This race for this year's 'Top 100 Best Places to Live' encompassed all U.S. towns with populations from 50,000 to 300,000 - A Total of 744.

744
 Start with all U.S. towns with populations of 50,000 to 300,000.

401
 Screen out places with a median family income of more than 200% or less than 85% of the state average; those with more than 95% of one race; and those with poor education and crime scores.
 
360
 Exclude retirement communities and towns with major job losses. Rank the rest based on job growth, home affordability, safety, school quality, health care, arts and leisure, diversity, and several ease-of-living criteria.
 
100
 Factor in more data on the economy (including the fiscal strength of state and local governments), plus jobs, housing, health care, and happiness. Give the most weight to economic data.
 
29
 Visit towns and interview residents; assess traffic, parks, and gathering places; and consider intangibles like community spirit.
 
1
 Select the winner based on the data and reporting.

Most notable Pflugerville statistics include Pflugerville’s 147.94% job growth from 2000 – 2011 compared to the best places average of 25.01%.  In addition, Pflugerville’s personal and property crime incidents of 1 per 1000 were half the best places average of 2 per 1000, highlighting the low crime rates in Pflugerville.

Money Magazine starts with all U.S. cities with populations of 50,000 to 300,000 and narrows the list by eliminating cities with less than average median income, less diversity and those with higher crime and lower education scores. Next Money Magazine eliminates retirement communities or towns with major job losses and ranks the rest based on job growth, home affordability, safety, school quality, health care, arts and leisure, diversity and ease-of-living criteria.

Factor in a great economy, health care, a great trail system and happiness, and you get Pflugerville, Texas!

The full list of the top 100 best small cities are available online at http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/  and in the September issue of Money Magazine.