Forbes has released its 2009 “America’s Most Livable Cities” list, and Portland, ME — my hometown(!) — has earned the top slot! The list was compiled by assigning points to cities around the country with populations in excess of 500,000, based on such factors as leisure index and crime data from Sperling’s Best Places, cost of living and five-year income growth per household, and yearly unemployment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But what makes this story applicable is that one of the reasons Forbes author Zack O’Malley Greenburg gives for Portland’s nomination as the Nation’s Most Livable City is its craft beer scene. Says Greenburg,
The beer at Gritty McDuff’s might be enough to lure people to Portland, ME. Established in 1988, the downtown pub offers a smattering of small-batch ales brewed on the premises in addition to usual tavern treats. From the patio, customers can enjoy a pint along cobblestone streets or retire to the copper-topped bar for a second round.
If you haven’t been to America’s Most Livable City yet and are in need of a vacation this summer, come check us out; I’ll buy you a beer.
