50 Best Places For The Young And Wealthy To Live

Rich, young Americans are not lining up to settle in the iconic cities of New York or Los Angeles anymore. Instead, they prefer safe urban areas like Austin and Seattle, where salaries can reach over $150,000, allowing them to accumulate and secure their wealth.

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To determine the best cities for young affluent individuals, GOBankingRates examined a variety of metrics using data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey, Sperling’s BestPlaces, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Federal Reserve Economic Data. They considered crime rates and livability indicators to evaluate overall quality of life for those earning a minimum household income of $150,000.

Here are 50 top-ranked cities for young, wealthy residents.

Sixth Street music and entertainment district in downtown Austin, Texas, USA.

Key Findings

Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the top city for young, wealthy residents. Approximately 40% of its population is between 25 to 44 years old, and 63% of households in this age group earn $150,000 or more.
Following Cambridge, the other top cities include Jersey City (New Jersey), Santa Clara (California), Hillsboro (Oregon), Boston, Sandy Springs (Georgia), Rochester (Minnesota), Austin (Texas), Seattle, and Sunnyvale (California).
Texas boasts the highest number of cities on the list, with seven locations ranked in the top 50: Austin (#8), Richardson (#18), Denton (#19), Dallas (#28), Irving (#34), Odessa (#41), and Lewisville (#46).
No cities in Florida made the top 50.

Continue reading to discover which cities stand out for young, wealthy Americans.

Discover More: 20 Best Cities Where You Can Buy a House for Under $100K

Explore: The Salary Needed To Afford Living in America’s 50 Largest Cities

Cambridge, Massachusetts skyline

1. Cambridge, Massachusetts

% of population ages 25-44: 40.2%
% of all households ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 29.1%
% of 25-44 households making $150K+ income: 63.0%
Livability score: 86
Property crime rate: 23.9
Violent crime rate: 4.8

Find Out: The 30 Safest and Richest U.S. Cities To Live in 2024

The Pier Apartments in Jersey City, with a view of the Lower Manhattan NYC skyline across the Hudson River.

2. Jersey City, New Jersey

% of population ages 25-44: 40.3%
% of all households ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 23.6%
% of 25-44 households making $150K+ income: 47.9%
Livability score: 82
Property crime rate: 14.4
Violent crime rate: 2.8

Sunset view of the street and surrounding buildings in Santa Clara, California.

3. Santa Clara, California

% of population ages 25-44: 39.9%
% of all households ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 23.8%
% of 25-44 households making $150K+ income: 61.7%
Livability score: 76
Property crime rate: 29.3
Violent crime rate: 2.1

Aerial view of a street intersection in Hillsboro, Oregon.

4. Hillsboro, Oregon

% of population ages 25-44: 35.2%
% of all households ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 16.5%
% of 25-44 households making $150K+ income: 54.2%
Livability score: 88
Property crime rate: 25.0
Violent crime rate: 2.9

Apartments in Boston, Massachusetts

5. Boston, Massachusetts

% of population ages 25-44: 36.3%
% of all households ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 21.0%
% of 25-44 households making $150K+ income: 55.7%
Livability score: 77
Property crime rate: 19.4
Violent crime rate: 6.3

Sandy Springs, Georgia

6. Sandy Springs, Georgia

% of population ages 25-44: 39.0%
% of all households ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 22.6%
Top Cities for Young Households with High Incomes

Explore the leading cities where young households thrive financially. These areas feature strong livability scores, thriving economies, and relatively low crime rates.
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 47.5%
- Livability score: 73
- Property crime rate: 16.9
- Violent crime rate: 1.5
Read More: What Is the Median Income for the Upper Middle Class in 2024?

7. Rochester, Minnesota
- % of population ages 25-44: 31.8%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 10.3%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 37.0%
- Livability score: 92
- Property crime rate: 15.9
- Violent crime rate: 1.6
8. Austin, Texas
- % of population ages 25-44: 40.4%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 20.9%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 40.3%
- Livability score: 83
- Property crime rate: 33.1
- Violent crime rate: 5.0
9. Seattle, Washington
- % of population ages 25-44: 41.7%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 24.2%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 58.7%
- Livability score: 75
- Property crime rate: 50.1
- Violent crime rate: 7.8
10. Sunnyvale, California
- % of population ages 25-44: 38.4%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 16.6%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 36.4%
- Livability score: 82
- Property crime rate: 19.2
- Violent crime rate: 2.5
11. Richmond, Virginia
- % of population ages 25-44: 35.5%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 17.2%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 41.7%
- Livability score: 84
- Property crime rate: 37.2
- Violent crime rate: 3.6
Read Next: How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State?

