The City of Clovis, California, was recently named one of the best places to live in the United States in Livability's 2026 rankings.

This national recognition, which also highlighted Hoboken, New Jersey, as a top city in its state, underscores a growing focus on the appeal of small and mid-sized cities across the country. The ranking offers data-driven insights into what makes a city a great place to call home, especially regarding affordability and overall well-being, providing a clear benchmark for quality of life.

What We Know So Far

  • Clovis was named the top-ranked California city on Livability’s 2026 list of the 100 Best Places to Live, placing No. 52 nationally, according to GV Wire.
  • Hoboken, New Jersey, also earned a top spot in a new ranking of the best places to live within its state, as reported by Patch and highlighted by Hoboken Girl.
  • Livability evaluated more than 2,000 U.S. cities for its list, focusing on those with populations between 75,000 and 500,000.
  • The rankings specifically exclude cities with a median home value above $500,000, a key factor in their methodology for identifying affordable communities.
  • The City of Clovis stated this is the fourth consecutive year it has been recognized by Livability, according to Your Central Valley, suggesting a consistent high quality of life.

Clovis CA 2026 Best Places to Live Ranking Analysis

Clovis stood out by placing No. 52 nationally, making it California's highest-ranking city for 2026. This distinction is significant in a state known for its competitive and often expensive housing markets. The city earned an overall "LivScore" of 697, a composite score reflecting its performance across several key categories.

Clovis's median home value of $465,261, according to GV Wire, was a major factor in its ranking. This figure sits just below Livability's $500,000 cutoff, allowing the city to be considered while many other desirable California cities were automatically excluded. This balance of amenities and affordability offers a high quality of life without the extreme housing costs seen elsewhere in the state.