A list of the ‘2018 Best Places to Live in the United States’ has been unveiled, ranking Colorado Springs in the number two spot.
The list was created by the U.S. News & World Report using 125 of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, ranking them in order based on factors like affordability, job prospects, and quality of life. A public survey was also conducted from thousands of people across the country on what they find important in living in a home town, said U.S. News & World Report.
Colorado Springs was ranked second on the list, a big jump from last year’s number 11 ranking and a number five ranking in 2016. The big jump can be contributed to a boost in the job market and high quality of life scores, according to the report.
The City of Colorado Springs says in addition to the job market and quality of life elements, factors measuring ‘how comfortable the average resident can afford to live within his or her means’ were included, along with desirability index and net migration.
“The U.S. News & World Report ranking is an exciting and well-earned recognition for our city,” said Tammy Fields, chief economic development officer for the Chamber and EDC. “Colorado Springs is stronger than ever, fueled by significant business and industry development, new residents moving here, high-quality job growth, and competitive affordability. This success is more than a boom. It’s the result of substantial investments made by our citizens, leaders, and businesses who are moving our region forward.”
Austin, Texas was the winner in taking the number one spot for best place to live, with Colorado Springs following and Denver in third.
Peter Fectau with U.S. News & World Report has this to say about Colorado Springs and why we bumped Denver down on the list.
“Colorado Springs might not jump off the map as an economic or cultural hub the way larger metro areas like Denver do. But in a quieter, gentler way, Colorado Springs has much to offer, including a low cost of living, a low unemployment rate and a variety of recreation and entertainment options.
Colorado Springs attracts students, professionals and military personnel to the area with a cache of military bases and nationally ranked colleges. Plus, construction in Colorado Springs is booming, with new residences popping up alongside quality schools, parks and cultural attractions.
This area, which is filled with natural wonders of its own, has the additional allure of proximity to ski resorts like Aspen and Vail without the associated steep costs of living and high levels of traffic. And even though its quaint downtown doesn’t have a Bloomingdale’s or Lord & Taylor, Denver’s lineup of storefronts is just an hour’s drive away.”
Here is the Top 10 list:
- Austin
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Denver
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Fayetteville, Arkansas
- Portland, Oregon
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Washington, D.C.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul
- Seattle
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Reference: Original Article
Reposted by: A Cut Above Cabinets
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