Friendswood, TX - July 16, 2007 - Money magazine and CNN/Money recently named Friendswood, Texas, as one of the country's "Best Places to Live."

Friendswood is one of only six Texas cities, and the only community in the greater Houston area to make the list.  The 2007 list, which ranks Friendswood as No. 51 out of 100 cities across the United States, focuses on smaller places that offer the best combination of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community.

Data researchers at OnBoard teamed with Money magazine and CNN/Money to establish the 2007 "Best Places to Live" list.  The winning cities were chosen from a list with populations above 7,500 but under 50,000. Only towns with high education scores, low crime rates and towns that did not have declines or sharp increases in population remained on the list. Further rankings were based on job, income and cost-of-living data; housing affordability; school quality; arts and leisure opportunities; ease of living; and health-care access.

Friendswood Mayor David Smith attributes Friendswood's desirability to its prime suburban location and a low tax rate that is far below the average of competing cities. "Quality of life, quality of education and sense of pride associated with living in a community where there is a strong sense of volunteerism and support for local education make Friendswood an ideal place to raise families and do business," said Mayor Smith.

Friendswood's family purchasing power was cited well above the cities ranking in the top 100.

"Friendswood continues to meet the challenge head on of economic diversity while maintaining our family values," said Smith.

For more information on the city of Friendswood, visit www.ci.friendswood.tx.us.