LIST: These are the best cities to live in the US, according to a new reportLIST: These are the best cities to live in the US, according to a new report
The best place to live in America is a frequent flier on this yearly top 10 list — and the runner-up is right next door.
Author: Megan Divers
Published: 5:39 PM EDT May 19, 2026
Updated: 7:16 PM EDT May 19, 2026
WASHINGTON — For the first time in the history of U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Places to Live rankings, two neighboring cities claimed the top two spots.
Carmel, Indiana, a suburb just north of Indianapolis, ranked No. 1 in the 2026-2027 list published Monday, earning top marks for desirability, affordability and job market. Right behind it at No. 2 is Fishers, Indiana — Carmel's next-door neighbor — which scored well on affordability, quality of life and employment opportunity. Both were among the top 10 in last year's rankings
"Carmel and Fishers, Indiana, are two neighboring locations that offer residents a good quality of life without breaking the bank," said Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News & World Report.
Texas dominated the rest of the top 10, landing four cities in the rankings. Flower Mound, a Dallas suburb, came in at No. 3, boosted by strong scores in job market, desirability and affordability. Leander, near Austin, ranked No. 8. Fellow Dallas suburb Frisco landed at No. 9, and Sugar Land — outside Houston — climbed eight spots from last year to crack the top 10 at No. 10, driven by high desirability scores.
- Carmel, IN
- Fishers, IN
- Flower Mound, TX
- Ankeny, IA
- Johns Creek, GA
- Hoover, AL
- Rochester Hills, MI
- Leander, TX
- Frisco, TX
- Sugar Land, TX
My Thoughts 💭
Are all of these places in red states? Hahahah
Carmel and Fishers are very nice. We've done some casual house-hunting around there.
Expensive I would assume?
For Indiana, yes. For where most Americans live, no.
All but one.
I feel like it's a bit weird to count suburbs on their own when they are really part of a larger metro area, commuting zone, and labor market.
If you ask me without putting this report, we directly say Los Angelos