Top 25 Best Places to Live Out West
Known for its rich heritage of pioneers and rough-and-tumble adventurers, the West is teeming with breathtaking landscapes, unparalleled beauty and iconic bucket list destinations. It’s also home to some of the most innovative minds in the country and a remarkable number of cities that regularly top the charts on best places to live. This combination understandably makes the West an irresistible draw to people interested in everything from rustic outdoor adventures to modern convenience and amenities.
Every year, Livability publishes our research-based Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. Our data-driven ranking examines more than 2,000 cities nationwide, using dozens of data points to pinpoint the absolute best communities for residents. Here, we’re highlighting the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the West based on that research. Each of these cities has something special to offer – read on to find out which community might be the perfect fit for your next move.
In This Article
1. Broomfield, Colorado
When a city checks all of the boxes – great schools, excellent health care, abundant outdoor recreation, diverse housing options and a thriving job market – it’s no wonder that Broomfield, CO, is one of the best places to live out west. This city of nearly 77,000 is just 30 minutes from Denver and 15 minutes from Boulder, but offers its own big-city amenities, including incredible art museums and a spirited restaurant scene – not to mention views of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
Major employers such as Ball Aerospace, Mrs. Fields Cookies and Noodles & Company contribute to the city’s strong economy, as does UCHealth Broomfield Hospital and other regional medical centers. Plus, Broomfield is known for offering favorable conditions for women in the workforce.
It’s also a great place to raise a family, with plenty of fun attractions along the U.S. 36 corridor, including Butterfly Pavilion and Water World in nearby Federal Heights. Speaking of fun, Broomfield has more than 700 acres of developed parks and 45 playgrounds, including a bike park, Bay Aquatic Park with slides and water activities, and a remote-controlled drone airfield. In addition, there are 281 miles of trails and plenty of sunshine to get out and enjoy all the city has to offer.
2. Beaverton, Oregon
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! The answer is so many when it comes to talking about Beaverton, OR. The city’s commitment to protecting the environment and its sustainability efforts set Beaverton apart. Surrounded by natural areas and farmland, residents can enjoy over 90 parks, 1,500 acres of natural area and more than 60 miles of paved trails.
Located 7 miles west of downtown Portland, with terrific regional transit options, Beaverton’s citizens have access to the big city while enjoying a lower cost of living than their big-city counterparts. The community has a good balance of big companies and smaller businesses – both Nike and Tektronix are headquartered here – and a range of housing options that make it an attractive place to live. Furthermore, Beaverton is part of the Silicon Forest; due to the growing number of high-tech companies – 300 and counting – the city is attracting people from all over. Beaverton also scores high in schools and health care, and residents are engaged in the community, participating in a roster of fun and festive events year-round.
The city’s historic downtown area has charming local shops and nearly 60 restaurants. And because Beaverton is so ethnically diverse, those global influences come through on many of the city’s menus. A beautiful new arts center, the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, offers visual and performing arts.
3. Meridian, Idaho
Ranked as the fastest-growing city in Idaho and among the fastest-growing in the country, Meridian, ID, also earns a spot among the best places to live out West. Situated in the Treasure Valley, the city of nearly 128,000 is just 12 miles west of the state capital, Boise, and offers all the advantages of city life, along with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. The terrain in and around Meridian is diverse, allowing residents to ski, bike, fish, camp, boat and hike. In addition, 25 city parks add to Meridian’s outdoor amenities, offering fields, courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, splash pads and more.
Meridian was initially founded as a dairy farming community but has grown into a desirable place to live, work and play. The city’s economy supports businesses big and small. Meridian ranked high for safety and health care options, and it offers a true sense of community with all kinds of fun events throughout the year. The schools are excellent, and entertainment options run the gamut from live music venues, movie nights and art galleries to museums, delicious restaurants and great shopping at places such as The Village at Meridian.
4. Fort Collins, Colorado
Known for being active and adorable, Fort Collins, CO, draws visitors who want beautiful surroundings and a commitment to the environment. Plus, the city is home to highly-ranked schools and a diverse array of businesses. Historic Old Town Fort Collins exudes charm, which is why it was the inspiration for Diseyland’s Main Street USA. Residents love the fabulous restaurants and award-winning craft beer scene, too. New Belgium and O’Dell Brewing Co. are the headliners, while a slew of smaller breweries are also saying cheers to the booming Fort Collins industry.
