Architectural Digest has identified seven U.S. communities as the best places to live in America for 2025, citing a combination of livability, affordability, job markets and cultural offerings.
The list, which spans well-heeled suburbs and mid-sized cities, favors locales with strong employment prospects, accessible arts and entertainment, low crime and satisfactory public services. The seven communities named were Johns Creek, Georgia; Carmel, Indiana; Pearland, Texas; Bethesda, Maryland; Farmington Hills, Michigan; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Topping the list is Johns Creek, a suburb northeast of Atlanta. Architectural Digest noted the area’s booming job market and high household income, with a median household income of about $163,653 — more than double the national average. Residents commute an average of roughly 26 minutes to Atlanta, while cultural anchors such as nearby museums and a local symphony contribute to the community’s appeal. Zillow data cited by reporting places the median home price in Johns Creek near $899,000, markedly above a national median home price reported at about $442,992 by Redfin.
Carmel, Indiana, is highlighted for its safety, well-maintained public spaces and a thriving downtown arts and design district. The Indianapolis suburb hosts frequent public art events, galleries and boutiques and participates in the Indiana Glass Trail, which celebrates regional glassmaking. The city’s economy emphasizes healthcare, technology and finance, and Zillow figures place the average home value in Carmel near $254,412.
Pearland, Texas, south of Houston, was selected for its affordability and quality of life. The city’s cost of living sits below the national average and housing has drawn new residents; median property costs reported in notes are about $319,753, while Zillow lists an average home value around $385,817. Pearland has launched a Cultural Arts Master Plan to support local artists and create a downtown arts center, and it reported unemployment of roughly 3.6 percent, below recent national averages.
Bethesda, Maryland, the Washington, D.C., suburb known for its dining and retail corridor, earns a spot for its cultural institutions and proximity to the capital. Bethesda is home to venues such as the Strathmore concert hall, the Bethesda Theater and the Round House Theatre, along with numerous galleries and public art. High housing costs distinguish the town: the typical home value is reported to be about $1,137,069.
Farmington Hills, Michigan, east of Detroit, is recognized for its public art program and community events. Sculptural works and installations appear throughout municipal spaces, and the city stages annual events including Art on the Grand in June and the Grand Raven Festival each October. Farmington Hills is also consistently ranked among the nation’s safer cities and has a reported average home value near $386,382.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, draws on its artistic legacy as the hometown of painter Grant Wood. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses the largest collection of Wood’s work, and local schools and institutions display stained glass and other art forms. The city’s downtown revitalization, low crime rates, and relative affordability appeal to residents; Zillow lists an average home value around $207,846. Cedar Rapids also offers driving access to larger regional metros, including Minneapolis, Kansas City and Chicago.
Oklahoma City rounds out the list with a mix of affordability, growing cultural infrastructure and varied neighborhoods. The city’s entertainment districts, museums and outdoor memorials contribute to a visible arts and civic presence. The Paseo Arts District supports dozens of working artists and hosts monthly art walks, and typical home prices in the city remain below the national average, with a reported median around $205,970.
Architectural Digest’s selections reflect multiple factors beyond aesthetics, including resident satisfaction, access to health care and education, commute times and crime statistics. Some entries were chosen in part for warm climates or proximity to multiple metropolitan areas, while others were singled out for intentional investments in arts and cultural programming. The magazine’s list underscores a trend toward smaller cities and suburbs that combine cultural offerings with economic opportunity and relative affordability.