Best Places to Live in the U.S. (2025) + Smart Buying Tips

Want to live smarter, not just anywhere?

In 2025, choosing where to live in the U.S. isn’t just about zip codes—it’s about safety, value, and peace of mind. Whether you're chasing career growth, raising a family, or planning your dream retirement, your address shapes your future.

So what are the best places to live in the U.S. right now?

This guide doesn’t just list popular cities. It helps you pick the right home base—based on:

• Income vs. affordability
• Neighborhood safety
• School quality
• Healthcare access
• Cost of buying vs. renting

From high-growth tech hubs to hidden suburban gems, we reveal cities that deliver low risk, high lifestyle, and long-term returns—even in today’s volatile housing market.

When buying a home, the neighborhood plays a pivotal role in property value, affordability, and long-term livability. The sections below analyze various buyer profiles—from first-time homebuyers to investors—with detailed insights.

For first-timers, affordability, safety, and investment potential are essential. Consider these standout neighborhoods:

• Columbus, OH – Clintonville - Median Home Price: $325K

Why? Affordable, strong job market, good schools. Ideal for young professionals and families.

• Indianapolis, IN – Irvington - Median Home Price: $260K

Why? Low cost of living with great resale potential.

• Kansas City, MO – Waldo - Median Home Price: $275K

Why? A growing market with walkability and reasonable property taxes.

• Raleigh, NC – North Hills - Median Home Price: $450K

Why? Booming tech industry and strong appreciation rates. Suited for buyers prioritizing job security and value growth.

• San Antonio, TX – Alamo Ranch - Median Home Price: $375K

Why? No state income tax, low cost of living, and steady appreciation.

• Nashville, TN – The Nations - Median Home Price: $450K

Why? Hot real estate market with excellent rental potential and high resale value.

Pro Tip: Southern cities, especially in Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, are experiencing home value appreciations of 8-12% per year.

Considering relocating to Florida? Understand the full cost of building a house in Florida before you make a move—especially in high-growth, sunny cities.

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Families often seek neighborhoods with:

• Top-rated schools

• Low crime rates

• Community amenities (parks, libraries, shopping)

• Strong property appreciation

• Cary, NC – Lochmere - Median Home Price: $575K

Highlights: Excellent schools, low property taxes, and robust appreciation—perfect for families balancing quality education with affordability.

• Naperville, IL – Ashbury - Median Home Price: $525K

Highlights: A safe, suburban environment with large homes and strong resale value.

• Plano, TX – Willow Bend - Median Home Price: $600K

Highlights: Low crime rates, no state income tax, and a great school district with high appreciation potential.

Retirees typically prioritize low living costs, accessible healthcare, and a pleasant climate. Consider these neighborhoods:

• Sarasota, FL – Lakewood Ranch - Median Home Price: $575K

Why? Favorable tax conditions and a retiree-friendly environment featuring beaches and golf.

• Scottsdale, AZ – McCormick Ranch - Median Home Price: $650K

Why? Year-round sunshine, low property taxes, and top-notch healthcare.

• Asheville, NC – Biltmore Forest - Median Home Price: $600K

Why? Scenic mountain views, low taxes, and a thriving arts scene.

Investors should focus on fast-growing cities with strong rental demand and increasing home values:

• Tampa, FL – Seminole Heights - Median Home Price: $450K

Highlights: High rental demand and strong appreciation, bolstered by favorable tax conditions.

• Phoenix, AZ – Arcadia - Median Home Price: $600K

Highlights: A booming job market and high rental demand.

• Austin, TX – East Austin - Median Home Price: $525K

Highlights: A tech hub with rising home values, making it ideal for short-term rentals and Airbnb markets.

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Housing is typically the largest expense. From purchase prices to property taxes and mortgage rates, understanding the cost of living is essential whether you’re renting or buying.

