The American West, a vast region covering nearly half the country’s landmass, is calling. Home to almost 80 million people, it’s a magnet for folks looking for a change of pace, with states like Idaho seeing massive growth in recent years.
But with 13 states to choose from—from the deserts of Arizona to the glaciers of Alaska—where do you even start? It’s a huge decision.
That’s where we come in. So, we dug into the data—crunching numbers on job growth, affordability, and that hard-to-define “it” factor—to rank the absolute best places to plant your roots out West right now. We’ve synthesized findings from top sources like U.S. News & World Report and Livability to give you the real scoop.
Boise, Idaho: The Treasure State’s booming and balanced gem
The bottom line
Boise is our number one for a simple reason: it nails the balance between a red-hot economy and an incredible quality of life. It’s no fluke that U.S. News & World Report ranked it the #2 best place to live in the West, giving it top marks for value, jobs, and overall vibe. It’s the city that proves you can have a great career and a great life.
The job scene
Forget potatoes; Boise’s economy is all about tech and opportunity. Livability magazine wasn’t kidding when it said the city’s economy is “on fire,” with a potent mix of manufacturing, agribusiness, and a tech sector that’s grown over 61% in the last decade.
The numbers back it up. The unemployment rate is a low 3.6%, meaning jobs are plentiful. Big-name employers like Micron Technology and Hewlett-Packard provide stability, while a buzzing startup scene keeps things exciting.
What it’ll cost you
Let’s be real: all that buzz comes with a price tag. Boise isn’t the hidden secret it once was, thanks in part to a wave of newcomers who discovered its charm. This has definitely heated the housing market.
You’ll be looking at a median home sale price of around $515,833. If you’re renting, the average is $1,460 a month.
But here’s the kicker. Even with the boom, the overall cost of living is only about 2% higher than the national average. And get this—utility costs are actually 24% lower than what most Americans pay, which is a nice win for your wallet.
The local vibe
This is a city built for people who’d rather be outside. As one happy resident told Niche, “There’s something special about waking up to the sight of the foothills, knowing that adventure is always just a few minutes away.” You can finish your workday and be on a hiking trail or kayaking down the river in minutes.
The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt is the city’s green heart, a tree-lined path perfect for biking, running, or just a lazy stroll. For more serious adventurers, the Ridge to Rivers system offers over 220 miles of trails right at the city’s edge.
Despite its rapid growth, Boise has held onto its friendly, “part refined, part rugged” personality, feeling more like a big small town than a sprawling metro.
Colorado Springs, Colorado: Where the mountains are your backyard
The bottom line
If you dream of mountain views from your office window, Colorado Springs is your spot. U.S. News & World Report just named it the #3 Best Place to Live in the entire country for 2024-25. Why? It consistently scores off the charts for sheer “desirability“—meaning, it’s a place people really want to be.
As Mayor Yemi Mobolade put it, “Our secret is out – Colorado Springs is indisputably one of the best places to live in our great country.”
The job scene
The economy here is as solid as the mountains that frame it. The Milken Institute ranked it the #5 “Best Performing City” nationwide, thanks to a strong job market and a thriving high-tech sector. With a low unemployment rate of just 3.7%, finding work is not a major stressor here.
The city’s primary industries are a powerful trio: Aerospace & Defense, Cybersecurity, and Tourism. That connection to the outdoors isn’t just for fun; it’s a core part of the economy, with tourism supporting over 16,000 local jobs.
What it’ll cost you
Here’s where Colorado Springs really shines: it offers that famous Colorado lifestyle without the Denver price tag. The overall cost of living is just 2.1% higher than the national average, making it a seriously affordable mountain town.
Thinking of buying a home? The median sale price is a manageable $470,317. For renters, a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,286.
Even better, you’ll save on monthly bills. The average costs for utilities, healthcare, and transportation are all below the national average.
The local vibe
Life in “The Springs” is a paradise for outdoor lovers. It’s been called a “perpetual playground” for a reason. You’re living at the foot of Pikes Peak, with world-class hiking, biking, and climbing literally in your backyard.
Iconic spots like the stunning red rocks of Garden of the Gods Park and the thigh-burning Manitou Incline are weekend staples for locals.
The city also has a unique identity as “Olympic City USA.” It’s home to Team USA, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers, and a fantastic museum dedicated to the games. And even though it’s Colorado’s second-biggest city, it still manages to keep that friendly, “small town feel.“
Salt Lake City, Utah: The modern hub of the “Silicon Slopes“
The bottom line
Forget what you thought you knew about Salt Lake City—this is a full-blown tech and finance hub that’s giving other cities a run for their money. SLC is for the ambitious professional who refuses to give up world-class skiing.
The job scene
Welcome to the “Silicon Slopes,” where careers are taking off. Tech is the headliner, but the city is also a major player in life sciences, healthcare, and finance. In fact, financial giants like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have massive operations here, making it a quiet powerhouse in the banking world.
As NBA legend and longtime resident John Stockton said, “Once I came to Salt Lake City, I didn’t want to go anywhere else. It was home sweet home for me.”
What it’ll cost you
This is where the boom becomes obvious—housing is getting expensive. The city’s success has put pressure on the real estate market. The overall cost of living is about 8% higher than the national average, and it’s almost all due to housing.
