10 great places to live in the Midwest

The Midwest is affectionately — and accurately — known as “America’s Heartland.” It’s known for its assortment of small towns with deep roots and down-to-earth attitudes and an assortment of industrial and agricultural professions intermingling together. But don’t let this nostalgic description fool you. You can find everything you want here in the heart of the country. From water sports on the Great Lakes to the architecturally awe-inspiring streets of Chicago, everyone can find something to love in the Midwest.

Also see: The best affordable little cities to live in America

1. Carmel, Ind.

Great schools and access to jobs and health care make Carmel, Ind., one of the best places to live in the Midwest. Located just north of Indianapolis, Carmel offers a slightly slower lifestyle for daily life with all the amenities of a mid-size city nearby.

A thriving arts scene means residents don’t have to go far for cultural enrichment. The Center for the Performing Arts is a three-venue, world-class performing arts center home to the Palladium Concert Hall and two additional theaters, the Tarkington and Studio Theater, where residents can catch plays, concerts and other performance events. It is also home to the Great American Songbook Foundation, an affiliate of the Grammy Museum.

With one of the highest safety scores, Carmel is a comfortable and relaxed place to raise a family. Well-regulated traffic and bike and walking paths make it a safe place to be out and about, and despite its relatively small size, Carmel has more than 700 acres of parks and greenways to explore and enjoy. Carmel is also home to the legendary Monon Bike Trail. This railroad-turned-trail spans central Indiana for nearly 30 miles and is an off-the-beaten-path way to explore the region. 

This Midwest city shines in the warmer months but does not go into hibernation, with festivals, a winter farmers market and a conscious effort made city-wide to keep residents active and engaged year-round.

2. Overland Park, Kan.

While it’s long been considered a gateway to Kansas City, there’s much worth sticking around for in Overland Park, Kan., which has best-in-class youth sports venues, delicious barbecue, a growing brewery scene, a love for the arts and some beautiful gardens. 

A combination of safe neighborhoods, nationally-ranked schools and strong health care and wellness options make Overland Park one of the best places to live in the Midwest. The economy is also robust in Overland Park, with many job options across several sectors. For example, T-Mobile
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which recently acquired Sprint, is one of the biggest employers in Overland Park. 

Residents have all kinds of fun things to do in their downtime, from enjoying dinner and a show at The New Theatre & Restaurant to shopping for fruits, veggies, fresh-baked bread and jams at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market and playing simulated golf games at TopGolf. Feeling crafty? Shop for plants and paint a pot for it to live in at Creative Culture, a DIY craft studio and over-the-top milkshake bar where you can turn your Pinterest board into something tangible.

Overland Park also has tons of parks: In fact, you could go to a new park every weekend and still not cover them all. But one of the favorites is Roe Park, which has a large playground with a splash pad and lighted tennis courts. Consider buying an annual membership to the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, where you’ll want to be a regular. You can slip away into a 300-acre oasis of gardens, ponds, trails, wide open prairie, sculptures and play areas. The arboretum hosts all kinds of cool events like bird walks, wildflower walks, plant sales, seedling giveaways, wine tastings and a “Botanical Brewfest.”

One more thing: With the Kansas City Chiefs being the reigning Super Bowl champs, there’s a palpable team spirit in these parts. New residents will definitely want to pick up some red-and-gold gear at Scheels or Made in KC.

See: Kansas City Chiefs ticket sales and searches have tripled since Taylor Swift became a fan, StubHub says

3. Fishers, Ind.

You’ll be hard-pressed not to be charmed by Fishers, Ind., a thriving suburb of Indy, and one of the best places to live in the Midwest. With a rapidly growing population (increasing roughly 2% every year), Fishers is a city to watch over the next few years and decades. 

Be sure to read: The fastest-growing American cities are also some of the places with the worst climate-change effects

“I think Fishers is so special because it has such a variety of amenities — a family looking for things to do, a solo adventure, if you are looking for a girls’ night, a guys’ getaway. There is a really diverse amount of attractions and dining,” says Gabriella Blauert, communications manager for Visit Hamilton County.  

In Fishers, you can experience big-city entertainment amenities — like the Nickel Plate District, which has a ton of restaurants, breweries, and live entertainment — but live in an area with an astoundingly low crime rate. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, there were only 77 instances of violent crime in all of 2021, and the crime rate is 5.2 times smaller than the national average. 

In addition to low crime, Fishers has a commitment to developing a healthy community with programs like WeCare, which provides free fall prevention home audits for seniors. Even celebrities are invested in Fishers community health: The Peyton Manning Children’s Outpatient Center at St. Vincent Fishers offers specialty pediatric care. 

