CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Living in Charlotte is a very good value, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.
Kiplinger’s released its top 10 cities that provide the best value in terms of living costs, strong economies and great amenities, and Charlotte ranks second in the nation behind Omaha, Nebraska.
The magazine points out Charlotte’s big business climate with Fortune 500 companies like Bank of America, Lowe’s and Nucor calling the city home.
“The city is also making a push to become greener by attempting to reduce energy use downtown 20 percent by 2016,” the report said. “Top-notch schools, a flourishing culinary scene, as well as low taxes and utility rates make Charlotte a top-tier city.”
Kevin Stolarick is the research director at Martin Prosperity Institute. He helped provide data in the report.
“We searched beyond traditional economic measures and included quality of life and the ability to tap people’s creative potential,” said Stolarick. “People today are choosing locations based as much on amenities and atmosphere as they are on financial opportunities."
Added Kiplinger senior editor Robert Frick, “…because all these cities have a high percentage of residents in the creative class—basically creative, educated people—which closely mirrors our readership, we think our 2011 Best Value Cities are communities where they’ll feel right at home."
The entire Top 10 list is below. Kiplinger’s staff members visited each of the top 10 cities, and a full report will be out in the September issue.
1. Omaha, NE
2. Charlotte, NC
3. Nashville, TN
4. Colorado Spring, CO
5. Knoxville, TN
6. Lexington, KY
7. Little Rock, AR
8. Wichita, KS
9. Cedar Rapids, IA
10. Cincinnati, OH
