10 of the Best Run Cities in America, According to a New Report
Balancing diverse public interests with limited resources is no easy feat. City leaders face tough choices every day, like keeping residents happy, allocating city budgets, and managing local taxes. Transparency is more important than ever, and citizens want to know how their local leaders are running their cities.
You may not think about how cities function until you live in a poorly run one– crumbling streets, bad public transit, limited healthcare, low-quality schools, and a high unemployment rate– no one wants to be in an area like that.
A well-run city is not just about good governance; many factors contribute to a city’s success or failure. A recent study looked at around a hundred major cities across the U.S. and evaluated their local leadership effectiveness in areas like financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure. Curious about the results? Check out these best-run cities and see if you agree!
Nampa, Idaho
Nampa might come off as a charming rural town with affordable homes and a laid-back atmosphere, but it’s making waves as the best-run city in America. While many cities struggle with an average debt of around $30,000 per person, Nampa has an astonishingly low debt of just $564. That’s 57.5 times less than San Francisco, California!
But there’s more to this Heart of Treasure Valley. Nampa enjoys the highest annual median income growth in the country at 17%. It’s also a safe place to live, ranking sixth for low property crime and 22nd for low violent crime rates nationwide.
Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
If you want to find the friendliest people, go to Lexington and experience real Southern hospitality. It’s one of the best-run cities in terms of job opportunities, affordable living costs, and high quality of life.
Residents rave about the city’s dedicated personnel, who are smart, caring, and resourceful. Lexington has earned a reputation for smart budget management, ensuring resources are used wisely. Plus, it’s making strides in sustainability, promoting green initiatives, and working hard to reduce its environmental impact.
Boise, Idaho
The City of Trees is one of the most peaceful cities in the U.S. It offers low crime, great job opportunities, and an affordable cost of living, making it an easy place to settle down. The city is also home to excellent public schools and Boise State University.
Locals and visitors love Boise’s vibrant downtown, which is filled with parks, great restaurants, and plenty to do. It’s no surprise that many consider it one of the best places in the country to raise a family.
Nashua, New Hampshire
Nashua might be famous for being an early stop in the Presidential race, but it’s also ranked as the safest city in the country. That makes it a great place to live, work, and have fun without worrying much about your family’s well-being.
This city offers a good mix of urban and suburban living with a tight-knit community feel. Its diverse economy spans manufacturing, tech, and services, giving residents plenty of job options. And if you love the outdoors, Nashua has beautiful parks and trails for outdoor adventures.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
They don’t call it The Big Friendly for nothing—Oklahoma City ranks fifth among the best-run cities in the U.S., thanks to smart management and efficient use of public funds, which bring top-notch services to residents.
Living here means enjoying a cost of living that’s 15% below the national average while still getting many big-city perks. The city’s economy is booming, with aviation, aerospace, bioscience, and energy industries driving growth. Oklahoma’s innovative Quality Jobs Program even offers cash incentives to companies creating good jobs, making it a business-friendly hot spot.
Durham, North Carolina
Durham draws people in with its rich history, world-class university, and vibrant food scene. It’s also home to Research Triangle Park, one of the largest research hubs globally, with over 300 companies in tech, pharma, and biotech.
Ranked sixth for having the most effective leaders, the Bull City stands out for its financial stability, ranking fourth for managing city debt and earning a strong credit rating. While it scores high for services and budget management, the city still faces challenges with pollution and infrastructure improvements.
Provo, Utah
Ranked as the seventh best-run city, this city receives good ratings in terms of safety, financial stability, education, and health. It also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. It was named America’s “top-performing city” thanks to impressive job and wage growth and a growing network of tech professionals attracting entrepreneurs.
Wondering if it’s a fun place to live? Absolutely. It’s got easy access to shopping, dining, hiking, Utah Lake, snowboarding, and more.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne might be known for its three rivers, but it’s also Indiana’s second-largest city and one of the best-run in the U.S. It’s a growing metro area that attracts people with its great job market, excellent schools, and easy weekend escapes.
The city’s recent investments in downtown development and trail systems have made outdoor activities even more appealing. In the last five to ten years, Fort Wayne has become an even more inviting place to live, and locals are hoping to see more progress.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Despite being the most populous city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls has earned its place as the ninth best-run city in the U.S. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, boasting a strong career market in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing—all while keeping housing affordable.
This city is a fantastic choice for families, offering safe schools that are becoming increasingly diverse. It also fosters a community known for its philanthropic spirit and variety of churches.
Wichita, Kansas
Looking for a great quality of life without breaking the bank? Wichita offers a range of affordable housing options. Known as the “Air Capital of the World,” it’s home to major aerospace companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, creating a wealth of opportunities for engineers and skilled professionals.
The Cowtown is also becoming a hotspot for startups, thanks to programs like the e2e Accelerator and Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus. Just keep in mind that not every neighborhood has equal access to parks and recreational spaces.
Source: WalletHub
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State capitals are supposed to be the heart of important political decisions, business hubs, and education centers. You’d think they would represent the very best of what each state has to offer, right? But in reality, every capital has its ups and downs. Some are fantastic places to live, while others have their fair share of issues.
Read more: 10 of the Best and Worst U.S. Capital Cities, According to Americans
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Read more: These 10 U.S. Cities Are Surprisingly Safer (or Riskier) Than You Think
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Read more: 12 of the Most Underrated Cities in the U.S. Americans Say To Add to Your Bucket List
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Read more: New Study Reveals the 11 Best Cities for Night Owls
