Publisher's Synopsis
The 2017 Edition of America's Top-Rated Cities: A Statistical Handbook offers current, comprehensive statistical information in one easy-to-use source on 100 cities that have been cited as the best for business and living in the United States. Conveniently arranged by city, this four-volume set allows readers to seeâi"at a glanceâi"concise social, business, economic, demographic, and environmental profiles of each city, including brief evaluative comments. This 2017 edition includes cites that ranked highest and received the most points, using our unique weighting system. Cities new to this edition include: Allentown, PA; Columbia, SC; Killeen, TX; and Riverside, CA. Each city chapter is divided into three major sections: Background (updated with significant news in both business and living environments), Rankings (enhanced with survey results from over 200 sources), and Statistical Tables (updated with new data plus many new data points). Every chapter is followed by Comparative Statistics, which arrange the data across 73 tables. The six appendices and maps of each region will make finding specific or comparative data easy. Each of the 100 city chapters begins with an informative Background Essay that combines history with current events. All city narratives have been updated to reflect changes that have occurred in the past year, and touch on the city's environment, politics, employment, cultural offerings, climate, and interesting trivia. A section of Rankings Information includes rankings from 316 books, articles, and reports. For easy reference, these Rankings are categorized into 16 topics, including Business/Finance, Dating/Romance, and Health/Fitness. Sources for these rankings include well-known magazines and other media, such as Forbes, BusinessWeek, Fortune, Men's Journal, and more. Each city chapter includes up to 122 Statistical Tablesâi"68 in BUSINESS and 54 in LIVING. Over 90% of statistical data has been updated. Business Environment includes hard facts and figures on 10 topics, including City Finances, Demographics, Income, Economy, Employment, and Taxes. Living Environment includes 11 topics, such as Cost of Living, Housing, Health, Education, Safety, Recreation, and Climate. Each volume contains five helpful appendices. Appendix A: Comparative Statistics. Shows city-by-city comparisons within 73 tables. Each volume includes all 100 cities, making for easy comparisons. Appendix B: Current Metropolitan Area Definitions. Features Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSA), Metropolitan Division (MSAD), and New England City and Town Areas (NECTA). Appendix C: Lists of Government Types and Counties. Appendix D: Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Organizations. Includes addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers of these additional resources to help readers find more detailed information on each city. Appendix E: State Departments of Labor and Employment. A source of additional, more specific economic and employment data, with address and phone numbers for easy access. Now, buyers of America's Top-Rated Cities get FREE ACCESS to Top-Rated Cities Online. Here, users can download City Reports, sort and rank cities by over 50 Data Points and access Customized Ranking Tables. The online access also provides data for all 300 cities with populations of more than 100,000 and makes nationwide city-by-city comparisons quick and easy. America's Top-Rated Cities: A Statistical Handbook is designed for a wide range of readers: private individuals considering relocating a residence or business; professionals considering expanding their business or changing careers; corporations considering relocation, opening up additional offices, or creating new divisions; government agencies; general and market researchers; real estate consultants; human resource personnel; urban planners; investors; and urban government students. This outstanding source of information is guaranteed to be widely used in any reference collection.
