Wildwood is another St. Louis suburb known for its eco-friendly, small-town energy, this time to the west of downtown. - Median rent: $1,233 (16% rent) - Median household income: $127,553. According to its website, Manchester aims to be the "most attractive living and shopping destination in West County." - Median household income: $83,079. - Median rent: $1,375 (23% rent) And I'm not just talking about Chicago. Around seven-in-ten Americans living in the West (69%) say affordable housing availability is a major problem locally. The Cleveland suburb of Solon may be close to a major city, but it's received plenty of accolades in its own right. Here, were highlighting the top 25 best places to live in the Midwest based on our research. The town began as a German-American community, with eight properties on the National Register of Historic Places, and numerous festivals to celebrate Cedarburg's heritage. You may also like: Best Counties for Retirees in America, - Population: 63,900 - Median household income: $65,387. Just 25 miles west of the Windy Citys loop, Downers Grove, IL, has its own collection of unique offerings. 17. Very hot and humid summers with snowy winters. Let's find out! That's why Stacker is here to help you determine the best Midwestern spot for you and your loved ones. And it gets better the city boasts an average home value of just under $225,000, and thanks to the diverse selection, everyone can find their perfect house. There is a different, slower mentality when you actually take the time to NOT fly over these states. Meanwhile, it's 90 minutes from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and only three hours from Chicago. Madeira, Ohio is regarded as one of the best Cincinnati communities for its strong housing market and solid school district. More than 200,000 Americans have moved to Colorado in recent years. Minneapolis, MN, ranks as one of the best places to live in the Midwest partly because of its innovative economy that touches a breadth of industries from software to renewable energy. - Population: 3,580 Always warm and sunny. Drury Hotels is headquartered there, too. - Population: 3,777 Hesston, Kansas is perhaps best-known for hosting the Mennonite university Hesston College. - Median household income: $77,848. - Population: 59,625 - Median household income: $84,507. - Median home value: $376,400 (80% own) As one of the hottest spots in the Midwest right now, this Kansas city promotes economic gardening, which gives local businesses technical assistance to grow. The list is based on more than 50 data points and examines more than 2,000 cities to rank the best places . Museums, clubbing, and chilling. - Population: 53,480 - Median home value: $180,500 (88% own) As the states capital, Lincoln, NE, is a flourishing city thats smack dab in the middle of everything. Pleasant Live hosted by Mike Heaton with guest Ray Vens - Median household income: $79,469. When it comes to business, Waukesha is brimming with great jobs, making it one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median rent: $1,051 (47% rent) Educational excellence begins with a commitment to K-12 students with three National Blue Ribbon Schools and a host of innovative programming. - Median household income: $105,000. It's a little under 40 miles from Chicago, allowing residents to easily commute to the major city while enjoying a more idyllic small-town life. - Median home value: $367,000 (98% own) - Median home value: $341,900 (66% own) It also provides easy access to downtown St. Louis, with connection to the Interstate 170, U.S. Route 40, and Interstate 64 highways. "Chances for aurora as far . - Median home value: $314,800 (85% own) Nevada. The citys top K-12 schools and Oakland and Rochester universities make Rochester Hills one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median household income: $97,366. Today, you can view polo matches on the great lawnor play in them, I suppose, if youre a professional or a horse. To add to that, major employers like Optum and Starkey are headquartered there. - Median rent: $1,438 (2% rent) Plus, its friendly neighbors and community engagement opportunities make it easy for newcomers to get involved and feel at home. This St. Louis suburb has a rock claim to famethe cover for Head East's 1975 album Flat as a Pancake was photographed at its own Olivette Diner. Bloomington is a growing city with a collection of enviable amenities. This bikeable community is located just two miles from downtown Columbus, placing it right in the larger city's backyard. - Median home value: $459,200 (72% own) In addition, residents can enjoy the Tivoli Theatre, a completely restored historic theater built in 1928 that is one of the few remaining large single-screen theaters left in the country. Its housing market has also remained strong, and Prairie Village has more than 1,500 licensed businesses in spite of its relatively small population. You don't have to bring gifts to other people's houses! West Coast living is far superior to East Coast living, especially during the winter time. - Median home value: $280,300 (83% own) They say home is where the heart is, and maybe that's true, but that doesn't mean that it's the place you're meant to live in forever. ", - Population: 5,218 Powell, Ohio is within commuting distance of Columbus, but has plenty of accolades in its own right. Meanwhile, they're also located close enough to major