Riverside, Temecula on Top Cities List

Riverside (myFOXla.com) - Two Riverside County cities made a list of the "Top 100 Places to Live," based on prospects for future growth, the business climate and local government, it was announced today.

In its 12th annual list of best places to move to, Relocate-America.com selected Riverside and Temecula as two standouts.

"With the increasing concern on our nation's economy and recovering housing market, we approached this year's list with a different lens than in previous years," said Relocate-America.com President Steve Nickerson.

"We looked at the local government and the business leadership in each community as we considered this year's winners," he said. "We selected communities with visionary leaders, improving or thriving economies, including housing, and realization of `green' initiatives."

Relocate-America.com, a portal connecting prospective home buyers with real estate market professionals and relocation services, accepted 1,800 nominations, from cities large and small, that were reviewed by the Web site's staff to see which ones merited a place on the "Top 100" list.

Only the top 10 were ranked in order -- Tulsa, Okla; Dallas, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Durham, N.C.; Raleigh, N.C.; Huntsville, Ala.; Houston, Texas; Albuquerque, N.M.; Lexington, Ky.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Oklahoma City.

Riverside earned recognition for being home to three universities, as well as recent initiatives to expand and improve infrastructure and promote environmentally friendly technologies.

The city also scored points for serving as a logistics center, with close proximity to ports, rail transportation and interstate arteries.

"We are honored to have the distinction of being named one of America's top places in 2009," said Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge. "We are especially encouraged that the city's future outlook is considered strong.

"Riverside is an urban, diverse and successful city known for its arts, innovation, higher education and green initiatives, and this award is further evidence that we are heading in the right direction," he said.

Temecula was recognized for its array of housing choices, offering everything from spacious homes along "green belts" to ranch-style residences. The low crime rate and high-quality school system, along with cultural and recreational opportunities were also highlighted.

"Relocate-America editors take a pretty hard look at your city and all its aspects, so we're honored to be on the list," said Temecula Mayor Maryann Edwards.

She said the city is anticipating recognition on another national survey, but would not disclose the details, citing rules against pre- announcement.