Where to live in America in 2025

04 January 2025 - 22 mins read time
Tags: Coding

Choosing the perfect place to live is a significant decision, especially when you have the flexibility to work remotely. Based on your preferences for sunny weather, outdoor activities, minimal traffic, safety, and affordability, we’ve compiled a list of cities that might be the ideal fit for you. In addition to the lifestyle aspects, we’ve also added an overview of the tax environment—how state and local tax policies might impact your day-to-day finances—in each section. Below is a detailed analysis, including a comparative table rating each city across the dimensions you’ve specified. At the end is the prompt used with O1.

────────────────────────────── O1’s Top Cities Tailored to Us
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● Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is a vibrant city nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering an unparalleled mix of urban life and outdoor adventure. The hippest areas, Pearl Street Mall and The Hill, are pedestrian paradises filled with eclectic shops, street performers, and art galleries. The Hill is especially popular among the younger crowd, bustling with music venues and eateries near the University of Colorado.

Music lovers can catch live performances at venues like the Boulder Theater and Fox Theatre. Outdoor concerts at the Chautauqua Auditorium offer magic under the stars during the summer months.

Coffee aficionados flock to Ozo Coffee Company and Boxcar Coffee Roasters. Yoga enthusiasts often visit Yoga Pod and Radiance Power Yoga to connect with community and mindfulness.

Outdoor lovers enjoy trails such as Flatirons Vista Trail and Chautauqua Trail. Local community centers like the East Boulder Community Center and South Boulder Recreation Center feature popular pickleball courts.

► Tax Burden Note: Colorado’s tax climate is relatively moderate. The state features a flat income tax (in recent years roughly 4.5–4.6%) with moderate sales taxes. In Boulder, however, high home values can lead to higher property tax costs, but overall, residents enjoy a competitive tax environment compared to other high-demand areas.

Famous Festivals: – Colorado Music Festival: Hosted at Chautauqua Auditorium. – Boulder International Film Festival: Drawing filmmakers worldwide.

Pros: – Abundant Outdoor Activities
– Strong Community Vibe
– Vibrant Coffee and Music Scene

Cons: – Higher Cost of Living and Housing Prices
– Limited Access to a Major Airport (an hour away from Denver)
– Tourist Traffic during peak seasons

────────────────────────────── ● Austin, Texas

Austin seamlessly blends metropolitan energy with laid-back charm. Hip neighborhoods such as South Congress (SoCo), East Austin, and Rainey Street are filled with quirky boutiques, live music venues, and vibrant street art. Rainey Street is famous for its bungalow bars and eateries.

Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is home to venues like Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, Stubb’s BBQ, and The Continental Club. Open-air music events are a local staple.

Coffee shops like Caffé Medici and Houndstooth Coffee serve as local hubs. Yoga studios, including Black Swan Yoga and Yoga Yoga, cater to residents seeking wellness classes.

Outdoor enthusiasts take to the Lady Bird Lake Trail and Barton Creek Greenbelt for activities ranging from running to swimming. For pickleball, the Austin Tennis and Pickleball Center attracts a diverse crowd.

► Tax Burden Note: Texas is well-known for not having a state income tax, which is a big draw for many. However, this benefit is offset by higher property taxes and local assessments. Residents should consider that the absence of state income tax may come with steeper costs on homes and local services.

Famous Festivals: – South by Southwest (SXSW): A world-renowned festival covering film, media, and music. – Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival: Hosted annually in Zilker Park.

Pros: – Thriving Music and Arts Scene
– Warm, Sunny Climate
– Lively Coffee and Social Culture

Cons: – Increasing Traffic Congestion
– Rising Housing Costs
– Intense Summer Heat

────────────────────────────── ● Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

The Raleigh-Durham area is a hub of intellect and innovation, with areas like Glenwood South in Raleigh and the Warehouse District in Durham blending historic charm with modern energy. Glenwood South buzzes with nightlife, restaurants, and galleries, while the Warehouse District offers creative spaces and tech startup vibes.

Music venues such as the Red Hat Amphitheater and Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) host a diverse range of performances. The Carolina Theatre in Durham is a hotspot for live music and comedy. Local coffee shops like Jubala Coffee and Cocoa Cinnamon foster a sense of community, and yoga studios such as Blue Lotus and Durham Yoga Company provide mindful escapes.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy trails in William B. Umstead State Park and along the American Tobacco Trail, which are perfect for running or horseback riding. Pickleball courts at North Hills Club and Life Time Athletic are popular gathering spots.

