New 2026 rankings from Livability.com and The Motley Fool recognize three Iowa cities and Milwaukee among the best places to live and retire in the U.S., highlighting a growing trend of Midwest cities gaining national acclaim.
The recognition of Iowa cities for their affordability and high quality of life puts a national spotlight on local communities. This trend, signaling a nationwide search for value and livability, stands out even as reports show Texas cities dominating a separate list of the 15 best U.S. cities to live in.
What We Know So Far
- Livability.com named Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines to its Top 100 Best Places to Live for 2026, according to the Des Moines Register.
- Iowa City ranked No. 31 on the list, an improvement from its No. 38 spot in 2025, while Cedar Rapids placed at No. 33 and Des Moines entered the list at No. 93.
- Milwaukee ranked eighth in the nation among the best places to retire in 2026 in a separate report by The Motley Fool, as detailed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- These Midwest recognitions come as other regions also receive praise, with a recent Business Insider report noting Texas cities dominated a different list of top places to live.
Which Iowa cities made the best city list?
Three Iowa cities earned spots on Livability.com's Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2026. The rankings specifically focused on cities with a median home value under $500,000, emphasizing affordability and reflecting the state's blend of economic stability and community spirit.
Iowa City climbed to No. 31, up from 38th place the previous year. The report celebrated its welcoming atmosphere, noting, "The phenomenon of 'Iowa Nice' is alive and well in Iowa City." With a population just under 78,000, the city is praised for its tight-knit community, strong "Hawkeye spirit," and the cultural and educational benefits of a major university town. The city’s median home value is $294,270, with an average household income of $58,893.
Cedar Rapids secured the No. 33 spot, a slight dip from its No. 29 ranking in 2025, yet still a strong showing. Recognized as a manufacturing powerhouse, the city is "the largest corn processor in the United States and the entire world," according to the Des Moines Register. This industrial strength provides a stable economic base. The median home value is $199,181, with an average household income of $69,896, showcasing a favorable income-to-housing cost ratio.
Des Moines made a notable entrance onto the list at No. 93 after not appearing in 2025. The state capital offers big-city amenities without prohibitive costs, with a median home value of $211,651 and an average household income of $66,188. This combination of career opportunities, cultural attractions, and manageable living expenses highlights its growing appeal as a vibrant, affordable metro area.
| Iowa City | 2026 Rank | Median Home Value | Average Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | #31 | $294,270 | $58,893 |
| Cedar Rapids | #33 | $199,181 | $69,896 |
| Des Moines | #93 | $211,651 | $66,188 |
Milwaukee's new ranking among top US cities
Milwaukee earned high marks as a top-tier retirement destination, landing at No. 8 on The Motley Fool's list of best places to retire in the U.S. for 2026. This ranking is significant because it is based on what retirees themselves say they value most.
The report highlights Milwaukee's unique blend of natural beauty and urban culture. Its prime location along Lake Michigan "means retirees can enjoy waterfront property and plenty of outdoor activities, along with brewery tours and visits to cultural icons like the Milwaukee Art Museum," according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The city's below-average cost of living and decent health care options were also cited as major draws for those on a fixed income.
However, the analysis also provides a balanced perspective, pointing out potential drawbacks you should consider. The Motley Fool report notes Milwaukee's cold, snowy winters as a significant negative. It also mentions relatively high property tax rates, high crime rates, and areas of urban blight as challenges the city faces. This transparency gives potential residents a realistic picture of life in the city.
This recognition is part of a broader trend identified by publications like Travel + Leisure, which notes that underrated Midwest cities are increasingly seen as ideal for retirement. The consistent core reasons are affordability and a high quality of life that allows for a comfortable and engaging retirement.
Understanding the new city ranking methodology
To understand why local cities are shining, examine the methodologies used by Livability.com and The Motley Fool. They reveal a clear focus on practical, real-world concerns like finances and well-being.
Livability.com's 2026 list was built on a foundation of affordability. By only including cities with a median home value under $500,000, the ranking automatically favors places where homeownership is more attainable. This focus on housing and cost of living is why you see cities like Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, with home values around $200,000, performing so well. It’s a direct response to the national housing crisis and the search for places where your income goes further.
The Motley Fool took a different, more personal approach for its retirement list. The financial advice company surveyed 2,000 retired people across the country to find out what they actually prioritize. The results were clear: quality of life was the most important factor, weighted at 31%. This was followed by health care access (15%) and housing affordability (13%). According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, this method was designed to be "reflecting real retiree needs and preferences rather than assumptions about where people 'should' retire." Milwaukee's high ranking is a direct result of its ability to deliver on these key priorities.
What Happens Next
These national rankings have real-world impacts on communities. This recognition signals positive momentum for the local economy and civic pride, and serves as a powerful marketing tool to attract new talent, businesses, and investment.
Local leaders will leverage this news: city governments and economic development agencies in Iowa and Milwaukee will incorporate these accolades into their promotional materials. This can help shape the national perception of the Midwest as a destination for young professionals and retirees looking for a balanced lifestyle, attracting new residents and influencing the local housing market.
Looking ahead, we will be watching to see if this positive attention translates into measurable growth. Will it spur new development projects? Will it encourage more companies to relocate or expand here? These are the open questions that will define the long-term benefit of these rankings. As we continue to explore what makes our city special, from its hidden gem restaurants to its vibrant family-friendly events, this national recognition adds another exciting chapter to our story.
