U.S. News & World Report just released a list of the best places to live in the United States, and one Colorado city made the top ten. As a matter of fact, it came in second.

The list from U.S. News & World Report lists the top cities in which to live based on job prospects, quality of life, and affordability. Austin, Texas came in first place. Who came in second? For that matter, who came in third?

Congratulations, Colorado Springs. According to KOAA News 5, you beat out Denver to be the second best place to live in the United States. Denver now sits at #3.

Why did Colorado Springs rank so well? It may have something to do with the strong job market and the quality of life scores. Last year Colorado Springs finished at #11.

How did U.S. News & World Report arrive at this conclusion? They conducted a survey of thousands of people across the country to uncover what qualities are most important in a home town.

This actually strikes me as a bit odd. I love Colorado Springs, but I was under the impression things were going the other way. Just last night, barely 15 hours ago, I had a long conversation with my best friend who just happens to live in Colorado Springs. According to her, she's getting ready to move out. She can no longer afford to live there. Rents in her area have gone up at least $200 a month just in the last year. Due to her excellent status as a tenant, she was able to get a break and only face a $50 a month increase in her rent.

Considering my friend works as a mortgage banker and rakes in a decent income, it seems disturbing she would face such difficulties. It seems many locals share a similar view.

All I can say is, any city that could produce Cassandra Peterson, AKA Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is awesome in my book. Okay, she's not originally from Colorado Springs, but she grew up there. Maybe that's another reason the city ranked so high.

Congrats, Colorado Springs. Congrats, Denver. It seems only reasonable Colorado could put two cities in the top ten.

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