Forbes publisher lavishes praise on city in book

Low cost of living lure for 'IQ campus'

If big-city types follow Rich Karlgaard's advice, many of them may move to Huntsville.

Karlgaard, author of "Life 2.0: How People Across America are Transforming their Lives by Finding the Where of Their Happiness," lists Huntsville among 150 top cities where people can "work and live lavishly at a low price."

Karlgaard is publisher of Forbes magazine, which in May named Huntsville No. 8 on its list of "Best Places for Business and Careers." In "Life 2.0," he looks at the migration patterns of professionals out of huge cities to midsize cities and small towns.

On page 264 he lists Huntsville among the "IQ campuses," cities that have university campuses conducting scientific research.

"Most new American wealth will be created out of gold mines such as nanotechnology, information technology and life sciences," he writes. "If your goal is to start a company or buy property that will rise in value, we recommend university towns, especially those rich in science and engineering departments."

Thanks to technology, Karlgaard says, even small towns can be set up to accommodate growing businesses. And with lower crime rates, cheaper housing and easier commutes, many managers and company owners are leaving New York, San Francisco and other big cities to set up shop elsewhere.

Brian Hilson, president and chief executive of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, said that the book "is another indication that Huntsville-Madison County is the kind of community that is known by others as a city of advanced technology, smart people and strong future growth."