7 communities with the highest quality of life in America
These seven places, mostly suburbs of larger, coastal cities, ranked the highest against more than 800 communities analyzed by U.S. News and World Report
stresstensor / Getty Images
A lot of communities boast about being a great place to live. But which ones have the best cases?
U.S. News and World Report attempted to find out. It analyzed 859 cities and towns to find the best places to live in 2025 and 2026, using data from Applied Geographic Solutions and its own internal sources. It considered everything from the quality of schools, air, and local infrastructure to how affordable a place is. It factored in crime rates, the local economy, and even the weather.
Continue reading to see which communities have the best quality of life.
#7: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Richard T. Nowitz / Getty Images
Just outside Boston and home to Harvard University, Cambridge is one of several small cities in Massachusetts to make the list.
Population: 128,286
Average Commute: 24 minutes
Median Home Value: $1,014,299
Median Monthly Rent: $2,553
Median Household Income: $133,847
#6: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Ryan Herron / Getty Images
Part of North Carolina’s Research Triangle and home to UNC's flagship campus, Chapel Hill ranked sixth, with strong education and lots of jobs.
Population: 64,796
Average Commute: 18 minutes
Median Home Value: $595,286
Median Monthly Rent: $1,319
Median Household Income: $94,827
#5: Malden, Massachusetts
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
Located about seven miles north of downtown Boston, Malden has many of the benefits of the other entries in Massachusetts but at a more affordable price point.
Population: 68,602
Average Commute: 32 minutes
Median Home Value: $630,396
Median Monthly Rent: $1,950
Median Household Income: $102,117
#4: Bellevue, Washington
Feng Wei Photography / Getty Images
Just east of Seattle and situated on Lake Washington, Bellevue has strong job prospects and great access to nature.
Population: 153,923
Average Commute: 20 minutes
Median Home Value: $1,300,701
Median Monthly Rent: $2,275
Median Household Income: $169,156
#3: Bethesda, Maryland
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
Just outside Washington, D.C., Bethesda holds its own as a city and has some of the region’s top public schools.
Population: 153,923
Average Commute: 20 minutes
Median Home Value: $1,300,701
Median Monthly Rent: $2,275
Median Household Income: $169,156
#2: Newton, Massachusetts
stresstensor / Getty Images
About 10 miles west of Boston, Newton has a small-town feel despite its size, top public schools, and an easy commute into Boston via the MBTA system.
Population: 90,848
Average Commute: 25 minutes
Median Home Value: $1,268,950
Median Monthly Rent: $2,221
Median Household Income: $197,977
#1: Brookline, Massachusetts
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
Brookline, another Boston suburb, took the top spot. The town is known for great schools, leafy streets, walkability, and proximity to the city center.
Population: 64,446
Average Commute: 29 minutes
Median Home Value: $1,314,003
Median Monthly Rent: $2,577
Median Household Income: $151,695