Best Places to Live Blog

Welcome to the Livability.com Best Places to Live Blog

Lisa B. — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:08:53 +0000

Welcome to the Livability.com Best Places to Live Blog!

We are taking a hiatus from daily blogging but that doesn’t mean we aren’t sending great content your way every day. To stay in the loop on good news about our 500 cities, we hope you will follow Livability.com on Twitter and like Livability.com on Facebook.

Photographing the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site in Camden, SC

Todd Bennett — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:00:26 +0000

With the smoke from campfires filling the air, random shots of musket fire crackling from across the field and soldiers and civilians going about their daily duties in period attire, you begin to believe you’re truly living in the time of the Revolutionary War. Of course, it’s the concession stand selling pizza that brings you back to the present day.

For more than 40 years, the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site in Camden, SC, has held it’s Annual Revolutionary War Field Days.

Around 500 reenactors have besieged Camden, SC, to recreate skirmishes between Continental and British forces. Everything from encampments to artillery demonstrations, even a period fashion show, litter the 100-plus acres of the Historic Camden Site.

Early in the afternoon, a soldier armed with a bullhorn addresses the crowd gathered safely across a ditch to see the day’s skirmish. He provides a little background on the day’s skirmish: the Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill, divulging the strategies deployed by the two armies.

Then the battle begins.

Two major battles: The Battle of Camden in 1780, which happened about nine miles away from the Historic Camden site, and a 1781 battle between General Greene and Lord Rawdon, sometimes referred to as the Second Battle of Camden, are the inspiration for the mock battles.

Later that day, after the carnage has been cleared, a new battle erupts.

After a day of trying to kill each other on the field of battle, the two sides come together again on that same field to play a friendly game of rounders. Not the game from the movie, but the inspiration for America’s favorite pastime: baseball.

Editor’s Note: Todd Bennett is a Staff Photographer for Journal Communications. He shoots photos for Livability.com, BusinessClimate.com and a variety of print publications.

Livability Cities Make List of America’s Best Music Cities

Jessica Walker — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:56:52 +0000

Thanks to MP3 players, iTunes, Pandora and Spotify, it's safe to say that many of us spend quite a bit of time listening to music. Whether you prefer an iPod, a CD player, a cassette deck or even a turntable, chances are you're listening to something while you're driving, working, exercising and/or relaxing. However, nothing really beats an actual concert. There's nothing quite like a live show where you can see the band play, feel the energy of the crowd and get completely lost in the moment. It can be a surreal experience that you never forget – which, unfortunately, cannot be replicated by any sort of music player. Given the importance of live music, I'm happy to report that several Livability cities made Travel + Leisure's list of America's Best Music Cities! While a few staples, including Nashville, TN – you know, Music City – made the list, some of the picks may surprise you. Read on to discover which of our cities made the cut and find out where you can find some live music! Santa Fe, NM: Bishops Lodge, Santa Fe Brewing Company, Evangelos Cocktail Lounge Scottsdale, AZ: Martini Ranch, El Hefe Bar and Taqueria Fort Worth, TX: Billy Bob's Texas, 8.0 Restaurant and Bar, Scat Jazz Lounge Honolulu, HI: Waikiki Shell, Lewers Lounge Charleston, SC: Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, Space 227, Music Farm, Rooftop at the Vendue Inn San Antonio, TX: Reggae On The River, Luna Fine Music Club Portland, OR: Crystal Ballroom, Dante's, Valentine's, Berbati’s Pan Kansas City, MO: The Beaumont Club, The City Market, The Phoenix Minneapolis, MN: Target Center, First Avenue & 7th St Entry Does your city have a great live music scene? Tell us about in the comments section!

Seven Great Cities for Singles

Mitchell K. — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:52:17 +0000

How far would you go for love? Would you cross an angry sea? Would you give up all your worldly possessions? Would you risk your life? What about just moving to Gainsville, FL? The fine folks over at TheDailyBeast.com recently analyzed several stats and came up with the "Best Cities to Find a Date" list. They used Census data to identify which cities had the highest percentage of single men and women. In this case that's anyone over age 15 who hasn't been married, divorced or widowed. (In case you're like me and are wondering why they included minors in this, it's because that's the age range the Census uses.) They also looked at median annual salaries for singles, The average cost of a movie ticket and the city's well-being score. Here are a few of our favorite cities that made the list for the best places to find a date and the percentage of singles there:

