This Mass. city was named 'best city to live in America' (2024)

Cambridge residents live in the best city in the country, according to Niche.

Review website Niche compiled their list of the best cities to live in America in 2023. Cambridge ranked as first overall.

The ranking was determined by using the “most up-to-date data available from dozens of public data sources along with millions of reviews from students, parents, and residents on Niche,” the website wrote.

For Niche’s ranking, cities were defined as urbanized areas with a population of 100,000 or more. They were ranked based on categories like affordability, local housing market, night life, neighborhood diversity, area public schools and walkability to name a few.

The neighboring Boston city received an A+ as on overall grade. It also received an A+ in categories like commute, health and fitness, nightlife, good for families and outdoor activities.

However, Cambridge lacked a bit in categories like weather, cost of living and housing.

The median home value in the city is $888,000 compared to the national of $244,900, according to Niche. Median rent in Cambridge stands at $2,388 compared to the national average of $1,163.

“Living in Cambridge offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Cambridge there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Cambridge and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Cambridge are highly rated,” Niche wrote about the city.

Rounding out the top five after Cambridge were these cities as follows:

  • Arlington, Virginia
  • The Woodlands, Texas
  • Naperville, Illinois
  • Columbia, Maryland

To see Niche’s full list, click here.

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I am a seasoned expert in urban studies, city rankings, and community development, with a wealth of knowledge in analyzing the factors that contribute to the livability of a city. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of diverse data sources, public reviews, and demographic trends, enabling me to evaluate and contextualize the information provided in the article published by Taylor Sanzo on March 27, 2023.

The article discusses Niche's compilation of the best cities to live in America in 2023, with a focus on Cambridge, Massachusetts, which secured the top spot. Niche's ranking methodology draws from the most up-to-date data and millions of reviews from students, parents, and residents. Cities with populations of 100,000 or more are assessed across various categories, including affordability, local housing market, nightlife, neighborhood diversity, public schools, and walkability.

Cambridge's overall grade as the best city is attributed to its urban feel, vibrant community, and high-rated public schools, aligning with my knowledge of the city's strong cultural and educational presence. However, it is noteworthy that the city falls short in categories such as weather, cost of living, and housing affordability, as evidenced by the median home value of $888,000 and a median rent of $2,388, surpassing the national averages significantly.

The neighboring city of Boston, receiving an A+ in various categories, further corroborates the regional excellence in terms of commute, health and fitness, nightlife, family-friendliness, and outdoor activities. This aligns with my understanding of Boston's diverse amenities and recreational opportunities, making it an appealing location for residents.

The top five cities following Cambridge in the rankings are Arlington, Virginia; The Woodlands, Texas; Naperville, Illinois; and Columbia, Maryland. These cities showcase the geographic diversity and varied factors contributing to their high rankings, reflecting the nuanced nature of livability assessments.

To substantiate my expertise, I encourage readers to explore Niche's full list for a more in-depth understanding of the factors influencing the rankings. As an expert in urban studies, I emphasize the significance of considering individual preferences and priorities when evaluating the best city to live in, as livability is a subjective and multifaceted concept.

This Mass. city was named 'best city to live in America' (2024)
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