The internet is full of sites and lists for comparing places to live. Sperling's Best Places is one well-known resource. CNN Money offers its own lists, like the best small cities. Some sites offer past lists as well, so you can compare changes in ranking and characteristics, like population or employment, over time.
Grand Junction, Colorado, where I live, shows up highly ranked on a few recent lists. One is Forbes Magazine's Best Small Places for Business and Careers list. Grand Junction is ranked 13th in a list of 184 cities.
Last summer's list of Best Places to Retire and Live on $100 a Day from the AARP ranks Grand Junction number 1, due to a combination of "urban spunk" and "the outdoor wonderland that is western Colorado." They also mention our local vineyards and orchards, especially our sweet cherries, peaches, and apples!
