15. Lexington, KentuckyLexington, Kentucky. Getty Images Population of the metro area: 320,154Median home price: $331,000Median monthly rent: $1,600Median household income: $66,392Climate Vulnerability Index: 58th percentile (average vulnerability). This index shows areas of the US most likely to face challenges from climate change.Known for: Home to over 450 horse farms, Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world. While it doesn't have the Kentucky Derby, Keeneland Race Track holds its own horse races twice a year. 14. Madison, WisconsinMadison, Wisconsin. Walter Bibikow/Getty Images Population of the metro area: 280,305Median home price: $415,000Median monthly rent: $1,700Median household income: $70,484Climate Vulnerability Index: 6th percentile (lowest vulnerability)Known for: Wisconsin's capital is also the state's second-largest city. Madison is a college town, offering plenty of chances to see concerts and sporting events. 13. Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina. f11photo/Shutterstock Population of the metro area: 155,369Median home price: $617,500Median monthly rent: $2,800Median household income: $89,083Climate Vulnerability Index: 55th percentile (average vulnerability)Known for: With its cobblestone streets and 18th- and 19th-century buildings, Charleston is a dream for historic-architecture buffs. Plus, miles of beachy coastline are just a short trip from downtown. 12. Green Bay, WisconsinGreen Bay, Wisconsin. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images Population of the metro area: 105,744Median home price: $318,000Median monthly rent: $999Median household income: $66,950Climate Vulnerability Index: 15th percentile (lowest vulnerability)Known for: Wisconsin's oldest city is home to the Green Bay Packers, a storied NFL team. Nature lovers can make the most of Green Bay's 25-mile Fox River State Trail, even in the winter. 11. Sarasota, FloridaSarasota, Florida. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock Population of the metro area: 57,602Median home price: $488,500Median monthly rent: $2,800Median household income: $68,870Climate Vulnerability Index: 24th percentile (lower vulnerability)Known for: Sarasota earned the nickname the Circus City because Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus moved its winter quarters to the beachy town in 1927. These days, the weather, leisurely pace of life, and lack of income tax all attract people to Florida. Sarasota, in particular, has become a magnet for workers, according to a January LinkedIn report. 10. Boulder, ColoradoBoulder, Colorado. Page Light Studios/Shutterstock Population of metro area: 105,898Median home price: $945,000Median monthly rent: $2,995Median household income: $75,923Climate Vulnerability Index: 12th percentile (lowest vulnerability)Known for: Not far from the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is known for outdoorsy activities, including rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and cycling. The city's median age is 28.6, giving it a youthful, lively energy. 9. AustinAustin. Kruck20/Getty Images Population of metro area: 979,882Median home price: $484,900Median monthly rent: $2,000Median household income: $91,501Climate Vulnerability Index: 20th percentile (lower vulnerability)Known for: An artsy, contemporary city, Austin is known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, eclectic cuisine, and college scene. It also has a long history of attracting tech giants, and even more companies have opened offices there since the pandemic. West Coasters in the industry have moved to the city, lured by the booming job market and comparatively low cost of living. 8. Virginia Beach, VirginiaVirginia Beach, Virginia. Kyle J Little/Shutterstock Population of metro area: 453,649Median home price: $384,500Median monthly rent: $2,195Median household income: $91,141Climate Vulnerability Index: 18th percentile (lowest vulnerability)Known for: Boasting a beloved boardwalk, Virginia Beach has miles of beaches, delectable seafood, and a mild climate. Murals, museums, and shops in the ViBe Creative District give the seaside destination some arty flair, too. 7. Huntsville, AlabamaHuntsville, Alabama. Denis Tangney/Getty Images Population of metro area: 225,564Median home price: $315,000Median monthly rent: $1,465Median household income: $73,319Climate Vulnerability Index: 54th percentile (average vulnerability)Known for: Since the start of the US space program in the 1950s Huntsville has been a hub for the aerospace and defense industries. Today it's bursting with startups, alongside long-standing workplaces like NASA and Boeing. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin also has a facility for building rocket engines in Huntsville. 6. Raleigh, North CarolinaRaleigh, North Carolina. Getty Images Population of metro area: 482,295Median home price: $450,000Median monthly rent: $1,826Median household income: $86,309Climate Vulnerability Index: 13th percentile (lowest vulnerability)Known for: This capital city has a busy downtown, free museums, and miles of hiking trails. Part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, Raleigh has a long history of fostering technology and science companies, creating a strong local economy. 5. Charlotte, North CarolinaCharlotte, North Carolina. Getty Images Population of the metro area: 911,311Median home price: $424,900Median monthly rent: $1,950Median household income: $80,581Climate Vulnerability Index: 35th percentile (lower vulnerability)Known for: Second only to New York, Charlotte is a bustling banking hub. Locals can root for the city's professional basketball, football, and soccer teams or soak up the art and food scenes. 4. Greenville, South CarolinaGreenville, South Carolina. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock Population of the metro area: 72,824Median home price: $366,500Median monthly rent: $1,725Median household income: $73,536Climate Vulnerability Index: 55th percentile (average vulnerability)Known for: In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville attracts new residents with its moderate climate, burgeoning food reputation, and natural beauty. Greenville is also home to several major corporations, including Michelin, GE, and Lockheed Martin. 3. Colorado Springs, ColoradoColorado Springs, Colorado. Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images Population of the metro area: 488,664Median home price: $440,000Median monthly rent: $1,873Median household income: $83,215Climate Vulnerability Index: 34th percentile (average vulnerability)Known for: The US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center is located in Colorado Springs, making the city especially attractive to athletes. There are hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, and white water rafting is a popular summer activity. From the Garden of the Gods to the iconic Pikes Peak, gorgeous natural sights adorn the area. 2. Boise, IdahoBoise, Idaho. vkbhat / Getty Images Population of the metro area: 235,421Median home price: $472,500Median monthly rent: $1,774Median household income: $79,977Climate Vulnerability Index: 9th percentile (lowest vulnerability)Known for: Thousands of new residents flocked to Idaho's capital in the past decade, making it the US's fastest-growing city in 2018. Boise blends sought-after amenities such as microbreweries and cider houses with nearby scenic state parks full of rivers, canyons, and mountains. 1. Naples, FloridaNaples, Florida Mint Images/Getty Ima Population of the metro area: 19,704Median home price: $629,500Median monthly rent: $6,100Median household income: $135,657Climate Vulnerability Index: 32nd percentile (lower vulnerability)Known for: Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Naples is like a postcard come to life, with white-sand beaches, luxurious residences, and over 1,350 holes of golf. The city has long attracted wealthy residents who can afford the high housing costs. Right now a $295 million compound is up for grabs, the most expensive home for sale in the US.Sources: Population and income data are from the US Census, median home price from Realtor.com, median rent from Zillow, and climate information from the Climate Vulnerability Index.This story was originally published on May 15, 2024, and most recently updated on December 4.