Best Places to Live in America (2012)

This article ranks the best places to live in America based on three criteria: (1) median household income (adjusted for cost of living); (2) educational attainment (% of residents 25 years and over who have earned a bachelor's degree or higher); and (3) property crime rates per 1,000 residents (burglary and automobile thefts). For purposes of these rankings, "places" are incorporated municipalities with populations greater than 2,000.

Among the 100 best places to live in America, fourteen are in Illinois, twelve in New York, eleven in Texas, eight in Pennsylvania, seven in New Jersey, seven in Ohio, six in Michigan, five in California, five in Missouri, four in Massachusetts, three in Connecticut, three in Kentucky, three in Tennessee, two in Kansas, two in Maryland, two in Washington, and one each in Alabama, Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

After reading "Best Places to Live in America (2012)," return to this link to read "Best Cities to Live in America (2012)." A collection of similar articles for each of the 50 U.S. states can be found at these links: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

This article may be periodically updated as new data becomes available.

1. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Mission Hills, KS (Johnson County)

Population: 3,552
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $245,517
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 88.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.4

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Topeka, KS: 67 miles W
Kansas City, MO: 8 miles NNE

2. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Hunters Creek Village, TX (Harris County)

Population: 4,537
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $251,004
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 83.6%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.16

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Houston, TX: 9 miles E
Austin, TX: 155 miles NW
Beaumont, TX: 93 miles NE
Galveston, TX: 60 miles SE

3. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - The Village of Indian Hill, OH (Hamilton County)

Population: 5,985
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $254,583
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 77.6%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.83

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Cincinnati, OH: 13 miles SW
Dayton, OH: 47 miles NNE
Columbus, OH: 98 miles NE
Louisville, KY: 113 miles SW
Indianapolis, IN: 117 miles NW

4. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Kenilworth, IL (Cook County)

Population: 2,329
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $216,098
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 87.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.68

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 18 miles SSE
Milwaukee, WI: 72 miles N

5. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Belle Meade, TN (Davidson County)

Population: 3,394
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $220,379
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 84.5%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.99

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Nashville, TN: 9 miles NE
Chattanooga, TN: 136 miles SE
Knoxville, TN: 185 miles E
Memphis, TN: 206 miles SW

6. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Cherry Hills Village, CO (Arapahoe County)

Population: 6,245
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $219,103
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 82.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 4.06

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Denver, CO: 10 miles N
Boulder, CO: 38 miles NNW

7. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Piney Point Village, TX (Harris County)

Population: 3,497
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $210,699
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 73.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.16

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Houston, TX: 13 miles E
Austin, TX: 154 miles NW
Beaumont, TX: 95 miles NE
Galveston, TX: 62 miles SE

8. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Clarkson Valley, MO (St. Louis County)

Population: 2,570
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $215,542
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 73.5%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.32*

Distance to Familiar Cities:

St. Louis, MO: 23 miles E
Columbia, MO: 108 miles WNW
Jefferson City, MO: 109 miles W

9. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Winnetka, IL (Cook County)

Population: 12,344
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $179,404
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 87.4%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.45

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 22 miles SSE
Milwaukee, WI: 71 miles N

10. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Fox Chapel, PA (Allegheny County)

Population: 5,445
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $184,423
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 80.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Pittsburgh, PA: 10 miles NE
Harrisburg, PA: 203 miles ESE
Morgantown, WV: 83 miles S

11. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Bunker Hill Village, TX (Harris County)

Population: 3,791
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $192,216
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 81.4%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.16

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Houston, TX: 12 miles ESE
Austin, TX: 152 miles NW
Beaumont, TX: 95 miles NE
Galveston, TX: 63 miles SE

12. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Chevy Chase Village, MD (Montgomery County)

Population: 2,058
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $178,317
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 92.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.78

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Annapolis, MD: 38 miles E
Baltimore, MD: 38 miles NE
Frederick, MD: 38 miles NNW
Washington, DC: 8 miles SSE

13. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Glencoe, IL (Cook County)

Population: 8,893
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $180,800
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 86.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.66

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 24 miles SSE
Milwaukee, WI: 68 miles N

14. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Shavano Park, TX (Bexar County)

Population: 3,111
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $210,227
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 66.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.20

Distance to Familiar Cities:

San Antonio, TX: 16 miles SSE
Austin, TX: 81 miles NNE
Corpus Christ, TX: 158 miles SSE

15. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - West University Place, TX (Harris County)