A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,450 a month, which is actually 11% lower than the national average. So while buying is tough, renting is surprisingly affordable. Plus, you’ll save on healthcare and utilities, which are both cheaper than average.
The local vibe
This is the ultimate work-hard, play-hard town. You can hit the slopes at world-famous resorts like Snowbird or Alta in the morning and still make it back for an afternoon meeting. It’s a lifestyle you can’t find anywhere else.
The city offers a “vibrant array of outdoor activities year-round,” from hiking and biking in the summer to skiing “The Greatest Snow on Earth®” in the winter.
The culture is also changing fast. Downtown is buzzing with a growing foodie scene, excellent craft breweries like Fisher Brewing and Squatters Pub, and cool cultural districts to explore.
Portland, Oregon: Keeping it weird, wonderful, and green
The bottom line
Portland is for the creative, the eco-warrior, and the foodie—a city that marches to the beat of its own drum. It’s consistently ranked among the best big cities in the U.S. for its unique culture and commitment to green living. It’s a place where you can build a life that’s a little different, and a lot more interesting.
The job scene
They call it the “Silicon Forest” for a reason. This is a serious tech hub, with companies like Intel having a massive presence. But it’s also the undisputed king of athletic and outdoor apparel—it’s the home base for giants like Nike and Columbia Sportswear.
It’s important to note the current climate, though. Oregon’s job market has faced some headwinds recently, shedding about 25,000 jobs over the past year, especially in manufacturing. The unemployment rate, at 5.4%, is a bit higher than the other cities on our list, reflecting some of that economic uncertainty.
What it’ll cost you
There’s no getting around it: Portland is one of the pricier spots on our list. The cost of living is about 17% higher than the national average, and housing is the primary driver, costing 45% more than what most Americans pay.
The median home sale price is currently around $573,150. If you’re renting, you can expect to pay about $1,524 for a one-bedroom apartment.
But there’s a silver lining for your wallet: Oregon has no sales tax, which is a fantastic perk that saves you money on everything you buy.
The local vibe
The city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Portland Weird,” and they mean it in the best way possible. Life here is about embracing the unique. You’ll find a world-class arts scene, legendary food truck pods, and quirky, independent shops in neighborhoods like Mississippi Avenue and the Alberta Arts District.
It’s also one of the greenest cities in America. Portland is a paradise for cyclists, with over 400 miles of bikeways and a public transit system that’s second to none. It’s a city that values authenticity and a connection to nature, making it a truly special place to live.
Anchorage, Alaska: The ultimate frontier for adventure lovers
The bottom line
Anchorage is the wild card on our list, and that’s precisely why it’s here. This isn’t just another city; it’s a basecamp for the adventure of a lifetime. It’s for the person who hears the call of the wild and wants to live somewhere truly epic. It’s a “fantastic year-round home for those who enjoy cool weather and outdoor recreation.”
The job scene
The economy in Anchorage is built on the rugged industries that define Alaska. It’s anchored by oil and gas, government, tourism, and a surprisingly large healthcare sector, which is actually the city’s top job producer.
The job market is incredibly stable. The unemployment rate is a rock-bottom 3.5%, and the city has seen steady job growth. If you have skills in these key industries, you’ll find plenty of opportunities.
What it’ll cost you
Living on the Last Frontier isn’t cheap, but it might be more affordable than you think. The overall cost of living is about 23% higher than the national average. Because everything has to be shipped in, you’ll pay more for daily goods like groceries (27% higher) and healthcare (46% higher).
But here’s the surprise: housing is actually quite reasonable. The median home sale price is just $398,167, the lowest on our list. Renting a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,327 per month. This creates an interesting trade-off—it’s easier to get into a home, but your day-to-day expenses will be higher.
The local vibe
Life in Anchorage is unlike anywhere else in America. You’ll share your city with moose, watch the northern lights from your backyard, and have the massive Chugach State Park as your personal playground.
You’ll also live by the sun. Get ready for up to 19 hours of daylight in the summer, perfect for midnight hikes, and cozy, dark winters, perfect for watching the aurora borealis.
The city has a deep and vibrant Indigenous heritage, which you can experience firsthand at the incredible Alaska Native Heritage Center. And the community comes together for truly unique events, like the ceremonial start of the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
As the great naturalist John Muir once wrote, “To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.” Living in Anchorage means you get to call that wilderness home.
Key takeaway
So, there you have it. Are you chasing the tech boom in Boise, the mountain lifestyle in Colorado Springs, the ‘Silicon Slopes‘ career track in Salt Lake City, the creative vibe in Portland, or the ultimate adventure in Anchorage? The American West offers a version of the good life for everyone. The data shows that these five cities offer the best blend of opportunity, affordability, and an incredible quality of life right now.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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12 Laws And Rules About Food In Other Countries
12 Laws And Rules About Food In Other Countries
Food is more than just nourishment; it’s a reflection of culture, tradition, and, in many cases, the law. Around the world, various countries have established distinct food regulations that may surprise travelers and food enthusiasts alike.
These laws reveal how deeply societies value what ends up on their plates. Here are 12 fascinating food laws and rules from around the globe that show just how diverse and sometimes unexpected our relationship with food can be.
