DAILY HERALD | Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 11:00 pm
Ace Stryker
Provo's burgeoning reputation as a computer software center with easy access to outdoor hotspots has earned it a place on Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine's "10 Great Places to Live, Work and Play" this year.
The magazine calls Provo a "pristine software mecca" -- a locale whose mountain views are as charming as its resume of high-tech employers is impressive. The article, which appears online today and on newsstands in Kiplinger's June 10 issue, says employers like Novell, Micron Technology and Omniture make Provo the country's second-largest software hub.
"It's hard to argue down a city with so many great things going for it," said Kiplinger's Senior Editor Bob Frick. "I would kind of put it in that category of places that people don't naturally think about as being very intellectual and vibrant, but they are. In addition to that, you have the whole natural beauty, clean living kind of thing."
Provo has been a recurring favorite on several of Kiplinger's lists over the past few years. In June 2006, the magazine included the city on its "50 Smart Places to Live" list. And in June 2007, Provo showed up in Kiplinger's "Best Cities for Married with Children" rankings.
"It's kind of always on our radar," Frick said. "We recognize it for being pristine and high tech."
Frick said Provo is popular with the magazine because the rankings are geared toward its specific readership, which includes well-educated people who are generally concerned about money.
The latest list also lauds Provo for having a skilled work force, many members of which come out of BYU's nationally-ranked schools and colleges. Frick said one particularly important factor is the proportion of workers who are in a "creative class" -- people like doctors, engineers, teachers, writers and artists.
"Any time you find a city with a large and growing creative class, it's always a great city," he said. "It ensures economic vibrancy. That means, by definition, it's a good place economically."
Using criteria established by Richard Florida, economic director of the Martin Prosperity Institute, the magazine says 32 percent of Provo's workers are employed in a creative class.
In response to the ranking, Mayor Lewis Billings said the work ethic of Provo residents is a major contributor to the city's image.
"We are a community comprised of exceptional people who share a strong commitment to family, faith and freedom," he said. "Our commitment to these and other important priorities have resulted in a hardworking, honest work force and people who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do."
Other factors going into Kiplinger's formula included cost of living, median household income and population and income growth.
It's worth noting that while the city is on the top 10 list, it's at the bottom -- something Frick said was influenced by its stark lack of nightlife compared to some other entries.
"Not a big place for nightlife," he said. "That certainly had an impact."
Houston took top honors this year. The magazine cited the city's recovery and reclaiming of the American energy capital crown after the oil bust of the 1980s. Raleigh, N.C., and Omaha, Neb., rounded out the top three.
The Nation's Top Spots to Live, Work, and Play, according to
Kiplinger's Personal Finance:
1. Houston: Back with a roar after the oil bust of the 1980s,
Houston has reclaimed its title as energy capital of the U.S. and
added aerospace, technology and medical companies to the mix,
generating more than 100,000 jobs in 2007.
2. Raleigh, N.C.: On the road to renaissance, Raleigh is
bringing urban living to the city through the Raleigh's Livable
Streets project. Top-notch research schools in the area fuel a
smart work force, the main reason companies relocate to the
area.
3. Omaha, Neb.: This city's success is defined by its
mid-western values. People believe in giving back to the community
-- and that includes the executives of the five Fortune 500
companies headquartered here.
4. Boise, Idaho: This Rocky Mountain town boasts high-tech
businesses including Micron Technology and Hewlett-Packard, the
Boise Valley's two largest employers. With a median home price of
$235,000, housing is affordable, and the average work commute is
only 18 minutes.
5. Colorado Springs, Colo.: Natural beauty abounds at this
6,000-foot-high city. A strong military presence -- with U.S. Army
and Air Force operations, as well as the U.S. Air Force Academy --
adds fuel to the economy, as do the aerospace and defense sectors
attracted by the military.
6. Austin, Texas: Home to the University of Texas and the state
capital, Austin is known for great music and a lively culture, but
it also offers a strong economy and affordable housing. It has
expanded its economy to include digital media, green energy and
biotech, creating 114,000 jobs in the area in the past five
years.
7. Fayetteville, Ark.: The Green Valley city is attracting
businesses and startups in the area with a sustainability spin in
industries such as electronics, water purification, dairy products
and packaging.
8. Sacramento, Calif.: A hub of technology, biotech and energy,
many Fortune 500 companies have a strong presence in Sacramento.
Newcomers are won over by the city's subtle charms, including more
than 210 tree-filled parks.
9. Des Moines, Iowa: Des Moines's hometown atmosphere, top
public schooling and affordable cost of living make it an ideal
place to raise a family. It also offers big-city amenities such as
art galleries, a symphony and a ballet and opera house.
10. Provo, Utah: The Provo area has grown into the country's second-largest software center, featuring top employers Novell and Micron Technology. Workers are drawn to great job opportunities as well as the low cost of living and year-round outdoor lifestyle.