Most Desirable Cities to Live in America Include Appleton, WI at #5
- Jefferson City, Missouri, has been revealed as America’s most desirable city to live in.
- Idaho Falls, Idaho, ranks as the second most desirable city.
- Enid, Oklahoma, is the third most desirable city to live in.
A new study has found that Jefferson City is the most desirable city in America to live in.
Research by real estate experts at AgentAdvice analyzed 11 metrics that contribute to the desirability of an area. These include average home size and price, number of attractions and things to do as well as the number of schools that rank in the top schools across America. The research also studied the average income, violent and property crime rates per 100,000 population as well as vehicle accidents, rent and living costs in the city, and the percentage of people who live within half a mile of a park. These factors were used to determine a score out of 100 to finalize the ranking.
Most desirable cities to live in America
|
City
|
Home Price
|
Home Sq. Feet
|
Attractions
|
No. Best High Schools
|
Personal Income
|
Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)
|
Property Crime Rate (per 100K)
|
Fair Market Rent
|
Avg. Essential Living Costs
|
Fatal Vehicle Accidents
|
% Living Within 1/2 Mile of Park
|
|
Jefferson City, MO
|
289,325
|
1,944
|
77
|
11
|
51,936
|
224.5
|
1,220.7
|
646.9
|
30,502
|
2
|
36.1
|
|
Idaho Falls, ID
|
484,500
|
2,799
|
86
|
13
|
59,280
|
221
|
1,066.4
|
949.13
|
28,540
|
6
|
41.4
|
|
Enid, OK
|
235,900
|
1,921
|
45
|
9
|
48,872
|
353.7
|
2,503.2
|
745
|
27,555
|
3
|
57.1
|
|
Midland, MI
|
316,250
|
1,642
|
123
|
5
|
60,842
|
122.9
|
641.7
|
793.16
|
31,180
|
1
|
26.8
|
|
Appleton, WI
|
397,450
|
1,739
|
161
|
21
|
60,060
|
163.1
|
1,268.5
|
776.25
|
31,147
|
2
|
68.3
|
|
Rochester, MN
|
430,700
|
2,260
|
166
|
20
|
65,003
|
147.8
|
1,247.1
|
934.64
|
32,993
|
2
|
58.7
|
|
Columbus, IN
|
349,950
|
2,334
|
66
|
3
|
61,920
|
306.2
|
246.3
|
966.88
|
29,978
|
3
|
27.3
|
|
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
|
281,250
|
1,643
|
123
|
16
|
55,247
|
343.8
|
1,570.4
|
702.7
|
29,340
|
5
|
46.7
|
|
Manhattan, KS
|
288,750
|
2,201
|
62
|
8
|
52,544
|
347.2
|
1,437
|
790.8
|
28,914
|
1
|
46.7
|
|
Eau Claire, WI
|
393,450
|
2,065
|
98
|
11
|
56,225
|
136.5
|
1,407.5
|
771.67
|
31,147
|
2
|
36.1
|
-
Jefferson City, Missouri: Score 61.33/100
Jefferson City, Missouri, is the most desirable city to live in in America. The median house price ($289,320) is below the average across the other 387 cities analyzed ($416,764). The home size however is above average, at 1,944 sq. feet, the average being 1,901 sq. feet. Renting is also more affordable, having the lowest fair market rent of only $646. This is calculated by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) and represents the median rent for a particular area. Jefferson City also has 11 top-ranking schools. The crime rate is also low, with only 224.5 violent crimes per 100,000 of the population, which is less than the average across the other cities (400 per 100,000).
-
Idaho Falls, Idaho: Score 60.41/100
Idaho Falls, Idaho, is the second most desirable place to live in America. This city has the largest median home sq. footage at 2,799 sq. feet. Meanwhile, property crime is low, 1,066 per 100,000, which is almost half the average across all cities (2,097 per 100,000). The large home size and low crime make Idaho Falls a very desirable location to live. Idaho Falls has 86 attractions, ranging from river walks to museums, and is close to Yellow Stone National Park and multiple national forests. There are also 13 top-ranking schools.
