20 Best Places to Live in the US in 2022

When it comes to finding a new home, you want to make sure that you find the right place. There are so many different cities across the USA that it is easy to get lost in all the choices available. But thankfully there are many places that have already taken care of the research for you.

We have compiled a list of some of the most popular cities across the United States in order to put together this top 20 of the best places to live in 2022.

The current population, average annual salary, and general growth were taken into account when considering what made these cities the most popular in 2021 and going into 2022. This information was taken out of a list of the 150 most populous states and their desirability made by US News.

A Look at the Top 20 Cities to Live in the USA

Raleigh and Durham, NC

Overall Score: 7.5

Quality of Life: 6.9

Because of its affordability and job market, the Raleigh and Durham metro area continues to be a popular choice for people looking to migrate. In the area, research, technology, education, and health care are all growing industries. According to the US Census Bureau, net migration increased the Raleigh and Durham metro region by 5.87 percent from 2015 to 2019.

Melbourne, FL

Overall Score: 7.1

Quality of Life: 7.5

Melbourne has grown in popularity as a result of its high population increase that came from net migration, as well as an employment market that fared better than many other metro regions during the epidemic. According to the US Census Bureau, net migration grew the Melbourne metro area by 8.46 percent from 2015 to 2019.

Charlotte, NC

Overall Score: 7.1

Quality of Life: 6.0

Charlotte is praised for its attractiveness as well as its rapid and steady population increase. According to the US Census Bureau, the Charlotte metro area expanded by 5.9% owing to net migration alone between 2015 and 2019. In comparison to the other cities on the list, Charlotte is also one of the most attractive locations to live, with many Americans expressing an interest in relocating there.

San Francisco, CA

Overall Score: 7.1

Quality of Life: 6.8

Despite the fact that the entire country was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, San Francisco remains highly regarded for its solid job market, ranking fourth out of 150 metro areas on the list, behind its Bay Area neighbor, San Jose, California; Washington, D.C.; and Boulder, Colorado. The average annual wage in San Francisco is $75,890.

Fort Collins, CO

Overall Score: 7.1

Quality of Life: 7.4

Fort Collins, about 30 miles south of the Colorado-Wyoming state line, is a tiny metro region in Colorado that is experiencing rapid growth. According to the US Census Bureau, Fort Collins ranks 11th out of 150 metro areas for population growth owing to net migration, which climbed by 8.2 percent from 2015 to 2019.

Madison, WI

Overall Score: 7.1

Quality of Life: 7.6

Madison has earned a spot in our ranking, owing to the metro area's robust job market. In 2020, while many other metro areas suffered from unemployment rates above 7%, Madison's rate was relatively low at 4.95 percent. Furthermore, the average yearly wage is $54,300, which is higher than the national average of $53,490.

Seattle, WA

Overall Score: 7.1

Quality of Life: 6.5

Seattle earns a slot because of its strong job market and high popularity as a location to live among Americans. Despite the fact that the job market suffered as a result of the pandemic, it still ranks sixth among the 150 most populous metro areas in the United States. Seattle has the sixth-highest average yearly wage of all the cities on the list, at $68,460.

Denver, CO

Overall Score: 7.1

Quality of Life: 6.7

While the Denver metro region has suffered significant consequences as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, it still has a reputation as a desirable location to live among Americans, with positive population growth due to net migration and a job market that is stronger than the national average.

Des Moines, IA

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 6.7

It's easy to see why Des Moines made the list, with a solid employment market and somewhat stable net migration to the metro area. The city also has a low cost of living when compared to the median household income in the area, ranking seventh among the 150 most populated metro areas in the United States for affordability.

Boise, ID

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 7.3

With high marks for population growth due to net migration and housing affordability compared to median yearly household income, Idaho's capital reaches the list. To cover rent or mortgage payments, as well as extra housing costs like property taxes and utilities, residents only require 22.11 percent of their typical household income. Boise, on the other hand, ranks lower in terms of desirability among Americans evaluating where they wish to live.

