Let's find out! And as its strong economy suggests, finding a job in this city of more than 117,00 is a breeze. I use alternative curse words, like "dip.". - Median home value: $279,600 (59% own) - Median home value: $325,900 (79% own) - Population: 29,017 - Population: 90,163 This Wisconsin village sits close to downtown Milwaukee. Take TIME's test to find out which state most . Plus, traveling be it walking through the communitys districts or traveling outside the city is simple, making Oak Park one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median rent: $1,177 (18% rent) 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. Some writers may feel that postponing the subject by a couple of well-measured syntactical beats will further emphasize it. Despite an honest attempt to search for more great things about the East Coast in a dedicated post, several readers actually proceeded to bash the West Coast instead! - Population: 18,189 - Median rent: $840 (30% rent) iStock/Sean Pavone Fishers, Indiana has plenty of reasons to boast about itself as a city, apart from its proximity to Indianapolis. - Population: 75,157 - Population: 9,030 In May, there's the Chocolate Fest; in June, there's a Strawberry Festival; and in October, there's an Apple Fest. - Median rent: $1,438 (2% rent) Exotic locations to hang out with family and friends. Population: 26,594Median home value: $177,819. And did we mention how easy it is to get from point A to point B here? The nearly 198,000 residents who call Grand Rapids home have easy access to golf courses, fishing streams, beaches and an airport. 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. - Median household income: $102,159. Trump's latest attack addresses DeSantis' overseas trips to the U.K., Israel, Florida's Covid-19 record, and polling support for the 2024 Presidential race. Despite its urban proximity, the town is still largely driven by agricultural work, giving a small-town feel to residents. I found 2 right on top of the carpet last Monday when I was filling my dog's food right there, and today (Saturday) I found one on his food mat. Kids start driving young, parents make a lot of "hotdish" and everybody, young or old, has strong opinions on the nearest college football team. There is something magical about city . Six school districts serve the area, so it is very well-educated and the perfect place to raise a family. Drury Hotels is headquartered there, too. Between the Franconian architecture, an epic Oktoberfest, and a strong sense of community, Frankenmuth will charm your lederhosen off. - Median rent: $1,332 (5% rent) I let some f-bombs drop from time to time. Even more? We' It's also close to Cincinnati, sitting in the southwest side of Ohio. "People [in Edina] have a high expectation of success, no matter what the endeavor," lifelong resident Ryan Lund told the Star Tribune. Which U.S. state do you know the most about? The town of Haslett, Michigan is perhaps best-regarded for its natural amenities. Oh, and when it comes to outdoor activities, youll love taking advantage of the Clinton River, which runs through the city, as well as the areas plentiful gorgeous parks, like Innovation Hills and Spencer Park. - Median rent: $1,416 (41% rent) Arizona's economy is strong. - Median home value: $180,500 (88% own) Originally a planned suburban community, it's located around 15 minutes from the Cleveland University Circle, which features first-rate museums and hospitals. - Median rent: $1,222 (22% rent) Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Detroit, Royal Oak, MI, can feel a world away. Residents enjoy a close-knit, small-town community vibe with all the perks of easy access to a bustling, big city. It's also one of the city's more diverse suburbs, and had over 80 percent voter turnout in each presidential election of the 21st century. - Median rent: $977 (8% rent) - Population: 188,687 A buzzy craft brewery scene and cool concepts such as the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, which hosts 20-plus restaurants and gourmet food vendors under a greenhouse-covered roof, also add to the allure. Plus, one reason this growing community of just over 49,000 people is one of the best places to live in the Midwest? 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. 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. Apart from its easily commutable distance from Detroit, Grosse Pointe Park also has a great parks system for families, including Patterson Park. - Median home value: $362,200 (93% own) The Athens of the Midwest boasts creativity and academia, with a Literature Historical Walking Tour, a bustling childrens museum, and countless arts and film festivals. The suburb has one of the most highly regarded K-12 education systems in the country, as well as an extensive retail district called The Village. I've lived on both coasts for over a decade and am giving you guys the honest truth. The city is also home to several familiar favorites companies like International Dairy Queen, The Toro Company, Ceridian and HealthPartners are all headquartered here. Each year, Livability publishes our research-basedTop 100 Best Places to Live in America. Other Midwest states to make the top 10 most affordable list included Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas and Missouri. When it comes to business, Waukesha is brimming with great jobs, making it one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median home value: $488,700 (76% own) The suburb is home to highly rated public schools and restaurants, with a high percentage of homeowners. - Median household income: $100,735. - Median home value: $407,500 (79% own) You may also like: Do You Know Your State Fish? In case you did not know, the 5 regions are: The West, The Midwest, The Southwest, The Southeast and The Northeast. Residents in Sioux Falls, SD, enjoy small-town camaraderie but with big-city