My hometown
What constitutes the ideal hometown? Forbes.com recently published an article listing the top hometowns in the United States and the features that were important to their residents. It is interesting to see the different qualities that people consider important in a city.
Little Rock, Arkansas:
Apparently, the cultural scene in Little Rock is exceptional, with venues like the Symphony, Rep Theater, art museums, historic sites, and great Louisiana-influenced dining establishments. Add to this excellent medical facilities, beautiful natural surroundings and you have the perfect recipe for a great hometown.
Huntington Beach, California:
Its proximity to Orange County, Los Angeles and Long Beach is second to none. The options of recreational activities, cultural spaces, industries and higher education are almost endless. The weather and surfing are among the best in the state.
San Jose, California:
San Jose is in close proximity to San Francisco, Carmel, the Giant Sequoias, and Lake Tahoe. The climate is one of the best in the world and Silicon Valley is teeming with jobs. San Jose favorites include La Maison De Café and the San Jose Museum of Art.
Aurora, Colorado:
Aurora is best loved for its many trails and parks that allow year-round recreational activities. There are also numerous business and career opportunities.
Fort Collins, Colorado:
What is not to love here. Fort Collins has beautiful mountain scenery, a diverse and active industrial sector, proximity to major cities, and world-class schools. Highlights include the vibrant Old Town that is buzzing with activity most nights and weekends, and best of all, public parking rates at just 50 cents for two hours.
Tampa, Florida:
This Florida hometown has great weather, good tax policy, and is a great place to start a business.
Skokie, Ill.:
Skokie has that small town feel with the conveniences of a big city. Residents love the excellent transportation system and the new Science and Technology Park that continues to attract high-tech companies from around the world. It’s the kind of family-friendly city that has great parks and schools, and still has block parties.
Indianapolis, Indiana:
In addition to the variety of businesses, good transportation system, and reasonable cost of living, Indianapolis residents love the safe and friendly downtown area. It is full of restaurants and entertainment venues and has excellent sports facilities.
Marblehead, Massachusetts:
Marblehead is a coastal city east of Boston. It is a unique town, full of artistic and cultural diversity, and an active population. When summer arrives, the beaches are filled with residents who enjoy the warm-weather activities common to coastal environments.
Omaha, Nebraska:
Omaha has a lower unemployment and foreclosure rate than most states, short commutes, and a relatively low cost of living. Residents love the “Playing With Fire” musical event that includes five free concerts downtown during the summer.
Fort Worth, Texas:
Fort Worth is the kind of place where you will always see a familiar face and where people care about their city and their fellow residents.
Park City, Utah:
This family-friendly city is known for its excellent schools and excellent ski resorts and golf courses. Residents’ top picks include Deer Valley, The Canyons and Park City Mountain resorts.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
Milwaukee boasts the longest commute in the area at just 30 minutes. They also have a booming and diverse industrial sector. City highlights include 10 days of lakeside concerts during Summerfest and parties in Miller Park.