Portland, OR

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 6.8

Portland is regarded as a highly desirable place to live in the United States, placing fifth after Colorado Springs, Colorado, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, which are tied for first place. A relatively solid job market and consistent population growth due to net migration over a five-year period are further factors in the Rose City's ranking.

Colorado Springs, CO

Overall Score: 7.3

Quality of Life: 6.7

Colorado Springs, along with Honolulu, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, is one of the most attractive places to live. Colorado Springs is near the top of the list this year thanks to steady population growth due to net migration and a continuously solid employment market, while the metro area's affordability has been hurt by the rising cost of living.

Portland, ME

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 7.4

Due to its high quality of life, stable employment market, and growing reputation as a desirable location to live, Maine's most populous metro region is on the list. Portland scores quite high in the list of most populated states for quality of life, taking into account college readiness among high school students, proximity to great health care, crime, average commute time, and overall well-being.

Naples, FL

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 7.7

Naples, located on the southern end of Florida's Gulf Coast, where the Everglades begin, doesn't draw the same number of visitors as Miami or Tampa, but many people desire to settle there - and many have already done so. Out of the 150 metro areas on the list, Naples is the fourth fastest expanding.

Huntsville, AL

Overall Score: 7.4

Quality of Life: 7.0

Huntsville is on the list because of its thriving job market, which has grown even stronger in the face of national unemployment concerns. Out of the 150 most populated metro regions in the United States, this northern Alabama metro area is the most affordable, with many local enterprises concentrating on science, technology, engineering, and math, contributing to a higher average annual pay for the local population.

Sarasota, FL

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 7.3

Sarasota, located on Florida's Gulf Coast, is the second-fastest-growing metro region on the list, trailing only Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. According to the US Census Bureau, net migration increased Sarasota's population by 11.22 percent from 2015 to 2019.

Austin, TX

Overall Score: 7.3

Quality of Life: 7.0

Austin was ranked No. 1 Best Place to Live in the United States for three years in a row in 2017, 2018, and 2019, before falling to No. 3 in 2020 and No. 5 in 2021. Despite its rising cost of living, Austin remains a desirable place to live for many, with a solid job market and long-term population expansion due to net migration.

Fayetteville, AR

Overall Score: 7.3

Quality of Life: 7.2

This fast-growing Arkansas metro area has traditionally been a strong candidate in the Best Places to Live list, and this year is no exception. Fayetteville's rating in 2021 is boosted by a cheap cost of living compared to household income, robust population growth due to net migration, and a stable job market.

Ann Arbor, MI

Overall Score: 7.2

Quality of Life: 8.4

The University of Michigan is the most well-known institution in this southeastern Michigan metro area. Based on statistics from the U.S. News Best Hospitals ranking, Ann Arbor ranks high among the 150 most populated metro areas in the United States for access to quality health care, tied with Kalamazoo, Michigan; Reading, Pennsylvania; York, Pennsylvania; and Trenton, New Jersey. Ann Arbor's high school kids look to be prepared for college — the metro region is ranked third in college readiness, behind only Boulder and San Jose.

Boulder, CO

Overall Score: 7.6

Quality of Life: 8.2

For the second year in a row, Boulder is the best location to live out of the 150 most populated metro areas in the United States. According to the desirability poll, Boulder has a great reputation among U.S. citizens and provides excellent high school education, tying for first place with San Jose. With the mountains at their doorstep and an average annual salary of $67,160, Boulder residents enjoy a great quality of life.

Conclusion

Now you have a good idea as to which cities are most popular in the United States, and why. This should give you an idea as to where you would feel better when it comes time to move. If you are interested in changing cities in 2022, you will need the assistance of a transportation and shipping company, like Three Movers.

Get in touch with us to get your 2022 started the right way with a tailor-made moving experience that you won’t regret.