UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#7. Hood River
An outdoor lover’s playground, Hood River provides opportunities to snow ski, windsurf and mountain bike, all in the same day. Perched on the Columbia River, offering views of Mount Hood, the city attracts adventurous types. Its economy remains rooted in agriculture with several apple and pear orchards and vineyards providing employment, but a handful of tech companies have brought in new jobs as well.
See where Hood River ranked on the Best Small Towns 2014 list.