--- title: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Places to Live in 2021 description: Read this article for an overview of the best places to live around the world, including cities, towns and countries. Learn what factors define them and why they are the top places to live! image: https://pdxdirectrealty.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/image_127-3.png --- [Skip to content](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/best-places-to-live-an-overview#main-content) [![PDX Direct Realty](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Black%20logo%20-%20no%20background-2.png?width=150&height=147&name=Black%20logo%20-%20no%20background-2.png)](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/) - Services Show submenu for Services - [Listing Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/listing-services) - [Buyer Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/buyer-services) - [Additional Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/additional-services) - [About Us](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/about-us) - [Customer Portal](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/customer-portal) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Services Show submenu for Services - [Listing Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/listing-services) - [Buyer Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/buyer-services) - [Additional Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/additional-services) - [About Us](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/about-us) - [Customer Portal](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/customer-portal) - [Contact Us](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/contact-us) [Contact Us](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/contact-us) [All posts](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/all) December 22, 2023 # Best Places to Live: An Overview By  PDX Direct  ·  2 minute read Read this article for an overview of the best places to live around the world, including cities, towns and countries. Learn what factors define them and why they are the top places to live!" # Best Places to Live: An Overview When you're looking for a new place to call home, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. It's important to consider factors such as cost of living, recreational activities, and access to quality healthcare. To help make your decision easier, here's an overview of some of the best places to live in the US. ## Raleigh, North Carolina Raleigh is a great choice for those looking for a city vibe without sacrificing their access to outdoor activities. Between its diverse art and dining scenes, its excellent universities, and its proximity to the iconic Appalachian Mountains, Raleigh offers something for everyone. The cost of living is considered to be average when compared to similar cities in the US, and housing costs are traditionally affordable in this area. ## Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis offers a unique blend of natural beauty, easy access to large, exciting cities, and attractively low cost of living. Enjoy outdoor activities such as biking and kayaking in the summertime, or take in some of the city's renowned performing arts throughout the year. With its excellent public transportation system and diverse population, Minneapolis is a great place for singles and families alike. ## Portland, Maine If you're searching for a place with a small-town feel, look no farther than Portland. Enrich your life with its vibrant cultural and artistic scenes, or take advantage of its great access to outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and kayaking. The cost of living is relatively low in Portland, and it's very affordable to own a home here. Plus, with its long coastline, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore its beautiful harbor. ## Asheville, North Carolina Asheville is the ideal spot for those who prioritize access to outdoor activities but don't want to sacrifice the other perks of city living. Home to hundreds of festivals and events throughout the year, this city is full of great entertainment and cultural sites to explore. The cost of living in Asheville is competitive with other cities in the area, with many properties having relatively low market values. ## Conclusion When searching for the best place to live, it's important to consider all the factors that are important to you. Whether you're looking for a bustling city or a small town feel, the US has great places to offer. With the cities in this overview, hopefully you have a starting point to help you find the perfect new home. ## More Articles to Consider Reading [Relocation to Portland Oregon](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/relocation-to-portland-oregon) [Real Estate in North Portland Oregon](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/real-estate-in-north-portland-oregon) [Cheapest Places to Live: An Overview](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/cheapest-places-to-live-an-overview) [Real Estate in Outer East Portland Oregon](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/real-estate-in-outer-east-portland-oregon) [Explore Real Estate in Portland Oregon Neighborhoods](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/explore-real-estate-in-portland-oregon-neighborhoods) [Understanding PMI: What Is Private Mortgage Insurance?](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/understanding-pmi-what-is-private-mortgage-insurance) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/best-places-to-live-an-overview) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/best-places-to-live-an-overview) [twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/best-places-to-live-an-overview) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/best-places-to-live-an-overview) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/best-places-to-live-an-overview) [![PDX Direct Realty](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Black%20logo%20-%20no%20background-2.png?width=150&height=147&name=Black%20logo%20-%20no%20background-2.png "PDX Direct Realty")](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/) [List@PDXDirectRealty.com](mailto:List@PDXDirectRealty.com) (503) 847-2199 M-F 8am-5pm PST 3225 SW 87th Ave. #25653 Portland, OR 97225 Our Services - [Property Listing Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/listing-services) - [Home Buyer Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/buyer-services) - [Business Listing Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/contact-us) - [Additional Services](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/additional-services) Company Information - [About Us](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/contact-us) - [Terms of Service](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://legal.hubspot.com/privacy-policy) - [Real Estate Articles](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles) **Customer Portal** - [Submit Listing Data](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/submission-options) - [Submit Photos](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/photo-submission) - [Submit Changes](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/submit-changes-form) - [Submit Documents](https://pdxdirectrealty.com/document-submission-form) Copyright © 2026, PDX Direct Realty - All Rights Reserved - Licensed in the State of Oregon ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "PDX Direct", "url" : "https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/author/pdx-direct" }, "dateModified" : "2023-12-22T19:39:27.497Z", "datePublished" : "2023-05-12T07:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Places to Live in 2021", "image" : [ "https://pdxdirectrealty.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/image_127-3.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://pdxdirectrealty.com/articles/best-places-to-live-an-overview", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://pdxdirectrealty.com/hubfs/Color%20logo%20-%20no%20background.png" }, "name" : "PDX Direct Realty" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : [ "PDX Direct" ] }, "datePublished" : "2023-05-12T07:00:00+0000", "description" : "Read this article for an overview of the best places to live around the world, including cities, towns and countries. 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