Thinking of relocating to the USA in 2021? While many of the nation’s most exciting cities offer impressive luxury real estate, breath-taking landscapes and plenty to see and do, when considering a permanent move such as this, it’s important to also take into consideration which locations offer the best quality of life.
Sometimes, the most exclusive cities can come with stressful lifestyles or lack of infrastructure in place, and if you’re moving to sunnier (or colder!) climes in search of the good life, it’s likely that neither are something you’ll want to contend with. While affordability might not be a concern, factors such as career opportunities, education and healthcare, crime rates and general wellbeing are all important to take into consideration before making any big decisions – but with a nation as large as the USA, where exactly should you start?
Thankfully, earlier this year the US News conducted some extensive research on all of these areas and more, and the results might be surprising. So, if you want to ensure that you love where you live after your move, then we’ve got the lowdown on all you need to know.
A permanent move across the pond can come with some complex visa requirements, so be sure to seek expert advice before making any concrete plans. To get a US visa for British citizens that will allow you to stay indefinitely, you’ll need to follow a rigorous process, but the good news is that it is possible with the right approach.
So, now that we’ve got the formalities out of the way, let’s dive into the top four US cities to consider moving to in 2021 if optimal quality of life is top of your list, working our way down to the very best.
Brownsville, Texas
With a metropolitan population of 421,750, Brownsville, Texas might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering relocating to the States, but there’s little denying that it ticks all the right boxes and you might be pleasantly surprised by just how well.
With a median home value of $114,775 and an average annual salary of $35,230, affluent individuals will enjoy being in the top 1 per cent here, and the good news is that there are plenty of pricier property options if you’re looking to treat yourself to your dream home.
School students in Brownsville are well-educated, crime rates are low and commutes are generally short, and with much of the city’s population claiming Mexican heritage, it comes complete with an interesting cultural mix that has influenced its dining and social scenes in all the right ways. For beautiful beaches, great food and a diverse and vibrant community, Brownsville is just the ticket.
McAllen, Texas
Texas is quickly becoming one of the most highly sought-after states to live in in the USA, so it’s little wonder we’re seeing not one, but two Texan cities make it into the top four. McAllen, with a much larger population of 849,389 across its metropolitan area and a median home value of just $127,88 is affordable for the masses – but that doesn’t mean you won’t find the kind of exclusivity and luxury you’re looking for.
A great choice for younger expats, the average age of McAllen’s population is just 30, and despite its reputation as a mere border town, it is a vibrant metro area and a major centre for retail, manufacturing, tourism and international trade. Residents here can enjoy an excellent range of medical facilities and spectacular scenery, with a celebrated Hispanic influence on its culture.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Venturing away from Texas and over to Michigan, Ann Arbor is home to one of America’s top universities – the University of Michigan – and as such, is widely recognised for its excellent higher education opportunities.
A unique city set amongst verdant rolling hills and offering a unique mix of sporty and urban lifestyles with a love of the great outdoors, it is distinctly modern and enjoys a high-society scene that wealthy expats will likely enjoy being a part of.
With a metro population of 365,961, Ann Arbor enjoys an elevated average annual salary of $55,000 and a median house price of $263,225. With a charming mix of historic streets and modern amenities, it’s home to plenty of long-term residents as well as inter-state movers and expats.
Boulder, Colorado
Ranked the best place to live in the U.S. for quality of life in 2021, Boulder, Colorado is nestled against the foothills where the Great Plains give rise to the famous Rocky Mountains, so you can be certain that breath-taking landscapes are guaranteed.
Lovers of the great outdoors, in particular, will no doubt luxuriate in this quaint city, with endless options for hiking, walking and winter sports available on your doorstep. And, with a significantly higher median home price of $524,417 and an average annual salary of $64,590, if you’re looking for exclusivity then you’ll be in excellent company.
Boulder attracts young professionals, wealthy families and academics alike, and residents can enjoy great healthcare, short commute times and great employment options.
