A week after the Ames straw poll in Iowa brought all the hype to America's heartland, Money magazine announces its annual ranking of the nation's best small cities. The Midwest dominates the Top 100 list, with the Northeast coming in second.
"These terrific small towns stand out in the qualities American families care about most - great job opportunities, top-notch schools, safe streets, economic strength, nice weather, plenty to do, and more."
The top three spots go to Louisville, Colo.; Milton, Mass.; and Solon, Ohio. Rounding off the top 10 are Leesburg, Va.; Paillion, Neb.; Hanover, N.H.; Liberty, Mo.; Middleton, Wis.; Mukilteo, Wash.; and Chanhassen, Minn.
It is noteworthy that the least represented geographic region is the American West. Of the 18 cities that made the cut, 10 are located in the Mountain States of Utah and Colorado. The nation's most populous state, Calif., is conspicuously absent from the top 50, appearing thrice at No. 57 (Walnut), 64 (La Palma), and 83 (Clayton).
Click here for a complete list of cities.
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