In his book Life 2.0: How People Across America are Transforming their Lives by Finding the Where of Their Happiness, Forbes magazine Publisher Rich Karlgaard looks at the state of the American dream—the belief in continuous personal upward mobility—and where it stands in the twenty-first century. According to Karlgaard, the state of the American dream stands pretty tall in Huntsville.

Huntsville has multiple listings in his book, and is cited among top cities where people can work and live well at a “low price.” He lists Huntsville among “IQ campuses,” cities with university-sponsored research centers. Karlgaard notes that technology enables even small towns to accommodate growing businesses. He further 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.”

Lower crime rates, more affordable housing, easy commutes and in Huntsville’s case, a pretty temperate climate, also spur many current big-city business people to consider a move.

“Karlgaard’s 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,” commented Brian Hilson, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County.