They do this every year in an attempt to rank US cities by "cultural vibrancy, economic well-being, and overall quality of life." This year's top ten in order were Colorado Springs, Seattle, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Albuquerque, Portland, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, and Charlotte.
Outside paired these cities with several neighboring small towns, with populations that ranged from 3,700 to 110,000, calling them "adventure burgs:" Salida, CO; Leavenworth, WA; Charleston, SC; Alpine, TX; New London, CT; Taos, NM; Ashland, OR; Ely, MN; Yellow Springs, OH; and Boone, NC.
To complile the big city list, Outside started with a list of the 100 most populated cities in the US, and ranked cost of living, unemployment, nightlife, commute time, and access to green spaces. The first cut was 28 cities - San Francisco, out because of the cost of living, Houston and Denver out, because other cities in their states were ranked higher, and DC, out probably due to commute and cost of living - ranked by percentage of population with college degrees, income level to home prices index, and weather.
It's hard to argue with the list that they came up with - I've been to seven of the 10 on business and was pleasantly surprised by each (especially Cincinnati and Albuquerque). But the one additional factor that Outside rated, one they called a "proprietary" factor, got me thinking "why no Shenandoah Valley representation here?"
"...multisport factor, which rated each of our finalists on a scale of 1 to 5 for quality and proximity to biking, running, paddling, hiking, and skiing."
I think this gives the folks who want to promote tourism in the Valley something to work with.
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