Top Ranking U.S. Cities To Live

A list of cities and towns that are the best places to live in U.S. has been put together by http://Relocate-America.com, based on the nominations of its customers. Relocate America offers relocation resources and information to people who are relocating to a new community. The top 100 places to live are compiled annually and are selected based on key data on neighborhood details, its beauty, education, recreational activities and economic growth, crime and housing. With the statistics and feedback provided by people based on their experience in these communities, the editorial team has rated the top 100 best places to live. Of these, the following are the top 10 U.S. towns people want to live.

1. Asheville, North Carolina: Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the merging of two rivers, Asheville is an ideal getaway with its vibrant downtown and great outdoor recreational activities. Asheville offers homes that range from the lower 120s to over a million. The average home is priced at $265,000 and Asheville has a population of 68,889.

2. Traverse City, Michigan: With over 180 miles of lovely shoreline and about 150 deep blue lakes, Traverse City is a real paradise. Come winter, and one can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports including sleigh rides, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The city is noted for its vineyards and its wines, and has a thriving wine industry. The population is 16,000.

3. Ithaca, New York: Situated on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is known for its picture-perfect surroundings. It is home to Ithaca College and Cornell University. The town is great for young families with children. There are a good number of schools that are part of the Ithaca City School District. The town has 29,300 residents.

4. Chicago, Illinois: Chicago is not unfamiliar to many. Located on Lake Michigan, the city offers a host of recreation, great education and a great nightlife among others. The city's unique community spirit, sophisticated urban living and multi-cultural heritage attract several visitors to it every year. The big city has a population that is close to 3 million.

5. Cary, North Carolina. Cary is located in the Triangle area of N.C., which often featured among the country's best places. A thriving community that enjoys close proximity to major educational institutions, Cary has one of the highest median household incomes. The sense of security here is high with the town ranked 10th among the 369 large cities in the U.S. It is also the safest city in the South. The technology town houses several international business firms and offers great job opportunities. Cary has a population of 94,536.

6. Portland, Maine: A modern city and the backbone of Maine's economy, Portland is one of the safest cities in the country. The waterfront city offers affordable housing, great business environment, low unemployment rate, outstanding schools and loads of amenities. A friendly city, Portland has a vibrant arts district and offers a wonderful lifestyle. There are approximately 64,000 residents living here.

7. San Francisco, California: One of the top locations in the U.S. and a city that is famous for its wonderful landmarks, San Francisco offers a whole host of attractions, an ideal climate, picturesque beauty and a rich culture. Although the cost of living is higher, it is amply compensated by the wages and salaries which are among the highest in the nation. The city has excellent transportation systems, plentiful jobs, some of the famous educational institutions in the U.S. and a great lifestyle. San Francisco has 739,246 residents approximately.

8. Stevens Point, Wisconsin: Stevens Point is located in the center of the state, along the Wisconsin River in a scenic setting. Miles of cross country ski trails, hiking and biking trails, and golf courses cover the city's beautiful landscape. The city is family friendly, offers quality education and has two university campuses and several schools. The historic downtown adds charm to this city that is home to about 25,000 people. Homes are affordable and maintenance costs are low.

9. O'Fallon, Missouri: A fast developing community with a population of 67,009, O'Fallon has a small-town feel. The town is well connected and is dubbed 'the crossroads of the nation'. This town offers beautiful surroundings, affordable housing, and a good education scenario. The city is also home to several sports teams including football, basketball and hockey leagues.

10. Spencer, Iowa: Rounding out the top 10 is Spencer, a beautiful town that is loaded with numerous picturesque lakes, wooded shorelines and rolling farmlands. The city of Spencer is just 20 miles from the Great Lakes region and offers year-round fun. The biking and skiing trails provide abundant recreation opportunities as do the beautiful campgrounds and fishing zones. A thriving economy, a low cost of living, excellent health care and a safe environment, along with affordable homes makes Spencer a sought-after city and a preferred vacation destination. The population of the town is 11,317 approximately.