For the second time in 2 years, Schertz, Texas was named one of Money Magazine’s top places to live in Texas and the United States. Located between Austin and San Antonio on the IH-35 and IH-10 corridors, Schertz is the largest city in the San Antonio metropolitan area with more than 32,000 residents, encompassing more than 28 square miles. Every two years, Money Magazine releases its list of America’s best small towns. In 2007, Schertz was ranked #40 in the U.S., and was one of only three Texas towns making the top 50 list. The 2009 list of the best small towns in the U.S. is the first ranking by Money Magazine since the national economic recession began in 2007-2008. Thirty-five of 2007’s top 50 cities are absent from the 2009 rankings. Schertz, one of only fifteen cities still ranked in 2009, improved its standing and moved up the list to be named America’s 39th best small town in 2009. This year Friendswood, Mansfield and Georgetown joined Schertz, Hewitt and Keller on the top 50 list bringing the total number of Texas cities in the top 50 to six. Schertz, which has experienced remarkable population growth, has increased its population more than 80 percent since the 1990 census, making it one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. Today nearly 35,000 people call Schertz home. Newcomers to the city of Schertz can be assured city leaders are concentrating on maintaining the city's prosperous outlook and quality of living through sound planning and fiscal responsibility. New roads, a library, and recreation center are all scheduled to open in 2009. Hal Baldwin, who has represented Schertz as Mayor since 1994, says that it is the people who have made all the difference. “I think Money Magazine’s ranking of Schertz is a reflection of the hard work this community has done over the past 50 years. I want to give credit to the volunteers…the people who work hard to make this city an outstanding place to live.” Assistant City Manager David J. Harris added that “They [Money Magazine] are recognizing that we have quality leadership, great volunteers, and professional staff.” In addition to being one of the premier places to live, Schertz has also maintained strong economy presence in Texas. The City of Schertz’ unemployment rate actually decreased in April according to labor market statistics released by Workforce Solutions Alamo. The city’s jobless rate for the month was 4.3 percent, down from 4.7 percent in February.
Schertz’s unemployment rate, meanwhile, registered much lower than the overall jobless rate of 5.4 percent for the 12-county Workforce Solutions area, which includes Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson counties. Eva Esquivel, Communications Coordinator for Workforce Solutions Alamo added "As we look at the overall changes in the Alamo Region, the decreased unemployment rate in Schertz contributed to the overall decrease of our region." Council Member Tony Wilenchik explained that “supporting the growth of business in the area, there are increased opportunities for our citizens to find employment close to home. As residences and businesses expand together we will continue to have employment opportunities not found in other cities in the region.” According to Schertz Economic Development Director George Antuna, "This is just another clear indication of the forward thinking visionaries our community espouses. From quality of life, quality of place, a reliable water source, and sense of community are all traits and endeavors that have put the City of Schertz in the forefront. We have some way to go but we have come a long way as well.” Money Magazine’s ranking of Schertz is a source of pride for so many in the city. While cities, states, and the nation are struggling with the recession, Schertz is trying to wade through the economic downturn and emerge stronger than ever. According to Council Member Michael Carpenter, "We have stated that we want to be the premier city in the metropolitan area - being recognized by CNN/Money Magazine as being in the top 40 small cities in the United States in 2007 and again now in 2009 suggests we are on the right path, that we are succeeding in our goal. Only 9 of the top 50 cities recognized in 2007 bettered their position in 2009 - Schertz is one of them. That's keeping some pretty good company, and suggests that we may be a lot closer to our goal than some may think." All told, folks in Schertz are excited about being recognized, but the general consensus is that everybody wants more Texas towns to be on the list. Said Carpenter, “I’m proud of Schertz, but we want to see 25 Texas cities on the top 50 list in 2011. Learn more about America’s best small towns at: http://tiny.cc/VtZfI |
