Content Index
People move for all kinds of reasons—whether it’s for better job opportunities, a more affordable lifestyle, or simply a fresh start. Each year, US News & World Report helps those considering a move by ranking 150 U.S. cities based on things like housing costs, job markets, quality of life, and school systems.
For 2025, Johns Creek, Georgia, took the top spot, thanks to its booming job market and high desirability score. That score looks at factors like weather, cultural access, and average commute times.
Here’s a look at the top 15 best cities to live in the U.S. this year—places where people enjoy a great mix of career opportunities, affordable living, and a solid lifestyle.
15. Pflugerville, Texas
- Population: 66,819
- Median Home Price: $395,300
- Average Rent: $2,195
- Median Income: $112,656
- Why People Love It: Just outside Austin, Pflugerville offers over 56 miles of trails and Lake Pflugerville. Locals also enjoy the Typhoon Texas Waterpark.
14. Flower Mound, Texas
- Population: 79,990
- Median Home Price: $645,600
- Average Rent: $2,890
- Median Income: $157,737
- Why People Love It: Named after a wildflower-covered hill, this Dallas suburb is loved for its small-town feel, excellent schools, and fun community events.
13. Ellicott City, Maryland
- Population: 75,947
- Median Home Price: $769,000
- Average Rent: $2,812
- Median Income: $157,891
- Why People Love It: Just outside Baltimore, Ellicott City is full of 19th-century charm, unique museums, and the country’s oldest surviving railroad station.
12. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
- Population: 122,756
- Median Home Price: $355,000
- Average Rent: $1,750
- Median Income: $85,220
- Why People Love It: This suburb of Tulsa is rooted in Native American history and hosts the long-running Rooster Days Festival.
11. Sammamish, Washington
- Population: 66,474
- Median Home Price: $1.9 million
- Average Rent: $3,845
- Median Income: $227,273
- Why People Love It: Located near Seattle, Sammamish is surrounded by lakes and forests. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers and ranks low in climate risk.
10. Troy, Michigan
- Population: 89,209
- Median Home Price: $462,500
- Average Rent: $2,200
- Median Income: $119,299
- Why People Love It: Near Detroit, Troy is a hub for auto industry jobs. It also features Somerset Collection, a luxury shopping center.
9. Rochester Hills, Michigan
- Population: 78,330
- Median Home Price: $467,000
- Average Rent: $1,800
- Median Income: $119,054
- Why People Love It: A scenic place with trails, a cider mill, and a lively amphitheater scene—Rochester Hills offers year-round fun.
8. Leander, Texas
- Population: 87,511
- Median Home Price: $403,800
- Average Rent: $2,195
- Median Income: $140,180
- Why People Love It: One of the country’s fastest-growing cities, Leander is just outside Austin and boasts strong schools and natural beauty.
7. Apex, North Carolina
- Population: 75,977
- Median Home Price: $596,000
- Average Rent: $2,250
- Median Income: $138,442
- Why People Love It: With a booming job market and proximity to Raleigh, Apex is small in size but big on opportunity.
6. League City, Texas
- Population: 118,456
- Median Home Price: $343,800
- Average Rent: $2,200
- Median Income: $119,870
- Why People Love It: Just outside Houston and close to the Gulf Coast, League City scores high for value and lifestyle.
5. Cary, North Carolina
- Population: 182,659
- Median Home Price: $701,500
- Average Rent: $2,120
- Median Income: $129,399
- Why People Love It: Part of the Research Triangle, Cary is a magnet for professionals thanks to a great job market and easy living.
4. Fishers, Indiana
- Population: 103,986
- Median Home Price: $406,400
- Average Rent: $2,175
- Median Income: $128,141
- Why People Love It: Just outside Indianapolis, Fishers is drawing attention for its rising number of tech jobs and community growth.
3. Pearland, Texas
- Population: 129,620
- Median Home Price: $368,900
- Average Rent: $2,300
- Median Income: $112,470
- Why People Love It: Pearland has exploded in population and popularity. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and close to Houston.
2. Carmel, Indiana
- Population: 103,606
- Median Home Price: $516,600
- Average Rent: $2,199
- Median Income: $134,602
- Why People Love It: With a walkable arts district, beautiful trails, and viral high school amenities, Carmel is both fun and functional.
1. Johns Creek, Georgia
- Population: 81,167
- Median Home Price: $637,500
- Average Rent: $2,750
- Median Income: $160,185
- Why People Love It: Just north of Atlanta, Johns Creek is known for safety, job growth, and its top “desirability” score. Fun fact: It only became a city in 2006.