12 Top American Cities That Offer the Best Quality of Life

Looking for a new place to call home in the United States? You are in the right place. In this article, we discuss cities that consistently rank high for giving residents a good quality of life. Whether you are looking for a great work-life balance, easy access to outdoor recreation, low crime rates, healthy job markets, or reasonable living costs, we have you covered in this list.

Life is too short to only work, pay bills, and die. We would absolutely hate this for you. This is why we recommend destinations that would let you live a little (or big if you so wish) as you build your career. Join us as we explore these cities and uncover why they are top choices for those seeking a place to call home.

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Honolulu, Hawaii

Imagine living somewhere where you can hit some of the country’s best beaches after work or for your morning run. That is the magic of living in Honolulu. While this is a charm beach lovers cannot resist, you will certainly love that Honolulu is often rated as one of the happiest places in the United States. With its laid-back island vibe, palm-lined streets, high-quality life, and excellent year-round climate, it is easy to see why people in Honolulu are happy. The Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism revealed that Honolulu’s quality of life has been way ahead of the mainland’s and has been on an upward trend for the past ten years.

While it may not be among the cheapest American destinations, the quality of life in Honolulu is worth every penny.

This city’s natural beauty is outstanding. Its beaches are beautiful and perfect for snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. You will also have easy access to mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and so much nature to explore.

Atlanta, Georgia

A 2023 study by WalletHub ranked Atlanta very favorably for its quality of life, economic well-being, healthcare quality, education, and affordability. If you are looking for a great destination to live or retire, we recommend you check out this city. Also, CNBC ranked Atlanta as the best place to start a business in the United States. If you are looking to start a new business, consider setting it up in Atlanta.

You will also like how diverse Atlanta is. For instance, it was ranked America’s second-best gay-friendly city. Also, approximately 50% of locals identify as black people. If you are looking to live in a town where diversity is not lacking, Atlanta is the place for you.

There is more to like about this city. More and more people are attracted to its hot summers and mild winters and its great outdoor spaces. Piedmont Park in Midtown and Centennial Olympic Park are great spots to unwind within the city.

Boulder, Colorado

Lying on the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a destination that offers a great mix of outdoor adventures and urban lifestyle. With scenic mountain views and reliable local amenities, life in Boulder will be a fulfilling adventure.

Outdoor enthusiasts, Boulder is a destination that will have you in a chokehold. Boulder County has over 60 parks, 155 miles (250 km) of hiking trails, and over 45,000 acres of nature waiting to be explored. Whether you head out to Boulder Canyon or go skiing in Eldora Mountain, your next outdoor excursion in Boulder will always be a few minutes away.

Also, Boulder was found to have a significantly lower crime rate compared to the national average, as were other cities of comparable sizes. It is also one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States. If you are into cycling, whether for fun or commuting, Boulder is one of those destinations you should consider.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In 2021, The Economist ranked Pittsburgh the 3rd most livable city in the United States. This ranking was determined after evaluating several metrics, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, crime, culture, and education.

As if that were not enough, WalletHub ranked Pittsburgh as the fifth-best city in the United States for job hunting. In these times when job hunting is an extreme sport, Pittsburgh still offers a welcoming environment.

You will also like the fact that Pittsburgh offers a cheaper housing market than other major cities. According to a study done in 2023, only Detroit bested Pittsburgh in terms of house affordability for large U.S. cities (those with a population of more than 300,000)

Seattle, Washington

If you love easy access to outdoor exploration opportunities, Seattle is a place you will love living. Most Seattle neighborhoods have easy access to green spaces and parks, perfect for walking your dog, playing with kids, or jogging.

You can also easily access Mt. Rainier National Park, which has 236,381 acres of forest and trails perfect for hiking, horseback riding, hiking, and biking. You can also easily head out to the Olympic National Forest, Capital Forest, and Tiger Mountain State Forest. For your beach adventure, Golden Gardens Park awaits.

If you enjoy an active lifestyle, Seattle will allow you to live your best life. You won’t have to travel far and wide for your next adventure.

But there is more to Seattle than its adventures. Thanks to its thriving tech scene, Seattle consistently ranks well as one of the best cities for jobs. If you have been job hunting for ages without major success, your luck could just be in Seattle. It is also among the cities with the highest concentration of restaurants and bars in America. If you are moved by a diverse culinary scene, this would be a great place to call home.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is another city known for its impressive diversity; you will have no problem finding your community in Washington D.C. The culture and history here are second to none. With over 160 monuments and 70 museums to explore, it is no wonder it is constantly ranked as one of the culturally rich cities in the world.

Washington, D.C., has also among the country’s best public transportation systems. Locals love that D.C.’s metro system is well-lit, clean, and affordable. You will have no problem moving around without a car. D.C. also ranks as one of the country’s most walkable cities, with neighborhoods like Dupont and U-Street being super walkable,

The city also offers a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re drawn to the city’s rich history or its laid-back atmosphere, you’ll find a neighborhood that feels like home in D.C.