-
Enid, Oklahoma: Score 60.321/100
Enid, Oklahoma, is the third most desirable city to live in. Median house prices here are much lower than average, at only $235,900. This also applies to rent, which is $745 for one room. The average square footage of homes, despite being cheaper, is still just over average (1,921 sq. feet, the average being 1,901). The cost of living is slightly cheaper, with essential living costs being on average $27,555; this is under the average in other cities ($31,634).
-
Midland, Michigan: Score 60.11/100
Midland, Michigan, is the fourth most desirable city to live in. Midland has some of the lowest crime statistics across all cities making it a much safer city than many others in the study, with only 641 cases of property crime per 100,000 and a violent crime rate of only 122 per 100,000. House prices have a median price of $316,250, while the median personal income is $60,842, which is above the average across all cities ($57,503).
-
Appleton, Wisconsin: Score 60.02/100
Appleton, Wisconsin, is the fifth most desirable city to live in. With 161 attractions listed on Tripadvisor (65 per 100,000 of the population, which is just over the average of 64 attractions per city), there is plenty for residents to do in Appleton. 68% of the population live within half a mile of a park, which is the highest in the top 10. The city has 21 top-ranking schools and low crime rates, with a rate of only 163 per 100,000 people.
-
Rochester, Minnesota: Score 59.62/100
Rochester, Minnesota, ranks sixth for desirability. Homes here have an above-average median square footage of 2,260, and 58% of people live within half a mile of a park. Personal income is above average at $65,003. The city also has 20 top-rated schools. Rochester also has one of the lowest crime rates, with a rate of only 147 per 100,000 of the population.
-
Columbus, Indiana: Score 59.17/100
Columbus, Indiana, is the seventh most desirable place in America to live. House prices here are reasonable, with the median price being $349,950, while fair market rent is $966, which is just under average ($1,091). Median income is also higher than average at $61,920, and essential living costs are slightly below average at $29,978. Columbus also has some of the lowest rates of property crime, with only 147 per 100,000,
7. Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa: Score 59.17/100
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa, is the tied seventh most desirable place to live. With 123 different attractions (or 73 per 100,000 of the population), such as sports, water parks, and venues for performing arts and music, among many others, there is plenty for residents to do. 46% of people also live within half a mile of a park, so there are plenty of natural green spaces close to home. There are also 16 top-rated schools in Waterloo-Cedar Falls.
-
Manhattan, Kansas: Score 59.07/100
Manhattan, Kansas, is the ninth most desirable city to live in. House prices are lower than average, at $288,750, and homes are much bigger than average, with a median square footage of 2,201 sq. feet. Essential living costs are lower at $28,914; the average being $31,643.
-
Eau Claire, Wisconsin: Score 58.93/100
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, ranks tenth for desirability. This can be attributed to its low crime rate; violent crime has a rate of only 136 per 100,000 of the population, much lower than the average of other cities (400 per 100,000). The city is also home to 11 top-rated schools and 98 attractions.
A spokesperson from AgentAdvice commented: “Having a good home in a nice city is incredibly important. A comfortable and affordable house provides stability and peace of mind, while living in a vibrant city with access to quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities enhances overall well-being. Safe neighborhoods, cultural activities, and green spaces contribute to a higher quality of life, making it easier to thrive both personally and professionally. Ultimately, the right housing in the right city can significantly impact happiness and success”
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For the full data set please email to request
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Methodology and sources
-
The index was compiled using 11 factors. It compares metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the US and ranks them by their overall score out of 100. MSAs without data were not included.
-
The number of TripAdvisor attractions and the number of best high schools were adjusted to the population. The missing data values were filled with the median for the column.
-
To compile the index, the raw data for the factors was cleaned, checked and standardized on the same scale from 0 to 10, where 0 and 10 represent the worst and best values present in the data, to allow for accurate comparison between factors. Factors for which a high score would be negative were subtracted from 10 to invert their scoring.
-
The weightings were then assigned to each factor reflecting their importance within the analysis.
