Each year, Livability.com ranks the best small to mid-sized cities in the U.S., based on criteria such as amenities, demographics, economy, education, health care, housing, social/civic capital and transportation/infrastructure. The new list for this year includes several places that Lennar also calls “home.” Here are ten of our favorite towns that made the list.
The Puget Sound, Capitol Lake and Capitol State Forest are just some of the natural amenities surrounding Olympia, Washington. Evergreen State College and Saint Martin’s University form the base of the city’s excellent educational system. Animal Fire Theater and Harlequin Productions are just some of the theatrical options available in Olympia, which has a thriving arts scene.
Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Longmont, Colorado offers not only easy access to spectacular hiking and mountain adventures but a thriving arts scene, great schools, affordable housing options, and quality health care. Longmont recently became a certified creative district for the state and features galleries, art exhibits and shops. A network of paved trails leads to more than 75 works of art located throughout the city.
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, just south of Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Florida includes a string of eight islands that draw thousands of tourists. It’s an appealing destination for tourists, which is why it landed on our list of the Best Spring Break Cities for Families. Locals enjoy year-round access to beautiful beaches, challenging golf courses, a collection of lakes and a thriving downtown. The Sarasota Opera and Florida Studio Theater anchor the city’s arts and culture scene, while craft breweries, restaurants, shops and galleries provide many entertainment options.
Downtown Chapel Hill, North Carolina bustles with activity as people head to the Carolina Brewery for drinks, Varsity Theater for movies, and Sugarland for coffee and creme brulee. The city’s ripe arts and cultural scene attracts many people. Known for its quality schools and top-ranked medical facilities, Chapel Hill offers a small-town feel with big-time cultural attractions. The presence of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, gives residents college teams to cheer for and a variety of events to attend.
Surrounded by 15 ski resorts, more than 50 golf courses and dozens of hiking trails, fishing holes, and mountain drives, Reno, Nevada is well worth a look. The city’s outdoor activities, arts scene and affordable housing options make a strong case for why Reno is a Top 100 Best Place to Live. For those looking to party, Reno’s nightlife is hard to beat with a downtown full of nightclubs, bars and art galleries. But there are plenty of family-friendly things to do as well.
Consistently used by Hollywood filmmakers as the setting of major motion pictures, Irvine, California also consistently ranks as one of the Best Places to Live, starting with our 2014 list. Schools in Irvine are highly rated, and the city’s low crime rate makes it a safe place to live. Home to more than 10 college campuses, Irvine’s economy is rooted in technology and education.
An excellent amenities package, highly engaged residents and great schools help make Alexandria, Virginia one of the best places to live. This suburb of Washington D.C. provides a quaint escape from the high-powered wheeling and dealing found in the nation’s capital thanks to well-preserved historic districts, which include unique restaurants and shops. It’s been named one of the Best Cities for Liberals. Home to a Northern Virginia Community College campus, Alexandria includes an assortment of parks and walking trails, some of which overlook the Potomac River.
Outdoor lovers can’t help but admire the natural beauty that surrounds Bothell, Washington, from dense forests to pristine rivers. The city’s small-town vibe has made it a draw for families, while its well educated workforce has attracted several biotechnology companies that have boasted the local economy. Anchoring the educational system in Bothell is Cascadia College and the University of Washington branch.
Already identified as one of the Top 10 Best Cities for Families, Plano, Texas provides residents with great schools and community leaders who put children first. A look at the top employers in Plano is like looking at who’s who list of American companies. The city contains more than 3,800 acres of parkland and open space.
Located 50 miles south of Washington, D.C., Fredericksburg, Virginia was a key player in the Civil War and attracts 1.5 million visitors annually who tour battlefields, museums, and other historic sites. A 40-block, 350-building Fredericksburg Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and students have access to a four-year University of Mary Washington. One of the largest shopping malls on the East Coast – Central Park – is in Fredericksburg.
