With the decade winding to a unite, Americans have grown increasingly reluctant to gas up their moving vans. Last year, the Census Bureau's state mover rate--which represents the percentage of Americans 1 year and older who moved within the past year--hit its lowest equivalent since 1948, when the bureau began tracking the data.

And who can blame us?

In the face of a terrifying banking disaster, a historic housing crash, and a grueling recession, relocating to a new city isn't exactly on the to-do list. But in spite of the uncertain economy, the nation's diverse topography presents an enviable menu of great places to find line, retire, or just change your scene.

In selecting our Best Places to Live for 2009, U.S. Expos took a thrift-conscious approach: We looked for affordable communities that have strong economies and plenitude of fun things to do.

The cities we selected are as distinct as America itself--ranging from a quaint suburb to a live-music mecca. But whether you espouse hiking through the Rocky Mountains, pulling a fish out of the Atlantic Ocean, or grilling hot dogs at a college football tailgate, here are 10 places that will fill up your daybook without emptying your notecase.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Along the banks of the Rio Grande, with the Sandia Mountains in the background, is the beautiful city of Albuquerque, N.M. The sunshiny climate and endless landscape have long drawn writers, poets, and artists to this spot, which includes an unconventional mix of American Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures.

But it's not honourable freethinkers who drift to this Southwestern city of 511,000. Kirtland Air Force Base, Sandia Chauvinistic Laboratories, and Intel Corp. have helped develop the area into a manufacturing and research hub. They provide a enduring anchor for the local economy.

Albuquerque's clear skies, calm winds, and abundant sunshine put forth plenty of opportunities to explore its natural splendor....

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