Choosing where to settle down requires consideration of multiple factors, with quality of life being a crucial aspect. A recent ranking of cities with the highest quality of life reveals that cities offering more outdoor activities such as hiking and beach outings are among the top choices. Surprisingly, many of the top 15 cities in the ranking are not well-known metropolises commonly featured in the news, with Ann Arbor, Michigan, being crowned as the city with the best quality of life in the United States.
The ranking conducted by “U.S. News & World Report” assesses the cities in the United States based on various quality of life indicators. This index measures residents’ satisfaction with daily life, crime rates, quality and availability of healthcare, educational standards, average commuting times, among other factors.
The ranking by “U.S. News & World Report” incorporates data from institutions such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Here are the top 15 U.S. cities for quality of life in the 2024-2025 period.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.7
Population: 125,664
Median Home Price: $456,578
Median Rent: $1,584
Median Age: 34 years
Median Household Income: $86,628
Unemployment Rate: 3.74%
The city is most renowned for being home to the University of Michigan, where residents enjoy all the typical characteristics of a midwestern college town: a charming and historic main street lined with bookstores, gift shops, and taverns; a healthy mix of permanent residents and tourists; and a wealth of cultural activities.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.4
Population: 122,362
Median Home Price: $854,424
Median Rent: $2,061
Median Age: 36 years
Median Household Income: $97,017
Unemployment Rate: 5.39%
Boulder, nestled at the base of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, boasts breathtaking landscapes.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.4
Population: 277,498
Median Home Price: $422,080
Median Rent: $1,418
Median Age: 39 years
Median Household Income: $85,886
Unemployment Rate: 3.24%
Boise is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering rivers, mountains, canyons, deserts, and lakes for exploration.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.4
Population: 408,930
Median Home Price: $869,639
Median Rent: $2,062
Median Age: 45 years
Median Household Income: $103,096
Unemployment Rate: 4.97%
Honolulu boasts numerous fantastic beaches for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and adventure.
Aside from providing residents with beautiful coastlines, Hawaii’s location in the Pacific Ocean makes it a meeting point for Asian, American, and Polynesian communities, all of which influence life in Honolulu.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.2
Population: 469,960
Median Home Price: $382,677
Median Rent: $1,433
Median Age: 37 years
Median Household Income: $87,708
Unemployment Rate: 4.59%
The cafes and bars around the university campus are popular among students and residents in Raleigh. The city also hosts the most live music performances in North Carolina.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.2
Population: 269,692
Median Home Price: $367,653
Median Rent: $1,341
Median Age: 35 years
Median Household Income: $79,166
Unemployment Rate: 2.71%
Madison exudes a relaxed and down-to-earth atmosphere unique to the Dairy Capital of America amid a backdrop of high-tech companies and renowned academic institutions. Every evening, Madison residents can indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs and enjoy performances by domestic and international musicians and actors.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.1
Population: 68,430
Median Home Price: $449,949
Median Rent: $1,386
Median Age: 39 years
Median Household Income: $77,286
Unemployment Rate: 3.76%
As the largest metropolitan area and economic center in Maine, Portland’s streets are lined with cobblestones, and ships dock in Casco Bay. Artistic life and farm-to-table dining have not only been trends in Portland but a way of life for many years.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.1
Population: 460,069
Median Home Price: $358,477
Median Rent: $1,804
Median Age: 39 years
Median Household Income: $96,805
Unemployment Rate: 4.11%
While Virginia Beach is a resort city, its friendly residents and laid-back ambiance attract many. The magnificent ocean views, beautiful seaside residences, and award-winning restaurants make this resort destination a place worth calling home.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.1
Population: 673,264
Median Home Price: $744,221
Median Rent: $1,984
Median Age: 35 years
Median Household Income: $95,674
Unemployment Rate: 6.94%
Boston often evokes a sense of a small town while offering all the advantages of city life. It is steeped in history and continually evolving. The metropolitan area boasts diverse culinary options, cultural institutions, and proximity to top-notch schools, employers, and healthcare facilities.
Quality of Life Rating: 7.0
Population: 113,353
Median Home Price: $400,587
Median Rent: $1,243
Median Age: 42 years
Median Household Income: $69,429
Unemployment Rate: 4.22%
This small mountain town goes by several nicknames, including “The Paris of the South” and “Beer City.” The quality food sourced from local farmers and producers is a major draw. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop to the downtown skyline, Asheville is a playground for outdoor adventurers.
The cities ranking from 11th to 15th are: San Diego, California; Greenville, South Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; Richmond, Virginia; and Fayetteville, Arkansas.