The 10 communities with the highest quality of life in America
Out of all the decisions we make in life, there are few as important as choosing the community where we decide to set down roots. Nearly every aspect of life —from job opportunities, to the quality of education, to life expectancy — is connected to the ZIP Code that you choose to call home.
The AARP recently created its “Livability Index,” which tracks the quality of life for all people — not just retirees — in every community in the United States.
The index pulls from more than 50 data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the National Consumer Law Center, to determine its rankings of the most livable communities in the country. There are 61 indicators, consisting of 40 metrics and 21 policies, used to develop these rankings.
Among the most significant metrics used in determining the rankings are the quality of housing, neighborhoods, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity. The analysis also looked at statistics revealing communities’ life expectancy and median household income, among other data.
Continue reading to see which 10 cities and counties have the highest quality of life, according to the AARP.
10. Hennepin, Minnesota
Hennepin, Minnesota is the community with the tenth highest quality of life. The county received high marks for civic and social engagement.
Population: 1,270,787
Median Household Income: $108,175
Life Expectancy: 81 years old
9. Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax, Virginia has the ninth highest quality of life. The county received high marks for health prevention, access, and quality.
Population: 1,145,354
Median Household Income: $157,817
Life Expectancy: 83 years old
8. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington is the community with the eighth highest quality of life. The city received high marks for health prevention, access, and quality.
Population: 734,603
Median Household Income: $129,579
Life Expectancy: 81 years old
7. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts is the community with the seventh highest quality of life. The city received high marks for transportation safety and convenience; neighborhood proximity and security; and health prevention, access, and quality.
Population: 665,945
Median Household Income: $100,102
Life Expectancy: 80 years old
6. Montgomery, Maryland
Montgomery, Maryland is the community with the sixth highest quality of life. The county received high marks for health prevention, access, and quality.
Population: 1,056,910
Median Household Income: $143,004
Life Expectancy: 83 years old
5. New York, New York
New York City is the community with the fifth highest quality of life. The city received high marks for neighborhood proximity and security as well as transportation safety and convenience.
Population: 8,622,467
Median Household Income: $90,602
Life Expectancy: 81 years old
4. Dane, Wisconsin
Dane, Wisconsin is the community with the fourth highest quality of life. The county received high marks for social and civic engagement and economic opportunities.
Population: 559,891
Median Household Income: $93,139
Life Expectancy: 81 years old
3. Hudson, New Jersey
Hudson, New Jersey is the community with the third highest quality of life. The county received high marks for neighborhood proximity and security as well as transportation safety and convenience.
Population: 712,029
Median Household Income: $99,318
Life Expectancy: 80 years old
2. Ramsey, Minnesota
Ramsey, Minnesota is the community with the second highest quality of life. The county received high marks for civic and social engagement as well as transportation safety and convenience.
Population: 547,202
Median Household Income: $86,456
Life Expectancy: 80 years old
1. San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California is the community with the highest quality of life, according to AARP. The city received high marks for neighborhood proximity and security; health prevention, access and quality; civic and social engagement; and transportation safety and convenience.
Population: 851,036
Median Household Income: $149,175
Life Expectancy: 82 years old
