Popular And Best Places To Live in The US

There are many reasons why people immigrate to the US, some for schools, family, safety, and jobs, and some for diversity. The highest population that comes to the US are the students comprising 32.2% of the US population.  You are all planning to come to the US for a purpose with a common goal to have a better life, more opportunities, and live the American life.  

Coming from different countries, cultures and backgrounds will take time to adjust to the country, so find a neighborhood that resembles your country with a tight-knit community. As for students, there are student villages where you can find many types of student housing in United States. This blog on Best and Oldest Universities in the US might be helpful to know more about the US institutions.

Where Should I Live in the US?

Choosing where to live in the US as an international student—or even as a new resident—can feel overwhelming. The country’s massive, with each city offering something different. Your choice really comes down to what you value most: academic reputation, affordability, culture, job opportunities, or simply weather. Here are a few common preferences to help narrow it down:

• Want amazing universities and 24/7 energy? New York City or Boston are your best bets.
• Prefer budget-friendly cities with a slower pace? Chicago and Adelaide (oops, scratch that—we meant Austin!) offer lower cost of living and great student life.
• Into arts, tech, and sunny weather all year? Los Angeles or San Diego might feel like home.
• Looking for multicultural communities and strong job markets? New York, LA, and Chicago have large international populations and plenty of networking opportunities.

Wherever you choose, make sure the neighborhood fits your lifestyle. Some students prefer quiet, green suburbs close to campus. Others thrive in busy downtown areas full of cafés, co-working spaces, and buzzing nightlife.

Is New York a Good City for Students to Live and Study in the USA?

Top sights in New York: Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, etc.

New York! New York! How do we describe this place? You may use all the adjectives to describe this mesmerizing city, words cannot describe it!  We are talking about New York, the ‘Big Apple’ where more than just 100,000 students come from all over the world to seek studies, jobs and residency in this land of opportunities. The best part about New York is that you can stay anywhere, it’s full of entertainment! Whether it’s bars, streets, pubs, festivals, arts, culture and any form of adventure! As one of the best places to live in the US, boredom is surely out of the dictionary for NYC. So, if you want to study in reputed institutions, work and enjoy the best life, NYC is the place to be! Despite the city being a bit on the higher side of living expenses, it offers low-cost student accommodation in New York.

What are the Best NYC Neighborhoods for Students?

• Albany
• Ithaca
• Amherst
• Buffalo
• Rochester
• Binghamton

Is Boston (Massachusetts) a Good City for Students to Live and Study in the USA?

Top sights in Boston: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Fenway Park, Boston Common, City park, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, etc.

As a city that played an important role in the American Revolution, it is a state of cultural, social, political, and economic significance. Living in Boston is like being in a small town with the perks of a big city. It’s always an ever-evolving city that is great not just for those seeking educational and job opportunities, but even for residence. Boston is famous for its universities and attracts many students to come pursue their higher education here. Boston is on high par when it comes to employment opportunities, cultural attractions, and even the energy that NYC has. It is also the best places to live in america, because of the budget-friendly student housing in Boston. The city also falls under Safest Cities to Live in The US in 2025.

What are the best student areas in Boston (Massachusetts)?

• Fenway and Kenmore
• Allston and Brighton
• Jamaica Plain
• Roxbury
• Dorchester
• Brookline and Coolidge Corner

Is Chicago (Illinois) a Good for Students to Live and Study in the USA?

Top sights in Chicago (Illinois): The Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Chicago Theatre District, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, Lake Michigan, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium

Voted as one of the best places to live in the US with plenty of neighborhoods to make it your home. If you want to study in some of the best and most reputed universities, Chicago is home to many institutions. And, for those of you who love pizzas, you will never run out of the different types of pizza restaurants in Chicago. Life is at a slower pace in Chicago as compared to most cities in the US. So, if you are looking for a chilled, relaxing, suburban place to live in the US, then Chicago is an ideal and one of the cheapest places to live in the us. The cost of living is lower in Chicago than most other cities where you can even find low-cost student accommodation in Chicago (Illinois).

What are the Best Student Cities in Chicago Illinois?

• Bloomington
• Champaign
• Charleston
• DeKalb
• Evanston
• Macomb
• Naperville
• Normal

Is Los Angeles (California) a Good City for Students to Live and Study in the US?

Top sights in Los Angeles (California): Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, The Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Getty Center, Petersen Automotive Museum, Santa Monica 

The best city to live in USA, L.A. comes with many nicknames, call it what you like, City of Angels, Entertainment City, La la Land, etc, and everyone wants to live in this city. From aspiring celebrities to Hollywood stars, students, and entertainers, the city appeals to everyone. Whether you are into arts, culture, music, community, outdoor activities, or job opportunities, this city will cater to all your needs. Living in L. A is a dream life for many people as it’s the best place to live in the us. We all know it’s an expensive place to live, but as a learner, you can find wide and cheap options for student accommodation in Los Angeles. 

What Are the Best Student Cities in California?

• Berkeley, CA
• Claremont, CA
• Davis, CA
• Irvine, CA
• Pomona, CA
• Stanford, CA
• Redlands, CA
• Moraga, CA

Conclusion

At the end of the day, where you live in the US really depends on you—your goals, your vibe, and what kind of lifestyle you’re after. Some students chase that nonstop buzz in New York. Others just want sunshine and space in LA. And then there are folks who prefer the easy pace and affordability of cities like Chicago.

Each place has its own charm. There’s no “perfect” choice—just the one that feels right for you. One thing that does make a big difference? Where you stay. Don’t stress it too much though. Start early, check trusted platforms like University Living, and find a place that fits both your budget and your comfort zone.