CNN Money recently published a list of the top 100 cities across the United States. The list focuses on cities with populations from 50,000 - 300,000. The cities are ranked based on economic strength, quality of health care, crime rate, quality of schools, and available activities. Utah came away with 4 cities in the top 100: South Jordan (18), Sandy (51), Orem (55), and St. George (62).

South Jordan

The highest ranked Utah city on the list comes in at #18. CNNMoney points out fast growth, the Daybreak community, a low crime rate, healthy job market, a wealth of outdoor activities, and the lowest divorce rate (4.6%) of any other city on the list, as reasons that South Jordan is a great city to live in. The only negative comment from the study was

According to a recent Gallup poll Utah is poised to be the best state in the U.S. to live in. This prestigous rank is based on our performance in 13 areas including: standard of living, economic confidence index, job creation, how easy it is to find clean/safe water, smoking rate, and supervisors who treat employees like a partner not a boss.

In another report the Wall Street Journal reported that most states are slashing money for service. However, Utah is not part of this national trend. Utah's solid workforce and below-average unemployment rate has helped Utah stay strong. The average personal income is on the rise which is another positive sign for Utah's future.

A third story on CNN Money listed 4 of Utah's cities in the top 100 of the nation.

You may have heard of the famous house of Usher. Well move over Mr. Poe, there's another house in town! This year's Utah Parade of Homes highlights a beautiful mansion built for Usher's co-manager David Loeffler!

The home was built by the custom home builders at Lane Myers construction. The design was inspired by traditional French architecture. It is situated in the mountains of Draper providing majestic views over the valley.

You can see from the floorplan that the design is extremely spacious! This home comes loaded with everything a Utah Family needs: 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 'numerous' fireplaces, and 4 master suites! You won't want to miss the grand staircase entry, theater room, and ballroom! What is the total size of this home? 20,222