But, while Omaha is undoubtedly a convenient place to live and work (its central location provides easy access to move about the country), thats only part of the story. And when it comes to dining lets just say your taste buds will sing. - Median rent: $1,177 (23% rent) - Median home value: $309,000 (66% own) The Chicago suburb Wilmette had a particularly good past few years, most recently getting named the best place to raise a family in Cook County by Niche.com for its family amenities, safety, parks, and more. You may also like: Do You Know Your State Fish? You may also like: The Most and Least Healthy States in America, - Population: 22,048 Additionally, the city of 74,000 residents is known for its charming neighborhoods, friendly people and affordable housing, all of which add to Appletons appeal. 2. Through proprietary research studies, engaging articles and original photography and video, we examine topics related to community amenities, education, sustainability, transportation, housing and the economy. Upper Arlington sits 10 miles from downtown Columbus, Ohio, with a family-friendly, suburban bent. Bloomington is a growing city with a collection of enviable amenities. - Median rent: $1,887 (15% rent) It's largely populated by families, with well-regarded public schools and a liberal bent. Did we mention two of its main employers are the Mayo Clinic and IBM? The affluent suburb also employed plenty of people at the Sprint World Headquarters Campus, which was open there until 2020. It also features well-regarded public schools, and boasts a high percentage of home owners. Shop until you drop in Bloomington, MN! MSN | Outlook, Office, Skype, Bing, Breaking News, and Latest Videos It's largely composed of families, and has plenty of outdoor amenitiesincluding Bradford Beach, Klode Park, and Estabrook Park, just to name a few. Mississippi River Flooding Prompts Evacuations, Sandbagging in - Median home value: $293,200 (75% own) The technology company Garmin was started there, and it once served as Applebee's headquarters. It's particularly known for its wooded community and small-town feel, and was first established in 1937. - Median home value: $488,700 (76% own) - Median household income: $83,420. - Population: 9,091 Oh, and the city is highly engaged when it comes to community events. - Median household income: $105,878. Culture: The Midwest. - Population: 25,357 You may also like: Best Counties for Retirees in America, - Population: 63,900 - Median household income: $77,848. Around seven-in-ten Americans living in the West (69%) say affordable housing availability is a major problem locally. Residents cant get enough of the citys local boutiques, delicious dining and drink options, and more. Could You Live in the Midwest? | HowStuffWorks Oh, and did we mention how easy it is to get connected to the community? It's a sign of weakness to apologize. - Median rent: $1,266 (36% rent) Enter your email to be added to our mailing list. This Wisconsin village sits close to downtown Milwaukee. (The center maintains tens of millions of satellite images of the Earths land surface, mapping everything from the planets minerals to catfish ponds). This Grand Rapids suburb is full of nature access thanks to Reeds Lake and Fish Lake. The best places to live in the Midwest - MarketWatch Here are some of my favorite charming places to live in the Midwest. My friend Colin puts it best when he says Winona is "where God goes to take a break". - Median rent: $934 (50% rent) Colorful murals and large guitar sculptures throughout the downtown area paint a picture of the citys history and showcase the many talents of the community. There are plenty of small towns, from University Heights, Iowa, to Westwood, Kansas. Fishers is not just one of the best places to live in the Midwest; its also a vibrant spot to start or grow your business, thanks to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in place. - Median rent: $1,048 (15% rent) It's also an overwhelmingly liberal enclave, with 90 percent of residents voting Democratic in the 2016 election. Today, this Central Indiana up-and-comer has almost ten times that at nearly 100,000 residents who have access to some of the best schools in the state and high-quality health care. Other Midwest states to make the top 10 most affordable list included Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas and Missouri. The Illinois suburb of Vernon Hills was listed as one of the best places to live in the United States in 2020, courtesy of Money magazine. If you had to live in a Midwestern state, which one would you - Quora - Population: 17,654 If it all goes smoothly, AI could be doling out medical advice (with oversight from a physician) in . Friends, Granville is charming as all heck. - Median rent: $1,200 (20% rent) A few decades ago, Fishers, IN, was a small town with less than 10,000 residents. The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Best Place to Live, What a Budget of $300,000 or Less Will Get You in 10 Cities Across the Country, 6 Affordable Islands You Can Actually Live On, 10 Best Cities for Antique & Flea Market Lovers, 10 People On What Its Really Like to Leave NYC for a Smaller City, Courtesy of Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau. Launch Fishers, for instance, is a 52,000-square-foot coworking space for entrepreneurs and creators that has more than 600 members, making it the largest in the Midwest. Kids start driving young, parents make a lot of "hotdish" and everybody, young or old, has strong opinions on the nearest college football team. To add to that, major employers like Optum and Starkey are headquartered there. - Population: 4,529 - Median rent: $999 (12% rent) - Median home value: $334,700 (47% own) Fishers, Indiana has plenty of reasons to boast about itself as a city, apart from its proximity to Indianapolis. The village of Buffalo Grove sits northwest of Chicago, and was placed on Money's 2009 list of best places to live in America. Life in Grand