Top of the List
San Antonio ranks among best places to live in 2017, says new report
It doesn't get better than San Antonio. In fact, Alamo City ranks in the top 25 on U.S. News & World Report's 2017 list of the 100 Best Places to Live. The publisher took the 100 most populous metros in the country and ranked them in five main factors: job market, value, quality of life, desirability, and net migration.
Quality of life, given the most weight, encompasses everything from healthcare to commute. San Antonio, which ranks No. 23 on the list, dominates with its ability to offer "big-city amenities and world-renowned attractions coupled with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere."
Value was calculated by the median household income compared to cost of living, which is pretty great here. The median home price is $178,408 — much lower than the national average of $211,731, and renters spend about $1,000 per month on average.
On top of that, U.S. News & World Report points out that "San Antonio residents pay slightly less for everyday expenses, such as food and healthcare, than those who live in other metro areas." Plus, the local job market is flourishing with a 3.7 percent unemployment rate and a median annual salary of $43,740.
San Antonio's desirability, determined by a Google Consumer Survey, is also pretty high. Not only do people want to live here, they're actually making the move. According to a previous report from U.S. News & World Report, San Antonio is the most popular places in the nation. With a net migration of 5.36 percent, our population increased to nearly 2.3 million between 2010-2014.
San Antonio isn't the only shining spot in the Lone Star State. Austin leads the list at No. 1, with Dallas-Fort Worth (No. 15) and Houston (No. 20) close behind. Coming in just behind Austin are Denver; San Jose, California; Washington; and Fayetteville, Arkansas.