Johnston and Waukee are ‘best places’
Money magazine says that Johnston, at No. 16, and Waukee, at No. 42, are among the 50 “Best Places” to live in the country. That should read “places with populations of 10,000 to 50,000.” Johnston got the nod primarily for its schools, Money said. Also in its favor were a low cost of living, a high median income, a short commute to Des Moines, and Camp Dodge, home of the Iowa National Guard. Waukee schools also get kudos on this list. “Waukee’s fast-growing school district boasts 55 languages spoken by students, 16 of whom have been named National Merit Finalists in recent years,” Money said. The BACooN Ride festival gets a mention, as does the 1,600-acre Kettlestone development.