Monday, May 21, 2007

New book ranks Boise 10th best U.S. city

Authors prioritize climate, cost of living and quality of life in ratings
By BOB MINZESHEIMER - USA TODAY and Idaho Statesman Staff
Edition Date: 05/09/07
The Boise area ranks as the 10th best place to live in the United States according to a new book.
In "Cities Ranked & Rated" (Wiley, $24.99), authors Bert Sperling and Peter Sander rate cities in 10 categories, from the economy to the arts. It's a big move up for Boise; in 2004, the authors rated Boise as the 68th best place to live in the U.S.
"Once again we are honored by this distinction," said Boise Mayor Dave Bieter. "Ultimately, the most important opinions are those of our residents, but this kind of validation is quite gratifying. It also illustrates why we must continue to move forward with livability issues."
The book gives the most weight to cost of living, climate and one subjective measure: quality of life.
Gainesville, a "right-sized college town" that's home to the University of Florida, is the best place to live in the U.S., according to the book.
The authors give high marks to several other "satellite cities" attracting telecommuters, including Bellingham, Wash., (No. 2) and Colorado Springs (No. 4).
At the bottom of the rankings of 375 metropolitan areas is Modesto, Calif.
The 848-page book updates 2004 rankings by the authors, who have given more weight to affordable housing and reasonable commuting times.
Last month, Boise was named the third-best city in the country for business and careers by Forbes magazine. In July, Money magazine ranked Boise eighth on its Best Places to Live 2006 for small cities. Both magazines pointed to the city's strong economy and low unemployment rate.
Sperling and Sander's book relies on statistics as well as the authors' judgments of physical attractiveness and "ease of living."

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