Best places to live 2009

What makes a community a great place to live? Depends on what you’re looking for.

Some value affordable real estate, high employment, or good schools. Others place an emphasis on climate or the social scene.

U.S. News & World Report is out with a list of best places to live in 2009. The criteria emphasized affordable communities with strong economies and plenty of fun activities.

Here’s what they came up with:

1. Albuquerque, N.M.

2. Auburn, Ala.

3. Austin, Texas

4. Boise, Idaho

5. Durham, N.C.

6. La Crosse, Wis.

7. Loveland, Colo.

8. San Luis Obispo, Calif.

9. St. Augustine, Fla.

10. Upper St. Clair, Pa.

To get the scoop on why these are such great places to live, check out U.S. News & World Report.