urban areas that adults are easily able to commute into the city and access thousands of job opportunities. - Median household income: $79,414, Manchester is a St. Louis suburb, and was named after Manchester, England when the town was first settled. - Median home value: $246,200 (83% own) The city has enjoyed significant growth over the past decade as more and more people discover all Lawrence has to offer. And when it comes to jobs, residents have quite the roster to choose from, as the city boasts excellent retail, tourism and hospitality sectors. - Median home value: $209,800 (95% own) Residents cant get enough of the citys local boutiques, delicious dining and drink options, and more. Named for its proximity to a number of golf courses, the Kansas City suburb Fairway is officially known as the "City of Trees." The city offers a slew of high-quality health care facilities, like Good Samaritan Hospital and Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, keeping residents both happy and healthy. - Median household income: $74,141. Yee-haw! Located on the Mississippi River, Winona has a rich Native American history, its land being of the Dakota Nationin fact, Winona is named for the daughter of Chief Wapasha. Enter your email to be added to our mailing list. - Median rent: $1,293 (21% rent) - Median rent: $1,200 (20% rent) - Median home value: $325,900 (79% own) People who sac." This suburb provides easy access to the Michigan state capital of Lansing. Listed by Niche as the best place to live in Missouri, Richmond Heights leads the state in everything from diversity to school quality. Ranked second place in Money magazine's list of best U.S. places to live in 2016, Eden Prairie is certainly a standout amongst the Twin Cities suburbs. That they were normal. Olathe also has good schools, affordable housing, lots of new development and plenty of green space, helping the city draw young families looking to put down roots in an up-and-coming city. Residents can enjoy an amazing arts scene (its murals are gorgeous), eclectic eateries, craft breweries, a collection of cute boutiques, interesting museums (Old Capitol is a must-visit) and much, much more. - Median rent: $1,235 (50% rent) Its sturdy economy is flourishing with great job opportunities in a variety of fields, making it one of the best places to live in the Midwest. Population: 5,916Median home value: $344,725. - Median household income: $50,909. - Median rent: $1,352 (27% rent) Money named Troy, Michigan one of the best places to live in 2008, due to its well-regarded schools, its safe neighborhoods, and its cheap property taxes. Are you afraid of alligators? Life in Grand Rapids, MI, is, indeed, grand! Kitchn is a source of inspiration for a happier, healthier life in your kitchen. - Median rent: $2,688 (1% rent) 1 pick for me was Ocean City, NJ, known, according to the town's website, as " America's Greatest Family Resort .". - Population: 18,189 For more amazing American quiz action, test your knowledge of Dallas, Texas, find out how much you know about US Presidents, or see what you can remember about US history! - Median home value: $340,700 (72% own) Milwaukee's Bayside Village also extends into Illinois and Lake Michigan, offering easy access into the city through venues like Highway 32 and Highway 100. The North Shore suburb was originally created by a Scottish real estate professional as a "country estate" community, and was named for the Scottish village of the same name. - Median rent: $758 (26% rent) Its official city motto commits to "A Proud Past, A Bright Future. - Median household income: $118,885. In that case, we can point out these cities: Indianapolis, Indiana (Quality of life: 6.1) Fort Myers, Florida (Quality of life: 6.5) Reno, Nevada (Quality of life: 7.4) Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky (Quality of life: 6.9) Albany, New York (Quality of life: 7.2) These are the samples of great cities to live. Likewise, Hub & Spoke is a 94,000-square-foot, master-planned, mixed-use development and partnership with the city that includes a design center with retail showrooms, plus a maker space and coworking space. - Median home value: $480,500 (83% own) The Chicago suburb Wilmette had a particularly good past few years, most recently getting named the best place to raise a family in Cook County by Niche.com for its family amenities, safety, parks, and more. Minneapolis, MN. As local Lincoln Cafe owner Matt Steigerwald put it, "There's a certain amount of culture here that's not as unapproachable as in a larger city. - Median household income: $84,370. More than 20,000 businesses, including the headquarters of Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies, have set up shop in the Omaha, NE metro area, which gives the city a strong economic edge. The river front town, 20 minutes south of Davenport, Iowa, is preparing for flooding from the Mississippi River. You may also like: What American Landmarks Looked like Under Construction, - Population: 12,150 Plus, as one of the best places to live in the Midwest, residents find that their dollar goes further here, with affordable housing and lots of ways to have fun for free, from art museums to concerts and festivals. The misconception that the Midwest is merely a collection of flyover states has always baffled me. Formerly a booming manufacturing town, Beloits local developers have invested in preserving and expanding the citys