AMERICA'S BEST PLACES TO LIVE!!!

[fendergirl 1]

America's Best Places to Live

From large cities to small, cultural meccas to quaint art communities, there's something here for everyone. The following are America's crème de la crème, but before packing up and hitting the road, check out the chamber of commerce web sites for each of these towns and let them do the boasting.

Listed alphabetically, the top ten are:

Austin, Texas: The Austin Chamber of Commerce describes their community as "A unique blend of Southern hospitality, cosmopolitan flair, Old West charm and modern sophistication." That may sound like some big ol' Texas bragging, but it's the recipe that has consistently landed this southern city on nearly everyone's "Best Places" list. The region is undergoing a growth spurt in both population and business, the cultural scene is strong, the economy solid and income levels are projected to rise over the next decade. One of Money Magazine's top three "Best Big Cities" in the year 2000.

Boulder, Colorado: The dot-com collapse took some of the wind out of business in this Rocky Mountain community, but the economy continues to be bolstered by the aerospace and computer industries. Consistently rated one of the best overall places to live and work in the United States, Boulder has a dynamic arts community and, of course, the mighty Rockies as a backyard playground for every outdoor enthusiast.

Burlington, Vermont: The epitome of Vermont charm, Burlington offers numerous cultural activities, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of outdoor recreation-- all nicely framed by a picturesque New England setting. Named as one of the "50 Best Places to Raise Your Family" by author Melissa Giovagnoli and rated number six of "The Best Small Art Towns in America" by John Villani.

Denver, Colorado: A top twenty-five pick of author David Savageau's "Places Rated Almanac," America's "Gateway to the Rocky Mountains" boasts several professional sports teams, an arts community, a variety of outdoor recreational activities and the largest city park system in the country with thousands of acres of open space. Mining once drove Denver's economy, now business has diversified into telecommunications, aerospace, biomedical and other high tech sectors, earning it a place high on Arthur Anderson/Fortune Magazine's list of "Best Cities for Business."

Fargo, North Dakota: In 1994, the Wall Street Journal called North Dakota's largest city "one of the best small market communities in which to start a career." Since then, the city's clean environment, low crime rate and family friendly atmosphere have garnered Fargo "Best Place to Live and Work" honors from both Redbook and Ladies Home Journal magazines.

Indianapolis, Indiana: The nation's twelfth largest city has undergone a dramatic revitalization over the past decade, bolstering its strength in the manufacturing, distribution, retail and service sectors. The self-proclaimed "Crossroads of America" was named the "most affordable city over one million people" by the National Association of Homebuilders. Rich in arts and culture, Indy combines "big city style and Hoosier hospitality."

Minneapolis, Minnesota: A booming local economy, continued job growth, superb transportation, great natural resources and a consistently high quality of living have landed this Midwest city on everyone's "Best" list including Inc. Magazine's "Best Places to Start and Grow a Company," Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live" and author Sandra Gurvis' "30 Great Cities to Start Out In."

New York, New York: Recognized the world over as a center for culture and finance, the city is a hub for broadcasting, theater, fashion, publishing and advertising. The neighborhoods, such as Little Italy, Chinatown and Soho are each culturally and ethnically unique. Of course, the New York experience doesn't come cheap. Start saving.

Phoenix, Arizona: Projected to have the largest job market increase by the year 2005, this robust Southwest city with over 300 days of sunshine a year is currently experiencing a population and employment boom. Despite growing popularity, Phoenix remains affordable-- The National Association of Home Builders has rated Phoenix second among major metropolitan areas in the West for affordable housing.

San Francisco, California: One of the country's most vibrant cities. With 750,000 residents on a 46.6 square mile tip of land, San Francisco has been described as a "cultural medley" that features a strong arts community, world-class restaurants, dramatic landscapes, fabulous architecture and distinctive neighborhoods. Transportation is never a problem thanks to a multitude of cable cars, trolleys and buses-- but drivers should be wary of the city's maze of one-way streets and steep hills. With a median family income of over $80,000, San Francisco isn't cheap.

Honorable Mention:

The communities that follow didn't quite crack our top ten, but each was named on a "best" list somewhere and warrants a closer look.

