THE BEST CITIES TO LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES
The United States of America is an incredibly diverse country with a huge territory, which includes more than 19,000 cities located in 50 states and the federal District of Columbia. Many communities differ significantly culturally, economically and socially, as well as having a number of other characteristics, including climate, laws, standards of living, traditions, tax rates, and so on. Choosing where to immigrate to the United States should primarily be based on personal preferences and goals of the foreigner.
Some immigrants come to the United States hoping to find work, others want to open their own business, and still others want to get a prestigious education in an American institution of higher learning. There can be many reasons for a move, and it's not so easy to choose the best city to live in. Especially if you are thousands of miles away from the state. Partly can help various international and U.S. agencies that regularly compile lists of the most comfortable cities to live.
For example, a famous U.S. publication US News & World Report compares 125 major cities and annually publishes a rating of the best cities to live in the U.S.. First of all, the state of the labor market, crime rate, quality of education and medicine, cost of living, migration rates, climate, and more are analyzed. Just as importantly, the list takes into account the opinions of several thousand people from around the country. Next, let's highlight the best cities for immigration and living in the U.S. in 2025.
| № | CITY |
| 1. | Austin (Texas) |
| 2. | Colorado Springs (Colorado) |
| 3. | Denver (Colorado) |
| 4. | Des Moines (Iowa) |
| 5. | Fayetteville (Arkansas) |
| 6. | Portland (Oregon) |
| 7. | Huntsville (Alabama) |
| 8. | Washington, D.C. |
| 9. | Minneapolis (Minnesota) |
| 10. | Seattle (Washington) |
TOP 10 BEST CITIES TO LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES
AUSTIN (TEXAS)
The best city to live in the United States in 2025 is Austin. The Texas state capital is home to just over 1 million people, which is the 11th highest in the country. It's one of the safest communities in the U.S., with the lion's share of the budget spent on police, fire, and emergency services. The city's economy is growing steadily and unemployment is falling. The city offers reasonable rents and excellent job prospects. Austin has a comfortable climate and a variety of interesting restaurants and clubs. Many call the city the "Live Music Capital of the World."
COLORADO SPRINGS (COLORADO)
Colorado Springs has a population of about 641,000 people. The city's economic potential is impressive. Its favorable business climate means that many large companies open offices here. Different fields – from aerospace and military industry, to medicine and tourism – are developed. Overall, it's one of the best places to do business in the United States. The cost of living and tax rates in Colorado Springs are below the national average. It is a very beautiful, sunny and comfortable city.
DENVER (COLORADO)
Denver, Colorado's capital city, is also in the top three cities to live in the United States. The population exceeds 732,000 people. There are beautiful panoramic views of the mountains from almost anywhere in the city. Salaries in Denver are slightly higher than the national average, but rental property prices have also risen noticeably in recent years. One of the most enjoyable things about the city is the sporting events. For example, the city is home to professional clubs playing in the NFL (Denver Broncos), NHL (Colorado Avalanche) and NBA (Denver Nuggets).
DES MOINES (IOWA)
The American city of Des Moines has a population of only 209,000. It has a thriving job market and a predominantly skilled workforce employed in areas such as medicine, manufacturing, commerce, and finance. A quality school system and public services sector stand out. The city is home to more than 80 insurance companies, including Allied Insurance. The comfortable climate and friendly residents make Des Moines one of the best cities for long-term immigration to the United States.
FAYETTEVILLE (ARKANSAS)
Rounding out the top 5 best cities to live in the U.S. is the small town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, with a population of just over 82,000 people, located on the Ozark Plateau. It's a beautiful place for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and canoeing. The largest institution of higher education in the state, the University of Arkansas, is located here, so the city is home to a large number of students. Fayetteville has a high quality of life, and daily expenses are noticeably lower compared to major U.S. cities.
PORTLAND (OREGON)
Portland has a population of about 632,000 people. It is the largest city in the state of Oregon. U.S. citizens rate Portland very highly in terms of quality of life and career opportunities. There are plenty of sporting events, numerous art exhibitions, galleries, and museums open here. In June, you can attend the annual Rose Festival, and in winter you can go skiing. Heavy rains are common in Portland, so sun-worshippers may not feel comfortable.
HUNTSVILLE (ALABAMA)
The cost of living in Huntsville is one of the most affordable of all the communities ranked. In addition, the city shows an extremely high level of technological development. It is a famous rocket and aerospace center in the United States. Therefore, the lion's share of the local workforce is employed by public companies. The population is about 193 thousand people. Despite all the attractiveness for living, it will be quite difficult for foreigners to find a job in Huntsville.
WASHINGTON (D.C.)
In 2025, Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is home to about 643,000 people. Despite the political component, the city has a flexible job market, meaning the local population works not only in government, but also in many other industries, including medicine and education. Washington has a favorable climate, a vibrant sports scene, and many beautiful parks, gardens, and museums. Statistically, women in D.C. earn more than in any other region of the United States.
MINNEAPOLIS (MINNESOTA)
Minneapolis, Minnesota's largest city, has a population of about 424,300. The concentration of parks and lakes along the Mississippi River attracts large numbers of immigrants, both external and internal. The strong economy includes agriculture, banking, medicine, food processing, insurance, and several other industries. The city hosts many cultural and sporting events, with bike and jogging trails everywhere. In short, Minneapolis is a great city to move to the United States.
SEATTLE (WASHINGTON)
The top 10 list of best cities to live in the U.S. is rounded out by Seattle. The population is estimated at 766,900 people. It is a very beautiful city surrounded by the Pacific Bay of Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The world-famous American coffee company Starbucks Corporation was founded here. Seattle hosts interesting music festivals and major sporting events. Of the disadvantages are high prices for real estate and a large number of rainy days during the year.
In conclusion, note that there is no ideal city to live in, even in such an economically developed country like the United States. It is necessary to consider many factors and properly prioritize. For example, New York City has one of the highest salaries in the country, but not everyone wants to live there permanently. Consider tax laws, food prices, real estate costs, climate, education, access to health care, cultural sensitivities, and the size of the city.
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