Best Affordable Suburbs 2009

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6. South Weber, Utah

Nearest major city: Salt Lake City
Population: 5,676  
Median household income: $89,355
Median home price: $210,000
Unemployment rate: 2.6%
Violent crime index: 57

South Weber, known for its occasional Big Foot sightings, is a rural area in Davis County, known as “The Garden Spot of Utah” because of its rich agricultural land. About 58% of residents are married with children. Average commutes are 17 minutes.

7. Cornelius, North Carolina
  
Nearest major city: Charlotte
Population: 17,290  
Median household income: $87,016
Median home price: $206,000
Unemployment rate: 3.3%
Violent crime index: 48 

The fast-growing bedroom community, 30 miles north of Charlotte, has some beautiful homes on Lake Norman, North Carolina’s largest lake. About 31% of residents are married with children. The average commute is 31 minutes. 

8. West Des Moines, Iowa

Nearest major city: Des Moines 
Population: 52,138  
Median household income: $66,306
Median home price: $173,000
Unemployment rate: 3%
Violent crime index: 21

West Des Moines, the largest suburb of Des Moines, is covered with lakes, parks and trails. The highly-educated population is growing quickly and many of the residents work in the financial industry. About 38% of residents are married with children. Average commutes are 16 minutes.

9. Pataskala, Ohio
  
Nearest major city: Columbus
Population: 11,919   
Median household income: $65,274
Median home price: $142,314
Unemployment rate: 5.2%
Violent crime index: 18

Pataskala, a suburb 20 miles east of Columbus, is one of a couple municipalities in the state that operates without an income tax. The city has three downtowns and a number of sites designated for new development. About 37% of residents are married with children. Average commutes are 27 minutes.

10. Fort Mill, South Carolina
 
Nearest major city: Charlotte, N.C.
Population: 9,943   
Median household income: $57,648
Median home price: N/A
Unemployment rate: 5.6%
Violent crime index: 93

Fort Mill, located just south of the North Carolina border and 18 miles from Charlotte, is home to the Charlotte Knights baseball stadium. About 36% of residents are married with children. Average commutes are 22 minutes.

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