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Money Magazine Best Places to Live are not big cities

It's time for this year's Money Magazine "Best Places to Live," and the fact that small towns dominate the list of 100 cities should come as no surprise. Overcrowding in America's modern metropolises presents a wide array of safety and logistical problems for families, not to mention exorbitant costs. CNN Money claims that the major criteria used to pick the Money Magazine "Best Places to Live" for 2010 incorporated job availability, quality schooling, public safety, recreational opportunities and also the x-factor of the city's overall charm. What cities make the list are the best of the best when it comes to America's family-oriented communities.

Source for this article: Money Magazine Best Places to Live highlights small town life by Personal Money Store

A taste of Money Magazine's 'Best Places to Live'

As a sneak peek at the full list of Money Magazine's "Best Places to Live" for 2010, here are the five best places to live in The US. Data provider Onboard Informatics provided CNN Money with stats on population size, median income, area sales tax and other categories to help within the decision-making process. The overall rate of short term loan origination – whether they be secured loans or short term loans – is also below the national average in these cities, as job availability, average income and overall quality of life make financial emergencies somewhat less frequent.

1. Eden Prairie, Minn. (Pop. 64,000; Unemployment 5.1 percent)

This is not the last of the Minnesota cities within the top 100, but Eden Prairie is certainly first, with its beautiful surroundings and avenues for play in nature. People love outdoor pastimes and schools rate highly on the quality scale. The unemployment rate is more than comfortably low and their bond rating on Moody's scale is a perfect AAA. All told, Eden Prairie houses 50,000-plus jobs via a number of high-profile employers.

2. Columbia/Ellicott City, Md. (Pop. 155,000; 5.2 percent)

Diverse population, exceptional schools, lots of affordable housing and an attractive downtown are just some of the best features here. Military and government employment through Fort Meade and also the National Security Agency currently provide the area with 8,000 jobs, and government has promised thousands more in the very near future. Baltimore and Washington D.C. are within commuting distance, where more job possibilities exist.

3. Newton, Mass. (Pop. 82,000; 6.0 percent)

Boston College and Newton-Wellesley Hospital are major employers in the area, and an excellent deal of public transportation is accessible, thanks to Newton's proximity to the Greater Boston area. New England charm is a highlight of the grouping of 13 villages that make up Newton.

4. Bellevue, Wash. (Pop. 124,000; 5.8 percent)

Bellevue is a tech mecca, thanks to the presence of Microsoft, T-Mobile, Verizon and Expedia, among others. There are a plethora of culturally enriching entertainments and activities available, and also the forest containing the Bellevue skyline makes the city a beauty to behold, as does Lake Washington. Homes are costly as Washington goes, but other factors have helped Bellevue rise on the Money Magazine "Best Places to Live" list.

5. McKinney, Texas (Pop. 125,000; 7.8 percent)

McKinney, Texas has a well-maintained downtown area that mixes modern with 19th century.McKinneyites have jobs also, thanks to Raytheon and also the proximity of Big Dallas. And with the parks and hiking trails for numerous family adventures, it's no wonder McKinney makes this prestigious list.

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