Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Our data-driven rankings analyze housing affordability, safety, commute times, walkability, and purchasing power using transparent, citable public data sources.
WhereAtHome Score Methodology
Transparent, weighted composite of available public data. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled. Learn more
Rankings — Page 3 of 40
Click any city name to view detailed profile and score breakdown
| # | City | Pop. | Home Value | Income | Commute | Crime | Walk | CoL | Lean | Score ▼ | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Algonquin, IL | 30,134 (2023) | $422,303 (2026) | $129,658 (2022) | 32.8 min | Low | 26 | 116 | R+5.3 | 74.9 | C |
| 102 | Aliso Viejo, CA | 50,263 (2023) | $1,005,543 (2026) | $131,708 (2022) | 25.3 min | Low | 35 | 177 | D+2.6 | 67.6 | D+ |
| 103 | Allen, TX | 111,620 (2023) | $493,450 (2026) | $121,259 (2022) | 27 min | Low | 35 | 122 | R+11.2 | 74.1 | C |
| 104 | Altoona, IA | 21,698 (2023) | $321,727 (2026) | $89,100 (2022) | 23.1 min | Low | — | 99 | D+10.9 | 75.4 | C |
| 105 | American Fork, UT | 38,549 (2023) | $529,134 (2026) | $90,490 (2022) | 21.4 min | Low | 32 | 120 | R+39.8 | 72 | C- |
| 106 | Ann Arbor, MI | 123,851 (2024) | $536,036 (2026) | $73,018 (2023) | 20.8 min | Low | 57 | 114 | D+44.4 | 72.9 | C- |
| 107 | Ansonia, CT | 19,008 (2023) | $387,219 (2026) | $67,474 (2022) | 24.4 min | Low | 38 | 111 | — | 73.2 | C |
| 108 | Arlington, VA | 238,643 (2024) | $815,538 (2026) | $137,387 (2023) | 28.2 min | Low | 69 | 151 | D+58.6 | 72.2 | C- |
| 109 | Athens, OH | 24,673 (2023) | $250,164 (2026) | $34,493 (2022) | 16.2 min | Low | 78 | 96 | D+10.8 | 80.9 | B- |
| 110 | Auburn, AL | 82,025 (2023) | $423,354 (2026) | $55,509 (2022) | 19 min | Low | 28 | 104 | R+27.8 | 71.7 | C- |
| 111 | Avon, IN | 24,231 (2023) | $359,850 (2026) | $98,162 (2022) | 26.4 min | Low | — | 104 | R+21.5 | 73.7 | C |
| 112 | Avon, OH | 25,403 (2023) | $483,313 (2026) | $128,087 (2022) | 26.1 min | Low | 14 | 115 | R+5.7 | 73.5 | C |
| 113 | Ballwin, MO | 30,410 (2023) | $417,520 (2026) | $118,647 (2022) | 24.8 min | Low | 20 | 111 | D+23.4 | 75.7 | C |
| 114 | Batavia, IL | 26,235 (2023) | $472,001 (2026) | $113,824 (2022) | 29.6 min | Low | 29 | 117 | D+9.4 | 72.9 | C- |
| 115 | Battle Ground, WA | 22,285 (2023) | $608,297 (2026) | $94,360 (2022) | 30.8 min | Low | 32 | 125 | D+7.0 | 68.3 | D+ |
| 116 | Beavercreek, OH | 47,193 (2023) | $338,786 (2026) | $108,140 (2022) | 19.6 min | Low | 18 | 102 | R+19.8 | 79.3 | C+ |
| 117 | Bedford, TX | 48,370 (2023) | $376,909 (2026) | $80,924 (2022) | 24.8 min | Low | 44 | 106 | R+5.1 | 75.5 | C |
| 118 | Bellevue, NE | 63,922 (2023) | $302,154 (2026) | $79,839 (2022) | 20.9 min | Low | 33 | 97 | R+11.7 | 78.9 | C+ |
| 119 | Belton, TX | 25,171 (2023) | $315,954 (2026) | $57,025 (2022) | 19.8 min | Low | 30 | 96 | R+16.2 | 75.4 | C |
| 120 | Benbrook, TX | 24,336 (2023) | $319,457 (2026) | $80,971 (2022) | 23.7 min | Low | 24 | 104 | R+5.1 | 76.5 | C |
| 121 | Benicia, CA | 26,429 (2023) | $784,805 (2026) | $124,375 (2022) | 33.5 min | Low | 34 | 168 | D+23.0 | 66.9 | D |
| 122 | Berwyn, IL | 54,414 (2023) | $319,912 (2026) | $71,300 (2022) | 30 min | Low | 75 | 106 | D+42.0 | 78.1 | C+ |
| 123 | Bethel Park, PA | 32,398 (2023) | $308,174 (2026) | $102,177 (2022) | 27.7 min | Low | 31 | 102 | D+20.3 | 79.4 | C+ |
