15. Westerville, OH
WINNER
Top 100 rank: 15
Population: 35,700
Compare Westerville to Top 10 Best Places - http://apps.money.cnn.com/bestplaces_2009/compare_tool_2009.jsp?id=PL3983342
The heart of this Columbus suburb is the historic Uptown District, whose buildings look much as they did in 1858. Original 19th-century homes are interspersed with cozy bed and breakfasts; nearby Otterbein College offers quiet walkways and shade trees.
Many residents make the 15-minute commute to the city, although Westerville has also brought businesses into the area by providing tax abatements for new construction.
A community center built in 2001, plus more than 40 parks and recreational facilities, offer entertainment for every age. --D.G.
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