The 10 Most Livable Cities in America
As the state capital and a hip college town, Madison gives residents affordable housing, great schools, excellent health care and a wide range of recreational activities and entertainment options, according to Livability.com.
Median Household Income: $53,958
Median Home Price: $217,500
Flickr
Rochester, home of the famed Mayo Clinic, attracts many young residents who quickly fall in love with the city’s creative vibe. In addition to excellent health care, the city also gives residents a stable economy, recreational assets and a large collection of restaurants and shops.
Median Household Income: $83,490
Median Home Price: $165,300
Flickr/Chad Johnson
Far from being the most affordable city on this list, Arlington is an upscale community whose largest employer is the U.S. Government, with 34,000 employees. The city also boasts two large campuses: George Mason University and Marymount University.
Median Household Income: $102,459
Median Home Price: $577,300
Flickr/Anne Dayton
Sitting 5,400 feet high is the city of Boulder, which is home to the University of Colorado and to numerous arts and culture offerings. There are also plenty of outdoors activities including hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking.
Median Household Income: $56,206
Median Home Price: $489,500
Flickr/Zach Dischner
With 31 miles of dark fiber ring around the city providing ultra high-speed internet access, Palo Alto is one of the best places to live for any techy, although real estate prices can be hefty for some.
Median Household Income: $122,482
Median Home Price: $1,000,000
Flickr/Peter Thoeny
Berkeley, located in the San Francisco Bay, is increasingly revered for its food scene. It is also home to the University of California and a wealth of cultural attractions including museums, galleries and theaters.
Median Household Income: $63,505
Median Home Price: $707,700
Flickr/Joe Parks
Loaded with parks, cultural institutions and historic architecture, Santa Clara offers residents an amazing package of amenities and great recreational facilities. Let’s not forget residents can enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year.
Median Household Income: $92,198
Median Home Price: $618,600
Wikimedia Commons
Missoula offers nearby mountain ranges, three rivers and more than 400 acres of city parkland. Its breweries, coffee houses, restaurants independent bookstores and symphony and music venues also create a cool vibe.
Median Household Income: $39,076
Median Home Price: $238,300
Wikimedia Commons
Boise is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise thanks to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The city also has top-notch health care to keep families on the move.
Median Household Income: $49,182
Median Home Price: $188,200
Wikimedia Commons
A strong literary history with writers like John Irving and Flannery O’Connor has helped shape Iowa City into a cultural mecca. It also has good health care for its residents with Mercy Hospital and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Median Household Income: $42,220
Median Home Price: $181,000
Young Writer's Studio