News Summary
Four cities from Massachusetts have been recognized in the U.S. News and World Report’s latest ranking of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2025-2026. Newton leads the state at No. 51, followed by Waltham, Somerville, and Brookline. The report assesses multiple factors including happiness, affordability, healthcare, and job market conditions. Despite this recognition, none of Massachusetts’ cities broke into the top 25. The report provides valuable insights for residents considering relocation amidst rising living costs.
Four Massachusetts Cities Named Among the Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2025-2026
Five cities from New England, including four from Massachusetts, have made it onto the U.S. News and World Report’s list of the “2025-2026 Best Places to Live in the U.S.” The ranking analyzed a total of 250 cities based on multiple factors, including happiness, affordability, healthcare, retiree taxes, desirability, and the job market.
Among the cities from Massachusetts, Newton holds the highest position at No. 51. Waltham, Somerville, and Brookline follow, ranked at Nos. 224, 226, and 231, respectively. However, no cities from Massachusetts managed to break into the top 25 this year. In contrast, West Hartford in Connecticut is ranked significantly higher at No. 19 overall, with a median home value of $372,249, which surpasses the national average home value of $370,489.
Ranking Criteria and Methodology
The U.S. News and World Report evaluated cities based on various metrics including the quality of education, healthcare access, housing affordability, crime rates, and available cultural amenities. The recent report expanded its scope to include over 850 cities, increasing the number from previous years, which allows for a more comprehensive top 10 list.
Job market conditions were given greater weight in this year’s methodology, reflecting the economic challenges faced across the nation. This change supports the assertion that a robust job market is essential for establishing a desirable living environment.
Top Rankings and Other Recognition
The overall top five best places to live, according to the report, are Johns Creek, Georgia, which ranks first, followed by Carmel, Indiana at No. 2, Pearland, Texas at No. 3, Fishers, Indiana at No. 4, and Cary, North Carolina at No. 5. This diversity in geographic locations highlights the varying preferences of prospective residents when selecting their ideal living conditions.
The report also reflects qualitative insights which stem from extensive public surveys involving thousands of respondents. These surveys provide a glimpse into the qualities that individuals prioritize when considering where to live.
Contextual Factors and Living Conditions in Massachusetts
While Massachusetts cities have made it to the ranking, they still face challenges in drawing higher placements on this competitive list. The shared metrics across the evaluated regions reflect the ongoing struggle to balance affordability and quality of life. As housing prices and living costs continue to rise in Massachusetts, residents are increasingly feeling the pinch, which may impact the overall ranking of cities from the state in the future.
The complete rankings, along with the methodology used to derive them, are available through the U.S. News and World Report. The data collected not only serves as a reflection of the current quality of life in these cities but also aids future residents in making informed decisions regarding relocations.
As cities continue to adapt to changing economic landscapes and shifting priorities among residents, the insights provided by such rankings will likely play a crucial role in shaping community developments and policy planning in Massachusetts and beyond.
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
