Smaller suburban cities with strong job markets, lower crime rates, and relatively affordable living costs are topping America’s latest livability rankings. Carmel, Indiana, has been named the best place to live in the United States, according to a consumer rankings report. The U.S. News & World Report’s real estate division published its list of the top places to live in America for 2026-2027, factoring housing affordability, living costs, quality of life indicators such as health care and education, and desirability influences like crime rates and weather conditions.
Why Smaller Cities Are Dominating
Many cities at the top of the rankings are mid-sized suburban communities instead of large urban centers. U.S. News highlights that top-ranked places generally combine strong local economies with low unemployment rates, excellent schools, manageable commutes, and access to essential amenities. Recent Census Bureau data indicate ongoing population growth on the outskirts of major metro areas, especially in the South and Midwest, as Americans move to suburban and exurban communities offering affordable housing and room for expansion. The rankings evaluated 250 cities, showing that many prioritize space, shorter commutes, and economic stability over life in major metropolitan centers.
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 tops the rankings with an overall score of 7.2 out of 10. The city’s population stands at about 103,768, with a median household income of $144,615, according to U.S. News. Researchers noted that Carmel offers greater living value compared to similarly sized cities. Despite a median home value of $477,625—above the national median of $359,870—Carmel benefits from a strong labor market and short commute times. About 73.6 percent of residents drive to work, with average commute times around 20.85 minutes, slightly below the national average. Carmel’s unemployment rate of 3.3 percent is lower than the national average of 4.5 percent. A growing downtown area with restaurants, retail, and cultural attractions, including the Center for the Performing Arts, enhances Carmel’s appeal to families and professionals seeking suburban living with urban-style amenities.
Texas and Indiana’s Strong Showing
Texas and Indiana performed well in the rankings, with multiple cities appearing in the top 10. Texas saw Pearland, League City, and Leander among the highest-ranked cities, while Indiana placed both Carmel and Fishers in the top five. The Census Bureau noted that many of the fastest-growing communities in recent years are on the outskirts of large metro areas, especially in Sun Belt states where housing development and population growth continue to outpace older urban cores.
Which Cities Ranked Lowest
Several larger cities facing economic and infrastructure challenges were at the bottom of the rankings. The 10 lowest-ranked cities included:
- San Bernardino, California
- Detroit
- Brownsville, Texas
- Shreveport, Louisiana
- Mobile, Alabama
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Augusta, Georgia
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Beaumont, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
What Rankings Suggest About U.S. Migration Trends
The rankings reflect broader migration patterns reshaping the U.S., with many Americans moving towards smaller cities and suburban communities offering lower costs and more space. The Census Bureau reported that suburban and outer-ring communities around major metropolitan areas recorded some of the country’s strongest population gains between 2024 and 2025. This migration could be influenced by remote and hybrid work, housing affordability pressures, and quality-of-life concerns that accelerated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.