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CNN has produced another of their “top” lists. This time, it’s the 50 top small towns in which to live (in the US).

Here’s a sampling:

1. Sharon, MA
Top 50 rank: 1
Population: 17,944
This New England town is surrounded by a wealth of good jobs in Boston, Providence, and the Route 128 tech corridor. That helped insulate Sharon from the worst of the recession and ignited its rapid recovery.

A half-hour train ride from Boston or Providence, this one-time summer resort has the natural beauty of a more remote place. Forty percent remains open space, and the town jewel, Lake Massapoag, offers a place for residents to swim, picnic, and enjoy concerts on Memorial Beach.

Sharon’s schools are a big draw for families. So is its diversity. The town has seven synagogues, nine churches, and one of New England’s largest Islamic mosques. Nearly 30% of students in public school are nonwhite, and 18% speak a language other than English at home. –Donna Rosato

Coming in at number 7:

7. Mason, OH
Mason, OH 7
Top 50 rank: 7
Population: 31,761
At the helm is Mayor David Nichols. Formerly CEO of a publicly traded manufacturing company, he has helped bring several new employers to town — where they join an already impressive list of firms like Procter & Gamble and Mitsubishi.

These jobs, plus proximity to Cincinnati and Dayton, attract a diverse workforce, and the schools are among Ohio’s best.

The shopping, on the other hand. is less varied. While Mason does have a few non-chain restaurants and shops in town, big-box stores are the norm. –I.S.M.

And moving west:

12. Parker, CO
Parker, CO 12
Top 50 rank: 12
Population: 47,790
Parker, established in 1981, may be young, but it already has more to offer than many older towns. Local favorites include the performing-arts center, which has a 500-seat theater and an outdoor amphitheater, and the H2O’Brien Pool water park.

The housing crash hit Parker hard, but the town’s proximity to Denver (30 minutes) has helped the market rally; new construction is up, and entry-level homes priced at under $300,000 are selling quickly. –K.F.

For the other 47, and to vote for your favorite, check out the gallery and article here: CNN.

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Photo credit: corky46 – Fotolia.com