Farmington Among Money Magazine's Best Places to Live

Affordable homes, a historic downtown and millions in new investment put Farmington on Money magazine's 2013 list of the 50 best small towns in America. 

Farmington is the only Michigan town on the magazine's "Best Places to Live" list. The city last made the top 100 in 2007, when it placed 55th. 

According to the magazine's website, "America's top 50 small towns are not only thriving economically, they’ve also got all you could want in a place to raise a family: plenty of green space, good schools, and a strong sense of community."

The designation spreads the word about what Farmington residents already know, city manager Vince Pastue said.

"I think it gives us recognition outside our immediate city that Farmington is a pretty wonderful place to live and work," he said. 

Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA) director Annette Knowles said the ranking will be included in "lifestyle" promotions and advertising. "We talk about the downtown amenities, and the neighborhoods are important to the downtown," she said. 

As a Farmington resident, Knowles said, "There are a lot of very positive things about this community, but I think the greatest asset it has is the people." 

She said Farmington is a community where people smile and say "hello", and "it's not a place where you're just alone. It's really a place where people become connected." 

What's the best thing about living in Farmington? Tell us with a comment.