Family ties or friends bring people to new cities. Employment opportunities sway others. Whatever the reason, it’s rare these days to remain stagnant in one city for long. The US economy is dynamic, even in this slowdown, and most cities have enough similarities that acclimating to a new place is not overly difficult. 

There is a host of “best of” lists, but the good people at StudyFinds compile some of the best. The company consulted 10 expert lists and narrowed down an exhaustive list of US cities to their top five best places to live. Employers should take note, these are affordable destinations that people are flocking to. 

5. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado is home to several very liveable cities. Boulder, Colorado is one of the most beautiful places in the US, while Denver is centrally located with an array of outdoor activities all within a major metropolitan area. But once sleepy Colorado Springs is finally getting the attention it deserves. Home to the US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs is a quaint town, historically in the shadows of Boulder, Denver, and even Fort Collins. But with more affordable home prices, minor traffic, and a plethora of nature to take advantage of, Colorado Springs is drawing more new residents than ever before.

4. Fayetteville, Arkansas

A bit of a head-turner, Arkansas cities generally do not make top 5 or even 10 lists often. But Fayetteville is experiencing a boom in growth with more and more young entrepreneurs making their way to Razorback country. The town is home to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and the city revolves around the young university life. Additionally, Fayetteville’s proximity to the Ozark Mountains is a real plus for outdoorsy types. The abundance of community green space, parks, playgrounds, and walking trails are perfect for folks of all ages and interests.

3. Huntsville, Alabama

Remaining in the south, Huntsville became known in the 1960s as it was a regional hub for NASA. This helped draw interest some 60 years ago, but a recent tech renaissance is bringing in a new crop of residents eager to test out their entrepreneurial ideas while not paying $4,000 a month for a studio apartment in San Francisco or other overpriced tech centers. Artists have also had a hand in transforming the center of Huntsville, with performing arts centers, a slew of craft breweries, and hip eateries.

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh is not a surprising addition. Long-known as a tech mecca, Raleigh is strategically situated within the three corners of North Carolina’s Research Triangle. A center of innovation on the East Coast, Apple recently announced plans for a billion-dollar campus which has the state excited beyond belief. Yet, it’s the city’s new culinary offers and cultural activities that have most buzzing. Despite being home to a large university – North Carolina State – Raleigh had historically taken a back seat to Chapel Hill. But the tide is turning and Raleigh is the new darling in North Carolina.

1.Ann Arbor, Michigan

Coming in at number 1 is another college town – Ann Arbor. For those who were rivals of the University of Michigan and made the trip to Ann Arbor to watch a game, Ann Arbor’s addition to this list is a no-brainer. But like Raleigh, Ann Arbor is attracting more culture to the town than ever, featuring world-class restaurants, an arts sector that is impressively well-rounded, and outdoor options that have long been the calling card of this northern city.