Small town living comes out on top as Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” are revealed. The din of big cities is typically too expensive 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 incorporated job availability, quality schooling, public safety, recreational opportunities and 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.
Resource for this article: Money Magazine Best Places to Live highlights small town life by Personal Money Store
Money Magazine ‘Best Places to Live’ – a sample
Whet your appetite with this sampling of Money Magazine “Best Places to Live”. 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 short term loan use – quick unsecured loans or secured loans – is below the national average, as the job rate and income levels enable consumers to better deal with financial shocks.
1. Eden Prairie, Minn. (Pop. 64,000; Unemployment 5.1 percent)
One of several Minnesota cities in the top 100, Eden Prairie boasts rolling hills and access to many lakes. Schools rate highly in Eden Prairie, as does the overall health of its people because of the preponderance of outdoor activity. Economically, the city is four points below the national unemployment average and has a perfect AAA bond rating from Moody’s. Considering the number of large employers that call the city home, it is no wonder that Eden Prairie provides over 50,000 jobs within city limits.
2. Columbia/Ellicott City, Md. (Pop. 155,000; 5.2 percent)
Ellicott City boasts a highly diverse populace, commendable educational facilities and homes that individuals can afford in and out of the bustling downtown center. 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 really 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 the Greater Boston area public transport system makes for a mobile populace. Newton is divided into multiple “villages,” and each reportedly has its own New England charm.
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. Cultural activities and also the natural beauty of forests and Lake Washington beckon families. While housing is far from cheap, anything 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)
McKinney, Texas has a well-maintained downtown area that mixes modern with 19th century.Raytheon and also the nearness of Dallas have contributed mightily to McKinney’s job picture. When it comes to family fun, McKinney offers lots of parks and places to go hiking, which makes a big difference when it comes to overall quality of life.
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money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2010/top100/
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