Nashville is the best city to live in the United States, and North Carolina is the best state, according to a new survey of 1,000 Americans.
To create these rankings, Clever Real Estate asked Americans to rate the 50 most populous U.S. metros on various quality-of-life metrics, ranging from most underrated to best food, ugliest place, and most annoying residents.
The results found that Americans' geographical preferences are broadly shifting from the Northeast and the West Coast to the South.
Places like New York City, Los Angeles, and California have long been viewed as desirable for families and young professionals, but they all rank at the bottom of Clever's overall list. On the other hand, up-and-comers like Raleigh, Charlotte, Montana, and South Carolina all landed in the top five.
Although survey respondents ranked cities and states solely based on quality-of-life measures, the fact that the rankings correlate closely with the cost of living, especially home values, is likely not a coincidence.
Formerly desirable places, such as New York City and California, have extremely competitive and expensive housing markets in which cash-strapped buyers often struggle to find a good real estate agent and may need homebuyer rebates or other incentives to afford a starter home. Newly desirable places all rank high in affordability and have friendly residents, as well as natural beauty.
The Top 10 Cities in the U.S.
The top 10 cities to live, according to Americans, are: Nashville, Denver, Raleigh, Charlotte, Virginia Beach, Orlando, Memphis, Jacksonville, New Orleans, and Austin.
Nashville's rise to the top parallels its rise as a major economic powerhouse, although its desirability goes far beyond simple economics, according to Nashville real estate agent Erin Krueger.
"It's a city that balances big-city amenities with a small-town feel," Krueger said. "People are drawn to the city for its vibrant music scene, rich history, and warm Southern hospitality. Beyond that, Nashville is a hub for health care, education, and technology — providing job opportunities in high-growth industries."
Krueger also noted that Tennessee does not have a state income tax and that the cost of living in Nashville is much lower than in other major cities. However, rapid growth isn't without its challenges.
"Nashville has seen significant migration over the past few years, especially from places like California, Chicago, and recently Florida," Krueger said. "Infrastructure is straining to keep up, and traffic congestion has increased. While Nashville's growth has driven up home values, it has also made affordability a challenge for some long-time residents."
Nashville is still very much on the upswing, though, Krueger said.
"Even though prices have risen, the market here remains strong because of the city's fundamentals: a growing population, a strong job market, and a demand for housing that continues to outpace supply. Compared to other major cities, Nashville still offers great value."
Denver, which came in as the second-best city, is another place that's experienced a boom over the past decade. Denver ranks first in the prettiest place category thanks to its location at the base of the Rocky Mountains and an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. Denver also placed 10th for nicest residents while simultaneously placing last for rudest residents.
In third and fourth place are two North Carolina cities — Raleigh and Charlotte, respectively — ranking in the top six for nicest residents and most underrated cities. Rounding out the top five is Virginia Beach, Virginia, which earned high marks for the niceness of its residents and its natural beauty.
The Top 10 States in the U.S.
The top 10 states to live, according to Americans, are: North Carolina, Montana, South Carolina, Maine, Hawaii, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Colorado, and Missouri With Raleigh and Charlotte ranking in the top five on the best cities list, it's no surprise North Carolina clinched the top spot on the best states list. Most respondents lauded its natural beauty and the friendliness of its residents.
Second-place Montana is, in many ways, North Carolina's western counterpart. The state is full of natural beauty and laid-back residents, but its more populous and well-known neighbors often overshadow it.
The rest of the top five consists of three states — South Carolina, Maine, and Hawaii — known for their excellent beaches, green spaces, and respectful, hospitable residents.
Worst Places to Live in the U.S.
The bottom of the rankings shows just how much public opinion has shifted on where people want to live. New York and California, long considered among the best states in America, have plunged to the bottom of the rankings. Americans rank California as the fourth-worst state and New York as the second-worst state. New Jersey came in last at number 50.
Americans consider Detroit the worst city, followed by Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Riverside, California.
Three out of these four cities are in the long-declining Rust Belt. No region of the United States fared worse over the postwar period than this area of the country — mostly because of the decline of manufacturing, according to the Federal Reserve. But Rust Belt cities are also among the most affordable places to buy a home, suggesting there's more to desirability than simple affordability.