Bellevue Among Best U.S. Cities: 2021 Niche Ranking

BELLEVUE, WA — Bellevue took one of the top spots in a new list of the best cities to live in the United States, according to a new Niche report. The rankings were compiled using city data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other sources.

Niche considered a variety of topics to determine a town or city's standing, including affordability, the local housing market, neighborhood diversity, local public schools and walkability.

Bellevue came in 10th place on the nationwide list of best cities, receiving an overall grade from Niche of A+. However, the city lost some points in a few categories:

• Public Schools: A+
• Housing: C+
• Good for Families: A+
• Jobs: B+
• Cost of Living: C-
• Outdoor Activities: A+
• Crime & Safety: C+
• Nightlife: A
• Diversity: A
• Weather: B
• Health & Fitness: A+
• Commute: A

Bellevue also landed in Niche's top 10 in several other national categories:

• Cities with the Best Public Schools: #3
• Best Cities for Outdoor Activities: #5
• Healthiest Cities: #6
• Best Cities to Raise a Family: #7

Also placing high on the best cities rankings was nearby Seattle, coming in three spots below Bellevue at No. 13. Nationally, Niche's research found that Chesterbrook, Pa., was the best place to live in America, while The Woodlands, Texas, earned top honors.

Top 5 Best Cities to Live in America:

1. The Woodlands, Texas
2. Arlington, Virginia
3. Naperville, Illinois
4. Overland Park, Kansas
5. Cambridge, Massachusetts

Check out the rankings for other Washington cities on the Niche website.

Patch editors Amber Fisher and Payton Potter contributed to this report.