Nashville tops in 'smart places' to live

WASHINGTON, May 11 (UPI) -- Nashville, Tenn., is the "smartest" U.S. city to buy a home and live in, a survey released Thursday by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine said.

The magazine teamed up with Bert Sperling, co-author of "Cities Ranked & Rated" and host of BestPlaces.net, to compile a database with an eye to good value in home prices and a reasonable cost of living.

The criteria included being able to buy an attractive house for $300,000 to $400,000 or less, access to quality healthcare and a strong economy.

Describing Nashville, the magazine said it "offers affordable homes, a mild climate and a phenomenal entertainment scene that goes far beyond country."

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., scored second, as the area offers "a hip and progressive atmosphere with a Midwestern sensibility, multiple cultural outlets, pro teams in all four major sports, a dozen universities and colleges, and a diverse economy."

Rounding out the top 10 were Albuquerque, N.M., Atlanta, Austin, Texas, Kansas City, Mo., Asheville, N.C., Ithaca, N.Y., Pittsburgh, and Iowa City, Iowa.

The full list of "50 Smart Places to Live" appears in the magazine's June issue.