The 50 best places to live in America

4. Washington, DC

Population: 5,949,403

Average annual salary: $65,910

Quality of life: 6.6

Value: 7.4

The District’s neighborhoods each give off their own vibe, but across the city residents often “gather for block parties, mingle at dog parks, and converse at coffee shops,” explained a local expert. While Washington, DC, is known as a hub for politics, there’s also a strong job market for education and health services.