Smart Places to Live

Using the criteria of good value in home prices, a reasonable cost of living, and a great quality of life, Kiplinger's Personal finance and Bert Sperling, co-author of Cities Ranked & Rated and host of BestPlaces.net, compiled a list of the best places to live:

Among other things, we looked for places where you could buy an attractive house for $300,000 to $400,000 or less. Access to quality health care was also a must, as was a strong economy. Next, we traveled to the cities that bubbled to the top of the list, to speak with residents and savor the flavor of their neighborhoods. Based on our experiences, we ranked our top-ten picks... #1 Nashville, Tenn. Our top pick offers affordable homes, a mild climate and a phenomenal entertainment scene that goes far beyond country. #2 Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. The Twin Cities offer a hip and progressive atmosphere with a midwestern sensibility, multiple cultural outlets, pro teams in all four major sports, a dozen universities and colleges, and a diverse economy. #3 Albuquerque, N.M. This laid-back city offers resort-town ambience, a boomtown economy and cow-town prices. #4 Atlanta, Ga. The capital of Georgia is a vibrant city with a rich history, good health care, a great cultural scene and genteel neighborhoods shaded by magnificent dogwood and magnolia trees. #5 Austin, Tex. Home to the University of Texas, the state capitol, the Zachary Scott Theatre and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, Austin is a sophisticated salsa of culture, history and politics. #6 Kansas City This city split along state lines offers something for everyone: from stately houses to downtown lofts and world-class museums to barbecue. #7 Asheville, N.C. A virtually franchise-free downtown, world-class cuisine, amazing crafts, live music venues and fine arts make this city tucked into the Blue Ridge mountain range one of a kind. #8 Ithaca, N.Y. True, it's in the Finger Lakes boonies of central New York, but Ithaca is an Ivy League outpost with great food, beautiful scenery and Naderite politics. #9 Pittsburgh, Pa. Currently undergoing a renaissance, this hidden gem has distinctive neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, glittering skyscrapers, upscale shops and a diversified economy. #10 Iowa City, Iowa An oasis on the prairie, this wholesome middle-American city is bursting with creative and intellectual energy.