Best Places to Live: Top 100

For this year's list we focused on smaller places that offered the best combination of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community.

By Kate Ashford, Andrea Bartz, Jeff Cox, Asa Fitch, Stephen Gandel, Josh Hyatt, Rob Kelley, Kathleen Knight, Joe Light, Ismat Sarah Mangla, Sarah Max, Jennifer Merritt, Brad Nelson, Donna Rosato, Ingrid Tharasook

48 of 100

48. Easton, Mass.

Population: 23,300
Median home price (2006): $373,456
Average property taxes (2006): $3,725

Situated in eastern Massachusetts, a 35-minute drive south of Boston, Easton is rich in history and natural beauty. Architect H.H. Richardson, who designed Trinity Church in Boston, is responsible for many of the town's distinctive stone buildings, including its library. There are no big employers in Easton, but home prices are well above the state average, thanks in part to the lure of its parks, trails and pristine ponds. -A.F.

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