12. Grand Rapids, Michigan
- % of population ages 25-44: 33.6%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 17.1%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 45.2%
- Livability score: 83
- Property crime rate: 30.4
- Violent crime rate: 8.8
13. Quincy, Massachusetts
- % of population ages 25-44: 35.7%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 15.6%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 32.7%
- Livability score: 81
- Property crime rate: 11.1
- Violent crime rate: 3.4
14. Clarksville, Tennessee
- % of population ages 25-44: 34.2%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 14.3%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 35.1%
- Livability score: 83
- Property crime rate: 17.3
- Violent crime rate: 4.7
15. Alexandria, Virginia
- % of population ages 25-44: 39.2%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 12.7%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 38.5%
- Livability score: 83
- Property crime rate: [Data not provided]
- Violent crime rate: [Data not provided]
Top Cities for Young Households: A Closer Look at Growth and Security

16. Bellevue, Washington
- Population aged 25-44: 35.1%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 10.6%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 39.6%
- Livability score: 87
- Property crime rate: 34.4
- Violent crime rate: 1.5
17. Tempe, Arizona
- Population aged 25-44: 32.3%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 18.4%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 42.1%
- Livability score: 78
- Property crime rate: 35.7
- Violent crime rate: 5.0
18. Richardson, Texas
- Population aged 25-44: 30.1%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 10.5%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 30.4%
- Livability score: 84
- Property crime rate: 20.2
- Violent crime rate: 1.3
19. Denton, Texas
- Population aged 25-44: 30.4%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 11.9%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 27.9%
- Livability score: 85
- Property crime rate: 21.9
- Violent crime rate: 2.5
20. Providence, Rhode Island
- Population aged 25-44: 31.0%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 11.5%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 31.0%
- Livability score: 82
- Property crime rate: 19.1
- Violent crime rate: 3.1
21. Fargo, North Dakota
- Population aged 25-44: 31.0%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 12.7%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 37.7%
- Livability score: 84
- Property crime rate: 38.8
- Violent crime rate: 5.2
22. Madison, Wisconsin
- Population aged 25-44: 32.1%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 11.7%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 29.8%
- Livability score: 82
- Property crime rate: 23.3
- Violent crime rate: 3.0
23. Stamford, Connecticut
- Population aged 25-44: 31.5%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 13.5%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 36.7%
- Livability score: 70
- Property crime rate: 11.6
- Violent crime rate: 1.7
24. Chicago, Illinois
- Population aged 25-44: 34.5%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 13.2%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 41.7%
- Livability score: 78
- Property crime rate: 34.3
- Violent crime rate: 6.1
25. Spokane Valley, Washington
- Population aged 25-44: 32.5%
- Households aged 25-44 with income over $150K: 12.1%
- Percentage of 25-44 households earning over $150K: 35.5%
- Livability score: 81
- Property crime rate: 28.0
- Violent crime rate: 4.5
Key Insights on Household Income and Crime Rates in U.S. Cities for Ages 25-44

26. Columbus, Ohio
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 34.0%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 13.5%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 28.9%
- Livability score: 81
- Property crime rate: 27.0
- Violent crime rate: 3.9
27. Raleigh, North Carolina
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 32.5%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 11.6%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 27.2%
- Livability score: 84
- Property crime rate: 25.9
- Violent crime rate: 5.3
28. Dallas, Texas
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 33.3%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 13.3%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 37.5%
- Livability score: 81
- Property crime rate: 40.3
- Violent crime rate: 6.7
29. Fort Collins, Colorado
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 30.9%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 11.2%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 28.1%
- Livability score: 81
- Property crime rate: 24.4
- Violent crime rate: 3.0
30. Atlanta, Georgia
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 35.9%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 15.6%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 37.4%
- Livability score: 78
- Property crime rate: 38.9
- Violent crime rate: 7.1
31. San Diego, California
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 33.9%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 12.3%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 31.5%
- Livability score: 75
- Property crime rate: 18.1
- Violent crime rate: 4.2
32. New Haven, Connecticut
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 33.3%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 12.9%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 36.6%
- Livability score: 78
- Property crime rate: 36.9
- Violent crime rate: 5.4
33. Charleston, South Carolina
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 33.1%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 12.1%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 28.7%
- Livability score: 77
- Property crime rate: 19.8
- Violent crime rate: 4.0
34. Irving, Texas
- Percentage of population ages 25-44: 33.3%
- Percentage of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 11.3%
- Percentage of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 29.4%
- Livability score: 78
- Property crime rate: 24.5
- Violent crime rate: 3.0
Top U.S. Cities for Young Professionals: A Closer Look

