Northfield Named 2nd Best Small Town In U.S.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Northfield, Minnesota was just named one the second best small town in the country, according to newly released rankings.

The town, which houses St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges, ranked among the best locales "that inspire both creativity and activity," and which "offer unhurried atmospheres, authentic character and characters, cultural gems, fantastic outdoor settings and the uncommon ability to change lifestyles, shift points of view and nourish souls with simple pleasures."

The rankings were released by Livability.com, and were based on factors like cost of living, health-care spending, diversity, air quality and other factors.

Livability also noted Northfield's proximity to the Mayo Clinic, the number of great schools, abundant parks and also the amenities like the Cannon River, the Mill Towns Trail and the River Bend Nature Center.

Los Alamos, New Mexico was at the top of the list. Right behind Northfield were Lebanon, New Hampshire; Hood River, Oregon; and Port Angeles, Washington.