a small-town feel with big-city vibrancy.
Des Moines, Iowa
Rank: 3
Des Moines earned first place for Location and Community, and some features contributing to its win are its abundance of healthy food sources, a cost of living that’s 12% below the national average, a lively festival scene and a focus on sustainability.
“Another standout for Des Moines is its status as the fastest-growing region in the Midwest,” explains Rick Wanamaker, a seasoned real estate expert with Des Moinesbased Iowa Realty. “This growth reflects the city’s ability to embrace innovation and regional collaboration, offering a holistic view of opportunities for residents and businesses alike.”
A resident himself, Wanamaker appreciates the city’s family-friendly vibe and connection to nature. “As someone who values outdoor activities and family time, Des Moines offers an incredible balance of both,” he says. “Boasting the country’s longest bike-trail system and attractions such as the ICON Water Trails and beautiful parks, [it offers] access to a vast range of outdoor activities.”
MinneapolisSt. Paul, Minnesota
Rank: 4
Known as the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul make up the largest metro area in the top five most livable cities, with a population of more than 3.6 million. But despite the large size, there are unique neighborhoods that feel like small towns.
The metro area is stocked with cultural opportunities largely fueled by its 30 colleges and universities, and it’s a haven for people who love nature and culture.
“With over 180 parks and 22 scenic lakes, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like kayaking on Lake Harriet, biking along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway or cross-country skiing at Theodore Wirth Park,” says Hayley McHale, the director of operations at ERA Prospera Real Estate, which is based in the Minneapolis metro area. “The cultural scene is just as vibrant, with iconic venues like the Guthrie Theater, the Walker Art Center and First Avenue drawing locals and visitors alike.”
The cost of living in the Twin Cities is 6% below the national average. And, McHale points out, the area is a hub for high-quality jobs, thanks to the presence of numerous Fortune 500 companiesincluding Target, Best Buy, General Mills and 3Mthat are headquartered there.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Rank: 5
Ann Arbor ranks second for Quality of Life and 17th for Location and Community. If you’ve ever met someone from Ann Arbor, you know how special the place is because they probably tried to sell you on it.
The city has a higher-than-average median household income, yet the cost of living is only 4% above the national average, which helps residents comfortably afford and enjoy all that Ann Arbor has to offer. But one of Ann Arbor’s biggest selling points is the area’s natural beauty, which costs nothing to appreciate.
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Sources:
- RentCafe: “From Coast to Coast: Which Are the Most Livable Places in the U.S. in 2024?”
- Joanne Goguen, president and CEO of the Masiello Group real estate agency; email interview, January 2025
- Rick Wanamaker, real estate agent with Iowa Realty; email interview, January 2025
- Hayley McHale, director of operations for ERA Prospera Real Estate; email interview, January 2025
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