The 50 best places to live in America

11. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Population: 678,364

Average annual salary: $47,600

Quality of life: 6.6

Value: 7.2

Colorado Springs is “booming, with new residences popping up alongside quality schools, parks, and cultural attractions,” touts a local expert. The city is just an hour drive from Denver and in close proximity to Aspen and Vail’s world-class ski resorts. Military jobs influence Colorado Springs’ culture and economy, but jobs are also available in medical innovation and tech.