Best places to live in the US revealed - and quaint town where David Copperfield was born takes top spot

The best place to live in the U.S. has been revealed - and it might come as a surprise. 

Out of all 50 states, and an estimated 35,000 cities and towns in the country, a town in the Garden State has been crowned first place. 

Metuchen, New Jersey, technically considered a suburban borough in Middlesex County, is the best town to live in the U.S., according to Money. 

The quaint area, that is a little more than two square miles, has a population of more than 14,000 and is considered a part of Central New Jersey. The magician David Copperfield is among the famous names born there.

For many New Jersey-ans, there has long been a debate over whether Central Jersey exists, as some believe there are just two parts to the state: North and South. 

Metuchen, New Jersey, has been named the best place to live in the U.S.

The quaint town that is a little more than two square miles, has a population of more than 14,000 and is considered a part of Central New Jersey

In August, Governor Phil Murphy decided to settle the debate himself, and made it clear that Central New Jersey should be considered a designated region in the Garden State. 

1. Metuchen, New Jersey 

The small town of a little more than 14,000 residents is known for its popular main street, good eats, small businesses and for being a commuter town. 

Although Metuchen's main street is just two blocks long, it is filled with multiple restaurants, coffee shops and book stores and is known to frequently host town events. 

Metuchen is also known for its easy commute to New York City, which can be completed by car, train or bus. 

By way of the NJ Transit system and by car, it takes just under an hour to enter the Big Apple. 

The small town is also known for its highly rated public school system, which placed in the state's top 50. 

Although Metuchen's main street is just two blocks long, it is filled with multiple restaurants, coffee shops, book stores, and is known to frequently host town events

Metuchen is considered a very walkable place that gives residents the ease of running errands and enjoying the town on foot. 

It is home to the Middlesex Greenway 3.5-mile walking path that was once a railroad. 

The median listing price of homes in Metuchen is $616,000 while the unemployment rate is 4.1 percent. 

2. Ybor City, Florida 

The second best place to live in the U.S. is Ybor City, Florida. 

The Tampa neighborhood is known for its warm weather, beach access, rich culture and a free streetcar system. 

Ybor City, also known as 'Cigar City,' is home to Cuban, Italian and Spanish immigrants. 

On its main street on 7th Avenue, residents and tourists can enjoy cafes, restaurants and spectacular cigar factories. 

Roaming roosters are also known to make their way around the neighborhood. 

Ybor is also known as one of the most walkable destinations in Tampa, but also offers public transportation options as well. 

With a population of less than 5,000, the median listing price of homes in the area is $322,000. The unemployment rate is three percent. 

On its main street on 7th Avenue, residents and tourists can enjoy cafes, restaurants and spectacular cigar factories

The Tampa neighborhood is known for its warm weather, beach access, rich culture and a free streetcar system 

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

In third place came Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

The scenic town is known for its spectacular views as it sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Also known as 'Scenic City,' Chattanooga is known for its impressive art which is on display at the Hunter Museum of American Art. 

The town also has great nightlife, filled with live music and upbeat crowds. 

A little more than 184,000 people make up the town and the median listing price is $352,500. The unemployment rate is three percent. 

Also known as 'Scenic City,' Chattanooga is known for its impressive art which is on display at the Hunter Museum of American Art

A little more than 184,000 people make up the town and the median listing price is $352,500

4. Portland, Maine 

The fourth best place to live in the country is Portland, Maine. 

The well-known and largest city in Maine is most commonly known for its good food options, including fresh seafood and an impressive coffee culture. 

Portland is also known for its art collection, walkable downtown area, and high-quality, clean tap water that is sourced from the Sebago Lake. 

It is also a great place for families and has a well regarded school system. 

The city's population is more than 68,000, the median listing price of a home is $735,000 and the unemployment rate is 2.8 percent, according to Money. 

Portland, Maine, came in fourth place. The large city is known for its art collection, walkable downtown area, and high-quality, clean tap water

5. Cincinnati, Ohio 

Cincinnati, Ohio came in fifth place. 

The city is known for its highly-ranked hospitals and colleges, big name companies and its affordable home prices. 

In recent years, the redevelopment of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood has boosted the popularity of the city. 

Much of the area has been restored, along with new additions, like the FC Cincinnati soccer stadium. 

With a population of more than 309,000, the median home listing rate is $259,900, while the unemployment rate is 2.8 percent. 

Cincinnati, Ohio came in fifth place. The city is known for its highly ranked hospitals and colleges, big name companies and its affordable home prices

6. Babcock Ranch, Florida 

The Sunshine State made the list twice as Babcock Ranch came in sixth place. 

The town is the country's first completely solar-powered town and is known as the 'hometown of tomorrow.' 

There are currently more than 650,000 solar panels that transport clean energy to more than 5,000 residents in town. 

Babcock Ranch is a walkable area with spots to stop for fresh produce, food trucks and music. Schools are also within walking distance. 

There are less than 5,000 people in town and the median listing price of a home is $464,800. The unemployment rate is 3.3 percent. 

The Sunshine State made the list twice as Babcock Ranch came in sixth place

Babcock Ranch is a walkable area with spots to stop for fresh produce, food trucks and music. Schools are also within walking distance

7. Bisbee, Arizona

The seventh best place to live in the U.S. is Bisbee, Arizona. 

The city is known for sustaining its historical aspects while also introducing a new-world and unique experience. 

Bisbee is also known for its welcoming and nurturing community, complete with bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries. 

The population is just above 5,000 and the median listing price is $290,000. The unemployment rate is 3.6 percent.  

The population is just above 5,000 and the median listing price is $290,000. The unemployment rate is 3.6 percent

Bisbee is also know for its welcoming and nurturing community, complete with bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries

8. La Crosse, Wisconsin

La Crosse, Wisconsin came in at eighth place. 

The city draws an outdoorsy crowd as the midwestern area is full of space for activities like hiking, climbing and boating. 

It is also known for its entertainment, including the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. 

The median listing price of a home in La Crosse is $264,900. The population is a little more then 51,000, with an unemployment rate of 2.2 percent.      

The city draws a outdoorsy crowd as the midwestern area is full of space for activities like hiking, climbing and boating

9. Thomasville, Georgia 

The ninth best place to live in the U.S. is Thomasville, Georgia. 

The small town with a little more than 18,000 residents is known for its antique car shows and antique markets. 

The small town with a little more than 18,000 residents is known for its antique car shows and and antique markets

It is also known for holding the Thomasville Rose Show and Festival that showcases 1,500 rose bushes every year. 

The median home price in Thomasville is $297,000, while the unemployment rate is 3.1 percent. 

10. Camas, Washington

The West Coast city of Camas, Washington came in 10th place. 

With a population of 27,371, Camas is known for its preserved nature, outdoor cafes, and a nice downtown area. 

With a population of 27,371, Camas is known for it preserved nature, outdoor cafes, and a nice downtown area

The city was named as a semi-finalist in the 2024 Great American Main Street Award. 

The median listing rate in Camas is $865,600 and the unemployment rate is five percent.