Austin is 2nd Best Place to Live in the U.S. – New U.S. News & World Report Ranking

The U.S. News & World Report ranks Austin TX as the second-best place to live in the U.S. Based on data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies, the agency best known for its prestigious annual college ranking came up with the top places to live in the U.S. based on the job market, affordability, migration rates, educational system, and commute times.

The U.S. News & World Report launched its new city-ranking feature this 2016 to help people "make major life decisions, and where you choose to live is one of the biggest decisions of all." Out of 100 metropolitan areas considered for the ranking, Austin garnered the second spot after Denver, Colorado. Here are the top 5 places to live in the U.S.

5. Colorado Springs, CO

4. Raleigh-Durham, NC

3. Fayetteville, AK

2. Austin, TX

1. Denver, CO

The report explains that Austin was a strong contender for the top spot but was beaten by Denver because of Austin’s poor marks in relation to affordability and commuting. Austin had its highest marks in the areas of net migration and desirability—factors that are tied to the strong economy of the region.

“Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. That may be great news for the local economy, but a tough pill to swallow for people shopping for a home.” 

- U.S. News & World Report

The report indicates that the median sales price for a single-family home in Austin is a lot higher than the national average. However, Austinites are the winners when it comes to enjoying no personal or corporate income taxes, and low state and local tax rates.

To read the complete article of Michael Theis published on the Austin Business Journal, please click here.