► Tax Burden Note: North Carolina offers a flat state income tax rate (currently around 5.25%), accompanied by moderate sales and property taxes. This balance creates an appealing tax climate for professionals and families alike, making Raleigh-Durham a fiscally friendly region.

Famous Festivals: – Hopscotch Music Festival: Held in Raleigh with an eclectic musical lineup. – Art of Cool Festival: Celebrates jazz and innovative music in Durham.

Pros: – Affordable Living and Reasonable Housing
– Enjoyable Four-Season Climate
– Active Community Events

Cons: – Limited Public Transportation
– Moderate Direct Flight Access
– Quieter Nightlife Compared to Larger Cities

────────────────────────────── ● Boise, Idaho

Boise, a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest, offers hip neighborhoods such as Downtown Boise, Hyde Park, and the Boise Cultural District. Hyde Park stands out for its historic charm and local art fairs.

Music enthusiasts gather at The Knitting Factory and Neurolux for a mix of national and indie music. The Idaho Botanical Garden’s Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series is a unique open-air experience.

Local coffee shops like Form & Function and Neckar Coffee enjoy loyal patronage. Yoga studios such as Sage Yoga & Wellness and Embody Studio are community favorites.

Outdoor recreation comes in the form of the Boise River Greenbelt and Table Rock Trail—ideal for running, hiking, and enjoying city views. Pickleball fans often converge at Hobble Creek Park and Settlers Park.

► Tax Burden Note: Idaho’s tax rates are moderately progressive, with income tax rates that can reach up to around 6.5% for higher earners. Sales taxes and property costs are generally manageable, making Boise fiscally attractive for many.

Famous Festivals: – Treefort Music Fest: An indie music extravaganza that transforms the city. – Art in the Park: A festival celebrating live music and local crafts.

Pros: – Affordable Housing Compared to Coastal Cities
– Abundant Sunshine and Dry Climate
– Strong, Tight-Knit Community

Cons: – Smaller Cultural Scene
– Limited Major Airport Flight Options
– Traffic is Beginning to Increase

────────────────────────────── ● Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City gracefully merges urban amenities with rugged outdoor beauty. Neighborhoods like Sugar House, The Avenues, and Central 9th bustle with unique shops, cafes, and local bars. Central 9th is noted for its trendy eateries and independent boutiques.

Music lovers enjoy the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre and The Depot for concerts. Three Pines Coffee and Alchemy Coffee are preferred spots for leisurely afternoons, while yoga studios such as Centered City Yoga and Salt Lake Power Yoga add balance to busy lives.

Outdoor opportunities abound with trails like Bonneville Shoreline Trail and Big Cottonwood Canyon leading to majestic views. Local parks, including Liberty Park and Holladay Lions Recreation Center, host well-maintained pickleball courts.

► Tax Burden Note: Utah sports a flat income tax rate near 4.95% along with moderate overall sales and property taxes. This competitive tax structure makes Salt Lake City an attractive option for those seeking both affordable living and access to natural beauty.

Famous Festivals: – Twilight Concert Series: Affordable live music under the summer sky. – Sundance Film Festival (in nearby Park City): Influences the local cultural scene.

Pros: – Quick Access to Outdoor Recreation
– Reliable Public Transit System
– Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

Cons: – Nightlife Can Feel Limited
– Occasional Winter Air Quality Issues
– More Homogenous Cultural Landscape

────────────────────────────── ● Madison, Wisconsin

Madison artfully marries urban living with abundant natural beauty. Areas such as Capitol Square, Williamson Street (Willy Street), and Atwood Avenue buzz with farmers’ markets, craft breweries, and distinct cafes. Atwood Avenue in particular is synonymous with eclectic charm.

Music fans frequent the Majestic Theatre and The Sylvee for a range of performances, while the Memorial Union Terrace by Lake Mendota offers an unforgettable outdoor concert experience.

Cafes like Colectivo Coffee and Bradbury’s Coffee exude artisan warmth, and yoga studios such as Inner Fire Yoga and The Studio nurture wellness practices.

The city’s lakes—Mendota and Monona—provide scenic trails ideal for running, biking, and peaceful strolls. Pickleball courts at Garner Park and McGaw Park are well-regarded community hubs.

► Tax Burden Note: Wisconsin’s tax system is a bit more progressive, with income tax rates around 6–7% for many households, paired with decent sales and property tax rates. While the overall burden may be higher than some Midwestern counterparts, residents also enjoy robust public services in return.

Famous Festivals: – Isthmus Jazz Festival: A city-wide tribute to jazz music. – Waterfront Festival: A celebration of community, music, and food. – La Fête de Marquette: Honoring French culture with music and cuisine.