Situated in northern Colorado, Fort Collins is one of the best places to live out West for countless other reasons. Business is booming, with companies like OtterBox and Waterpik, in addition to Hewlett Packard Enterprises and Noosa Yoghurt, and across industry sectors including clean energy and bioscience. In fact, Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences graduate students are employed worldwide, caring for pets.
Because the city is easily accessible to the rugged Rocky Mountains, you can get out and enjoy a wide range of adventures, including whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, backpacking and more. Plenty of residents and students definitely take advantage of those perfect peaks. Other perks to living here? An e-bike and e-scooter share program, a thriving gallery scene, a comfortable spot for retirees and military personnel, and just an overall joie de vivre!
5. Castle Rock, Colorado
Many know Castle Rock, CO, for the interesting butte formation that is the town’s namesake, but there’s so much more that residents love. For starters, the city of 80,000 offers a mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities.
Located midway between Denver and Colorado Springs, Castle Rock is a community on the move with excellent schools, top-notch health care, safe neighborhoods, a quaint historic downtown full of restaurants and shops, and a caring community that likes to celebrate. New residents like knowing they are in good hands at AdventHealth Castle Rock, which practices whole-person care. For those looking to advance their education, Sturm Collaboration Campus offers a way to earn an associate’s degree from Arapahoe Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in one convenient place.
Surrounded by wide-open spaces (5,800 acres) and trails (nearly 75 miles), with more than 300 sunny days a year, people here appreciate the natural beauty and enjoy the outdoors. Phillip S. Miller Park is the epitome of ways to stay active, with lap lanes for swimming, trampolines, batting cages, splash pads and a functional fitness area for adults across its 300 acres. For those who love a great deal, you can’t beat the Outlets at Castle Rock, which draw shoppers across the region.
6. Elk Grove, California
Elk Grove, CA, has exploded in recent years. As a suburb of Sacramento – just 20 minutes south – this community of nearly 177,000 is one of the best places to live out West, and that’s no surprise. Industry has discovered the advantages of calling Elk Grove home, with heavyweights like Apple and Kaiser Permanente having regional headquarters here.
The city is also on track to be a health center, with the opening of a new full-service hospital in the next year or so. Dignity Health Elk Grove Hospital will be equipped with the latest technology to provide patient care. Also announced are new outpatient health care services at UC Davis, which is expanding with a 20-acre parcel in Elk Grove. The city takes that healthy initiative even one step further, committing to the well-being of residents by being a leader in sustainable building practices and environmental stewardship. In fact, back in 2015, Elk Grove built the first Special Waste Collection Center in the country powered by solar energy.
Residents are active thanks to more than 90 parks outfitted with a variety of amenities. Elk Grove also boasts an assortment of tasty restaurants and excellent schools, attracting both young professionals and families alike.
7. Loveland, Colorado
Loveland is so quintessentially Colorado cozy that it feels like the city was plucked straight out of a Hallmark movie. As one of the country’s best places to live, this Northern Colorado city leans into its reputation as “The Sweetheart City,” and its 76,771 residents find that Loveland is, in fact, very easy to love. Every February, the community-wide Valentine’s celebrations will warm your heart and turn even the most skeptical into a romantic. For example, the Sweetheart Festival features ice sculpting, fire dances, chocolate, a fun run and an Instagram-ready “tunnel of love.” Even more? Civic-minded residents volunteer in a mailroom each February, putting Loveland stamps on Valentine’s Day cards from around the world through a re-routing program. So cute, right?
Aside from charming celebrations, Loveland has excellent schools and top-notch hospitals. It’s also a regional retail hub anchored by The Promenade Shops at Centerra. Those thinking of moving to Loveland have their pick of new master-planned neighborhoods, historic homes and stylish apartments close to downtown Loveland.
And the cherry on top? Loveland has an outstanding public art program that sweetens the deal for creatives. Of course, part of what makes the Colorado lifestyle so coveted is getting outdoors, and there are plenty of unique places to do just that in Loveland, from sculpture parks to the marina at Boyd Lake State Park and nearby hiking trails winding up near rock outcrops at Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Loveland is also close to Estes Park, a favorite mountain town that borders Rocky Mountain National Park and lights up with autumn colors.
8. Clovis, California
Located east of Fresno in the San Joaquin Valley, Clovis, CA, will charm you with its old-town feel and reel you in with its commitment to residents’ health and well-being.
