America has always been one of the top destinations for those looking to start a new life and turn their dreams into a reality.
Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for a new city to call home, a family wanting to settle down, or an artist yearning for new inspiration, the USA is guaranteed to have a city that fits your needs. Join us as we look at the 10 best cities in America.
Best Places to Live in America for…
- Expats: Austin, Texas
- English Speakers: Seattle
- Digital Nomads: San Jose, California
- Solo Travelers: Washington, D.C.
- Couples: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Groups: San Francisco
Top 10 Places to Live in America
1. Austin, Texas
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of Living:$$$
Austin, Texas has become a dream location for expats from all around the world. Major companies like Apple, AMD, General Motors and Dell all have their headquarters here, meaning you’ll have ample opportunities to make lasting business connections.
Tip: The traffic in Austin is notoriously bad, so plan your day accordingly.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, Students
Pros:
- Plenty of live music performances to enjoy
- The locals are very welcoming
- Crime rates are low
Cons:
- Cost of living is quite high
- The traffic is a nightmare
- The housing market is expensive
2. Seattle
Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$$
Seattle is perfect for anyone looking to relocate to a place where English is the main language.
There are plenty of things to do in Seattle that you simply can’t do anywhere else. Visit the iconic Space Needle skyscraper, go shopping at Pike Place Market, or get a unique view of the city on the famous Seattle Great Wheel. Best of all, you won’t have to deal with a language barrier when you visit these places!
Tip: Bring your canine friend along with you; Seattle was named the most dog-friendly city in the nation.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers, Dog Lovers
Pros:
- Plenty of things to do in your free time
- A dog-friendly city
- Great nightlife scene
Cons:
- Finding an apartment can be expensive
- It gets extremely cold during winter
- The job market is very competitive
3. San Jose, California
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$
San Jose, California is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for Digital Nomads. The city is home to an abundance of workspaces where you can buckle down and get work done or network with like-minded people. Internet speeds are also quite fast, so you’ll never miss another deadline due to a bad connection.
Tip: Make use of the VTA Light Rail or Bay Area Rapid Transit System to avoid traffic.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Families
Pros:
- Great public transport
- Great weather year-round
- Excellent healthcare system
Cons:
- Cost of living is quite high
- Not much of a nightlife scene
- Finding a permanent residency is expensive
4. Washington, DC
Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$$
If you’re a solo traveler looking for a new city, Washington DC should be high on your list. As the capital city of America, it should come as no surprise that Washington has a rich history with plenty of historic buildings, monuments, and sites to be explored. The locals are also friendly and welcoming, so meeting new people should be a breeze.
Tip: Don’t try to explore everything at once. Space out your visits to get the best experience.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers, History Buffs
Pros:
- Finding an apartment is easy
- Lots of fun stuff to do
- Fast internet
Cons:
- Gets cold in the winter
- It’s a tourist hotspot
- Cost of living is quite high
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $
If you and your significant other are looking to settle down in a new city, you should definitely consider moving to New Orleans. The city is home to a number of romantic attractions where couples can make lasting memories. From sailing down the Mississippi River at sunset to spoiling each other at the French Market, New Orleans is the perfect city for couples. (https://mva.la/)
Tip: Pack loads of sunscreen, as it gets very hot in summer.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, Groups
Pros:
- Finding an apartment is easy
- Cost of living is cheap
- Amazing nightlife scene
Cons:
- Crime rates are relatively high
- It’s a tourist hotspot
- The tropical climate means there are loads of bugs everywhere
6. San Francisco
Best Place to Live for Groups
Cost of Living: $$
San Francisco is the ideal city for groups of people. Finding a spacious apartment is relatively easy and won’t cost you an arm and a leg. There are also ample job opportunities constantly popping up around the city, so you’ll never be strapped for cash.
Tip: Make use of the sidecars to avoid walking up steep roads.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, Digital Nomads
Pros:
- Finding an apartment is a breeze
- Cost of living is relatively cheap
- Plenty of fun things to do
Cons:
- Walking up the steep hills every day can be laborious
- It’s a tourist hotspot
- Gets very cold in winter
7. Maine, Portland
Best Place to Live for Families
Cost of Living: $$$
Maine, Portland is rated as the safest state in America, making it the perfect location for any family looking to settle down in a new city. Maine has an excellent safety rating when it comes to personal and residential safety, road safety, and emergency preparedness.
Tip: Pack warm clothes. It gets freezing cold in winter.
Who Would Like to Live There: Families & Retirees
Pros:
- Unemployment rates are very low
- The locals are friendly and welcoming
- One of the safest places to live in the USA
Cons:
- Purchasing a home is expensive
- Winter is bitterly cold
- Not much of a nightlife scene
8. Miami, Florida
Best Place to Live for Students
Cost of Living: $$
Florida might be known for its great weather and tropical vacation-worthy beaches, but many people don’t know that it’s also home to some amazing universities. The University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of Miami can all be found in the top 500 of the World University Rankings.
Tip: Watch out for rogue alligators. They’re quite common in Florida.
Who Would Like to Live There: Students, Beach Lovers
Pros:
- Plenty of great universities
- The locals are friendly and welcoming
- Great nightlife scene
Cons:
- Tourist hotspot
- Summer is very hot and humid
- Loads of snakes and alligators
9. New Hampshire
Best Place to Live for Retirees
Cost of Living: $$$
New Hampshire has always been popular with those looking to settle down and enjoy their retirement. This quaint little town is a very safe place to live with excellent healthcare facilities. There are also quite a few things to do without having to expend too much energy.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to spoil yourself with a nice gift. There is no general sales tax on goods purchased in New Hampshire.
Who Would Like to Live There: Retirees, Nature Lovers
Pros:
- Safe place to live
- Great healthcare facilities
- Locals are friendly and welcoming
Cons:
- Finding a home is expensive
- Little to no nightlife scene
- It gets very cold in winter
10. New York
Best Place to Live for Artists
Cost of Living: $$$
The iconic city of New York has always been a haven for musicians, writers, dancers, and artists in general. The likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Mary Abbott all hail from the Big Apple, and you could be the next great artist to call New York home. Explore the many different art galleries, get lost in the Museum of Modern Art, or simply take a stroll and marvel at the street art.
Tip: Get comfortable with the subway system. You’ll be using it a lot.
Who Would Like to Live There: Artists, Expats
Pros:
- Plenty of networking opportunities
- Lots of fun things to do
- Finding a job is relatively easy
Cons:
- Cost of living is expensive
- The noise pollution in New York is quite bad
- Crime rates are higher than other states
FAQs
1. Is It Safe in America?
America is regarded as a safe country to travel to.
2. What Currency Do They Use in America?
The United States Dollar (USD).
3. What Language Do They Speak in America?
English is the main language spoken in America.
4. How to Travel Around America?
The most common way to travel around America is via public transport like buses and trains. Independent cab companies like Uber and Lyft are also common ways to get around in the USA.