Money Magazine has published their list of the best places to live. The annual top 50 list includes 2 locations nearby, with one cracking the top 10.  While last year's list focused on small towns, this year's list includes the nation's top small cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000.

Clarkstown, NY made it's top 10 debut as the 7th best place to live.  The magazine touts the area's proximity to the Rockland Center for the Arts, West Nyack's great shopping and New City's bucolic main street as just a few of the reasons Clarkstown ranks so high.  The obvious reason, however, is Clarkstown's proximity to New York City and Westchester combined with it's affordability.  Homes in Clarkstown are generally 40% lower than the same properties in Westchester.

Just making the top 50, White Plains lists at number 48.  While not as affordable as the other small cities on the list, it still ranks because of the revitalization of its downtown area with shopping, dining and nightlife.  The 30 minute commute to New York City also helps, but Money Magazine also notes that major companies like ITT and Heineken also employ many locals.

You can check out the entire list of 50 small cities at Money Magazine.

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