Established as a freight stop on the San Joaquin Valley Railroad, Clovis’ main drag (or Old Town, as it’s known) looks as though you’re taking a step back in time, with cobblestone streets and old-fashioned storefronts. But this district is thoroughly modern today, with eclectic dining spots, a hopping beer scene, vibrant nightlife and fabulous shopping (don’t miss the Vintage & Antiques District). Clovis also hosts a Vintage Market three times a year with even more antiques and collectibles.
But, of course, while Clovis relishes its Old West history, it also fully embraces being a city of forward thinkers, and living in Clovis means always looking toward the future. Though many communities in California take environmentalism seriously, Clovis takes it a step further with its comprehensive Urban Greening Master Plan to ensure the city is sustainable. This plan identifies strategies for bicycle transportation, urban forest management, improved air and water quality, and generally ensuring that Clovis is a healthier city in the future.
In addition to environmental health, Clovis is a great place to take care of your physical health. The nearly 125,000 people who live in Clovis have access to its impressive number of doctors, a level 1 trauma center, and nearby health care facilities in Fresno.
9. Vancouver, Washington
With an incredible location between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and along the shores of the Columbia River, living in Vancouver, WA, offers its own kind of magic. This Pacific Northwest community of nearly 201,000 residents understands the wealth of amenities at its doorstep, just 20 minutes from Portland. Vancouver has a happening downtown district – historic charm but completely modern – with public art, fun breweries and diverse restaurants.
As far as business goes, Vancouver and Clark County are part of the Silicon Forest, home to software companies and startups seeking a desirable base. In fact, small businesses make up more than 95% of the city’s economy, so that entrepreneurs can find their rhythm here.
Back to the outdoors. The easy access to the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains entice residents to explore their gorgeous surroundings. Or stay closer to home and stroll around Vancouver Waterfront Park and Grant Street Pier. After a day outside, you can duck into a coffee shop or a cozy bakery for a sweet treat. Or kick your feet up and appreciate the region’s burgeoning craft beer and wine scene.
Vancouver is inclusive, too, with a proud LGBTQ community and a longtime Pride celebration. And speaking of festivals, Vancouver celebrates it all, from an international food festival and the Clark County Fair to art made from recycled materials.
10. Salt Lake City, Utah
What’s not to like about Salt Lake City, UT, situated near breathtaking mountain peaks and the Western Hemisphere’s largest salt lake? Not a thing. The city’s tremendous outdoor assets include excellent hiking, biking and skiing, for starters, not to mention trips to one of the state’s five national parks (think Zion and Bryce Canyon) or a day at one of Salt Lake City’s nearly 100 city parks.
As the capital city, Salt Lake City scores points for its thriving transportation system, buzzing arts scene and international airport. Plus, any preconceived notions you might have about this metropolitan area are probably wrong! Yes, there’s a terrific beer culture here, with some award-winning breweries, as well as a progressive LGBTQ community, with a Pride week that brings some 100,000 folks to the downtown district. Furthermore, delicious dining options run the gamut, from Mediterranean fare and barbecue to Neapolitan pizzas.
Thinking about a career move? SLC has been called the “Silicon Slopes” because of its tech boom, attracting young professionals who want a slice of everything this area has to offer. Those slopes, by the way, are easily reached within 90 minutes with “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” according to those in the know. In addition, the city offers a strong community spirit, with lots of fun activities and events for all to enjoy.
11. Missoula, Montana
Missoula, MT, welcomes residents with friendly faces, wide-open spaces and some attractive career opportunities. The city is home to the state’s flagship university, the University of Montana, which adds to Missoula’s creative vibe. That artistic spark can be seen at places like the Missoula Art Museum, the Missoula Symphony and at film festivals and independent bookstores, among other creative outlets.
Missoula also beckons with a giant outdoor playground in the Northern Rockies, full of wilderness areas and at the confluence of three rivers. Residents can hike, ski, float and fly-fish, or create their own adventures, either at home or in the adjacent scenic areas. All of that natural beauty is why Missoula residents have a strong sense of environmentalism and work to protect their incredible surroundings.
The city’s stable economy comprises a growing biosciences sector supported by the Montana Bioscience Cluster Initiative, various high-tech jobs, and activity in health care, education and retail. Yet, despite the advanced jobs, Missoula maintains a small-town feel with a population of close to 78,000. It’s a great place to grow a business and a family with a quality of life that’s hard to beat.