Gainesville, FL

Single Men: 73% Single Women: 75%

Lincoln, NE

Single Men: 51% Single Women: 51%

Madison, WI

Single Men: 58% Single Women: 61%

Ann Arbor, MI

Single Men: 65% Single Women: 67%

Richmond, VA

Single Men: 69% Single Women: 71%

Alexandria, VA

Single Men: 53% Single Women: 59%

San Jose, CA

Single Men: 47% Single Women: 48%

Five Fun Things To Do in Louisville in 24 Hours, Including Food, Art, Shopping and Fitness

Lisa B. — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:47:06 +0000

[caption id="attachment_6121" align="aligncenter" width="239" caption="In downtown Louisville (and all over town), you'll see several horse sculptures that are part of the Gallopalooza arts initiative, which raises funds for beautification projects every five years."][/caption] With just 24 hours and a small budget, you can discover many wonderful surprises in Louisville, Kentucky, including food, art, shopping and fitness. That's beyond the things for which it is best known, like Churchill Downs, mint juleps and Kentucky Hot Browns. With world-class museums, neighborhoods thriving with independent businesses, unexpected dining options and a renowned historic park system, it takes less than a day to see that Louisvillians wear many hats besides the expensive designer ones donned at the Derby. Here are just five of the fun things I found to do in Louisville, one of Livability.com's best places to live: 1. VISIT 21C MUSEUM HOTEL ON MUSEUM ROW ON MAIN [caption id="attachment_6122" align="aligncenter" width="239" caption="Entrance to the 21C Museum Hotel, recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the best in the world."][/caption] Louisville's Museum Row on Main comprises the Louisville Slugger Museum, Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville Science Center, Frazier International History Museum, Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and the 21c Museum Hotel. I didn't have the time to visit ALL of these in the time that I had, but was able to check out the cool gift shop at Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft before heading across the street to explore the 21c, which was recommended by several friends, is FREE, open 24/7 and as awesome as everyone said it would be. You can check out the 21c website for the many accolades it's received, with probably the most recent being named among the best 500 hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure. Tips: There are plenty of inexpensive parking options downtown. Also, note that not all the museums on Museum Row are free, but a ticket stub from one entitles you to a discount at any of the others. Read more about Museum Row on Main and the 21c Museum Hotel on Livability.com. 2. EAT & DRINK AT ZA'S PIZZA PUB I had the benefit of a Louisville resident friend's recommendations for dinner, and since I preferred something casual, local and low-key, he (correctly) felt that Za's Pizza Pub would fit the bill best. Za's has been around since 1996 on Bardstown Road, the main, walkable commercial corridor in the Highlands known for its mix of (almost all independent) restaurants, shops and nightspots. Besides great pizza, Za's has just more than a handful of beers on tap and dozens of bottled selections from around the world. Tip: Try the Garden Za on hand-tossed wheat crust. Beer fans, you can read all about Louisville's brewery scene on Livability.com. 3. EAT & BROWSE AT LYNN'S PARADISE CAFE [caption id="attachment_6123" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Lynn's Paradise Cafe on Barret Avenue in Louisville's Highlands area"][/caption] I've heard many good things about Louisville's vintage clothing and antique shops, so I did quick internet research to decide on just one to check out while there. My search led me to The Nitty Gritty on Barret Avenue (also in the Highlands, but off the main strip), which wasn't quite open yet (it was before 11 a.m. on a week day). More on that later. My adventure was hardly in vain, however, because it was while parking for The Nitty Gritty that I saw Lynn's Paradise Cafe. Well, look at the photo. It's hard to miss. I learned that Lynn's has been featured on just about every TV show and cable network (Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Food Network, Discovery Channel ...) and covered in most major print publications (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Bon Appetit, Southern Living, Esquire, Gourmet ...). Somehow, I missed all that coverage, yet there was something special about feeling like I discovered it on my own. The inside of the place was as eye-catching and wild as the exterior, and the food hit the spot. The gift shop was also incredibly fun ... I will write more about Lynn's later. There was just too much to see and talk about to fit into this one post. Tip: For a truly Kentucky experience, try the Bourbon Ball French Toast, which has been featured on The Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay." And if you don't want to spend three hours in the gym for it, ask for a half order. Read more about other Louisville independent restaurants on Livability.com. 4. SHOP FOR VINTAGE AT THE NITTY GRITTY After breakfast at Lynn's, The Nitty Gritty had opened, so I went in to take a peek around. The young lady working there was super helpful and friendly - meaning not pushy, but clearly enthusiastic about all the cool stuff they had, from deadstock 1980s Smurfs wallets, handmade jewelry and 1960s pleather Go-Go dresses to 1950s fur coats, men's 1970s Western shirts and 1940s fedoras. She also clearly loves her city, particularly the Highlands neighborhood, explaining that it is best defined by the loyalty of its people. Besides drawing tourists and people from all over town because of its quirks and trendiness, she says the Highlands is characterized by, and thrives because of, a true sense of "shop locally" by its residents and business owners. Tip: Bring a lot of money, not for extravagance but for volume. The prices and selection were great, making me wish I'd budgeted more money. Next time! Be sure to check out the upstairs portion of the store, which includes the "Rough Rack" for those who don't mind making repairs or tackling dye projects for deeply discounted item in need of some TLC. Read more about shopping in Louisville on Livability.com. 5. JOG AT CHEROKEE PARK [caption id="attachment_6124" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Baringer Hill at Cherokee Park is a popular spot for frisbee as well as sledding during winter snow."][/caption] To work off that amazing French Toast from Lynn's, I made a final stop at Cherokee Park, one of the original three of 18 parks and six parkways designed for Louisville by Frank Law Olmsted, known as the Father of American Landscape Architecture. I chose Cherokee because it was close, plus I heard the neighborhoods surrounding it are beautiful (they are) and the 2.4-mile paved loop is a great place for a brisk walk or jog (it was). Tip: Baringer Hill is a favorite spot for sledding during winter months. Read more about Louisville's awesome parks and the Olmsted Legacy here. In the interest of time and convenience, you can see that most of my exploration was in downtown and the Highlands, but I am told they offered a good sampling of what the city has to offer in a short timeframe. Next time I hope to explore a bit more north of town at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park, and south of downtown at the Speed Art Museum and Kentucky Derby Museum. Live in or been to Louisville? Tell us about your favorite places to go and things to do!

