The 22 Best Places To Live In The USA

Are you looking to move to the United States from the UK but can’t decide where? Let’s look at the best places to move to, whether you’re a young professional, a retiree, or looking to raise a family.

Moving brings up a lot of questions. Sure, it’s exciting to start fresh in a new country, but when relocating from the UK to the USA, choosing the right city is essential to making the move a success.

Our list is based on data on the most popular destinations from those who have used PSS International Removals in the past to move overseas to America from the UK. The United States is a vast and diverse country, home to over 333 million people, and each city has its own unique charm, culture, and lifestyle. With so many options, finding the perfect place that suits your needs, whether for raising a family or achieving a high quality of life, can feel overwhelming, but this post will assist you in making that decision.

If you require a removal service to the United States from the UK, contact PSS International Removals. We will ensure that your belongings arrive in perfect condition and you will receive all the support you need. Now, let’s start on the best places to live in the USA.

1. New York City, New York – The land of opportunity

Among the most famous cities in the world, New York is certainly at the top of our list of best places to live. It offers the most diversity you can find in the USA and has a thriving population of 8,260,000 people. Countless movies have been filmed in and about New York, and the city is world-renowned for entertainment. You will never be bored if you catch a show on Broadway or see the many historical sites that made America what it is today.

New York City is dubbed the ‘land of opportunity’ and those who live here hustle and work long hours in the office to succeed in their career. If you have a strong desire to succeed, you will be at home with like-minded individuals. Popular careers in NYC include tech, marketing, journalism and finance.

If you are looking to network with people, NYC is also the place to be as you are in the hub of the action. The city always has events, and the atmosphere is genuinely incredible.

2. Los Angeles, California – Incredible lifestyle

Feeling the draw of California? You’re not alone. Los Angeles, California is where you can become famous or simply gaze at stars walking the streets. With approximately 3.9 million people living in LA, it is certainly not your average city. Los Angeles is among the best places to live in the USA for young adults.

Los Angeles is a very expensive city, but ample career opportunities make it an excellent option for professionals of all ages. The best thing about Los Angeles is the diversity in their neighborhoods. It is easy to find one where you fit in if you simply look.

The weather is also incredible in Los Angeles and you will enjoy sunny and pleasant weather throughout the year. The winters are short and mild, whilst the summers are very hot and dry. If you are looking to escape the cold weather in the UK, Los Angeles is the perfect solution!

3. Galveston, Texas – Affordable cost of living

Texas is a state like no other. It is said that everything is bigger in Texas and you better believe it is true, but there are some smaller towns in Texas that are amazing. Among the best places to live in the USA for cost of living is Galveston, Texas. This city only has about 53,000 people, but its location on the Gulf of Mexico makes it a great place to live if you crave coastal living.

Friendly people is one thing Galveston is known for as well. Even though Galveston is among the smaller cities on our lists, it has plenty of job opportunities to go around and the fact that it is along the coast means you are never too far away from a beach day.

The most popular beach you can visit in your free time include Babe’s Beach, Sunny Beach and Galveston Beach. These beaches will be of close proximity to you and will be perfect for a nice family day out and to relax on the weekend.

4. Boston, Massachusetts – Great for education

If history is your thing, Boston, Massachusetts is the place to be. This city is among the oldest in the United States and the rich history is celebrated around every corner. From the Boston Tea Party to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, you can see everything you ever wanted to know about American history in one unique city.

Boston is a city devoted to education. There are actually 54 registered universities in the city including MIT and Harvard. However, you will not merely study in this incredibly diverse city. There is a lot to do and plenty of attractions to keep you busy.

A major benefit of living in Boston is their job market, particularly in education, technology and finance. The average salary in Boston is $73,500 (£55,603), and the salaries across the industry has risen by 4.2% in the last year.

If you are sports fan, you will fit in Boston as you can attend the famous Boston Red Sox and the Celtics. They are world-renowned and it is a great way to immerse yourself into the community.

5. Springfield, Illinois – Excellent place to raise your family

Which US city has the best quality of life? Springfield, Illinois is certainly high on that list. It is also one of the best US city to raise a family in. Springfield is a slower city. Even the nightlife, although fun, is a lot more laid back than many larger cities on our list. Springfield enjoys 25% lower cost of living than the national average, but it is certainly not boring here. The city has a thriving art scene and excellent parks.

If you are trying to travel a little greener, you will be pleased to know biking is a common mode of transportation. Bike lanes run throughout the city and are lovingly maintained by the local government.

A major plus of Springfield is the strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere. There are plenty of local events you can attend to meet new people and make friends.

6. Hoboken, New Jersey – Lively and exciting place to live

Hoboken is a city of just over 60,000 residents and is known as the birthplace of baseball. Although Hoboken is remarkably diverse, it is the younger generation that has gravitated to this area most. Today, Hoboken is a thriving city during the day and at night with a variety of clubs and bars that make the nightlife a remarkably unique atmosphere.

The cost of living in Hoboken is higher than the national average, but the job market is good in the region with growing industries including technology, financial services and sciences.

If you looking for a lively and exciting place to live, Hoboken is a great place to consider.

