Lake Saint Louis is No. 41 on Money Magazine's 2011 list of "Best Places to Live" for U.S. cities with populations under 50,000.

"It's great to be recognized," said Paul Markworth, Lake Saint Louis city administrator for the past 12 years.

The magazine released its list Monday. The list alternates yearly between cities with more than 50,000 residents and those with less than 50,000. The magazine looks at job opportunities, fiscal strength, schools, public safety, health care, weather and cultural and outdoor activities.

Lake Saint Louis has a population of 14,500. Two years ago the magazine listed Lake Saint Louis No. 9.

Markworth said he's not sure what distinguishes No. 9 from No. 41.

"Any time you are recognized nationally as being one of the best places to live, that's awesome," he said.

A reporter from Money Magazine visited Lake Saint Louis on June 3 and spent two hours talking to officials and touring the city. The reporter watched a ski club practice that day, Markworth said.

The magazine recognized the city's "array of golf courses, tennis courts, and pools, available to Community Association members for $450 per family." The Lake Saint Louis Community Association consists of those who own property near the two lakes — Lake Saint Louis and Lake Saint Louise.

The magazine also cites the lakes and the National Equestrian Center in Lake Saint Louis as amenities. It also mentioned that the nearby GM plant in Wentzville, after layoffs, recently hired workers.

On Tuesday, Markworth also mentioned the city's major shopping center, The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, and plans by the Missouri Department of Transportation to extend the Page Avenue extension to Highway 40-61.

The city has become a haven for bicyclists, Markworth said, and the city's Parks and Recreation Department will host the 29th annual Lake Saint Louis Triathlon at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Community Association's clubhouse, 100 Cognac Court. Registration closed at 750 entries.

Ranked No. 1 on this year's list is Louisville, Colo., population 18,400. Louisville ranked first in 2009, third in 2007 and fifth in 2005.

Other Missouri cities in the top 100 this year are Liberty, 7; Webster Groves, 61; and Ballwin, 80.

In 2010, Money Magazine's Top 100 list for larger cities included O'Fallon at 26 and St. Peters at 60.