Reasonable cost of housing

Low to nonexistent state income tax

Balanced state legislature between the two parties

Strong consumer and renter protection laws

Aggressively pro-competition legislative agenda from governor

Rate of construction of new low to moderate profit margin housing that just slightly outpaces population growth

Availability of high speed internet, preferably fiber, but cable with 1gbps down mandatory

Low crime, but without a draconian/malicious prosecutorial system and culture

Large percentage of population with higher education

And finally what matters most of all (drumroll please)…

Really great Mexican food!

OP asked about cities in the USA. ;-)

I see what you did there ;-)

Pleasant climate.

Criteria: plural of criterion.