7. San Francisco, California – Unique bohemian vibe

Everyone has heard of San Francisco for a variety of reasons. Naturally, it is a very culturally diverse atmosphere full of artists from every conceivable genre. The unique Bohemian vibe that San Francisco has been historically known for can still be felt in the city. Possibly the biggest downside to San Francisco, California is the high cost of living. California is expensive and this city continues to follow that mantra.

However, living in the city of San Francisco is an experience no one should pass up. Cable cars still run the streets and San Francisco embraces their city’s history like no other place on earth. Currently, the city houses over 973,000 people, so it is much smaller than New York or LA but the classic California climate is amazing.

San Francisco also has something called microclimates. This means different neighbourhoods can experience various weather patterns all in the same day.

8. Houston, Texas – Amazing food and culture

Houston, Texas is a very large city. Over 2.3 million people reside in this growing city. One of the biggest draws is the diversity in food options throughout the city. Virtually every type of cultural food is represented here, so your taste buds will never get bored.

The city also has no zoning laws, so if you are among the many who would like to live how you want without a lot of rules, you have found your home. The lack of zoning laws might frighten some of the more structured individuals, but rest assured, this attribute has done nothing more than make for some interesting and unique neighborhood experiences with a mix of both residential and commercial entities working alongside one another.

9. Austin, Texas – Fantastic job opportunities

The first thing to note about moving to Austin, TX from the UK is the abundance of job opportunities. During the unfortunate lockdowns of the pandemic, Austin became known for being a work from home mecca. This stands true today even as many people have ventured back to the work force. A wide range of fortune 500 companies reside in Austin making it a great option for those looking to climb the corporate ladder without leaving their home.

Diversity is a significant draw as well. Even though most of America has yet to catch on to the need to speak anything but English, 32% of Austin residents actually speak multiple languages.

10. Orlando, Florida – Fun activities around every corner

If you love the thought of never actually growing up, Orlando, Florida is the place for you. This city has something fun around every corner. Disneyworld, Universal Studios, and so many more incredible theme parks and water parks cover the land. Although it can be expensive for these attractions, many of them offer resident discounts as well.

Do not be dismayed by all the childlike fun. Orlando is serious business as well. There are a variety of opportunities for engineers, tech gurus, and practically anyone who has an eye for design. Remember, these theme parks must be designed at some point and being right there when it all takes shape is simply magical.

11. Chicago, Illinois – Mecca for sports lovers

Chicago is a very old city dating back to 1873 and although it has had its share of disasters, modern Chicago is a thriving city. One of the main reasons this city draws so many is for its food culture. Chicago is a place you can find something amazing to eat around every block. Whether you are looking for the classic Chicago Style Pizza or are craving something from Chinatown, you can find it easily.

Chicago is a mecca for sports lovers of all types, so remember to pick your team carefully and stay loyal. Cost of living is a little high, but with the wide range of career opportunities and a unique sense of community, you will quickly feel at home in this great city.

12. Seattle, Washington –  A thriving arts culture

Taxes are a little different in Seattle. Income tax does not exist, but sales tax is just over 10%, so it will be something to adjust to when moving from the UK. Also, you will want to dress for a wet climate. Rain boots are standard attire in Seattle, so buy a few different pairs to go with your outfits.

Seattle has a transit system just as many larger cities do, but it also has something many cities do not, a ferry system. The ferry system runs throughout the city and works just like buses and trains in major metro areas, so don’t be scared. Embrace the odd.

Speaking of odd, Seattle has a thriving art scene that is not like anything else. If you enjoy seeing oddities and various people on the streets showing off their talents, this is the place for you.

13. Miami, Florida – Beautiful beaches and tropical vibe

Miami is a world renowned city. Many people come to Miami with the conclusion that it is just like any other Florida town, but it is not. Miami is an experience. Firstly, it is highly diverse. Due to its proximity to Latin countries and the fact that 72.2% of the city is Hispanic, many smaller shop owners do not even speak English, so brush up on your Spanish.

443,665 people call Miami home. It has been featured in music videos from every genre, and there is truly something for everyone here. Whether you want to go deep sea fishing or hit up the nightlife, you’ll never be without an opportunity.

Unfortunately, all that high living will cost. It is estimated that housing in Miami is 47% higher than the national average.

14. Portland, Oregon – Green city with plenty of outdoor activities

Ok, Keep Portland Weird is not the official slogan of the city, but it is what Portland is known for. The environment in Portland is very art centric. Musicians, classic artists, and some odd crafts people are what make the Portland art scene truly unique.

Many grunge bands have come from this part of the United States and you will find many hopefuls trying to break into the music scene. The band you are listening to at a local night club in Portland might soon be playing huge arena shows. It is amazing.

Portland is also a very green city. Residents pride themselves on their love for the environment, so when living here, remember to recycle. Also, get out and explore the vast wilderness. Portland residents love the outdoors and when living in a place like this, you will too.

15. Las Vegas, Nevada – World class entertainment and weather

Prepare to have sensory overload when living in Las Vegas, Nevada. The lights are ten times brighter than what you think they will be and it is easy to get overwhelmed. There is a casino around every corner and yes, the street performers will let you take pictures with them, but you will owe them a tip.

