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Jul 13, 2009 5:17 pm US/Central
Keller Named One Of The 'Best Places To Live'
By Selena Hernandez
KELLER (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
It is a top ten designation that no other Texas city can claim. Money Magazine has placed Keller seventh on their list of 'Best Places To Live,' and the distinction does not surprise the city's residents. But what makes Keller so special?
The big distinction is based on affordability, cost of living and, most importantly, availability of jobs. All are crucial elements in these tough economic times.
The City Manager said that Keller's unemployment rate has managed to survive the hits endured by other cities. And, unlike other parts of North Texas, home values are actually increasing in Keller. The city has seen a population boom in the past 20 years, and has tripled in size. "We're not affected by the economy here," said city manager Dan O'Leary," as a lot of places are across the country. Home values in Keller are still slightly increasing."
But the core of personalized community living has remained the same over the years. Keller continues to add parks and activity centers for residents to enjoy. "They put all the amenities here to make it the kind of place you want to raise your family," O'Leary said.
One thing that is not increasing in Keller is the crime rate, dropping from 19 crimes per 1,000 residents in 2001 to just 14 crimes this year. The police chief credits the recent addition of bike patrols and a proactive community. "It's always challenging when you grow commercially," said Chief Mark Hafner with the Keller Police Department. "The pressure for more crime is always there."
"It's just been a great partnership with the community," continued Hafner. "The community feels very comfortable reporting incidents to us."
And those who live in the Keller community cannot say enough good things about the city.
"I think Keller's done a lot to bring Keller to where it is," said Keller resident Stephanie Jackson. "I think they're always looking for ways to get people in."
"We're fortunate we have all the businesses -- the Alliance, Westlake, Southlake -- for people to go work," said Keller resident Julie English. "It's close. It truly is a great place to live!"
The list only includes cities with a population smaller than 50,000 people. Mansfield also made the list, coming in at number 24.
Two years ago, Keller ranked in at number 50. O'Leary predicted, "Give us two years and we'll probably be the number one spot!"
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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