12. Tacoma, Washington
Urban sophistication comes to mind when you talk about Tacoma, WA. As the state’s second-largest city, Tacoma is located on Puget Sound (Seattle is just across the Sound) and surrounded by the Pacific Northwest’s magnificent natural beauty. That grandeur affords opportunities to explore the outdoors, with activities such as fishing, biking, hiking, golfing, swimming and boating. There are also more than 80 parks and recreational areas, which include more than 8 miles of beaches and shoreline. All of that splendor means Tacoma residents are passionate about the environment and minimizing their impact on these important ecosystems. That idea trickles down to providing green transportation, affordable housing and more.
Indoor pursuits include museums like the well-known Museum of Glass, where you can see artists at work, and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass, the famous pedestrian walkway by famed glass artist and Tacoma native Dale Chihuly. The Tacoma Art Museum and America’s Car Museum are two of Tacoma’s other cultural offerings.
The metro’s public schools definitely make the grade. For those seeking higher education options, there’s the University of Washington Tacoma and liberal arts colleges such as Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Puget Sound. Plus, the city has an array of incredible restaurants, fun shops and live music venues that attract students and residents alike. Finally, Tacoma’s stable economy makes it a no-brainer for putting down roots, with diverse industries such as health care, logistics, aerospace and technology.
13. Reno, Nevada
As “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno, NV, is hard to beat when it comes to quality of life and a scenic place to call home. Located less than an hour from Lake Tahoe and near the Nevada-California border, residents can craft a day trip or weekend away with ease.
But there’s plenty to do in your own backyard in Reno, including unmatched outdoor recreation, a buzzing riverwalk district, casinos (of course), crazy good public art (even retired Burning Man sculptures!), phenomenal restaurants and a solid craft beer scene, which is why the city of nearly 277,000 appeals to families, entrepreneurs and retirees. You can stretch your dollar further in Reno, too, while enjoying all of the fun amenities, many of which are free. Distinct neighborhoods, including the Arch District, Riverwalk and Midtown, offer perfect places to plant yourself with beautiful views for miles, no matter where you live.
Artsy at its core, Reno entertains residents with attractions like the Nevada Museum of Art, the Discovery science museum and the Artown festival, held annually in July. Yes, gaming is big here, but so are industries like advanced manufacturing and geothermal firms, not to mention a robust robotics education curriculum available for Reno’s K-12 students.
14. Murrieta, California
No matter your speed, you’ll find unlimited fun in Murrieta, CA, and its surroundings. Adrenaline junkies can take laps at Cahuilla Creek Motocross Park or water ski at nearby freshwater lakes. At the same time, those looking for a more peaceful Saturday itinerary can hike Tenaja Falls Trail to a waterfall or hit the links at Bear Creek Golf Club, which is nestled in the foothills below the Santa Rosa Plateau.
A fast-growing, mid-sized city conveniently located between San Diego and Los Angeles, Murrieta has safe neighborhoods and plenty of room to roam. The city has 52 parks, 1,350 acres of open space and trails, and a vibrant downtown area with shops and restaurants. The location is known for its affordable cost of living. It has become one of the state’s fastest-growing communities in the last several decades, thanks to its proximity to other major cities.
On top of all that, Murrieta’s Mediterranean-like climate makes spending time in the great outdoors a year-round thing, and, at the end of the day, there are a couple of dozen wineries and breweries to kick back and relax at.
15. Gresham, Oregon
Outdoor lovers travel far and wide to visit the scenic vistas, including waterfalls and ski resorts, near Gresham, OR, a Portland suburb tucked in the Willamette Valley. But those moving to Gresham are lucky to have easy access to bucket-list-worthy Pacific Northwest natural attractions, including the mighty and majestic Multnomah Falls and the peaceful Mount Hood National Forest.
Gresham ranks high in the environment and amenities category, as residents are stewards of these beautiful landscapes. Skiers and snowboarders are just 50 miles from Mount Hood’s resorts, making it easy to chase powder on winter weekends. Lace up your hiking boots or pack a tent and sleeping bag in the warmer months because the Columbia River Gorge Natural Scenic Area is just 15 minutes away. The Columbia River Gorge offers epic hikes among towering trees and cascading waterfalls, plus it has campsites if you’re hankering for an outdoorsy staycation close to home.