Residents of Las Vegas enjoy the lights and fun of the big city, but they also know where to get away from it all. On the outskirts of the strip are small communities just like any other town. Locals rarely venture to the strip unless they are going to work. On their downtime, when they want to gamble, residents venture to the locals casinos. These casinos are cheaper and actually a lot more fun than the high end resort casinos.

Living here can be expensive, but for the experience of living in the city that never sleeps, many people are happy to make the sacrifice.

16. Dallas, Texas – Great job opportunities and no state income tax

What should you know about Dallas? First off, the city is very big. 1.35 million people call Dallas home and 37% of them speak Spanish. It is not a requirement to know the language to live in Dallas, but it will certainly help you connect with locals.

Like Seattle, there is no income tax in Dallas, but they make up for it with higher than average sales tax and very high property tax. Most people rent an apartment as opposed to buying due to the high property tax cost.

You will need a car if you live in Dallas as it is a large city, but the positive is there is plenty of things to do.

17. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Good cost of living and affordability.

Philadelphia is famous for a variety of reasons. You have probably heard all about the food. Especially the Philly Cheesesteak. This is no joke. People take their cheesesteaks very seriously and there are many places that claim to have the best. You’ll never know the truth until you try them all, so get ready to eat plenty of cheesesteaks.

Cost of living in Philadelphia is right on point with the national average. The reason for such high costs is largely due to the variety of industry and history related to the city. Philadelphia is a highly industrialized city, so there are always jobs available in manufacturing, but healthcare and education are leading career paths here as well.

18. Tampa, Florida – Excellent weather and laid-back beach lifestyle

Housing costs in Tampa can be a little higher than the national average, but that number is off set by lower utility and other living expenses. Therefore, the cost of living in Tampa is slightly lower than the national average overall. The job market in the city consists primarily of tourism, finance, healthcare, and technology.

Living in Tampa means you will have classic Florida weather. Tampa has up to 246 sunny days each year. During the summer you can expect to have very hot temps with high humidity, but when the temperatures fade, the winters are wonderfully mild.

19. Honolulu, Hawaii – Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts with good nightlife

If you have ever visited Honolulu, you have likely enjoyed endless paradise and epic sunsets, but living in this paradise city is a little different than touring it. Thriving employment opportunities include tourism and healthcare, but there are plenty of other opportunities as well.

Island hopping will become your form of getaway. Flights to other islands are quick and relatively inexpensive. When you need a little change of scenery, simply go to another island within Hawaii.

Honolulu is also a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and those that love night life. Hiking through the hills is a lot of fun during the day and the nightclubs come alive when the sun goes down. You will always have something fun to do here.

20. San Diego, California – High quality of life 

When living in San Diego, you will come to know that the fields of healthcare and Biotech are king. Not only those 2 career fields, but the military is big here as well. If you choose to work in one of these fields, you will have no problem maintaining the higher cost of living San Diego is known for, which is, unfortunately, 60.4% higher than the national average.

San Diego is located in southern California meaning the summers are hotter, but you may not even notice the heat when you realize how much there is to do. The San Diego Zoo is among the most popular attractions, but keep in mind San Diego is a convention town. Conventions such as Comi-Con are annual events and yes, traffic can be a problem when a big convention is in town.

21. Nashville, Tennessee – Friendly people and great music culture

One thing you will realize about Nashville, Tennessee really quickly is all the country music. Country music is something you will have to get used to moving from the UK to Nashville, but don’t worry, there’s always someone around to teach you about it. Nashville is where country music began and if you are ever curious, simply walk into one of the many museums devoted to the genre and learn all you want to.

People love food in Nashville. One of the best aspects of living in this city is the diversity of food options. Local favorites such as Nashville Hot Chicken and southern style barbeque are common throughout the city, but virtually every nationality and culture can be found as well, so it is easy to find the perfect bite to eat no matter what time of the day it is.

22. Salt Lake City, Utah – Active city and family-friendly

If you move to the USA, especially in great cities such as Utah, you had better like the great outdoors. Residents of Salt Lake City enjoy roaming the outdoors by hiking and biking everywhere. Biking is common throughout Salt Lake and that is how many people get around the city. Other outdoor activities include rock climbing and hiking through the unique rocky landscape this part of the country has to offer.

Weather extremes are something you will have to get used to here as well. The summer is extremely hot while the winters are very cold and covered in snow. Salt Lake City is a very family friendly city, so if you have little one’s you’ll fit right in.

Are you looking to move your personal belongings to the United States?

Choosing the best US city to call home is a deeply personal decision, influenced by your family’s needs, lifestyle preferences, and professional goals.

Whether you’re looking for a city with top-rated schools, abundant green spaces, a vibrant cultural scene, or excellent job prospects, the United States offers an array of cities that can cater to your vision of the ideal life.

If you are looking forward to moving to the USA from the UK, PSS International Removals is here to make your transition as smooth as possible. With over 40 years of experience in international moving, we will ensure that you can focus on settling into your new home without any stress. You will be provided a dedicated move manager and will receive assistance with custom clearance to ensure your move is seamless and easy.