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The 10 Best Small Cities To Live In, According to Money Magazine

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Lifestyle Editor, HuffPost

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If you’re looking to move away from big city life, consider this your catalogue of potential new hometowns.

Money magazine recently released a list of the best places to live, which ranks U.S. cities with populations between 10,000 and 100,000 on quality of life indicators like the health of the local economy and availability of affordable housing. The magazine gathered 170,000 data points on 2,400 small cities across the nation, scoring them in eight categories: cost of living, local economy, education, housing, crime, convenience, cultural and recreational amenities and overall pleasantness. Reporters also interviewed residents and visited neighborhoods in person to determine the finalists. To ensure a hearty geographic mix, they limited the top 100 cities to include no more than four places per state and two per county.

The result is a lineup of under-the-radar areas that are both affordable and diverse, according to Money. They look pretty darn charming, too.

Here are the top 10 small cities to live in the U.S. for 2017.

10
Bozeman, Montana
Money
Bozeman is a haven for nature lovers, as about 14 percent of residents bike or walkto work, according to Money magazine's research. Some say the city feels more cosmopolitan than others in Montana, thanks in part to the local university.
9
Schaumburg, Illinois
Money
This Chicago suburb offers cultural resources like a performing arts center and gallery, Money reports. Locals can also hit up the sculpture park, comedy club and minor league baseball games.
8
North Arlington, New Jersey
Money
A 15-mile commute from New York City, this pleasant suburb offers great schools and a massive public park with sports, nature and special events galore. You might recognize the local pizza joint from the opening credits of "The Sopranos."
7
Lone Tree, Colorado
Money
This outdoorsy Denver suburb serves up plenty of sporting opportunities with breathtaking mountain views. The arts center includes a 350-seat outdoor theater that keeps both locals and visitors entertained.
6
Dickinson, North Dakota
Money
North Dakota's recent oil boom strengthened the local economy in Dickinson, Money reports. Residents enjoy museums, rodeos and proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
5
Olive Branch, Mississippi
Money
Southerners flock to this small town for a break from the hustle of nearby Memphis. Olive Branch offers good schools, a safe environment for families with kids and plenty of cultural activities, too.
4
Franklin, Tennessee
Money
Franklin is high on Southern charm and historic places. The city has a solid array of job opportunities, and it's been called one of the best places to retire in America by Bankrate.com.
3
Monterey Park, California
Money
This hideaway in Los Angeles County is just eight square miles, so it has a delightfully small-town feel. Visit the local farmers' market or take a seat in a coffee shop to feel a world away from Downtown.
2
Allen, Texas
Money
If you don't know about Allen yet, you likely will soon: The city is a huge destination for tech companies looking to expand out of nearby Dallas, according to Money. Here, you'll find job opportunities along with awesome leisure spots like a wakeboarding park, golf course and historic heritage village.
1
Fishers, Indiana
Money
Current residents say this quaint spot is full of young families, and local business are starting to boom. The central Nickel Plate District is a hub for outdoor concerts and festivals.

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