Best Places in America to Live
“Money” has released their updated list of the best small cities in America to live. The list includes the top 10 cities:
- Carmel, Indiana – This once quiet town has recently transformed into one that combines work and play, making for easy commutes. In fact, their business district boasts the second highest concentration of office workers in the state. They also feature an unemployment rate that is half the national average. With a recreation center, a sports venue, excellent schools and a performing arts center, this city is offering new subdivisions and is an appealing area for families.
- McKinney, Texas – At 164 years old, this town offers antique cotton mills, art galleries and the latest boutiques. This city offers an abundance of housing, ranging from Texas-style ramblers to Victorian homes. With low taxes and several white-collar jobs, this city is on the edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis.
- Eden Prairie, Minnesota – This city offers excellent employment prospects and a highly educated workforce. Additionally, the city has consistently maintained a 2-percent budget surplus. The city is building a commuter rail project that should be completed in 2018. Eden Prairie is a big draw for good jobs and family-friendly lifestyles.
- Newton, Massachusetts – Built around 13 distinct areas that have their own elementary schools, this area is very pro-education. It is also located near Boston College and MIT. Housing prices are higher than the national average, but families say the benefits of an excellent education system are well worth it.
- Redmond, Washington – Home to the headquarters for Microsoft, this city is located a mere 15 miles east of the breathtaking Cascade Mountains. Conveniently located to more than 90 wineries, this city features excellent schools, historic buildings, brewpubs, giant evergreens, shopping and public art projects. Additionally, the city’s statistics highlight a low crime rate.
- Irvine, California – With sun, sand and surf, this city features 20,000 acres of parks and 44 miles of pristine biking trails. It is also located a mere 10 miles from the vast Pacific Ocean. While home prices are higher, the developments in the area offer new schools.
- Reston, Virginia – This planned community breaks all the rules of planning, forgoing cookie-cutter-style homes. The area features 55 miles of biking trails, 15 swimming pools and 52 tennis courts. It is also offers an easy commute to Washington D.C.
- Columbia/Ellicott City, Maryland – Ellicott City features a historic downtown and Columbia offers an excellent planned out community, complete with an abundance of big name stores. Families enjoy these cities and cite reasons for living here, which includes schools, newer developments and 20 acres of forests, meadows, wetlands and even a historic farm.
- Overland Park, Kansas – This city features a pleasant downtown, farmer’s markets, a 300-acre arboretum, soccer fields and a 20th century farm. Kansas City is located close by, which makes this a convenient location.
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Known as a “town within a park,” this charming city features rain forests and arching trees. This area also is home to the largest Ph.D.s per capita in the entire nation.
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