Pros: – High Quality of Life with Excellent Healthcare and Education
– Abundant Green Spaces and Lakeside Recreation
– Vibrant Community Events

Cons: – Harsh Winters Can Limit Outdoor Fun
– Public Transportation is Moderate
– Limited Options at the Regional Airport

────────────────────────────── ● Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville radiates a bohemian spirit paired with a vibrant arts scene. Districts like the River Arts District, Downtown Asheville, and West Asheville pulse with galleries, live music spots, and trendy cafes. West Asheville’s Haywood Road is especially known for its quirky shops and distinctive eateries.

Music lovers head to iconic venues such as The Orange Peel and The Grey Eagle, which host an eclectic array of acts. Cozy coffee spots, including High Five Coffee and Trade and Lore Coffee, provide community gathering spots, and local yoga studios like Asheville Yoga Center and West Asheville Yoga keep residents centered.

Outdoor enthusiasts explore Pisgah National Forest or cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking views. For those with a passion for pickleball, Carrier Park and Aston Park provide excellent courts.

► Tax Burden Note: Asheville benefits from North Carolina’s overall favorable tax climate—a flat income tax of about 5.25% paired with modest sales and property taxes. This stable environment is especially attractive for those looking to balance lifestyle benefits with financial predictability.

Famous Festivals: – LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival): An event blending music, art, and cultural performance. – Asheville Yoga Festival: Celebrations and workshops for yoga enthusiasts. – Mountain Dance and Folk Festival: Showcasing Appalachian music and dance.

Pros: – Rich Arts, Culture, and Festival Scene
– Stunning Mountain and Natural Settings
– Active, Engaged Community

Cons: – Limited Job Market (Tourism-Based Economy)
– Growing Housing Prices Increase Demand
– Public Transit Options are Sparse

────────────────────────────── ● Bend, Oregon

Bend offers a blend of small-town charm intertwined with exhilarating outdoor adventures. In Bend, neighborhoods such as the Old Mill District, Downtown Bend, and NorthWest Crossing are hubs for riverfront shopping, exquisite dining, and lively cafes. NorthWest Crossing is particularly noted for its community events and farmers’ markets.

Outdoor concerts are a treat at venues like Hayden Homes Amphitheater (formerly Les Schwab Amphitheater) and the Volcanic Theatre Pub for indie sets. Local cafes Thump Coffee and Looney Bean Coffee add to the relaxed vibe. Yoga studios such as Namaspa Yoga and Juniper Yoga cater to a variety of interests.

For outdoor pursuits, the Deschutes River Trail and Tumalo Falls offer unforgettable runs and hikes, while Pine Nursery Park and the dedicated Pickleball Zone are favorites among locals.

► Tax Burden Note: Oregon has a unique tax environment with no sales tax—a relief at the register. However, its progressive income tax can be relatively high (up to around 9% for higher incomes), though property taxes generally remain lower. This mix can lead to an overall tax burden that varies widely depending on your income level.

Famous Festivals: – Bend Summer Festival: A lively weekend celebrating arts, music, and community. – 4 Peaks Music Festival: Family-friendly events featuring a diverse musical lineup.

Pros: – Outstanding Outdoor Options and Scenic Beauty
– Over 300 Days of Sunshine Annually
– Close-Knit and Welcoming Community

Cons: – Remote Location Distant from Major Metro Areas
– Rising Cost of Living due to Increased Demand
– Reliance on Personal Vehicles (Limited Transit)

────────────────────────────── ● San Diego, California

San Diego is a coastal gem defined by its rich tapestry of culture, sunshine, and active outdoor life. Neighborhoods such as North Park, Little Italy, and the Gaslamp Quarter are synonymous with vibrant dining, art, and nightlife. North Park is celebrated for its craft beer scene and arts, while Gaslamp Quarter pulses with energy after dark.

Music venues such as The Casbah, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, and House of Blues San Diego host an array of live performances. For coffee, establishments like Better Buzz Coffee and James Coffee Co. offer relaxed gathering spots, and yoga studios such as Yoga Six and Spirit Yoga provide rejuvenating classes.

Outdoor highlights include Torrey Pines State Reserve and Sunset Cliffs—ideal for running and enjoying ocean views. Balboa Park and Ocean Beach Recreation Center house popular pickleball courts.

► Tax Burden Note: California is known for one of the highest tax burdens in the country. With progressive state income tax rates that can exceed 9% (and even higher for top earners) combined with high sales tax rates, the overall tax environment in San Diego is on the steep side despite relatively moderate property taxes.

