Money magazine’s annual ranking of the best small cities to live in America includes three Colorado towns.
The magazine considered cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000, and then took into account such factors as economic strength, job growth, affordable housing, arts and leisure, and schools. McKinney, Texas, was the top-ranked town.
The first of three Colorado cities came in at No. 4. Castle Rock secured the spot after McKinney; Maple Grove, Minnesota; and Carmel, Indiana.
“Castle Rock has come a long way from its quarry-town roots,” the magazine noted. “The city is growing at a rapid clip, with a population that has more than tripled in the past 15 years.”
Centennial was ranked No. 13. As the magazine noted: “Just inside Denver’s beltway, Centennial feels removed from the city bustle, with rolling hills, open space, and a trail network that winds through town.”
Boulder came in at No. 23. “This city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the country. On a sunny day, you’ll find countless locals riding Boulder’s 300 miles of bikeways, climbing trails at Chautauqua Park or strapping kayaks to car roof racks,” Money magazine noted.
A complete rundown of the best ‘Small Cities’ can be found here.
And by the way, in the national list of best ‘Large Cities’, Denver ranks # 7
From an original article by L. Wayne Hicks, associate editor of the Denver Business Journal
