The 15 best places to live in the US, where homes are cheaper and there are lots of jobs to choose from

Population of the metro area: 320,154

Median home price: $329,000

Median monthly rent: $1,500

Median household income: $62,908

Known for: With over 450 horse farms, Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world. The Kentucky Derby, however, takes place in Louisville, about 80 miles east of Lexington.

Population of the metro area: 280,305

Median home price: $420,000

Median monthly rent: $1,675

Median household income: $73,647

Known for: Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and the second-largest city in the state. It's a college town but still has many perks of city living.

Population of the metro area: 155,369

Median home price: $577,000

Median monthly rent: $2,970

Median household income: $83,103

Known for: Known as the Holy City for its more than 400 churches, Charleston is a haven for history lovers and architecture buffs. It also offers easy access to miles of beachy coastline.

Population of the metro area: 105,744

Median home price: $276,000

Median monthly rent: $1,145

Median household income: $55,177

Known for: The oldest city in Wisconsin, Green Bay is home to the Green Bay Packers, a storied NFL team.

Population of the metro area: 57,602

Median home price: $523,800

Median monthly rent: $2,900

Median household income: $68,870

Known for: Sarasota is nicknamed the Circus City because Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus used the beachy town as its winter quarters. These days, people are attracted to Florida for its weather, slower pace of life, and lack of income tax. Over 100 LinkedIn members for every 10,000 moved to the Sarasota area in 2023, according to a recent survey.

Population of metro area: 105,898

Median home price: $1 million

Median monthly rent: $2,780

Median household income: $81,608

Known for: Nestled in a valley near the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is known for outdoorsy activities, from rock climbing and hiking trails to ski runs and cycling paths. The city is home to several large universities, lending it a youthful and free-spirited energy.

Population of metro area: 979,882

Median home price: $527,400

Median monthly rent: $2,250

Median household income: $89,415

Known for: Austin is an artsy, contemporary city known for its vibrant nightlife, live music scene, diverse cuisine, and local colleges. Since 2020, many tech giants, including Oracle, have opened offices in Austin. Many West Coasters working in the tech industry have moved to Austin, attracted by the booming job market and relatively low cost of living.

Population of metro area: 453,649

Median home price: $374,000

Median monthly rent: $2,100

Median household income: $83,245

Known for: Virginia Beach is a coastal spot with miles-long stretches of sandy beaches, seafood delicacies, and boardwalk entertainment for people of all ages. Its mild climate makes it a popular seaside destination not just in the summer but year-round, too.

Population of metro area: 225,564

Median home price: $314,800

Median monthly rent: $1,450

Median household income: $68,930

Known for: Situated on the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, Huntsville has been a major site for the aerospace and defense industries since the US space program started in the 1950s. More recently, it's become known as the Silicon Valley of the South, with Amazon, Google, and Apple having opened offices there. Jeff Bezos' space venture, Blue Origin, also has a presence in Huntsville.

Population of metro area: 482,295

Median home price: $453,000

Median monthly rent: $1,895

Median household income: $75,424

Known for: North Carolina's capital city has a lively downtown, free museums, multiple universities, and more than 200 parks. In recent years, a push toward innovation and entrepreneurship has deepened its reputation as an East Coast tech hub.

Population of the metro area: 874,579

Median home price: $432,300

Median monthly rent: $1,999

Median household income: $74,401

Known for: Charlotte is America's second-largest banking hub, after New York. An economic powerhouse of the South, Charlotte is also home to professional basketball, football, and hockey teams, in addition to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Population of the metro area: 70,720

Median home price: $344,000

Median monthly rent: $1,825

Median household income: $67,340

Known for: Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville attracts new residents for its moderate temperatures and mix of urban offerings and natural beauty. Greenville is also home to a number of major corporations, including Michelin, and GE's newest gas turbine plant, the largest in the world.

Population of the metro area: 478,961

Median home price: $455,000

Median monthly rent: $1,800

Median household income: $78,568

Known for: Home to the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Centers, Colorado Springs is especially attractive to athletes. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are abundant, and famous natural sights include the sandstone oasis Garden of the Gods and iconic Pike's Peak.

Population of the metro area: 235,684

Median home price: $482,100

Median monthly rent: $1,825

Median household income: $81,425

Known for: The secret is out after thousands of new residents fled to Boise over the last decade, making it America's fastest-growing city in 2018. Idaho's vibrant capital city combines urban amenities like microbreweries and cider houses with easy access to rivers, canyons, and mountains in nearby state parks.

Population of the metro area: 19,115

Median home price: $650,000

Median monthly rent: $5,800

Median household income: $135,657

Known for: Naples is a picture-perfect city on Florida's Gulf Coast with white-sand beaches, luxury homes, and over 1,350 holes of golf — the most in the entire Sunshine State. Naples, which has long attracted wealthy residents, is currently home to the most expensive home for sale in America: a $295 million compound with a 231-foot private yacht basin and dedicated room for gift-wrapping.

Sources: Population and income data are from the US Census, median home price from Realtor.com, and median rent from Zillow.