Austin is named the best place to live in the US knocking Denver off the top spot while San Jose comes in third 

  • 100 cities were ranked according to job, affordability and the quality of life
  • Researchers found that some 50 people a day are moving to Austin, Texas 
  • The city boasts an average salary of $49,560 and homes costing $262,000
  • Despite being branded a swamp, Washington DC is fourth on the updated list 

By Darren Boyle for MailOnline

Published: 07:22 EST, 8 February 2017 | Updated: 08:59 EST, 8 February 2017

Austin, Texas has been named the best place to live in the United States, according to a new survey. 

The list ranks the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country and rates them on a range of criteria, including affordability, job prospects and quality of life. 

Last year, Denver, Colorado was in the top spot. Despite being branded a swamp which is need of a thorough draining, Washington DC is number four on the list. 

The US News & World Report has published a list of the top ten places to live in the United States which is topped by Austin, Texas, replacing last year's choice Denver, Colorado

On average, approximately 50 new people arrive in Austin, Texas, pictured every day 

On average, approximately 50 new people arrive in Austin, Texas, pictured every day 

Some may find the tradition of the annual rattlesnake round up, demonstrated by Rep Jeff Leach outside the state's Capitol building earlier this week 

Some may find the tradition of the annual rattlesnake round up, demonstrated by Rep Jeff Leach outside the state's Capitol building earlier this week 

The US News & World Report looked at each of the larger metropolitan areas in the US and used data gleaned from unemployment rates, average incomes, commuting times and crime as part of the process. 

Kim Castro, executive editor at US News said: 'When considering a move people are concerned about finding a job in their field, earning enough to afford a home, sending their kids to good schools and feeling like a part of their community. 

'The Best Places to Live ranking takes all of that into account – the metro areas that do well are the ones with strong job markets and high quality of life.'

Boston has moved from 30th to 8th in a year because of a massive fall in unemployment, while a drop in the cost of living saw Salt Lake City rise from 27th to 10th

As well as official data held by the US Census Bureau, FBI and Bureau of Labor Statistics, a public survey of thousands of people was also commissioned to determine the desirability of certain areas. 

Unsurprisingly, Honolulu is the most desirable place in the country to live, but with house prices averaging at $511,000 and salaries at $49,000, it is quite unaffordable.

US TOP FIVE PLACES TO LIVE 2017

1. AUSTIN, TEXAS

The Texan capital was nominated the best place to live according to a new survey, with 50 people moving to the city every day. 

The city has a population of almost 1.9 million people and an average salary of $49,560. 

House prices work out on average $262,000 and there is around 32 inches of rain a ear, with temperatures normally ranging between 55F-80F. 

With an unemployment rate of just 3.2 per cent and a 26-minute average commute it is proving very popular.

Renting in the city works out around $1,044 a month.  

 2. DENVER, COLORADO

Denver has dropped one place in the rankings this year which is probably unrelated to the state's decision to legalize marijuana. 

The city has a population of approximately 2.7 million who have an average salary of $54,450, which is higher than Austin, but the median cost of houses works out around $314,000. 

But for those who want to rent, can find a home for $1,049 and will get into work in only 27 minutes. 

Temperatures in Denver range from an average of 65F in the summer to a bracing 36F. 

3.  SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

Located in the middle of Silicon Valley, San Jose is home to the technical heart of America and a large number of very well paid professionals. 

The city's population is almost 1.3 million whose average salary is $78,000 a year. 

With average temperatures ranging between 72F and 51F with rainfall just shy of 15 inches, it has a very pleasant climate with 300 days of sunshine a year.

Unsurprisingly, the city's high wages mean the median home price is $830,000  and rent works out around $1,700 a month. 

Getting to work isn't too stressful either with an average commute time of 26 minutes. 

4.  WASHINGTON DC

The nation's capital has been described as a 'swamp' during the recent presidential campaign by Donald Trump but it still remains one of the best places in the United States to live. 

Almost six million people live in the city which has an average salary of almost $66,000. 

Climate would not be a reason to move to DC, which averages between 67F and 49.5F and boasts almost 40 inches of rain a year. 

The 34.5 minute commute is higher than the national average. 

For those who cannot afford the $372,000 average house, rent works out around $1,500 a month.  

 5. FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS

The area surrounding Fayetteville is known as the home of Wal-Mart and scores very highly on the cost of living indexes. 

There are 493,000 people living in the city although this figure is rapidly increasing with homes costing less than the national average. 

Homes in Fayetteville cost on average $182,500 while rent is far less than the other cities at the top of the list costing $738 a month. 

The area has to contend with an average of 48 inches of rain a week. 

The city boasts an unemployment rate of just 2.9 per cent while the commute to work takes 21 minutes. 

Rain aside, temperatures in the city range on average between 68F during the summer and 45F in winter.

 

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