It's official. Chaska is No. 8 on this year's list. I wonder how people in Eden Prairie feel about that, considering EP was at No. 10 last year.

Here's what was on the Chaska Herald Web site:
Money magazine has ranked Chaska as the eighth best place to live in the nation.

According to a city press release, the magazine focused on towns between 7,500 and 50,000, “that offered the best combination of economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do and a real sense of community.”

“Chaska is the highest-ranking town in the state and the only Minnesota town in the top 25, reinforcing the community’s mission of being ‘the best small town in Minnesota,’” stated the city’s press release.

“No wonder the town is a magnet for families who can find reasonable priced homes, low taxes and quality schools,” wrote Money reporter Donna Rosato. (The ranking will appear in the August 2007 edition of Money magazine.)

Mayor Gary Van Eyll commented on the ranking, “It is exciting to have Money Magazine agree with our mission of being the ‘Best Small Town in Minnesota.’ This recognition should be gratifying for every member of our community, including our city staff, past and present, all the residents who have been or are members of our commissions and councils. These are the leaders who have made us one of the 10 great American towns!”

Here’s a link to a skeptical response, via Mnspeak.