Study Ranks Kirkland Among 'Best Small Cities In America'

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland is one of the best small cities in America, at least according to one new study.

For the study, researchers at WalletHub looked at median income, crime data, and 41 other "key indicators of livability" for 1,200-plus small American cities. Only cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 were considered.

Researchers then compiled those indicators into five individual ranks: affordability, economic health, rank, education and health rank, quality of life, and safety. After compiling and weighing all those scores, researchers found that Kirkland had the 25th best overall score.

Washington state actually had several small cities on the list. The final ranking for the Best Small Cities To Live in America is:

1. Sammamish, WA
2. Lexington, MA
3. Carmel, IN
4. Needham, MA
5. Sugar Land, TX
6. Milton, MA
7. Brentwood, TN
8. Southlake, TX
9. Cedar Park, TX
10. Redmond, WA
11. Leawood, KS
12. Dublin, OH
13. Arlington, MA
14. Princeton, NJ
15. Castle Rock, CO
16. Westfield, IN
17. Wheaton, IL
18. Kaysville, UT
19. Mason, OH
20. Fishers, IN
21. Brookfield, WI
22. Littleton, CO
23. Leesburg, VA
24. Parker, CO
25. Kirkland, WA
26. Los Altos, CA
27. Bothell, WA
28. Brookline, MA
29. Melrose, MA
30. Saratoga Springs, NY

Of course, Kirkland ranked better in some individual categories than others. It took the 23rd spot in the education and health ranking, placed 50th in economic health.

However, it fared less well in the other three categories, ranking 627th in affordability, 328th in safety and 161st in quality of life. According to the study's methodology, the "quality of life" ranking largely was determined by average work hours, commute times, and local entertainment like restaurants, bars and clubs per capita.

As researchers note, which of these issues is most important to you, should probably hold more sway when determining where to live.

""Best" is such a subjective term that no one should assume that everyone shares their preferences," writes Anthony W. Orlando, Assistant Professor of Real Estate at California State Polytechnic University. "You have to find the best city for you. I love living in a large city, but I have been happy living in smaller cities too. Above all, you should find the city that suits your family's lifestyle -- where you feel comfortable and welcomed and able to experience the things in life that you value most."

See WalletHub's full findings in the graphic below: