Madison one of the ‘best places to live’
Madison has been selected by CNNMoney Magazine for its annual list of America’s best places to live, ranking 96 out of 100 cities nationwide.
The question now bodes, how does this recent distinction impact our community? Community leaders believe the distinction will increase awareness of the community, spur more development and continue to build the local economy.
Madison Mayor Paul Finley points out that it isn’t so much the ranking, but the reason for the ranking that is important.
“Our fantastic schools, quality recreational opportunities, proximity to Research Park and Redstone Arsenal, and our safe community document why families should live here,” Finley noted. The mayor also sees the quality of life as a motivating factor for new business.
“Businesses follow rooftops and those rooftops continue to come because we are focused on quality of life,” he said.
Money magazine credits the technology boom as a key reason for Madison’s success, making it one of Alabama’s fastest-growing towns, creating a scramble to build enough homes, services, and infrastructure.
The magazine also pointed out that Madison is currently building a new hospital, due to open in 2012. Madison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright was pleased that this was one of the determining factors in the selection.
“Madison Hospital was mentioned as one of the reasons our community was selected as one of the best places to live,” Wright said at a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon. “We are thrilled to know that.” The hospital is scheduled to open February 2012 and will employ about 300 staff members, mostly in clinical areas.
Lori King-Taylor of the Madison Chamber of Commerce believes the recent announcement from Money Magazine recognizes Madison’s economic stability.
“We are very excited about the recent announcement from Money Magazine,” King said. “They are finally recognizing what we have known all along, that we have one of the best economic environments in Alabama. I believe the more people know about our wonderful community the more they are going to want to know. New interest drives new business and I believe that the businesses in Madison will begin
to see a new energy and focus on our community from people who have never thought to look here.”
Other factors mentioned in Money Magazine included the new second high school currently under construction and scheduled to open next year and a new greenway. Large employers in the area include Boeing and NASA. Software company Intergraph also has its headquarters in town, employing about 2,000 people.
