Clarkstown: One of the Top 100 Places to Live

If you always thought New City - and the Town of Clarkstown - is a great place to live, a new ranking has confirmed it.

A new CNN/Money.com listing of the "Best Places to Live" among America's small cities puts Clarksotwn at No. 41. The ranking credits the town for its proximity to Manhattan and its picturesque suburban setting.

The neighboring Town of Ramapo comes in on the list at No. 88.

Where is the No. 1 place to live? The CNN/Money.com rankings say that's Eden Prairie, Minn., which is home to the practice facilities and front office of the Minnesota Vikings football team.

Clarkstown gets credit for its low crime rate and its easy access to shopping, like Palisades Center mall. The town also gets a plug in the ranking for its ongoing renovations of downtown New City and the continuing efforts to improve hamlet centers throughout the town.

"We are so proud of this wonderful honor," said Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack.  "Clarkstown has various recreational and social opportunities for children and families, excellent schools, an active 'Open Space' program, and a host of community and civic organizations that work to keep our Town one of the best places to live.

"I am also proud of the cooperation that exists between our residents and our town government," said Gromack.  "By working together we have built a community where families flourish and where people and ideas come together in a constructive partnership."

Clarkstown was previously ranked number 71 in 2008.   

Money Magazine created the list using statistics from data provider OnBoard Informatics.  The list includes cities that have populations of 50,000 to 300,000 and  are ranked based on job growth, income increases, cost of living, housing affordability, school quality, arts and leisure options, safety, health care and diversity.