Eleven of North Carolina’s Best Places to Live Celebrate MLK Legacy

Raven Petty — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:00:34 +0000

His message was clear. He spoke of equality – that men and women, regardless of color or creed, are equal members of the human family. He advocated against poverty, violence and segregation. In 1964, Time magazine named him "Man of the Year," and the same year he was the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He is the only non-president to have a national holiday dedication in his honor. He is Martin Luther King Jr. Photo courtesy of Duke Yearlook I find that we often do not reflect on the meaning or impact of these “non-traditional” holidays. Many of us are off from work and the kids are out of school. We view it as a long weekend, a free day off, or a day to clean or run errands. This inspired me to look at areas that really celebrate Dr. King's honor, and I was pleasantly surprised to find cities across North Carolina have a number of events to commemorate Dr. King. There are 11 of North Carolina's Best Places to Live that have parades, breakfasts, vigils and more – all are inspired by MLK's memory – most in January, but some are in months as late as April. Many of them are free or inexpensive, and events range from the family-fun parade to powerful keynote lectures. For a full list, check out all the MLK events scheduled in North Carolina this year. Here's the list of the cities and upcoming events this month. So, before you run errands or lounge around all day, give some thought to getting a history lesson or participating in an event that may lead to something great. Asheville Martin Luther King Youth Celebration Asheville's 31st Annual Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast Martin Luther King Peace March & Rally Martin Luther King Candlelight Service UNCA Martin Luther King Observance Chapel Hill 27th Annual University/Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Banquet 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast 7th Annual Martin Luther King Community Day of Service Chapel Hill Community Martin Luther King Rally and March Triangle Martin Luther King Day of Service Martin Luther King UNC Candle Light Vigil Charlotte City of Charlotte Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade Martin Luther King Legacy Concert with Micah Stampley 18th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2012 Elizabeth City Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Program Fayetteville Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast and Day of Service Fayetteville Martin Luther King Challenge Day of Service Greensboro Dreams of a King: The Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Celebration Service Martin Luther King Community Service Day Annual UNCG Martin Luther King Celebration w/ Elaine Brown The Green Book Play Kinston 5th Annual MLK Holiday Celebration in Kinston Lexington Annual Martin Luther King Holiday Parade Selma Martin Luther King Day of Service Thomasville Martin Luther King Peace March Martin Luther King Oratorial Contest & Awards Dinner Martin Luther King Holiday Observance Winston-Salem 27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Martin Luther King Invitational Basketball Tournament 7th Annual Martin Luther King Gospel Fest with Kierra Sheard Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Keynote by Soledad O'Brien Keep in mind, we love to hear from you. If you attend an event, or have in the past, feel free to tell us about it below!

Photographing Richland Creek Zipline in Asheboro, NC

Todd Bennett — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:34 +0000

What do you do with more than a mile of cable, a few trees and an entrepreneurial spirit? You build what’s called a zipline on the side of Purgatory Mountain outside Asheboro, NC.

