In this article, we will take a look at the 30 most livable cities in the US in 2024 while exploring some of their notable features.
Factors Gauging Livability Around the US
The decision to call a new place home is influenced by several factors including the cost of living, career prospects, quality of healthcare, crime rate, climate, preferred lifestyle, and proximity to work, family, and friends. Movement patterns of Americans across the US revealed by the US Census Bureau indicate that the most general reason for choosing a new destination for living among Americans was related to housing, for instance wanting a better house or apartment, the need for home ownership, or cheaper housing. Housing reasons accounted for 41.6% of the movers. Simultaneously, 26.5% of Americans moved due to family reasons, 16.1% shifted for employment, and 15.9% changed their place of living for other reasons like attending or leaving college, relationship with an unmarried partner, health, or change of climate. You can also view some of the best places to live in the US for quality of life.
Real Estate in the Most Desirable City
NYC is one of the most sought-after living destinations which heeds the attention of many Americans. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) serves as a leading real estate investment trust that has a strong presence in the New York City metropolitan area. The company develops, redevelops, acquires, and manages apartment communities across 12 US states and Washington, DC. Based on the different needs of the US renter market, the company has four apartment community brands including Avalon, AVA, eaves by Avalon, and Kanso.
Through its rental apartments for tenants, the company tends to focus on some of the leading US metropolitan areas with high-wage employment and a thriving quality of life including New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California. Thus, it attracts quality renters to these desirable locations thereby enabling a stable rental income. With the rising demand for rental properties, the company’s emphasis on rental properties emerges as its strength.
As of March 31, the REIT owns or has interest in 299 apartment communities comprising 90,673 apartment homes. 17 development communities with 6,064 apartment homes and 59,000 square feet of commercial space remained under construction which gives the company an additional opportunity for generating rents. During the first quarter of 2024, the company’s robust financial performance was backed up by the strong Same Store total revenue climbed 4.3% as compared to the prior year period. Simultaneously, Same Store Residential revenue grew by 4.2% to $669.227 million.
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) is well positioned as it moves into the prime leasing season while home prices remain high. The National Association of Realtors revealed that the national median existing-home price hit a record high of $419,300 in May which has restricted home sales in the busiest spring homebuying season. With expensive homes, tenants continue choosing to live in apartments. Given the dynamics of the current US housing market where homeownership is out of sight for many, the company strengthens upon this difference between the high cost of owning versus renting in its markets. During Q1 2024, only 7% of the residents moved out of the firm’s communities to buy a home which is far lower than the long-term average of 16% to 17%. The company expects to achieve higher rental rates after successfully accomplishing higher occupancy in the year’s beginning. Strong revenue performance has also been projected for Seattle, New England, and Metro New York.
Without further ado, let’s move to the 30 most livable cities in the US in 2024. Meanwhile, you can view the best residential real estate stocks to buy.
30 Most Livable Cities in the US in 2024
Our Methodology:
In order to compile a list of the 30 most livable cities in the US in 2024, we did a sentiment analysis on Reddit. First, we aggregated the list of the most livable US cities by sifting through 5 online rankings. Next, we used Reddit to find 15 threads that asked people about the best cities to live in the world. We read and analyzed all the comments and added the upvotes for each city on our list. Lastly, we shortlisted the cities that had at least a total of 150 upvotes and ranked those on our list in ascending order of the total upvotes on Reddit.
Note: This list is not exhaustive and does not reflect our opinion. The ranking is solely based on the opinions of Reddit users.
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30 Most Livable Cities in the US in 2024
30. Minneapolis
Upvotes: 161
The city of Minneapolis is based in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It is also referred to as the City of Lakes and is especially a great destination for nature lovers to settle in.
29. Seattle
Upvotes: 169
Positioned on the West Coast of the United States is Seattle which ranks on our list of the most livable cities in the United States. The city has a lot to offer in terms of employment opportunities, natural scenery, food scene, and distinct neighborhoods that are also pedestrian-friendly.
28. San Diego
Upvotes: 170
San Diego is a populous city situated in California. The year-round mild weather and the extensive outdoor recreation opportunities make the city quite known as a place to live as well as a tourist destination.
27. Providence
Upvotes: 175
Providence serves as the capital of Rhode Island and one of the oldest cities in New England. The city has been deemed as a good place to live which is culturally diverse and boasts a high quality of life.
26. Pittsburgh
Upvotes: 178
Pittsburgh is located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The city has been frequently referred to as one of the most livable cities in the US which has something for everyone. It offers a blend of the vibe of a big city and a small town.
25. Miami
Upvotes: 187
The coastal city of Miami is a part of Florida. The city has some of the most beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife to offer. It is also known to be really diverse.
24. Boise
Upvotes: 193
The state of Idaho hosts the city of Boise which is again a livable US city. The state’s capital boasts a strong sense of community and a booming job market. Outdoor enthusiasts can especially enjoy living in Boise.
