3 VA Towns Among Best Places To Live, New Ranking Says

VIRGINIA — Three Virginia towns, plus Washington, D.C., are among the most livable places in the country, according to a new report based on factors such as cost of living, lifestyle amenities and community spirit.

The towns were ranked on the apartment search website Rent Cafe’s 20 most livable metro areas. The report analyzed 139 metro areas across 17 different metrics using data from the American Community Survey, Census Bureau and USDA, among other sources.

Nearby Washington, D.C., ranked 7th overall, plus 73rd in socioeconomic, 4th in quality of life, and 26th in location and community.

Here are the three Virginia communities and their rankings:

• Roanoke ranked 39th overall; 50th in socioeconomic, 74th in quality of life, and 15th in location and community.
• Virginia Beach ranked 61st overall; 71st in socioeconomic, 67th in quality of life, and 34th in location and community.
• Richmond ranked 92nd overall; 24th in socioeconomic, 89the in quality of life, and 104th in location and community.

Here's what the site said about DC's appeal:

Capitalizing on livability is the D.C. metro area, which offers residents a great range of perks (#4 in quality of life). From top-tier healthcare and plenty of higher education opportunities to a strong sense of community, this metro area will make anyone feel right at home.

What is the Washington, D.C. metro area's claim to fame?

• A cultural powerhouse with world-renowned institutions
• Excellent health care options
• Plenty of outdoor activities and green spaces

Who is this metro area perfect for? Academics with a passion for history and career-driven professionals who don't shy away from hard work.

Nearby Baltimore ranked 28th overall; 65th in socioeconomic, 23rd in quality of life, and 61st in location and community.

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• 19 VA High Schools Make U.S. News 2024 ‘Best’ Ranking

Cities in the Midwest dominated the list, claiming nine of the top 20 spots, seven in the top 10 and four in the top five. Here’s the full list:

1. Portland, Maine
2. Lincoln, Nebraska
3. Des Moines, Iowa
4. Minneapolis, Minnesota
5. Ann Arbor, Michigan
6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
9. Green Bay, Wisconsin
10. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
11. Manchester, New Hampshire
12. Madison, Wisconsin
13. Albany, New York
14. Colorado Springs, Colorado
15. Omaha, Nebraska
16. Indianapolis, Indiana
17. Boston, Massachusetts
18. San Francisco, California
19. Providence, Rhode Island
20. Seattle, Washington