St. Joseph Ranked 23rd On List Of 50 Best Cities In U.S. To Live

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St. Joseph is getting some national recognition this week, landing at number 23 on the list of the 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. on the website 24/7 Wall Street. The city lands right behind the much larger Rochester, Minnesota in 22nd, while Traverse City is the only other Michigan city at 48. St. Joseph Mayor Pro Tem Laura Goos says its a good thing for the entire region, not just the city.

“I think about the southwest Michigan area,” says Goos. “Anywhere from Benton Harbor to Bridgman and everywhere in between, I think we have a lot to offer as a southwest Michigan community.”

The rankings took into account 25 metrics in the categories of affordability, economy, quality of life, and community. While St. Joseph’s population growth is relatively flat, the five-year unemployment rate is a low 2.6%, the median household income is nearly $56,000, and the site notes residents “have access to a far greater than typical concentration of bars, restaurants, recreation centers, and museums.” Coming in at number one is West University Place, Texas, which is a wealthy suburb of Houston.