23. Cincinnati
Upvotes: 204
Cincinnati is an Ohio-based city that ranks 23rd on our list of the most livable cities in the US in 2024. The city’s arts scene is vibrant while its scenic beauty is something that should be witnessed.
22. Detroit
Upvotes: 212
Detroit is situated in the state of Michigan. Residents of Detroit can enjoy a multitude of entertainment options and a low cost of living.
21. New Orleans
Upvotes: 217
New Orleans is positioned in the southeastern region of Louisiana. The city’s music scene, festivals, and Creole cuisine make it quite popular.
20. Salt Lake City
Upvotes: 226
The capital of Utah, Salt Lake City, ranks among the 30 most livable cities in the US in 2024. The city has also been recommended for young professionals. Those who prefer an outdoorsy lifestyle can also resort to the city.
19. Milwaukee
Upvotes: 233
Milwaukee is based in Wisconsin. The city is culturally diverse. Residents can enjoy a thriving music and arts scene in addition to a vibrant nightlife.
18. Asheville
Upvotes: 235
The city of Asheville is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina. It has been cited to be one of the best places to live in the United States based on outdoor recreation, welcoming neighborhoods, and a lively music scene.
17. Boulder
Upvotes: 244
Boulder is a popular college town based in Colorado which has a high quality of life to offer. Apart from being an attraction among students, it enables access to nature for those who prefer the outdoors.
16. Ann Arbor
Upvotes: 249
The city of Ann Arbor ranks 16th among the most livable US cities. It is home to the popular University of Michigan. The city has been deemed friendly and a good place for families.
15. Denver
Upvotes: 254
The capital of Colorado, Denver, is another livable US city. The Mile High City is known for its elevation. Denver is considered a great fit for those who love nature.
14. Cleveland
Upvotes: 257
Cleveland is situated in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. While natural beauty is one of the attractions in Cleveland, affordable housing makes the city an even better option to settle in.
13. Grand Rapids
Upvotes: 263
The Michigan-based city Grand Rapids ranks as another city considered to be a good place to reside in the US. Residents of the city have mentioned it as a place where there is a lot to do. The downtown is also walkable and fun.
12. Kansas City
Upvotes: 271
Kansas City is a rather large city in Missouri. The city has a reasonable cost of living, a robust economy, and a strong job market for its residents.
11. Buffalo
Upvotes: 278
Buffalo is located in Western New York and is another great option for living. The city is expected to be the hottest housing market in the US in 2024 with abundant jobs. Buffalo also has numerous cultural landmarks to offer.
10. Portland
Upvotes: 281
The Oregon-based city of Portland has been recommended as one of the best places to seek a living in the United States in 2024. Those who already reside in Portland have mentioned it as a beautiful and vibrant city where one can never get bored.
9. Washington, D.C.
Upvotes: 298
The diverse economy of Washington, D.C. enables an abundance of career opportunities. The city provides convenient public transport services, a vibrant food scene, and a diverse range of outdoor activities.
8. Baltimore
Upvotes: 326
Baltimore is a populous city in the state of Maryland. The city has a rich history with many public statues and monuments. Furthermore, the city is situated close to New York City, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia.
7. Philadelphia
Upvotes: 354
Philadelphia is family-friendly and a good option to live in the US. The city is home to multiple museums, theaters, and art galleries. Those passionate about history can consider living in the city.
6. Chicago
Upvotes: 381
Chicago is considered to be a relatively affordable option among other big US cities. It is one of the most cultural cities in the country and the local people are quite friendly and welcoming.
5. Oakland
Upvotes: 392
Oakland is one of the largest cities in the Bay Area. The city has a good public transport system to navigate around. The city’s food scene and its weather are also great.
4. San Francisco
Upvotes: 402
San Francisco is known to be a thriving technology hub which boasts a strong job market. Since there are never-ending options for outdoor recreation, those who wish to have an outdoorsy lifestyle while they enjoy mild weather can pursue the city as a living option.
3. Los Angeles
Upvotes: 429
The vibrant Los Angeles ranks 3rd among the most livable cities in the US in 2024. For those passionate about their career, the employment opportunities are diverse. There are numerous food, entertainment, shopping, and outdoor options to explore in the city as well.
2. Boston
Upvotes: 435
Boston comes second among the US cities considered most worthy of being living destinations. The city is known for its globally renowned education. For the residents, the public transit system is extensive and convenient.
1. New York City
Upvotes: 456
New York City ranks at the top of the most livable cities in the US in 2024. The five boroughs composing the city include Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. New York City serves as the largest economy in New York while being one of the largest global economies. Apart from the city’s robust economy with limitless opportunities, Reddit users have mentioned it as a place where everybody is free to dream. While young professionals move to NYC to strive amidst abundant employment options, others seek comfort in the cultural diversity it has to offer as compared to the rest of America. Endless access to food, recreation, and entertainment also makes NYC a place to call home for many. At the same time, several residents regard the city’s spontaneity and fast pace as a reason to keep them inspired.
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