Indiana cities and towns continue to deliver outstanding quality of life for residents and national outlets are taking notice.
This month, eight Indiana municipalities made U.S. News and World Report’s list of the Best Places to Live rankings, with Carmel and Fishers earning the top two spots on the list.
Joining the two central Indiana cities in the top 250 are six other municipalities — Noblesville, Greenwood, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Muncie and Evansville.
U.S. News’ rankings for their 2026-27 Best Places to Live considered cities and towns from all over the country. The outlet uses demographic data company Applied Geographic Solutions to compile data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Commerce and other agencies on quality of life, housing costs, employment rates and median income. U.S. News then applies those metrics to a weighted formula that also includes desirability and quality of life surveys.
Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said her city earning the highest honors from the survey is validating for the effort she and the city staff put into the community.
“Earning the number one ranking from U.S. News & World Report is an incredible honor that reflects the collective dedication of our residents, business leaders and City team,” Finkam said in a statement. “Our focus has always been on cultivating a safe, innovation-minded and vibrant community built for big dreams. This recognition validates our intentional efforts to deliver world-class public services, foster a robust economic climate and maintain an unmatched quality of life. Carmel truly is the best place in America to call home.”
In addition to Carmel and Fishers, the following Hoosier community appeared on the U.S. News Best Places to Live Rankings:
Noblesville: 18th
Greenwood: 26th
Columbus: 69th
Fort Wayne: 210th
Muncie: 229th
Evansville: 249th
For the full rankings and more details on U.S. News’ methodology, click here.