The US cities with the best quality of life, ranked
Quality of life score: 7.0
Population of the metro area: 113,010
Median household income: $70,165
Median home price: $281,646
Median age: 33 years old
Known for: Located among the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is an outdoorsy town that's known for its friendly residents, love of college football, and local favorites like a deep-fried catfish sandwich.
Quality of life score: 7.0
Population of the metro area: 240,938
Median household income: $68,814
Median home price: $321,874
Median age: 36 years old
Known for: Richmond is a historic city founded in 1737, but that doesn't mean it's old-fashioned. A thriving downtown scene with art galleries, concert halls, and trendy restaurants meld the city's rich history with the modern times, and Richmond's more than 100 local parks offer plenty of outdoor recreation for residents.
Quality of life score: 7.0
Population of the metro area: 118,273
Median household income: $46,377
Median home price: $214,546
Median age: 36 years old
Known for: While the population of Hartford skews older than some cities on this list, there's no shortage of buzzy restaurants and corporate offices for those looking to grow their careers in the Connecticut capital. The Bushnell Theater brings Broadway shows to town regularly, and The Mark Twain House and Museum is a popular destination for literary buffs.
Quality of life score: 7.0
Population of the metro area: 77,387
Median household income: $76,193
Median home price: $393,809
Median age: 37 years old
Known for: College football is huge in Greenville, which is home to Clemson University, but there's a thriving art scene, too. Outdoor activities also abound in this Southern city, thanks to multiple hiking and biking trails.
Quality of life score: 7.0
Population of the metro area: 1,404,745
Median household income: $109,765
Median home price: $807,264
Median age: 38 years old
Known for: San Diego residents enjoy outdoor activities, from surfing to boating and volleyball on one of the city's over 80 beaches. The city is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine.
Quality of life score: 7.0
Population of the metro area: 113,353
Median household income: $69,429
Median home price: $400,587
Median age: 42 years old
Known for: Set among the Blue Ridge Mountains and defined by a thriving farm-to-table food scene, brewery culture, and a focus on local artisans, Asheville is an easygoing city with a lot to offer people of all ages, whether visiting or putting down roots in this creative Southern city.
Quality of life score: 7.1
Population of the metro area: 673,264
Median household income: $95,674
Median home price: $744,221
Median age: 35 years old
Known for: One of the most historic cities in the country, Boston offers many exciting cultural activities, including walks along the Freedom Trail and performances by the Boston Pops Orchestra. Fine dining and buzz-worthy restaurants abound, as do historic taverns and bars, and two Boston chefs were nominated for the James Beard Awards in 2024, Eater reported.
Quality of life score: 7.1
Population of the metro area: 460,069
Median household income: $96,805
Median home price: $358,477
Median age: 39 years old
Known for: Virginia Beach boasts 38 miles of coastline, offering plenty of activities from swimming to fishing, kayaking, and waterskiing. If you're not outdoorsy, however, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, museums, and taking in the local cuisine.
Quality of life score: 7.1
Population of the metro area: 68,430
Median household income: $77,286
Median home price: $449,949
Median age: 39 years old
Known for: Portland, Maine, has quickly become the New England city to watch, thanks to its thriving food scene, plethora of outdoor recreational activities, and exciting music and nightlife scenes. However, the cost of living in Portland is rising steadily, leaving the city at a crossroads of how to create more affordable housing while retaining Portland's small-town feel.
Quality of life score: 7.2
Population of the metro area: 269,692
Median household income: $79,166
Median home price: $367,653
Median age: 35 years old
Known for: As the capital of Wisconsin's Dairyland, Madison has a thriving food scene built off local cheese and breweries. The city's lakes and bike paths also make this city a great place to live in the warmer months.
Quality of life score: 7.2
Population of the metro area: 469,960
Median household income: $87,708
Median home price: $382,677
Median age: 37 years old
Known for: Raleigh-Durham is quickly becoming a premier destination for great food and entertainment with a second-tier city feel. Home to some of the state's top universities and colleges, as well as more than 20 craft breweries, shopping centers, and local museums, this region of North Carolina is a great place to lay down roots.
Quality of life score: 7.4
Population of the metro area: 408,930
Median household income: $103,096
Median home price: $869,639
Median age: 45 years old
Known for: Honolulu is a slice of paradise on Earth with stretches of stunning beaches, fine dining establishments, resorts, a diverse local culture, and shopping destinations. History buffs can also visit sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial.
Quality of life score: 7.4
Population of the metro area: 277,498
Median household income: $85,886
Median home price: $422,080
Median age: 39 years old
Known for: Boise's stunning natural surroundings are just one reason to move to this up-and-coming city. In addition to more than 180 miles of public trails for hiking, biking, and running, artistically inclined folks can take in a show at one of the city's theaters, while sports fans can root for the Boise State University Broncos.
Quality of life score: 7.4
Population of the metro area: 122,362
Median household income: $97,017
Median home price: $854,424
Median age: 36 years old
Known for: Boulder is known for its more than 60 parks and 155 miles of hiking trails for nature lovers. The city's downtown area also abounds with restaurants, cafés, and bars, while the outdoor Pearl Street Mall is a popular shopping destination.
Quality of life score: 7.7
Population of the metro area: 125,664
Median household income: $86,628
Median home price: $456,578
Median age: 34 years old
Known for: Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor combines a small-town feel with the benefits of a bigger city.
According to US News & World Report, more than 90% of Ann Arbor residents live less than a 10-minute walk from a public park, which gives them access to hiking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. The city's downtown is also a thriving hub for shops and restaurants, as well as craft breweries and distilleries.