Niche.com

Niche is a platform that connects students and families with colleges and schools, providing comprehensive information to assist in making key life decisions such as where to live and study. The company offers rankings and profiles for over 50,000 cities and towns across America, as well as detailed information on schools. Niche's annual Best Places to Live in America rankings, which began in 2015, have become a widely used resource, serving over 70 million people annually. The rankings cover nearly 230 cities and over 18,000 places, considering factors such as affordability, housing market, neighborhood diversity, public schools, walkability, and more. Niche utilizes data from various sources, including the US Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CDC, combined with millions of resident reviews to create its rankings. In addition to national rankings, Niche offers state, metro area, and county-specific lists, as well as specialized rankings for categories like Best for Families, Young Professionals, Homebuyers, and Retirees. The company also provides K-12 school rankings to help families research educational options within specific cities.

Key customers and partnerships

Niche's primary audience consists of students, families, and individuals seeking information about places to live and educational institutions. In March 2024, the company reported that it helps over 70 million people annually find schools and places to live. Niche has partnered with Homes.com to offer users access to a localized home search experience directly within its rankings platform. This collaboration enhances the user experience by providing additional resources for those looking to relocate or purchase homes in areas they are researching on Niche.