Mount Pleasant wins spot in Money list

Money magazine named Mount Pleasant one of the best small American cities to call home in its annual list.

The town of 68,000 was 100th on the list released Monday. The magazine ranked towns based on a number of factors, including economics, school performance and crime rates. In a short description about the town, the magazine highlighted Mount Pleasant's nearby beaches, "strong schools" and "moderate climate."

Eden Prairie, Minn., a town of 64,000 was named No. 1. Mount Pleasant was the only town in South Carolina to make the annual ranking.

Mount Pleasant Town Administrator Mac Burdette said the designation helps the entire region. "We're always competing against the rest of the world," he said, adding that the Boeings of the world chose the region based on the good news they heard.

"We think we are deserving," Burdette said, "We're proud one magazine recognized us. That's great."

Later this month, the town will celebrate what Burdette considers a greater honor, being named an All-America City. The National Civic League gave the award to 10 cities in June 2010 for their outstanding civic accomplishments. Town officials will hold a brief ceremony at Memorial Waterfront Park at 8:30 p.m. July 24 before the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission plays "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" on a portable screen on the park's great lawn.

"I'd love to see people come out and celebrate with us," Burdette said.