The Best Places To Live In 2024 May Surprise You—Including What You’ll Pay For A House

Realtor May 26, 2024

Buyer

The Best Places To Live In 2024 May Surprise You—Including What You’ll Pay For A House

Wondering where the very best place is to live? According to just-released rankings from U.S. News & World Report, that honor goes to Naples, FL.

Naples, with its white sandy beaches and glut of world-class golf courses, is a popular haven for retired “snowbirds” looking to escape the cold in the winter—but the lack of state income tax doesn’t hurt either.

The South fared well in this year’s rankings, with locales in Texas, Alabama, and North and South Carolina taking five of the top 10 spots. Colorado’s clear air and mountain vistas claimed two top positions.

What these top locations have in common is their relative affordability compared with many of the country’s largest cities. Furthermore, they offer many of the same amenities: walkable downtowns, thriving communities, and plenty of green space.

Realtor.com® Chief Economist Danielle Hale suggests that anyone considering moving to one of these locales should do their research, however.

“When exploring a new area that’s remote from where you currently live, it’s worth digging a little deeper to understand the broader market context and make sure that what makes this area appealing generally—in the case of Naples, warm, sandy beaches—is actually something that matches your preferences,” she says.

Hale also advises people to consider the climate challenges and risks of a particular locale.

“There are lots of neighborhood exploration tools on sites like Realtor.com that make it easier than ever to explore whether a new area is a good fit, and perhaps equally importantly, explore the new and different factors like climate risk that should be considered as part of making a big move,” she says.

So whether you’re looking to make a move or just curious to see where the best cities are—and what you’ll pay for a home here—here’s a look at the top 10.