Henderson named among nation’s top 100 small cities

By Conor Shine

Monday, Aug. 20, 2012 | 12:16 p.m.

Plenty of parks, affordable housing and no state income tax help Henderson rate as one of the best places in the country to live, according to a survey by CNN Money.

Henderson checked in at number 66 on the annual “Best Places to Live List,” its first time on the list since it came in 84th in 2008.

The survey ranked the top 100 places to live based on a methodology that included an area’s job growth, housing prices, air quality and commute times. It took into account U.S. small cities with populations of 50,000 to 300,000; last year CNN Money ranked small towns, with populations between 8,500 and 50,000.

Henderson was awarded high marks for its 65 miles of outdoor trails and citywide goal to put a park within a half-mile of all residents.

The city’s ability to weather budget cuts without reducing services also was praised, and Henderson’s combination of affordable homes and the lack of state income tax make it a popular choice for retirees, families and young professionals, according to CNN Money.

Henderson was the only Nevada city on this year’s list.

Carmel, Ind., placed first in the rankings, thanks to its strong school system, performing arts center and ample employment opportunities.

Other cities checking in on the top 10 included McKinney, Tex., Eden Prairie, Minn., and Irvine, Calif.