15. Fayetteville, ArkansasFayetteville, Arkansas. Michael Warren/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 113,010Median household income: $70,165Median home price: $281,646Median age: 33 years oldKnown for: Locatedlocal favorites like a deep-fried catfish sandwich. 14. Richmond, VirginiaRichmond, Virginia. Bill Dickinson/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 240,938Median household income: $68,814Median home price: $321,874Median age: 36 years oldKnown for: Richmond is a historic city founded in 1737, but that doesn't mean it's old-fashioned. A thriving downtown scene with art galleries, concert halls, and trendy restaurants meld the city's rich history with the modern times, and Richmond's more than 100 local parks offer plenty of outdoor recreation for residents. 13. Hartford, ConnecticutHartford, Connecticut. f11photo/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 118,273Median household income: $46,377Median home price: $214,546Median age: 36 years oldKnown for: While the population of Hartford skews older than some cities on this list, there's no shortage of buzzy restaurants and corporate offices for those looking to grow their careers in the Connecticut capital. The Bushnell Theater brings Broadway shows to town regularly, and The Mark Twain House and Museum is a popular destination for literary buffs. 12. Greenville, South CarolinaGreenville, South Carolina. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 77,387Median household income: $76,193Median home price: $393,809Median age: 37 years oldKnown for: College football is huge in Greenville, which is home to Clemson University, but there's a thriving art scene, too. Outdoor activities also abound in this Southern city, thanks to multiple hiking and biking trails. 11. San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego, California. Art Wager/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 1,404,745Median household income: $109,765Median home price: $807,264Median age: 38 years oldKnown for: San Diego residents enjoy outdoor activities, from surfing to boating and volleyball on one of the city's over 80 beaches. The city is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo and is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. 10. Asheville, North CarolinaAsheville, North Carolina. Derek Olson Photography/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.0Population of the metro area: 113,353Median household income: $69,429Median home price: $400,587Median age: 42 years oldKnown for: Set among the Blue Ridge Mountains and defined by a thriving farm-to-table food scene, brewery culture, and a focus on local artisans, Asheville is an easygoing city with a lot to offer people of all ages, whether visiting or putting down roots in this creative Southern city. 9. Boston, MassachusettsBoston, Massachusetts. Marcio Jose Bastos Silva/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.1Population of the metro area: 673,264Median household income: $95,674Median home price: $744,221Median age: 35 years oldKnown for: One of the most historic cities in the country, Boston offers many exciting cultural activities, including walks along the Freedom Trail and performances by the Boston Pops Orchestra. Fine dining and buzz-worthy restaurants abound, as do historic taverns and bars, and two Boston chefs were nominated for the James Beard Awards in 2024, Eater reported. 8. Virginia Beach, VirginiaVirginia Beach, Virginia. Shutterstock/Ritu Manoj Jethani Quality of life score: 7.1Population of the metro area: 460,069Median household income: $96,805Median home price: $358,477Median age: 39 years oldKnown for: Virginia Beach boasts 38 miles of coastline, offering plenty of activities from swimming to fishing, kayaking, and waterskiing. If you're not outdoorsy, however, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, museums, and taking in the local cuisine. 7. Portland, MaineBoats docked in Portland, Maine. Darryl Brooks/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.1Population of the metro area: 68,430Median household income: $77,286Median home price: $449,949Median age: 39 years oldKnown for: Portland, Maine, has quickly become the New England city to watch, thanks to its thriving food scene, plethora of outdoor recreational activities, and exciting music and nightlife scenes. However, the cost of living in Portland is rising steadily, leaving the city at a crossroads of how to create more affordable housing while retaining Portland's small-town feel. 6. Madison, WisconsinMadison, Wisconsin. halbergman/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.2Population of the metro area: 269,692Median household income: $79,166Median home price: $367,653Median age: 35 years oldKnown for: As the capital of Wisconsin's Dairyland, Madison has a thriving food scene built off local cheese and breweries. The city's lakes and bike paths also make this city a great place to live in the warmer months. 5. Raleigh, North CarolinaRaleigh, North Carolina. John_T/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.2Population of the metro area: 469,960Median household income: $87,708Median home price: $382,677Median age: 37 years oldKnown for: Raleigh-Durham is quickly becoming a premier destination for great food and entertainment with a second-tier city feel. Home to some of the state's top universities and colleges, as well as more than 20 craft breweries, shopping centers, and local museums, this region of North Carolina is a great place to lay down roots. 4. Honolulu, HawaiiHonolulu, Hawaii. M Swiet Productions/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.4Population of the metro area: 408,930Median household income: $103,096Median home price: $869,639Median age: 45 years oldKnown for: Honolulu is a slice of paradise on Earth with stretches of stunning beaches, fine dining establishments, resorts, a diverse local culture, and shopping destinations. History buffs can also visit sites relating to the World War II attack on Pearl Harbor, including the USS Arizona Memorial. 3. Boise, IdahoBoise, Idaho. Darwin Fan/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.4Population of the metro area: 277,498Median household income: $85,886Median home price: $422,080Median age: 39 years oldKnown for: Boise's stunning natural surroundings are just one reason to move to this up-and-coming city. In addition to more than 180 miles of public trails for hiking, biking, and running, artistically inclined folks can take in a show at one of the city's theaters, while sports fans can root for the Boise State University Broncos. 2. Boulder, ColoradoBoulder, Colorado. Walter Bibikow/Getty Images Quality of life score: 7.4Population of the metro area: 122,362Median household income: $97,017Median home price: $854,424Median age: 36 years oldKnown for: Boulder is known for 1. Ann Arbor, MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan. Paul Brady Photography/Shutterstock Quality of life score: 7.7Population of the metro area: 125,664Median household income: $86,628Median home price: $456,578Median age: 34 years oldKnown for: Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor combines a small-town feel with the benefits of a bigger city.According to US News & World Report, more than 90% of Ann Arbor residents live less than a 10-minute walk from a public park, which gives them access to hiking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. The city's downtown is also a thriving hub for shops and restaurants, as well as craft breweries and distilleries.