We know NoVA is a great place to live, and a new ranking backs that up. In Niche’s new 2026 Best Places to Live in America list, Colonial Village in Arlington ranks as the No. 2 best place to live in the country. And in the Best Cities to Live in America list, Arlington ranks No. 4 and Alexandria ranks No. 18.
The annual ranking considers more than 230 cities and 18,000 locations, considering factors like affordability, safety, walkability, and access to amenities.
On the overall Best Places to Live list, Colonial Village earned the No. 2 spot with A+ ratings for schools, families, health and fitness, commutes, and nightlife. It got a B- rating for cost of living.
Colonial Village held the No. 1 spot on the list last year, but Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia, took the title this year.
Other Northern Virginia localities on the Best Places to Live list are also in Arlington, including Radnor/Fort Myer Heights at No. 14, Columbia Heights at No. 24, and Ballston/Virginia Square at No. 25.
Niche also has a list specifically for cities, defined by municipal areas with populations of 100,000 or more. On that list, Arlington (though technically a county, not a city) is No. 4.
Arlington has an overall grade of A+ and received good marks in the health and fitness, family-friendliness, public schools, outdoor activities, nightlife, and commute. Housing and cost of living have lower grades. It’s listed as the No. 3 best city to raise a family in America.
Alexandria took the No. 18 spot. It also has an overall Niche grade of A+ and scored well for health, families, nightlife, diversity, and outdoor activities. Crime and safety, housing, and cost of living have lower grades. It’s also the No. 10 best city to retire in America.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