Rapids, MI, is, indeed, grand! As South Dakotas largest city, Sioux Falls is one of the best places to live in the Midwest, with loads of opportunities for entrepreneurs, those looking to grow their careers and young professionals ready to network in a new city. Creve Coeur stands out amongst the many St. Louis suburbs with its medical expertise. Trump's latest attack addresses DeSantis' overseas trips to the U.K., Israel, Florida's Covid-19 record, and polling support for the 2024 Presidential race. - Population: 4,436 Let's find out! - Median household income: $118,885. - Median home value: $252,500 (80% own) Want to Find the Best Places to Live? Here's How - Realtor.com Roughly 20 miles north of Detroit is Troy, MI, a city wrapped in history yet bubbling with modern amenities. Each year, Livability publishes our research-based Top 100 Best Places to Live in America. It's the home of the well-regarded evangelical school Wheaton College, with many churches in the town. - Median rent: $967 (44% rent) - Median home value: $437,000 (80% own) It's also one of the city's more diverse suburbs, and had over 80 percent voter turnout in each presidential election of the 21st century. but its called the Alligator Mound. Locals can enjoy the indescribable beauty of South Dakotas landscape, then mosey down to the rustic town for a drink at one of the towns wineries and breweries. - Median household income: $78,676. There is a different, slower mentality when you actually take the time to NOT fly over these states. With highly rated public schools and a cozy suburban feel, Ottawa Hills stands on its own as a place to build a life in Ohio. Plus, traveling be it walking through the communitys districts or traveling outside the city is simple, making Oak Park one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median household income: $188,684. It's also eco-friendly, since it's recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. town. As a lifelong Midwesterner, Ive sat awkwardly in the middle of the East Coast vs. West Coast debate, corn cob in hand and no stake in the game. Give in to the charm of the cheddar. The citys top K-12 schools and Oakland and Rochester universities make Rochester Hills one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median household income: $91,761. Also, making Troy one of the best places to live in the Midwest? - Median rent: $1,222 (22% rent) It also employs plenty of people at the university's research and medical centers, and has an artsy downtown scene. - Population: 6,455 The affluent community of Bloomfield Township doesn't come cheapin 2014, it was named the most expensive place to live in Michigan. - Median household income: $139,559. It lies on Lake Lansing, which is also the home of Lansing Sailing Club and Michigan State University. - Median home value: $372,000 (92% own) Back in July 1962, this Chicago suburb made history when the mayor received a televised phone call from the chairman of its sister city, Rugeley, Staffordshire in the U.K. - Median household income: $83,079. - Median home value: $222,700 (64% own) - Median household income: $132,853. - Median home value: $447,100 (90% own) Which U.S. state do you know the most about? - Population: 53,480 - Population: 6,172 Plus, its friendly neighbors and community engagement opportunities make it easy for newcomers to get involved and feel at home. The Chicago suburb of Naperville was given a particularly unique superlative courtesy of Apartment Therapy in 2019: "Best for Crafters." In fact, its extensive collection of amenities (which is ever-growing) is one reason Cincinnati is considered one of the best places to live in the Midwest. - Median home value: $348,800 (82% own) Located along the Mississippi River and not far from the Wisconsin border, its official website notes that "its lake and rolling terrain provide the backdrop for a blend of well-planned residential, business, and commercial-industrial areas. - Population: 7,837 (Yes, that means a friendly robot can deliver your TikTok-worthy takeout order!). - Population: 19,721 Even more? Quiz: Where should I live? | Find your new home now! - Population: 23,984 - Median household income: $113,627. What State Should I Live In? Find 1 Of 50 States To Live In - Quiz Expo In addition, the citys local shops, entertainment scene (think a retro/modern arcade with laser tag), and thriving nightlife rev its appeal. Maybe even a way of life! Fill your afternoons at one of the citys various entertainment destinations, including Clay Terrace, an outdoor shopping oasis; the Arts & Design District, which is full of must-visit galleries, showrooms, restaurants and specialty shops; Midtown Plaza, an interactive play area with green spaces, games and swings; and much, much more. This Detroit suburb also sits near Lake St. Clair and the Canadian border. On the western edge of the Midwest lies a rough and tumble town with a history as epic as its rolling hills. I never say "sorry." - Population: 6,796 It has a particular wealth of outdoor recreation, including Rockwoods Reservation, the Al Foster Trail, and Babler State Park. Move to one of the states above! - Population: 17,195 - Median household income: $115,093. - Median rent: $1,305 (19% rent) One of the safest cities in Wisconsin, with a low cost of living and growing entertainment and food scenes, Appleton is increasingly appealing to young families and young professionals working remotely. OK, so they're all pretty much the best. If you want to put your Midwestern assumptions to the test, don't hesitate: take this quiz! - Median household income: $117,670. Why does every town in the Midwest use "The Walmart" as a landmark like you could say "oh yeah I live by The Walmart" and everyone would know what you're talking about. - Median home value: $281,100 (91% own) - Median household income: $117,300. Bettendorf is part of what's known as the "Quad Cities" metropolitan area, which encompasses several cities around the Mississippi River in Iowa and Illinois.