“Where should I live in 2024?” Well, it’s a little more complicated than you might think.

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether for a new job, a fresh start in life, or to get closer to family, over 25 million Americans moved last year. Although the number is technically on the lower side, that’s still quite a lot of U-Hauls if you ask us. 

So, do you find yourself on the move? Are you asking yourself, “Where should I live next?” In this blog, we’ll break down some of the best and worst cities to live in based on factors such as age, income, and more.

The Fastest Growing States in the U.S.

Before we break down the best cities to live in the U.S. in 2024, let’s quickly look at the states that saw the most amount of Americans relocate to last year when they asked themselves, “Where should I live?” This list is according to NBC.

1. Texas: It’s tax-friendly. It has plenty of fun cities, including Austin and Fort Worth. No surprises here.
2. Florida: Because who doesn’t love beautiful beaches and summer weather year-round?
3. North Carolina: Whether you’re a fan of the mountains or the ocean, North Carolina has it all.
4. South Carolina: If a relaxing lifestyle sounds like where you should live, South Carolina may be the answer. 
5. Tennessee: It has Nashville, mountains, and plenty of countryside, making it a popular destination.
6. Idaho: “Where should I live in the U.S.?”For many who chose mountains, Idaho came calling.
7. Washington: If you’re a fan of lush green, you can’t go wrong with this Pacific Northwest gem.
8. Arizona: On the flip side, if you like the sunny desert, Arizona is one of the best places to be.
9. Colorado: Like Idaho, Colorado is a mountain-lover’s paradise. Also, it has Denver, which we’ll discuss later.
10. Virginia: They say Virginia is for Lovers. Maybe that’s why so many have moved there in recent years.

The Best (and Worst) Cities to Live in the U.S. for Young Professionals

Alright, we know the states. Let’s get down to the business of cities. If you’re a young professional wondering where you should live in 2024, here are the five best and five worst ones to choose. The rankings are based on factors such as level of crime, job opportunities, and livability.

The 5 Worst

Why don’t we get the worst cities out of the way first? We’ll save the best cities to live in the U.S. for last.

1. Memphis, Tennessee: The city sits at the top of the most dangerous cities leaderboard.
2. Oakland, California: This Bay Area city has seen better days.
3. Bridgeport, Connecticut: Job opportunities are few and far between.
4. East Bakersfield, California:  High rates of poverty and drug mortality.
5. Anchorage, Alaska: Unless the thought of a truly remote city excites you.

The Five Best

Enough of the worst. What are the best cities for young professionals to live in the U.S.?

1. Atlanta, Georgia: This city is considered one of the best places to start a career.
2. Boulder, Colorado:Easy access to nature and plenty of job opportunities.
3. Austin, Texas: Austin has it all, including affordable housing options in the metro.
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota: The cold winters make summer feel that much better.
5. Raleigh, North Carolina: For those who want an urban experience that isn’t NYC.

The Best (and Worst) Cities for Families to Live in the U.S.

If you’re wondering where you should live with your family, you’ll find great and not-so-great options from coast to coast. Shall we start with the five worst again? 

The Five Worst

These may not be the best options for your family if you’ve asked, “Where should I live in 2024?”

1. Little Rock, Arkansas: From violence to a low quality of life rating, Little Rock can present some challenges for families.
2. Detroit, Michigan: It was once an American powerhouse. Today, not so much.
3. Newark, New Jersey: Yes, it’s close to New York. No, it’s not great for families.
4. Jackson, Mississippi: High crime and poverty rates present some serious challenges.
5. San Bernardino, California: While the cost of living is lower than most of the state, San Bernardino struggles with crime.

The Five Best

From great public education systems to high quality of life, these cities are some of the best for those wondering where they should live in 2024.

1. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cambridge boasts a unique blend of college town and urban. That’s why Forbes put it at the top of the list.
2. Fort Worth, Texas: As one of the best places to live in Texas, Fort Worth has a bit of everything for families.
3. Alexandria, Virginia: Northern Virginia is changing a lot. Many of these changes make places like Alexandria great for families.
4. Madison, Wisconsin: It’s safe, has plenty of outdoor activities, and gives families competitive home prices per square foot.
5. Naperville, Illinois: Naperville is great for those who want suburban within reach of a major metropolitan area (Chicago).

How to Find Affordable Homes Across the U.S.

If you and your family are on the move, finding a home may seem daunting at first. We’re here to change that. At the end of the day, nobody wants to overpay for a small home, right? That’s why National Home Corp offers spacious, newly-built homes in states like Texas, North Carolina, and even Florida. If you’re asking yourself where you should live, check out our communities or available homes in cities such as San Antonio, Fort Worth, and even Raleigh.

FAQs

What makes a city desirable?
A lot of factors make a city desirable, such as quality of life, weather, low crime rates, and job opportunities.

What makes a place overrated?
While this is subjective, overrated places might fall victim to things like tourism strains, high costs of living, or even a lack of outdoor activities.

Which U.S. city has the best quality of life?
Currently, the title belongs to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Some of the other best cities to live in the U.S. in 2024 include Boulder, Colorado, and Madison, Wisconsin.

Which U.S. state has the best future?
Because of its commitment to health and work-life balance, Utah is one of the most promising states in the U.S.