Population: 15,360
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $179,474
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 85.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.99

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Houston, TX: 6 miles NE
Austin, TX: 162 miles NW
Beaumont, TX: 90 miles NE
Galveston, TX: 55 miles SE

16. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Forest Hills, TN (Davidson County)

Population: 5,839
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $178,873
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 74.5%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.99*

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Nashville, TN: 8 miles NNE
Chattanooga, TN: 136 miles SE
Knoxville, TN: 185 miles E
Memphis, TN: 207 miles SW

17. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Pound Ridge, NY (Westchester County)

Population: 4,920
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $170,569
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 78.5%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.02

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 51 miles SSW
Albany, NY: 125 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 387 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 228 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 252 miles NW

18. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - South Barrington, IL (Cook County)

Population: 4,117
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $176,907
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 77.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.51

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 34 miles ESE
Milwaukee, WI: 78 miles NNE

19. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Terrace Park, OH (Hamilton County)

Population: 2,156
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $149,369
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 82.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.88

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Cincinnati, OH: 15 miles WSW
Dayton, OH: 52 miles N
Columbus, OH: 99 miles NE
Louisville, KY: 114 miles SW
Indianapolis, IN: 119 miles NW

20. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Chevy Chase, MD (Montgomery County)

Population: 2,816
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $147,661
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 90.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.76*

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Annapolis, MD: 38 miles E
Baltimore, MD: 38 miles NE
Frederick, MD: 38 miles NNW
Washington, DC: 8 miles SSE

21. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Southlake, TX (Denton/Tarrant Counties)

Population: 26,054
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $188,920
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 68.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 4.08

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Dallas, TX: 27 miles SE
Fort Worth, TX: 21 miles NE
Plano, TX: 32 miles NE
Waco, TX: 111 miles S

22. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Mountain Lakes, NJ (Morris County)

Population: 4,272
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $145,784
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 80.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.47

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY - 30 miles ESE
Princeton, NJ - 49 miles SSW
Philadelphia, PA - 93 miles SW
New Haven, CT -- 104 miles NE
Atlantic City, NJ -- 132 miles SSE

23. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Weston, CT (Fairfield County)

Population: 10,137
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $147,900
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 80.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.78

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Hartford, CT: 66 miles NE
Bridgeport, CT: 13 miles ESE
New York, NY: 57 miles SW

24. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Ladue, MO (St. Louis County)

Population: 8,204
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $150,332
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 80.4%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.59

Distance to Familiar Cities:

St. Louis, MO: 10 miles E
Columbia, MO: 115 miles WNW
Jefferson City, MO: 120 miles W

25. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Orchard Lake Village, MI (Oakland County)

Population: 2,266
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $183,046
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 61.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.36

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Detroit, MI: 28 miles SE
Ann Arbor, MI: 39 miles SW
Lansing, MI: 73 miles WNW

26. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Lloyd Harbor, NY (Suffolk County)

Population: 3,748
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $167,296
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 66.5%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.27

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 42 miles SW
Albany, NY: 175 miles NNW
Buffalo, NY: 411 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 257 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 283 miles NNW

27. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Kildeer, IL (Lake County)

Population: 4,065
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $151,980
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 76.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.19

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 33 miles SSE
Milwaukee, WI: 72 miles N

28. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Highland Park, TX (Dallas County)

Population: 9,040
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $175,67
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 79.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 8.02

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Dallas, TX: 4 miles SE
Fort Worth, TX: 37 miles WSW
Plano, TX: 16 miles NNE
Waco, TX: 100 miles SSW

29. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Birmingham Township, PA (Chester County)

Population: 4,302
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $154,650
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 73.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.17

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Philadelphia, PA: 29 miles ENE
Harrisburg, PA: 86 miles WNW
Reading, PA: 45 miles NNW
Wilmington, DE: 14 miles S

30. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - West Lake Hills, TX (Travis County)

Population: 3,140
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $161,627
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 79.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 5.38

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Austin, TX: 5 miles SE
College Station: 112 miles NE
Waco, TX: 107 miles NNE

31. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Anchorage, KY (Jefferson County)

Population: 2,980
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $148,973
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 78.4%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.63

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Frankfort, KY: 41 miles ESE
Louisville, KY: 15 miles W

32. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Mendham Township, NJ (Morris County)

Population: 5,516
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $152,444
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 71.2%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.36

