Smaller Cities Dominate U.S. Livability Rankings

Smaller suburban cities with strong job markets, lower crime, and affordable living costs are leading America’s livability rankings. Carmel, Indiana, holds the top spot in a recent consumer report evaluating the best places to live in the United States.

The Latest Report

The U.S. News & World Report’s real estate division released its list of the best places to live in America for 2026-2027. They based the rankings on criteria such as housing affordability, cost of living, quality of life indicators, like health care and education, as well as factors like crime rates and weather.

Why Smaller Cities Excel

Mid-sized suburban communities, rather than large urban hubs, top these rankings. U.S. News noted that the highest-ranked locations often feature strong local economies, low unemployment, good schools, manageable commutes, and access to amenities.

Recent data from the Census Bureau highlights population growth in the outer areas of major metro regions, especially in the South and Midwest. Americans are increasingly seeking suburban and exurban areas for affordable housing and more space.

The rankings considered 250 cities, revealing many Americans prefer space, short commutes, and economic stability over living in major cities.

Top 10 Cities in the U.S.

• Carmel, Indiana (Overall Score: 7.2)
• Fishers, Indiana (Overall Score: 7.2)
• Flower Mound, Texas (Overall Score: 7.1)
• Ankeny, Iowa (Overall Score: 7.1)
• Johns Creek, Georgia (Overall Score: 7.1)
• Hoover, Alabama (Overall Score: 7.0)
• Rochester Hills, Michigan (Overall Score: 7.0)
• Leander, Texas (Overall Score: 7.0)
• Frisco, Texas (Overall Score: 6.9)
• Sugar Land, Texas (Overall Score: 6.9)

Carmel, Indiana

Located north of Indianapolis, Carmel achieved the top ranking with an overall score of 7.2 out of 10. With a population of about 103,768 and a median household income of $144,615, Carmel offers a high value of living compared to similar cities.

Although the median home value in Carmel is $477,625, above the national median of $359,870, the city boasts a robust labor market and short commute times. Approximately 73.6% of residents drive to work, with an average commute of roughly 20.85 minutes, shorter than the national average. Additionally, the unemployment rate is 3.3%, below the national average of 4.5%.

Carmel has a growing downtown with restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions, such as the Center for the Performing Arts, catering to families and professionals seeking suburban living with urban amenities.

Texas and Indiana’s Strong Performance

Texas and Indiana stood out in the rankings with several cities in the top 10. Texas has Pearland, League City, and Leander among high-ranking locations, while Indiana’s Carmel and Fishers secured top five positions.

The Census Bureau notes that recent years have seen rapid growth in communities on the outskirts of large metro areas, especially in Sun Belt states, where housing development and population growth exceed those in older urban centers.

Lowest-Ranked Cities

Large cities facing economic and infrastructure challenges are at the bottom of the rankings. The ten lowest-ranked cities include San Bernardino, California, and Detroit, among others.

Migration Trends in the U.S.

The rankings reflect a shift in U.S. migration patterns as Americans gravitate towards smaller and suburban communities for lower costs and more space. Between 2024 and 2025, suburban and outer-ring areas around major metros witnessed some of the strongest population gains, according to the Census Bureau.

This movement likely relates to remote and hybrid work, the pressure of housing affordability, and quality-of-life concerns that intensified during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.