cultural offerings. Rochester, MN, is always brewing with excitement, as the community boasts gorgeous Midwest scenery, an arts scene full of galleries, theaters and museums, must-try fine dining and food truck favorites, amazing breweries and wineries, and its gem the nearly 200,000-square-foot Mayo Civic Center, which hosts a calendar full of must-attend social and sporting events, conventions and concerts (think acts like country music star Travis Tritt). There's much fun to be had in this Midwestern city, too. More and more Northwestern University graduates are planting their roots here after graduation. - Median home value: $288,200 (56% own) - Median household income: $96,511. It's separated from the city by the Iowa River, and features a mix of families and young professionals who recently graduated. - Population: 4,637 - Median household income: $65,458. State Fairs: All the elephant ears, deep-fried Twinkies and Ferris Wheel rides you can stand. While its entertainment options run the gamut, the city also offers affordable housing options for a variety of tastes and budgets, making it one of the best places to live in the Midwest. 07:40 PM - 07 Dec . - Population: 13,344 - Median household income: $115,093. The West Coast is the best coast. - Median home value: $561,700 (84% own) Its official website also details a master plan that "allows for planned growth that preserves wooded areas and open space, and protects our waterways. ", - Population: 26,627 - Median household income: $132,409. - Median household income: $112,513. Cities in the Midwest are generally older, and thus, have longer traditions, older institutions, and more developed art/cultural scenes. - Median home value: $188,100 (46% own) You can compare places by marking them as favorites. to everything and everyone, even chairs I bump into. - Median household income: $91,761. Plus, A2 (feel free to call Ann Arbor by its nickname) is pioneering autonomous and connected vehicle technology. - Population: 188,687 The average high temperature this time of year should be in the low 60s. Situated around 25 miles from Indianapolis, Carmel Indiana has been showered in accolades for its quality of lifeSafewise ranked it as the fourth-safest city to raise a child in 2020, BarBend ranked it the best Indiana city for a fit lifestyle in 2020, and Money magazine ranked it the third-best place to live in America in 2018. I use alternative curse words, like "dip.". Recognized by Tree City USA, Royal Oak lives up to its name with greenery and colorful landscaping, adding to the serene feeling of this highly walkable town. It's the home of the well-regarded evangelical school Wheaton College, with many churches in the town. It makes it easy for residents to travel, offering three Metra commuter train stations, and is closely located to OHare and Midway international airports. - Median rent: $1,149 (28% rent) It's also close to Notre Dame University, adding plenty of nightlife and college-adjacent businesses. It's a sign of weakness to apologize. Why? - Median home value: $248,800 (62% own) I say, "Sorry" whenever I'm worried I've offended someone. Country. Frank Lloyd Wrights mid-century marvels and the beloved Dane County Farmers Market add to the magic of Madison. It's particularly known for its wooded community and small-town feel, and was first established in 1937. Sunday | 73 views, 2 likes, 1 loves, 4 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Faith Lutheran Church Valley City: CCLI License #1182907 CCLI Streaming #21283072 One License #A-739668 Sundays. Culture: The Midwest. Near the metro, it has both a rural and urban feel, with more of a historically conservative populace than other parts of Kansas City. It sounds cold and unpleasant. It's known for two major annual festivalsthe July Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Arts Festival, and the September Buffalo Grove Days Festival. Time is money for you and you enjoy the fast life of the city. It's also one of the only suburbs to connect with both St. Paul and Minneapolis. 20. - Population: 29,017 - Median rent: $1,699 (10% rent) - Population: 51,136 Fight for Iowa!, Population: 5,529Median home value: $218,362. affordable housing options for a variety of tastes and budgets. Oh, and its numerous parks and sports venues allow you to get in on the action or watch a game from the stands. - Median household income: $70,514. Keith Rothfus had one mission when he introduced Ron DeSantis at an event earlier this month: Convince the audience that a governor from Florida one born and raised in the Sunshine State was really a Midwesterner at heart. Located around 25 miles from Chicago, Wheaton is one of the city's more religious suburbs. - Median household income: $50,429. Oh, and when it comes to education, quality K-12 schools run the gamut. Get comfy and then read on to see if your hometown or potential new home made the list. - Median household income: $130,732. Kohler, Wisconsin's local economy benefits from tourism, since it's home to the American Club resort, various golf courses, and the sand dune-filled Kohler-Andrae State Park. Which Midwestern City Should You Move To? - Median rent: $1,297 (10% rent) - Median household income: $141,217. Plus, one reason this growing community of just over 49,000 people is one of the best places to live in the Midwest? - Median rent: $1,085 (11% rent) Only you can decide what pace and setting will work best for