9 MI Towns Among 250 Best Places To Live In US News Ranking

Nine towns in Michigan are among the 250 best places to live, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report that looks at value, desirability, job markets and the quality of life in U.S. cities.

Those in Michigan named to the Best Places to Live In the U.S. in 2026-27 are:

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No. 7 Rochester Hills

No. 12 Troy

No. 37 Novi

No. 47 Livonia

No. 66 Midland

No. 91 Farmington Hills

No. 106 Sterling Heights

No. 221 Dearborn

No. 224 Dearborn Heights

U.S. News bases its selections on a public survey that asked thousands of U.S. residents what they consider important in choosing a place to live and its own reporting, as well as data from the Labor Bureau, Census Bureau, FBI, FEMA and NOAA.

“As prices of everyday goods continue to rise, consumers are considering affordability as a top priority when choosing a place to live,” Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News & World Report, said in a news release. “While U.S. News’ consumer survey indicated that quality of life and affordability were close in importance, cost-of-living concerns resulted in many Americans putting what they can afford above their aspirations.”

For the first time in the ranking’s history, two neighboring suburbs secured the No. 1 and No. 2 placements. Just outside of Indianapolis, Carmel, Indiana, ranks No. 1 due to its high scores in desirability, affordability and job market. At No. 2, Fishers scored high in affordability and quality of life, and for its strong job market.

Texas had a strong showing in the top 10 due to high affordability scores, with four new cities making the list. Flower Mound and Frisco, both Dallas suburbs, secured the No. 3 and No. 9 spots, respectively.

Flower Mound's high ranking was boosted by strong job market, desirability and affordability scores. Frisco performed well in desirability and quality of life. Leander ranked No. 8, benefiting from strong desirability and job market scores. Finally, Sugar Land jumped eight spots to No. 10, primarily driven by high desirability scores.

Other top-10 appearances include Ankeny, Iowa (No. 4); Johns Creek, Georgia (No. 5); Hoover, Alabama (No. 6); and Rochester Hills, Michigan (No. 7).