In this article we discuss the 5 best places to live in the U.S. for quality of life. If you want to read our detailed analysis of these places, go directly to the 30 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for Quality of Life.
5. San Jose, California
Population: 1.9 million
Median Household Income: $113,036
Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley can not be left of the list with its bustling economy. the sprawling metro area is defined by its large tech campuses and high-rise business buildings. The area is close to tech headquarters like Google in Mountain View and Apple in Cupertino which solidifies the city’s position in the tech hub. It is a city for professionals, but the biggest downside is that it is one of the most expensive cities in all of US. However, the city has taken a top spot for college readiness among high school students and also has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in the country making it one of the best places to live in the US.
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4. Arlington, Virginia
Population: 226,400
Median Household Income: $120,071
Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
Arlington has emerged as an excellent place in the US for singles, professionals, families, military personnel, and retirees. The city has a crime rate 61% lower than the national average which makes it a safe place to raise children. Its proximity to the nation’s capital brings some of the largest employers in the country such as the Department of Defense, US. Airways, United Airlines etc. It also hosts the Pentagon which brings almost 106,000 visitors to Arlington annually.
Furthermore, Arlington has an exceptionally high literacy rate where 72% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher and the average school test scores are a 25% higher than the country’s average. The city is also equipped with the Rosslyn Metro which is the second longest escalator in the country. Arlington has plenty of job opportunities with companies like Amazon, Inc. constructing their future sites in the area. For those seeking employment opportunities, a new tech center such as Arlington is one of the best places to live in the US.
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3. Manhattan Beach, California
Population: 35,573
Median Household Income: $150,083
Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
Manhattan Beach is one of the poshest Californian cities to rank on this list. Located on the Pacific Coast, Manhattan Beach residents enjoy access to a major urban area as well as miles of ocean beaches and coast. Residents tend to be relatively affluent with majority of households reporting an income of more than $150,000 annually making it one of the best places to live in the U.S. Due to its being a wealthy area, it has a low crime rate of 158.2 incidents per 100,000 people compared to the national rate of 380.6 incidents per 100,000. The area is a popular spot for beach lovers and has a friendly community with a small population. It ranks 5th among the most educated places in California with over 74% of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, one of the downfalls of the city is its lack of diversity and affordability.
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2. Paradise Valley, Arizona
Population: 14,215
Median Household Income: $204,145
Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
Paradise Valley is a small city with a population of just over 14,000 located about 15 miles away from northeast Phoenix. What makes it one of the best places to live in the U.S for quality of life is its healthy job market where an average of only 1.4% of the labor force was unemployed over the past 5 years. Paradise Valley is also a relatively wealthy city with most households earning upwards of $200,000 annually. This is one of the reasons why the city is attracting new residents and the population grew by 8.8% in the past 5 years. It also has a crime rate well below Arizona’s average. The city is also home to highly rated public schools in the area and a public transit service which makes commute easier for residents.
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1.Darien, Connecticut
Population: 21,519
Median Household Income: $208,125
Unemployment Rate: 5.6%
Darien is a small affluent coastal town located in Fairfield County which hosts one of the wealthiest and best educated populations in North America. More than half of all households in the area reported an annual income of at least $200,000 or more which is further bolstered by a high rate of educational attainment and a strong job market. Four out of five adults in Darien have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city offers its residents a sparse suburban environment and about 85.3% of the population is able to afford their own homes making it one of the best places to live in the US for quality of life. However, it has a higher cost of living with utility prices being 12% higher than the national average.
Darien ranks number 1 in the 30 best places to live in the US for quality of life list.
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You can also take a peek at 30 Most Affordable Major Cities in the U.S. and 10 Best Railroad Stocks to Buy in 2021.
