It’s time for this year’s Money Magazine “Best Places to Live,” and the fact that small towns dominate the list of 100 cities should come as no surprise. The din of big cities is typically too costly and less than inviting for families – plus they’re ultra-expensive. CNN Money claims the major criteria used to pick the Money Magazine “Best Places to Live” for 2010 included job availability, quality schooling, public safety, recreational opportunities and also the x-factor of the city’s overall charm. What cities make the list are the best of the best when it comes to America’s family-oriented communities.
Money Magazine ‘Best Places to Live’ – a sample
As a sneak peek at the full list of Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” for 2010, here are the five best places to live in America. Onboard Informatics provided CNN Money with the population, income, sales tax and other data that made the list possible. Considering the overall quality of life in these cities, it is easy to extrapolate the rate of installment loans use – secured loans or quick unsecured loans – is below the national average, as the job rate and income levels enable consumers to better manage financial shocks.
1. Eden Prairie, Minn. (Pop. 64,000; Unemployment 5.1 percent)
Eden Prairie is first in large part because of its beautiful hills and access to multiple lakes. Outdoor activities are plentiful and schools rate highly. The unemployment rate is more than comfortably low and their bond rating on Moody’s scale is a perfect AAA. All told, Eden Prairie houses 50,000-plus jobs via a number of high-profile employers.
2. Columbia/Ellicott City, Md. (Pop. 155,000; 5.2 percent)
Diverse population, great schools, lots of affordable housing and an attractive downtown are just some of the best features here. Eight thousand jobs are provided by the NSA and Fort Meade, and also the federal government already has plans to add thousands more. And if that isn’t enough, Baltimore and Washington D.C. are nearby, which expands the job possibilities greatly.
3. Newton, Mass. (Pop. 82,000; 6.0 percent)
Newton benefits greatly from the presence of Boston College and Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and also the Greater Boston area public transport system makes for a mobile populace. New England charm is a highlight of the grouping of 13 villages that make up Newton.
4. Bellevue, Wash. (Pop. 124,000; 5.8 percent)
Bellevue is a tech mecca, thanks to the presence of Microsoft, T-Mobile, Verizon and Expedia, among others. There are a plethora of culturally enriching entertainments and activities available, and also the forest containing the Bellevue skyline makes the city a beauty to behold, as does Lake Washington. While housing is far from cheap, every little thing else about Bellevue makes it a cinch for the Money Magazine “Best Places to Live” list.
5. McKinney, Texas (Pop. 125,000; 7.8 percent)
A downtown area filled with lovingly restored 19th century buildings pops out when one visits McKinney.And with employers like defense contractor Raytheon in town providing jobs, the have to drive an hour to Dallas for work is far from inevitable, even during the recession. And with the parks and hiking trails for numerous family adventures, it is no wonder McKinney makes this prestigious list.
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CNN
money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2010/top100/
