New 2026 rankings from Livability.com and The Motley Fool recognize three Iowa cities and Milwaukee among the best places to live and retire in the U.S., highlighting a growing trend of Midwest cities gaining national acclaim.
The recognition of Iowa cities for their affordability and high quality of life puts a national spotlight on local communities. This trend, signaling a nationwide search for value and livability, stands out even as reports show Texas cities dominating a separate list of the 15 best U.S. cities to live in.
What We Know So Far
- Livability.com named Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines to its Top 100 Best Places to Live for 2026, according to the Des Moines Register.
- Iowa City ranked No. 31 on the list, an improvement from its No. 38 spot in 2025, while Cedar Rapids placed at No. 33 and Des Moines entered the list at No. 93.
- Milwaukee ranked eighth in the nation among the best places to retire in 2026 in a separate report by The Motley Fool, as detailed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- These Midwest recognitions come as other regions also receive praise, with a recent Business Insider report noting Texas cities dominated a different list of top places to live.
Which Iowa cities made the best city list?
Three Iowa cities earned spots on Livability.com's Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2026. The rankings specifically focused on cities with a median home value under $500,000, emphasizing affordability and reflecting the state's blend of economic stability and community spirit.
Iowa City climbed to No. 31, up from 38th place the previous year. The report celebrated its welcoming atmosphere, noting, "The phenomenon of 'Iowa Nice' is alive and well in Iowa City." With a population just under 78,000, the city is praised for its tight-knit community, strong "Hawkeye spirit," and the cultural and educational benefits of a major university town. The city’s median home value is $294,270, with an average household income of $58,893.