-
Once the weightings were assigned, a total score out of 100 for each MSA was produced, upon which the final ranking is based.
Sources:
Most desirable cities to live in index
|
City
|
Home Price
|
Home Sq. Feet
|
Attractions
|
No. Best High Schools
|
Personal Income
|
Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)
|
Property Crime Rate (per 100K)
|
Fair Market Rent
|
Avg. Essential Living Costs
|
Fatal Vehicle Accidents
|
% Living Within 1/2 Mile of Park
|
|
Jefferson City, MO
|
289,325
|
1,944
|
77
|
11
|
51,936
|
224.5
|
1,220.7
|
646.9
|
30,502
|
2
|
36.1
|
|
Idaho Falls, ID
|
484,500
|
2,799
|
86
|
13
|
59,280
|
221
|
1,066.4
|
949.13
|
28,540
|
6
|
41.4
|
|
Enid, OK
|
235,900
|
1,921
|
45
|
9
|
48,872
|
353.7
|
2,503.2
|
745
|
27,555
|
3
|
57.1
|
|
Midland, MI
|
316,250
|
1,642
|
123
|
5
|
60,842
|
122.9
|
641.7
|
793.16
|
31,180
|
1
|
26.8
|
|
Appleton, WI
|
397,450
|
1,739
|
161
|
21
|
60,060
|
163.1
|
1,268.5
|
776.25
|
31,147
|
2
|
68.3
|
|
Rochester, MN
|
430,700
|
2,260
|
166
|
20
|
65,003
|
147.8
|
1,247.1
|
934.64
|
32,993
|
2
|
58.7
|
|
Columbus, IN
|
349,950
|
2,334
|
66
|
3
|
61,920
|
306.2
|
246.3
|
966.88
|
29,978
|
3
|
27.3
|
|
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
|
281,250
|
1,643
|
123
|
16
|
55,247
|
343.8
|
1,570.4
|
702.7
|
29,340
|
5
|
46.7
|
|
Manhattan, KS
|
288,750
|
2,201
|
62
|
8
|
52,544
|
347.2
|
1,437
|
790.8
|
28,914
|
1
|
46.7
|
|
Eau Claire, WI
|
393,450
|
2,065
|
98
|
11
|
56,225
|
136.5
|
1,407.5
|
771.67
|
31,147
|
2
|
36.1
|
|
Sheboygan, WI
|
373,425
|
1,584
|
96
|
13
|
60,359
|
180.80
|
1,046.3
|
830.00
|
31,147
|
3
|
49.60
|
|
Pocatello, ID
|
422,400
|
2,435
|
76
|
7
|
47,470
|
353.50
|
1,476.7
|
767.50
|
28,540
|
4
|
52.00
|
|
Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
|
306,175
|
2,038
|
86
|
11
|
44,713
|
309.90
|
1,662.6
|
745.24
|
26,745
|
2
|
23.20
|
|
Wheeling, WV-OH
|
165,625
|
1,628
|
81
|
9
|
53,193
|
389.10
|
882.5
|
739.80
|
29,203
|
2
|
14.40
|
|
Bloomington, IL
|
353,675
|
2,570
|
99
|
10
|
58,178
|
168.90
|
1,130.1
|
838.68
|
32,217
|
7
|
59.40
|
|
Iowa City, IA
|
344,975
|
2,063
|
102
|
10
|
64,399
|
266.50
|
1,512.7
|
880.00
|
29,340
|
1
|
32.60
|
|
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN
|
379,900
|
1,925
|
142
|
11
|
60,402
|
147.40
|
1,723.3
|
834.40
|
31,147
|
2
|
49.60
|
|
Dubuque, IA
|
297,400
|
1,790
|
145
|
4
|
60,090
|
317.90
|
1,289.3
|
693.18
|
29,340
|
7
|
32.60
|
|
Green Bay, WI
|
464,400
|
1,992
|
215
|
21
|
61,179
|
205.60
|
1,069.7
|
831.67
|
31,147
|
6
|
49.60
|
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
