Westerville has been named the best suburban city in America, based on a study released last week by Movoto Real Estate. The study, which surveyed criteria such as cost of living and crime, compared Westerville to 75 geographically diverse suburban cities across the nation.

“Westerville is America’s best suburb,” said Randy Nelson, the study’s lead researcher. “The city’s schools are excellent. The crime rate is low. In fact, there wasn’t a single criterion Movoto surveyed that Westerville didn’t excel in."

According to the research, the 10 best suburban cities in America are:

1. Westerville, OH
2. Plano, TX
3. Georgetown, TX
4. Round Rock, TX
5. Cedar Park, TX
6. Cupertino, CA
7. Matthews, NC
8. Cornelius, NC
9. Newton, MA
10. Germantown, TN

Movoto recognized Westerville’s excellence in public safety as part of the ranking, noting it was one of the safest communities of those included in the study. Amenities, education and median household income in relation to national averages were also factors.

“This great news comes on the heels of winning another national gold medal in our Parks and Recreation department, so we are proudly showcasing Westerville on the national stage right now,” said Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi. “Movoto’s study lets everyone in on what we already know: Westerville is truly a great place to live.”

Westerville has also received other notable national designations, including two appearances on Money Magazine’s Top 100 list of America’s “Best Places to Live.” Last year, Westerville was appointed to the fifth spot on Forbes ratings of “America’s Friendliest Towns.”

“The study’s criteria examined City services and programs, including public safety, and we’re honored to see our excellence has pushed us to the top of the list,” said David Collinsworth, Westerville’s City Manager. “Together with our community partners, including the school district and local businesses, as well as our proximity within a major metropolitan region, Westerville is setting the pace as one of the most desirable places to live in the nation.”

For more information on the study, please visit www.movoto.com, or email Westerville's Community Affairs Coordinator Christa Dickey at christa.dickey@westerville.org.