ABQ, Taos on mag's Best Cities lists

Outside magazine in its August issue named Albuquerque to its 10 Best Cities list, and Taos to its 10 Best Small Towns list.

In this year's edition of the magazine's annual list, editors chose 10 cities and paired each with a nearby smaller town.

Albuquerque ranked 6th, partly because of its economic stability, the Santa Fe-based magazine said. Editors also cited the city's mild weather, sunshine and easy access to outdoor activities.

The magazine cited Taos' Class IV and V drops of the Rio Grande, "a dozen fun little trout streams" and Taos Ski Valley for the town's ranking.

Topping the lists were Colorado Springs, accompanied by Salida, Colo., and Seattle, accompanied by Leavenworth, Wash.

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Also on the Web: Outside's Best Towns 2009 list