"Ranking cities and states for their livability, jobs, taxes, schools and a host of other measures is becoming almost a national pastime. Perhaps the most comprehensive ranking of cities is the Rand McNally Places Rated Almanac whose most recent edition ranked the Providence metropolitan area as 26th best of 329 evaluated in the nation. Critics have questioned the methodology used in this ranking, but cities rating highly have been quick to capitalize on it. Walking through the airport terminal in No. 1-ranked Pittsburgh, one is greeted by a large banner that proclaims the city to be the most livable in the country."