The Best Cities in the United States According to RoadTour.Net for 2025-2026

RoadTour.Net Writers
1 day ago
3 min read

Downtown Cincinnati in the Distance from Kentucky (RoadTour.Net Photo)

Over the years, we have embarked on numerous journeys across a diverse array of both major and smaller cities throughout the United States. Each destination has offered us unique experiences, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable memories. Given our extensive exploration, we felt it would be not only appropriate but also beneficial to compile and share our carefully curated list of the top cities in the U.S. This list reflects our personal insights and observations, highlighting what makes each city special and worth visiting. From bustling metropolises with towering skyscrapers to charming towns with rich histories, each city has its own distinct character and charm that contributes to the tapestry of American life. Furthermore, to enhance your experience and provide a visual representation of our adventures, we invite you to watch our engaging road tour videos on YouTube that showcase many of these remarkable cities. These videos capture the essence of each location, offering glimpses into local attractions, culinary delights, and the overall atmosphere that defines each urban landscape.

We hope our list, videos, and articles will inspire your own travels and encourage you to discover the beauty and diversity that the United States has to offer.

BEST SMALL-MEDIUM SIZED CITIES

America’s top small cities offer a lifestyle that feels perfectly balanced—big enough to provide everything residents need, yet small enough to stay welcoming, manageable, and community-focused. Across your top 10, these cities combine the fun, convenience, and amenities of the suburbs with the charm, character, and ease that only small cities can provide.

#10. MATTHEWS, NORTH CAROLINA

#9. ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON

#8. WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA

#7. NOBLESVILLE, INDIANA

#6. LONE TREE, COLORADO

#5. CARY, NORTH CAROLINA

#4. STEILACOOM, WASHINGTON

#3. ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

#2. ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

#1. CARMEL, INDIANA

BEST BIG CITIES

America’s top cities are increasingly redefining what urban living feels like. Rather than forcing residents to choose between walkable city life and the comfort of the suburbs, these standout cities deliver the best of both worlds. Across Road Tour's top 10, each city offers the excitement of a thriving urban center—vibrant neighborhoods, award-winning restaurants, cultural venues, nightlife, and diverse job opportunities—while also providing the ease, amenities, and breathing room that people traditionally associate with suburban living.

These cities feature expansive parks, family-friendly recreation, convenient shopping districts, and plentiful outdoor spaces that encourage an active, relaxed lifestyle. Many offer affordable or flexible housing options, quieter residential pockets, and easy access to everyday conveniences like trails, playgrounds, community centers, and neighborhood gathering spots. At the same time, strong transit systems and thoughtfully designed infrastructure make it simple to move between peaceful residential areas and bustling downtown scenes.

#10. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

#9. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

#8. CINCINNATI, OHIO

#7. RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

#6. DALLAS, TEXAS

#5. PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

#4. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

#3. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

#2. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

#1. DENVER, COLORADO

BEST METRO AREAS

The top metro areas in the United States stand out not only for their size and economic strength but for their remarkable ability to combine big-city vibrancy with the comfort, space, and convenience of suburban living. In these regions, residents enjoy the full spectrum of amenities—world-class dining, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and thriving job markets—while still having access to the quieter, family-friendly qualities traditionally found in the suburbs.

Across these metros, you’ll find walkable neighborhoods, top-tier schools, expansive parks, and diverse housing options, from sleek urban apartments to spacious suburban homes. Many of these areas prioritize green spaces and outdoor recreation, offering hundreds of trails, waterfronts, and community parks that make downtime feel easy and accessible. At the same time, extensive transit networks and modern infrastructure keep people connected to bustling downtowns, major employers, universities, and regional hubs.

What truly sets these leading U.S. metros apart is their ability to deliver an ideal lifestyle blend: the energy and opportunity of a major city paired with the comfort, safety, and breathing room of the suburbs. It’s this combination of fun, convenience, and livability that continues to attract newcomers, support growing families, and keep long-time residents happy across the country.

#10. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH:

Salt Lake City–Murray, UT Metro Area

#9. COLUMBUS, OHIO:

Columbus-Westerville-Grove City, OH Metro Area

#8. TAMPA, FLORIDA:

Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater, FL Metro Area

#7. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON:

Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue, WA Metro Area

#6. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA:

Indianapolis–Carmel–Greenwood, IN Metro Area

#5. DENVER, COLORADO:

Denver–Aurora–Centennial, CO Metro Area