Chesterfield Named a Top Town by 'Missouri Life' Magazine

Chesterfield was named the No. 2 town in the state by Missouri Life magazine. 

The magazine chose the top 10 towns in an article in its February issue. Towns with populations between 2,500 and 50,000 people were considered for the list. Once those 183 towns were identified, they were put to the test.

The magazine's website explains the criteria used to select the towns. The magazine looked for Blue Ribbon Schools, which are recognized by the Department of Education for their high performance, and examined students' Missouri Assessment Program scores. Crime rates were also a factor; the magazine weighted both property and violent crimes in relation to population. Low unemployment rates were the last criterion that pushed a town through the first round.

The other criteria focused quality of life. The magazine identified amenities and examined the town's infrastructure. Things such as public libraries, restaurants, performing arts venues, parks, recycling programs, sales tax and median household income all factored into round two. Data in this round was obtained from city chambers of commerce, visitors' centers and city halls. 

The magazine gave Chesterfield the tagline, "Big City Fun with Small-Town Safety." Residents interviewed in the story said Chesterfield was safe and had a small-town feel. The article also highlighted how the city has bounced back since the '93 flood.

Joplin beat Chesterfield out as the best town in Missouri. Other St. Louis area towns to make the list were Kirkwood (No. 5), Clayton (No. 7) and Creve Coeur (No. 8). 

Read the full article on the top 10 towns here.