If you’re looking to grow your career and make your next steps, the entrepreneurial community in Fishers can’t be topped, thanks to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in place. Launch Fishers, for instance, is a 52,000-square-foot coworking space for entrepreneurs and creators with more than 600 members, making it the largest in the Midwest. Or Hub & Spoke is a 94,000-square-foot, master-planned, mixed-use development and partnership with the city that includes a design center with retail showrooms, plus a maker space and coworking space. 

Also see: Good schools, great scenery and more: 10 of the best places to live in the Southeast U.S.

4. Naperville, Ill.

Naperville, Ill., is often considered one of the best places to live in the Midwest., and it’s not hard to see why. This charming western suburb of Chicago has all the hallmarks of a great community: Top-notch schools (seriously, they are among the best in Illinois), an excellent safety record (it was recently named the safest city in America), and quite literally one of the best libraries in the entire country. They also can boast a highly-rated hospital, so you won’t typically need to head into the big city to receive an excellent standard of care. 

But what makes Naperville stand out from the rest of the small towns and suburbs around the country is its commitment to community and voluntarism. One of the most beloved areas of Naperville — the Riverwalk, which is about a two-mile stretch of gorgeous trails and event spaces alongside the DuPage River — was actually developed by volunteers. Various community get-togethers and festivals, like farmers markets and concerts, keep residents connected. In addition, the city of just under 150,000 is the perfect mix of big-city attractions and small-town magic, and the cost of living is lower than the neighboring Windy City.  

Getting around is easy. Naperville residents have access to both a bus service and commuter rails. In addition, O’Hare International, Midway International, DuPage and Aurora Municipal airports are all reasonably close by if your travels take you further from home. 

5. Troy, Mich.

Troy, Mich., is a vibrant suburb of Detroit, located approximately 24 miles to the northwest. The dozens of major companies that are based there (such as J.D. Power & Associates and ThyssenKrupp
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) help boost the city’s economy and keep the unemployment and tax rates down. Troy is also known for its excellent city services, good quality of life, affordability, and a plethora of outdoor resources — all of which justify Troy’s ranking among the best places to live in the Midwest.

Troy was named after its namesake city in New York and, indirectly, after the original, ancient city of Troy. It’s a great place to start a family, thanks to the highly rated schools, including a stand-out fine arts program, along with a college and branches of several universities. Not to mention that Troy was voted the safest city in Michigan and the 19th safest city in the whole country. 

Check out: Five college towns worth staying put in after graduation

The city is a dreamland for the outdoorsy types, with lakes, streams, trees, two golf courses, a nature center, a skate park, disc golf courses, tennis and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields, play and picnic areas and a thousand acres of parks. But those who feel more at home indoors won’t feel left out, either. The retail heaven that is Troy includes a 1.4-million-square-foot shopping and dining empire known as the Somerset Collection.

6. Olathe, Kan.

Steeped in rich western history, Olathe, Kan., has always been a city with a pioneering spirit. Once a major stop on the Santa Fe Trail in the 19th century, Olathe made its mark as a place to create (cowboy boots were quite literally invented here). Today, it’s one of the best places to live in the Midwest., where entrepreneurs flock thanks to programs like GrowOlathe — an initiative that helps young businesses get technical assistance to help them flourish. As one of the hottest spots in the Midwest, the city promotes “economic gardening,” giving local businesses the technical assistance needed to grow.

Beyond just business, Olathe has bragging rights to a highly educated workforce (about 50.2% of Olathe citizens have a college degree), a stellar public school system and a hospital that continually gets accolades. In fact, Olathe Medical Center was named one of the top 100 hospitals in 2021.

But it isn’t all work and no play in Olathe. The city is named for the Shawnee word for ‘beautiful,’ its gorgeous rolling hills and stunning scenic scapes help Olathe live up to its moniker. In addition, Olathe has a low crime rate and many amenities and attractions to keep residents entertained. 

Related: 6 charming small towns close to big city action

Olathe is also the fourth-largest city in Kansas, and since 2000, its population has nearly doubled. Still, the residents here have fostered a tight-knit community and created an open and welcoming place to live. 

7. Bloomington, Minn.

You’ll find everything you need in Bloomington, Minn. There’s, of course, the Mall of America, which has 5.6 million feet so you can shop til’ you drop (plus learn how crayons are made, go through a maze of mirrors and ride rollercoasters). But, as one of the best places to live in the Midwest., Bloomington also has A+ schools, fantastic health care, unrivaled parks and some unexpected gems like a peaceful Japanese garden and a ski hill with a snowmaker that makes fresh powder so you can hit the slopes in the winter. 

And, because Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, there are plenty of places to spread your legs outside. Visit Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun for waterfront favorites like fishing or swimming. Looking to stay on dry land? Bloomington has many bike paths, public parks and several golf courses. 

Bloomington is also a close-knit community where residents practice what they preach. Bloomington is a place that values diversity and inclusion. A few years ago, the city hired a full-time racial equality coordinator. 

Check out: 5 unforgettable towns for a winter getaway

There are plenty of jobs in Bloomington, too, as the region is a hub for headquarters. The Greater Minneapolis region is home to Fortune 500 companies like Target
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Best Buy
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Land O’ Lakes, General Mills
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and many more. Plus, an international airport nearby makes it easy for business travelers to make weekly commutes and those using up their PTO days.

8. Rochester Hills, Mich.

Located 30 miles north of Detroit, Rochester Hills is considered a big city suburb — with a much calmer, safer and more outdoor-centric vibe. With a population of around 76,000, Rochester Hills is the 14th largest city in Michigan. The low crime rate and the strength of the Avondale and Rochester Community School Districts make it a family-friendly town, and the majority of residents own their own homes. Medical care is also top-notch, with many hospitals located near Rochester Hills. Add to that the endless variety of activities, and it’s no wonder that Rochester Hills is one of the best places to live in the Midwest.

There is plenty to do there, no matter what your idea of fun might be. Watch a concert, show or sporting event at the Meadowbrook Amphitheatre. Play golf on one of several courses or soak in nature at one of the many parks. Take in some history at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm or at the old-timey water-powered Yates Cider Mill. Or find something you can’t live without at the Village of Rochester Hills, which is a 375,000-square-foot outdoor shopping district with a downtown-like feel.

Read: We want culture, dining and wilderness in areas with homes for $300,000 – so where should we retire?

9. Evanston, Ill.

Evanston, Ill., is the perfect suburb for people who think they don’t like suburbs. With classic architecture, arts venues, a fantastic food scene and loads of outdoor activities, it offers the best of city life within a relaxed suburban community. With Northwestern University — one of the top colleges in the U.S. — at its core, Evanston draws an intellectual crowd. And yet, with so many fun amenities, this city of almost 77,000 offers something for everyone. So it’s no wonder Evanston is becoming known as one of the top places to live in the Midwest.

Sitting just 13 miles north of the Windy City, Evanston is a large suburb where it’s more affordable than Chicago, and it is easy to commute to one of the U.S.’s most bustling cities. Residents can also access several metro and bus connections, making commuting very convenient. Evanston’s location also offers a unique position along the coast of Lake Michigan, which means when the warm weather hits, this city has five gorgeous beaches to enjoy. While the university’s traditional brick and stone architecture and surrounding areas are stunning, so are the 76 parks that offer accessible outdoor activities.

Although taking the metro into Chicago for dinner is convenient, foodies don’t need to leave Evanston to find a great meal. In fact, in 2019, Thrillist named Evanston one of “The Country’s Best Suburbs for People Who Love Food.” Food options range from casual joints like The Evanston Chicken Shack to the chic The Barn Steakhouse. Interestingly, Evanston was a dry town until 1972. Now, it’s filled with hip bars, including the popular Temperance Beer Co., whose name is a cheeky nod to the town’s previous anti-alcohol status. 

Arts and culture are easily accessible in this college town. Besides offerings on the Northwestern campus, there are fantastic music venues all over Evanston, like Space, an intimate music hall featuring various genres. 

Also see: I live in the South and don’t want to retire here. I’m seeking four seasons, diversity and outdoor living. Where should I retire?

10. Lee’s Summit, Mo.

A charming downtown that blends revitalized historic buildings, murals and sculptures and unique stores, cafes and restaurants are just one of the many reasons Lee’s Summit, Mo., is one of the best places to live in the Midwest. The city has a friendly, small-town Midwestern feel with traditional suburban neighborhoods for families and an active downtown with apartments and condos near a bustling Main Street. Together, these give Lee’s Summit an urban energy and suburban sensibility that is hard to beat. 

See: Six towns worth visiting for their historic downtowns

Lee’s Summit is attractive for young families and professionals looking to start a family thanks to its high marks in education. The Lee’s Summit R-7 School District is one of Missouri’s largest and most highly regarded school districts. In addition, the schools and local hospitals are some of the largest employers in the area, and locals have easy access to top-notch care. 

With Kansas City nearby, residents have reasonable commute times and access to bigger city amenities. But, there is plenty to do in town. Lee’s Summit has abundant recreational opportunities, including access to several lakes, parks and wildlife areas. In recent years, the community’s downtown has been revitalized and helped foster a strong sense of community and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Going from Fourth Friday Art Walks to fishing, riding ATVs, or boating on Saturday morning makes Lee’s Summit a great place to live, no matter your interests.  

See all 25 cities and read the original article on Livability.

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