Considering the following winning factors, it’s no wonder Kiplinger ranked Little Rock No. 1 in its Aug. 2013 list of “10 Great Places to Live.” We talked to Kiplinger contributor Cameron Huddleston about her visit to the area to hear why it made such a lasting impression.

Metro: How did this year’s rankings work?

Cameron Huddleston: Each year we give Kevin Stolarick, research director at the Martin Prosperity Institute, a list of criteria to come up with 10 cities for our annual “Best Cities” list. This year, we asked him to look at metro areas with a population of 1 million or less with reasonably priced homes, a stable economy, lots of amenities, decent schools and great health care.

Reporters visited all 10 cities, and then we met to discuss each city’s pluses and minuses. … Little Rock was the clear winner this year. I don’t think there was a doubt in anyone’s mind that out of all the cities on our list, Little Rock really did have it all.

M: Was your visit what you expected?

CH: I was especially surprised by how lovely it was — lots of trees, rolling hills and very clean. And I really liked the diversity of the neighborhoods, from the urban living downtown and historic homes near the governor’s mansion to the eclectic neighborhoods in the middle of town and the newer neighborhoods in west Little Rock. There’s something to suit anyone’s taste.

The people seemed friendly, welcoming and very happy to be living in Little Rock.

I also was amazed that there was very little traffic and that it was easy to get from one side of the city to the other quickly. Overall, Little Rock came across as a great place to live.

M: Was there anything in particular that struck you about the area’s affordability?

CH: You can get a lot of home for not nearly as much as it would cost in other areas of the country. And there are so many free and low-cost things to do, such as the Arkansas River Trail system, Riverfront Park with its movies, concerts and the fountains and tunnels for kids, First Thursdays in Hillcrest, Arkansas Arts Center, farmers markets, the free speaker series at the Clinton School, Second Friday Art Night — and the list just goes on.

Livable & Affordable

Between a robust economy, a quality of life unparalleled for a metro its size and forward-thinking regional leadership, we’re convinced you’ll fall in love with greater Little Rock. But don’t just take our word for it. National publications from Forbes and The Wall Street Journal to Outside and Southern Living have esteemed the area’s communities for all these reasons and more.

Something for everyone. Live amidst natural beauty in the suburbs of west Little Rock, be neighborly in tight-knit communities like Cabot and Jacksonville or get spoiled by the convenience of city living in Little Rock and North Little Rock’s downtowns. Whatever your needs and wants, it’s all right here.

A thriving urban core. With explosive commercial growth and a sustained rise in residential offerings, downtown Little Rock just keeps getting better. In October 2012, the area made it to No. 5 in Livability.com’s Top 10 Downtowns. Winning criteria for the ranking included plentiful entertainment and dining, special events, walkability and diverse residential options that range from charming turn-of-the-century homes to high-rise condo dwellings.

Low cost of living. The Census Bureau ranks Conway’s cost of living 13 points below the national average, and the state overall ranks seventh in the country for cheapest cost of living. Whether it’s housing, utilities or transportation, Metro Little Rock offers a lot of bang for your buck.

An outdoor paradise. Like to stay active? The 34-mile Arkansas River Trail System connects the Little Rock-North Little Rock areas with scenic bikeable and walkable paths. Each March, it’s runner’s paradise as thousands congregate for the Little Rock Marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K. And west Little Rock’s Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers 2,356 acres of hiking, mountain biking and spectacular views atop its more than 1,000-foot-high peak.