We had seen a similar list several years ago. I don't know that it was a big factor in where we ended up, but the reasons it made the list were considered when we decided to take this 2nd career path and relocate. On this list, in the top 10.
University town, thus lots of things going on. Great bus system (heavily supported by the university). Lots of sports, music, talks, art, performances. It doesn't hurt that DW and I graduated from here many years ago.
Housing had a few issues. We decided to build a house taylored to how we want to live, in a location 1.5 blocks from a bus stop. Half mile from a major grocery store (also on the bus line). 2 blocks to where DW gets her hair done, 6 good restaurants within 4 blocks, 2 or 3 banks, small drug store, veterinarian, physical therapy center, 2 or 3 fitness places, all within 4 blocks. Yet, we are away from pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic (by 1 block).
It fits with how we see retirement moving forward. But, I can also see where it would be far from what many folks are looking for. Thus, I question the true value of rankings like this. I think that they do serve as 'thinking points' for figuring out where you might wish to land.
Notice that many of the top tens are North of I-80. The cold tends to keep out the riff-raff. It also improves the quality (healthiness) of the folks living there, because the beastly winters kill off the weak ones! When you no longer need to be out on the roads first thing in the morning to commute to a j*b, you can choose to stay in when it is exceptionally nasty. And the summers are pleasant. To far south it can get beastly humid and hot during the summer. You can always put on more clothes when it gets cold. You can only take a certain amount off before people start to point and stare. And laugh...
