The best places to live in the US in 2023

Are you looking to shake up your lifestyle in the new year? Why not try a new city on for size? Each year, US News puts together a list of the top 150 cities – both big and small – where life is pretty sweet. Read on for a look at the best places to live in the US in 2023.

In order to compile and rank this list of craveworthy destinations, the magazine follows a specific methodology. In short, this list compares affordability, desirability, the job market, net migration, and quality of life in the 150 most populous US cities in order to rank them. The rankings also take safety into account, with data from both local law enforcement and the FBI.

When the sky is the limit, the following list is a wonderful place to start your housing search. We’ve also included some moving tips to help make things as easy as possible.

Blueground doesn’t have a presence in all 150 cities from next year’s list – at least not yet! Here are some of the best places to live in the US where you can stay with Blueground in 2023.

1. Boulder, CO

Nestled in the mountains, beautiful Boulder is easy to love. Thanks to its gorgeous setting and wonderful culture, the city got a 7.7 out of 10 in the quality of life category.

Boulder came in at the #4 slot on US News’s list of the best places to live in the US in 2023. That means you won’t be alone in wanting to move to this chill destination.

Blueground’s furnished apartments in Boulder make it easy to relocate to this beautiful Colorado city.

2. San Jose, CA

Vibrant San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, came in at #5 on the list. Thanks to its booming tech economy, this city is an ideal place to fulfill your California dreams.

Although it can be a pricey destination, San Jose’s cultural scene has a lot to offer newcomers.
If you’re looking to move to this powerhouse city, a furnished apartment is an easy way to test the waters.

3. San Francisco, CA

San Francisco came in at #10 on the list of the best places to live in the US in 2023. That’s hardly surprising, considering just how much there is to do and see in this beautiful city.

Whether you want to break into the tech scene or just really love opera, San Francisco has a lot to offer new arrivals in the city.

The city’s real estate market is notably tight, so you may want to skip the traditional housing search. Thankfully, Blueground has hundreds of furnished apartments in San Francisco.

4. Austin, TX

Texas’s capital is a quirky place. In fact, you’re likely to see bumper stickers advertising the city’s unofficial slogan: Keep Austin Weird.

Austin came in at #13 on the list of the 150 best US cities, and it’s easy to understand why. Between a rash of new startups coming to town and its legendary barbeque, you don’t want to miss this scene.

Looking to move to Austin? Check out Blueground’s furnished apartments located in and around the city.

5. Boston, MA

One of the oldest cities in the US, Boston is also one of the best places to live.

The city came in at #18 in US News’s list, with a whopping 7.2 quality of life score. This is no surprise, since Boston has more than its fair share of bars, restaurants, museums, and performing arts venues.

There are also a number of notable colleges and universities in and around the city. Are you moving to the area for school? A move-in ready apartment in Boston is an elegant alternative to traditional student housing.

6. Washington, DC

Unsurprisingly, the nation’s capital is one of the best places to live in the US in 2023. The city came in at #18 on the list.

There are world-class museums – many of which are free to enter – and an amazingly diverse culinary scene. Bottom line, the District is an amazing place to live.

Blueground’s furnished apartments in Washington, DC are the simplest way to relocate to the city. We also have housing in Northern Virginia, an easy commute from the capital.

7. Seattle, WA

Gracious Seattle is another one of the best US cities according to US News. It’s easy to understand why – the Emerald City has a little bit of everything.

Seattle came in at #36 on the list, thanks to its mix of commerce, creativity, and beauty.

Nature lovers marvel at the city’s parks and nearby hiking trails, while foodies delight in its thousands of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Seattle is also a hub for tech jobs, making it a popular destination for new grads.

Are you considering moving to Seattle? Check out Blueground’s inventory of move-in ready apartments in and around the city.

8. Denver, CO

Another one of the best places to live in the US is Denver, which nabbed #55 on the list of the 150 top cities.

The Mile High City is known for its urban cowboy vibes, as well as incredible camping and hiking at its doorstep. This gracious city is home to fantastic shopping and dining, not to mention some great museums.

Denver has seen rapid population growth over the last decade, so newcomers may find it easier to start out in a move-in ready furnished apartment.

9. Chicago, IL

Chicago is another wonderful place to move this upcoming year. Its mix of commerce and culture netted it the #79 spot on the US News list.

Whether you want to take in the view from the top of Willis Tower or check out the sea life at the city’s Shedd Aquarium, there is plenty to see and do in this city. Chicago also has a great culinary scene, with everything from its famous deep-dish pizza to authentic regional Mexican cuisine.

Relocating to Chicago can be intimidating! Luckily, Blueground has a variety of furnished apartments where you can get a taste of the city’s various neighborhoods.

10. San Diego, CA

Sunny San Diego is another one of the best places to live in the US. It came in #107 of the top 150 cities, per US News.

Thanks to its gorgeous beaches and world-famous zoo, San Diego is likely already on your radar. Of course, it’s one thing to visit and another to actually live here.

Starting your new life in one of our furnished apartments in San Diego is the simplest way to make the city feel like home.

Tips for a smoother move

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, a promising romance, or simply a fresh start, moving is a big transition. The need to a new apartment or house adds another wrinkle.

(Of course, when you rent a move-in ready furnished apartment with Blueground you can skip straight to sightseeing.)

Once you have settled on a city, begin thinking about what is most important to you in a new home. Do you want to live in the city center, or would you rather live further out so that you can get more square footage for your dollar?

Start out by zeroing in on a few neighborhoods or even towns just outside the city. See what is nearby in terms of public transportation, shops and grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, etc.

Do you have a pet? If you’re moving into a private home this factor matters less. However, many apartment and co-op buildings have no-pets policies. Some allow pets, but then charge ridiculous pet fees.

Hundreds of Blueground’s flexible-term rental apartments in the US are located in the cities mentioned above, making it simple to start a new life in all of the best places to live in the US in 2023.

Of course, renting a flexible-term apartment in one of the best places to live in the US in 2023 saves you a lot of the hassles mentioned above.

Blueground’s turnkey apartments have everything you need to live well, from appliances and furnishings to pots and pans. Best of all, you can check into one amazing furnished apartments for as long as you would like.

After all, a year-long lease is all about your landlord’s schedule, not yours. Find out more about what makes Blueground different.