If you're considering a move to a new city in the United States or Canada, the lists shown here may prove helpful. The first was taken from a global surveyby Mercer Human Resource Consulting that scored cities on the quality of life they offer. (The No. 1 city in the world: Zurich, Switzerland, with a score of 108.2. Honolulu, the first U.S. city on the list, came in at No. 27, with a score of 103.3.) The lists of best and worst U.S. cities for business and careers were created by Forbes. (Complete lists and information on their methodologies can be found at www.mercerhr.com and www.forbes.com, respectively.) Drumroll, please:

Top 10 North American Cities: Quality of Life

  • Vancouver, British Columbia (107.7)
  • Toronto, Ontario (105.4)
  • Ottawa, Ontario (104.8)
  • Montreal, Quebec (104.3)
  • Calgary, Alberta (103.6)
  • Honolulu (103.3)
  • San Francisco (103.2)
  • Boston (101.9)
  • Washington, D.C. (100.4)
  • Chicago (100.4)

    • Best U.S. Cities: Business and Careers

  • 1. Raleigh, N.C.
  • 2. Provo, Utah
  • 3. Boise, Idaho
  • 4. Des Moines, Iowa
  • 5. Knoxville, Tenn.
  • 6. Albuquerque, N.M.
  • 7. Durham, N.C.
  • 8. Fayetteville, Ark.
  • 9. Nashville, Tenn.
  • 10. Olympia, Wash.

    • Worst U.S. Cities: Business and Careers

  • 1. Salinas, Calif.
  • 2. Stockton, Calif.
  • 3. Detroit
  • 4. Visalia, Calif.
  • 5. Modesto, Calif.
  • 6. Santa Cruz, Calif.
  • 7. Merced, Calif.
  • 8. Beaumont, Texas
  • 9. Flint, Mich.
  • 10. Rockford, Ill.
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