amenities. - Median home value: $341,500 (93% own) Ann Arbor has long held a reputation as a progressive college town as the home of the University of Michigan. In 2010, CNN Money ranked it on its list of "Best Places to Live," writing, "Taking a walk through Shawnee Town is like walking back through time to the city's roots as a farming center." - Median rent: $1,366 (44% rent) People who sac." - Median household income: $147,962. Your house probably . - Median rent: $1,125 (37% rent) - Median home value: $380,600 (56% own) - Median rent: $1,161 (27% rent) - Median rent: $986 (9% rent) - Median household income: $121,425. This Kansas City suburb is within commuting distance of downtown Kansas City, while also employing Shawnee locals, thanks to Bayer Healthcare's Shawnee offices. Livability named Madison, Wisconsin, Ann Arbor, Michigan . - Median home value: $222,700 (64% own) In addition, the citys local shops, entertainment scene (think a retro/modern arcade with laser tag), and thriving nightlife rev its appeal. - Median home value: $252,500 (80% own) Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA downtown skyline on the Grand River at dusk. - Median household income: $161,563. - Population: 34,570 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: $322,000 (84% own) With its robust collection of historical sites and preserved architecture, youll feel like youre stepping into a simpler time, which I think we all could use right about now. Residents cant get enough of the citys local boutiques, delicious dining and drink options, and more. - Median household income: $115,972. - Median home value: $261,200 (63% own) Nevada. The city has a low crime rate, high community engagement (residents are always coming together to support an important cause), and volunteer opportunities, making it one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median home value: $216,800 (74% own) Beach, clubbing, and pool parties. It's home to many professional athletes, especially since the Chicago Bulls' practice facility lies in nearby Deerwood. Each one of them are different from the others. - Median home value: $246,200 (83% own) Your home city will always play a part in who you are, but maybe there's another city out there that's better suite. - Population: 10,663 The St. Louis Art Fair is hosted there each year, as well as Gallery Nights and the Big Read literary festival. - Median home value: $307,100 (87% own) Sparky Donahue place sandbags outside a home on Second Street, Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Buffalo, Iowa. - Median household income: $131,731. - Median rent: $1,353 (27% rent) - Population: 15,632 - Median household income: $72,660. It reached number nine in Family Circle magazine's 2008 list of "10 Best Cities for Families in America," and features the city's celebrated Loretto-Hilton Theatre. As the states capital, Lincoln, NE, is a flourishing city thats smack dab in the middle of everything. - Median rent: $1,253 (18% rent) Every year, Northville celebrates its heritage with the long-running Heritage Festival event. If you want to put your Midwestern assumptions to the test, don't hesitate: take this quiz! Granger is a suburb of South Bend, Indiana, and part of a chunk of southern Michigan and northern Indiana dubbed "Michiana." Named after a town near New York's Finger Lakes, Lodi Township lies just southwest of the city of Ann Arbor. The affluent suburb of Edina lies within reach of the Twin Cities, hosting the Minnesota State University and the shopping districts 50th & France and Southdale. The city has been listed on Money magazine's "Best Places to Live" feature several times, most recently ranking number 10 in the 2015 list. - Population: 19,235 It's also a "Bird City," meaning that it's been recognized for its attempts to make the community an eco-friendly place for wildlife. - Median household income: $100,280, Plymouth is one of the larger suburbs of the major city of Minneapolis. Its famous landmark is the Sugar Loaf Bluff, a spot offering plenty of hiking trails for nature adventurers. It also features well-regarded public schools, and boasts a high percentage of home owners. - Population: 29,731 Why does every town in the Midwest use "The Walmart" as a landmark like you could say "oh yeah I live by The Walmart" and everyone would know what you're talking about. Bannockburn may lie outside of Chicago, but it has architectural prestige of its ownrenowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Friedman house is located there. "Chances for aurora as far . In Galena, you can shop for homemade soaps in a shop with creaking floors and gentle shopkeepers; assume your daily Sun Salutation while covered in goats; course down the slopes of Chestnut Mountain; and dine in a quiet, candlelit tavern amid the low murmur of pleasant diners. 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. With a famous farmers market, tons of free cultural attractions, outdoor concerts rocking all summer Visit a quote page and your recently viewed tickers will be displayed here. (Yes, that means a friendly robot can deliver your TikTok-worthy takeout order!). - Median household income: $79,469. Powell, Ohio is within commuting distance of Columbus, but has plenty of accolades in its own right. You enjoy socializing, pubs and tall buildings. The strong economy is among the many reasons Grand Rapids is one of the best places to live in the Midwest, with big companies like grocery store chain Meijers choosing the city for its headquarters and remote workers drawn by the affordable housing and finding additional perks. - Median household income: $84,370. It also features plenty of shopping at the Meridian Mall, as well close proximity to Michigan State University. Although its population is a little under 2,000, Westwood is one of the most densely populated areas in the Kansas City area simply due to its small size. It's also home to iconic architecture, such as the Jeffrey Park Mansion (home to the Ohio State University president), as well as the Ohio Governor's Mansion. Overland Park is the second-largest city within the Kansas City metropolitan area, as well as the second-largest Kansas city in general. Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security, Nazar Abbas Photography / Moment / Getty Images, Morsa Images / DigitalVision / Getty Images, larrybraunphotography.com / Moment / Getty Images, Bill Hinton Photography / Moment / Getty Images, Thomas Barwick / DigitalVison / Getty Images, Juanpablo San Martn / Moment / Getty Images, Christina Felschen / Moment / Getty Images, David Trood / DigitalVision / Getty Images, Image Source / Image Source / Getty Images, Nick Brundle Photography / Moment / Getty Images, Tom Werner / DigitalVision / Getty Images, Ariel Skelley / DigitalVision / Getty Images. As a result, Southern cities like Charlotte . This Detroit suburb also sits near Lake St. Clair and the Canadian border. Fill your afternoons at one of the citys various entertainment destinations, including Clay Terrace, an outdoor shopping oasis; the Arts & Design District, which is full of must-visit galleries, showrooms, restaurants and specialty shops; Midtown Plaza, an interactive play area with green spaces, games and swings; and much, much more. Just 25 miles west of the Windy Citys loop, Downers Grove, IL, has its own collection of unique offerings. - Median rent: $966 (27% rent) - Median household income: $112,384. 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 home value: $657,200 (99% own) If you're what Midwesterners call a "coastie" a person from the East Coast or West Coast you might think that you could easily survive living in the Midwest. - Median rent: $2,667 (4% rent) - Median household income: $116,867. 2. - Median home value: $385,700 (97% own) Errands can almost always be accomplished on foot, and near downtown are the Metra and Harlem Green Line stations. Visitors from all over the region trek to Beloits downtown for Al Fresco on Grand, a weekly outdoor social event in the picturesque city center that features shopping, drinking, and an unimaginable but totally predictable (and greatly appreciated) collection of cheeses. - Median home value: $251,700 (78% own) This Midwest college town possesses a resilient economy and is a welcoming place for recent grads, families and retirees alike. - Median rent: $965 (23% rent) I say, "Sorry!" ), 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. It's also well-known for its July CarmelFest festival. - Population: 17,195 1 / 30. Its official city motto commits to "A Proud Past, A Bright Future. The communitys rapid growth can be witnessed in places like the Nickel Plate District, which is the citys cultural heart and home to farmers markets, community concerts and festivals. On the western edge of the Midwest lies a rough and tumble town with a history as epic as its rolling hills. Both the Brentwood High School and the Mark Twain Elementary School have been National Blue Ribbon Award winners. - Median household income: $106,250. Life in Grand Rapids, MI, is, indeed, grand! Plus, the citys extensive collection of strong sectors, including business, manufacturing, health care, insurance, agriculture and transportation, make it easy for residents to find a career theyll love, making Lincoln one of the best places to live in the Midwest. In fact, its extensive collection of amenities (which is ever-growing) is one reason Cincinnati is considered one of the best places to live in the Midwest. That's why Stacker is here to help you determine the best Midwestern spot for you and your loved ones. - Median rent: $1,054 (27% rent) A Gold Rush mining town, Deadwood had everything: gamblers, shootouts, Calamity Jane, and a pretty saloon lady whod drink a rancher under the table and then steal his gun and oxen. - Median home value: $225,900 (73% own) Check it out! Located along the Mississippi River and not far from the Wisconsin border, its official website notes that "its lake and rolling terrain provide the backdrop for a blend of well-planned residential, business, and commercial-industrial areas. Wilmette's Romona Elementary School also received the National Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education for its academic excellence. - Median home value: $238,000 (85% own) 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! Plus, outdoor attractions meet if not exceed the mark, as residents can enjoy beautiful forest preserves, sports complexes, a slew of golf courses, and the Naperville Riverwalk, a path along the DuPage River that features covered bridges, fountains and gorgeous landscaping and is a local favorite. - Median household income: $83,420. - Median home value: $224,900 (76% own) - Median rent: $1,010 (45% rent) - Median household income: $149,736. - Median home value: $286,600 (73% own) - Population: 147,411 Population: 26,594. I never say "sorry." The city is home to nine unique business districts, and the downtown area boasts an impressive arts scene, great food and drink options, fun community events, a slew of shops and more. - Population: 9,437 I've never done that. Spaced 20 minutes from Cincinnati, Blue Ash places a high value on safe suburban life, with a 24-hour police force, firefighting team, and medical emergency line. If youre wondering whether to settle there yourself, please keep in mind that 1-800-Fun-Town sincerely, literally, and genuinely is their phone number. - Median rent: $1,199 (23% rent) Jayhawks are everywhere and seem to multiply during basketball season when the Rock Chalk chant flows out of Allen Fieldhouse as KU looks for another NCAA championship. Which Midwestern City Should You Move To? This city is here to convince you that the suburbs are cool. 