you and your family. Whether you prefer a car vs. public transportation is telling. QUIZ. This Wisconsin village sits close to downtown Milwaukee. Located less than 20 minutes from urban Kansas City, Prairie Village has been consistently recognized as one of the city's best suburbs. - Median home value: $423,200 (98% own) Then there are the big cities, like Chicago, the Twin Cities, St. Louis, Detroit, Milwaukee, and more. - Median rent: $1,199 (23% rent) - Median rent: $1,172 (20% rent) But is that true? You know that phrase "I'm so happy I live in ." Courtney Tracy on Instagram: "Happy Friday and Happy October. Rothfus, speaking at a conservative conference in Pennsylvania, noted the governor's dad grew up in an old . I've lived on both coasts for over a decade and am giving you guys the honest truth. Many colleges and an impressive collection of museums add to the liveliness of Grand Rapids, too. Located near the Twin Cities, the town provides residents with access to jobs at United Healthcare, Best Buy and General Mills, just a few major companies with roots nearby. - Median household income: $61,685. - Median home value: $221,500 (75% own) The village of Buffalo Grove sits northwest of Chicago, and was placed on Money's 2009 list of best places to live in America. - Median home value: $878,700 (85% own) - Median household income: $103,230. Residents can take a step back in time and visit Troy Historic Village, a 5-acre complex with 10 historic structures where visitors can discover the lifestyles of those who established homes and farms in the area in the 1800s. - Median household income: $111,435. ( While Im proudly writing this from my Chicago apartment, I long to be in one of the regions many incredible small cities and townsyou know, places with a rich past, historical buildings, and real Stars Hollow-vibes. It also has good golfing, as Golf Digest magazine named Blue Ash Golf Course one of the 75 best municipal courses. Stacker created a list of the best places to live in the Midwest as of 2020, using data from the review site Niche. - Median household income: $95,033. The Burkholder Project, for example, is a collection of 36 art and design studios with loft apartments and three levels of galleries (youll be in awe). Three midwestern cities were named the best places to live in America, with several others making the top 100, according to a new report. Home to many young professionals, it's a short distance from major Midwestern cultural offerings such as the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. - Median home value: $352,200 (92% own) A western suburb of Chicago, Naperville, IL, is a growing oasis where big-city attractions think a diverse cuisine scene, performing arts venues, various shops, family-friendly spaces and a thriving nightlife meld with small-town magic. Read more. Bettendorf is part of what's known as the "Quad Cities" metropolitan area, which encompasses several cities around the Mississippi River in Iowa and Illinois. You will have to answer 12 questions. The city is so great, in fact, that it is known as Queen City and is indeed the crown jewel of the Midwest. - Population: 9,030 - Median household income: $83,420. - Median rent: $1,216 (20% rent) The family-friendly city of Leawood is notably the home of AMC Entertainment. Connecticut. Sarah Magnuson is a Chicago-based, Rockford, Illinois-born and bred writer and comedian. Situated along the Fox River just west of Milwaukee, Waukesha, WI, is a city that exudes arts and culture. - Population: 1,206 - Population: 11,501 It's best-known for its Greenbelt Park, a trail and parks system that stretches throughout the entire community. Population: 26,594. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Congresswoman who is the first openly gay Native American in the House of Representatives, currently resides there. The Detroit suburb of Beverly Hills also doubles as Michigan's most populous village, with a population of a little over 10,000. 1 to 10 of 16,847 results. - Median household income: $111,169. - Median home value: $354,100 (89% own) Originally a planned suburban community, it's located around 15 minutes from the Cleveland University Circle, which features first-rate museums and hospitals. Milwaukee suburb Brookfield offers particular economic access to major companies, while lying outside of the Wisconsin city's downtown area. - Median rent: $1,735 (17% rent) Its considered Michigans Little Bavaria, and it shows. ), Copyright 2010-2023 Livability - Journal Communications, Inc, Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Midwest, Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Southeast, Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Northeast. This city of just shy of 150,000 people has access to both bus services and commuter rails and is served by OHare International, Midway International, DuPage and Aurora Municipal airports. If you're what Midwesterners call a "coastie" a person . Exciting things are happening in Ann Arbor, MI. - Median rent: $1,236 (11% rent) Satellite imagery via Mapbox, Maxar, NASA and the U . We independently select these productsif you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. You know that phrase "I'm so happy I live in a world where there are Octobers" everyone likes to post in their gorgeous fall pictures In October? - Median rent: $840 (30% rent) - Population: 15,632 Cities, towns, and suburbs in the following states