Cities in the Northeast With the Best ‘Quality of Life’
If you’re looking to settle down in a place with a great quality of life, then you’ll likely be happy to note that a handful of cities in the Northeast have been named the best, by experts, for quality of life in the U.S. It’s pretty incredible to think that out of all the cities out there, this town happens to tower above the rest and get this national recognition. So, if you’re looking to relocate, these cities could be your perfect spot. Or, if you already live in or near these cities, then note that you have some bragging rights.
Best Places to Live for Quality of Life in the U.S.
The experts at U.S. News and World Report have released their annual tally of the “Best Places to Live for Quality of Life in the U.S.” for 2024-25. The roster of cities that made the cut got high scores on the publication’s “Quality of Life Index,” which calculates how satisfied residents are with their daily lives. According to the experts, “the report takes into account crime, quality and availability of health care, quality of education and average commute time.” So, it’s pretty much an overall look at the most pleasant places to live in the U.S. Also, the study exclusively looked at the 150 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. to find the top 25 best places to live for “Quality of Life,” according to the experts.
So, which city ranked No. 1 on the tally? It’s Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is home to the University of Michigan. It is at once rural and urban, sporty and smart, outdoorsy and high-tech, counterculture and high society,” the editors said. If you’re looking to live in Ann Arbor, the median home price is $456,578 and median household income is $86,628. So, if you’re a fan of this city, know that you’re not alone. You should feel proud to have a local spot be named among the best in the entire country. If you’re wondering, Boulder, Colorado, was No. 2 on the roster.
Now, let’s get to the Northeast. In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh made the cut at No. 23 on the tally. It’s the only Pennsylvania city that made the roster. Of the spot, U.S. News states, “Transplants are surprised to find a hub of technology and education in the region. A rise in job opportunities has made Pittsburgh attractive for families and graduates.” Other cities in the Northeast that made the cut include Albany, N.Y., at No. 24; Providence, Rhode Island, at No. 21; Hartford, Connecticut, at No. 13; Boston, Massachusetts at No. 9; and Portland, Maine, at No. 7.
