Money Magazine, published by Time, just released its annual Best Places to Live list, and the Village of Howard ranked No. 40 of the Top 100.
The magazine’s team considered municipalities with populations between 10,000 and 100,000 and focused on the cost of living, economy, education, housing, crime, convenience, cultural and recreational amenities and overall attractiveness.
The Money Magazine article noted Howard’s low unemployment rate, affordable housing, extremely low crime rate, quick commute, family resources and recreational activities as factors that led to the village’s ranking. As part of the Howard-Suamico School District, Howard also was credited with having great schools and a high school graduation rate of 92 percent, which is well above the area’s average.
Money Magazine noted Howard’s growth and strong economy as other attractive features. Howard’s current population is 18,556 and medium home price is $152,750. The projected job growth in the village is 4 percent, and the median household income is $60,010.
Howard Village Administrator Paul Evert said the village is much more than the statistics that led to the village ranking in the top half of the Best Places to Live list. The recognition reflects directly on the people who live, work and play in the community, he said.
“Our residents make Howard the friendly and inviting place it is,” he said. “Our community is strong, and we couldn’t be prouder.”