8. Downers Grove, IL--Population: 48,163--Located about 25 miles outside of Chicago, this Midwestern suburb has more than 140 community events and festivals. About 80% of residents own their own homes and the population is highly educated. Along with a boutique and restaurant-filled downtown, this suburb has about 600 acres of parks and green space. On Saturdays during the summer, neighbors have a farmers' market and auto enthusiasts gather on Friday nights for an informal classic car show.
7. Alpharetta, GA--Population: 46,700--Near Atlanta, it's the so-called "City of Celebration" because it loves to throw events throughout the year. Among the most popular are the Alpharetta Arts StreetFest, food fest called Taste of Alpharetta, an annual parade for war veterans, a "Scarecrow Harvest" in which residents craft and display scarecrows for Fall, and a holiday tree-lighting ceremony.
6. Frisco, TX--Population: 121,387--This fast-growing suburb centers on sports. There's an athletic center for residents and venues for professional teams in hockey, soccer, minor league baseball and D-league basketball. The population has gone from about 40,000 to 120,000 since 2000. Still, 80% of residents own their homes and the community has a large Neighborhood Watch Group dedicated to improving quality of life and reducing crime. The Parks and Recreations Department hosts a 5K 'Frosty Run' and Breakfast with Santa and neighborhoods plan events like July 4th parties and Easter Egg hunts.
5. Westerville, OH--Population: 36,665--The local leadership of this suburb carved out 40 parks and put in facilities like the Westerville Community Center, which has a track, gymnasium, pool, and climbing wall. Every fourth Friday of the month local businesses do sidewalk sales. Otterbein University plays a role in social activities and community initiatives like Westerville Are Resource Ministry collect food to help families and people out of work. Crime is almost nonexistent thanks in to a community that includes neighborhood block watch and participation in National Night Out.
4. Seal Beach, CA--Population: 24,536--This Orange County seaside enclave has a wooden pier for fishing and sightseeing and a tree-lined Main Street with pubs, restaurants, and seashell shops. The southern tip of the city is home to the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, which is surrounded by quiet neighborhoods. About three-quarters of residents own their homes and the crime rate is below the national average.
3. Fishers, IN--Population: 79,127--Fishers has a tiny crime rate and one of the top school systems in the state. Year-round activities include the annual two-day "freedom festival," a summer concert series, a renaissance fair, and the Flavor of Fishers Festival during which local eateries showcases dishes.
2. Orinda, CA--Population: 17,932--This Northern California suburb has a tiny crime rate and a high percentage of owner-occupied units (92%). The town is home to artsy activities including the Orinda Film Festival and the annual Shakespeare Festival. The town also hosts a day-long July Fourth event every year that kicks off with a pancake breakfast. Neighbors also organize events like pumpkin-carving contests and wine-and-cheese parties.
1. Sammamish, WA--Population: 46,700—Almost 90% of the residents of this suburb own their own homes. Crime is low and so is unemployment. It's surrounded by snow-capped mountains and overlooking a lake, so Sammamish offers outdoor activities like skiing, water sports, hiking and biking. Community-organized events include a weekly farmers' market, a Concerts in the Park series, Shakespeare in the Park, Sammamish Days and Nights Jazz Music, and an annual arts fair.
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