Va. Beach listed as best run city in America

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - The financial news website, 24/7 Wall St., named Virginia Beach as the best run city in America .

The staff reviewed the local economy, fiscal discipline and standard of living in each of the nation's 100 largest cities. This was the website's first annual ranking of the best run and worst run cities .

The article said out of the 100 largest cities, Virginia Beach has among the 10 lowest violent crime, unemployment, and poverty rates, and is among the 10 best for median income, high school graduation, and health insurance coverage.

Virginia Beach's three main strengths were listed as a 'large and diverse tax base stabilized by the presence of military bases,' the city's 'strong and carefully managed financial position,' and 'comprehensive financial policies and conservative budgeting approach.'

Chesapeake also made the top 10 list, ranking as the sixth best run city in the country. Norfolk and Virginia Beach were cited as sources of employment for Chesapeake residents. It also mentioned Chesapeake's relatively low crime and unemployment rate.

The other best-run cities in the top five were Lincoln, Neb., Freemont, Calif., Madison, Wis., and Irvine, Calif. Miami was listed as the worst run city.