New 2026 rankings from national publications are highlighting top U.S. cities for living and travel, with locations in Texas, South Carolina, and Michigan recently receiving honors. These annual lists offer valuable insights for those planning a move, vacation, or retirement.
Annual lists from outlets like Livability.com, USA TODAY, and U.S. News and World Report significantly influence where people choose to settle or visit. For recognized communities, these rankings can bring a surge in tourism and new residents, boosting local economies. However, this attention also challenges existing infrastructure, creating a mix of opportunity and growing pains for cities in the spotlight.
What We Know So Far
- Abilene, Texas, was ranked the #63 best city to live in America for 2026 by ktxs.com, which noted its strong performance in housing and transportation.
- Clemson, South Carolina, secured two top-10 spots in USA TODAY's 2026 rankings, named the #6 Best Small Town in the South and #8 Best Small College Town, according to greenvilleonline.com.
- Midland, Michigan, was named the number one place to retire in the U.S. for 2026 by U.S. News and World Report.
- West Monroe, Louisiana, was named the fourth best small town in the South in USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards for 2026, as reported by the Shreveport Times.
- Hotel Breakers in Sandusky, Ohio, which won America's best theme park hotel in 2025, has been nominated again for the 2026 award, according to a report from aol.com.
Latest Best Places to Live Rankings Across the US
Livability.com placed Abilene, Texas, at number 63 on its 2026 list of best places to live. The study highlighted the city's strengths in housing, transportation, and environment. For residents, this translates to tangible benefits: an average commute time of just 14 minutes and a lower cost of living than many larger metro areas.
National recognition, however, brings challenges; ktxs.com reports Abilene residents have experienced increased traffic and a rising cost of living due to the city's growth. This reflects a common pattern where newfound popularity strains local resources.
In the Southeast, Clemson, South Carolina, earned double accolades from USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, named the sixth-best small town in the South and the eighth-best small college town. Greenvilleonline.com noted the city is celebrated for its unique mix of university energy and small-town charm, attracting students, families, and visitors alike. Not far away, West Monroe, Louisiana, landed the number four spot for best small town in the South, recognized for its rich local attractions like the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge and various museums.
Top US Travel and Retirement Destinations Revealed
In Ohio, Hotel Breakers is once again in the running for the nation's best theme park hotel in the USA TODAY 10Best awards. The beachfront resort, located next to the famed Cedar Point amusement park, took home first place in 2025. The park itself is a major draw, featuring 67 rides, including the record-breaking Top Thrill Two, the world's tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster that hits 120 mph.
For those planning their golden years, several states and cities stand out. A 2026 study from U.S. News and World Report named Midland, Michigan, as the top place to retire in the entire country. Meanwhile, a WalletHub study identified Pennsylvania as the eighth-best state for seniors to settle down. These rankings are especially relevant given recent migration trends.
According to a report from Hire a Helper, over 2.1 million Americans aged 65 and older moved in 2025. About 20% of those moves were across state lines. The report found that Las Vegas, Nevada, was the single most popular city for retirees, attracting 7,854 movers of retirement age. Arizona also proved to be a major destination, ranking fourth nationally in retiree migration and gaining a net of 2,512 retirees.
What Happens Next
With these new rankings published, the recognized cities will likely experience increased attention over the coming year. The voting for some categories in the USA TODAY 10Best awards, including the one for which Hotel Breakers is nominated, is still underway. Winners will be announced after the voting periods close.
Looking ahead, other states are also being watched closely. Texas is currently being evaluated for its position on a list of top move-to states, with results expected in early 2026. For cities like Abilene, the immediate future will involve balancing the economic benefits of growth with the need to manage infrastructure and preserve the quality of life that earned them recognition in the first place. How these communities adapt will be a key story to follow.
