Grand Rapids Ranked Second Most Beautiful and Affordable Place to Live in U.S.

More confirmation that Grand Rapids is, well... grand!

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Travel and Leisure has compiled a list of the top ten "dreamiest places to live in America that won’t break the bank".

To create the ranking, Travel and Leisure compiled using data from U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 to 2023 rankings, including the most affordable places to live in the U.S. and the best places to live in the U.S.

The reports evaluate the impact that cost of living, median monthly rent, median home price in relation to the national median ($438,200), and quality of life have on a city.

Grand Rapids is ranked the No. 2 place to live in America based on beauty and affordability!

Not only is it the only Michigan City to make the list, it's among the few in the Midwest.

Here's is Travel and Leisure's praise for Grand Rapids:

Roughly an hour from the coast of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids enjoys the benefits of a low cost of living with an approximate median home cost of $367,000. Home to a growing arts and culture scene, as well as scenic parks along Grand River, Grand Rapids is ideal for those seeking an inexpensive, family-centered environment. This underrated city shines, especially in the fall when the bright foliage adorns its trees.

So which city beat out GR?

Travel and Leisure awards the No. 1 spot to Hickory, North Carolina, saying:

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory is a family-friendly destination known for its ample hiking trails and Southern charm. Currently ranked as the cheapest place to live in the U.S., Hickory has a median home price of $161,000. This affordable neighbor to the east of Asheville and north of Charlotte is popular with retirees, but it's also becoming more attractive to young families; a steady stream of residents has been flocking here for its newfound fame as a technological hub for Google and Apple.

Here's the rest of the Ten Most Beautiful and Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. --

1. Hickory, North Carolina
2. Grand Rapids, Michigan
3. Greenville, South Carolina
4. Louisville, Kentucky
5. Knoxville, Tennessee
6. St. Louis, Missouri
7. Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas
8. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
9. South Bend, Indiana
10. Pittsburg, Pennsylvania