Why the Best: Soho NY meets Silicon Valley on the Iowa prairie. Fairfield is something you almost couldn't make up if you tried -- and if you did, you couldn't sell it to Hollywood because they'd tell you it's too fantastic (in addition to being too interesting and sophisticated and geared toward audiences with sensibilities more mature than 6 year olds).

But, here's what Fairfield has in the middle of the Iowa heartland: 20-plus art galleries downtown, regular music festivals, 45 restaurants of different international cuisines; at least five different theater companies; a population (not much more than 10,000) made up of 60 different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. It's got monthly art shows that draw 1000s of visitors. It's got a leading meditation and yoga center and university (which, of course, has added to the town diversity and openness).

On top of all this, Fairfield aggressively subsidizes small businesses and entrepreneurs. It's become a dynamic Midwestern center of cutting edge new business development. And, oh yea, the people of Fairfield are generous -- according to some reports, their per capita charitable giving is among the highest in the country.

Basically, Fairfield is like a Disney Epcot destination -- you know, like you can visit Venice or Paris or Marrakesh Disney-style in Orlando? Only here, in Fairfield, it's real. It's ridiculously unlikely -- almost unbelievable -- and magical and vibrant. It's Burbia's kind of town. Totally a Burbia Best Town....read about other towns