Charles Esther
The ranking evaluated 150 cities based on several important factors.
These factors included home affordability, quality of life, and career opportunities.
The list offers valuable insights for Americans considering a move to improve their lifestyle.
Top Cities on the List
Johns Creek, Georgia, topped the 2025 list as the best place to live in the US.
It is praised for its strong job market and high desirability score, which measures weather, cultural access, and commute times.
The city is a small suburb of Atlanta, with around 81,000 residents, and is known for its safety and quality of life.
Carmel, Indiana, took second place.
This Indianapolis suburb is known for its unique high school facilities, including an auto shop and a planetarium, which went viral on TikTok.
Pearland, Texas, ranked third.
Pearland is a rapidly growing Houston suburb with a population that increased from about 19,000 to over 100,000 in the past two decades.
Texas also had three other cities in the top 10, showing the state’s appeal for homebuyers and job seekers.
Why Americans Move
People relocate for various reasons.
Some seek better work-life balance, more affordable living, or a fresh start after life changes like a breakup.
US News and World Report’s list serves as a useful tool for those making such decisions by analyzing multiple important aspects of city life.
Criteria for Ranking
The ranking considered several key factors.
These included employment opportunities, housing affordability, school quality, and overall quality of life.
The list also evaluated commute times and cultural accessibility through a custom “desirability” index.
This comprehensive approach provides a well-rounded view of each city’s strengths.
Highlights from the Top 15 Cities
Cary, North Carolina, a suburb of Raleigh, ranked fifth on the list.
Known for its location within North Carolina’s research triangle, Cary attracts residents with a strong job market and relaxed lifestyle.
Other notable cities include Pflugerville, Texas, known for its recreational trails and waterpark.
Ellicott City, Maryland, is praised for its historic charm and proximity to Baltimore.
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, has a rich Native American history and a vibrant downtown with annual festivals.
Sammamish, Washington, offers beautiful nature and outdoor activities close to Seattle.
Summary of the Best Places
Here are the top 15 cities with some key details:
- Johns Creek, Georgia: Strong job market, safe, population ~81,000.
- Carmel, Indiana: Unique schools, art district, population ~103,000.
- Pearland, Texas: Rapid growth, affordable homes, population ~130,000.
- Cary, North Carolina: Research hub, laid-back lifestyle, population ~182,000.
- Fishers, Indiana: Growing tech jobs, population ~104,000.
- League City, Texas: Close to beaches, good value, population ~118,000.
- Leander, Texas: Fast growth, good schools, population ~87,000.
- Rochester Hills, Michigan: Nature trails, popular events, population ~78,000.
- Troy, Michigan: Automotive industry support, upscale shopping, population ~89,000.
- Sammamish, Washington: Outdoor activities, high income, population ~66,000.
- Broken Arrow, Oklahoma: Historical roots, festivals, population ~123,000.
- Ellicott City, Maryland: Historic sites, near Baltimore, population ~76,000.
- Flower Mound, Texas: Small-town charm, strong schools, population ~80,000.
- Pflugerville, Texas: Recreational trails, family-friendly, population ~67,000.
Conclusion
The 2025 best places to live list from US News and World Report highlights cities that combine affordability, career opportunities, and quality of life.
Whether looking for a bustling suburb, a historic town, or a city with strong schools and outdoor activities, this list offers excellent options.
People thinking about relocating can use this guide to find a community that fits their lifestyle and goals.
This resource is especially helpful as Americans continue to prioritize flexible work and a better balance between life and career.
