Livability.com has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live list, and Appleton has earned a spot among the nation’s most vibrant and livable small to mid-sized cities.
Now in its 13th year, Livability's annual ranking is unique in its focus on cities with populations between 75,000 and 500,000 – the "sweet spot" size that offers big opportunities while remaining small enough to feel like home. In a time of shifting economic tides, Appleton's inclusion underscores its commitment to maintaining a community where residents can truly thrive.
"Our 'Top 100' is an annual data-driven collection of what we consider to be the best small to mid-size cities," says Amanda Ellis, Livability.com Editor-in-Chief. "As Americans face consistently evolving work dynamics and a desire for the best quality of life possible amidst inflation and uncertainty, our list celebrates places where people can more realistically build families, launch businesses and lead meaningful lives."
To build this list, Livability partnered with the data experts at Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS) to analyze nearly 100 data points across eight essential categories:
Because Americans face a higher cost of living than ever before, this year's proprietary algorithm gave extra weight to the Housing and Cost of Living category. To ensure the 2026 list remains attainable and affordable, Livability only includes cities with a median home value under $500,000.
Appleton stands out for its exceptional performance in the education, safety and amenities categories, proving it is a place where people can actually afford to live, work and play.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work of your city's leaders, residents and businesses. Here are a couple of ways to celebrate the good news:
For additional inquiries, please contact:
Amanda Ellis
aellis@livability.com