Number three out of a list of more than 100 is impressive, and that’s where Manhattan ended up in this year’s ranking by Forbes for “Best Small Place For Business and Careers.”
That’s up from last year’s fifth place ranking, but down a bit from the number one achievement in 2011. John Pagen, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Vice President for Economic Development says there’s nothing wrong with what some might say is bouncing around. Pagen says we’re bouncing around in the very top tier, which is the very best place to be.
Meanwhile, Manhattan’s major industries were listed as education, defense, and bioscience with a gross metro product of 5.8 billion dollars.
The next highest ranking Kansas City was Lawrence, which Forbes listed as number 17.
“Wonderful” is a word used repeatedly by Pagen, when describing Manhattan’s ranking of number three.
Forbes annually ranks cities of similar size all across the nation, based on the cost of doing business, job growth, and education. Pagen says such recognition is important when trying to attract new businesses.
Forbes describes Manhattan as being nicknamed “the Little Apple”, “best known for being the home of Kansas State University, whose students play a large role in shaping the culture of the city.”
Other numbers listed are cost of living, as 9.4 percent below the national average, a median home price of about $129, 200, and median household income of nearly $45,709.
