Best Cities To Live In The US In 2021. Photo: vietnamtimes.

1. The Woodlands, Texas

The Woodlands is a city in Texas with a population of 113,819. The Woodlands is in Montgomery County and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in The Woodlands offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In The Woodlands there are a lot of restaurants and parks. Many families live in The Woodlands and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in The Woodlands are highly rated.

"The Woodlands is a great place to live. It offers [a] good cost of living and quality of life. Great food and events. Beautiful trees everywhere and lot of green space to spend time outdoors," a Niche.com reviewer writes.

“We have been in the Top 10 for a number of years, and today, it’s with great honor to receive the news we’re ranked #1,” said The Woodlands Township Chairman Gordy Bunch, as Hellowoodlands reported. “The Woodlands is a dynamic hometown within a natural forest and is known for its balance between man and nature. The Woodlands provides premier services and activities, superior educational opportunities, is committed to public safety, has a diversity of jobs, vibrant public spaces, integrated mobility options, public activities, cultural events and entertainment. We are a thriving business community and a place where generations from all over the world come to live, worship, work, learn and play.”

The Woodlands Waterway | Photo courtesy of the Woodlands Entertainment District

The Woodlands is also in the top 10 of rankings for the following:

-Best Cities to Buy a House in America (#2 of 228)

-Best Cities to Raise a Family in America (#2 of 228)

-Cities with the Best Public Schools in America (#6 of 228)

-Best Cities to Retire in America (#7 of 228).

2. Arlington, Virginia

Arlington is a city in Virginia with a population of 233,464. Arlington is in Arlington County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. Living in Arlington offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Arlington there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Arlington and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Arlington are highly rated.

Photo: David Hill/Courtesy of Arlington

Arlington has top schools, low crime, great diversity and a buzzing nightlife. It boasts an abundance of outdoor activities. Rent prices average $1,827 and the median home value is $607,700. The average household income is $105,763. One of the things that helps with Arlington’s ranking is its high walkability score of 69. Neighborhoods within Arlington can rank even higher. For example, Ballston-Virginia Square has a walk score of 92. Properties like 4040 Wilson Blvd. and the The View at Liberty Center have a walk score of 94 and 93, respectively.

According to Money, the food scene in Arlington is impressive. There are more than 75 food trucks with a wide variety of cuisine ranging from Vietnamese pho to arepas to Texas BBQ. Local farmers' markets, like the Arlington Farmers' Market that started in 1979, are part of the town's tradition and take place on different days throughout the week. And with more than 1,100 acres of parks and 75 miles of hiking and biking trails, there are options to burn off the calories.

3. Naperville, Illinois

Naperville is a city in Illinois with a population of 147,501. Naperville is in DuPage County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Naperville offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Naperville there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Naperville and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Naperville are highly rated.

Credit: Sarah Crowley/Apartment Therapy

In addition to being a safe community, Naperville enjoys a strong volunteer spirit that has helped develop some of the most notable community projects, including the Riverwalk. Every year, as Naperville reported, this city is home to a number of President’s Volunteer Service Award winners. In November 2017, the Naperville City Council awarded 26 individuals the President’s Volunteer Service Award totaling 5307 volunteer hours worked in CY2016!

In Naperville, the City aims not just to serve the community, but serve it well. Part of serving the community includes stewardship over the natural resources that drew town founder Joseph Naper to this area almost 200 years ago. Economic development and a successful business community are cornerstones of Naperville. Home to top-ranked businesses and organizations, in 2021 Naperville was awarded the Better Business Town designation from the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. In previous years, Naperville earned the Well Workplace Award from Well City USA and has been named in the “Top Earning Towns” listing by Money Magazine two times.

4. Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park is a city in Kansas with a population of 191,011. Overland Park is in Johnson County and is one of the best places to live in Kansas. Living in Overland Park offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Overland Park there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Overland Park and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Overland Park are highly rated.

