When deciding where to put down roots, many factors restin the eye of the beholder, such as climate, politics, or proximity to extended family.Other aspects are coveted by nearly everybody: affordable housing, access to well-paying jobs, a low cost of living, good schools, and quality healthcare. In its 2017ranking of the best places to live in America, U.S. News & World Report gathered data on these crucial components for the 100 most populous US cities.They then categorized the data into five indexes for each cityjob market, value, quality of life, desirability, and net migrationto definitively rank these major metro areas. You can read U.S. News' full methodology here.Scores for "value," a blend of annual household income and cost of living, and "quality of life," which accounts for crime, college readiness, commute, and other factors, are included below on a 10-point scale, as well as the citys population and averageannual salary.Keep reading to discover the 50 best places to live in America.SEE ALSO:Home prices are soaring ' here's how much the average home costs in the 15 most popular big citiesDON'T MISS:The 15 best states to live in when you retire50. Atlanta, GeorgiaPopulation:5,538,837Averageannual salary:$49,430Quality of life:5.8Value:7An attractive blendof big city and big country, Atlanta is attracting transplants far and wide with its award-winning restaurants, culture centers, and flourishing job market. More than a dozen Fortune 500 companies call the city home, including Delta, The Home Depot,and The Coca-Cola Company, and it's an increasingly popular spot for filmproductions.In addition, "The Chattahoochee River that traverses the metro area, and Stone Mountain, the world's largest chunk of exposed granite, located just northeast of the city proper, also offer a quick escape from any urban anxiety," says one local expert.49. Melbourne, FloridaPopulation:553,591Averageannual salary:$45,470Quality of life:7.3Value:6.1Between fishing, boating, and a plethora of bars and restaurants, there's never a shortage of things to do in the Melbournearea. The city's ripe with retirees and "snowbirds"people who split their time between colder climates in the summer and Florida in the winterwho can enjoy days on one of the many nearby golf courses and nights out exploring the local shops and art galleries. 48. Kansas City, MissouriPopulation:2,055,675Averageannual salary:$47,640Quality of life:6.1Value:7.5Don't call it a flyover city. Innovation, creativity, and a celebrated history combine to make Kansas Citya hub of activity. In addition to a low cost of living and an abundance of jobs, residents enjoy exploring the city's thriving art scene, cheering on the Royals during baseball season, and noshing on Kansas City's signature style of barbecueslow cooked and topped with a tomato-based sauce.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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