Despite ranking low in housing affordability, the top city was first for economy and education and health
Living in a big city requires tradeoffs, and in WalletHub’s ranking of the best ones to live in, considerations such as economy and education can outweigh affordability concerns.
In its analysis, the company compared the 62 largest US cities based on 56 key indicators of attractiveness categorized into the five key dimensions of affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life, and safety.
Seattle took the top spot in the rankings, bolstered by its top rankings in the economy and education and health aspects. However, the city ranked 50 out of 62 in terms of affordability. Detroit ranked last, with its education and health also occupying the bottom of the list. In terms of affordability, the city ranked 45.
WalletHub found the highest housing affordability in Wichita, Kan. Oklahoma City, Okla., Omaha, Neb., and Louisville and Lexington, Ky., rounded out the top five cities with highest housing affordability. The study also looked at the cities’ homeownership rates and found that Virginia Beach, Va., had the highest. Mesa, Ariz., Wichita, Louisville, and Albuquerque, N.M., comprised the top five.
“Higher cost of living is a concern, along with pollution, traffic delays, and limited living space,” WalletHub said. “Each major US city has a unique set of issues, to go along with its own character and charm. However, some big cities tackle their problems and emphasize their strengths more efficiently than others.”
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