From CNNMoney.com, "These terrific small cities -- even now -- boast plenty of jobs, great schools, safe streets, low crime, lots to do, charm, and other features that make a town great for raising a family."

Overland Park, KS, Top 100 rank: 7, Population: 175,000, Unemployment: 5.3%
Ask residents why they chose this Kansas City suburb and you hear one thing over and over: the schools. Other draws include a 300-acre arboretum and botanical garden, a biweekly farmers' market, and a brand-new 12-field soccer complex, which hosts local and national tournaments.

Shawnee, KS, Top 100 rank: 17, Population: 61,000
Shawnee's modern side is within commuting distance of jobs in Kansas City, and Bayer HealthCare and other businesses are right in town. There's plenty of shopping, restaurants, an indoor family entertainment center, and more than 560 acres of parkland.

Lee's Summit, MO, Top 100 rank: 27, Population: 89,000
This town 30 minutes outside Kansas City is looking better than ever: It recently completed a two-year-long redevelopment of its downtown. Perhaps the best thing the place has going for it is the excellent school system (Lee's Summit students test very high in math and reading). The town's housing market has also begun to see signs of life lately.

Blue Springs, MO, Top 100 rank: 49, Population: 56,000
Located less than 30 minutes from Kansas City, this bedroom community has a lot going for it. First-time home buyers will be attracted to the city's affordable housing and low property taxes. Families with school-age children will be excited to learn that Blue Springs students have some of the highest math and reading scores in the state.

View the complete list of America's Top 100 Places to Live.

Source: CNNMoney.com, July 2010