If you read the 2013 list of Top Ten Cities in the United States to live, the new report from Times Money may come as quite a surprise. While sorting through hundreds of small cities, whose population is between 50,000 and 300,000 citizens, this report takes over 50 factors into consideration, including housing markets, schools, healthcare and local economy.
Starting off at the number 10 spot, is the city of Reston, Virginia, located only 18 short miles from Washington D.C. This city has a population of 61,177 with a median family income of $142,404. Founded in 1964, this 17.4 square mile city in Fairfax country is the first modern planned community in the country. The vision of its founder, Robert E. Simon, still maintains its beauty to date. With a projected job growth at 1.8 percent, the economic foundation of Reston consists of 757 different companies, ranging from professional to scientific or technical services. Not only is this community home to numerous government organizations, it also houses a 476-acre Lake Fairfax Park, a 30-acre zoo, a large assortment of pools, both indoor and outdoors, golf courses and several other community areas great for families and individuals of all ages.
Rochester Hills, Michigan holds the number nine spot with a population of 71,128. Holding an unemployment rate of 4.7 percent, this city maintains a very strong economy, based on Automotive technologies, educational, medical and robotics. This city, located in the east-central portion of Oakland County, is home to numerous recreational facilities, sure to provide anyone numerous options for a fit and active life. Education is also a strong characteristic of this city, housing two strong community school systems, and a variety of colleges. Rochester Hills is also home to a large number of famous individuals, including singers Eminem and Madonna, as well as Olympian Peter Vanderkaay.
Home of Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa comes in at the number eight spot with a population of 60,489. Located just 30 miles north of Des Moines, Ames is mostly recognized as the home of the Science and Technology divisions of ISU, which is nationally recognized as a public research institution leading in Design, Agriculture, Engineering and Veterinary Medicine colleges. Considering the size and recognition of this university, it should come as no surprise that over 15,000, or 1/4 of the population, is employed by ISU. Other leading employment fields are medical, government and department of transportation. With over 20 parks, ranging from specialty parks to community or neighborhood parks, there is always something to do for everyone in this beautiful city.
Number seven on the list is Clarkstown, New York. With a population of 85,613, Clarkstown rests on the eastern border of Rockland County just west of the Hudson River. Clarkstown is an affordable alternative to living in New York City, Bergen or Westchester County. The home price is roughly 40 percent less than you would pay in one of these major cities, and only a 20-minute commute. Clarkstown is also considered to be one of the top ten safest cities to live in the United States, and has been considered as such for the last 10 years.
The southern city of Columbia, Maryland comes in as the sixth best place to live. Columbia is a planned community, loaded with sports facilities, pools, and a large variety of shopping locations and amenities. The 172,745 people that call this city home share community wide access to all of the facilities, parks and outstanding schools. The majority of Columbia’s residence are employed by the U.S. Department of Defence and R&D facilities surrounding the city, while others find the Lorien Health Systems to be another reliable employer.
Seattle’s east-side suburb, Kirkland, Washington, makes its way to the number five spot with a population of 84,786. The median family income for this city is over $110,000, proving a projected job growth of over 4.5 percent within the next year. This beautify city is home to a fantastic school district, family oriented neighborhoods and a great economy.This beautiful city is known for being the only Eastside city with a downtown located along the Lake Washington Shoreline, which contains several restaurants, art galleries and parks right along the shores. Considering the lively atmosphere of this city, it is no wonder the population increased from 48,000 to over 84,000 between 2010 and 2013.
With a population of 51,871, the city of Castle Rock, Colorado climbs its way to the number four spot. Castle Rock is the most populous area in all of Douglas County as well as the most populous town in the entire state of Colorado. Castle Rock is centrally located between Colorado’s most well-known cities of Denver and Colorado. Some of the major attractions of the city are the Castle Rock Recreation Center, Philip S. Miller Park and Library, and the downtown district. There are always events and attractions happening throughout the downtown area, providing a unique life to the atmosphere of the city.
Carmel, Indiana rests comfortably in the number three spot. The 83,897 residence of Carmel can hear a local symphony or see a traveling act at the 1,600 seat concert hall, the Palladium, which was constructed and designed after the style of Venetian architect Andrea Pal-ladio. If this form of entertainment is not on the top of your interests, there are also a large number of free events, art festivals, and local bands that perform throughout the city. Since 2000, the population of the city has more than doubled, while the job market has steadily increased to be the home of over 50 corporate headquarters, which include Delta Faucet and CNO Financial Group, with the Meridian Corridor housing a large number of the locations within the city. This city also has a fantastic Japanese Garden, a million square foot shopping complex, beautiful bicycling trails and a large variety of other attractions.
Maple Grove, Minnesota holds the number two spot on the list. Nicknamed “The Grove,” this city of 63,395 residents is made up of 35.03 square miles and home of the regional Boston Scientific Research, Development and Manufacturing Facility. Not only does Maple Grove have 10 lakes, numerous schools, parks and sporting complexes, it also has a 36-mile path that loops through the entire city, connecting all of these locations together. This pathway is great for local athletes and residents planning for marathons. Although this city does not have a historic downtown area, it has a very rich shopping area near the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. The economic grown, which is projected to be 6.5 percent over the next year, is a key factor driving the growth of this fantastic city, along with its rich, luscious greenery, outstanding school district, and lively atmosphere.
The number one spot, and 2014’s best city to live in the United States is non-other than McKinney, Texas. Located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this 62.9 square mile city is located just 31 miles north of Dallas. McKinney has over 140,864 residents who call this beautiful city home. The projected job growth for this city is 13.1 percent, maintaining a 4.4 percent unemployment rate and a median family income of close to $100,000, this city has a rich economy. Raytheon company, an American Defense Contractor, employs over 3,600 of this cities residents. Other major employers are the McKinney Independent School District, the Collin County Government and Torchmark. Numerous athletes come from McKinney, including NFL football players Tommy Crutcher, baseball player Mike Bolsinger and several other professional football players, Olympic medalists and sports figures. People enjoy the lifestyle McKinney provides, as it is a very laid back, family oriented location, that is also within a close proximity to the lively excitement of Dallas.
