30 Best Cities to Make New Friends

Cities where residents look out for family and neighbors, join civic groups, vote in high numbers and have easy access to the digital world are often good places to live. These 30 cities score highest on that scale. Washington, D.C. does well because of its many political connections. Sioux Falls, S.D., and Rapid City, S.D., excel in social engagement — how often residents interact with friends and neighbors.

See Also: AARP Livable Communities Guide

Large

(Population 500K and above)     

Washington, D.C.

Portland, Ore.

Nashville

Jacksonville, Fla.

Philadelphia

Milwaukee

Boston

Austin, Texas

San Francisco

Columbus, Ohio

Medium

(100K-500K)                            

Sioux Falls, S.D.

Fargo, N.D.

Springfield, Ill.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Tallahassee, Fla.

Madison, Wis.

Lincoln, Neb.

Springfield, Mo.

New Orleans

Gresham, Ore.

Small

(25K-100K)                

Rapid City, S.D.

Bismarck, N.D.

Franklin, Tenn.

Kearney, Neb.

Wheeling, W.Va.

Brentwood, Tenn.

Portland, Maine

West Fargo, N.D.

South Portland, Maine

Owatonna, Minn.

 

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