Most of the United States is characterized by suburbia, farm land or open country, but it also has some of the biggest urbanities in the world. Take a look at these five best places to live that have a “downtown” concept of towering skyscrapers, crowded streets, and dense commerce.

5. Seattle, Washington

Seattle might not be as big as some of the bustling cities on the East Coast, but it still has a strong urban center. It is one of the cleaner downtowns and it has excellent water views — that’s why so many people choose to work and live in Seattle. There is a mix of old skyscrapers and new, making it an interesting place for tourists, residents, and business people alike. And for people looking for both the urban community and quick access to the wilderness, Seattle is one of the best destinations in the country.

4. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston has been one of the most bustling urbanities in the United States since World War II. It has a small downtown area, but it is packed to the brim with businesses, both from the private and public sector. The streets are always crowded, but the entertainment, shopping, dining, and other attractions are some of the best in the United States. It is definitely one of the more interesting urbanities to live in.

3. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is situated on steep hills that overlook the San Francisco Bay. This gives it an impressive skyline and a unique setting for business. San Francisco has one of the largest downtowns in the United States with skyscrapers that stretch for miles. It’s not as dense as some of the other urbanities, but it’s still impressive simply because of its geographical size. San Francisco is a great place to live and work because there are diverse businesses, schools, and attractions to keep people busy all of the time.

2. Chicago, Illinois

Skyscrapers cover the Chicago skyline, but it is not like other urbanities in the United States because of all the water. Chicago is situated along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. This makes traffic tricky, but downtown Chicago, also known as “the Loop,” is still very crowded and busy. Chicago has the second-largest financial district in the United States and the second tallest skyscraper in the United States.

1. New York City, New York

Midtown Manhattan is the urban core of New York City. The streets are crowded, the skyscrapers are towering, and there is constant activity no matter what time of the day or night. It is home to international businesses, vibrant theaters, world-famous shopping and dining, and just a few blocks from Central Park and the United Nations. New York City is so busy that not many urbanities in the United States can rival it.

Other urbanities that shouldn’t be left off the list include Miami, Florida; Detroit, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. What other urbanities do you think should have made the list? Leave a comment below.

Jake McHenry is a travel enthusiast, blogger and family man [not necessarily in that order] living in the Chicago-area.