Best Places to Live in the US

1. Middleton, Wis.

Population: 17,400
Median home price (2006): $290,269
Average property taxes (2005): $5,067
Pros: Small-town charm; booming economy; extensive parks and bike trails
Cons: Do you like winter?

2. Hanover, N.H.

Population: 8,500
Median home price (2006): $428,329*
Average property taxes (N/A): N/A
Pros: Rich cultural and community opportunities; diversity
Cons: Winter isn't for wimps.

3. Louisville, Colo.

Population: 19,400
Median home price (2006): $322,812
Average property taxes (2006): $1,986
Pros: Historic downtown; hiking and skiing
Cons: Tech-heavy economy

4. Lake Mary, Fla.

Population: 13,200
Median home price (2006): $321,173
Average property taxes (2005): $2,419
Pros: Big-economy jobs, small-town feel, no income tax
Cons: Florida summers, Florida hurricanes

5. Claremont, Calif.

Population: 35,900
Median home price (2006): $643,549
Average property taxes (2006): $2,834
Pros: Tight-knit community with topnotch schools
Cons: Poor air quality, high home prices

6. Papillion, Neb.

Population: 18,800
Median home price (2006): $173,774
Average property taxes (2005): $3,071
Pros: Outdoor recreation, growing local economy
Cons: Lack of arts and culture

7. Milton, Mass.

Population: 25,700
Median home price (2006): $527,670
Average property taxes (2006): $3,824
Pros: Close to Boston; borders conservation land
Cons: Traffic, little commercial activity

8. Chaska, Minn.

Population: 22,500
Median home price (2006): $272,932
Average property taxes (2006): $2,752
Pros: Quality jobs, a beautiful setting
Cons: Winter; highway expansion will spur growth

Nether Providence (Wallingford), Pa.

Population: 13,600
Median home price (2006): $309,319
Average property taxes (2006): $3,640
Pros: Affordable homes, top-rated schools
Cons: No real downtown

10. Suwanee, Ga.

Population: 11,200
Median home price (2006): $293,868
Average property taxes (2006):$2,311
Pros: Green space, affordable housing
Cons: Traffic, I-85 interchange