Real Estate

Walnut Again Makes the List of Best Small Towns

This is the third time Walnut has been named to this list since 2009.

What does Walnut have in common with Apex, N.C., Menomonee, Wisc. and Sherwood, Oregon?

The sleepy, suburban community known for its trails, parks, and rural atmosphere was named today to CNNMoney's list of the 50 best small towns to call home.

This marks the third time Walnut, which is ranked No. 49 on the list, was named to Money Magazine's list, according to a news release. The city made the cut in 2009 and 2011.

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"The collaborative efforts of our educational institutions, various organizations, Sheriff and Fire Departments, city staff and elected officials, not to mention our beautiful and productive equestrian trails, parks, and recreational centers have significantly contributed to such recognition," Mayor Antonio "Tony" Cartagena said of the honor.  

Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz, who grew up in Walnut, also weighed in on the list.

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"As a 40 plus-year resident of Walnut, I have always known Walnut was a great place to live," she said. "Thanks to all the residents of Walnut and the City staff for earning Money Magazine’s recognition and ranking."

The magazine looked at more than 3,200 towns nationwide with populations between 5,000 and 50,000, according to a city news release. The magazine used public school performance, safety, housing costs, commute time, poverty, the education level of adults in the community, the number of households with children, and diversity to determine which communities would make the list. 

Also considered to determine the quality of the local job market was median income and the unemployment rate, according to officials. 

In making its decision to include Walnut, the magazine looked at the city's 90 acres of parks and open space areas, as well as community events. 

Only two cities from California made the list. The city of La Palma, which has a population of 15,879, was ranked No. 31.  Walnut's population is listed at 29,464.

"A diverse and affluent suburb 25 miles from L.A., Walnut combines the charms of rural living -- from the fall Walnut Family Festival to summer concerts -- with the benefits of a big city," Money Magazine wrote. 

"With a median price tag well over $500,000, homes are costly, but the median family income tops $100,000 and the schools are highly rated. Another highlight: Thirty miles of equestrian and hiking trails weave through the town's rolling hills."




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