A recent national study ranked Nashua, New Hampshire, as the most attractive city in the United States to move to, citing its job opportunities, safety, and cost of living. The report, published by real estate technology firm MRI Software, compared American metropolitan areas using a data-driven approach focused on quality-of-life metrics.
Nashua, located about an hour’s drive from Boston, topped the list with strong marks for employment availability and safety. With a population of just over 91,000, the city offered more than 66,000 job openings based on data from job site Indeed.com, resulting in a ratio of approximately 0.73 jobs per resident. The report also gave Nashua the highest safety rating of all cities measured, with a score of 73 out of 100.
While larger cities like New York or Los Angeles often dominate national conversations about career growth, the MRI study highlighted smaller, less high-profile cities for their livability and stability. Researchers prioritized communities with low crime, affordable housing, and strong local economies.
Second place went to Aurora, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Aurora reported about 68,000 open job listings, the highest among the top five ranked cities, and was noted for its relatively low cost of living along with proximity to a major urban center.
Cleveland, Ohio secured the third spot, bolstered by a highly affordable housing market, consistent job availability, and access to urban amenities along the Lake Erie shoreline. Dover, Delaware ranked fourth, followed by Salt Lake City, Utah in fifth.
The rankings suggest a growing appeal for midsize cities that strike a balance between economic opportunity and quality of life. In contrast to the cost and congestion found in larger coastal metros, these smaller cities offer access to employment and amenities without the high expense or safety concerns.
MRI Software conducted the analysis using public safety statistics, job listing volumes, and cost-of-living indexes across multiple cities. The study aimed to identify communities where individuals and families could enjoy both economic stability and a safer, more affordable lifestyle.
Nashua’s top placement highlights a broader shift in national migration trends, especially as remote work and shifting priorities lead more people to consider alternatives to traditional urban hubs. With access to Boston’s labor market and a strong local economy of its own, Nashua appears to be reaping the benefits of both proximity and independence.
As large cities face renewed scrutiny over affordability and public safety, the rise of towns like Nashua underscores how smaller markets are reshaping what Americans seek in a place to live. New Hampshire’s appeal has also caught the attention of state leaders, with Governor Ayotte actively recruiting businesses from high-cost cities like New York.
