The 50 best places to live in America

28. Syracuse, New York

Population: 661,914

Average annual salary: $47,330

Quality of life: 7.1

Value: 6.8

It might get 124 inches (or more!) of snow per year, but don’t let the blustery climate deter you: Syracuse boasts a low cost of living, easy access to both the city center and surrounding suburbs, and a host of cultural activities, including the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Home to Syracuse University, the town also rallies behind the Orange during basketball season, cheering the team to victory.