It’s not Beverly Hills. 

Easton has gained recognition from Money Magazine as one of the best communities in the U.S. in which to live.

The town was one of five Massachusetts towns that made Money’s list, ranking 48^th out of 100.

The distinction has only confirmed what its residents and officials already knew.

“I’m excited we are listed as the 48^th most desirable place to live in the country. Isn’t that amazing? Although not at all surprising if you consider all that we have done and accomplished over the past five years,” said Dawn Marie Boynton, chairman of the school committee.

Currently, the new high school and junior high school projects are being completed and last summer voters approved a $3.4 million override to improve both the schools and government departments.

The annual survey by the magazine focused on smaller communities with a population of 7,500 to 50,000 and based their rankings on economic opportunity, safety, the quality of the school system, green space, the sense of community among other factors. The magazine considered 2,876 places across the country.

Deputy Chief Allen Krajcik said he was thrilled to hear the news, and said he was proud to learn the town was recognized for its safety, saying it says a lot for the quality of the police and fire departments. He said he has enjoyed living in the town and has met many interesting people.

“Hopefully the townspeople will be happy and proud,” Krajcik said.

Boynton said she believed there were three major reasons why Easton was named to the list, including the commitment of the community toward education and the dedication of teachers, parents and the administration in the school system. She also said it is rare to see all elected and appointed boards and committees work together to make sure property values are high and ensure the town is a great place to raise children.

Money magazine cited Easton’s history, natural beauty, home prices, pristine ponds, parks and trails as reasons why Easton landed on the list.

Selectmen Chairman Colleen Corona said she believed Easton was recognized for many reasons, including its financial situation this year and growth in businesses over the past year.

“We are much more fiscally stable than we were in previous years,” Corona said. “I’m so excited that we’re on that list.”

Corona moved to the town 12 years ago, and said one of the big reasons she and her husband chose to live in Easton was because of its natural landscape and beauty. She said many residents have worked hard to preserve the open space Easton is known for.

“They’ve just discovered what we knew all along,” Corona said.

Town Administrator David Colton agreed, saying the town is a place where families can reside and know their kids’ are safe.

“Money Magazine confirmed what I already knew about Easton, that it is a great place for families to live because of its outstanding school district, character and history, natural and cultural resources; and proximity to transportation,” Colton said.

Colton said the town also has an outstanding group of department heads, elected and appointed officials who put the interest of the community before their own interests, which he said he thinks separates Easton from other towns.

When asked what his favorite part of Easton was, he said he could not pick just one thing.

“How can you choose between Richardson’s architectural genius and the natural beauty of the town? But one surprise for me was my first drive down Poquanticut Rd and Chestnut Street. The farmland is breathtaking, because from an outsider’s perspective it is so unexpected. I hope we don’t allow it to be "subdivisioned" to death,” Colton said.

The four other Massachusetts towns that made the list include Milton, which ranked seventh, Chelmsford at 21, Westborough at 73 and Wilbraham at 94.

By Jessica Hackett - Easton Journal - Friday July 20, 2007