Choosing where to live is a big decision, shaped by factors like job opportunities, housing costs, and quality of life. US News & World Report’s 2025-2026 rankings highlight the top US cities that balance strong job markets, affordable homes, and vibrant lifestyles. Here are the 15 best places to live in the US for 2025, based on employment prospects, housing affordability, and overall livability. Data on population and income comes from the US Census, median home prices from Realtor.com, and median rent from Zillow.
1. Johns Creek, Georgia
- Population: 82,065
- Median Household Income: $153,882
- Median Home Price: $685,000
- Median Rent: $2,156
- Known For: A thriving Atlanta suburb, Johns Creek boasts a robust job market, top-rated schools, and a high desirability score due to its short commutes, mild weather, and access to cultural amenities. Its tech and healthcare sectors drive employment growth.
2. Carmel, Indiana
- Population: 101,171
- Median Household Income: $132,859
- Median Home Price: $550,000
- Median Rent: $1,650
- Known For: Just north of Indianapolis, Carmel offers a charming downtown, strong public schools, and a growing job market in finance and tech. Its low crime rates and community events like farmers’ markets make it family-friendly.
3. Pearland, Texas
- Population: 122,609
- Median Household Income: $107,004
- Median Home Price: $400,000
- Median Rent: $1,800
- Known For: A Houston suburb, Pearland combines affordable housing with a booming healthcare and energy job market. Its proximity to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and recreational parks adds appeal.
4. Cary, North Carolina
- Population: 180,227
- Median Household Income: $113,782
- Median Home Price: $575,000
- Median Rent: $1,750
- Known For: Part of the Research Triangle, Cary is a tech and biotech hub with companies like Epic Games. Its greenways, parks, and top schools make it ideal for families seeking balance.
5. Franklin, Tennessee
- Population: 85,469
- Median Household Income: $102,174
- Median Home Price: $650,000
- Median Rent: $2,000
- Known For: South of Nashville, Franklin blends historic charm with a growing healthcare and music industry job market. Its vibrant downtown and low crime rates attract young professionals and families.
6. Clarksville, Tennessee
- Population: 176,974
- Median Household Income: $62,387
- Median Home Price: $325,000
- Median Rent: $1,400
- Known For: Near Fort Campbell, Clarksville offers affordable homes and a strong job market in manufacturing and logistics. Its riverfront and outdoor activities appeal to active residents.
7. Round Rock, Texas
- Population: 126,697
- Median Household Income: $91,984
- Median Home Price: $450,000
- Median Rent: $1,850
- Known For: North of Austin, Round Rock is a tech and retail hub with companies like Dell. Affordable housing, good schools, and sports facilities like the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex make it a draw.
8. Overland Park, Kansas
- Population: 197,726
- Median Household Income: $100,876
- Median Home Price: $425,000
- Median Rent: $1,600
- Known For: A Kansas City suburb, Overland Park excels in telecom and finance jobs. Its parks, bike trails, and low cost of living make it a great choice for families and young professionals.
9. Sugar Land, Texas
- Population: 109,373
- Median Household Income: $123,261
- Median Home Price: $475,000
- Median Rent: $1,950
- Known For: Near Houston, Sugar Land offers a diverse economy with energy and healthcare jobs. Its cultural festivals and affordable homes appeal to a wide range of residents.
10. Frisco, Texas
- Population: 210,719
- Median Household Income: $134,210
- Median Home Price: $600,000
- Median Rent: $2,100
- Known For: A Dallas suburb, Frisco is a sports and tech hub with the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters. Rapid growth, good schools, and family-friendly amenities drive its popularity.
11. McKinney, Texas
- Population: 202,246
- Median Household Income: $106,509
- Median Home Price: $500,000
- Median Rent: $1,900
- Known For: Another Dallas suburb, McKinney offers historic charm, affordable homes, and jobs in tech and healthcare. Its parks and community events create a welcoming vibe.
12. Spring, Texas
- Population: 62,559
- Median Household Income: $81,807
- Median Home Price: $375,000
- Median Rent: $1,700
- Known For: North of Houston, Spring has a strong energy sector job market and affordable housing. Its proximity to The Woodlands and outdoor recreation adds to its appeal.
13. Allen, Texas
- Population: 111,551
- Median Household Income: $113,719
- Median Home Price: $525,000
- Median Rent: $1,850
- Known For: Near Dallas, Allen boasts a growing tech job market and family-friendly amenities like the Allen Premium Outlets. Its schools and low crime rates are major draws.
14. League City, Texas
- Population: 112,149
- Median Household Income: $117,316
- Median Home Price: $425,000
- Median Rent: $1,750
- Known For: Between Houston and Galveston, League City offers affordable homes and jobs in healthcare and aerospace. Its waterfront parks and boating culture enhance livability.
15. Olathe, Kansas
- Population: 147,269
- Median Household Income: $108,077
- Median Home Price: $400,000
- Median Rent: $1,500
- Known For: A Kansas City suburb, Olathe has a strong job market in logistics and manufacturing. Affordable housing, good schools, and community events like the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival make it attractive.
Why These Cities Stand Out
These cities, primarily in the South and Midwest, excel due to lower-than-average housing costs, thriving job markets in tech, healthcare, and energy, and high quality-of-life scores. Factors like good schools, low crime, and access to recreation—think trails in Round Rock or cultural events in Franklin—boost their appeal. While no city is perfect, these 15 offer a compelling mix of affordability and opportunity, making them ideal for families, young professionals, or anyone seeking a fresh start in 2025.
These cities, primarily in the South and Midwest, excel due to lower-than-average housing costs, thriving job markets in tech, healthcare, and energy, and high quality-of-life scores. Factors like good schools, low crime, and access to recreation—think trails in Round Rock or cultural events in Franklin—boost their appeal. While no city is perfect, these 15 offer a compelling mix of affordability and opportunity, making them ideal for families, young professionals, or anyone seeking a fresh start in 2025.