When buying a home, consider these key financial factors:

• Home Purchase Price (varies by city/state)

• Down Payment: Usually 10-20% (some loans as low as 3%)

• Mortgage Payment (PITI): Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance

• Closing Costs: Typically 2-5% of the home price

• Maintenance & Repairs: Approximately 1-3% of your home’s value annually

Before closing on any home, don’t skip the inspection. Here’s how much a home inspection actually costs —and what you might miss without it.

National Median Home Price (2024): $417,700

Mortgage rates are a crucial determinant of monthly payments. Consider the following current rates and their effects:

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.5 - 7.2%

• 15-Year Fixed: 5.9 - 6.5%

Example Comparison:

• A $400,000 home at 3% interest yields a monthly payment of about $1,686.

• The same home at 7% interest increases the payment to approximately $2,661—a difference of nearly $1,000 per month!

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• West Virginia: Median home price around $155K.

• Mississippi: Low property taxes complement affordable housing.

• Arkansas & Indiana: Median prices under $300K.

• California & Hawaii: High home prices and taxes.

• New York & Massachusetts: Expensive housing markets and cost of living.

Even if a home’s purchase price is attractive, property taxes can add significant costs.

• New Jersey: 2.49% (e.g., ~$8,362/year on a $350K home)

• Illinois: 2.27% (e.g., ~$7,945/year on a $350K home)

• New Hampshire: 2.18%

• Hawaii: 0.28% (but high home prices may offset the savings)

• Alabama: 0.41%

• Colorado: 0.51%

• You need flexibility (job relocation or uncertain plans).

• The 20% down payment and closing costs are prohibitive.

• You prefer avoiding maintenance responsibilities.

• You plan to stay in one location for 5+ years.

• You can comfortably cover mortgage, taxes, and maintenance.

• Building equity is a priority over paying rent.

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• New York City, NY: $3,500 (1BR), $4,800 (2BR)

• San Francisco, CA: $3,200 (1BR), $4,500 (2BR)

• Chicago, IL: $2,000 (1BR), $2,800 (2BR)

• Austin, TX: $1,800 (1BR), $2,400 (2BR)

• Columbus, OH: $1,200 (1BR), $1,700 (2BR)

• Fastest Increases: Miami (+15%), Phoenix (+12%), Austin (+10%)

• Most Stable Markets: Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis

Beyond housing, consider:

• Groceries: Most expensive in Hawaii, Alaska, and California; cheapest in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky.

• Utilities: Highest in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Hawaii; lowest in New Mexico, Utah, and Idaho.

• Transportation: Costlier in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago; more affordable in smaller cities.

• Healthcare: Best affordability in Minnesota, Iowa, and Virginia; most expensive in Florida, California, and New York.

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Understanding whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market—and how regional trends vary—can significantly affect your decision.

Sellers’ Advantage: In high-demand markets such as Miami, Phoenix, Austin, and Charlotte, low housing supply drives up prices.

Buyers’ Advantage: In cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle, increasing inventory offers more negotiating power.

Price Appreciation: Home prices rose 5-8% nationwide in 2023, though appreciation is slowing in 2024.

Mortgage Rates: Increased from around 3% in 2021 to approximately 7% in 2023.

Inventory: Although improving, housing supply remains below pre-pandemic levels.

• Florida & Texas: High demand fueled by no state income tax and robust job growth.

• Arizona & Tennessee: Affordable living and rising populations.

Want to time your move perfectly? Discover the best time to buy a house in Florida —before prices spike again.

• California: High mortgage rates have tempered demand.

• Washington & Oregon: Increased inventory is providing buyers with more options.

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.5 - 7.2%

• 15-Year Fixed: 5.9 - 6.5%

• 5/1 ARM: 5.5 - 6.0%

Impact Example:

For a $400K home loan:

• At 3% interest: Approximately $1,686 per month.

• At 7% interest: Approximately $2,661 per month.

The post-pandemic rebound has seen a gradual increase in available homes:

• Increased Listings: Cities like Denver, Seattle, and even San Francisco (amid tech layoffs) show rising inventory.

• New Construction: Especially in the South and Midwest.

• Market Segments: Luxury home sales have cooled, but starter homes remain in high demand.

