Where do I look to buy a home? This is a question that more often than not is answered for the home buyer. Moving to a new city with a job, pretty much dictates the town one lives in at least. But what about those buyers who want a lifestyle or location first, and everything else to fall in place afterwards? This does happen, for those who do not know. CNN Money reported on the best small cities to live in across the US recently. If you are looking for jobs a plenty, the best schools, and general Utopian values, these places are a good start.

Choosing a city to buy a home in can have so many variables of determination. Property prices and afford ability, the cost of living, local amenities such as schools and nurseries, employment opportunities, and also culture and entertainment. Transportation and other amenities also bear on some buyer's decision when looking at the "where to live" aspect of property buying. And then, there are those who simply want to live near family or friends, not to mention retiring in the tropics - etc. But for figuring out the general best places to buy a home - there are resources.

Countryside near Eden Praire - courtesy Brian Zinnel

Last year a study was carried examining factors such as those mentioned above, and based on the results a list of top ten places to live and buy a home in the United States was compiled. Low crime levels, amenities, employment, schooling, property afford ability, and culture, were amongst the things that were taken into account with these places. The top ten cities compiled from this research include:

1. Eden Prairie, Minnesota - How does only 5 percent unemployment sound?
2. Ellicott City, Maryland Economy propped up by the NSA and Meade Army Base
3. Newton, Massachusetts Top ranked schools and New England charm
4. Bellevue, Washington Arts, views, economy, diverse, and modern, what else?
5. McKinney, Texas Almost non-existent crime, jobs, no rush hour, 19th Century charm
6. Fort Collins, Colorado Add the great outdoors and great beer to a vibrant town
7. Overland Park, Kansas In a word "Schools" - all else, property values follow
8. Fishers, Indiana Price, access to metropolis, and good schools....
9. Ames, Iowa 36 parks, an aquatic center, shopping, and 4 percent unemployment!
10. Rogers, Arkansas Top notch schools, and propped up by Walmart's infrastructure

When looking at properties in these areas it is also advisable for buyers to also look at the possibility of growth in property values in the area, if increased investment margins in any way plays a part in the decision. Of course almost any region will see property values increase over the long haul, but where estates and other economic factors play a role, more scrutiny should be used obviously.

The cities listed above are not an exhaustive list either, but the reader can use them as a template for building his or her own list.

Patapsco State Park outside Ellicott City, MD - courtesy crazycomputerdad

The rest of the top small towns, along with in depth comparison charts are within the Money article here. We hope this information gives the reader increased vision where location is concerned. Of course finding your dream city probably has very individualized characteristics. Soon RealtyBiz will offer you tools and resources to help with any search, no matter how personal.

Downtown McKinney, TX - courtesy Cyndie

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Reno Charlton

Latest posts by Reno Charlton (see all)

• Mortgage Rates May Slow New Sales - January 17, 2011
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• Home Prices Down 30 Percent Nationwide - January 12, 2011