Check out these small cities that live large

‘Today’ financial editor Jean Chatzky shares a look at some of Money magazine's ‘90 Best, Small, Livable Cities’

Jean Chatzky The 'Today' show Financial Editor

These days, most Americans want big city opportunity and culture — with more green space and less stress. If that's what you're looking for, you’ll want to check out the list of the 90 best, small, livable cities, found in the August issue of Money magazine 2006. “Today” financial editor Jean Chatzky was invited to appear on the show to share a look at some of the hot spots. Here’s more from the magazine:

When it comes to a place to raise a family and live, most Americans want two things: The ability for themselves and their children to prosper, and a quality of life that lets them enjoy the products of their work. For several generations, that meant moving from big cities to suburbs. But that wasn't perfect either.  It came with a long commute and a certain lack of community and cultural life.

Now the tide has turned in the other direction. The best places to live these days offer big city opportunity and amenities — with a lot more green space and a lot less stress. In conducting our search this year, we set out to find the best small livable cities that had the best possible blend of good jobs, low crime, quality schools, plenty of open space, rational home prices and lots to do.  We started with a list of hundreds, and winnowed the list to 90.  Here's more on the #1:

Fort Collins, Colorado: #1 The Best Place To Live in America
Population:  128,000
Home price: $215,000
Prop taxes: $1,700
Pros: Outdoor lover's paradise, good schools, very little stress
Cons: Tech dependent economy

Founded as a military outpost 60 miles north of Denver in 1864, the city is now home to a thriving tech industry (HP, Eastman Kodak and Agilent Technologies have a big presence here) and the main campus of Colorado State University. It is situated 5,000 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains, with restaurants (particularly in the Old Town section), nightlife (including four microbreweries) and culture and natural attractions like the Horsetooth Reservoir for boating and swimming. There are 60 miles of hiking and biking trails and most major roads have bike lanes. Although the tech crunch hit the city hard, the city is forging ahead with two new schools in the southern part of town. It already boasts the highest ranked high school in the state, and students in the district beat the state averages in all subjects at all grade levels.

LUXURY REAL ESTATE can be a $250,000 lakefront lot on a waterski lake, or a  $2,900,000 six bedroom, seven bath, 10,000 square foot home at HIDDEN VALLEY ESTATES in Loveland Colorado!  Luxury real estate can be a fabulous 2,200 square foot patio home on the 18th fairway of a championship golf course in Fort Collins or a secluded family retreat in Estes Park. Luxury Real Estate can even be a hip downtown Fort Collins Loft!  Whatever your idea of Luxury Real Estate is, The Group Inc. Real Estate agent  Mitch Weiner and his web site, COLORADO LUXURY REAL ESTATE.COM can help you find the Northern Colorado dream home or lot that you have been looking for.

This region of Colorado is booming in every way, including in the luxury home market. More million-dollar homes have been sold in the past ten years than at any other time in Northern Colorado history. And why not!  With over 300 days of sunshine per year, stunning natural beauty, a healthy active lifestyle, 3 major Universities, world class health care and thriving cities like  Fort Collins, Loveland and Boulder, it’s no wonder that Northern Colorado is considered one the very best places to live in the country. Fort Collins was voted in 2004, 2006 as one of the best places to relocate to in the USA!   THE GROUP INC. Real Estate agent Mitch Weiner has extensive knowledge of the Northern Colorado Real Estate market. He has assisted clients in buying and selling property throughout the region since 1985 and he is recognized as one of the consistently top-producing realtors in the state of Colorado. Mitch is a marketing specialist and industry trendsetter who always demonstrates the highest level of professionalism in the listing and selling of high-end properties. .

For more detailed information on Mitch Weiner, the area he serves in Northern Colorado, and why you should consider him as your Colorado point of contact for real estate service, please call him at 970.218.8300.

Colorado has earned a worldwide reputation as an area that that offers an unparalleled lifestyle.  Fort Collins,  Loveland and Boulder represent the very best of Colorado. Exciting recreation and sports activities, festivals, cultural activities, high-quality healthcare and great senior accommodations make Fort Collins a choice place to call home. Recently named Best Small Town in the West by Money Magazine, the community truly has something for everyone. To read more about Northern Colorado communities, please click the links below:

Fort Collins Community Information

Located in northern Colorado, Fort Collins offers a unique blend of recreational and cultural opportunities, natural beauty, diverse employment opportunities and a strong economic base. Fort Collins lies alongside the banks of the Cache La Poudre River next to the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains. With over 300 days of sunshine, pleasant year-round temperatures, plenty of shopping and excellent healthcare facilities, both old and young alike are drawn to the community. The city was even ranked 10 th on A&E Network’s 1999 “Best Cities to Have it All”. Though the median age is 28, Fort Collins was voted the best place to “reinvent your life” (or retire) by AARP The Magazine in 2003 and by Retirement Places Rated in 1999.

  Read more about Fort Collins >>

Loveland Community Information

Loveland, Colorado is a beautiful town nestled in a valley at the base of the Rocky Mountains, making it truly the “Gateway to the Rockies”. Loveland offers something for everyone, from the avid golfer to the art aficionado to the outdoorsman. While the town is renowned for it magnificent outdoor art collection, it also boasts 27 public parks, three excellent golf courses, extensive biking and hiking trails, camping, boating, fishing, horseback riding and numerous tennis courts that offer recreation choices aplenty.

  Read more about Loveland >>

Community Links

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