Livability.com Releases Top 50 Best Small Cities in America
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FRANKLIN, Tenn., Nov. 11, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Livability.com has released its first-ever ranking of the Top 50 Best Small Cities in America, spotlighting 50 affordable U.S. communities with populations between 15,000 and 75,000. This comprehensive list, which evaluated more than 2,000 cities across nearly 100 data points, aims to highlight cities that offer the highest quality of life at an attainable cost. The inaugural list includes cities from 25 states, each chosen for their unique qualities and affordability.
The data-driven methodology used by Livability.com partners with Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS) to analyze quality of life in U.S. cities. The evaluation covers eight categories: Economy, Housing & Cost of Living, Amenities, Transportation, Environment, Safety, Education, and Health. Population figures are based on 2025 U.S. Census Bureau estimates and the American Community Survey (ACS).
To keep the list within reach for most buyers, Livability's proprietary algorithm prioritizes affordability. The analysis considers only cities with a median home value under $500,000 and compares average rents and home prices with local incomes, giving the most affordable places a competitive edge.
Among the top 10 cities on the list are: 1. Daphne, Alabama 2. Madison, Alabama 3. Homewood, Alabama 4. Dublin, Ohio 5. Chesterfield, Missouri 6. Bethel Park, Pennsylvania 7. Mason, Ohio 8. Westfield, Indiana 9. Pflugerville, Texas 10. Friendswood, Texas
Other cities on the list include: - Bergenfield, New Jersey (No. 15) - Downers Grove, Illinois (No. 17) - Minnetonka, Minnesota (No. 22) - Collierville, Tennessee (No. 30) - Wake Forest, North Carolina (No. 33) - Shelton, Connecticut (No. 37) - Duluth, Georgia (No. 40) - Dover, New Hampshire (No. 43) - Bentonville, Arkansas (No. 47)
The full list of 50 cities, detailed methodology, and interactive community profiles are available at Livability.com.
The release notes that the list spans every region of the country, from established hubs like Lenexa, Kansas, to fast-growing communities like Waukee, Iowa, which grew nearly 10% in the last year. The analysis draws on nearly 100 data points across eight categories, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each city's quality of life.
Livability.com highlights the best small to mid-sized cities and what makes them great places to live, work, and visit. Through exclusive research and original content, they examine affordability, cultural amenities, talent attraction, and more, celebrating cities' accomplishments through rankings, their annual Top 100 Best Places to Live, and articles exploring the who, what, why, and how behind the "where."