were considered: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The town of Haslett, Michigan is perhaps best-regarded for its natural amenities. They offer a close-knit feel, with good access to nature and safe neighborhoods. I can't open my mouth without saying a curse word or two. The area boasts a slew of return-worthy coffee shops, breweries and restaurants. Appleton is one of the best places to live in the Midwest, with several notable amenities that keep residents entertained year-round. - Median home value: $298,400 (45% own) Plus, the city is home to fantastic eateries, shops and natural attractions. Theres much fun to be had in this Midwestern city, too. The city is also home to several familiar favorites companies like International Dairy Queen, The Toro Company, Ceridian and HealthPartners are all headquartered here. - Median household income: $116,867. - Median rent: $1,308 (34% rent) but its called the Alligator Mound. A Chicago suburb situated on the shore of Lake Michigan (the best of beach life in the Midwest, if you will), Evanston, IL, offers residents the perfect location. - Population: 2,804 Arizona's economy and cost of living. - Population: 5,559 Do not hesitate anymore and start the quiz! It's also home to the Oakland Hills Country Club, which has hosted six U.S. Open tournaments in its history. Bannockburn may lie outside of Chicago, but it has architectural prestige of its ownrenowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Friedman house is located there. Errands can almost always be accomplished on foot, and near downtown are the Metra and Harlem Green Line stations. - Median household income: $121,071. - Population: 17,195 About 30 miles north of Detroit, Rochester Hills, MI, is the perfect Midwest city, complete with cute neighborhoods, amazing restaurants, apple orchards, old cider mills, and plenty of unique and well-known shops. Vernon Hills features great beach access since it's near Lake Michigan. It's also part of the Kansas City metro, close to downtown for easy commute access. As for outdoor activities, residents can find plenty of ways to stay active, like hiking the trails at the 150-acre Lyman Woods. Indiana. - Population: 7,978 As a result, Southern cities like Charlotte . - Median household income: $105,878. Fishers is not just one of the best places to live in the Midwest; its also a vibrant spot to start or grow your business, thanks to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in place. 1 / 30. - Median home value: $407,500 (79% own) Named after a town near New York's Finger Lakes, Lodi Township lies just southwest of the city of Ann Arbor. Start now and find out which place you should live based on your personality. Through proprietary research studies, engaging articles and original photography and video, we examine topics related to community amenities, education, sustainability, transportation, housing and the economy. Each of these cities has something special to offer read on to find out what. Rolling fields of wheat, deep blue lakes and friendly people? The States With the Most Small Businesses, master plan that "allows for planned growth, Named after a town near New York's Finger Lakes, Gaslight Village, a bustling business district, What American Landmarks Looked like Under Construction, second-largest city within the Kansas City, best places to live in the state of Missouri, 90 percent of residents voting Democratic, Movoto.com ranked Glendale as the best place, The Most and Least Healthy States in America, SCOTUS Now Just Another Congressional Committee, Trump Ramps up Attacks on DeSantis: 'Dropping Like a Rock', Russian Strikes on Pavlohrad Aim to Hamper Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Greg Abbott Criticized for Response to Texas Shooting: 'A New Low', Democrat Sold First Republic Stock, Bought JP Morgan Before Collapse, Conservative Influencers Struggle With Countering Biden's Messaging. - Median rent: $1,048 (15% rent) One more thing? - Median rent: $1,196 (40% rent) Its famous landmark is the Sugar Loaf Bluff, a spot offering plenty of hiking trails for nature adventurers. Located on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison has a dozen beaches plus hundreds of parks, and residents in this bike-friendly city prefer getting around town on two wheels. Alabama. The Iowa suburb is located near Iowa City's University of Iowa campus, including football games at the school's Kinnick Stadium. - Population: 11,642 Youll find a growing craft beer scene, a strong economy and lots of friendly people. - Median rent: $986 (9% rent) Oh, and did we mention how easy it is to get connected to the community? ", - Population: 5,971 - Median household income: $122,682. Its Lane Avenue shopping district offers plenty of local shopping options, while the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival draws around 25,000 people each year. A few must-see architectural gems include the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and his remarkably designed Unity Temple. When we use there is, there are, and there's as expletives, we will often do so to delay the subject for style or effect. Plus, this Michigan city is an amazing place to plant roots for both families and young professionals. And heres a sentence I never thought Id write: in the Raccoon Creek valley, prehistoric people built an animal effigy that perhaps depicted a panther or an opossum (who knows?)