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This county seat, celebrating its sesquicentennial in 2009, is home to a diverse group of organizations, from the college that bears its name to the national headquarters of the Theosophical Society in America.
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The name “Longmont” comes from Longs Peak, a prominent mountain named for explorer Stephen H. Long that is clearly visible from the city.
America’s Best Places to Live 2008: No. 53, Ames, Iowa
As seen in the August 2008 issue of Money magazine and on the web at CNNMoney.com.
Ames, IA
Top 100 rank: 53
Population: 51,500
Home of Iowa State University, Ames wears its college town moniker with pride.
A trip to the Campustown neighborhood offers equal parts Café Beaudelaire and Varsity Theater. Just south of the stadium is an Iowa favorite: the 14-acre Reiman Gardens, home to exotic tropical plants and butterflies from around the world.
The perks of living here are palpable: Scotch tape manufacturer 3M and pasta producer Barilla are presences here, and the local transit system, Cy-ride, makes it easy to get around.