There is an incredible number of amazing places to live across the United States. After all, why else would over 330,000,000 people call this great country their home?
But when it comes to the best places to live in the US, should you be deciding to move here, you’ll want to hear from experts. That’s why we’ve done all the research, so you don’t have to.
We’ve compared culture, weather, prices, atmosphere, housing conditions and so much more to list the very best places in the US to live in 2021. So sit back, relax, and imagine your future life in one of these glorious states.
1. San Fransisco, California
Let’s start off with a place you’ve no doubt heard of, and for good reason. San Fransisco in 2021 remains one of the most desirable places in the United States to place down your roots.
It’s a city renowned for its culture, art, and life. Thanks to productions like Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, you’ll likely have seen various landmarks from the city on the silver screen.
You can even visit the Vertigo hotel, one of many tourist attractions in San Fransisco today. But it’s not just a city renowned for its tourism, it can be a great place to live permanently too.
The quality of life here is great for most residents, and there’s a bustling business and tech scene if you’re looking to build a career.
Which makes San Fransisco one of the ten best places in the U.S. to live in 2021.
2. Memphis, Tennessee
If you’re a music lover, settling down in Memphis might be the way forward for you and your family. It’s renowned for the hundreds of famous musicians who were born and bred in the area, as well as for its strong local professional wrestling scene.
But another benefit to Memphis is the fact that it’s one of the best cheap places to live in the U.S. today. Real estate in Memphis is notoriously affordable compared to many other areas across the country.
The cost of living is also a whopping 17.3% below the current national average. That makes Memphis a great place to consider retiring to in the future.
This list should be most beneficial for those wanting to move state-to-state.
If you’re looking to make a local move within your current state, you should still ensure that you’re moving with the right people. Make sure you do your research on the best local movers in your area.
3. Portland, Oregon
If you’re a person who doesn’t like to follow the crowd, then Portland Oregon may well be the city for you. Portland is known for going against the grain and forging its own path as a city and a people.
There’s a burgeoning arts and culture scene to be found in Portland, whilst Oregon itself boasts some gorgeous natural scenery. But as well as having its more offbeat side, Portland is a city that has something for everyone.
This embrace of possibilities is what makes Portland one of the best warm places to live in the U.S. today.
4. Washington, DC
If you’re hoping to make it in politics, then look no further than Washington, DC. The capital of the United States is, of course, home of the president, where a lot of major political buildings take their residence.
But Washington is also a notable business sector which is perfect if you’re looking at starting a career in a new state. Education and health services provide many opportunities in Washington, alongside the obvious pull of politics.
But Washington is about a lot more than just politics. It’s a social hub, full of block parties and a cozy atmosphere amongst neighbors.
This welcoming vibe is what ensures that Washington remains a great place to consider moving to in the U.S. today.
5. Colorado Springs, Colorado
For starters, Colorado Springs is currently an estimated 15% more affordable than the capital, Denver. That makes Colorado Springs desirable in its own right, but it’s a city that’s growing in popularity for new movers in recent years.
That’s thanks to the incredible nature that can be found throughout the entire state of Colorado. If you’re a fan of long hikes, bike rides, or extreme sports, you’ll feel right at home here.
Moving to Colorado Springs is a chance to move into the natural world and all the clean air it has to offer. This is ideal for anyone who’s not looking for the hustle and bustle of major city life, but who still likes the benefits city life can provide.
6. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is another city that’s become an incredibly popular moving destination in recent years. It’s home to some of the finest art museums in the country, such as the MFA, making it another great spot for anyone in search of a bit of culture.
Boston is also renowned for its education sector and for a number of beneficial business opportunities for workers. That makes for high average earnings, but you’ll likely need them.
This is because the cost of buying real estate in Boston is a fair bit higher than the current national average. But for the chance to live in Boston, that’s a cost that’s worth it for a lot of people.
7. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is a city that, like the bird that gives it its name, continues to fly in terms of new construction and population growth. It’s still a very affordable city to live in, which makes it an attractive proposition for those looking to move.
Phoenix can be an amazing place to be if you enjoy being around the natural wilderness of the world. It’s home to some of the most picturesque deserts and wildlife anywhere on the planet.
That includes the irresistible Camelback Mountain and its many hikes, as well as resorts. If you’re not too bothered about the vast desert expanses and the heat, Phoenix may be the city for you.
8. Portland, Maine
The first coastal area on this list, Portland is perfect for anyone who needs to be beside the sea. The major benefit of Portland is that location and that seafront, where you can grab some of the finest seafood the U.S. has to offer.
Its cobblestone streets make Portland feel a lot smaller than it actually is. That can mean it’s a great place to combine the bustle of a big city with the cozier feeling of a small seaside town.
It also promises a busy nightlife, with a lot of things to do at all times of the day. Grab yourself a lobster roll, sit beside the sea, and feel that clean fresh air across your face. There are few places better in the U.S. today.
9. Chicago, Illinois
Want that crazy, super busy major American city life at a slightly more affordable price than New York? Chicago is absolutely the city for you.
Real estate is far more affordable in Chicago compared with the other major metropolitan cities across the country. You’ll just need to ensure you research the area before you sign on the dotted line, as some parts of the city are notably better than others.
Still, there’s always something happening in Chicago. It boasts a welcoming community of people, which gives you all the busyness you need at a fraction of the price you’d usually expect to pay these days.
If city life is your thing, Chicago may be in the top 10 best places to live in the U.S. for you.
10. Boise, Idaho
Boise is being touted as the new silicon valley thanks to the many tech start-ups and corporations setting up shop in the area. That means it’s a good place to target if you’re hoping to get into a career in tech or business matters.
That means there’s a large number of young people coming to Boise in search of careers. This has created a great vibe in terms of new restaurants, hang-out spots, and cultural occasions.
Boise can be a great place to find opportunities, which is perfect for a younger couple or person ready to begin their life. It’s also a very green city, full of a lot of arts and cultural events happening at all hours of the day.
If you’re interested in being in the great outdoors, amongst the trees and forestry, Boise may well be the ideal city for you.
So there you have it; 10 of the very best American cities where you can live today. But the thing about U.S. cities is that there are just so many; we could’ve listed at least 40 more.
Where Can I Find Out More About the Best Places to Live in America?
Those are some of the best places to live in the U.S. according to our research, as well as our personal opinions. But as mentioned above, there are so many more places you could call home.
To find out more about great American cities, or other business and real estate topics, make sure to take a look through some of the previous posts on our website.