Years ago, Buddy Hammer marveled as he watched on National Geographic as scientists used ziplines to study the Amazon Rainforest. That was almost 20 years ago.

That gave him an idea of what to do with the 50 acres surrounding his home.

Buddy waited for retirement and for his children to graduate from college. With plenty of free time, he decided to give that little pet project of his a try. Thus was born Richland Creek Zipline, which I photographed for Livability.com: Asheboro, NC.

I first met Buddy and his wife JoAnn a few years ago. Since that time, they’ve added new lines, bringing the total to 15, as well as several sky walks. Their longest and fastest line runs 1,400 feet long. But it’s probably not the most fun line.

That title belongs to what’s called the bouncy line.

As a rider crosses the creek bed below, one of the guides mans the end of the cable and literally puts all of his weight into pushing and pulling the line in every direction possible.

To say the rider is catapulted in every direction is an understatement.

It’s a jolting, scream-inducing thrill ride. And it’s the culmination of a two-hour fun-filled tour that will leave you wanting more.

Editor’s Note: Todd Bennett is a Staff Photographer for Journal Communications. He shoots photos for Livability.com, BusinessClimate.com and a variety of print publications.

Livability Cities Make List of Best Cities for Young Adults

Jessica Walker — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:27:46 +0000

Finding a place to live that suits your current lifestyle while also allowing plenty of room to grow -- both professionally and personally -- can be challenging. The task can be especially daunting for young adults, as the possibilities may seem endless and overwhelming. Fortunately, Forbes has narrowed down the best options in their latest list: The 15 Best Cities For Young Adults. Several Livability cities made the cut, which was based on projected job growth, cost of living, average salaries, number of small and large businesses in the area, unemployment rates and the percentage of college graduates who call the city home. But don't worry -- these cities aren't all about "all work, no play." They all feature plenty of opportunities for fun, such as restaurants, shops, parks and festivals. Read on to discover more about our cities that made the list! Little Rock, AR Population: 189,877 Median household income: $46,057 Greenville, SC Population: 60,099 Median household income: $37,768 Minneapolis, NM Population: 375,812 Median household income: $42,205 Colorado Springs, CO Population: 406,307 Median household income: $55,802 Portland, ME Population: 65,701 Median household income: $42,148 Omaha, NE Population: 420,762 Median household income: $49,303 Madison, WI Population: 235,361 Median household income: $52,097 West Des Moines, IA Population: 58,284 Median household income: $70,398

Four of the Safest Cities in the U.S.

Mitchell K. — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:11:32 +0000

I blame all the action movies I saw growing up. It also might be the endless stream of news stories about heinous crimes that I watch and read every day. Whatever the reason I’ve become somewhat of a security nut, fearing a home invasion, burglary or kidnapping. Every night I check to make sure the cars, doors and windows are all locked up tight. I keep a baseball bat under my bed and have actually practiced rolling to the floor and grabbing it, ready to swing at any would-be intruder. There’s a reason our dog sleeps in the hallway that leads to the bedrooms. She’s our second line of defense.

I just want to feel safe, and even though my wife rolls her eyes when I dust off the bat, I believe safety is the top factor when picking out a place to live. Who would willingly purchase a home in an area of town that doesn’t seem safe? We live in neighborhood that doesn’t see a lot of crime, but that doesn’t stop my mind from going to dark places.

Paranoid people like me need all the help we can get. The reassurance that a city is safe can go a long way. With that in mind I offer a look at four of the safest cities in the country. These places ranked among the highest in a new list from CQ Press, that used data from the latest F.B.I. Crime in the United States report.

Fishers, IN

Overall Rank: 1 (90 points below the national average)

