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

Best places to live

Best Places to Live: Full list

Middleton, Wis., is this year's winner. See if your hometown made the cut. (more)

25 top-earning towns

Wondering where the wealth is? Residents of these 25 places have the highest median household incomes in the country. (more)

Where homes are affordable

Residents who buy real estate in these 25 towns see their incomes go the furthest. (more)

Where the singles are

Looking for a romantic locale to meet that special someone? These 25 places have the highest percentage of singles in the country. (more)