The new list ranks 150 major U.S. cities based on value, desirability, job market and quality of life, according to a news release. These measures were a part of a public survey that asked thousands of individuals throughout the U.S. what qualities they consider important in a place to live.

“The incorporation of city-based data further localizes the Best Places to Live rankings, empowering those looking for a place to call home to consider factors directly impacting the livability and overall experiences associated with a given place,” said Erika Giovanetti, loans expert and reporter for U.S. News & World Report.

Austin was the only Texas city to make U.S. News & World Report’s top 10 list of best nationwide cities. San Antonio, however, did not fair so well, ranking No. 89 out of 150. Other Texas cities like McAllen (No. 48), El Paso (No. 62), Corpus Christi (No. 77) and Brownsville (No. 87) beat the Alamo City in ranking.

The slogan “Keep Austin Weird” is what’s made the state’s capital city a laid-back place to live, the report says. Austin’s outdoor attractions, dog-friendliness, vibrant downtown sector, job prospects and of course it’s live music reputation are just some of the reasons the report lists why some people go there for college and never leave. 

“Some people move here because they want to work for one of the companies headquartered in Austin,” the report reads. “At times, the city can be a who’s who of technology, although government, education and health care are top job sectors as well.”

Big companies like Dell, Oracle, Whole Foods, Yeti and Indeed are headquartered in Austin, with others including Apple, Tesla, Google, and Samsung all having campuses/offices in the greater metropolitan area.

Austin is also a huge tourism city, known to attract many visitors with events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival, South by Southwest (SXSW), concerts and more with about 200 venues in the area. Despite its higher cost of living compared to other Texas cities, Austin’s “contagious vibrancy and enthusiasm” it still manages to charm people from all walks of life, curious about the city’s unique atmosphere.

Naples, Florida took U.S. News’ No. 1 spot this year due to its reported strong job market and quality of life scores. Boise, Idaho ranked No. 2, Colorado Springs, Colorado landed at No. 3 and the Carolinas secured three of the top 10 places.

Greenville, South Carolina debuted  at No. 4, Charlotte, North Carolina, placed No. 5 and Raleigh, North Carolina, snagged No. 6. The two cities above Austin were Huntsville, Alabama at No. 7 and Virginia Beach, Virginia at No. 8.

To view the full list of U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 best places to live in the U.S., visit this website.

May 21, 2024

Cristela Jones

AUSTIN TRENDING REPORTER