Money Magazine, who usually publishes the top best metropolitan cities to live in, recently released a list of the best smallest cities in America for 2007. According to Money Mag, Ohio is the best in the Midwest for small communities with populations between 7,500 and 50,000. Towns like Beavercreek, Gahanna and Highland Heights had the highest education scores, lowest crime rate and home affordability, in addition to high rankings in racial diversity, health care access, arts and leisure.
Northbrook, Ohio boasts the most affordable homes with the median home price of $83,760. A suburb of Cincinnati, Northbrook residents say they like the low-key living. Those who call home to Tonawanda, New York will tell you that it’s their town that offers the best in affordable homes, located along the beautiful Niagara River. If you’re searching for a family friendly environment with economic opportunities, Money suggests you check out Middleton, Wisconsin. For a more affluent atmosphere, the town with highest average income for 2007 is Hillsborough, California with a population of only 10, 500 and a median income of $263,456.
In 1989, Seattle was voted as the Number One best city to live in America, where a three-bedroom tudor-style home sold for $130,000. Even though Boeing has since relocated to Chicago, Starbucks and Microsoft call Seattle home where the Puget Sound and Cascade Mountains make you forget about how much it rains.
College towns offer the largest populations of singles, such as State College, Pennsylvania and Durham, New Hampshire where and 75% are single. Steeped in history, architecture and romantic landscapes, these serene, cozy communities thrive with plenty of entertainment and nightlife. The shortest commute to work can be found in Pella, Iowa and Pierre, South Dakota with an average of 7.5 minutes. Looking for the cleanest air? Start apartment or home hunting in Troy, Alabama or Brattleboro, Vermont.
Traveler’s Digest writes that Los Angeles is truly where western culture is defined today. Most trends begin in L.A. and influence the world. The most freedom in the world can be found in Amsterdam, Holland. Although drugs and hookers can legally be found on the same street, Amsterdam has one of the strongest economies in Europe and the friendliest people.
The Number One city in the world to live in, according to Traveler’s Digest is Montreal, Canada. One of the most diverse cultural cities with a growing economy. Just plan on gearing up with plenty of fleece, corduroys, winter coats and oh, oui, better learn to speak Francais!
If you love the cold and prefer a cozy fire seventy-five percent of the year, College, Alaska ranks as the coldest with an average temperature of 14 below zero in January. Grand Forks, Fargo and Jamestown, all in North Dakota average 4 below zero during the winter months and I can personally attest that with the wind factoring in, the temp drops to 50 below. For those who love the heat and low humidity, pack up for Rancho Mirage, California or Las Vegas, who average 108 degrees in July and a yearly humidity average of 28%.
So, now that you’re on your own, how do you like it? A quick commute or life in the big city? Speaking French? Hot or cold? Hey! Have some fun- close your eyes and point your finger to somewhere on the map. Then, open your eyes and discover your destiny.
I wish you safe travels and the joy of having the freedom to choose. ~Single 101
