This Midwestern City Was Just Named One of the Best Places to Live in America — With Affordable Housing and Excellent Public Schools

Green Bay, Wisconsin is also a popular retirement destination.

If you’re contemplating relocating to a different city in search of affordable housing, excellent schools, and a low cost of living, consider Green Bay, Wisconsin. The city, known as Titletown, located on Lake Michigan and the mouth of the Fox River, was just ranked the 12th best city to live in America by U.S. News, the highest of any midwestern community.

The publication considers 150 metropolitan areas nationwide and rates them in four categories: quality of life, value, desirability, and job market.

“Green Bay has the perfect mix of big-city amenities complemented with a Midwestern, small-town feel. This city boasts a thriving entertainment and arts scene, a revitalized downtown, and two college campuses, creating an energy that may appeal to young families and retirees,” U.S. News noted.

With a population of a little over 111,000, Green Bay is the third-largest city in Wisconsin and the state’s oldest one, dating back to 1765. Rich in history and charm, the city also offers a vibrant nightlife with many bars and performance venues, an exciting dining scene, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation thanks to its dozens of parks, green spaces, and many trails spanning over 45 acres. Sports fans can also watch one of the best football teams in the world live, the Green Bay Packers, which has won the most NFL championships.

However, one of the main draws of new residents is the affordable housing. According to U.S. News, the median home value in the city is $180,066, while the median monthly rent is $927. The publication points out that Green Bay offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas, but it also reminds potential residents that Wisconsin has high property tax rates (in fact, it averages 1.61 percent, the eighth highest in the country) and a state income tax.

While families will certainly appreciate having access to a top-notch public school system and several colleges, Green Bay is also a great retirement destination, ranking 16th in U.S. News’s similar best places to retire report.

Another Wisconsin community made it to the top 15 best cities in America, Madison, which fell to No. 14 this year. Green Bay was actually at the top of the same list in 2023.

You can see the full rankings on usnews.com.

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