The United States is full of some of the most desirable places to live on the planet. America not only has a range of natural beauty from sunny beaches to snowy mountains, but it also has a robust economy with a vast range of industries. From Amazon in Seattle to Halliburton in Houston, Americans often decide where to live based on what job opportunities they’ll find there. Throughout history, American cities have weathered some tough times. The Rust Belt Decline is an example of a wide-spread, hard-hitting industry collapse (one which many cities have still have yet to fully recover from). Though a few have bounced back, others are still struggling. That has led to population decreases and slowdowns in population growth.
However, due to factors such as shrinking industries and an increasing cost of living, major cities in the U.S. are shrinking rapidly, as Americans search for a better bang for their buck. As you read this list of great American cities, big and small, you’ll surely recognize the pattern of the challenges we all face in this tumultuous 21st century.