• Denver, CO: Listings up 20% year-over-year.

• Seattle, WA: More choices mean fewer bidding wars.

• San Francisco, CA: Price adjustments due to market changes.

• Miami, FL: High demand, especially from out-of-state buyers.

• Tampa, FL: Limited supply with continued appreciation.

• Nashville, TN: Strong job growth with constrained housing availability.

1. Affordable & Growing:

• Indianapolis, IN: ~$250K median price with a strong job market.

• Columbus, OH: ~$300K median with a robust economy.

• Kansas City, MO: Low cost and steady appreciation.

2. Strong Growth & High Demand:

• Tampa, FL: Booming job market and rising home values.

• Austin, TX: Tech-driven market, though higher prices.

• Raleigh, NC: Affordable with significant corporate presence.

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Homeownership isn’t solely about cost it’s also about livability. This section examines key quality-of-life factors, from affordability and healthcare to schools and community amenities.

• Average Rate: 65.9%

• Highest Rates: West Virginia (79%), Vermont (75%), Maine (74%)

• Lowest Rates: California (54%), New York (55%), Nevada (57%)

• West Virginia – Median home price: ~$155K

• Mississippi – Median home price: ~$185K

• Indiana – Median home price: ~$260K

• California – Median home price: ~$750K

• Hawaii – Median home price: ~$850K

• New York – Median home price: ~$600K

Access to quality healthcare is crucial:

• Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Colorado offer strong hospital systems and stable home value appreciation.

• Lowest Monthly Insurance Premiums: Minnesota ($365), Hawaii ($375), North Dakota ($390)

• Highest Monthly Premiums: Wyoming ($780), West Virginia ($750), South Dakota ($730)

Quality schools not only benefit families but also drive home value appreciation:

• Massachusetts (e.g., Newton, Lexington, Acton)

• New Jersey and Virginia with strong educational systems.

• North Carolina (Charlotte and Raleigh)

• Texas (Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth)

• (Denver’s Cherry Creek district)

Efficient transportation can significantly enhance daily life:

• Shorter commute times often correlate with higher home values.

• Walkable neighborhoods and public transit access can boost property values by up to 20%.

• New York City, NY

• Washington, D.C.

• San Francisco, CA

• Minneapolis, MN (average 22 minutes)

• Raleigh, NC (good highway access)

• Salt Lake City, UT (compact and affordable)

The climate can affect insurance costs and overall quality of life:

• North Carolina (inland areas), Colorado, and Tennessee.

• Florida and Louisiana (hurricanes and floods)

• California (wildfires and earthquakes)

• Texas and Oklahoma (tornadoes)

A vibrant community can greatly enhance your living experience:

• Austin, TX (live music and cultural scene)

• Portland, OR (arts and coffee culture)

• Nashville, TN (music and affordability)

• Cary, NC

• Naperville, IL

• Scottsdale, AZ

Choosing where to live isn't just a lifestyle decision—it’s a long-term wealth move. But what if you could buy in the best cities without paying agent commissions, without last-minute surprises, and without the stress of traditional homebuying?

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Whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or retiree—we help you move smarter, save more, and sleep better knowing you made the right call.

Homes in the best cities are going fast. Don’t wait.

Naperville, IL is often ranked as one of the U.S. cities with the best quality of life. With top-rated schools, low crime, spacious suburban homes, and strong resale value, it offers the perfect balance for families seeking safety, stability, and community. It’s also among the safest cities in Illinois.

Among U.S. territories, there’s no direct mention in the blog, but if you're looking for a mainland alternative that offers a similar relaxed lifestyle with tax advantages and strong healthcare, Sarasota, FL is ideal. It’s warm year-round, has no state income tax, and is highly popular among retirees for its peaceful beach life.

If you're seeking an all-round great city to stay in, Raleigh, NC stands out. It combines affordability, a booming tech sector, strong school systems, and high appreciation rates—making it perfect for both families and professionals.

Find the Perfect Mortgage in the U.S. with Be My Neighbor.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Get Pre-approved