"Characteristics like the number of museums, parks, bars and restaurants, and cultural institutions per capita were considered, as were factors indicative of a favorable business environment. These include patents, venture capital funding, sole-proprietorships, start-ups and small businesses per capita."

"It's a really easy place to live and work," he says. "There are a ton of new companies here, and that environment helps you build your business because there are great connections, and it's easy to get people to move here."