Unveiling top U.S. cities offering high income and a favorable work-life balance – a glimpse into their thriving job markets.
In a recent analysis by SmartAsset, Bend, Oregon has been crowned as the top job market in the United States for 2025 [1]. The study ranked 348 cities based on six key metrics: unemployment rate, rate of income growth, percentage of workers with employer-sponsored health insurance, typical commute time, percentage of remote workers, and median housing payments as a share of income.
The city of Bend, nestled in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, has a median commute time of just 16 minutes for workers [1]. This short commute, combined with a high percentage of remote workers (over a quarter of the city's population) [1], contributes to a strong work-life balance. The city's median income grew an impressive 44% from 2020 to 2023, placing it fourth among the analyzed cities for income growth [1].
Trailing closely behind Bend, Richmond, Virginia, and Seattle, Washington, also made it to the top three best overall job markets [1][3]. Richmond, with its strong economy and quality of life, secured the second spot, while Seattle ranked third, bolstered by tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing [2][3].
Santa Clara, California, leads in the highest percentage of health insurance coverage, with over 88% of workers covered by private employer plans [1]. Cities like Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Bellevue, Washington, also boast high health insurance coverage rates of approximately 87% each [1].
Wichita Falls, Texas, and Frisco, Texas, stand out for their short median commute times and high percentages of remote workers, respectively. Wichita Falls boasts a median commute time of approximately 14 minutes [1], while Frisco has over 32% of workers performing their jobs remotely [1]. Berkeley, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina, also have high percentages of remote workers, at 29% and 28%, respectively [1].
San Francisco, California, offers high median household income, with lucrative tech and biotech job opportunities. Despite facing housing challenges, the city ranks highly for prosperity and livability [2][3]. Seattle, Washington, has a median household income of around $124,473, a strong job market, and a lifestyle that supports wellness and outdoor activities [2][3].
These cities offer a strong mix of factors, providing an ideal balance between work-life balance, income growth, health insurance coverage, short commutes, and remote work opportunities.
References: [1] SmartAsset (2025). Best Job Markets in the U.S. for 2025. [online] Available at: https://smartasset.com/mortgage/best-job-markets [2] MoneyWatch (2023). The Best Cities for Work-Life Balance. [online] Available at: https://www.moneywatch.com/best-cities-for-work-life-balance/ [3] Forbes (2023). The Cities With the Best Job Markets in the U.S. [online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/moneybuilder/2023/02/28/the-cities-with-the-best-job-markets-in-the-u-s/?sh=6d76b0596103
- The high percentage of workers with employer-sponsored health insurance in Bend, Oregon contributes to its attractive job market, making it an ideal city for those seeking a balance between work and health benefits.
- Seattle, Washington, bolstered by tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, ranks third among the best overall job markets in the United States, offering not only flourishing careers but also a lifestyle that supports wellness and outdoor activities.
- Cities like Santa Clara, California, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Bellevue, Washington, lead in health insurance coverage rates, indicating a focus on employee wellbeing and financial security, which can attract workers in various industries seeking stable and comprehensive benefits.
