Places Rated Almanac makes headlines around the country with its candid, fascinating look at all the factors that contribute to our quality of life. This sometimes controversial bestseller, completely updated with all new 1997 statistics, is packed with timely facts and unbiased information on more than 350 metropolitan areas in North America.

Anyone who's mulling over the idea of relocating, trying to decide where to start out, or just curious about how his or her hometown stacks up against the competition will be intrigued by Places Rated Almanac.

Places Rated Almanac ranks each metropolitan area on a number of essential factors, many of which are of vital interest in today's economy. They include:
-- Job markets
-- Cost of living
-- Housing markets
-- Educational standards
-- Quality and availability of public transportation
-- Health care and recreational facilities
-- Crime rates
-- Culture and leisure opportunities
-- Environmental factors
-- Climate

Easy-to-use charts help readers put this wealth of information to work to find the places that best suit their special needs and interests.

Packed with unbiased, reliable and up-to-date information, this one-of-a-kind guide offers something to amuse or intrigue on every page!