2. San Jose, California

Known as the capital of Silicon Valley, this Californian city is a forward-thinking place surrounded by innovation on a daily basis. It has the third-largest population in California and is one of the major hubs in the Bay Area. However, San Jose offers so much more than just tech.

It’s considered one of the safest big cities in America, and it boasts the highest median household income in the country. San Jose ranks high among cities to live for increased longevity—the average life expectancy here is about 83 years. Unlike other Californian cities (like Los Angeles), this one is walkable, a feature that contributes to the low risk of heart disease and obesity.