For your exploration, the White House, the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums, and the Lincoln Memorial await. If you are into nature adventures, you can head out to the 1754-acre Rock Creek Park, which has biking and hiking trails, tennis courts, and picnic areas. Make sure to get the most out of the Potomac River, which is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Boise, Idaho

Boise, the capital of Idaho, offers the best of both worlds: outdoor recreation and big-city energy. For starters, Boise offers a lower cost of living compared to other major cities in the western U.S. It is especially known for having reasonable housing prices. Secondly, this city is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, offering amazing hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities.

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Some points of interest in Boise include the Boise River Greenbelt, a scenic, multi-use trail along the Boise River ideal for walking, running, biking, and wildlife viewing; Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, a ski area known for skiing and snowboarding opportunities in winter, and hiking and mountain biking during the summer months; and Julia Davis Park, a large park featuring botanical gardens, museums, zoo, and beautiful green spaces for relaxation.

While Boise is not exactly cheap, it is still less pricey than other Northwestern cities like Seattle and Portland. The weather is also quite decent, as the city enjoys over 200 days of sunshine. Also, Boise experiences lower crime rates than other similarly sized cities, as well as the national average.

Naples, Florida

I don’t know about you, but I could never resist the opportunity to live in a destination with white sand beaches and clear waters. Naples is the perfect destination for anyone who likes to enjoy sunny weather year-round, a relaxed lifestyle, and a well-preserved natural environment.

Now, before we go any further, all the beauty of Naples would amount to nothing if its quality of life was substandard. Luckily, this city is known for its high-end amenities, low crime rates, and a super relaxed atmosphere. While the cost of living is not exactly low, you cannot ignore that Naples has a healthier job market than other similarly sized metro areas.

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When not working, you can soak up the sun in Vanderbilt Beach, which has soft white sands and calm waters. You can also spend your evenings at the Naples Pier, which is perfect for fishing, dolphin spotting, and sunset viewing.

Naples is not just about the beaches; a short drive from the city allows you to easily access Everglades National Park.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you enjoy urban amenities and nature, Colorado Springs is another city you will love to live in. Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is surrounded by stunning landscapes that offer abundant recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

Moreover, Colorado Springs also experiences low crime rates, making it a safe destination to live, raise a family, or retire.

When not working, head out to Pikes Peak. You can either drive or hike to the peak for the adventure or the amazing views. Pikes Peak Highway and the Barr Trail are the most scenic and popular routes to the top.

For simple adventures within the town, you can just stroll around Old Colorado City. This historic district has charming boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in restored 19th-century buildings. The dynamic mix of outdoor adventures, high quality of life, and cultural attractions makes this city a great place to call home.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Salt Lake City offers stunning views and easy access to outdoor activities. Despite having a high standard of living, Salt Lake City is generally cheaper than many other major U.S cities.

When living in Salt Lake City, you can access world-class ski resorts in the Wasatch Range. You can also spend your weekends birdwatching or boating in Great Salt Lake. Besides being incredibly photogenic, Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. For more outdoor adventures, you can hit the Ensign Peak or head out to the Big Cottonwood Canyon. No matter your preferred outdoor activity, you will have easy access to it from Salt Lake City. It is truly a city that offers a rich blend of outdoor adventure and urban life.

Greenville, South Carolina

By now, you must have noticed that we are going for destinations that offer an amazing balance of city life and outdoor adventure. We all occasionally need a break from the bustle of large cities. When recreation time comes, you do not want to drive miles and miles to get to pristine nature. This is one thing Greensville offers.

This city is known for its charming downtown, friendly community, and high standard of living with a lower cost of living compared to larger cities. It is also surrounded by picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous other parks ensures easy access to nature whenever you need it.

You should also take advantage of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which is perfect for biking, walking, and running. On the other hand, Paris Mountain State Park provides hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a lake for swimming and fishing, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

The cost of living in Greenville is below the state and national average. Housing expenses are especially significantly lower. Also, it has a strong job market, which we expect to keep growing. The city also has a thriving farm-to-table food scene.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

If you have been craving beachfront living, you will love your new life in Virginia Beach. Its beauty and relaxed ambiance are things you cannot enjoy on a weekend; move here for the life you deserve. In this city, you will endlessly enjoy wide sandy beaches, a 38-mile coastline, and a mild climate.

Spend your weekends lounging on the beach or strolling along the 3-mile boardwalk. First Landing State Park, with its hiking trails and picnic areas, is another excellent spot. There are many other cultural and historical attractions that you can visit to immerse yourself in this beautiful city.

Regarding safety, Virginia Beach has lower crime rates than other comparable destinations.

While housing, transportation and groceries are slightly cheaper than the national average, the cost of utilities can be up to 11% higher than the national average. This is still decent for someone looking for a destination with a reasonable cost of living.

SmartAsset also ranked Virginia Beach as the second-best city in the U.S. in terms of work-life balance, which is a good sign for anyone looking to escape the work-till-you-drop cycle.