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 misconception that the Midwest is merely a collection of flyover states has always baffled me. 581 views, 10 likes, 0 loves, 3 comments, 5 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Mt. One of the safest cities in Wisconsin, with a low cost of living and growing entertainment and food scenes, Appleton is increasingly appealing to young families and young professionals working remotely. Frankenmuth isnt some sort of freaky monster town (Ill pause briefly for someone in the comments section to say, Actually, its the monsters CREATORs town!). 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? 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). Plus, Evanston is working hard to become more diverse and actively inclusive both in business and the community making it one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median household income: $85,077. - Population: 17,654 The Midwest is also a great example of the United States' diversity. It's also eco-friendly, since it's recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. town. Are you afraid of alligators? The Waukesha Civic Center keeps a full calendar of shows and performances, and there are numerous opportunities to take cooking and other creative classes around town. Exciting things are happening in Ann Arbor, MI. I like it, but it's bad for my cholesterol. The town has a storied history as an early pioneer town, and even hosts annual Ghost Walks courtesy of the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center. - Median rent: $1,285 (19% rent) It's the home of the well-regarded evangelical school Wheaton College, with many churches in the town. I live on the 2nd floor, if that's important. Mission's official website boasts that residents can enjoy "big city services," with the city's "safe and friendly residential atmosphere. Worth a mention: Every resident in Minneapolis is within six blocks of a park, making this Twin City a gem for outdoors lovers, families with kids and pet-loving residents. - Population: 5,559 - Median home value: $373,200 (82% own) - Population: 11,207 - Median rent: $1,375 (23% rent) Whether you were born and raised where the corn meets the Great Lakes or you're a coastal dweller trying to test your knowledge of the "flyover" states, this quiz is going to be tough, because it covers every nuance of Midwestern lingo. Read more. - Median rent: $1,297 (10% rent) 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. Viewers of the buzzy Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere might recognize this Cleveland suburb as its central location, but it has a much longer history. 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. It offers residents fantastic medical care close to home (think Mercy Iowa City and University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics). Educational excellence begins with a commitment to K-12 students with three National Blue Ribbon Schools and a host of innovative programming. You don't have to bring gifts to other people's houses! Enter your email to be added to our mailing list. But, while Omaha is undoubtedly a convenient place to live and work (its central location provides easy access to move about the country), thats only part of the story. - Median home value: $388,900 (50% own) Oh, and when it comes to education, quality K-12 schools run the gamut. 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?) It's also filled with opportunities to get outdoors, with 37 parks and 17 lakes. - Median home value: $309,000 (66% own) The citys relatively low crime rate and overall safety. Residents of University Heights have access to both a family-oriented smaller town and the hustle and bustle of college life. Apart from offering an accessible gateway to downtown Milwaukee, Cedarburg's local economy also benefits significantly from tourism. - Median rent: $1,887 (15% rent) Business Insider included Elm Grove on its 2014 list of the best suburbs in the U.S., citing its low crime rates, consistently high family incomes, and quality schools. - Median home value: $300,800 (85% own) - Median home value: $878,700 (85% own) - Median home value: $296,200 (70% own) - Median household income: $82,656, Located close to the city of Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon's hip, artsy vibe helped it make Budget Travel's list of the coolest American small towns. - Population: 1,206 Today, this Central Indiana up-and-comer has almost ten times that at nearly 100,000 residents who have access to some of the best schools in the state and high-quality health care. It also attracts lots of visitors with the annual summer Troy Daze festival, which often draws 100,000 people a year. - Median rent: $1,481 (24% rent) The St. Louis suburb Warson Woods hosts well-regarded public schools and a number of retirees. It hosts concerts at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, offers an outdoor museum through Conner Prairie, and has an extensive park through Flat Fork Creek Part, just to name a few. - Population: 8,023 - Median rent: $1,308 (34% rent) - Median household income: $180,000. 253 likes, 5 comments - Goldpilled (@gold.pilled) on Instagram: "On wagecucks I read a lot of hate and despise for the so called "wagecucks". 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. Your customizable and curated collection of the best in trusted news plus coverage of sports, entertainment, money, weather, travel, health and lifestyle, combined with Outlook/Hotmail, Facebook . - Median household income: $111,435. OK, so they're all pretty much the best. Plus, this is a city with heart. Chanhassen is a tiny suburb of Minneapolis, with plenty of access to Twin Cities nature like the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. - Median household income: $112,054, Northville Township is a liberal-leaning Detroit suburb that formerly existed as a farming town and maintains an open landscape plan. Pleasant Live: Mt. - Population: 23,984