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Northbrook Ohio Ranks as Best Places to Live 2007
Median family income: $59,902
Median home price (2006): $83,760
This sleepy Cincinnati suburb has more than 11,000 people and some of the best housing buys in a region known for affordable places to live. Residents say they like the low-key living there, aided by a high percentage of home ownership. Northbrook is one of many Ohio communities benefiting from an influx of out-of-state buyers looking for investment properties. Prices, however, remain reasonable and the community has managed to maintain its character.
Tonawanda New York Ranks as Best Places to Live 2007
Median family income: $51,819
Median home price (2006): $74,878
The town's name means "Swift Running Water" not "Crazy Real Estate Bubble." Tonawanda commonly refers to several towns in Western New York, but in this case we're talking about the two that run along the Niagara River with attractive affordable homes. Available there: A ranch with 3 bedrooms and two baths for $119,000 - and that's on the high end. Values are easily found for under $100,000, making this region both beautiful and budget-friendly.
Blacklick Estates Ohio Ranks as Best Places to Live 2007
Median family income: $59,172
Median home price (2006): $83,480
A short drive from the flourishing state capital of Columbus, Blacklick Estates provides a pastoral setting with good schools nearby and a number of activities within walking distance.
Shiloh Ohio Ranks as Best Places to Live 2007
Median family income: $54,079
Median home price (2006): $79,722
Ohioans are so enamored with the name "Shiloh" that they've given it to four towns in the state. We're focusing on the one in Montgomery County. The city has an abundance of neatly kept, smartly priced homes where fixer-uppers start in the mid-60s and where you can get a three-bedroom with garage for about $135,000.
West Mifflin Pennsylvania Ranks as Best Places to Live 2007
Median family income: $52,771
Median home price (2006): $81,113
Just a few miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh, West Mifflin provides easy access to the greater metropolitan area with housing prices that are anything but big-city. Late-model split-levels go for $189,000, while wide open spaces can be purchased for a reasonable $50,000 an acre.