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Chapel Hill was recognized for being the most livable small city in America in 2009 by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Chapel Hill received the top honor in the category for cities of fewer than 100,000 people for creating its fare-free transit program. Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy accepted the award over the weekend.
Since Chapel Hill Transit became fare free in 2002, annual ridership has increased from 3 million people to a projected total of 7million this year. It's now the second largest transit system in North Carolina.
A nice honor, but - even though I'm a resident - I struggle with how the single factor of a free transit program vaults one to the top of the livability scale. Surely there are other criteria that going into defining a "livable" city?
Chapel Hill is tops, mayors conclude - Local & State - News & Observer (http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1570602.html - broken link)
I'd have to agree. I'd look at the standard stuff, such as crime, schools, businesses, growth, household income, etc. I personally like Chapel Hill very much, but couldn't afford to live there.
I can see CH being very livable, housing is affordable in may areas, and with free busing and greenways that get you across town and bike lanes, you really can get anywhere for free. Its mass transit system really puts a lot of other places to shame.
Moderator cut: copyright issues
Last edited by autumngal; 06-16-2009 at 08:01 AM..
Reason: one or two key sentences only please
I'd have to agree. I'd look at the standard stuff, such as crime, schools, businesses, growth, household income, etc. I personally like Chapel Hill very much, but couldn't afford to live there.
Well, I suspect you could easily afford to live there. Lots of grad students live there. I know several couples with kids that get by on less than 30K a year. Its just you rent, or buy a small house.
Now, if you had said the lifestyle you choose to live is not affordable there, then I'd understand.
I'd like to see Chapel Hill implement city-wide wireless broadband. I'd gladly pay a little more in property taxes. I'd rather pay the city $30-40/month in taxes than paying Time Warner for internet service. Wireless broadband is the interstate system of the 21 century. It would go a long way towards attracting businesses and making Chapel Hill a more livable city.
I'd like to see Chapel Hill implement city-wide wireless broadband.
I think that's impractical outside of a core area.
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