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

America's Stonehenge at Mystery Hill

85 of 100

85. Salem, N.H.

Population: 30,000
Median home price (2006): $346,431
Average property taxes (2006): $2,733

Even with its rural New Hampshire setting, Salem has plenty to see and do. The town, which sits on the Massachusetts state line, is home to the rock formation Mystery Hill - considered "America's Stonehenge" - and Canobie Lake Park, an old fashioned amusement park with a New England flavor. Attractions aside, there are plenty of reasons why Salem is a great place to live. Two colleges - Hesser College and Southern New Hampshire University - provide a steady stream of jobs. And less than an hour's drive to Boston, the town provides easy access to big city attractions and jobs. -B.N.

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