Simsbury Makes Top 50 Places to Live
Mary Glassman
860-658-3230
Simsbury named to ‘Best Places to Live: America’s Small Towns’ by Money MagazineSimsbury has been named to Money Magazine’s third consecutive list of “Best Places to Live: America’s Best Small Towns.” America's top 50 small towns are not only thriving economically, they’ve also got all you could want in a place to raise a family: plenty of green space, good schools, and a strong sense of community.
“The statistical research conducted by Money Magazine proves what we already know—Simsbury’s beautiful protected natural setting, coupled with top quality education, cultural and development opportunities make our community a great place to live, work and play. We are proud to be once again named a Best Place to Live,” says Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman.
Money Magazine cites Simsbury’s history, maintenance of open space, boutiques, farmer’s markets, five-star restaurants, and 2010-2012 job growth of 5.14%. Money Magazine ranks America’s small towns every other year. Simsbury has been named on three consecutive lists, ranking #57 in 2009, #39 in 2011, and #50 in 2013. View Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live: America’s Small Towns at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/best-places/2013/snapshots/CS0968940.html
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How did Money Magazine rank America’s small towns?
Start with all U.S. towns with populations of 8,500 and 50,000.
Screen out places with a median family income of more than 200% or less than 85% of the state average; those with more than 95% of one race; and those with poor education and crime scores.
Exclude retirement communities and towns with major job losses. Rank the rest based on job growth, home affordability, safety, school quality, health care, arts and leisure, diversity, and several ease-of-living criteria.
Factor in more data on the economy (including the fiscal strength of state and local governments), plus jobs, housing, health care, and happiness. Give the most weight to economic data.
Visit towns and interview residents; assess traffic, parks, and gathering places; and consider intangibles like community spirit.
Select the winner based on the data and reporting.