Louisville finally snagged the top spot on Money magazine’s list of best small towns to live in, after coming in third and fifth in past years.
“We’ve always been proud of our city, and it’s certainly always nice to get this kind of national attention,” said Louisville Mayor Chuck Sisk.
He said interviews of Louisville residents aired on a video that went with the Money magazine story showed “people exuding pride.”
“How could we have better salespeople than that?” he asked.
Neighboring Superior ranked 13th, the only other Colorado entry on the top-100 list.
The magazine, which ranked towns with populations between 14,000 and 50,000, said this about Louisville:
“Some towns nestled along the Rockies are full of pretentious eco-hipsters. Not Louisville. Ice cream shops dot the historic downtown. Families grab burgers at the cozy Waterloo Cafe. A Friday-night street fair, with a beer garden, live music, and games for the kids, runs all summer. No wonder this down-to-earth town has appeared high on Money’s Best Places list before — and on many others.”
Louisville also ranked high for its relatively robust economy, outdoor activities and good schools.
Shelley Angell, executive director of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce, said she received “so many e-mails and phone calls” after Money announced its list Monday.
She also sent out 15 relocation packets Monday to people interested in making Louisville home.
“We’re just extremely excited,” she said.
She said Money magazine representatives visited in June, interviewing residents and visiting the annual “Taste of Louisville” event.
She said the city stands out for its community feel, mix of high-tech and small businesses, and proximity to skiing and Denver.
“We have a lot of community activities that really bring people together,” she said. “People feel safe here and take care of each other.”
On Monday, the Louisville Public Library was buzzing.
Resident Darren Anderson, a graduate student at the University of Colorado, said he likes Louisville for its trails, “quaint” downtown and “earthy” people.
“It’s a great place to live,” he said.
Christina Hall praised the “fantastic” schools and plethora of family activities, from the farmers market in the summer to ice skating in the winter.
“There’s always something to do downtown,” she said. “It’s a very tightknit community. Every time I go to the store, I see someone I know.”
Louisville was named the third-best place to live in the country in 2007 and also made the top five in 2005. In 2006 and 2008, Money compared places with populations of at least 50,000.
The Top 10
Money magazine ranked two Colorado towns in its top-100 list for places with populations between 14,000 and 50,000.
1. Louisville
2. Chanhassen, MN
3. Papillion, NE
4. Middleton, WI
5. Milton, MA
6. Warren, NJ
7. Keller, TX
8. Peachtree City, GA
9. Lake St. Louis, MO
10. Mukiteo, WA
13. Superior
Source: Money
