News Release - Rochester Takes No. 1 in MSN Real Estate ‘Most Livable Bargain Markets’

City of Rochester

News Release

Corn Hill neighborhood(Wednesday, July 6, 2011) – Mayor Thomas S. Richards announced today that Rochester was named No. 1 in MSN Real Estate’s 2011 “Most Livable Bargain Markets” rankings.

MSN Real Estate and Bert Sperling of Sperling's Best Places evaluated the most affordable markets within the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas and identified 10 livable areas, ranking Rochester No. 1. The criteria included: “places where unemployment is lower than the national average, where commute times are mercifully short and where there are enough cultural and recreational diversions to keep most residents content.”

“MSN has discovered what we’ve known all along,” Mayor Richards said. “Despite tough economic times, Rochester is resilient. The City of Rochester has worked tirelessly to cultivate a culture of top-notch public safety, education and economic development. Those efforts are paying off.”

MSN Real Estate said: “Rochester provides a lot of bang for your buck. It has big-city culture, a highly educated population, picturesque scenery, affordable housing and an expanding high-tech job base.”

The online site also highlighted Rochester’s diversified economy, citing added jobs in health care, food and beverage manufacturing, technology, alternative energy and higher education.

Sioux City, Iowa was No. 2 and Pittsburgh No. 3. For the full list, visit http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=29305981&GT1=35006#1.

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