Bethesda left off top 100 ‘Best Place To Live’ list

Downtown Bethesda

Bethesda may be among the coolest, most snobby and richest small cities in America, but it’s not one of the 100 best to live in, according to a media and marketing company called Livability.com.

The website’s editors said they studied a host of factors and hooked up with research teams at the Martin Prosperity Institute to gauge the livability of American cities with a population between 20,000 and 350,000. Bethesda didn’t make the Top 100 list for 2015, though a bunch of its neighbors did.

“This is a great time for America’s small to mid- sized cities that are trying to lure the huge Millennial generation of potential home-buyers. Creating a livable community is key to attracting businesses and movers, as well as for retaining residents,” said Livability editor Matt Carmichael.

Researchers analyzed more than 40 data points that were then grouped into eight categories — economics, housing, amenities, infrastructure, demographics, social and civic capital, education and health care. The eight scores were weighted based on an exclusive survey conducted for Livability.com by Ipsos Public Affairs, a market research firm.

Carmichael said Bethesda was considered, a change from last year when Livability excluded Census Designated Places.

“It fell a little short of the top 100 but North Bethesda did make the list this year,” Carmichael said.

North Bethesda came in as the No. 64 best place to live. Rockville was No. 19, Frederick was No. 32 and Silver Spring was No. 72.

Carmichael also said cities at the top of the list were helped by major institutions such as a university, hospital or state capital that can help small cities “compete in terms of sports, culture, jobs and entertainment.”

“Innovative biomed and technology companies anchor the economy in Rockville,” according to the website, which was also impressed with the shops of the Rockville Town Square development. North Bethesda’s selling point was apparently its upscale neighborhoods such as Garrett Park Estates, Halpine, Old Georgetown Village and Luxmanor.

Silver Spring was also said to “enjoy a vibrant music scene.” Frederick apparently ranks No. 1 in the state for high school student performance and career readiness.

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