Newton #3 on 2010 “Best Places to Live” list

CNN Money’s new “list of America’s best small cities” places Newton in the number three spot.

Downsides: Traffic and the cost of housing.

Upsides: Mass transit and village centers, “Less than 45 minutes from downtown Boston via train, subway, or express bus, Newton is divided into 13 “villages” loaded with classic New England charm. Most have pedestrian-friendly shopping districts, parks, and playgrounds.”