Moving to a new city can feel like a fresh start. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of possibility. Whether you're chasing a new job, a better cost of living, or simply craving a change of scenery, millions of Americans relocate every year. 

Heading into 2026, housing affordability, remote-friendly jobs, and lifestyle amenities continue to influence where people choose to put down roots. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best cities to live in the U.S. in 2026, where NHC builds in some of these top spots, so you can make your move with confidence.

The Fastest-Growing States in the U.S.

Before we break down the best cities to live in 2026, let’s quickly look at the states that a lot of Americans moved to this year:

Source: Holidu

1. The Most Popular State: South Carolina

For the sixth year in a row, South Carolina has proven to be the most moved-to state in the U.S. Here is a brief look at the top 10 states that grew in popularity in 2025.

1. South Carolina 
2. North Carolina
3. Idaho
4. Alaska
5. Tennessee 
6. Maine
7. Delaware 
8. South Dakota
9. Alabama 
10. Arkansas 

Curious to see the full list? Check it out in moveBuddha’s recent study.

The Best Cities to Live in the U.S. for Young Professionals

Graduating from college and finding a job are very exciting life milestones, but they can also be pretty stressful. If you’re a young professional trying to navigate post–grad life, you need to be able to count on your next move being a good one.

Top 5 Best Cities to Live in 2026 for Young Professionals 

Here are the best cities to move to based on income, unemployment rates, and median home prices. 

Source: Sentral

1. Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia is among some of the most affordable states to live in, with Atlanta making the number one spot on this list. Atlanta is considered one of the best places to start a career due to its low unemployment rate, at 6% lower than the national average. Atlanta’s income per capita is also 68% higher than the national average, along with household income being 16% higher. 

Atlanta also has a very diverse population, endless shopping and entertainment options, professional sports teams (including Atlanta United), and many neighboring metropolitan areas with thriving communities to engage in. If you’re a young professional, this city could be your best choice yet!

2. Austin, Texas

Austin has a great nightlife and culinary scene, with most young professionals renting their places. Nicknamed Silicon Hills, Austin is a major tech hub where entrepreneurs can begin their startup journeys or young professionals can find ample job opportunities.

Even better news? You can afford to OWN your home through NHC. Our homes near Austin are move-in ready, have the largest square footage per price, and are the MOST affordable in the area. 

3. Boston, Massachusetts

This East Coast city is one of the best cities to live in the U.S. for young professionals. The city has safe and affordable neighborhoods and some of the best public transportation in the United States! Boston is a very walkable city with many parks scattered throughout its architecture.

4. Charlotte, North Carolina

One of the best reasons to move to Charlotte is that the cost of living is about the same as the national average. On top of that, young professionals will have no trouble finding a job here, as it is the second-largest financial center in the country! 

Pair those reasons with an affordable, quality-built home from NHC, and you’ve got the perfect post-grad plan. 

5. Chicago, Illinois 

If you love city life, Chicago is a great place to move to as a young professional. Chicago’s job market is filled with different industries, such as tech, manufacturing, finance, and healthcare, making it a well-rounded place to call home. It also has an incredible culinary scene with copious amounts of Michelin-star-rated restaurants. 

The Best Large Cities to Live in the U.S. for Families

From great public education systems to a high quality of life, these are the best cities to live in the U.S. for families.

Source: U.S. News

1. Plano, Texas

Population: 288,870

Home Price: ~$341,800 median purchase price; ~$1,447 median monthly rent

Median Household Income: $96,348

Unemployment Rate: 2.8%

Crime Rate: Safer than over half of U.S. cities

Families looking to put down roots in Texas consistently have Plano at the top of their list, and it’s easy to see why. The city is known for its safe neighborhoods, highly rated schools, and overall quality of life. Local campuses like Wyatt Elementary, Renner Middle School, and Jasper High School help make Plano one of the strongest school districts in the state, giving families confidence in their kids’ education from day one.

Between miles of trails, well-maintained parks, and community-wide health programs, it’s no surprise the city is often recognized as one of the healthiest places to live. To make it an even better place to live, we offer homes close to the Plano area for MUCH LESS than the average sale price. 

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

Population: 469,698

Home Price: ~$266,900 median purchase price; ~$1,175 median monthly rent

Median Household Income: $69,720

Unemployment Rate: 3%

Crime Rate: Safer than roughly a quarter of U.S. cities

If you’re looking for a large city that still feels welcoming, Raleigh should absolutely be on your radar. This fast-growing North Carolina hub offers families the perfect blend of affordability, opportunity, and comfort, making it one of the best cities to live in the U.S. With one of the strongest emerging housing markets in the country, many neighborhoods remain surprisingly budget-friendly for a metro this size.

Weekends in “The City of Oaks” are never boring, either. Little ones can get hands-on with creative exhibits at the Marbles Kids Museum, while curious minds of all ages love exploring the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Families can enjoy pedal boats and playgrounds at Pullen Park, or cheer on hometown favorites like the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.

Sounds like your next destination? NHC offers homes near Raleigh at an affordable price AND with large square footage. 

