Bellevue Makes Money Magazine Best Places List

Another "best places" list: Money Magazine ranks the "best places to live." Surprisingly, Bellevue is the only Washington city to crack the top 100, coming in at 42nd.

Texas took top honors with 13 cities making the list. New Jersey came in second with 9. Money is candid about the criteria, and  the website allows you to slice-and-dice among cities, states, and data with abandon.

As I've said before, these things are always a bit gimmicky. But the real benefit that comes from them can be seen in this report from No. 10 Fishers, Indiana. 

Town Council President Scott Faultless, in a news conference Monday that included business owners, community leaders and local government officials, was obviously pleased.

"We finally cracked the top 10 list," he said. "This is great recognition to everyone in the community. For the schools, volunteers, service organizations, parks and recreation, Chamber of Commerce and the rest of the community, this is widespread recognition."

(And how cool is it to have a "Faultless" town council president?)

It's better to be on the list than off it. Congratulations, Bellevue!