Columbia, Missouri: Quality schools, quality health care with a low cost of living and low unemployment. One of Money Magazine's top three "Best Small Cities."

Hartford, Connecticut: This community continues a dramatic revitalization begun in the 1970's. Boasts one of the best "after tax" family incomes in America.

Northampton, Massachusetts: Home to a thriving arts community and featuring an unspoiled, historic "Old New England" downtown. Number-one rated among "The Best Small Art Towns in America," by John Villani.

Orlando, Florida: Tourism is still king and the economy is booming. One of the fastest growing communities in the United States. Oh, yeah... did we mention the weather?

Rochester, Minnesota: Small town friendliness meets big city atmosphere. Money Magazine's "Best Small City" in 2000, but button up that overcoat - each year Rochester averages thirty-five days at nine degrees Fahrenheit!

San Jose, California: One of Arthur Anderson/Fortune Magazine's "Best Cities for Business." The capital of Silicon Valley is also considered one of the nation's safest big cities. But be sure to pad your wallet if you're planning a move here.

Seattle, Washington: A perennial favorite with top ten listers everywhere. Affordable housing is becoming an issue in Seattle but the views are scenic, the arts are abundant and, of course, there's always Starbucks.

Im coming hehe

[Mags 112]

Indianapolis, Indiana: The nation's twelfth largest city has undergone a dramatic revitalization over the past decade, bolstering its strength in the manufacturing, distribution, retail and service sectors. The self-proclaimed "Crossroads of America" was named the "most affordable city over one million people" by the National Association of Homebuilders. Rich in arts and culture, Indy combines "big city style and Hoosier hospitality."

There are some nice (ish) parts of Indy, but there are some cruddy ones too. Beech Grove comes to mind. Uck.

I'd rather live an hour west of Indy where there is a little less crime...

[sereia 0]

Burlington, Vermont-i thought it was beautiful, yes, but it lacked the charm and eclectic vibe i always heard it had when i went a few years ago. same ol' stuff like the GAP, starbucks, etc. *yawn* but if you're comparing it to PHOENIX or ORLANDO? WAYYYY up there! lol

New York, New York. enough said. THE best place to live if you love lots of culture, diversity, and like to go out a lot IMHO! if you're a homebody, why live here? lol

Phoenix, Arizona- don't get this one. wasn't a fan. super hot, dusty, and stripmall city!

San Francisco, California - also really awesome. a runner-up to NYC for me!

Hartford, Connecticut- it was nice, but one of the TOP places in the US? didn't think so.

Orlando, Florida- wasn't a fan. fun for disneyworld and what else?!?!!

San Jose, California- good for business but overall i would rather live elsewhere.

all the rest i've never been to!

Edited April 20, 2008 by sereia

[chris4gretchen 1]

How about Las Vegas Nevada? ..We live here and no plans to move to another state

I know this city known as "SIN CITY" but it doesnt mean all the people here are sinner LOL!!!!

Gretchen

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

... doesnt mean all the people here are sinner LOL!!!!

Not yet. Consider it a work in progress

[Alex+R 0]

Oh thank GOD a lot of southern cities aren't on that list

We all hate how many of 'you damned yankees' keep coming down here, grrr! Can't blame you since it's tons cheaper but god it does suck. You honestly do kind of ruin absolutely everything

Uhhhh...#######? Someone forgot their Metamucil yesterday?

[chri'stina 190]

Orlando...no way! I personally would never want to live there. Bad traffic, crowding, tourist city. It's only fun for visiting.

Oh thank GOD a lot of southern cities aren't on that list

We all hate how many of 'you damned yankees' keep coming down here, grrr! Can't blame you since it's tons cheaper but god it does suck. You honestly do kind of ruin absolutely everything

What Southern Hospitality!

BTW a bunch of people I know have moved from Florida to the real south, and the were originally Yankees. And we plan to do it too! If the rest of the country can have mixed populations of people from all over, the South can too. No big deal.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

If the rest of the country can have mixed populations of people from all over, the South can too. No big deal.

Yeah. They'll get used to it. Bwahahahahaha *evil yankee cackle*

[chri'stina 190]

If the rest of the country can have mixed populations of people from all over, the South can too. No big deal.

Yeah. They'll get used to it. Bwahahahahaha *evil yankee cackle*