35. Minneapolis
- % of population ages 25-44: 37.2%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 17.4%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 43.5%
- Livability score: 78
- Property crime rate: 52.5
- Violent crime rate: 11.3
36. Westminster, Colorado
- % of population ages 25-44: 33.3%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 12.8%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 40.1%
- Livability score: 73
- Property crime rate: 36.0
- Violent crime rate: 3.3
Discover More: 10 Housing Markets Buyers Are Flocking To as Rates Drop

37. Durham, North Carolina
- % of population ages 25-44: 33.8%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 12.8%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 30.6%
- Livability score: 82
- Property crime rate: 37.6
- Violent crime rate: 6.4
38. Denver
- % of population ages 25-44: 40.5%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 21.4%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 44.5%
- Livability score: 72
- Property crime rate: 57.5
- Violent crime rate: 10.2
39. Cincinnati
- % of population ages 25-44: 32.4%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 11.9%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 37.2%
- Livability score: 80
- Property crime rate: 42.3
- Violent crime rate: 7.3
40. Vancouver, Washington
- % of population ages 25-44: 30.0%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 10.2%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 34.5%
- Livability score: 82
- Property crime rate: 44.9
- Violent crime rate: 6.5
41. Odessa, Texas
- % of population ages 25-44: 32.6%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 10.3%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 28.0%
- Livability score: 74
- Property crime rate: 17.8
- Violent crime rate: 3.9
Explore More: 3 Best States to Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Experts

42. Norfolk, Virginia
- % of population ages 25-44: 32.0%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 11.8%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 25.3%
- Livability score: 81
- Property crime rate: 38.2
- Violent crime rate: 5.4
43. Rochester, New York
- % of population ages 25-44: 32.0%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 earning $150K+: 13.8%
- % of 25-44 households earning $150K+: 38.4%
- Livability score: 76
- Property crime rate: 50.5
- Violent crime rate: 7.3
Top 50 Cities for Young and Affluent Residents

44. Reno, Nevada
- % of population ages 25-44: 30.2%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 8.2%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 27.0%
- Livability score: 81
- Property crime rate: 26.4
- Violent crime rate: 6.0
45. Salt Lake City, Utah
- % of population ages 25-44: 34.2%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 16.3%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 40.1%
- Livability score: 75
- Property crime rate: 56.5
- Violent crime rate: 8.7
46. Lewisville, Texas
- % of population ages 25-44: 34.0%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 11.8%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 32.9%
- Livability score: 66
- Property crime rate: 18.1
- Violent crime rate: 2.3
47. Renton, Washington
- % of population ages 25-44: 34.1%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 10.6%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 24.8%
- Livability score: 82
- Property crime rate: 44.3
- Violent crime rate: 4.1
48. Sacramento, California
- % of population ages 25-44: 33.2%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 9.5%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 38.1%
- Livability score: 73
- Property crime rate: 28.9
- Violent crime rate: 8.0
49. Des Moines, Iowa
- % of population ages 25-44: 31.7%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 9.7%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 22.0%
- Livability score: 83
- Property crime rate: 33.5
- Violent crime rate: 7.1
50. San Mateo, California
- % of population ages 25-44: 31.2%
- % of all households with ages 25-44 making $150K+ income: 7.4%
- % of 25-44 households with $150K+ income: 20.6%
- Livability score: 79
- Property crime rate: 19.2
- Violent crime rate: 3.5
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Methodology: In this study, GOBankingRates evaluated various cities across the U.S. to identify the best locations for young, affluent individuals. The analysis focused on cities with at least 30% of the population aged 25-44. Data regarding total population, median income, and age demographics was sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Cost-of-living indices provided by Sperling’s BestPlaces informed calculations on living expenses. Additional factors included livability scores from AreaVibes and average home values from Zillow. The study considered households with incomes above $150,000 to determine wealth levels. Crime data was obtained from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer. Data is current as of December 4, 2024.

More Insights from GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 50 Best Places for the Young and Wealthy to Live

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