Photo: Jacob Boomsma / shutterstock.com

According to Travellens, some cities like to claim they're fun, but Overland Park is the real deal. Overland Park offers so many fun things to do and beautiful sites to see. You can go and immerse yourself in many outdoor pursuits, such as parks, swimming pools, hiking trails, and botanical gardens. Just because Kansas is not a household name for art doesn't mean Overland Park lacks culture. Gallery after dazzling gallery dots the landscape of this beautiful city, featuring museums that boast highly acclaimed collections of art famous across the whole state! If children are coming along on your visit, don't worry - there are plenty of museums and rustic farms in the area to entertain them while you relax, knowing that they're having fun too.

5. Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge is a city in Massachusetts with a population of 116,632. Cambridge is in Middlesex County and is one of the best places to live in Massachusetts. Living in Cambridge offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Cambridge there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Cambridge and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Cambridge are highly rated.

Cambridge, Mass, via Shutterstock

For a lot of travelers, “Cambridge” is synonymous with “Harvard.” Many a Boston visitor comes to Cambridge for an afternoon, just long enough to wander Harvard Yard and buy a sweatshirt. But Cambridge is so much more than that. More than anything, this is a city that lends itself to wandering.

Visit the different neighborhoods. Hop on the red line or 1 bus and jump from square to square, exploring the little shops and bars and restaurants. Catch some live music or wile away the day in the Harvard Bookstore. If there’s any iconic neighborhood of Cambridge, it’s Harvard Square. This neighborhood is full of historic buildings, coffee shops, restaurants, and fun boutiques, as well as theaters and performance spaces. All this and more brings millions of people to the square each year, as adventurouskate reported.

6. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor is a city in Michigan with a population of 120,735. Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County and is one of the best places to live in Michigan. Living in Ann Arbor offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Ann Arbor there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Ann Arbor and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Ann Arbor are highly rated.

Davel5957 / Getty Images

Forget its reputation as a picturesque, free-spirited college town – Ann Arbor is a forever town. As enamored of its football team as it is of its arts, it’s the kind of place that marries big city culture with the neighborly values of a small Midwestern town, with a hearty dash of intellectual energy and natural beauty thrown in. This progressive community with the collegiate atmosphere offers excellent museums, a diverse culinary scene, exciting nightlife and lots of arts events. You can kayak the Huron River, or enjoy the public art (it’s everywhere, and don’t miss the little fairy doors sprinkled throughout the city). It’s a place you won’t want to leave, even if your university days are far behind you, as visittheusa reported.

There are small-city downtowns, and then there’s downtown Ann Arbor. Explore a thriving and diverse community full of independent shops, restaurants, galleries and markets. Soak up the local vibe at paperies, vintage boutiques and bookstores before grabbing organic pizza or top-notch coffee. The scene here creates opportunities for discovery around every corner. Head to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for an interactive good time. Though it’s a children’s science museum, adults will be equally enthralled by the dynamic exhibits. Visit Cobblestone Farm and Museum, circa 1845, to learn about rural life in the 19th century.

7. Plano, Texas

Plano is a city in Texas with a population of 287,064. Plano is in Collin County and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in Plano offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Plano there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Plano and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Plano are highly rated.

Photo: visitplano.com.

Plano’s most colorful attraction, the Crayola Experience at The Shops at Willow Bend, is an amazing place where visitors can explore 22 hands-on attractions in a 60,000 square foot space that Parents Magazine calls one of the “Top 10 Trips to Take Before Your Kid Turns 10.”

Also at Legacy West is Legacy Food Hall, one of the nation’s largest and most unique food halls dedicated to serving the best-of food trends prepared by premier chefs and local artisans. The three-story, 55,000-square-foot European-style food hall, features 22 chef-driven food stalls, a brewery (Unlawful Assembly), and a live music and entertainment venue (the Box Garden). Wondering what the area was like in the 19th century? Heritage Farmstead can take you back with its original buildings, museum and active farm and garden museum.

The 1891 Victorian farm is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a must-see for fourth graders in the Plano school district. Plano is making a name for itself in the art community. With the recent additions of 10 public art pieces in the Downtown Plano Arts District, Plano has a colorful new look! The Saigling House is newly renovated and now the home for the Art Center of Plano; it is one of Plano’s artistic jewels. You can even catch the Plano Community Band at neighboring Haggard Park playing free concerts.

