Boston Metro Area Ranked Among Most Livable Cities In U.S.

BOSTON, MA — A New England metro area was named the most livable in the country — but it's not in Massachusetts. Portland, Maine landed in the top spot in the RentCafe rankings, a website that focuses on information about "everything apartment-related."

Boston was ranked the 17th most livable metro area in the country.

The study of 139 metro areas used 17 key metrics to assess factors like cost of living, access to lifestyle amenities, and community spirit.

RentCafe described "livability" as "the combination of all of the reasons that make you happy to call a place home.

"Whether it’s the cost of living that you’re concerned about or income growth, access to gym facilities or the number of entertainment venues nearby, livability manages to cover just about anything that a potential resident is bound to worry about."

For Boston, the city ranks well in terms of quality of life at No. 3 and has a low share of the population that lacks health insurance at 3.6%. Unsurprisingly, the metro area loses points in affordability categories, having a 42% higher cost of living versus the national average.

Portland ranks first for its "mix of urban amenities and scenic natural landscapes" and "strikes that perfect balance between good living...and location."

Other New England cities in the top 20 include Manchester, New Hampshire at No. 10 and Providence, Rhode Island at No. 19.

See the full list at Rent Cafe.

See related: Here's Where Massachusetts Ranks Among Best States To Live In

MA Ranked Among Top States In U.S., New Analysis Says