---
title: Best Places to Live in 2017
description: According to Livability, Fort Collins, Colorado, Madison, Wisconsin, and Ventura, California are among the best places to live in 2017.
---

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# [Best Places to Live in 2017](https://www.contourmortgage.com/news/best-places-to-live-in-2017)

 Written by [Contour Mortgage](https://www.contourmortgage.com/news/author/contour-mortgage) | Feb 8, 2017 5:00:49 PM

The best place to live depends as much on livability and job opportunities as it does on personal taste. However, economic, housing and general amenities can put a location in the lead. Based on [Livability](https://livability.com/best-places/top-100-best-places-to-live/2017)'s rankings, here are some of the best places to live in 2017.

## Bismarck, North Dakota

###### Photo Credit: [North Dakota 365](https://northdakota365.wordpress.com/category/bismarck/bismarck-at-night/)

 

**Population**: 65,123

Median household income: $57,660

Median home value: $169,600

Parks: 10

Public schools: 20

Bismarck has ample job prospects, a lively downtown and plenty of recreational opportunities.

 

## Fort Collins, Colorado

###### Photo Credit: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Collins,_Colorado)

 

Population: 149,627

Median household income: $53,775

Median home value: $253,300

Parks: 18

Public schools: 20

Fort Collins has a strong tech industry, along with a college community, busy downtown and endless outdoor activities.

 

## Madison, Wisconsin

 

Population: 239,848

Median household income: $53,933

Median home value: $211,600

Parks: 12

Public schools: 7

Madison has a strong focus on business corporations, retailers and skilled researchers, and it has an energetic downtown scene.

 

## Lincoln, Nebraska

###### Photo Credit: Project Control

 

Population: 265,811

Median household income: $49,794

Median home value: $144,900

Parks: 13

Public schools: 15

Lincoln is gaining a strong tech/startup industry that blends with its maturing arts and food culture.

 

## Bothell, Washington

###### Photo Credit: [Lennar](https://www.lennar.com/new-homes/washington/seattle/bothell)

 

Population: 34,920

Median household income: $75,643

Median home value: $344,600

Parks: 8

Public schools: 20

[Bothell](https://local.niche.com/bothell-snohomish-wa/) is big on tech and medical industries, but it also has a strong sense of community and plenty of recreational activities.

 

## Cedar Rapids, Iowa

###### Photo Credit: Family Law Iowa

 

Population: 128,009

Median household income: $54,465

Median home value: $134,600

Parks: 16

Public schools: 17

Cedar Rapids has an entrepreneurial spirit and many job prospects, which works well alongside its arts and nightlife scene.

 

## Ventura, California

###### Photo Credit: [CACM Group](http://www.cacmgroup.com/)

 

Population: 108,449

Median household income: $66,485

Median home value: $428,600

Parks: 3

Public schools: 20

Ventura has plenty of job opportunities, as well as a booming arts scene and beach-side activities.

 

## Manhattan, Kansas

###### Photo Credit: Ed McNamara/courtesy of Historic Downtown Manhattan | [Livability](http://livability.com/ks/manhattan/real-estate/eight-reasons-to-move-to-manhattan-ks)

 

Population: 55,112

Median household income: $43,275

Median home value: $182,800

Parks: 4

Public schools: 11

Manhattan has a strong focus on scientific research and education jobs, as well as a vibrant food and entertainment culture.

 

## Lexington, Kentucky

###### Photo Credit: [Visit Lex](http://www.visitlex.com/)

 

Population: 304,473

Median household income: $48,667

Median home value: $166,000

Parks: 15

Public schools: 20

Lexington has plenty of job prospects, especially tech and other startups, and it is well-known for its horse culture, outdoor activities and food scene.

 

## Murray, Utah

###### Photo Credit: Exit Realty Plus Utah

 

Population: 47,909

Median household income: $53,797

Median home value: $225,300

Parks: 6

Public schools: 20

Murray is known for its medical industry as well as its recreational opportunities.

 

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