Green Bay, Wisconsin is Top U.S. Living Destination for 2023-2024: U.S. News & World Report's Annual Rankings

NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers may have left, but the latest rankings show that Green Bay has been crowned the most affordable place to live in the U.S. for '23-'24. The city's affordable living costs and high-quality lifestyle make it appealing for both individuals and families.

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Green Bay, Wisconsin is Top U.S. Living Destination for 2023-2024: U.S. News & World Report's Annual Rankings
5 Min Read May 18th, 2023

In a revealing new report released Tuesday by U.S. News & World Report, Green Bay, Wisconsin, has risen to the top of the 'Best Places to Live in the U.S.' list for 2023-2024. The annual rankings evaluate the 150 most populated U.S. metro areas, considering factors like affordability, quality of life, job market, and local appeal, according to the U.S. News & World Report.

The list aims to inform decision-making for those considering relocation, factoring in essential elements from living costs and climate to specific considerations like air quality and access to health care. This year, the cost of goods and services, termed as 'price parity,' and resilience against extreme weather conditions were included as new parameters in the ranking system.

Best known for its NFL team, the Packers, Green Bay has consistently been near the top of these rankings for its notable housing affordability, low crime rates, and excellent air quality. The city's varied attractions, ranging from art museums and craft breweries to outdoor activities in different seasons, contribute to its appeal.

In terms of resilience against natural disasters, a factor gauged through data provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Green Bay secured an impressive third place out of the 150 listed metro areas.

The report also notes the increasing importance of housing affordability for Americans, highlighting its significance when contemplating a move. Economic uncertainties may have deterred some from relocating this year; however, the rise of permanent work-from-home options has resulted in an increased focus on the quality of life provided by a location, rather than simply its job market.

The Top 10 Places to Live in U.S.A.

The top 10 places to live, according to the 2023-2024 rankings, are:

  1. Green Bay, Wisconsin
  2. Huntsville, Alabama
  3. Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina
  4. Boulder, Colorado
  5. Sarasota, Florida
  6. Naples, Florida
  7. Portland, Maine
  8. Charlotte, North Carolina
  9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
  10. Fayetteville, Arkansas

The Affordable Top 10

Given the rapid rise in housing costs and a supply-demand imbalance in the national real estate market, the report has also generated a separate 'Best Affordable Places to Live' top ten rankings:

  1. Hickory, North Carolina
  2. Youngstown, Ohio
  3. Huntington, West Virginia, and Ashland, Kentucky
  4. Huntsville, Alabama
  5. Fort Wayne, Indiana
  6. Beaumont, Texas
  7. Peoria, Illinois
  8. Green Bay, Wisconsin
  9. Quad Cities – Davenport-Bettendorf, Iowa, & Moline-Rock Island, Illinois
  10. Knoxville, Tennessee

Top 10 Retirement Locations

However, if you are looking about relocating in retirement, the most recent rankings by U.S. News & World Report are:

  1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  2. Scottsdale, Arizona
  3. Naples, Florida
  4. Sarasota, Florida
  5. San Diego, California
  6. Phoenix, Arizona
  7. Fort Myers, Florida
  8. Tampa, Florida
  9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
  10. Green Bay, Wisconsin

These cities were ranked based on various factors, including the cost of living, crime rates, air quality, access to medical care, education, and job opportunities.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranked number one this year due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and abundant cultural attractions. The city is home to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Scottsdale, Arizona, ranked number two on the list due to its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and strong economy. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Intel and Honeywell.

Naples, Florida, ranked number three on the list due to its luxurious lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and mild climate. Naples is home to several world-class golf courses, luxury resorts, and fine-dining restaurants.

Sarasota, Florida, ranked number four on the list due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and abundance of cultural attractions. The city is home to the Ringling Museum of Art, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, and the Sarasota Opera.

San Diego, California, ranked number five on the list due to its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and abundance of cultural attractions. The city is home to the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Phoenix, Arizona, ranked number six on the list due to its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and strong economy. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Intel and Honeywell.

Fort Myers, Florida, ranked number seven on the list due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and abundance of cultural attractions. The city is home to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, the Lee County Museum of History, and the Southwest Florida Museum of Art. Of course, Fort Myers is recovering from the impact of Hurricane Ida but is well on its way to recovery. 

Tampa, Florida, ranked number eight on the list due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and abundance of cultural attractions. The city is home to the Tampa Museum of Art, the Tampa Theatre, and the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park. Don't forget Tampa Bay also has professional sports, the NFL's Buccaneers, MLB's Rays, and the NHLs Lighting. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, ranked number nine on the list due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and abundant cultural attractions. The city is home to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the Myrtle Beach International Airport, and the Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex.

