Top 10 Best places to live in the US with the Best quality of life – 2025

• Population: 210,719
• Average monthly cost of living: $1,945 

Frisco, a suburb of Dallas, is one of the best places to live in the US. The city is extremely safe with crime rate of 11.26 per 1,000 people, which is 73.19% lower than the average crime rate in Texas. “Everything is bigger in Texas” holds true in Frisco. The city has 13 schools and is home to around 80 different parks stretching over 1,300 acres. Frisco is also big in sports and fitness, with world-class courts and stadiums for golf, baseball, and football.

(*FBI Uniform Crime Reporting,Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)

• Population: 121,536
• Average monthly cost of living: $2,176

Ann Arbor is a mix of the rural and urban, sporty and smart, outdoorsy and high-tech city. This city is one of the best cities to live in the United States, with its historic streets lined with bookstores, gift shops, and taverns. Ann Arbor boasts excellent public schools, an increasingly diverse job market, a culturally diverse community, a robust public park system, and low crime rates. Most residents enjoy walking and biking in this city because it has over 475 miles of sidewalks, 57 miles of shared-use paths, and over 157 parks to enjoy on foot. Additionally, this city is famous for its education system. Its five unique library branches with exceptional designs and technology make the libraries easy to use for people young and old.

(*Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)

• Population: 216,963
• Average monthly cost of living: $1,821

Huntsville offers a family-friendly environment, thanks to its good public schools, a wealth of outdoor activities, and affordable living costs. The climate is warm most of the year, so outdoor events are plentiful. On the other hand, residents enjoy cheap transportation costs compared to other cities. Huntsville’s city has many new shopping, dining, and entertainment options alongside the largest privately owned arts facility in the south. Residents here enjoy local food, so you’ll find many opportunities to get the best seasonal food possible at various farmers’ markets throughout the city.

(*Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)

• Population: 469,124
• Average monthly cost of living: $1,896

Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places to live in the US. This city offers its residents a small-town feel alongside the feeling of comfort and familiarity. In Raleigh, you will encounter some of the friendliest, warmest, and most welcoming people who are quick to provide a pleasant conversation. Residents are mostly young, friendly, diverse, and educated individuals who enjoy dining out in local restaurants and gathering over craft beers in one of the city’s microbreweries. This family-friendly city boasts 200-plus parks and a 152-mile greenway for safe biking and hiking. Raleigh is an excellent place for food as the city has over 1,200 restaurants in the area.

(*Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)

• Population: 25,169
• Average monthly cost of living: $3,480

One of the best places to live in the US is Fulshear. The city is also one of the safest cities in Texas and located less than one-hour drive from Houston, the city is home to different parks alongside miles of hike and bike trails for residents to walk their dogs, fly kites, enjoy picnics, or simply relax. More amenities include the Adventure Island Water Park and spacious fitness centers. Plus, Fulshear residents have access to two award-winning school districts: Katy ISD and Lamar ISD.

(*FBI Uniform Crime Reporting, Niche, 247wallst, & Census.gov)

• Population: 151,612
• Average monthly cost of living: $2,086 

This eclectic, calm and vibrant city is also one of the best places to live in the US. Charleston has a dynamic influx of growth and innovation that keeps this city fresh and lively. This city is famous for its award-winning dining and shopping options, all within walking distance. With its balmy weather and proximity to the beach, this vibrant city ranks highly for its plethora of outdoor activities. If you are moving to Charleston, you’ll never lack exciting things to do, whether you prefer history, wildlife, shopping, or the arts. The city overflows with entertainment and outdoor activities such as outdoor yoga classes, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.

(*Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)

• Population: 237,446
• Average monthly cost of living: $2,215

Boise, Idaho, otherwise known as a recreationist paradise, is one of the best places to live in the US. Most of its residents are young and middle-aged individuals who value the outdoors and time spent among rivers, mountains, canyons, deserts, and lakes. This is because Boise residents may spend their days enjoying nature and its activities. However, residents enjoy dining on locally sourced cuisine most evenings, enjoying an opera performance, and sipping delicious cocktails. One of the major attractions of this city is its affordability, particularly regarding housing costs. Boise offers a family-friendly environment and activities alongside a fantastic nightlife experience alongside lots of local bars and lounges.

(*Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)

• Population: 95,230
• Average monthly cost of living: $1,546 

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, offering a small-town feel, Fayetteville is one of the best cities to live in the US. Fayetteville is a vibrant, progressive city with vast entertainment options and is home to the University of Arkansas. Over the years, this city has transformed from a small town to a center of higher education, culture, commerce, and entrepreneurialism. On the other hand, Fayetteville is majorly enticing to outdoor lovers.

This is because of its abundance of state parks, acres of community green space, playgrounds, parks, and walking trails. Additionally, this vibrant city boasts a first-class performing arts center, an active local food movement for residents to satisfy their taste buds, live music venues, and a dynamic festival scene.

(*Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)

• Population: 200,478
• Average monthly cost of living: $1,860

Nestled along Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City is one of the best places to live in the US. This city is famous for its Mormon heritage. Salt Lake City offers its residents a family-friendly atmosphere alongside many entertainment opportunities. The city is Utah’s capital and has a thriving theater and restaurant scene in addition to multiple sports teams. The city is also experiencing an influx of young professionals. Salt Lakers can enjoy over 900-plus acres of public parks, including Liberty Park and Sugar House Park. During winter, residents usually ski and snowboard in the Wasatch Mountains.

(*Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)

• Population: 192,648 
• Average monthly cost of living: $1,596

Known for its beautiful mountains, Knoxville is certainly one of the best places to live in the US. This city embraces an array of pastimes and is famous for its natural beauty and scene. Knoxville is home to lively arts and food scenes alongside interesting shops and parks. One of the outstanding features of Knoxville is its affordability, as residents enjoy a low cost of living reflected in housing options, utility, and transportation costs. The city has many outstanding colleges and universities to meet every student’s needs. With nearly 30 boarding facilities and 93 vet practices, the city is equipped to handle all your pet’s needs, especially if you like bringing your dog everywhere you go.

(*Niche, Census.gov & Living Cost Org)