15 Most Livable U.S. Cities — The Real Cost of Calling Them Home

11. Raleigh & Durham, North Carolina: The Research Triangle's Dynamic Duo

This dynamic duo continues its reign in 2025 as a magnet for talent, thanks to world-class universities, a thriving tech and biotech job market, and a surprisingly reasonable cost of living for its offerings. Livability here means access to top-tier education, innovative industries, and a vibrant cultural scene spanning both cities, from Durham's foodie hotspots to Raleigh's leafy parks. The "real cost" is navigating rapid growth, but the payoff is a future-focused environment brimming with intellectual capital, diverse communities, and a high quality of life nestled in the Carolina pines.