The 25 Most Livable Cities in the US in 2016

Where is the most livable city in the U.S.? Is it by sun-soaked beaches, near majestic mountains, or smack-dab in the middle of the country where temperatures fall into single digits in winter and snow piles up by the foot?

If you guessed beaches or mountains, a recent ranking of the most livable small cities in the U.S. may surprise you.

An annual study from Livability, a marketing company that helps cities attract residents and businesses, finds that Rochester, Minnesota, is the most livable small city in the U.S. The top 25 cities are located in just 13 states, with California having the most at five, followed by Colorado (4) and Washington (3). Only two cities are located on the East Coast — one each in Maryland and Virginia — while 14 are along the West Coast.

Of the top 25, only nine had populations over 100,000, while three came in under 50,000. The average population among the 25 cities is 91,574. The median household income among them is $65,149, with only one city recording median income over $100,000. The median price of a home for all 25 is $373,756.

Other characteristics found among the 25 top cities include strong local economies with big employers, the existence of major universities or other research institutions, and dynamic downtowns that provide residents with an array of dining, shopping and cultural experiences. Beautiful outdoors and recreational activities also popped up frequently.

Livability ranked 2,000 cities with populations between 20,000 and 350,000 to come up with its top 100 places to live in its third annual ranking. It considered more than 40 data points in eight categories: amenities, demographics, economy, education, health care, housing, social and civil capital and transportation and infrastructure.

Here we list the 25 cities:

25. Kirkland, Washington

On the coast of Lake Washington, Kirkland offers a host of enviable features from a charming downtown to an abundance of trails and a dynamic economy. Residents enjoy pools, community centers, nearby wineries and fine restaurants.

Population: 75,835
Median Household Income:$87,480
Median Home Price: $415,300

24. Littleton, Colorado

Littleton’s downtown connects to a trail system surrounded by mountains and lakes, one of the city’s unique features. It hosts popular annual events like Littleton Rocks, a series of outdoor concerts, Western Welcome Week and Candlelight Walk that bring residents together and lure regional visitors.

Population: 43,065
Median Household Income:$59,699
Median Home Price: $269,000

23. Longmont, Colorado

The city is one of Colorado’s certified creative districts, featuring paved trails that lead to over 75 works of art. It also offers a lively culture-filled downtown and is located near the Rocky Mountains with many hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Population: 87,607
Median Household Income:$58,698
Median Home Price: $238,900

22. Edina, Minnesota

Residents and their families enjoy a nationally renowned school district, robust economy and numerous public parks. Founded in the late 1800s, Edina gives off a small-town vibe, but offers big-city amenities.

Population: 48,574
Median Household Income:$84,349
Median Home Price: $387,500

21. Charlottesville, Virginia

The quintessential college town, Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia and features a rich history with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and other historic buildings. Residents can also enjoy the city’s gourmet restaurants, boutiques, orchards, vineyards and nearby Shenandoah National Park.

Population: 43,663
Median Household Income:$44,601
Median Home Price: $293,000

20. Olympia, Washington

The state capitol, Olympia is boosted by government activity along with tourism given its close proximity to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Tumwater Falls Park and Wolf Haven International. The Puget Sound also features amazing views, boating attractions and fresh seafood.

Population: 47,335
Median Household Income: $51,902
Median Home Price: $248,200

19. Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz flaunts all the characteristics of a vacation destination with its impressive redwood forests and sunny beaches. Residents enjoy surfing, sailing, paddle-boarding and whale-watching along with the numerous entertainment and dining options.

Population: 61,245
Median Household Income:$61,600
Median Home Price: $643,800

18. Ashland, Oregon

Ashland, located between the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountains, offers such celebrated cultural events as its annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival, spectacular outdoor opportunities to hike, bike and swim, while fostering a growing solar industry and a commitment to sustainability and smart design.

Population: 20,355
Median Household Income: $45,596
Median Home Price: $345,60

17. Rockville, Maryland

Rockville boasts more than 1,000 acres of park space, making it easy for every resident to take advantage of outdoor recreation. Its town square features more than 50 boutiques and restaurants and the city’s booming biomed and tech industries keep drawing more residents.

Population: 62,130
Median Household Income:$98,607
Median Home Price: $469,700

16. Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City’s schools and outdoor recreational areas are top features for its residents. It also has a lively downtown area filled with shops, restaurants and cultural amenities. The city sits between National Park and the Black Hills mountain range.

Population: 69,000
Median Household Income:$46,370
Median Home Price: $155,700

15. Fargo, North Dakota

The largest city in North Dakota and located on the banks of the Red River, Fargo comes with an abundance of cultural offerings such as museums, galleries and an Art Deco theater at the heart of its bustling downtown. The city also offers outdoor activities, low taxes and a strong jobs environment.