Beyond the impressive outdoor attractions in Gresham’s orbit, Portland is less than 20 minutes away, which means locals are close to the city’s famed coffee scene, fantastic restaurants and food carts, independent bookstores, museums, the famed rose garden and the international airport. Close to home, residents can shop at local stores and dine at Gresham restaurants in the city’s historic downtown. Fun community events like free summer concerts, trick-or-treating and Dia de Los Muertos celebrations downtown bring neighbors together. Each July, the Gresham Arts Festival draws more than 150 artists from around the Pacific Northwest, and local cuisine and bands play while you shop for art.
16. Aurora, Colorado
Aurora residents can enjoy Colorado living at its finest – and then some. Aurora is the third-largest city in the state, with just under 393,000 residents, and is also one of the most diverse. In fact, Aurora ranks highly in terms of demographics as a minority-majority city, with a diverse population of Latino, African American, Asian and foreign-born residents. The city’s diversity carries through to its exceptional food scene, with restaurants representing cuisine from all over the globe – we’re talking belly-warming ramen, birria tacos dripping with consommé and crispy, golden Korean fried chicken with a sweet-and-spicy glaze.
Living in Aurora means residents can take full advantage of the city’s excellent amenities and strong economy. Biotech startups, hospitals and defense contractors provide locals with well-paying jobs. Another advantage of living in Aurora is its central location. Residents are close to Denver International Airport and can hop on I-70 to get to the mountains.
But there’s plenty to enjoy close to home, too, including reservoirs, great golf courses and more than 100 parks. And Aurora residents are known for going off the beaten path to explore, whether that’s the 103 miles of trails or the unassuming strip mall restaurants with food so good you’ll become a regular.
17. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO, is a place where world-class athletes come to prepare for Olympic medals, where Army and Air Force personnel train (there are five military installations here), and where students come to study and enjoy college life. And, of course, there’s the spectacular scenery everywhere you look, which inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen “America the Beautiful.” For all of these reasons and more, it’s no wonder people are moving to Colorado Springs.
The summit of Pikes Peak, situated just west of Colorado Springs, looms over the city, and the whole area is surrounded by incredible places to play. Garden of the Gods, for example, has various rock formations that jut out against the city’s beautiful blue skies. Plus, there are 375 miles of trails to explore, including lovely waterfalls. This sporty city bills itself as Olympic City USA, and Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and its flagship U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, located on the former Ent Air Force Base. More than 15,000 athletes train at the center each year, and it attracts more than 130,000 visitors.
Like the athletes who train here, Colorado Springs residents mean business when it comes to business. This is an academic city with Colorado College, a private liberal arts school, the University of Colorado’s Colorado Springs campus and top-notch public schools. Industries such as cybersecurity, health care, advanced manufacturing and aerospace and defense are all crucial sectors in this city of almost 487,000 people. Some big-name employers include Progressive Insurance, Microchip and Lockheed Martin. And the welcoming business community makes it easy for military veterans to find their niche after years of service. When it’s time to unwind after exploring the great outdoors and a hard day’s work, the downtown area is full of terrific restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, and the Springs offers a lower cost of living than many other parts of the state.
18. Kennewick, Washington
Thinking of moving to Kennewick, WA? You won’t regret it. As one of the best places to live, Kennewick residents can get around the region quickly thanks to Ben Franklin Transit’s bus routes connecting Southeastern Washington cities. The Tri-Cities also have many outdoor amenities, making it easy to get out and enjoy nature – whether it’s hiking Badger Mountain or seeing the wildflowers that freckle the Candy Mountain Trail. Of course, getting out on the water to paddleboard or float is a no-brainer come summer since the Tri-Cities region is located at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers. Kennewick also has a noteworthy wine scene with more than 200 wineries within a one-hour radius. Badger Mountain Certified Organic Vineyard is a great place to get an introduction to Washington wine; the winery has been making organic vino since 1990, long before it was trendy.
Compared to other areas in Washington state, Kennewick generally offers an affordable cost of living, so your dollar will go further when it’s time to have fun. Kennewick is known for its friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, and this city of 86,371 prides itself on its tight-knit feel. The cherry on top? Because the Tri-Cities area is experiencing growth, there are ample job opportunities to advance your career.