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY - 39 miles ESE
Princeton, NJ - 38 miles S
Philadelphia, PA - 82 miles SW
New Haven, CT -- 114 miles NE
Atlantic City, NJ -- 132 miles SSE

33. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Lake Bluff, IL (Lake County)

Population: 6,227
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $142,506
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 82.2%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.89

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 34 miles SSE
Milwaukee, WI: 57 miles N

34. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Mountain Brook, AL (Jefferson County)

Population: 21,060
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $141,891
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 82.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.94*

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Montgomery, AL: 91 miles SSE
Birmingham, AL: 5 miles NW

35. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Munsey Park, NY (Nassau County)

Population: 2,622
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $140,344
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 80.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.02

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 22 miles WSW
Albany, NY: 157 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 393 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 241 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 265 miles NNW

36. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Clyde Hill, WA (King County)

Population: 2,770
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $155,718
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 73.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.95

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Seattle, WA: 8 miles WSW
Tacoma, WA: 40 miles SSW
Olympia, WA: 67 miles SW

37. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Gates Mills, OH (Cuyahoga County)

Population: 2,118
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $148,964
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 74.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.77

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Cleveland, OH: 17 miles WSW
Akron, OH: 37 miles S
Columbus, OH: 150 miles SW
Pittsburgh, PA: 127 miles SE

38. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Darien, CT (Fairfield County)

Population: 20,163
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $138,949
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 77.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.94

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Hartford, CT: 74 miles NE
Bridgeport, CT: 17 miles NNE
New York, NY: 46 miles SW

39. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Brookville, NY (Nassau County)

Population: 3,905
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $153,563
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 78.4%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 5.15

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 31 miles WSW
Albany, NY: 168 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 404 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 252 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 276 NNW

40. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Carlisle, MA (Middlesex County)

Population: 4,817
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $125,509
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 86.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.08

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Boston, MA: 25 miles SE
Lowell, MA: 10 miles N
Nashua, NH: 25 miles NNW

41. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - East Hills, NY (Nassau County)

Population: 6,804
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $124,219
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 84.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.29

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 24 miles WSW
Albany, NY: 162 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 398 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 246 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 270 miles NNW

42. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Muttontown, NY (Nassau County)

Population: 3,614
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $158,529
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 74.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 5.15

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 31 miles SW
Albany, NY: 169 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 405 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 252 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 276 miles NNW

43. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Pepper Pike, OH (Cuyahoga County)

Population: 5,734
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $152,504
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 70.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.76

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Cleveland, OH: 13 miles W
Akron, OH: 32 miles S
Columbus, OH: 146 miles SW
Pittsburgh, PA: 124 miles SE

44. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Frontenac, MO (St. Louis County)

Population: 3,534
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $155,538
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 69.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.6

Distance to Familiar Cities:

St. Louis, MO: 12 miles E
Columbia, MO: 112 miles WNW
Jefferson City, MO: 114 miles W

45. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Oyster Bay Cove, NY (Nassau County)

Population: 2,525
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $151,525
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 69.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.74

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 36 miles WSW
Albany, NY: 170 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 406 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 255 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 277 miles NNW

46. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - University Park, TX (Dallas County)

Population: 24,352
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $137,573
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 81.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.36

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Dallas, TX: 5 miles SSE
Fort Worth, TX: 39 miles WSW
Plano, TX: 15 miles NNE
Waco, TX: 102 miles SSW

47. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Indian Hills, KY (Jefferson County)

Population: 3,269
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $143,098
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 78.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.66

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Frankfort, KY: 51 miles ESE
Louisville, KY: 6 miles WSW

48. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Prospect, KY (Jefferson and Oldham Counties)

Population: 5,405
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $143,078
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 64.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 5.88*

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Frankfort, KY: 53 miles ESE
Louisville, KY: 11 miles SW

49. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Long Grove, IL (Lake County)

Population: 8,034
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $150,960
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 68.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.5

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 35 miles SE
Milwaukee, WI: 69 miles N

50. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - New Albany, OH (Franklin County)

Population: 6,771
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $150,439
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 68.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.72

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Columbus, OH: 15 miles SW
Dayton, OH: 88 miles WSW
Akron, OH: 116 miles NNE

51. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Town and Country, MO (St. Louis County)

Population: 10,731
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $145,503
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 70.6%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.31

Distance to Familiar Cities:

St. Louis, MO: 16 miles ENE
Columbia, MO: 112 miles WNW
Jefferson City, MO: 113 miles W

52. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Hinsdale, IL (Cook and DuPage Counties)

Population: 18,019
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $140,749
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 74.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.32

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 21 miles ENE
Milwaukee, WI: 93 miles N

53. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Leawood, KS (Johnson County)

Population: 31,395
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $144,990
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 72.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.55

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Topeka, KS: 68 miles W
Kansas City, MO: 12 miles NNE

54. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Scarsdale, NY (Westchester County)

Population: 17,709
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $126,133
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 81.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.7

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 27 miles SSW
Albany, NY: 140 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 372 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 213 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 237 miles NNW

55. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Marvin, NC (Union County)

Population: 6,823
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $177,058
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 60.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 5.04*

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Charlotte, NC: 24 miles N
Raleigh, NC: 158 miles NE

56. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Upper Uwchlan Township, PA (Chester County)

Population: 11,728
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $146,383
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 68.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.11

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Philadelphia, PA: 35 miles ESE
Harrisburg, PA: 76 miles WNW
Reading, PA: 29 miles NNW
Wilmington, DE: 28 miles SSE

57. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Franklin, MI (Oakland County)

Population: 2,961
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $148,517
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 72.6%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.78

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Detroit, MI: 22 miles SE
Ann Arbor, MI: 40 miles SW
Lansing, MI: 75 miles WNW

58. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Colleyville, TX (Tarrant County)

Population: 23,671
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $160,492
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 63.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.00

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Dallas, TX: 30 miles SE
Fort Worth, TX: 17 miles SW
Plano, TX: 35 miles NE
Waco, TX: 103 miles S

59. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Bellaire, TX (Harris County)

Population: 17,825
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $147,536
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 73.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 4.76

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Houston, TX: 10 miles NE
Austin, TX: 161 miles NW
Beaumont, TX: 92 miles NE
Galveston, TX: 56 miles SE

60. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Essex Fells, NJ (Essex County)

Population: 2,050
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $135,879
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 71.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.95

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY - 22 miles ESE
Princeton, NJ - 51 miles SSW
Philadelphia, PA - 97 miles SW
New Haven, CT -- 100 miles NE
Atlantic City, NJ -- 122 miles S

61. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - New Castle, NY (Westchester County)

Population: 17,686
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $121,835
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 77.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.56

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 39 miles SSW
Albany, NY: 118 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 364 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 205 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 229 miles NNW

62. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Sherborn, MA (Middlesex County)

Population: 4,281
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $129,423
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 79.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.27

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Boston, MA: 20 miles NE
Lowell, MA: 34 miles N
Worcester, MA: 28 miles W

63. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Grosse Pointe Shores, MI (Wayne and Macomb Counties)

Population: 2,250
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $151,005
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 59.2%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.00

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Detroit, MI: 14 miles SW
Ann Arbor, MI: 51 miles WSW
Lansing, MI: 98 miles WNW

64. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Los Altos Hills, CA (Santa Clara County)

Population: 8,442
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $118,680
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 80.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.74

Distance to Familiar Cities:

San Francisco, CA - 39 miles NNW
Oakland, CA - 40 miles NNW
San Jose, CA - 17 miles ESE
Stanford, CA - 4 miles NNW
Berkeley, CA - 49 miles NNW
Sacramento, CA - 120 miles NNE

65. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Atherton, CA (San Mateo County)

Population: 7,269
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $139,007
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 81.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 6.86

Distance to Familiar Cities:

San Francisco, CA - 29 miles NNW
Oakland, CA - 35 miles NNW
San Jose, CA - 22 miles SE
Stanford, CA - 4 miles SE
Berkeley, CA - 40 miles NNW
Sacramento, CA - 115 miles NNE

66. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Moreland Hills, OH (Cuyahoga County)

Population: 3,091
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $129,018
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 72.6%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.01

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Cleveland, OH: 16 miles WNW
Akron, OH: 32 miles S
Columbus, OH: 146 miles SW
Pittsburgh, PA: 120 miles SE

67. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - North Oaks, MN (Ramsey County)

Population: 4,523
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $128,009
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 74.6%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.67

Distance to Familiar Cities:

St. Paul, MN: 12 miles S
Minneapolis, MN: 16 miles SW

68. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Harding Township, NJ (Morris County)

Population: 3,302
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $143,485
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 63.5%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.60

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY - 31 miles E
Princeton, NJ - 36 miles SSW
Philadelphia, PA - 79 miles SW
New Haven, CT -- 111 miles NE
Atlantic City, NJ -- 129 miles SSE

69. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Old Westbury, NY (Nassau County)

Population: 4,993
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $121,538
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 76.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.29

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 25 miles WSW
Albany, NY: 163 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 399 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 246 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 270 miles NNW

70. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Sands Point, NY (Nassau County)

Population: 2,854
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $122,621
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 74.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.34

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 26 miles SW
Albany, NY: 161 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 397 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 245 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 269 miles NNW

71. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Medina, WA (King County)

Population: 3,116
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $135,900
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 75.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 4.4

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Seattle, WA: 9 miles WSW
Tacoma, WA: 38 miles SSW
Olympia, WA: 65 miles SW

72. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Burr Ridge, IL (Cook and DuPage Counties)

Population: 11,308
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $139,282
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 67.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.11

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 20 miles NE
Milwaukee, WI: 96 miles N

73. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Hidden Hills, CA (Los Angeles County)

Population: 2,281
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $161,015
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 58.6%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.44

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Los Angeles, CA - 28 miles ESE
Anaheim, CA - 54 miles SE
Malibu, CA - 23 miles SSW
Laguna Beach, CA - 78 miles SSE
San Diego, CA - 148 miles SSE

74. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Hillsborough, CA (San Mateo County)

Population: 10,651
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $133,096
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 73.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.41

Distance to Familiar Cities:

San Francisco, CA - 17 miles N
Oakland, CA - 27 miles NNE
San Jose, CA - 35 miles SE
Stanford, CA - 20 miles SE
Berkeley, CA - 28 miles NNE
Sacramento, CA - 102 miles NE

75. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Deerfield, IL (Lake County)

Population: 19,204
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $119,623
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 74.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.31

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 27 miles SSE
Milwaukee, WI: 64 miles N

76. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Hawthorn Woods, IL (Lake County)

Population: 7,893
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $136,029
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 63.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.63

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 39 miles SE
Milwaukee, WI: 65 miles N

77. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Brentwood, TN (Williamson County)

Population: 34,841
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $134,386
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 68.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.45

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Nashville, TN: 10 miles N
Chattanooga, TN: 128 miles SE
Knoxville, TN: 185 miles E
Memphis, TN: 211 miles SW

78. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Montgomery Township, NJ (Somerset County)

Population: 22,785
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $118,366
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 75.2%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.66

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY - 50 miles NE
Princeton, NJ - 8 miles S
Philadelphia, PA - 52 miles SW
New Haven, CT -- 133 miles NE
Atlantic City, NJ -- 92 miles SSE

79. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Des Peres, MO (St. Louis County)

Population: 8,582
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $127,228
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 71.6%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.32

Distance to Familiar Cities:

St. Louis, MO: 13 miles ENE
Columbia, MO: 114 miles WNW
Jefferson City, MO: 115 miles W

80. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Powell, OH (Delaware County)

Population: 11,961
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $124,763
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 70.5%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.3

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Columbus, OH: 17 miles SSE
Dayton, OH: 83 miles SW
Akron, OH: 118 miles NE

81. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Easttown Township, PA (Chester County)

Population: 10,488
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $123,100
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 72.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.84

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Philadelphia, PA: 19 miles ESE
Harrisburg, PA: 88 miles WNW
Reading, PA: 40 miles NW
Wilmington, DE: 27 miles SSW

82. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Alpine, NJ (Bergen County)

Population: 2,008
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $120,891
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 70.4%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.8

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY - 21 miles
Princeton, NJ - 64 miles
Philadelphia, PA - 110 miles
New Haven, CT -- 77 miles NE
Atlantic City, NJ -- 134 miles SSW

83. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Chester Township, NJ (Morris County)

Population: 7,741
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $135,727
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 62.7%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.02

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY - 45 miles ESE
Princeton, NJ - 34 miles S
Philadelphia, PA - 78 miles SW
New Haven, CT -- 125 miles NE
Atlantic City, NJ -- 121 miles SSE

84. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Portola Valley, CA (San Mateo County)

Population: 4,451
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $102,944
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 86.8%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.62

Distance to Familiar Cities:

San Francisco, CA - 36 miles NNW
Oakland, CA - 44 miles NNW
San Jose, CA - 26 miles ESE
Stanford, CA - 7 miles NE
Berkeley, CA - 46 miles N
Sacramento, CA - 121 miles NNE

85. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Weston, MA (Middlesex County)

