Best places to live 2009: Five Minnesota cities make top 100

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen, Minn.

A long list of national studies are conducted every year to rate city desirability such as the healthiest, the happiest, the saddest, or the least-caffeinated states in America, for example. Minnesota has again proved itself as a nationally ranked contender as four cities grabbed a spot on Money Magazine's 2009 annual listing on the '100 best places to live in the country.'

Every year, Money Magazine compiles a list of small US towns with family values, long-term living, affordability, excellent schools, low crime, and a quality lifestyle that embodies the heart of America. Of the 100 small-town cities surveyed for 2009, four Minnesota towns made the list this year: Chanhassen (#2), Chaska (#20), Lino Lakes (#36), Owatonna (#97).

Chanhassen residents are not surprised that their town was picked as the second most desirable place to live in the country. The city of Chanhassen edges the Twin Cities metro area (about 30 minutes from Minneapolis), but residents here still enjoy a slower pace of life with a small-town feel. This Minnesota community, located just southwest of the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St Paul), also won Money Magazine's same award in 2005 and the 'Top Ten Towns to Raise a Family' achievement from Family Circle Magazine in 2007.

Chanhassen has been called a 'great place to live, work, and play'. The city has 12 lakes, a 500-acre park system and 55 miles of  trails and sidewalks that connects downtown 'Chan,' parks, and neighborhoods. According to CNN Money.com, unemployment here was more than three percentage points below the national average in May due to a wide job base in the Twin Cities area. A few of the city's highlights are the beautiful Minnesota Arboretum in late September/October and the famous Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. Chanhassen is also home to the Lifetime Fitness World Headquarters and legendary entertainer Prince, whose recording studio Paisley Park is located in town. 

List of the top 10 best places to live in the US for 2009:

1. Louisville, Colo.
2. Chanhassen, Minn.
3. Papillion, Neb.
4. Middleton, Wis.
5. Milton, Mass.
6. Warren, N.J.
7. Keller, Texas
8. Peachtree City, Ga.
9. Lake St. Louis, Mo.
10. Mukilteo, Wash.