List of the most livable US cities in 2023

There are several factors to take into account when thinking about moving, including housing costs, transport options, and proximity to family.

If you have kids in your family, the number of variables significantly expands. What kind of schools are there? How long is the daycare waiting list? How is the air quality typically?

Although it might be difficult to identify an affordable location that satisfies all of these criteria, remote and hybrid work arrangements have made it easier for many families to migrate and enhance their quality of life.

Niche, a data analysis company, used Census data, surveys, and other info sources to list the best cities in the U.S. based on factors like cost of living, safety, school quality, nightlife, walkability, outdoor activities, and more.

1. Cambridge, Massachusetts

With a population of around 117,000, Cambridge, Massachusetts, tops the list. The city, which is also the home to Harvard University,  “offers residents an urban feel” because of its abundance of pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

2. Arlington, Virginia

Arlington, Virginia, which improved from fourth in 2022, is in second place. Arlington scores low for housing affordability (median home value: $755,800), but the best possible grade for public schools, family friendliness, and nightlife.

3. The Woodlands, Texas

The Woodlands, which is near Houston, claimed the top spot in 2022 but fell to third in 2023. In The Woodlands, which “offers residents a dense suburban feel” and has a lot of restaurants and parks, the majority of individuals own their homes. “Newcomers always point out the excess greenery and ask how we locals can find anything, but I have no problem with all the trees because the town is so well-organized,” one person wrote in the study’s comments.

4. Naperville, Illinois

The fourth-placed city, Naperville, Illinois, has about 150,000 residents. According to Niche, the city, and schools are excellent, but the Chicago suburb only scored a “B+” for nightlife and a “B-” for crime and safety.

5. Columbia, Maryland

Columbia, Maryland is listed fifth. According to Niche, the city, which boasts a population of roughly 105,000, is home to many families and young professionals, and the public schools are top-notch.

Here’s the list of the top 20 livable cities in the US

“Conscious of changing mortgage rates, home buyers are taking advantage of any rate declines,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Moreover, we’re seeing stronger sales gains in areas where home prices are decreasing and the local economies are adding jobs.”