- Portland, ME led the rankings as the most livable U.S. city, praised for its fitness culture, food scene, and balanced lifestyle.
- Lincoln, NE, and Des Moines, IA, followed closely, with Des Moines ranking highest in the nation for community and location factors.
- Nine of the top 20 cities are in the Midwest, with Wisconsin and Pennsylvania featuring multiple highly ranked metros.
A new RentCafe report ranks the most livable U.S. cities based on a blend of hard data and intangible community factors.
The report analyzed 139 metros and evaluated them across 17 key metrics within three categories: socioeconomics, location and community, and quality of life, as reported by GlobeSt.
The cities that performed best offered a mix of affordability, access to amenities, and strong social infrastructure.
The Top 3 Most Livable Cities
At the top of the list is Portland, ME, which ranked 11th for socioeconomics, 5th for quality of life, and 5th for location and community. Portland offers a thriving culture for fitness enthusiasts, foodies, and young professionals looking for a balanced work-life environment. With its low poverty rate, access to healthcare, and outdoor recreation, the city exemplifies a mix of economic stability and quality of life.
Lincoln, NE, came in second, ranking 2nd in location and community and delivering strong affordability with a cost of living below the national average. Lincoln is described as an ideal spot for social gatherings and weekend outings, attracting residents who value a tight-knit community and easy access to amenities. It ranked 16th in socioeconomics and 20th for quality of life, making it a well-rounded choice for residents seeking a welcoming, affordable environment.
Des Moines, IA, rounded out the top three, with the highest score in the nation for location and community. Des Moines ranked 12th in socioeconomics and 37th for quality of life. The city’s strong community infrastructure and affordable cost of living make it a hub for both young professionals and their families.
Rounding Out The Top 10
Other cities that performed well include Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, which ranked 4th and is known for its rich cultural life and extensive green spaces. Ann Arbor, MI, ranked 5th, standing out for its educational resources and vibrant college-town atmosphere. Milwaukee, WI, ranked 6th, benefiting from its blend of affordability and growing arts and food scene.
Washington, DC, despite being a high-cost city, ranked 7th overall thanks to its strong healthcare system and educational opportunities. Green Bay, WI, placed 9th, largely due to its community spirit and affordability.
Midwest, Northeast Lead
Overall, the Midwest performed well in the latest rankings, with nine cities from the region in the top 20. Wisconsin stood out, with three cities—Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison—making the list.
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, Ann Arbor, MI, and Omaha, NE also ranked highly, reinforcing the Midwest’s reputation for livability due to its lower cost of living, cultural offerings, and access to green spaces.
The Northeast also fared well, with seven cities in the top 20, including D.C., Pittsburgh, PA, and Harrisburg, PA. These cities scored high in socioeconomics and community engagement, thanks to well-established infrastructure and vibrant urban cultures.
Notably, San Francisco and Seattle were the only Western cities to rank in the top 20, reflecting their high scores in quality of life and healthcare access.
All About Perspective
When cities were evaluated strictly by socioeconomic factors, four of the top five most livable metros were located in the West, including Ogden, Provo, and Salt Lake City, UT, and Boise, ID. The Midwest’s Green Bay, WI, also made the top five in this category, further highlighting the region’s affordability.
The rankings for quality of life were a bit more diverse. San Francisco came out on top, followed by Ann Arbor, MI, Boston, MA, and Portland, ME. These cities all ranked high for healthcare access, physical activity opportunities, and mental wellness support.
