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Is the Big Apple calling your name? Or should you move to the more classical Boston? From the ‘Wind City’ Chicago to Los Angeles to the more fabulous Seattle, each US city has got its charm. And it is natural to have difficulty in deciding which city to pick as your new home.
To help you, we have listed out the top 10 largest cities in the US by population. Good luck in moving to the new home.
| Rank | City | State | Area | Population (2020) |
| 1 | New York City | New York | 472.43 sq mi | 8,804,190 |
| 2 | Los Angeles | California | 501.55 sq mi | 3,898, 747 |
| 3 | Chicago | Illinois | 234.53 sq mi | 2,746,388 |
| 4 | Houston | Texas | 671.67 sq mi | 2,304,580 |
| 5 | Phoenix | Arizona | 519.29 sq mi | 1,608,139 |
| 6 | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | 142.70 sq mi | 1,603,797 |
| 7 | San Antonio | Texas | 505.64 sq mi | 1,434,625 |
| 8 | San Diego | California | 372.42 sq mi | 1,386,932 |
| 9 | Dallas | Texas | 383.46 sq mi | 1,304,379 |
| 10 | San Jose | California | 181.36 sq mi | 1,013,240 |
New York City, NY
Nicknames: The Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps
When you say ‘the city that never sleeps’ the image of New York City flashes to the mind and it is not accidental. The most photographed city truly does not sleep. New York City or NYC is the financial, cultural, and media capital of the world and greatly influences commerce, entertainment, research, technology, education, politics, tourism, art, fashion, and sports across the globe. It is highly diverse and has one of the largest foreign-born populations in the world.
New York is where the most number of millionaires in the world reside and it is naturally expensive to find a home here. However, the city has an abundance of job opportunities and also unlimited entertainment options, both outdoor and indoor.
- Median Home Price: $849,000
- Median Rental Rate: $2,500 a month
- Median Household Income: $63,998
Read Here New York Moving Guide
Los Angeles, CA
Nicknames: City of Angels, La La Land, the Big Orange, and Tinseltown
The home to American cinema and Hollywood, Los Angeles is often addressed as LA and is the world’s entertainment capital. Initially, a Spanish city, LA became a part of the US after the Mexican American War in 1848. The city’s economy is strong and diverse with the availability of unlimited job opportunities, LA is a favorite target of job hunters. The climate is moderate and LA has many beaches, forest trails, open parks, and amusement centers.
- Median Home Price: $950,000
- Median Rental Rate: $3,200 a month
- Median Household Income: $62,142
Chicago, IL
Nickname: The Windy City
Situated on the banks of Lake Michigan, Chicago is an international hub for finance, culture, commerce, industry, education, technology, telecommunications, and transportation. A truly global city, Chicago is also one of the most visited cities in the US and is known for its shopping centers, marvelous architecture, food scene, and universities. Though the city is expensive, thousands of middle-income people call Chicago their home as many low-budget accommodations are available.
- Median Home Price: $359,000
- Median Rental Rate: $1,670 a month
- Median Household Income: $58,247
You may read Chicago Moving Guide
Houston, TX
Nicknames: Space City, Bayou City, H Town, and the Big Heart
What makes Houston special from many other large US cities is the presence of science and technology institutions especially related to space and astronomy. A major economic center with industries concentrated on energy, manufacturing, and transportation, Houston also boasts of one of the best healthcare systems in the world. This along with a warm climate, excellent neighborhoods, and affordable real estate contributes to making Texas one of the most sought-after cities in the US.
- Median Home Price: $308,000
- Median Rental Rate: $1,600 a month
- Median Household Income: $52,338
Phoenix Az
Nicknames: The Valley of the Sun, the Salt River Valley
Phoenix boasts of a vibrant and warm topography, packed with deserted mountains and unlimited hiking trails. The city is one of the best sun-kissed in the US with 300+ sunny days and its thriving economy with a big focus on healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and realty business contributes to a high standard of living. Phones also have unlimited golfing options and both professionals and retirees prefer calling the city their home.
- Median Home Price: $335,000
- Median Rental Rate: $1,690 a month
- Median Household Income: $57,459
Philadelphia, PA
Nickname: The City of Brotherly Love
It is true that Philadelphia is historically the most significant in the US but the city is more than that. The thriving economy packed with finance, healthcare, biotechnology, IT, trade, oil refining, food processing, and tourism opens up unlimited job opportunities making Philadelphia one of the most welcoming cities. The largest city in Pennsylvania is also a center of arts, music, and culture and has got many venues to entertain. Philadelphia is also known for its rich neighborhoods and top-class education centers.
- Median Home Price: $257,950
- Median Rental Rate: 700 a month
- Median Household Income: $45,927
San Antonio, TX
Nickname: Alamo City
San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US and this has contributed to a thriving job market. Military, oil and gas, tourism, finance, and civil services are the major sectors where jobs can be found easily. San Antonio also boasts of a rich heritage which is displayed in its many festivals happening year-round. The low cost of living, availability of education options, affordable housing, and climate are other reasons that make San Antonio a good city to reside in.
- Median Home Price: $240,000
- Median Rental Rate: $1,470 a month
- Median Household Income: $52,455
San Diego, CA
Nickname: America’s Finest City
Those who doubt why San Diego is called the ‘America’s Finest City’ need to visit here once. The unlimited beaches, vibrant food scene, strong sports culture, and a never-ending list of festivals complement the booming job market of San Diego and make it one of the best cities to call your home. San Diego is a start-up hub and you’ll see many new ventures coming up every day. If you can think out of the box, come to San Diego to settle in.
- Median Home Price: $719,450
- Median Rental Rate: $2,800 a month
- Median Household Income: $79,673
Dallas, TX
Nickname: The Big D
Dallas is a noted center for entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. About 9 Fortune 500 companies function within the city limits and this paves way for unlimited job opportunities. Highly cosmopolitan, Dallas also boasts of top-notch public schools, sunny weather, and affordable real estate. The city ranks high in healthcare and is also known for its wide range of cuisines and dining options. There’s also no shortage of entertainment in the city.
- Median Home Price: $419,000
- Median Rental Rate: $1,800 a month
- Median Household Income: $52,580
San Jose, CA
Nickname: The Capital of Silicon Valley
The proximity to San Francisco and Los Angeles has made San Jose a tech hub and many top tech giants including Adobe, Cisco, Apigee, and Xactly call the city their home. Apart from the solid job market and booming economy, San Jose is also a prominent center for arts, music, culture, and entertainment and the city has many such centers to unwind. The presence of top-rated schools, hospitals, and robust infrastructure, complemented by a diverse population has made San Jose one of the top 10 livable cities in the US.
See details of San Jose Moving guide
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