19. Eugene, Oregon
Consistently ranked among the best places to live, Eugene, OR, is a city that definitely deserves that recognition. The city of 180,000-plus residents has the outdoors at its fingertips, with options including hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding and biking. And Eugene residents aren’t messing around when it comes to biking; it is a way of life here because of the area’s commitment to cycling infrastructure, which includes roughly 190 miles of on-street bike lanes and 71 miles of signed bikeways and neighborhood greenways. City buses have bike racks; there’s even a bike-sharing system with 40 self-serve stations and more than 400 bikes. Those are just a few of the ways Eugene and its sustainably-minded residents are reducing the city’s carbon footprint. The community also gets around 80% of its power from carbon-free hydroelectric energy.
Situated on the Willamette River and on the southern side of the Willamette Valley – and less than two hours from Portland – Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, which offers lauded programs in environmental law, education, creative writing and psychology, among others. The school is also well-known for Hayward Field, the site of numerous world-class track and field events, which has earned Eugene the nickname “TrackTown USA.”
Living in Eugene means that you have access to world-class amenities. The dining scene is creative and fun, with a bevy of chefs proficient at farm-to-table meals long before they became a culinary staple. And if you ever have the desire to leave the city, the Oregon Coast and the Cascade Mountains are just a hop, skip and a jump away!
20. Nampa, Idaho
Nampa is known as the “Heart of the Treasure Valley,” and the 115,609 people who live there can attest that it’s a hidden gem.
Young professionals are flocking to Nampa, where they find safe neighborhoods, a celebration of Western roots that includes a long-standing summer rodeo and spots like the Ford Idaho Horse Park, and a vibrant downtown filled with local shops and restaurants. The median age in Nampa is 34.1, and the Boise-Nampa metro is the third-biggest in the Northwest and one of the fastest-growing metros in the country. The city offers built-in support for those looking to grow their careers, such as the nine-month Leadership Nampa program.
Nampa residents also have access to standout community amenities, including a great library and the library’s Bookmobile. This mobile library operates out of a 24-foot-long Sprinter van and holds up to 3,000 books. Residents can also enjoy access to a couple of dozen parks, including Lakeview Park, which has BMX tracks, a 1,000-seat amphitheater, a playground and outdoor fitness equipment. Easy commutes, excellent schools, and home prices and rents that are lower than they are in neighboring Boise and other Pacific-Northwest cities all add to Nampa’s quality of life.
21. Spokane, Washington
Located along the Spokane River and adjacent to the Selkirk Mountains, Spokane, WA, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With year-round access to outdoor adventures, an eco-consciousness that keeps the city and its surrounding area pristine, and high scores in the education category, it’s no wonder people love living in Spokane. We’re talking mountain biking, kayaking (76 lakes within an hour’s drive!), skiing, snowboarding and other adventures. Keep in mind that Canada is less than 100 miles away, and Idaho is a hop, skip and a jump from Spokane. For those who love being outside but not so much tromping through the woods, the outdoors extends to the nearly two dozen wineries to explore, many within walking distance of one another.
The city’s 232,559 locals are also blessed with excellent health care and education options, not to mention a low cost of living and a thriving economy. What else could you ask for, you wonder? Spokane’s economy is diverse, so much so that it is considered a central hub for the Inland Northwest, including parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon.
Spokane has a strong tradition of volunteerism, so there are plenty of opportunities to be part of the community, whether professionally or personally. This Pacific Northwest city offers adorable coffee shops, a creative culinary scene, breweries, wineries and tasting rooms, as well as some really cool mid-century architecture.
22. Salem, Oregon
Residents living in Salem, OR, can enjoy a perfect balance: big-city amenities and tight-knit communities. Part of the Portland metro area, located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Salem is both the capital of Oregon and a city with a treasure trove of activities.
Neighbors come together for gatherings like the annual World Beat Festival, which celebrates more than 70 nations and cultures through music, dance and food. Friends can catch up at any number of local breweries, cideries and famed Willamette Valley wineries.
Getting around town (and the state) is easy, too. In fact, multimodal transportation options are among the reasons Salem is a great place to live. The city’s Cherriots public transportation system is moving closer to a goal of an all-electric fleet by 2040. Plus, with miles of trails and the Winter-Maple Neighborhood Greenway, which connects Salem Parkway to downtown, Salem is a place that prioritizes bikeability and walkability. On top of all that, Amtrak Cascades makes daily round-trip trips to Eugene, Portland, Seattle and nearly a dozen other destinations, so you can leave your car parked at home.