Population: 108,371
Median Household Income:$45,458
Median Home Price: $157,900

14. Overland Park, Kansas

Overland Park boasts a low crime rate, stable economy and great schools which lures young families. It has a good balance of indoor and outdoor entertainment options and the city’s commitment to smart planning has created a careful balance of residential, commercial and green spaces.

Population: 176,520

Median Household Income: $71,094

Median Home Price: $223,800

13. Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins offers award winning schools, a bustling arts scene, quirky shops and restaurants, many breweries and a beautiful environment. Strong tech companies like Hewlett Packard, Intel and National Semiconductor along with Colorado State University anchor the city’s economy.

Population: 146,822
Median Household Income:$53,780
Median Home Price: $247,800

12. San Mateo, California

San Mateo attracts young professionals and their families with major employers like Franklin Templeton Investments and San Mateo Medical Center, plus technology and retail companies. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the city is features historic buildings, parks and entertainment events.

Population: 98,601
Median Household Income:$85,669
Median Home Price: $710,700

11. Walnut Creek, California

The Walnut Creek economy is supported by the healthcare and biotechnology sectors along with a robust small business environment. Residents enjoy shopping centers, farmers markets, great schools and manicured parks. The city is also known as a foodie hub for its Art and Wine Festival and assorted restaurants.

Population: 65,122
Median Household Income:$81,593
Median Home Price: $585,000

10. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The city offers cultural shows and festivals, sporting events and outdoor destinations such as the cascades of the Big Sioux River. Its downtown offers a variety of restaurants and shops along the lively Phillips Avenue.

Population: 157,675
Median Household Income:$51,672
Median Home Price: $152,200

9. Iowa City, Iowa

Iowa City fosters creativity and discovery for its residents with usual annual traditions. Public pianos are placed in favorite gathering spots during the summer, while residents warm trees with knitted sweaters during winter. It is also home to the University of Iowa, which hosts the celebrated Iowa Writers’ Workshop and the Landlocked Film Festival every year.

Population: 69,314
Median Household Income:$41,410
Median Home Price: $180,900

8. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor’s claim to fame is the popular and populous University of Michigan, which helps this city to combine both big-city amenities with a small-town feel. The city features bookstores, art galleries, performance events, annual festivals and restaurants, but is a short drive to a more rural, peaceful environment.

Population: 115,331
Median Household Income:$55,003
Median Home Price: $230,700

7. Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck is a city of active residents with more than 80 miles of trails, seven golf courses and plenty of lush forests. Its lively downtown is peppered with restaurants, cafes and shops. The city is also home to five colleges, including the University of Mary, and top employers include Sanford Health, St. Alexius Medical Center and state government.

Population: 63,353
Median Household Income:$54,969
Median Home Price: $163,900

6. Palo Alto, California

Located in the core of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is home to many leading innovative technology companies and Stanford University, one of the best research and teaching institutions. The city also features historic neighborhoods, a dynamic shopping district and many cultural attractions.

Population: 65,234
Median Household Income:$121,465
Median Home Price: $1,000,000

5. Boulder, Colorado

With strong environmental protections, Boulder offers breathtaking natural environs with mountain streams and abundant forests where residents hike, bike, fish and rock climb. The downtown area is dotted with shops, cafes and restaurants along its four-block Pearl Street pedestrian mall.

Population: 100,363
Median Household Income:$56,312
Median Home Price: $489,400

4. Santa Barbara, California

Commonly referred to as the “American Riviera” thanks to its beautiful beaches, high mountains and cultural treasures, Santa Barbara is located about two hours north of Los Angeles. Several wineries can be found nearby, as well as many opportunities to hike, swim and go boating. With many resorts and hotels on its coastline, Santa Barbara’s economy hinges on tourism, but also has a strong service sector with top employers in industries ranging from manufacturing to technology and education.

Population: 89,062
Median Household Income:$65,034
Median Home Price: $832,100

3. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison’s ability to attract employers—because of its business-friendly climate and high percentage of college-educated workers—has created a robust and stable economy. The University of Wisconsin, which links to downtown, infuses the city with a vibrant social scene with cafes, shops, restaurants, outdoor recreation and cultural events.

Population: 237,395
Median Household Income:$53,464
Median Home Price: $214,100

2. Bellevue, Washington

Boasting some of the best schools in the country along with Bellevue College and City University of Seattle, the city offers a small-town environment but many entertainment options and events, such as the annual Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair. It often hosts technology companies which has helped develop its downtown.

Population: 129,209
Median Household Income:$90,333
Median Home Price: $525,000

1. Rochester, Minnesota

Rochester’s claim to fame is the Mayo Clinic, the world’s first and largest non-profit group medical practice and the city's biggest employer. The clinic attracts a host of international workers and patients, which help to support the city’s numerous arts and cultural events that separate it from other cities of the same size.

Population: 108,179
Median Household Income:$62,575
Median Home Price: $163,700

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Selvaraj Mudali

Trying to fit in this world.