Famous Festivals: – CRSSD Festival: An electronic music festival held twice a year at Waterfront Park. – San Diego Jazz Fest: Celebrates world-class jazz performances.

Pros: – Consistent, Ideal Climate
– Rich Recreational and Cultural Activities
– Excellent Major Airport Access

Cons: – High Cost of Living and Elevated Housing Prices
– Traffic Congestion at Peak Times
– Challenges Linked to Homelessness in Certain Areas

────────────────────────────── ● Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs offers stunning mountain vistas and a more relaxed pace. Hip areas such as Old Colorado City, Downtown, and Manitou Springs boast local boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes. Manitou Springs, in particular, is celebrated for its artistic community and historic allure.

Music can be enjoyed at venues like The Black Sheep and Stargazers Theatre, where local talent meets eclectic performances. Local coffee stops such as SwitchBack Coffee Roasters and Story Coffee Company add warmth to the community, and yoga studios like Pranava Yoga Center and Hot Asana Yoga Studio contribute to the city’s fitness scene.

Outdoor enthusiasts relish iconic spots like the Garden of the Gods and trails on Pikes Peak. Pickleball is popular at Monument Valley Park and Bear Creek Regional Park, both known for their well-kept facilities.

► Tax Burden Note: Colorado’s overall tax environment is similar throughout the state – featuring a flat income tax (comparable to Boulder’s rate) along with moderate sales and property tax levels. While the beauty and amenities pull many in, rising property values can drive tax costs higher in some neighborhoods.

Famous Festivals: – MeadowGrass Music Festival: A three-day celebration of Americana, bluegrass, and folk music. – Pikes Peak Celtic Festival: Celebrates Celtic heritage with music, dance, and traditional games.

Pros: – Breathtaking Natural Scenery
– More Affordable Housing than Some Colorado Cities
– Welcoming and Safe Community Atmosphere

Cons: – Fewer Urban Amenities Compared to a Larger Metro
– Limited Public Transportation Options
– The Effects of High Altitude May Take Some Adjustment

────────────────────────────── Comparative Table of Cities

To help you see where each city stands across various dimensions, including our lifestyle metrics and tax considerations, here’s a table summarizing the ratings. (Tax is an additional personal finance factor and can help you gauge overall fiscal comfort when combined with the ratings below.)

────────────────────────────── Dimension | Boulder | Austin | Raleigh-Durham | Boise | Salt Lake City | Madison | Asheville | Bend | San Diego | Colorado Springs ────────────────────────────── Easy Car Travel | High | Low | High | High | High | Mid | Mid | Mid | Low | High Public Transport | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | High | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid Sunshine | High | High | Mid | High | High | Mid | High | High | High | High Outdoor Activities | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High Major Airport Access | Mid | High | High | Mid | High | Mid | Low | Low | High | Mid Proximity to Water | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | Mid | High | Mid | Mid | High | Low Abundant Parks | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High | High Homelessness Levels | Mid | Mid | Low | Low | Mid | Mid | Mid | Low | High | Low Minimal Traffic | High | Low | High | High | High | Mid | Mid | Mid | Low | High Affordable Housing | Low | Low | High | Mid | Mid | Mid | Low | Low | Low | Mid Coffee Culture | High | High | Mid | High | Mid | High | High | Mid | High | Mid ──────────────────────────────

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the perfect city involves balancing your professional needs, personal passions, and financial considerations—including the local tax environment. The top 10 cities above offer a rich blend of outdoor adventures, community engagement, and vibrant cultural scenes. Each destination has its own flavor, from the trail-side ambiance of Boulder and Bend to the energetic music and coffee scenes in Austin, San Diego, and Asheville.

While no city is without its trade-offs, these recommendations highlight locations that enhance your lifestyle—with tax environments that vary from the low state income tax benefits of Texas and Washington (for cities like Austin) to the higher progressive income taxes of California and Oregon. These details serve as one more piece of the puzzle as you embark on an exciting new chapter.

