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n MRI Software study ranking U.S. metros on jobs, cost of living and safety has crowned Nashua, New Hampshire, as the most desirable place to relocate. With a population under 100 000, the city offers an impressive 66 000 job openings—about 0.73 jobs per resident—according to Indeed data, and earned the highest safety score of 73 out of 100. Nashua’s New England charm and a one‑hour drive to Boston make it an attractive option.

    Aurora, Illinois, comes in second. The Chicago suburb boasts 68 000 job listings, the largest in the top five, and enjoys a low cost of living. Like Nashua, it is roughly an hour from a major city. Aurora’s 68,000 openings translate to roughly 0.8 jobs per resident, while Cleveland’s 45,000 listings yield about 0.6 jobs per person.

    Cleveland, Ohio, ranks third, praised for its affordability, steady employment prospects, revitalizing downtown, and lakefront appeal. The fourth spot goes to Dover, Delaware, and the fifth to Salt Lake City, Utah—both offering scenic settings and competitive living costs. Dover and Salt Lake City received safety scores of 70 and 68, respectively.

    The report notes that traditional hotspots such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami lag behind these quieter, safer, and more affordable communities, positioning them as sleeper hits for newcomers.