These 20 Cities Have the Happiest Residents

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  1. Plano, TX
    This large Texas city still manages to maintain a small-town vibe, with dozens of family-friendly activities, top-rated public schools and strong community ties.Median Listing Home Price: $374,000
    Median Rent: $2,070
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes ,the cost of living index in Plano, TX is 112, which is 23 percent higher than the Texas average and 12 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  2. Irvine, CA
    This Southern California city offers residents a thriving job market and picture-perfect sunny weather.Median Listing Home Price: $929,000
    Median Rent: $3,500
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Irvine, CA is 178, which is 27 percent higher than the California average and 78 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  3. Madison, WI
    Students, professionals and families will find a city chock-full of world class restaurants, trendy coffee shops and a robust business community.Median Listing Home Price: $300,000
    Median Rent: $1,590
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes , the cost of living index in Madison, WI is 108, which is 13 percent higher than the Wisconsin average and 8 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  4. Fremont, CA
    Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the City of Fremont is home to a booming job market, low crime rates and highly sought-after public schools. In 2017, it was also ranked the number one happiest place in America.Median Listing Home Price: $974,940
    Median Rent: $3,100
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Fremont, CA is 188, which is 34 percent higher than the California average and 88 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  5. Huntington Beach, CA
    With plenty of surfing beaches, outdoor activities and world class restaurants to enjoy, residents of this seaside, SoCal city consider themselves lucky.Median Listing Home Price: $899,000
    Median Rent: $3,300
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Huntington Beach, CA is 169, which is 20 percent higher than the California average and 69 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  6. Fargo, ND
    Despite the harsh winters, Fargo is one of the best places to live. Low housing costs and an abundance of amenities keep residents happy.Median Listing Home Price: $235,450
    Median Rent: $1,370
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Fargo, ND is 97, which is 2 percent higher than the North Dakota average and 3 percent lower than the U.S. average.
  7. Grand Prairie, TX
    Located near Fort Worth and Dallas, the City of Grand Prairie offers families an ideal place to live, with excellent public schools and a plethora of outdoor kid-friendly activities.Median Listing Home Price: $249,900
    Median Rent: $1,840
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Grand Prairie, TX is 98, which is 8 percent higher than the Texas average and 2 percent lower than the U.S. average.
  8. San Jose, CA
    This booming suburb continues to attract more and more professionals and families each year. The city is home to a number of tech companies and a thriving job market.Median Listing Home Price: $950,000
    Median Rent: $3,370
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in San Jose, CA is 181, which is 29 percent higher than the California average and 81 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  9. Scottsdale, AZ
    This resort city offers residents year-round sunshine, beautiful golf courses, numerous biking trails and other outdoor recreational opportunities. It’s also one of the best places in the country to retire.Median Listing Home Price: $649,900
    Median Rent: $2,800
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index is 125, which is 26 percent higher than the Arizona average and 25 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  10. San Francisco, CA
    From its exceptional dining and shopping to its iconic tourist attractions and events, this beloved city also happens to be one of the happiest in America.Median Listing Home Price: $1.44M
    Median Rent: $4,710
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in San Francisco, CA is 206, which is 47 percent higher than the California average and 106 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  11. Bismarck, ND
    The capital city of North Dakota is a popular (and happy) place to live, thanks to its many attractions, stunning outdoor surroundings and bustling downtown.Median Listing Home Price: $269,890
    Median Rent: $1,550
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living in Bismarck, ND is 100, which is 5 percent higher than the North Dakota average and equal to the U.S. average. 
  12. Overland Park, KS
    With its top-rated school system, strong community ties and kid-friendly parks, families in Overland Park, Kansas have plenty to smile about.Median Listing Home Price: $355,000
    Median Rent: $1,630
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Overland Park, KS is 108, which is 21 percent higher than the Kansas average, and 8 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  13. Santa Rosa, CA
    Located just north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa’s happy residents enjoy some of the best wineries and restaurants in the world.Median Listing Home Price: $649,000
    Median Rent: $2,670
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Santa Rosa, CA is 153, which is 9 percent higher than the California average and 53 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  14. Austin, TX
    Those looking for a big city with plenty of culture, a hot job market and the best Tex-Mex fare around will find it in Austin, Texas.

    Median Listing Home Price:     $429,000
    Median Rent: $1,850
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living in Austin, TX is 109, which is 19 percent higher than the Texas average and 9 percent higher than the U.S. average. 
  15. Sioux Falls, SD
    With its low cost of living, affordable real estate and gorgeous outdoor parks, it’s no wonder Sioux Falls residents are so happy.

    Median Listing Home Price:     $229,900
    Median Rent: $900
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Sioux Falls, SD is 91, which is 1 percent higher than the South Dakota average and 9 percent lower than the U.S. average.
  16. Pearl City, HI
    Located near downtown Honolulu, the unincorporated community of Pearl City offers a friendly neighborhood feel with top-notch amenities. The community is a good mix of military families and Hawaiian locals.Median Listing Home Price: $594,000
    Median Rent: $1,850
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the overall cost of living index in Pearl City, HI is 186, which is 6 percent higher than the Hawaii average and 86 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  17. Glendale, CA
    Located near downtown Los Angeles and the stunning Verdugo Hills, the suburb of Glendale offers both city amenities and a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy.Median Listing Home Price: $875,000
    Median Rent: $3,100
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in Glendale, CA is 165, which is 18 percent higher than the California average in California and 65 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  18. San Diego, CA
    Thanks to its surf-friendly beaches, eclectic restaurants and strong job market, the City of San Diego is an especially happy place to live. It’s also one of the best places in California to call home.Median Listing Home Price: $679,000
    Median Rent: $2,750
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in San Diego, CA is 149, which is 6 percent higher than the California average and 49 percent higher than the U.S. average.
  19. St. Paul, MN
    From its bustling neighborhoods to its world class amenities, there’s no shortage of things to see and do (even in the winter) in the City of the St. Paul.Median Listing Home Price: $259,890
    Median Rent: $1,570
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index in St. Paul, MN is 103, which is 1 percent lower than the Minnesota average and 3% higher than the U.S. average.
  20. Charleston, SC
    With its Southern charm, rich history and delectable cuisine, the City of Charleston is one of the friendliest, happiest cities in America to call home. It’s also one of the most walkable.Median Listing Home Price: $315,000
    Median Rent: $1,820
    Cost of living: According to AreaVibes, the cost of living index of 111, which is 17 percent higher than the South Carolina average and 11 percent higher than the U.S. average.