Top Stories of 2011: Solon Third Best City To Live In

Editor's Note: Between Dec. 27 and New Year's Eve, Solon Patch will count down the top five stories of 2011. We compiled this list in two ways: Feedback from our users and our own editorial judgment. Want to comment on our choices? Head down to the comments section!

Top Stories of the Year, No. 1: Solon is Third Best Place to Live in U.S.

How about a feel-good story for our top story of the year?

In 2011, Solon residents learned that their city was ranked as the third best place to live in the U.S in the annual Money Magazine listing. The honor got Solon coverage in the national news, including CNN, when a local home-spun business Beecology was featured.

Heck, the rankings even got Solon turned into a question on Jeopardy!

To celebrate the news again, here is our story announcing the ranking:

Solon is the third-best place to live in the United States, according to Money magazine's annual ranking.

Solon received such high honors in the yearly list of America's best small cities for a number of reasons: There are lots of major employers, unemployment is relatively low, great access to health care, great schools and lots of cultural opportunities.

"What a great way to start a Monday," said Mayor Susan Drucker. "This is a day everybody should be proud to be a part of Solon."

Here's what the magazine wrote about Solon:

Solon is a small town with a large tax base: Major employers include Nestle, L’Oreal, and industrial equipment maker Swagelok. Solon punches above its weight in other areas too. Health care? The world-renowned Clevelend Clinic has a family health center here. Culture? Solon has its own philharmonic orchestra. Schools? Solon was the highest-achieving district in Ohio last year. And the student body is diverse: 11% of residents are black, 10% Asian.

Solon missed the list in 2010, but was ranked 23rd in 2009. 

Other Ohio towns on the list include Twinsburg and Highland Heights (both Patch towns!!), Mason and Springsboro.

Solon was edged out for the top of the list by Louisville, CO, and Milton, MA.

So, what do you think of this news? Why do you think Solon is great place to live?

Read the Stories:

Previous Top Stories:

• Top Stories of 2011, No. 5: Nestle Expansion
• Top Stories of 2011, No. 4: Rest In Peace
• Top Stories of 2011, No. 3: Former Secretary Sues Mayor Drucker
• Top Stories of 2011, No. 2: Deer Culling Debate