3. Round Rock, Texas

Population: 128,812

Home Price: ~$259,400 median purchase price; ~$1,345 median monthly rent

Median Household Income: $86,121

Unemployment Rate: 3.6%

Crime Rate: Safer than more than half of U.S. cities

Round Rock has quickly become one of the best cities to live in the U.S. for families who want Central Texas living. With a cost of living that sits comfortably below Austin’s, and Austin only about a half-hour away, Round Rock gives you easy access to big-city perks without the big-city price tag.

But you don’t have to leave town to find great amenities. The Round Rock Independent School District is known for its supportive environment and strong academic options, giving families peace of mind when choosing schools. The city also offers tons of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re checking out new reads and weekly kids’ events at the local library, spending an afternoon shopping and grabbing dinner around Round Rock Crossing, or letting your kids explore the massive Play for All Abilities Park, there’s always something to do.

NHC has homes in Central Texas close to Round Rock and Austin that are move-in-ready right now! 

4. Seattle, Washington 

Population: 741,251

Home Price: ~$713,600 median purchase price; ~$1,702 median monthly rent

Median Household Income: $97,185

Unemployment Rate: 3%

Crime Rate: Safer than about 5% of U.S. cities

Seattle offers a unique blend of natural beauty, top-tier schools, and big-city amenities, making it a standout choice for young families heading west. Neighborhoods throughout the city offer strong educational options; schools like Cascadia Elementary and Garfield High School consistently earn high rankings, giving families confidence in academic quality from kindergarten through graduation.

While Seattle’s reputation for high housing costs is well known, the recent softening in rent and home prices has opened the door for more families to find spacious, comfortable homes in the metro area. And once you’re here, the lifestyle is hard to beat. Nicknamed the Emerald City for its lush evergreens, Seattle is a playground for outdoor lovers.

5. Arlington, Virginia 

Population: 236,434

Home Price: ~$731,700 median purchase price; ~$2,005 median monthly rent

Median Household Income: $122,604

Unemployment Rate: 2.2%

Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of U.S. cities

Closing out our list of best cities to live in the U.S. for families, Arlington is a standout choice for families who want the convenience of city living with the comfort of safe, tight-knit neighborhoods. Known for having one of the strongest public school systems in Virginia, Arlington Public Schools consistently earns top marks, making the area especially appealing to parents prioritizing education.

One of Arlington’s biggest perks? Washington, D.C., is just across the river. That means easy access to world-class museums, iconic monuments, and family-friendly activities. Catch a Washington Nationals game, explore hands-on exhibits at the National Children’s Museum, or spend weekends exploring everything the capital has to offer.

The Best Small Cities to Live in the U.S.

Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities? We understand. Here is a quick look at some of the best smaller cities to move to, whether you’re a young professional or a new family. 

Source: Johns Creek Website

1. Johns Creek, Georgia 

Sitting at #1, Johns Creek has a reputation for being a quintessential American suburb. As a metro-Atlanta suburb, Johns Creek sits along the Chattahoochee River and has been named the #1 safest city in America as well. Their job market ranks at #13 in the nation, and college-readiness sits at #24. Although the cost of living is high, this city offers far more value than others of its size and is one of the best cities to live in the U.S.

Here is a brief overview of the best small cities to live in 2026:

1. Johns Creek, Georgia
2. Apex, North Carolina
3. Leander, Texas
4. Rochester Hills, Michigan 
5. Troy, Michigan 
6. Sammamish, Washington
7. Ellicott City, Maryland
8. Flower Mound, Texas
9. Pflugerville, Texas
10. Plymouth, Minnesota

The Worst U.S. Cities to Live In 2026

These may not be the best options for your family if you’re looking for the best cities to live in 2026:

1. Memphis, Tennessee: The city sits at the top of the most dangerous cities leaderboard.
2. Oakland, California: With about 41% of the population being over the age of 45, Oakland isn’t a great place for young families to live.
3. St. Louis, Missouri: This city has one of the highest crime and murder rates in the U.S., coupled with low air quality and urban decay. 
4. Baltimore, Maryland: Known for its crime and rats, Baltimore isn’t too welcoming for most young families.
5. Detroit, Michigan: This is another city with a high crime rate, specifically property crimes like burglary and vandalism. 

Finding Your Next Affordable Home Starts with NHC

If you and your family are on the move, finding a home may seem daunting at first. We’re here to change that. 

At the end of the day, nobody wants to overpay for a small home, right? That’s why NHC offers spacious, newly-built homes in states like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina around some of the best cities to live in the U.S. 

Ready to find your dream home? Contact us today.

FAQs

What are the top 10 cities in the U.S. to live in?

The best cities to live in the U.S. are: 

• South Carolina 
• North Carolina
• Idaho
• Alaska
• Tennessee 
• Maine
• Delaware 
• South Dakota
• Alabama 
• Arkansas 

What is the safest place to live in the USA? 

Currently, the title belongs to Johns Creek, Georgia. 

What are the best places to live in the U.S. for the cost of living?

Mississippi, West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma come out as the top 5 places to live with a low cost of living in the U.S.