Plymouth outranks cities across the country

Caitlin Richie
September 25, 2008
Filed under News

Plymouth is home to 228 students at BSM, most of whom were  surprised and excited in August when Money Magazine named the Twin Cities suburb the number one place to live in the U.S.

Once a year Money looks at the ranking of school districts and evaluates the cities in which they lie. This year, Money noticed the Wayzata School District, which has many schools located in Plymouth. Plymouth had never even been placed on Money’s list before, but this year it was chosen as the honored city. Minnesota had the second most cities on the list, with Eagan as the second highest ranked in the seventeenth spot. Also on the list were Apple Valley, Lakeville, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Burnsville, Rochester, and Blaine.

Due to the number “of jobs and low taxes” in Plymouth, the city easily made the top ten, said Kelli Slavik, mayor of Plymouth. As mayor of Plymouth for two years and resident for 16, Slavik believes that this well deserved title is also attributed to Plymouth being such a safe community. The “people make [Plymouth] number one,” said Slavik. The city staff and volunteers have a large impact on the community. There are over 1,000 volunteers in Plymouth who have donated over 10,000 hours of service within the last year alone. These hard working volunteers and dedicated staff allow the city to keep taxes low and keep the whole city running smoothly.

The teens in Plymouth are also very involved and display a great sense of community, said Slavik. Plymouth teens are actively in the volunteer program, working at carnivals and summer camps. Many teens participate in the youth council, which helps teenagers understand the government. There are also many events in Plymouth catered towards teens such as the Battle of the Bands and the Music in Plymouth Festival.

This festival is popular among Plymouth residents of all ages, as well as those from surrounding communities. Over 12,000 people gather to listen to the Minnesota Orchestra play at the Hilde Performance Center and watch a late night fireworks show.

The exposure it will get from its new title as the number one place in the U.S. will more than likely attract potential home buyers and new customers for local businesses. It will “make people think twice about Plymouth,”  said Slavik.

Being number one in the nation is a “great source of pride” for Plymouth residents, Slavik said. Next year, they hope to repeat their victory.