Green Bay, Wisconsin, ranked number ten on the list due to its affordability, low crime rate, and high air quality. The city is also home to several attractions, including the Green Bay Packers football team (plus the Packer's museum,) the National Railroad Museum, and the Neville Public Museum.

Long-Term Health Care Costs By Location

Long-Term Care costs vary by location. The availability and cost of care will depend on where you live when you need long-term health care. You can use the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator to see the current and expected future cost of care services in locations nationwide:

LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator - Find Your Location

When pondering a move, your checklist should extend beyond the obvious. It's not just about location, but also about the presence of loved ones, job prospects, transportation options, and access to top-tier medical facilities.

As you blueprint your retirement, bear in mind the potential need for long-term health care. Will your family be readily available to help you with everyday living activities or provide supervision if memory loss becomes a factor? 

A Long-Term Care Insurance policy could be a game-changer, offering guaranteed tax-free resources for your preferred type of care, including home-based. What's more, it can ensure your loved ones remain as family rather than transitioning into the role of caregivers—a significant point if your family resides afar.

Remember, you can choose to relocate at any stage of life, but planning for retirement and securing Long-Term Care Insurance are endeavors best-tackled pre-retirement. Let the sands of time work in your favor, not against you.

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About the Author

An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.

LTC News Contributor James Kelly

James Kelly

Contributor since August 21st, 2017

Editor's Note

It's a fact that many families, including yours, will inevitably face the reality of declining health, aging, and dementia in the future, no matter where you live.

As you age, the likelihood of cognitive decline and dementia increases. Without proper planning, these challenges can create crises impacting your family and finances.

Watching a loved one's cognitive abilities decline can be an overwhelming emotional burden for adult children. Your changing needs and personality can strain relationships as the person they once knew begins to fade away.

Unprepared families often struggle to manage a loved one's daily care needs, which can have a negative impact on their well-being. The stress and emotional burden of caregiving can lead to burnout, affecting the caregiver and the quality of care you receive.

The financial consequences of long-term care for someone with dementia or other aging-related needs can be staggering. The cost of professional caregivers and specialized facilities can quickly deplete your savings and impact your lifestyle and legacy.

These emotional and financial burdens can also lead to conflicts among family members as they try to navigate the challenges of your future long-term care needs.

Planning ahead can help you better manage these challenges, ensuring that you receive the necessary support without jeopardizing your family's well-being or financial stability.

Long-Term Care Insurance is a vital part of your retirement plan protecting your 401(k) and other assets from the costs and burdens of aging. The ideal time to obtain coverage is prior to your retirement, usually in your 40s or 50s, when you can take advantage of lower premiums and good health.

How Does Long-Term Care Insurance Differ from Other Types Of Insurance?

It can be highly beneficial to locate a qualified and experienced specialist in Long-Term Care Insurance when you're searching for and designing an appropriate policy.

Long-Term Care Insurance Specialists vs. Financial Advisors and General Insurance Agents (Pros & Cons)

Long-Term Care Insurance Experts Help Find the Best Solutions

Long-Term Care Insurance is overseen by both federal and state authorities. The federal regulations ensure consumer safeguards, regulated benefit triggers, and tax incentives. Specialists in Long-Term Care Insurance possess in-depth knowledge of individual company policies, benefits, and underwriting standards, enabling them to help you find the most suitable coverage at the most competitive price.

Some individuals consult financial advisors or general insurance agents to assist them in finding Long-Term Care Insurance. However, it is preferable to enlist the expertise of a qualified specialist who represents top insurance companies. These specialists are well-versed in the intricacies of products, underwriting, policy design, tax benefits, and claims, ultimately helping you save money.

Be cautious, as anyone can claim to be a specialist. Reputable specialists have typically assisted hundreds or even thousands of people with Long-Term Care Insurance. They have experience processing claims, understand the advantages of the Partnership Program, are knowledgeable about tax benefits, and provide accurate quotes and professional advice.

Many Long-Term Care specialists possess the CLTC® designation, which stands for "Certified in Long-Term Care." This professional credential is awarded to those who have completed an educational program centered on long-term care planning. 

The Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification, an independent non-profit organization that establishes standards for long-term care planning education, offers this designation.

Tools and Resources for Your Research on LTC NEWS 

Numerous resources on LTC NEWS are available to help you in your research: 

Parents Need Help Now – What to Do?

Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether someone has a policy or not - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting to use Long-Term Care Insurance benefits later is not a wise idea. 

If your parent or parents need help now, get them quality care now. LTC NEWS can help. Start with these comprehensive guides to help you in your process:

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