Livability released its third-annual Best Places to Live list. Bismarck places among the Top 100 out of more than 2,100 cities (with populations between 20,000 and 350,000) in this data-driven ranking and is named in the top 10.

The list is an exclusive, independent, editorial ranking by Livability.com. This year Livability.com collaborated with world-renowned urbanist Richard Florida and assistant clinical professor Steven Pedigo from the Initiative for Creativity and Innovation in Cities at NYU School of Professional Studies, their new data partners EMSI and their board of advisors in shaping their methodology and the framework by which the cities were ranked.

“Each of these cities is a great place to live,” says Matt Carmichael, Livability’s editor. “Not every city is perfect for everyone, of course, but these are the top 5 percent, and somewhere in the Top 100, you’ll find a great fit to call your best place.”

Bismarck offers residents a large park system with walking and biking trails, a growing economy and vibrant attractions. Newcomers find much to like in Bismarck’s affordable housing market and excellent health care options. The city’s largest employer, Sanford Health, provides jobs to about 25,000 people, however the city's economy revolves around the small businesses.