Salem’s 175,102 residents also have plenty of fun ways to spend their downtime, like sampling the local culinary scene from food trucks at Beehive Station to catching a comedy show or concert at the historic Elsinore Theatre, which opened in the 1920s as a silent movie house and vaudeville theater. The area’s rich farmland is ripe with vegetables, orchards and vineyards, which translates to fresh fare in area restaurants and farmers’ markets. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do, too. Salem is home to numerous parks, and its location along the Willamette River means there are plenty of water activities to participate in, too.
23. Billings, Montana
Living in Billings, MT, means lots of natural beauty. The city’s downtown is nestled in a valley surrounded by sandstone cliffs, where residents are treated to stunning views of the snow-capped Beartooth Mountains and plenty of green spaces, like parks along the legendary Yellowstone River.
With a population of 121,470, Billings is Montana’s largest city. Plus, this Montana city has everything you could want in terms of quality of life, including outdoorsy adventures, Western museums, a resilient economy and a relatively low cost of living. It’s also home to Montana State University’s Billings campus.
Located in the south-central part of the state, the city is home to more than 50 parks and is also a day trip away from famous sites like Yellowstone National Park. Billings has an impressive selection of beer on tap. Discover your favorite watering hole on the Billings Brew Trail that connects 11 stops made up of breweries, a cider mill and distilleries.
Billings is experiencing steady growth, thanks to its laid-back, small-town attitude, advanced health care services and a strong economy. Plus, you can actually enjoy your free time in Billings since your money stretches further, and you won’t be stuck in traffic jams – the average commute time is just 19 minutes.
24. Redding, California
Redding, CA, is a Northern California gem with dreamy landscapes for outdoor lovers. Nature enthusiasts living in Redding can explore everything from kayaking and fly-fishing on scenic rivers and lakes to cycling hundreds of trails that traverse not only the city but also the mountains. We’re talking waterfall hikes, wild terrain with bubbling mud pits in Lassen Volcanic National Park and moonlit kayak tours at Whiskeytown Lake. Plus, the stunning views of Mt. Shasta never get old.
Redding is also a safe and sustainable city with a tight-knit community of 89,646 and plenty of different neighborhoods to choose from. With its wealth of sunshine (it’s the sunniest city in California!), mild weather and excellent school systems, it’s no wonder people from all around the country are interested in settling in this charming and welcoming community. What’s more? Redding is part of Shasta County, and thanks to the area’s low cost of living, residents can purchase homes 48% below the California average.
Redding is versatile, too, as the arts and culture scene fuses with nature at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The famous Sundial Bridge is an architectural marvel that connects sections of the 300-acre park. (The working sundial is one of the largest in the world!). Commute times are short, but locals can also take the scenic route. More than 225 miles of trails crisscross the 15-mile radius of downtown, justifying Redding’s nickname as the “Trails Capital of California.” Another great appeal of life in Redding is the healthy, vibrant and diverse job market with many quality employers. And despite its bustling economy, Redding has managed to maintain its beloved small-town charm through a long list of festivals, gatherings and community activities. Considered a jewel of Northern California, it’s undeniably one of the best places to put down roots for young professionals, families and retirees.
25. Anchorage, Alaska
Millions of people travel to Alaska every year for once-in-a-lifetime vacations. But the nearly 288,000 residents who are lucky enough to call Anchorage, AK, home get to enjoy the exclusive Alaskan way of life year-round – things like watching the Northern Lights dazzle the night sky, catching king salmon from the rivers or seeing moose munch their way through parks. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people moving to Anchorage, and once you get past the cold weather and intermittent sunlight, you’ll find a haven for outdoor lovers and foodies alike.
Ask any local what is special about Anchorage, and their answers will likely include the breathtaking scenery and chances to get up close and personal with nature. Glaciers, mountain ranges and trails are among the Anchorage amenities that inspire adventure among the city’s residents. However, Alaska’s largest city is also home to many creatives who have helped shape a vibrant arts and culture scene. Anchorage also earns an “A” for infrastructure. Traffic is light, which cuts down on commute time (unless, of course, there’s a moose crossing)!
Residents here can access a wide range of outdoor activities, art galleries, craft breweries and live musical and theatrical performances. But it doesn’t come cheap. The cost of living in Anchorage is higher than in many comparable cities of its size in the Lower 48, primarily due to the logistics of delivering food and services to the area. Nevertheless, the job market offers opportunities across several major economic sectors.