Grand Rapids Drops Out of Top 20 Best Places to Live in U.S.
In a surprising turn of events, Grand Rapids has slipped out of the top 20 best places to live in the U.S., according to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The city remains the second-best place to live in Michigan, but now ranks at 45th best city in America to live in.
Ann Arbor, on the other hand, continues to hold its position as the best place to live in the state, according to the rankings.
Since 2020, Grand Rapids has consistently ranked among the top 20 best places to live in the country. Last year, it was ranked 20th, but this year it has dropped significantly.
The U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live rankings take into account various factors such as the area’s job market, affordability, quality of life, and desirability. Grand Rapids scored a 6.4 overall this year, with a 7.2 for quality of life and a 7.5 for affordability.
Despite the drop in rankings, Grand Rapids is still praised for its affinity for public art and its thriving craft brewery scene. The city, perched on the Grand River, has evolved from its roots as a furniture production hub to a modern metropolis attracting college students and young families with its job market, affordable housing, and outdoor recreational activities.
In addition to its overall ranking, Grand Rapids was also ranked the 38th best place to retire in the U.S.
Other Michigan cities also made the top 150 list, with Ann Arbor ranking 19th, Kalamazoo at 90th, Lansing at 104th, Flint at 146th, and Detroit at 149th.
The top 10 places to live in the U.S. according to the ranking are: Naples, Florida; Boise, Idaho; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Greenville, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Raleigh, North Carolina; Huntsville, Alabama; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Austin, Texas; and Boulder, Colorado.
For more information on Grand Rapids’ ranking and to see the full methodology, visit the U.S. News & World Report website.