Population: 11,897
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $107,463
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 79.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.51

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Boston, MA: 14 miles E
Lowell, MA: 23 miles N
Nashua, NH: 39 miles NNW

86. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Bronxville, NY (Westchester County)

Population: 6,522
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $102,219
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 83.4%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.15

Distance to Familiar Cities:

New York, NY: 21 miles SSW
Albany, NY: 144 miles N
Buffalo, NY: 377 miles NW
Ithaca, NY: 217 miles NW
Syracuse, NY: 241 miles NW

87. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Lake Forest, IL (Lake County)

Population: 20,451
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $113,714
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 74.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.99

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 33 miles SSE
Milwaukee, WI: 58 miles N

88. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Hanover, NH (Grafton County)

Population: 11,098
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $96,826
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 85.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.62

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Concord, NH: 62 miles SE
Manchester, NH: 75 miles SE

89. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Swarthmore, PA (Delaware County)

Population: 6,128
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $110,631
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 77.2%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.64

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Philadelphia, PA: 16 miles ENE
Harrisburg, PA: 107 miles WNW
Reading, PA: 55 miles NW
Wilmington, DE: 17 miles SSW

90. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI (Washtenaw County)

Population: 4,476
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $112,705
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 79.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.08

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Detroit, MI: 41 miles ENE
Ann Arbor, MI: 0.3 miles SE
Lansing, MI: 67 miles NW

91. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - East Marlborough Township, PA (Chester County)

Population: 7,930
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $121,799
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 66.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.12

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Philadelphia, PA: 36 miles ENE
Harrisburg, PA: 74 miles NW
Reading, PA: 46 miles NNW
Wilmington, DE: 16 miles SSE

92. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Dover, MA (Norfolk County)

Population: 5,724
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $110,842
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 77.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.27

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Boston, MA: 16 miles NE
Lowell, MA: 33 miles N
Worcester, MA: 30 miles W
Providence, RI: 36 miles SSW

93. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Barrington Hills, IL (Cook, Kane, Lake and McHenry Counties)

Population: 4,181
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $149,730
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 58.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.99

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 38 miles SE
Milwaukee, WI: 75 miles NNE

94. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Western Springs, IL (Cook County)

Population: 12,479
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $115,611
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 73.5%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.89

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Chicago, IL: 18 miles ENE
Milwaukee, WI: 91 miles N

95. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Bloomfield Charter Township, MI (Oakland County)

Population: 41,042
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $130,821
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 69.1%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 3.71

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Detroit, MI: 25 miles SSE
Ann Arbor, MI: 43 miles SW
Lansing, MI: 79 miles WNW

96. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Franklin Park, PA (Allegheny County)

Population: 12,035
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $118,281
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 69.0%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 0.73

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Pittsburgh, PA: 13 miles SSE
Harrisburg, PA: 216 miles ESE
Morgantown, WV: 83 miles S

97. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Whitefish Bay, WI (Milwaukee County)

Population: 13,683
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $106,076
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 76.4%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.04

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Milwaukee, WI: 7 miles S
Madison, WI: 84 miles W
Green Bay, WI: 110 miles NNW

98. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - New Canaan, CT (Fairfield County)

Population: 19,805
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $112,342
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 73.9%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.55

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Hartford, CT: 72 miles NE
Bridgeport, CT: 19 miles E
New York, NY: 49 miles SW

99. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Upper Makefield Township, PA (Bucks County)

Population: 8,402
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $137,856
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 60.2%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 1.74

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Philadelphia, PA: 34 miles SSW
Harrisburg, PA: 123 miles W
Allentown, PA: 44 miles NW
Princeton, NJ: 20 miles ENE

100. Best Places to Live in America (2012) - Southfield Township, MI (Oakland County)

Population: 13,856
Median household income (adjusted for cost of living): $124,721
Bachelor's degree or higher (25 years and over): 68.3%
Property crime rate per 1,000 residents (burglary and auto thefts): 2.14

Distance to Familiar Cities:

Detroit, MI: 20 miles SE
Ann Arbor, MI: 41 miles SW
Lansing, MI: 77 miles WNW

*In some cases, municipalities either do not report their crime statistics to the FBI or they contract for services with a county law enforcement agency or the state police. For those towns, crime rates are extrapolated from state, county, or contiguous municipality data.

Source(s):

"Cities," City-Data.com
"America Fact Finder," U.S. Census Bureau
"Uniform Crime Reports," Federal Bureau of Investigation