Key Details:
- According to RentCafe’s 2024 report, 139 U.S. metros were ranked based on factors like cost of living, quality of life, and community spirit to determine the most livable cities.
- Leading the list are Portland, ME, and Lincoln, NE, celebrated for their affordability and vibrant communities.
Affordability isn’t everything. But in today’s market, it can definitely make a city stand out—especially for first-time buyers.
That said, even first-timers want more from their home purchase than a place they can afford.
Quality of life and a supportive community are both factors buyers consider when shopping for a place to live. And repeat buyers want to know how their destination of choice stacks up against other options, including the area they’ve grown accustomed to.
A new RentCafe report highlights the most livable U.S. cities, based on 17 key metrics, with some standing out for their socioeconomic profile, quality of life, or strong sense of community.
At the top of the list of homes ranked by their overall livability is Portland, ME, followed by Lincoln, NE, and Des Moines, IA.
Read on for the highlights.
Top 10 Metro Areas for Overall Livability
Overall livability takes in all the factors that make a city somewhere you’d want to live, including:
- Quality of life
- Low (or manageable) cost of living
- Close-knit community
- Attractive community amenities
- Easily accessible medical centers
- High-quality schools
Buyers also look for features that support their chosen lifestyle, like 24-7 gyms, easy access to nature, and stores that provide the staple items for their household.
That said, when money is tight, buyers tend to focus more on the must-haves and less on the nice-to-haves—as much with their new neighborhood as with the home they buy.
RentCafe’s analysis ranked 139 metros using 17 metrics to assess each location’s livability based on key factors like the ones listed above.
Here are the top-ranking cities for overall livability.
#1: Portland, ME
- Ranked #1 overall for livability.
- Ranked 5th for quality of life, 5th for location and community.
- Strong in higher education, health care, and fresh food sources.
- Historic port area
- Diverse healthcare providers
- Ideal for fitness enthusiasts, foodies, and young professionals.
#2: Lincoln, NE
- Ranked #2 for location and community (as well as overall livability).
- Cost of living is 6% below the national average.
- Strong job market
- Known for social clubs and a close-knit community.
- Best for budget-conscious professionals and social butterflies.
#3: Des Moines, IA
- Ranked #1 in location and community, #12 in socioeconomics.
- Cost of living is 12% below the national average.
- Healthy food sources
- Lively festival scene
- A family-friendly area with a strong focus on sustainability.
#4: Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
- Ranked 14th in quality of life and 15th in socioeconomics.
- Cost of living is 6% below the national average
- Strong focus on hospitality and physical well-being (possibly due to the weather)
- Major cultural hub
- Best for culture vultures who love visiting museums, students with a passion for theater, and anyone who prioritizes health and fitness.
#5: Ann Arbor, MI
- Ranked #2 for quality of life and #17 for location and community
- Beautiful landscapes and green spaces
- Exciting opportunities for exercise/fitness
- Strong focus on healthcare and healthy living
- Easy access to healthy/organic food
- Best for fitness warriors and food lovers looking for more health-conscious friends
#6: Milwaukee, WI
- Ranked #4 for quality of life and 28th for location and community
- Strong emphasis on physical well-being
- Family-friendly environment
- Commitment to sustainability
- Best for the eco-conscious and for families who encourage healthy habits in their children
#7: Washington, D.C.
- Ranked #4 in quality of life and 26th for location and community
- World-renowned cultural institutions
- Excellent healthcare options
- Abundance of outdoor activities and green spaces
- Best for academics with a passion for history and career-driven professionals
#8: Pittsburgh, PA
- Ranked #3 for location and community and 33rd for quality of life
- Higher-than-average number of college-educated residents
- Abundance of healthy food sources
- Steady income growth
- Strong sense of community
- Perfect for artists drawn to the city’s architecture, young professionals, and families keen on living a healthier lifestyle
#9: Green Bay, WI
- Ranked #4 for socioeconomics and 14th for location and community
- Affordability plus strong sense of community
- Cost of living is 8% below the national average
- Picturesque natural surroundings
- Family-friendly attractions
- Perfect for families wanting a laid back, friendly environment and those looking for a supportive, close-knit community
#10: Harrisburg, PA
- Ranked #4 for location and community and 30th for socioeconomics
- Beautiful scenic landscapes with loads of outdoor fun
- Thriving cultural scene
- Abundance of healthy food options
- Ideal for nature lovers looking for outdoor adventures, history buffs, and anyone looking for a welcoming place to call home
It’s also worth noting that the top 10 includes three Wisconsin metros, which reflects the state’s winning combination of economic opportunities and high-quality education.
The Midwest accounts for nine of the 20 most livable cities:
- Lincoln, NE (#2)
- Des Moines, IA (#3)
- Minneapolis (#4)
- Ann Arbor, MI (#5)
- Milwaukee (#6)
- Green Bay, WI (#9)
- Madison, WI (#12)
- Omaha, NE (#15)
- Indianapolis, IN (#16)
Three of the top 20 are in Western states (CA, WA, and CO), while eight are in the Northeast:
- Portland, ME (#1)
- Washington, D.C. (#7)
- Pittsburgh, PA (#8)
- Harrisburg, PA (#10)
- Manchester, NH (#11)
- Albany, NY (#13)
- Boston, MA (#17)
- Providence, RI (#19)
Read the full report on RentCafe for more information, including metro-level data and methodology.
