Top 10 Great American Towns

Money Magazine has just published its annual "Best Places to Live " list. Topping its list is Fort Collins, Colo., which was awarded the No. 1 ranking for its city  offerings but suburban feel, good schools, plenty of parks and open space and a solid economic base with large employers like Colorado State University and Hewlett-Packard. However, this town made the news in 1997 when a flash flood derailed a train, ravaged two trailer parks and killed five people. Other towns making the top 10 are: Naperville, Ill.; Sugar Land, Texas; Columbia/Ellicott City, Md.; Cary, N.C.; Overland Park, Kan.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Boise, Idaho; Fairfield, Conn.; and Eden, Prairie, Minn. If your state isn’t represented in the top 10, you can use the site’s tool to locate a Best Places to Live finalist in your state. Another interesting list on the site is its "Pricey Homes/Home Appreciation" ranking, with Newport Beach, Calif., topping the crew with a median 2005 home-sale price of nearly $1.4 million. You can also look up top 25 cities for various categories, such as those with the cleanest air, skinniest population, shortest commute and most singles.


Americans are flocking to places that offer big-city opportunities and amenities — with a lot more green space and a lot less stress. See the top 10 Great American Towns. (more)

1. Fort Collins, CO
6. Overland Park, KS
2. Naperville, IL
7. Scottsdale, AZ
3. Sugar Land, TX
8. Boise, ID
4. Columbia/Ellicott City, MD
9. Fairfield, CT
5. Cary, NC
10. Eden Prairie, MN

Best places, state-by-state

Texas is home to the most finalists on this year’s list. See the best places to live in your favorite state.

• Texas
   
• New York

• California
   
• See the rest

Top 100

See America’s best small cities, plus the 10 best big cities, including detailed city stats and customizable maps.

• 1-25
   
• Best big cities

   
• See the rest



Best Places To Live

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