Given the ready availability of cheap travel options, whether cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap vacation packages, and cheap auto rentals, people trying to decide where they might want to move to should consider checking out one of the happiest towns in the West.
Defining what is happiness? can be tricky. Sunset Magazine in its February issue contends the happiest place is where we can find the things that matter most to us. Since what makes one happy often depends on the eye of the beholder, Sunset Magazine rightly recognized towns with very different attributes.
The following are Sunset Magazines top ten Happy Towns and why they were so ranked:
Salt Sprint Island, B.C. is a farmers/gardeners dream spot. With 10 thousand residents and a median home price of $569 thousand, the 74 square mile islands mild climate enables year round gardening.
Salt Lake City is an appealing location for aspiring entrepreneurs. With 182 thousand residents, a median home price of $213 thousand, its low corporate tax rates and educated workforce makes Salt Lake City an ideal location to start a business.
Taos, New Mexico appeals to those looking for a vacation home. With almost six thousand residents and a median home price of $268 thousand, year round recreation opportunities and limited housing makes this city attractive for vacation home owners who would like to rent when not in residence.
Portland, Oregon is ideal for people who would prefer to get around without a car. With 582 thousand residents and a median home price of $234 thousand, the city dedicates over 300 miles to bike paths and lanes. Portland is also well known for offering excellent public transportation.
Bellingham, Washington attracts outdoor recreationists. With 78 thousand residents and a median home price of $305 thousand, it offers year round recreational activity between its 143 miles of the Puget Sound shoreline on one side and the Cascade Mountains on the other.
Eureka, California draws aspiring artists. With 25 thousand residents and a median home price of $207 thousand, it is home to over one thousand artists.
San Diego is seen as home to innovations. With almost 1.4 million residents and a median house price of $330 thousand, many types of cutting edge practices, from pioneering computer technology to decoding the human genome are taking place there.
Sonoma County, California appeals to people who take great pleasure in food. With a population of 472 thousand and a median home price of $484 thousand, its 300 plus wineries and many great restaurants make this a food lovers paradise.
Scottsdale, Arizona is seen as an ideal place to raise children. With a population of 235 thousand and a median home price of $279 thousand, its low crime, first rate schools, and extensive park land, makes it attractive to young families.
Crestone, Colorado is ideal for those wanted to live off the grid. With only 126 residents and a median home price of $250 thousand, it enjoys 330 sunny days a year and makes extensive use of solar power.
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