The 15 Best Places to Live in the United States in 2025, Ranked

Population of the metro area: 66,819

Median home price: $395,300

Average monthly rent: $2,195

Median household income: $112,656

Known for: A growing area outside Austin, Pflugerville has more than 56 miles of recreational trails, including those surrounding the 180-acre Lake Pflugerville. The nearby Typhoon Texas Waterpark is also an annual draw for locals and visitors alike.

Population of the metro area: 79,990

Median home price: $645,600

Average monthly rent: $2,890

Median household income: $157,737

Known for: Named for a local hill covered in wildflowers, the Dallas suburb of Flower Mound is known for its small-town charm just outside the big city. The area boasts a strong public school system and a robust calendar of community events, including a summer concert series.

Population of the metro area: 75,947 (as of 2020)

Median home price: $769,000

Average monthly rent: $2,812

Median household income: $157,891

Known for: Under 30 minutes from the bustle of Baltimore sits quaint Ellicott City. Several buildings from the 19th century remain, and there are museums dedicated to everything from turn-of-the-century firefighting to the country’s oldest surviving railroad station.

Population of the metro area: 122,756

Median home price: $355,000

Average monthly rent: $1,750

Median household income: $85,220

Known for: One of Tulsa’s suburbs, Broken Arrow has long connections to the Muscogee people, who settled in the area after the US government forced them to move from Alabama along the Trail of Tears in the 1830s. Today, its downtown has boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and an annual festival, Rooster Days, that’s been held for over 90 years.

Population of the metro area: 66,474

Median home price: $1.9 million

Average monthly rent: $3,845

Median household income: $227,273

Climate Vulnerability Index: 1st percentile, lowest vulnerability

Known for: This picturesque city, home to both the glittering Lake Sammamish and verdant forests, is just a short drive from Seattle. Locals enjoy recreational activities including boating, fishing, and hiking in its multiple parks.

Population of the metro area: 89,209

Median home price: $462,500

Average monthly rent: $2,200

Median household income: $119,299

Known for: Not far from Detroit, Troy is home to many companies that support the automotive industry. Somerset Collection is the city’s mall, where you’ll find upscale stores including Christian Louboutin, Rolex, Versace, and more.

Population of the metro area: 78,330

Median home price: $467,000

Average monthly rent: $1,800

Median household income: $119,054

Known for: With a charming downtown, plenty of nature trails, and a popular cider mill, Rochester Hills has activities for all of Michigan’s four seasons. Meadow Brook Amphitheater brings in an eclectic mix of summer concerts, from big-name bands to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Population of the metro area: 87,511

Median home price: $403,800

Average monthly rent: $2,195

Median household income: $140,180

Known for: One of the fastest-growing spots in the county, Leander draws people with its good schools and natural beauty. It’s a 30-minute drive or a commuter-rail ride from Austin.

Population of the metro area: 75,977

Median home price: $596,000

Average monthly rent: $2,250

Median household income: $138,442

Known for: Apex, North Carolina, a 25-minute drive to Raleigh, is one of the smaller cities on the list, by population, but has a better job market than the national average, according to US News.

Population of the metro area: 118,456

Median home price: $343,800

Average monthly rent: $2,200

Median household income: $119,870

Known for: League City, Texas, is about 26 miles south of Houston and only 30 miles from beaches along the Gulf. It rated highly for value and desirability, according to US News.

Population of the metro area: 182,659

Median home price: $701,500

Average monthly rent: $2,120

Median household income: $129,399

Known for: A suburb of Raleigh, Cary is part of North Carolina’s research triangle and attracts people from all over the country — and world — for its robust job market and laid-back lifestyle.

Population of the metro area: 103,986

Median home price: $406,400

Average monthly rent: $2,175

Median household income: $128,141

Known for: Located about 20 miles outside Indianapolis, Fishers has a growing number of tech jobs.

Population of the metro area: 129,620

Median home price: $368,900

Average monthly rent: $2,300

Median household income: $112,470

Known for: One of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, Pearland has had its population increase from approximately 19,000 residents to over 100,000 in the last 20 years. It’s a suburb of Houston.

Population of the metro area: 103,606

Median home price: $516,600

Average monthly rent: $2,199

Median household income: $134,602

Known for: Carmel, which has a nice civic square, an art and design district, and a network of walking and biking trails, has recently drawn new residents. In 2023, a TikTok video that showed off the local high school’s swanky facilities, from big athletic facilities to a radio studio to a café, went viral.

Population of the metro area: 81,167

Median home price: $637,500

Average monthly rent: $2,750

Median household income: $160,185

Known for: About 40 minutes north of Atlanta, Johns Creek is the 10th largest city in Georgia and the safest. Fun fact: It wasn’t incorporated until 2006.