────────────────────────────── Cities with Higher Levels of Your Disliked Factors (and Their Stories)

For fun, we also take a look at cities where several of your disliked issues are more prominent, interweaving interesting narratives to offer insight beyond bullet points:

Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with a cultural magnetism that attracts dreamers from everywhere. However, the city wrestles with significant burdens—from the visually prominent homelessness to heavy car traffic that often turns simple commutes into epic journeys. Add in the high cost of housing, and you have a city that, despite its glamour, challenges your need for both safety and fiscal efficiency. Its tax burden reflects California’s progressive rates, which can push incomes up into the high-tax bracket, especially when paired with soaring property values. LA’s story is one of cinematic paradoxes, where brilliant art meets urban strife.
San Francisco, California
Famed for its tech scene and iconic skyline, San Francisco offers breathtaking views and endless innovation. Yet, this city grapples with pronounced socioeconomic disparities. High levels of homelessness and visible drug use in some neighborhoods cast long shadows over its otherwise vibrant urban tapestry. The cost of living here is astronomical, and the tax burden—a mix of steep income tax rates and hefty housing expenses—only adds to the challenge of calling this city “home.” Even as the fog rolls in each morning, so too do debates about affordability and quality of life.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle may charm visitors with its lush scenery, coffee culture, and technological prowess, but it faces persistent challenges with traffic congestion and heavy rainfall that dims the outdoors much of the year. While the state of Washington does not collect an income tax, Seattle’s overall fiscal health is impacted by high sales taxes and other local fees. The city’s struggles with homelessness and issues of drug abuse create a dichotomy of progress and social challenge, painting a picture of a city in the midst of transformation—sometimes at a taxing cost.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s storied history, culinary delights, and rich cultural heritage stand in stark contrast to the urban challenges found in some of its neighborhoods. Violence and traffic are recurring hurdles, and while the city’s tax system offers a relatively flat income tax rate, the heavy property taxes in some areas burden homeowners significantly. Chicago is a city of extremes—a landscape where soaring skyscrapers meet gritty street realities, and where fiscal challenges often overshadow its robust arts scene and storied past.
Houston, Texas
Houston provides the space and opportunity of a burgeoning metropolis with a lively energy sector and vibrant cultural diversity. Despite the absence of state income tax, many residents find that the benefits are offset by high property taxes and an urban sprawl notorious for heavy traffic congestion. Add to this mix issues related to homelessness and drug abuse in certain districts, and Houston’s economic calculus becomes complex—one that tells a story of opportunity marred by urban growing pains.

────────────────────────────── Considerations

These cities, both the recommended locations and the worst offenders, may present challenges such as homelessness, drug abuse, traffic congestion, or steep housing costs. Their unique tax burdens—whether it’s Texas’ reliance on property taxes or California’s high income tax rates—play a significant role in shaping the everyday experience. Balancing these factors is a personal journey, and no one city is perfect in every way.

────────────────────────────── Prompt for O1

Please write a blog article that identifies 10 great places to live for both me and my wife. We work remotely, so we can live anywhere but travel frequently. Each city should have more than 400k inhabitants in the agglomeration. It can be a smaller city like Boulder which is still close to Denver.
I enjoy easy car travel with minimal traffic, safe and clean public transportation, plenty of sunshine, and opportunities for activities like pickleball, running, and trail running. Access to a major airport, proximity to water, and abundant parks are important to me.
I prefer to avoid areas with high levels of homelessness (as it can make me feel unsafe), violence, drug abuse, heavy car traffic, housing shortages, frequent rain, or extreme heat that keeps you indoors for much of the year, insane house prices.

My wife enjoys yoga, workouts, coffee shop culture, and a strong sense of community. In her own words:

“I love going to live music shows, especially outdoor concerts. I like horseback riding even though I’m not very good at it. My love language is quality time, so my favorite activity is simply going out to eat or having a drink with someone and just talking and enjoying their company. It warms my heart. I don’t cook, but I love baking and making desserts. When I’m at home, April and I try to make something new every week. I know I’m a nerd, but I love puzzles. Whenever I live somewhere long enough, I’m working on a puzzle the entire time. Other ways I enjoy spending my time:
– anything coffee related
– watching documentaries
– reading memoirs
– being outdoors, especially mountains, I wanna get into backpacking.”

Please rate every dimension as low, mid, or high and compile all suggestions into a table where all cities are listed in the same table. Then also take a look at the 7 worst offenders. Make it detailed and lengthy, find interesting narratives and compile unique stories per place and interweave them with the text. We want something to read and not only bullet points. Thanks!

────────────────────────────── Final Thoughts

Every city carries its own set of trade-offs. While the lifestyle criteria—the ease of commuting, outdoor opportunities, and an active community—are paramount, the fiscal picture, including the local tax burden, is an important part of the decision. From Colorado’s moderate flat tax in Boulder and Colorado Springs to California’s notoriously high tax rates in San Diego and San Francisco, understanding these variables will help you prioritize what matters most for your long-term happiness and financial well-being.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace this exciting chapter of your life, weigh all factors carefully, and happy exploring!