Johns Creek in Georgia has been named the best place to live in the United States in the latest annual ranking from U.S. News & World Report.
The study looked at 250 major cities in the U.S., which were evaluated using data from Applied Geographic Solutions along with U.S. News’ own internal resources. AGS compiles its database and indexes using information from both private and government sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce, the Federal Reserve, the Bureau for Economic Analysis, and state and local agencies.
The cities were ranked based on different criteria, from various factors that impact well-being, such as health care and air quality, to the job market and housing costs.
Earning an overall score of 7 out of 10, Johns Creek topped the latest ranking, standing out for strong economic conditions and high incomes. The city has about 79,322 residents, a median age of 40.3, and an average commute of 27.92 minutes. Its unemployment rate is 2.87 percent, well below the national average of 4.5 percent. Johns Creek’s median household income reaches $165,117, compared with the U.S. median of $79,466. Housing costs reflect its affluence, with a median home value of $587,438, while the median rent is $1,807.
Second place went to Carmel, Indiana, which also scored 7 overall. Carmel is home to roughly 106,425 people and has a median age of 39.6. Commute times there average 20.85 minutes. The unemployment rate is 3.31 percent, lower than the national figure. Household incomes are also high, with a median of $142,597. For homeowners, the median home value is $479,193, while renters typically pay a median rent of $1,455.
Pearland, Texas, ranked third with an overall score of 7 out of 10. About 128,984 people live in Pearland, where the median age is 35.9 and commutes here average 30.79 minutes. The unemployment rate is 3.16 percent, and the job market is described as better than the national average. Median household income in Pearland is $115,695. Housing is relatively more affordable, with a median home value of $343,703 and a median rent amount of $1,499.
Fishers, Indiana, placed fourth with a score of 6.9. The city has 105,031 residents, a median age of 36.5, and commute times averaging 23.68 minutes. Unemployment stands at 3.48 percent, lower than the national 4.5 percent, and the local job market performs better than average. The median household income is $134,148. While the national average home value is $370,489, Fishers’ median home value is higher at $406,024. Median rent is $1,404, and the city is noted for offering higher value compared with similarly sized places.
Cary, North Carolina, ranked fifth, also scoring 6.9. Cary has about 186,186 residents and a median age of 38.9. The average commute is 21.03 minutes, and unemployment is notably low at 2.56 percent. The job market outperforms the national average, and households earn a median income of $135,260. Cary’s median home value is $571,294, well above the national average, while median rent comes in at $1,560. The city is described as offering a higher value of living compared with similar cities.
League City, Texas, came in sixth with a 6.9 overall score. The city’s population is about 108,933, with a median age of 36.2 and an average commute of 28.06 minutes. Unemployment is 2.75 percent, and the job market is stronger than the national average. Median household income stands at $121,946. With a median home value of $343,592—below the national average—League City is described as offering a lower value of living compared with similarly sized cities. Median rent there is $1,314.
Seventh place went to Apex, North Carolina, which scored 6.9 out of 10. Apex has roughly 70,350 residents, a median age of 37.3, and an average commute of 22.92 minutes. Unemployment is 2.88 percent, lower than the national average. Median household income reaches $141,174. Homebuyers face a median home value of $543,460, while renters typically pay $1,654.
Leander, Texas, ranked eighth with an overall score of 6.9. The city has about 81,490 residents, a median age of 35.9, and average commute times of 29.65 minutes. Unemployment is 2.81 percent, better than the national average. Median household income is $140,795. With a median home value of $492,064—above the national average—and median rent of $1,621, Leander is described as offering a higher value of living compared with similarly sized cities.
Ninth place went to Rochester Hills, Michigan, which also earned a 6.9 score. The city has about 76,836 residents, a median age of 41.1, and commutes averaging 21.35 minutes. Unemployment is 3.36 percent, below the national level, and the job market performs better than average. Median household income is $119,166, the median home value is $386,746, and median rent is $1,293.
Rounding out the top 10 is Troy, Michigan, with a 6.9 overall score. Troy has approximately 89,523 residents and a median age of 40.5. Commutes average 21.97 minutes. The median household income is $120,823, with an unemployment rate of 3.53 percent. Median home values reach $397,951, and median rent is $1,292.
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