AIKEN --- What started as a haven for Northerners looking to escape the harsh winter months in the late 1800s can now claim a new title: one of the best places to live in the country.

Aiken was recently listed in RelocateAmerica.com's "Top 100 Places to Live," an annual list that site users help create by nominating their community and explaining what makes it a great place to live.

RelocateAmerica.com is a directory of more than 6,000 communities to help individuals and families who are planning to relocate. It collects data on education, employment, housing, crime, parks, recreation and the economy to get an overall picture of the community.

"First-time visitors quickly fall in love with this community," said David Jameson, the president of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce. "People feel very connected very quickly."

Lifelong resident Christian Carlisle said he hasn't found a better place to live.

"I've always felt welcome here, people are just very welcoming," Mr. Carlisle said.

Topping the list are Charlotte, N.C.; San Antonio, Texas; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Greenville, S.C. Only the top 10 cities are ranked numerically. The remaining communities are listed by state.

"Our goal for this year's list is that it educates and inspires our users, whether they're moving across town or across the U.S.," Steve Nickerson, the president and CEO of Relocate-America.com, said in a news release.

The Web site stated the city's quality of life is unparalleled to other communities its size, as well as the cost of living, which is well below the national average.

"That kind of verifies what those of us who already live here know," said Clay Killian, Aiken County's administrator.

"Aiken has a lot of big-city features with a lot of cultural activities without losing that small town feel that people love so much."