Madison, Other Midwest Cities Dominate 'Best Places Live' Ranking

MADISON, WI — Madison is among the most liveable places in the country, according to a new report based on factors such as cost of living, lifestyle amenities, and community spirit.

Madison was ranked on the apartment search website Rent Cafe’s 20 most liveable 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.

Madison ranked No. 12 overall.

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