George S. May Business Blog

Louisville is declared Money Magazine’s #1 Best Place to Live

Money magazine has once again released its annual list of America’s Top 100 “Best Places to Live”. This year, the company’s overflowing database of economic resources came in handy as amidst our recession, it’s interesting to know which towns in the US are thriving economically.

For each town, they list population and unemployment rate and then give a brief description of the town’s setting, atmosphere, schools, even touching on home value.

This year’s winner is Louisville, Colorado, which I must say I was surprised by. I spent a few years in Colorado, have been to Louisville several times and – well – simply put, I did not get the same impression as the people at CNN. I mean no offense to the residents of Louisville, as it is not as if I ever considered Louisville, CO to be dump, but, it is just never did it cross my mind, when I was there, that I was in the best place in the United States. Regardless, here is CNN Money Magazine’s description of Louisville, as well as a list of the other nine that made the top ten list.

“Some towns nestled along the Rockies are full of pretentious eco-hipsters. Not Louisville. Ice cream shops dot the historic downtown. Families grab burgers at the cozy Waterloo Café. A Friday-night street fair, with a beer garden, live music, and games for the kids, runs all summer. No wonder this down-to-earth town has appeared high on Money’s Best Places list before–and on many others.

It’s also weathering the economic downturn well. Robust industries in the area, such as high tech, energy, and health care, make county unemployment among the lowest in the state.

But the top reason residents give for moving here? The great outdoors. Louisville is laced with nearly 30 miles of trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is less than an hour away, and eight world-class ski resorts are within two hours. The town’s schools are highly rated as well.

Add in dry, clear weather, little crime, good health care, and low taxes, and Louisville is pretty tough to beat.”

Rank

City

Median family
income (per yr)

Sales
tax

State income
tax rate
(lowest-highest)

Auto insurance
premiums
(state avg.)

Job growth %
(2000-2008)

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