| 124 | Bettendorf, IA | 39,858 (2023) | $340,599 (2026) | $100,570 (2022) | 19.6 min | Low | 29 | 103 | R+3.9 | 79.3 | C+ |
| 125 | Biloxi, MS | 48,235 (2023) | $237,901 (2026) | $55,775 (2022) | 21.1 min | Low | 31 | 95 | R+28.9 | 79.4 | C+ |
| 126 | Birmingham, MI | 21,434 (2023) | $755,859 (2026) | $151,556 (2022) | 20.7 min | Low | 60 | 146 | D+10.6 | 75.1 | C |
| 127 | Blacksburg, VA | 45,485 (2023) | $425,635 (2026) | $42,012 (2022) | 14.9 min | Low | 43 | 119 | D+3.5 | 72.5 | C- |
| 128 | Blaine, MN | 73,774 (2023) | $386,572 (2026) | $100,659 (2022) | 25 min | Low | 23 | 112 | R+4.4 | 75.2 | C |
| 129 | Bloomingdale, IL | 22,298 (2023) | $442,218 (2026) | $96,779 (2022) | 27 min | Low | 43 | 118 | D+13.3 | 74.1 | C |
| 130 | Bluffton, SC | 35,243 (2023) | $500,470 (2026) | $99,575 (2022) | 24.7 min | Low | 63 | 120 | R+14.5 | 75.3 | C |
| 131 | Boerne, TX | 21,774 (2023) | $562,046 (2026) | $82,982 (2022) | 24 min | Low | — | 121 | R+55.7 | 67.2 | D+ |
| 132 | Boise, ID | 237,963 (2024) | $507,649 (2026) | $82,500 (2023) | 19.1 min | Low | 38 | 104 | R+10.3 | 73.2 | C |
| 133 | Bonita Springs, FL | 56,229 (2023) | $504,875 (2026) | $84,668 (2022) | 23.8 min | Low | 19 | 121 | R+28.4 | 70.2 | C- |
| 134 | Boone, NC | 19,811 (2023) | $491,253 (2026) | $28,242 (2022) | 13.8 min | Low | 49 | 109 | D+6.0 | 71.1 | C- |
| 135 | Bothell, WA | 50,213 (2023) | $1,015,871 (2026) | $127,944 (2022) | 30.2 min | Low | 29 | 162 | D+51.7 | 65.7 | D |
| 136 | Bountiful, UT | 44,144 (2023) | $578,077 (2026) | $96,060 (2022) | 22.4 min | Low | 37 | 120 | R+24.9 | 71.7 | C- |
| 137 | Bowling Green, OH | 30,384 (2023) | $269,081 (2026) | $41,346 (2022) | 18.2 min | Low | 43 | 94 | R+10.2 | 77.2 | C+ |
| 138 | Brandon, MS | 25,719 (2023) | $291,089 (2026) | $89,051 (2022) | 25.6 min | Low | 11 | 98 | R+47.1 | 77.5 | C+ |
| 139 | Brentwood, TN | 45,265 (2023) | $1,402,029 (2026) | $181,576 (2022) | 26.3 min | Low | 4 | 166 | R+32.4 | 64.4 | D |
| 140 | Bristol, CT | 61,601 (2023) | $352,168 (2026) | $82,094 (2022) | 25.4 min | Low | 33 | 110 | — | 75.4 | C |
| 141 | Brookfield, WI | 41,884 (2023) | $533,966 (2026) | $121,837 (2022) | 20.9 min | Low | 20 | 121 | R+19.8 | 73.5 | C |
| 142 | Brookings, SD | 24,312 (2023) | $327,724 (2026) | $57,824 (2022) | 12.6 min | Low | 39 | 97 | R+17.4 | 77.7 | C+ |
| 143 | Brownsburg, IN | 32,250 (2023) | $362,536 (2026) | $101,883 (2022) | 23.4 min | Low | 21 | 103 | R+21.5 | 76.7 | C |
| 144 | Brunswick, OH | 35,072 (2023) | $323,713 (2026) | $81,780 (2022) | 27.6 min | Low | 22 | 96 | R+24.8 | 75.3 | C |
| 145 | Burlington, VT | 45,445 (2024) | $516,143 (2026) | $62,078 (2023) | 18.6 min | Low | 63 | 122 | D+53.6 | 73.4 | C |
| 146 | Caledonia, WI | 25,326 (2023) | $392,377 (2026) | $90,346 (2022) | 25.7 min | Low | 10 | 102 | R+6.2 | 72.7 | C- |
| 147 | Camarillo, CA | 69,514 (2023) | $922,464 (2026) | $105,141 (2022) | 23.2 min | Low | 43 | 174 | D+15.1 | 68.1 | D+ |
| 148 | Cambridge, MA | 117,090 (2024) | $1,055,780 (2026) | $115,892 (2023) | 27.8 min | Low | 87 | 172 | D+39.5 | 70.6 | C- |
| 149 | Carol Stream, IL | 38,966 (2023) | $388,952 (2026) | $103,525 (2022) | 29.3 min | Low | 36 | 113 | D+13.3 | 75.4 | C |
| 150 | Carpentersville, IL | 37,099 (2023) | $298,938 (2026) | $82,866 (2022) | 31.3 min | Low | 31 | 102 | D+9.4 | 76.4 | C |
Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Zillow Home Value Index, FBI Crime Data Explorer, WalkScore.com, Niche.com, MIT Election Data + Science Lab (county-level 2024 presidential results)
Note: Population and income data reflect latest ACS estimates (2024). Home values reflect 2026 market data. Available crime and walkability observations are current as of 2026. Coverage varies by city; an em dash (—) means data is pending. Lean is the city's county 2024 presidential margin (R+ or D+), shown for context only — it is not part of the WhereAtHome Score.
Detailed City Profiles
101 Algonquin, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$422,303
Population
30,134
Crime
Low
Walk Score
26
102 Aliso Viejo, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,005,543
Population
50,263
Crime
Low
Walk Score
35
103 Allen, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$493,450
Population
111,620
Crime
Low
Walk Score
35
104 Altoona, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$321,727
Population
21,698
Crime
Low
Median Income
$89,100
105 American Fork, UT
Small Utah city with local appeal
Median Home
$529,134
Population
38,549
Crime
Low
Walk Score
32
106 Ann Arbor, MI
A quintessential college town with big-city culture
Median Home
$536,036
Population
123,851
Crime
Low
Schools
A
107 Ansonia, CT
Small Connecticut city with local appeal
Median Home
$387,219
Population
19,008
Crime
Low
Walk Score
38
108 Arlington, VA
Urban walkability meets federal opportunity
Median Home
$815,538
Population
238,643
Crime
Low
Schools
A
109 Athens, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$250,164
Population
24,673
Crime
Low
Walk Score
78
110 Auburn, AL
Alabama community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$423,354
Population
82,025
Crime
Low
Walk Score
28
111 Avon, IN
Small Indiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$359,850
Population
24,231
Crime
Low
Median Income
$98,162
112 Avon, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$483,313
Population
25,403
Crime
Low
Walk Score
14
113 Ballwin, MO
Small Missouri city with local appeal
Median Home
$417,520
Population
30,410
Crime
Low
Walk Score
20
114 Batavia, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$472,001
Population
26,235
Crime
Low
Walk Score
29
115 Battle Ground, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$608,297
Population
22,285
Crime
Low
Walk Score
32
116 Beavercreek, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$338,786
Population
47,193
Crime
Low
Walk Score
18
117 Bedford, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$376,909
Population
48,370
Crime
Low
Walk Score
44
118 Bellevue, NE
Nebraska community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$302,154
Population
63,922
Crime
Low
Walk Score
33
119 Belton, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$315,954
Population
25,171
Crime
Low
Walk Score
30
Benbrook, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$319,457
Population
24,336
Crime
Low
Walk Score
24
121 Benicia, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$784,805
Population
26,429
Crime
Low
Walk Score
34
122 Berwyn, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$319,912
Population
54,414
Crime
Low
Walk Score
75
123 Bethel Park, PA
Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal
Median Home
$308,174
Population
32,398
Crime
Low
Walk Score
