A popular platform known for its reliable and reputable data-driven rankings, Niche.com, just released its ranking of the best counties to live in across the United States in 2025.
It turns out that aside from the #1 county to live in the country being in the DMV area, the #3 best county to live in the nation also just so happens to be a road trip away from the District!
So, without further ado, the #3 county to live in the nation is none other than:
York County, Virginia!
Why is York County the #3 county to live in America?
Ranked the #1 county to live in the state of Virginia, even higher than the notoriously wealthy and influential Loudoun County in Northern Virginia (which ranked #13 overall in the nation).
At the state level, York County performed a ‘Clean Sweep’ of Niche’s three “Best County” categories:
- #1 in Best Counties for Families in Virginia
- #1 in Best Counties to Buy a House in Virginia
- #1 in Best Counties to Live in Virginia
According to the rankings, York County was selected as the best county to live in America as a result of its highest overall score:
- Overall Niche Grade – A+
- Public Schools – A+
- Housing – A
- Good For Families – A+
- Jobs – B+
- Cost of Living – B-
- Outdoor Activities – A
- Crime & Safety – N/A
- Nightlife – A-
- Diversity – A-
- Weather – A
- Health & Fitness – A
- Commute – B
Now, York County wasn’t without any flaws; the ranking highlighted a few drawbacks to living in this county:
- A relatively remote nature, being fairly far from its closest major city, at just over 1 hour away by car.
- A moderately high cost of living.
- Media home value – $411,200
- Median rent – $1,777
However, the county is also in proximity to some of the most popular tourism destinations in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the Busch Gardens amusement park and the town of Williamsburg (also known as the pancake capital of the world!