For the third year in a row, Naperville ranked #1 on Niche's 2026 list of "Best Cities to Live in America." Editors of the school and community review site noted the western suburb's high marks for school quality, job opportunities and overall livability.
Also among Niche's rankings, Clarendon Hills came in at #5 for "Best Places to Live in America" this year.
The rankings were compiled after editors analyzed more 230 cities and 18-thousand locations across the country--looking at public data and millions of resident reviews.
As for what is the difference between a “place” and a “city,” Niche defines “cities” as municipal areas with populations of 100,000 or more. “Places” is a broader category that includes neighborhoods, suburbs, and towns—offering a more detailed, local view within larger metro areas.
