Best Quality of Life In U.S.: Boston Named One Of The Top Places

When making decisions on where to live many people look for places that offer a better quality of life. U.S. News and World Report has just released its ranking of the top 25 U.S. cities that offer the highest quality of life. The list is based on several factors, including crime rates, educational quality, general well-being, commuter indices, healthcare availability, air quality, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Risk Index, and more.

The report offers valuable insights for people contemplating relocation, looking to visit a top-notch destination, or simply curious about how their city compares to others.

Boston sits on their list at number 6 for the best quality of life. Overall, the city scored a 6.4 out of 10. "Boston often feels like a small town with all the perks of city life. It is historic but ever-evolving," says U.S. News and World Report.

According to U.S. News and World Report, the area features a diverse culinary scene, access to cultural institutions, and proximity to work-class schools, employers, and health care. The ranking also highlighted that the city is on the "cutting edge" of medicine and technology. They also mentioned that Boston is traditional in its love of pastimes like "cheering on hometown heroes at Fenway Park."

Worcester also made the list at number 16. The city scored 6.3 out of 10. The ranking noted that the area has affordable housing, green parks, and quality hospitals.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, took the top spot on the list. Following behind Ann Arbor are Boulder, Colorado, and Madison, Wisconsin. It's worth mentioning that not all small cities are on the list. New York, one of the largest metropolitan areas, made the list at 25. Despite its cost of living and large population, "people keep coming." said the outlet.

Many of the cities on the list offer a mix of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and culture. Many are also home to major universities.

Check out the complete list here to see how other cities ranked for best quality of life here.

Today is national wine day. To celebrate, we'll highlight three Massachusetts wine establishments you need to know about.

In Boston, there are plenty of options to indulge in your wine cravings. Whether it is pairing your favorite glass with a delicious meal in the North End or frequenting one the best wine bars. Rooftop gatherings are also popular wine spots. With the weather warming up, the city provides an excellent backdrop for a few sips at golden hour.

Furthermore, there are numerous wineries in Massachusetts. Some of these small businesses, like Nantucket Vineyard (Cisco), distribute throughout the New England region, while others remain local to New England only. Massachusetts is also the home state of operations like the Boston Showcase Company. They have a long history of designing and distributing products like wine glasses to restaurants in bulk.

In addition, it has become common for wine to be available at stadium events. Fenway Park, TD Garden, Gillette Stadium and all major concert venues offer a wine variation at their ticketed events.

Earlier this year, Forbes published a detailed report on the positive projections for the wine industry in 2023. "U.S. Wine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Project,” sales of wine (domestic and imported) topped $66.97 billion, with table wines dominating, followed by sparkling wines (most domestic), whose projected sales will rise 7.7% from 2022 to 2030 and the U.S. wine market size is expected to reach USD 115.03 billion by 2030," the article quotes.

You can locally partake in national wine day in various ways. Options include simply uncorking your favorite bottle at home, venturing out to a winery, or simply showing your support through ordering online.

In our list highlighting Massachusetts wine establishments to know about, we touch upon three different fields.

Located on Cape Cod between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Truro Vineyard opened under new ownership in 2007. They are family-owned and operated. The vineyard itself dates back to 1992, however. They produce and offer four different red wines and three white wines. They have a lighthouse wine series, plus special seasonal releases. You can visit Truro Vineyard seven days a week.

"Located in Boston, the Urban Grape is one of the most successful and award-winning wine stores in America. UG is a Black-owned and woman-owned small business dedicated to building community through beverage," their website states. They offer a popular wine club, all run out of their Boston location. The wine club comes with a monthly subscription option, where numerous select bottles are shipped right to you. The Urban Grape also has a connoisseur club option for those looking for a deeper knowledge of higher-end wines.

City Winery perfectly combines a love of wine with entertainment. This restaurant also serves as a live music venue. They are part of the City Winery chain with similar establishments in other major cities (such as New York and Nashville). They source their grapes from over 30 vineyards around the world. Their food menu also is designed to pair well with the numerous wine options they pour onsite. The Boston City Winery is near the North End and TD Garden. They offer private events, tastings, and full service at their ticketed entertainment shows.