(NEXSTAR) — Are you fond of your current place of residence? Whether you reside in a bustling city or a quaint neighborhood, a recent study by Niche has evaluated and ranked the top living destinations in the United States for 2024.
By analyzing data from the U.S. Census and various sources, the study considered multiple factors such as living expenses, educational institutions, safety, outdoor amenities, employment prospects, cultural diversity, and more to compile the “2024 Best Places to Live in America” list.
Topping the charts this year is Colonial Village in Arlington, Virginia, a community of approximately 3,000 residents, predominantly comprising young professionals. Colonial Village excelled in categories like local schools, entertainment options, wellness facilities, and commuting convenience.
Following closely behind are Carmel, Indiana, a suburban town with a population of 99,453, and Chesterbrook, a suburb of Philadelphia. Both Carmel and Chesterbrook garnered top ratings for their educational institutions and family-friendly environments.
Here are the top 20 places to reside:
| Rank | Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colonial Village | Arlington, VA |
| 2 | Carmel | Indiana |
| 3 | Chesterbrook | Philadelphia, PA |
| 4 | Uptown | Tampa, FL |
| 5 | Cinco Ranch | Houston, TX |
| 6 | Hyde Park – Spanishtown Creek | Tampa, FL |
| 7 | Evergreen Park | Palo Alto, CA |
| 8 | Radnor/Fort Myer Heights | Arlington, VA |
| 9 | Harbour Island | Tampa, FL |
| 10 | College Terrace | Palo Alto, CA |
| 11 | Brookline | Boston, MA |
| 12 | Ardmore | Philadelphia, PA |
| 13 | Johns Creek | Atlanta, GA |
| 14 | North Bethesda | Maryland |
| 15 | Okemos | Lansing, MI |
| 16 | Blue Ash | Cincinnati, OH |
| 17 | Brentwood | St. Louis, MO |
| 18 | Coppell | Dallas, TX |
| 19 | Chesterfield | St. Louis, MO |
| 20 | South Lake Union | Seattle, WA |
For more details on the “2024 Best Places to Live in America,” visit the Niche website or explore the rankings for neighborhoods in your vicinity.
For prospective homebuyers in the U.S. seeking superior schools, enhanced job prospects, reduced crime rates, or other desirable attributes in a new locality, the real estate landscape has been fiercely competitive in recent times.
The U.S. housing sector is recovering from a significant two-year downturn sparked by a surge in mortgage interest rates and a scarcity of available properties. The overall decrease in rates since their peak last autumn has eased monthly mortgage burdens, offering some financial relief to buyers contending with escalating prices and limited housing inventory this year.
Although the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped to 6.6% in January, it has rebounded to nearly 7% in recent days.
Freddie Mac’s chief economist, Sam Khater, remarked, “After a brief decline, mortgage rates are once again trending upwards.”
Elevated mortgage rates can substantially increase monthly expenses for borrowers, constraining their purchasing power in an already challenging market for many Americans.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.