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Best Places to Live 2009U.S. News looked at areas with strong economies, low living costs, and plenty of fun things to do
By Luke Mullins / Posted June 8, 2009 [full story]
With the decade winding to a close, Americans have grown increasingly reluctant to gas up their moving vans. Last year, the Census Bureau's national mover rate—which represents the percentage of Americans 1 year and older who moved within the past year—hit its lowest level since 1948, when the bureau began tracking the data. And who can blame us? In the face of a terrifying banking crisis, a historic housing crash,and a grueling recession, relocating to a new city isn't exactly on the to-do list. But despite the uncertain economy, the nation's diverse topography presents an enviable menu of great places to find work, retire, or just change your scene.
In selecting our Best Places to Live for 2009, U.S. News took a thrift-conscious approach: We looked for affordable communities that have strong economies and plenty of fun things to do. The cities we selected are as distinct as America itself—ranging from a quaint suburb to a live-music mecca. But whether you prefer hiking through the Rocky Mountains, pulling a fish out of the Atlantic Ocean, or grilling hot dogs at a college football tailgate, here are 10 places that will fill up your daybook without emptying your wallet.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Along the banks of the Rio Grande, with the Sandia Mountains in the background, is the beautiful city of Albuquerque, N.M. The sunny climate and endless landscape have long drawn writers, poets, and artists to this spot, which includes an unconventional mix of American Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. But it's not just freethinkers who drift to this Southwestern city of 511,000. Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia National Laboratories, and Intel Corp. have helped develop the area into a manufacturing and research hub. They provide a stable anchor for the local economy.Albuquerque's clear skies, calm winds, and abundant sunshine present plenty of opportunities to explore its natural splendor. Each October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with more than 700 colorful hot-air balloons. Fourteen area golf courses are open year-round and allow duffers to tee off against spectacular backdrops of volcanoes and mountain peaks. Meanwhile, Albuquerque's foothills and network of trails make the area a wonderful destination for biking. Still, "it's kind of undiscovered at the same time," says Will McConnell of the Albuquerque Bicycle Center.
Albuquerque ranks #2 on Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s
10 Best Cities of 20092009 Best Cities: Our Top 10 [full story]
In researching our Best Cities package this year, we still kept our focus on the best places to live. But we wanted to emphasize the best cities for work, too.
So we have selected those that have stable employment rates in key job areas as well as provide new career opportunities. A premium was put on places that will lead the country in employment growth when the recovery takes off.
No. 2: Albuquerque, N.M.
Population: 819,570
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 30
Cost-of-Living Index: 98 (100 being the national average)
Median Household Income: $45,634
Salary Growth (2004-2008): 7.8%
Employment Growth (U.S. Avg.: 1.3%): 1.75%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 8.6%): 6.0%The city and state crave high tech jobs, especially in the renewable-energy industry. Albuquerque is developing its film industry with the same zeal. Albuquerque also bills itself as a green city and, figuratively speaking, it is. The city requires everything from homes to commercial buildings to be energy-efficient.
Albuquerque ranks in the Top 10 Best Cities to Live in 2009 by Relocate-America
Albuquerque is named the 5th Best Big City Art Destination in American Style Magazine, April 2009
Sandia Golf Club ranks among the top 100 golf shops, Golf World, February 2009
5th Fittest City in the United States by Men's Fitness Magazine, January 2009
5th Best City in the U.S. to ride it out as an independent movie maker this year by Movie Maker Magazine, February 2009
