Gaill O'Neill has lived in Ann Arbor all her life, and wouldn't think of raising her family any place else.
Reader's Digest's latest poll suggests that other families may want to consider calling Ann Arbor home, when it ranked Ann Arbor the 15th best city in the country for families to live.
Ester Lesta Cordil, a spokesperson for Reader's Digest, said the survey polled 1,009 parents to find out what attributes families were looking for in a place to live.
"Parents want an affordable town to live in," Cordil said. "They also want to be assured that it will be safe to walk out the door."
Cordil joked that among the criteria parents listed as most important, weather was not high on the list.
"Parents were not looking for sunshine," Cordil said. "Ann Arbor must have a lot of heart to warm the residents up."
Cordil said that one researcher visited each of the cities and was surprised at how friendly the residents were in the Midwest.
O'Neill said she has enjoyed raising her two daughters in Ann Arbor.
"I would never consider moving," O'Neill said. "I grew up here myself. Even my parents and grandparents were bought up in Ann Arbor."
O'Neill said Ann Arbor has the perfect balance of ideas and culture for a well-rounded family.
"It's not too conservative, not too liberal," O'Neill said. "There are many different types here."
The University community adds to the town's appeal, she said.
"There are so many opportunities here," O'Neill said. "There are rec centers, girl scouts and malls available for my daughters."
Associate Vice President for University Relations Lisa Baker said that in the long run, the Ann Arbor's high ranking for family life will be beneficial for the University.
"I would say we at the University are always happy to be ranked so highly," Baker said. "It's very helpful in recruitment of faculty, staff and students."
City Administrator Neal Berlin said he was not surprised by Ann Arbor's standing.
"I think this is further evidence of how people feel about the resources available," Berlin said.
Cordil said many residents in big cities may be surprised about Ann Arbor's high rating.
"I think it opened the eyes of many, and they saw that towns that are not so big have many of their own opportunities," Cordil said. "I foresee many visiting towns like Ann Arbor to see what they have to offer."
Ken Houseer, an Ann Arbor resident, said he was happy about the opportunities and environment Ann Arbor offers for families.
"Look around you and see all the things that surround you," Houseer said. "The culture, the enlightenment and a good attitude surrounds the city," he said. "(These qualities) make Ann Arbor such a good community."
JOHN KRAFT/Daily
Gaill O'Neill, her daughters Kacey O'Neill and Kelley O'Neill, and their friend Jordan stand on the corner of State Street and North University Avenue yesterday enjoying the spring weather.