Most ‘Livable’ City in America is Right Here in New England

Where is your happy place?  You know, the place you call 'home', and feel most comfortable in.

Factors to being the most livable city include affordable lifestyles, access to healthcare, great education, and job opportunities.  Idealistically, there are sports activities, plenty of great restaurants, young families, and young professionals in the best places to live.

Realtor.com has taken the guesswork out of where to live, by giving us the top 10 list of most livable cities in America.

It's an interesting list, since most cities are in the Midwest, but New Englanders can gloat a little because the number one city that's most livable in America right now is Portland, Maine.

Portland has a great sense of community, is vibrant, cultural, and a manageable walking city.

Have you ever heard anyone say, "Eh, Portland, Maine is ok."  No, everyone says "I love Portland!" and it's a perfect compliment to the closest major city, Boston, but without the traffic.

Although Portland, Maine had the highest average home price compared to the other nine cities on the list, the pros far outweigh the cons of housing costs.

What does the rest of the list look like?

1.   Portland, Maine
2.   Lincoln, Nebraska
3.   Des Moines, Iowa
4.   Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
5.   Ann Arbor, Michigan
6.   Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7.   Washington, D.C.
8.   Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
9.   Green Bay, Wisconsin
10. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Do any of these surprise you?  I am surprised Washington, D.C. is on the list, although it's a great walking city with history, colleges, and healthcare, but it is very expensive.

Pennsylvania has been a hot state for a few years for real estate.

As a New Englander, the Midwest doesn't appeal to me, but this list might change your mind for better opportunities at lower prices.  All I know is "I love Portland, Maine!"