What is a "liveable" city? Cause you can live in any city and be just fine. But these cities are the best cities to live in.
They aren't the biggest. They aren't the smallest. They are the ones that have the perfect combination of everything to make them the most liveable in America.
So it also shouldn't be a surprise that one of the most liveable cities in America is in the middle of farmland and an epicenter for the business of farming.
READ MORE: 10 REASONS PEOPLE ARE WRONG WHEN THEY SAY DON'T MOVE TO IOWA.
Rentcafe.com took 17 key metrics to find the top liveable cities in America. Only 1 of the top 5 is NOT in the Midwest. To us Midwesterners this isn't surprising. We know it's the best here. But, the number one most liveable is on the coast.
1 - Portland, Maine takes the crown as the most livable US metro area. There is a slightly higher cost of living (10% higher than the national average) but according to Rentcafe, It offers great education and sports opportunities, steady income growth, and diverse healthcare providers.
2 - Lincoln, Nebraska has a cost of living 6% below the national average and is the number 2 location and community spirit.
4 - Minneapolis-St. Paul. The only "large" city in the top 5. The Twin Cities shine in both quality of life (#14) and socioeconomics (#15), boasting over 30 colleges and universities, and a cost of living 6% below the national average.
5 - Ann Arbor Michigan. Besides its relaxed vibe (#2 for quality of life) and charming community (#17 for location and community), the Ann Arbor metro area has plenty of sports facilities.
Welcome to Des Moines Iowa. Rentcafe says it's, "A hotspot for cultural festivals, it offers plenty of healthy food sources and a focus on sustainability. It claims #1 in location and community and #12 in the socioeconomics category, with a cost of living 12% below the national average.
They say it's perfect for families who love outdoor activities and young professionals looking to mix business with leisure.
For those living in Des Moines, it's not a surprise. Many Millennials are moving to Des Moines. It's become a hot spot. And Iowa's secret liveable city might not be secret much longer.