Population: 75,734

Violent Crimes in 2010: 18

O’Fallon, MO

Overall Rank: 2

Population: 81,851

Violent Crimes in 2010: 72

Newton, MA

Overall Rank: 5

Population: 83.781

Violent Crimes in 2010: 86

Irvine, CA

Overall Rank: 6

Population: 217,193

Violent Crimes in 2010: 120

Ten (More) Cities For Keeping 2012 Resolutions

Lisa B. — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:22:22 +0000

[caption id="attachment_6030" align="aligncenter" width="292" caption="Be sure to check out our new list of Top 10 Best Cities for Keeping New Year's Resolutions (click this photo). In the meantime, here are a few (much more subjective) picks."][/caption] If you missed it late last week, we at Livability.com released our latest list, Top 10 Cities for Keeping New Year's Resolutions. Yep, you can click that link to check it out. To come up with this list of all-around good places for keeping resolutions, we used a combination of commonly held New Year's goals and compared them against to various quality of life factors within our 500 Livability.com cities. You can read about that in more detail on the list. With that, we ranked the cities based on the quantity of resolutions you'd have a greater chance of keeping in each. That's a more formal methodology than I what I used for this post, but it served as inspiration. The list made me wonder: "If I was personally super serious about particular resolutions - enough to move somewhere to better ensure my success - where would I go, and why?" I stopped making resolutions a long time ago, mainly because I have found that it's good to set incremental goals throughout the year instead of getting overwhelmed with too many things all at once. Nonetheless, here's my (completely hypothetical and subjective) list, based on Livability.com cities I've visited or studied over the years and cool things they have going on in each. My Hypothetical Resolution: Stick to a Running Routine Most Likely To Happen In: Eugene, OR Why? The various running trails in Track Town U.S.A. are well planned, extensive, well maintained and offer pleasant sightseeing. Plus, it's hard not to be inspired in the former stomping (running?) grounds of Steve Prefontaine and the birthplace of Nike. Hypothetical Resolution: Learn to Grow Food Most Likely To Happen In: Abingdon, VA Why? Barbara Kingsolver and her family shared stories of how they lived off the land near Abingdon in the book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, released in 2007. It would be nice to have this kind of a roadmap, a local resource should my efforts go awry and a great farmers market if my efforts were successful. Hypothetical Resolution: Network More With Other Young Professionals Most Likely To Happen In: Wichita, KS Why? At just 7 years old and 2,000+ members strong, the Young Professionals of Wichita group seems to be a great starting point for this particular resolution. Hypothetical Resolution: Create Art Most Likely To Happen In: San Angelo, TX Why? There's an element of quirk throughout this town, that when combined with a super-laid-back Texas attitude strikes me as a perfect mix for getting into a creative, low-pressure, productive groove. Perhaps that's why places like the Old Chicken Farm Art Center are so cool and the National Ceramic Competition is such a success. Read more about San Angelo's arts scene. Hypothetical Resolution: Go Back to School Most Likely To Happen In: Charlottesville, VA Why? In 13 years, I only once have experienced a strong desire to go back to school and build upon my journalism degree, which was when standing on the front steps of The Rotunda looking out on Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village at the University of Virginia one fall day. It was absolutely beautiful, and I was filled with an even greater sense of history and reverence than when visiting Monticello. Hypothetical Resolution: Slow Down, Meditate Most Likely To Happen In: Longview, WA Why? Longview has some peaceful spots itself (Lake Sacajawea, for example), but it is also surrounded by some others I've considered visual and peaceful standouts, such as the Oregon overlook providing views of the Lewis & Clark Bridge, the latter built by Joseph B. Strauss before he built San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Then there's Cedar Creek Grist Mill down in Woodland, and the winding, spectacularly scenic roads leading to Mount St. Helens over in Skamania County. Hypothetical Resolution: Write a Book Most Likely To Happen In: Asheville, NC Why? Asheville has a longstanding status as a source of creative inspiration and as a lively literary scene. Asheville was home to such writers as O. Henry and Thomas Wolfe and hosted F. Scott Fitzgerald for extended stays in 1935-1937. Hypothetical Resolution: Volunteer More Most Likely To Happen In: Tupelo, MS Why? Something that truly stood out about Tupelo when working on their magazine for 2012 is the community's spirit of volunteerism. There are lots of opportunities to give back and get involved, and being surrounded by many likeminded folks surely makes philanthropy fun down in the Birthplace of Elvis Presley. Hypothetical Resolution: Invent Something Most Likely To Happen In: McAllen, TX Why? The McAllen Chamber of Commerce has an awesome program called the Inventors & Entrepreneurship Network and also awards annual innovation grants. With a support system like that, there's little left to do but drum up that great idea and outline your plan to make it real. Hypothetical Resolution: Get More Involved in Civics Most Likely To Happen In: Decatur, AL Why? This selection is purely personal because it is my hometown, not because I necessarily feel that Decatur is aching for more community participation than any other city. My point is that folks should consider bringing good ideas to the table for any town in which they have particular interest. Truthfully, I wasn't wild about Decatur when growing up there, mainly because it didn't seem big enough. Now that I am older, value slightly different things and have seen more places - including cities of similar size but with relatively more innovative programs and amenities - sometimes I think it would be fun to see some of those cool things become reality back in my own hometown. I also see more of what the city already has going for it. I'm not ready to go back "home," but that line of thinking does reinforce that if you can't just up and move, consider what you can do to improve your current place. Check out the examples I've listed above for inspiration and dig around a bit on Livability.com for more!