Most Underrated Cities in the U.S.

By: ROS Team

America’s mid-sized cities are redefining success in 2025. Beyond New York and Los Angeles, a new wave of cities combines career growth with genuine community connection.

What makes these places special? They deliver modern amenities and cultural richness at prices that work for real people.

Have you considered exploring these hidden gems? Each city in our list brings something unique to the table – from tech hubs to arts havens.

Let’s discover the most underrated cities in the U.S. where your dreams align with your budget.

Most Underrated Cities in the U.S

Most Underrated Cities in the U.S.

#01 Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix defies expectations as Arizona’s vibrant capital. The Times recently spotlighted this desert gem as the only U.S. city in its “16 of the world’s most underrated cities” lineup.

Mayor Kate Gallego proudly notes that: “Phoenix attracts more newcomers than any other American city.”

Nature thrives in unexpected ways here. The Phoenix Zoo stands as the nation’s largest nonprofit private zoo, while the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center offers peaceful wildlife encounters.

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Horse Lovers Park provides unique recreational opportunities against a dramatic desert backdrop.

Beyond natural wonders, Phoenix delivers on practical living. Residents enjoy a median income of $77,041, making this cultural hub surprisingly affordable.

#02 Durham, NC

Durham captivates visitors so effectively that CNN Travel named it among America’s most underrated cities.

This North Carolina gem houses 100 parks alongside cultural landmarks like the Durham Performing Arts Center and Nasher Museum of Art.

Education shapes the city’s character through prestigious institutions like Duke University and North Carolina Central University.

Want to experience Durham’s creative spirit? The city pulses with annual celebrations, from the innovative American Dance Festival to the vibrant Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival and Click! Photography Festival.

Your dollar stretches further in Durham, where living costs run about 6% below the national average.

Food enthusiasts take note: the city’s dining scene continues to evolve, drawing attention for its celebrated chefs and innovative restaurants. When was the last time you discovered a city that feeds both mind and appetite so well?

#03 Pierre, SD

Only In Your State, a local travel and discovery resource, ranks Pierre among the country’s most underrated cities.

This South Dakota capital may be America’s second-smallest state capital, but it packs surprising value into its intimate size.

Housing costs tell a compelling story: median home prices hover at $270,076, while average apartment rents sit at just $823 – figures that fall well below national averages.

The city’s dining scene stretches beyond what you might expect. Local restaurants serve everything from Mexican to Italian, Japanese to classic American fare.

Natural beauty surrounds Pierre’s modest footprint. The Farm Island Recreation Area showcases some of South Dakota’s finest outdoor spaces, while Lake Oahe draws fishing enthusiasts year-round.

#04 Duluth, MN

A recent Reddit discussion revealed something fascinating: when asked about America’s most underrated city, over 500 users championed Duluth, Minnesota.

This Lake Superior port city offers a distinct blend of urban life and natural beauty, anchored by unique attractions like the Great Lakes Aquarium.

Want to experience what makes Duluth special? The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center hosts everything from hockey games to live music shows and family celebrations.

Down at the canal, residents gather to watch massive ships navigate the waterway, creating impromptu community moments.

Home buyers take note: Duluth’s median house price sits at $264,090, making lakeside living surprisingly accessible.

#05 Troy, NY

Troy stands as an architectural treasure in upstate New York, where Victorian buildings tell stories of its wealthy past.

As America’s fourth-wealthiest city, Troy offers a stark contrast to NYC’s $764,868 housing market – here, homes average just $267,831.

Education shapes Troy’s identity through institutions like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Hudson Valley Community College, and Russell Sage College.

The city’s cultural scene thrives at venues like Troy Music Hall Theater, Joseph L Bruno Baseball Stadium, and RPI Field House.

From spring through fall, the city’s farmers market ranks among New York’s finest. Have you experienced Troy’s seasonal rhythm? Local residents celebrate recent developments that keep adding vibrancy to their community, from live music venues to expanding dining options.

#06 Buffalo, NY

Buffalo’s reputation keeps growing, with Travel + Leisure ranking it the seventh-best US city to visit in 2021.

Culture thrives here through institutions like the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Buffalo Museum of Science.

The city’s academic landscape features prestigious institutions including University at Buffalo, Buffalo State University, Canisius University, and D’Youville University.

Housing costs might surprise you – at $226,626 on average, Buffalo offers even better value than Troy.

Did you know Buffalo boasts over 600 pizzerias? That’s more per capita than New York City itself. Beyond its famous wings and winter weather, Buffalo serves up an unexpectedly rich food scene.

#07 Bethlehem, PA

Reader’s Digest points to Bethlehem as Pennsylvania’s smart alternative to Philadelphia. Known as Christmas City USA, this eastern Pennsylvania city of 75,781 residents balances colonial charm with industrial heritage.

Bethlehem’s outdoor spaces invite active living. Residents enjoy dog parks, extensive trail networks, swimming pools, splash parks, and the Bethlehem Skate Plaza.

Each August, the city comes alive with Musikfest, America’s largest free music festival.

Want to join this evolving community? Home prices average $326,730, making Bethlehem’s amenities surprisingly accessible.

#08 Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, affectionately known as ABQ, offers an affordable alternative to Santa Fe’s charm. At $328,992, the average home price falls below national averages while providing access to New Mexico’s rich cultural landscape.

The city hosts iconic events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Gathering of Nations, and New Mexico State Fair.

The University of New Mexico adds academic energy, while the ABQ BioPark complex combines a zoo, aquarium, botanic garden, and fishing lakes in one dynamic space.

Looking for diverse experiences? Old Town’s art galleries contrast with Nob Hill’s eclectic shops. Want outdoor adventure? The Sandia Mountains beckon both thrill-seekers on mountain bikes and casual visitors enjoying the tramway views.

#09 Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh just earned a remarkable distinction: Lonely Planet named it among the top 10 global cities to visit in 2025, standing as the only U.S. city to receive this honor.

While JetLag Warriors considers it Pennsylvania’s most underrated city, BelfastLive celebrates Pittsburgh’s dramatic cityscape – particularly its numerous bridges that earned it its famous nickname.

Healthcare and culture form the city’s backbone. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Allegheny Health Network provide world-class medical care, while institutions like the Carnegie Museums, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, and Phipps Conservatory enrich daily life.

Does affordability matter to you? At $224,776, the average home price makes Pittsburgh’s amenities surprisingly accessible.

So, Which Is the Most Underrated City to Visit in the U.S.? Our Say

After analyzing cities across America, Madison, Wisconsin emerges as our top underrated destination.

As Wisconsin’s fastest-growing city in 2024, Madison combines educational excellence through the University of Wisconsin-Madison with unmatched green spaces – offering more parks and playgrounds per capita than any other major U.S. city.

The city’s economic landscape tells a compelling story. Major employers like Epic Systems, American Family Insurance, and Google’s regional office create a robust job market. Have you noticed how tech giants increasingly choose mid-sized cities like Madison as their new homes?

Nature and culture blend seamlessly here. The Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Henry Vilas Zoo, and UW-Madison Arboretum offer year-round outdoor experiences.

Food enthusiasts appreciate Madison’s evolving culinary scene, where craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants showcase local ingredients with global inspiration.

Best of all? You can enjoy these amenities while spending less than the national average on daily expenses.