Test Your Smarts About the Brainiest Places

This quiz will show you how much you know

By Jill Konieczko , Liz Wolgemuth

Posted: May 20, 2008

Whether you're looking to follow in the footsteps of a former president or make your retirement home in a classic example of a 1960s planned community, there are smart, colorful cities to be found from California to Virginia. You can test your braininess with this quiz on the histories and quirks of the 10 brainiest places to retire.

  1. Originally called Muddy River, this town is the birthplace of the 35th American president, who faced a number of foreign affairs crises.
  2. This brainy city is named for the Irish philosopher best known for his empiricist philosophy.
  3. Ranked high in the number of Ph.D.'s per capita in the 2000 census, this town is part of a science-and-technology corridor that is home to more than 135 biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and bio-manufacturing companies, as well as a couple of large government agencies.
  4. This city is best known for its natural beauty, and one of its notable residents was William Stafford, an American poet who explored man's relationship with nature. He was U.S. poet laureate from 1970 to 1971 (technically known at the time as poetry consultant to the Library of Congress).
  5. As the 38th U.S. president, this city's favorite college football star sought to restore Americans' confidence in basic government institutions.
  6. Established by an American Revolutionary War hero and site of the 1784 Whiskey Rebellion, this suburban township is near 29 colleges and universities.
  7. Developed by Robert E. Simon Jr., this town is a well-known example of urban planning, with a number of villages, separated by green space, each with a "town center" serving as a retail area.
  8. Known best as the birthplace of crooner Frank Sinatra, this town is experiencing urban gentrification as many nearby city dwellers seek affordable housing, a sense of community, and easy commutes.
  9. This town is named in honor of a French military hero who fought on the side of the Americans in the Revolutionary War. One of its native sons is Thomas Weldon, chairman of The Innovation Factory, a medical device incubator company.
  10. Maybe it's in the water? This brainy city's water supply is unusual, as it comes in part from the city-owned Arapahoe Glacier high on the Continental Divide.

See correct answers

 

Data source: OnBoard LLC

Please change # to 70,000 residents----- The Villages, Fl. Melanie Harris

of @ Jun 09, 2008 14:37:35 PM

Best place to retire-------Of course--- The Villages, Fl. We have all those things plus the beautiful weather. College, bridge games, golf- so much more. &0,000 residents & growing ! Loads of restaurants & shopping.

melanie harris of FL @ Jun 09, 2008 14:31:11 PM

Many of the retirement communities in places such as the Sun Cities in Arizona have a multitude of learning opportunities brought right to their campuses through affiliations with ASU Lifelong Learning center.Nearby community colleges also offer wonderful educational opportunities through their RISE program.This coupled with affordable homes and wonderful winter weather make for a wonderful brainy retirement option.

of AZ @ Jun 08, 2008 20:17:25 PM

Add Your Thoughts
About You

advertisement

U.S. News Rankings & Research

Best Places

Search for the perfect place for you and your family.

Best Careers

Careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.

Car Rankings & Reviews

Make an informed choice when shopping for your next car.

advertisement

Slide Shows

10 Hard-Hit Housing Markets Ready to Rebound

Even with home prices still falling at the national level, a number of markets are gearing up for a rebound.

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!