Evans was honored in a national forum by being named one of the 10 Best Towns for Families in Family Circle magazine’s August edition.

“I am delighted, how exciting,” said Beda Johnson, executive director of Columbia County’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The magazine edition, which is not yet on newsstands, compares Evans to other communities nationwide based on affordable housing, good neighbors, green space and quality schools.

“It actually gives us national exposure in a really incredible way,” Ms. Johnson said. “Now people sit up and take notice a little bit more. They remember there is an opportunity in Georgia for a very wonderful place to live.”

The honor validates the results of a recent market research study that determined that Columbia County has “wonderful outdoor resources and a community filled with great stuff,” Ms. Johnson said.

Other Columbia County accolades include being named the 32nd best place to live in 2005 and the 76th in 2007; the 19th best place for job growth and the ninth best place for affordable homes in 2008.

Other communities on the Family Circle Best Towns for Families list include Rockwall, Tex.; Sherwood, Ore.; Indian Trail, N.C., Perrysburg, Ohio; Hendersonville, Tenn.; Edina, Minn.; Noblesville, Ind.; Kenmore, Wash.; and Sun Prairie, Wis.

Reach Valerie Rowell at (706) 868-1222, ext. 110 or

valerie.rowell@augustachronicle.com.