Webster Groves has placed No. 61 in Money Magazine's "Top 100 Best Places to Live" list.

The winning small towns were chosen based on having qualities American families care about most, including great job opportunities, top-notch schools, safe streets, economic strength and more, according to the story in the magazine's September issue.

The article states that Webster Groves, named after 19th century statesman Daniel Webster, has considerable economic diversity, affordable housing and "some" of the most competitive public schools in the region. (There is only one public school district in Webster Groves. The Money Magazine editor apparently did not realize this.)

Webster Groves Patch broke the news about the win to Mayor Gerry Welch late this afternoon. She had not been contacted by Money Magazine.

"You're kidding me?" she asked. "This is great! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

This honor carries a special importance considering the state of the economy. Today, Patch launched a new project called "Dispatches - The Changing American Dream," which chronicles the effects of the economic crisis and the creative and innovative ways people are responding to it.  

Money Magazine's distinction underscores Webster Grove's committment to keeping "The Changing American Dream" alive. Webster Groves Patch will have more on the this honor later this week. Plus, stay tuned for our new "Dispatches" stories.