U.S. News analyzed 150 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people’s desire to live there. The publication cited the Trenton metro area’s convenient location, diverse economy, educational resources, parks and variety of entertainment options as some of its most desirable features.

“I have always felt that Mercer County offers benefits unmatched by any other region in the United States,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “Our first-rate educational institutions, employment opportunities, open space and recreational facilities, and cultural and historical offerings are among the things that create the wonderful quality of life that a person can find here.”

U.S. News stated that its Quality of Life Index “measures how satisfied residents are with their daily lives by metro area, and takes into account factors like crime, quality and availability of health care, quality of education and average commute time.” The Trenton metro area was ranked fifth for quality of life after the Ann Arbor, Mich.; Boulder, Colo.; San Jose, Calif.; and Naples Fla. metro areas.

“We couldn’t agree more with this area being one of the best places to live and would go further to say it’s one of the best places to work and play as well,” said Hal English, President/CEO of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber. “With our abundance of parks and recreation, fantastic array of different type restaurants and our entertainment venues such as the Grounds for Sculpture, CURE Arena and the Trenton Thunder to name a few, we are blessed.”