Just in case we need confirmation that we live in a great area, CNN/Money has just published its annual list of “Best Places to Live” focusing on small towns (towns with populations of 8,500 to 50,000). Two towns in our area made the list — Louisville is ranked #1 and Superior is #20. CNN/Money uses a detailed data analysis plan to reach its ranking — its not a subjective process.
The factors considered included:
- –income levels (median and highs and lows),
- –financial information such as unemployment, purchasing power, insurance date, employers,
- –housing information — sales prices, taxes, trends in prices,
- –educational factors — test scores, percent of students in public vs private schools,
- –quality of life — air quality, crime stats, commute times and methods, weather,
- –intangibles — numbers of restaurants, cultural opportunities (museums, opera, symphonies, etc) , recreational opportunities (recreation centers, golf courses, parks, trails, etc), and finally
- –discussions with locals.
Louisville and Superior both did very well and share many characteristics with other towns in our area — schools, weather, and many other factors. I suspect if bigger towns were included, more of our “towns” would be included.
To see the full list: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2011/snapshots/PL0846355.html
and visit our website for recent sales info: www.bernardirealestate.com