31
124 Bettendorf, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$340,599
Population
39,858
Crime
Low
Walk Score
29
125 Biloxi, MS
Small Mississippi city with local appeal
Median Home
$237,901
Population
48,235
Crime
Low
Walk Score
31
126 Birmingham, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$755,859
Population
21,434
Crime
Low
Walk Score
60
127 Blacksburg, VA
Small Virginia city with local appeal
Median Home
$425,635
Population
45,485
Crime
Low
Walk Score
43
128 Blaine, MN
Minnesota community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$386,572
Population
73,774
Crime
Low
Walk Score
23
Bloomingdale, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$442,218
Population
22,298
Crime
Low
Walk Score
43
130 Bluffton, SC
Small South Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$500,470
Population
35,243
Crime
Low
Walk Score
63
131 Boerne, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$562,046
Population
21,774
Crime
Low
Median Income
$82,982
132 Boise, ID
Mountain living meets urban opportunity
Median Home
$507,649
Population
237,963
Crime
Low
Schools
B+
133 Bonita Springs, FL
Florida community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$504,875
Population
56,229
Crime
Low
Walk Score
19
134 Boone, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$491,253
Population
19,811
Crime
Low
Walk Score
49
135 Bothell, WA
Washington community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,015,871
Population
50,213
Crime
Low
Walk Score
29
136 Bountiful, UT
Small Utah city with local appeal
Median Home
$578,077
Population
44,144
Crime
Low
Walk Score
37
137 Bowling Green, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$269,081
Population
30,384
Crime
Low
Walk Score
43
138 Brandon, MS
Small Mississippi city with local appeal
Median Home
$291,089
Population
25,719
Crime
Low
Walk Score
11
139 Brentwood, TN
Small Tennessee city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,402,029
Population
45,265
Crime
Low
Walk Score
4
140 Bristol, CT
Connecticut community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$352,168
Population
61,601
Crime
Low
Walk Score
33
141 Brookfield, WI
Small Wisconsin city with local appeal
Median Home
$533,966
Population
41,884
Crime
Low
Walk Score
20
142 Brookings, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$327,724
Population
24,312
Crime
Low
Walk Score
39
143 Brownsburg, IN
Small Indiana city with local appeal
Median Home
$362,536
Population
32,250
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
144 Brunswick, OH
Small Ohio city with local appeal
Median Home
$323,713
Population
35,072
Crime
Low
Walk Score
22
145 Burlington, VT
Green Mountain paradise on Lake Champlain
Median Home
$516,143
Population
45,445
Crime
Low
Schools
B+
146 Caledonia, WI
Small Wisconsin city with local appeal
Median Home
$392,377
Population
25,326
Crime
Low
Walk Score
10
147 Camarillo, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$922,464
Population
69,514
Crime
Low
Walk Score
43
148 Cambridge, MA
Academic powerhouse across the Charles
Median Home
$1,055,780
Population
117,090
Crime
Low
Schools
A
149 Carol Stream, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$388,952
Population
38,966
Crime
Low
Walk Score
36
150 Carpentersville, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$298,938
Population
37,099
Crime
Low
Walk Score
31