Best places to live in 2007
January 22, 2007 | Real Estate | 
2 comments
Here is Money Magazines top 10 ratings. I am not sure who decides that these are the best places to live. It is certainly not based on real estate market projections. What are they basing this information on?
It actually is a well designed method of assessing the pros and cons of living in communities throughout the country but is very subjective. For example, a city to qualify as one of the top 10 must have a population over 50,000 but not more than 300,000 so if you like the big city life you aren’t considered in the top ten. Also removed from consideration are small towns and retirement communities. It is more geared towards young families looking for a fresh start.
1. Fort Collins, Colorado
Population: 128,000
Typical single-family home: $215,000
Est. property taxes: $1,700
Pros: Outdoors lovers’ paradise; good schools; very little stress
Cons: Tech-dependent economy
2. Naperville, Illinois
Population: 141,600
Typical single-family home: $360,000
Est. property taxes: $5,000
Pros: Thriving downtown; lots of green space; top-rated schools
Cons: Congestion in town and on surrounding roads
3. Sugar Land, Texas
Population: 75,800
Typical single-family home: $170,000
Est. property taxes: $4,500
Pros: Diversity; affordable housing
Cons: Like humidity? A lot?
4. Columbia/Ellicott City, Maryland
Population: 159,200
Typical single-family home: $350,000/$550,000
Est. property taxes: $5,900/$5,500
Pros: Convenience of planned community; charm of old town
Cons: Commutes to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore can get ugly
5. Cary, North Carolina
Population: 106,400
Typical single-family home: $280,000
Est. property taxes: $2,900
Pros: Great schools; good arts scene
Cons: Road crews everywhere
6. Overland Park, Kansas
Population: 164,800
Typical single-family home: $250,000
Est. property taxes: $3,500
Pros: Abundant high-paying jobs and affordable housing
Cons: Feels like it was designed by the folks who invented cubicles
7. Scottsdale, Arizona
Population: 226,000
Typical single-family home: $500,000
Est. property taxes: $2,200
Pros: Vibrant community with ample opportunities for work and play
Cons: Brutal summers
8. Boise, Idaho
Population: 193,200
Typical single-family home: $215,000
Est. property taxes: $2,500
Pros: Outdoor sports; low unemployment; vibrant downtown
Cons: Climbing property taxes; sprawl
9. Fairfield, Connecticut
Population: 57,800
Typical single-family home: $545,000
Est. property taxes: $5,300
Pros: Vibrant downtown; great beaches
Cons: Pricey homes; lack of diversity
10. Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Population: 60,600
Typical single-family home: $300,000
Est. property taxes: $3,500
Pros: Convenience; scenery
Cons: No downtown; long winter
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/index.html
Popularity: 4% [?]
I don’t know who decides, neither.I did one year of research, investigation, making acquaintances before deciding on a lot purchase in a small rural, unincorporated area of six such communties just off I-17, in 86333 zip Arizona. Climate PERFECT, property taxes only 60% rate of Kakakee County-horribly economically and resale market depressed area), strong state, county, local infrastructure-nice surprise, welcoming people/make friends readily, togetherness of COMMUNITY efforts and the TURNOUT to show (unlike here in Illinois and most of the Midwest). Have lived in AZ twice before; it has changed. Well realize the problems in Phoenix, Tucson too hot, Flagstaff don’t want the winters anymore (they are MILDER there; albeit, than north and north central Illinois-yes). Lot has MORE than doubled in resale value pricing since Oct ‘05 and still going up. Resales in 86333 (several unincorportated communties share this zip) about 2 months on market average. New construction not down in AZ near as much as elsewhere. A bit pricey, but not unreasonable for the quality of living returns like Naperville, Illinois (worst traffic congestion). 86333 40 minutes S of Prescott (they DO have Macy’s store there, you know), 24 miles S of Camp Verde-good services and shopping, 1 1/2 hours north of Phoenix, 3 hours S of Flagstaff (has that city grown, too!), 60 minutes from Sedona/Oak Creek and not near as pricey and crowded with constant onslaught of driving trains of cars. A gem of an area-Mayer, Cordes Lakes, Cordes, Cordes Junction, Paulden, Poland Junction. Best kept secret cultural enclave of writers, artisans, other and the visually apparent ma-pa businesses right off I-17 access-some of which will ‘make-it’ to one of those new commercial buildings going up in the area. California people aggressively pursuing properties in the area. SHHH. I’m afraid the cat really escaped the bag a year ago, though, right after purchasing a bigger lot. Now owner’s are parceling out their lots, Realtors buying them up in the single family site built sections and the modular sections,too. Panoramic views of the White and Bradshaw Mtn. areas, clean, clear air. Top trained firefighters and paramedics working on remodeling substations of Mayer Fire Dept. with collection of burnables and weed removal during wildfire season. County IS paving (by specific plans) more roads every year-many paved already). School, children, family, church strong emphasis. Only problem of concern is drugs coming in from south of border cartel through Phoenix, but law enforcement stronger and MORE PRESENT than any I’ve SEEN elsewhere. People CARE about each other, in that whole NEIGHBORHOOD. Check it out, while it’s still an affordable gem. It’s no longer in the ‘rough’, neither. MUCH historical, mining significance of past to entire area, but more populated in the 50’s as retirement communities. Now booming. Hope it never becomes a Naperville or the likes of.