ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - For 12 years now, Livability.com has published its Top 100 Best Places to Live list — and in 2025, Roswell and Athens made the cut.

The website combed through data in partnership with Applied Geographic Solutions, a demographics database, to choose the best U.S. cities with a population between 75,000 and 500,000. But the 2025 edition doesn’t list the cities from 1 to 100. Instead, it has an interactive sorting system, so users can pick and choose which features are most important to them.

Livability.com Editor-in-Chief Amanda Ellis said this year’s list celebrates small and midsize cities where Americans can thrive despite record inflation and a turbulent workforce.

“It’s the only list out there truly honing in on affordability, lauding the amazing, accessible cities across the country other than our large U.S. metros which often get more recognition,” she said.

Roswell, which earned an overall LivScore of 838 out of 1000, scored the highest out of any city for its economy, which is flush with jobs in the healthcare, technology and manufacturing sectors. It also ranked high for its hospitals and amenities.

“With a prime location close to the city, a nearby airport and easy access to the Chattahoochee River, Roswell offers a combination of history, charm and modern amenities, including top-notch health care facilities and list-worthy schools, attractive neighborhoods and plenty of outdoor fun,” Livability.com said in its synopsis.

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This year marks Roswell’s second time making the list. It ranked No. 12 in 2024.

Meanwhile, Athens hopped on the list for the first time in 2025, earning a LivScore of 646. It scored well for its outdoor environment and public transportation options.

“Athens is alive with Southern charm and a lively arts scene,” Livability.com said. “This vibrant college town is brimming with historic architecture, a thriving music scene and a whole lot of school pride.”

Click here to see Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live list for 2025.

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