Batavia Named One of Best Small Towns in Nation

CNNMoney.com has named Batavia as one the top 100 best small towns in America.

Batavia came in at number 56 overall and ranked higher than any other Illinois community. Buffalo Grove and Glen Carbon were also in the top 100.

Batavia was recognized for having ‘great schools, affordable homes and low crime,” the magazine stated.

Batavia, with a population of 27,300 is described as having an “old-town feel despite its location 35 miles of downtown Chicago,” and “easy access to commuter trains, the magazine said.

Batavia also is noteworthy because “nearly 200 manufacturing, research and warehousing firms, as well as the Fermi National Accelerator” call it home, the magazine said.

“We are proud that Batavia is one of only 3 communities in Illinois to receive this recognition,” said Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke. “Our residents, our schools, our parks, our businesses all contribute to making Batavia a great community to live, work and play.”

CNN Money’s Top 100 Small Towns list is developed using their Best Places database of 1,800-plus U.S. cities includes towns with populations 8,500 to 50,000 with satisfactory education and crime scores, where income is below 200% of the state median, and that are no more than 95% white – as well as cities with populations 90,000 and up.

This isn’t the first honor for Batavia. In 2007, Batavia was ranked by Business Week as one of the “50 best places to raise kids.” Batavia was ranked as 21st nationally on the list. Business Week reviewed a variety of factors such as crime, education, and affordability in making their selection.

The complete list of the top 100 best small towns in America can be found at money.cnn.com. Additional information on Batavia can be found on the city’s website, www.cityofbatavia.net. For the most current news, job postings and developments; sign up for Batavia E-News through the city’s website, www.cityofbatavia.net.