According to visitplano, if you’re a classical music fan, you may also be surprised to learn Plano has its own symphony. Whether you’ve been a fan of the arts for many years or you just want to dip your feet in, Plano is certainly a destination to indulge all types! Be sure to check out wall murals in the Downtown Plano Arts District, Legacy Central, and The Shops at Legacy!

8. Columbia, Maryland

Columbia is a city in Maryland with a population of 103,991. Columbia is in Howard County and is one of the best places to live in Maryland. Living in Columbia offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Columbia there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Columbia and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Columbia are highly rated.

Downtown Columbia Partnership

For nature enthusiasts, as Money reported, Columbia is home to Lake Kittamaqundi, a 27-acre reservoir. Located in Downtown Columbia, people can walk along its trails, paddle boat, kayak, picnic, or simply enjoy the peacefulness and stunning views.

The lakefront at Lake Kittamaqundi hosts festivals, live music, and outdoor movie nights, among other events. It's also home to the annual Columbia Lakefront Summer Festival. And the outdoor amphitheater Merriweather Post Pavilion is a great spot to catch major tours coming through town.

In addition to the lake, the downtown area has an abundance of restaurants and shops, including four department stores at the sprawling Mall in Columbia.

9. Berkeley, California

Berkeley is a city in California with a population of 121,485. Berkeley is in Alameda County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Berkeley offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Berkeley there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Berkeley and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Berkeley are highly rated.

Photo: racialequityalliance.org.

Berkeley is composed of ten unique districts within the city the limits. Each district offers opportunity to discover the fun and funky sides of things to do in Berkeley. From vibrant arts & culture hub that is Downtown Berkeley, to the foodie adventures of North Shattuck, to the historic Free Speech & Flower Power swagger of Telegraph Avenue. Spend time exploring each district and discover the bones of Berkeley.

According to the US Census Bureau, 72 per cent of Berkeley residents are university-educated — more than twice the national average — and the city’s unemployment rate of 2.6 per cent in May was one percentage point lower than the national average for the same month. Central Berkeley is a 35-minute commute on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) subway train from San Francisco’s financial district, but the city’s growing start-up culture — fuelled by its university’s graduates — also provides local job opportunities.

According to propertylistings, approximately 90 per cent of businesses in Berkeley have 20 employees or fewer. The city council recognises the intense competition that chain stores present for small businesses and uses zoning strategies to help protect the speciality shops for which the area is known.

10. Bellevue, Washington

Bellevue is a city in Washington with a population of 144,403. Bellevue is in King County and is one of the best places to live in Washington. Living in Bellevue offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Bellevue there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Bellevue and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Bellevue are highly rated.

The Bellevue Collection is three distinct shopping areas in the Bellevue downtown district. These shopping areas provide a dense concentration of shopping, dining, and overnight accommodations. Alongside unique and name-brand shopping opportunities, the Bellevue Collection also offers seasonal events that draw a crowd.

Snowflake Lane at Bellevue Square. GoToVan / photo modified

According to parentinghealthy, if you are intrigued with Bellevue, Washington by now you are probably wondering the best resources to finding apartments to rent. There is so much beauty and many great neighborhoods so it is not uncommon for new residents to rent a year or so because it gives them a chance to get to know the area, school district lines so they can find that perfect neighborhood for a permanent home.

Though Bellevue isn't lacking in natural attractions, perhaps the most concentrated view of Pacific Northwest flora can be found in the 53 acres encompassing the Bellevue Botanical Garden. This urban display of botanical beauty is on Main Street and is open daily from dusk to dawn. Admission is always free.

In Bellevue, on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, Vasa Park Resort provides picnic areas; boat launches; and a perfect spot to swim, with diving boards and waterslides. Vasa Park is also a popular spot to pitch a tent or park an RV. On the southern shore, Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah offers outdoor adventures throughout the year.

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