We're not bragging!  We're simply very proud of our "Community for a Lifetime."

Fourteenth best city to “live and launch a small business.”  –Fortune Small Business magazine, 2008

One of the safest cities of its size in the nation.  –2008

Twenty-fourth most literate city.  –2007, Center for Public Policy and Social Research

Eighth best city in America to gave a baby.  –Fit Pregnancy Magazine, 2007

Sixth best big city in America.  –Money Magazine, 2006

Fourth highest city median household income.  –2006

One of the nation's 10 best cities to get a job.  –Forbes Magazine, 2006

100% of the city's schools are fully accredited based on SOL performance, the highest rate in Hampton Roads and the state.  –2006

Highest bond ratings for citiesn in Hampton Roads and among the highest in the state.  –2006

Second lowest unemployment rate of 50 largest metro areas.  –2005

Fourth on the list of best city governments.  –National Policy Research Council , 2004

Most technology advanced city of 250,000 or more residents. –Digital Cities Survey, 2004

Most livable large city for women.  –National Policy Research Council , 2004

Third Fittest City.  –Men's Fitness Magazine, 2004

Eighth least-stressful city in the nation.  –Sperling’s Best Places, 2004

The best place to live in America.  –USA Weekend, 2003

One of the 25 best places to work in Hampton Roads.  –Inside Business, 2003

Most integrated city of 50 with largest populations in the United States.  –2003

#1 City for Women.  – Ladies' Home Journal, 2002

One of the five best managed cities in the nation.  –Governing Magazine, 2000

Winner, U.S. Senate Medallion of Excellence for Productivity and Quality in the Public Sector.  –1998