To the surprise of absolutely no one who lives here, Marquette has made another of those top 10 or best of lists that come out from time to time. In the latest example, the city and its immediate environs have been named one of the 25 “up-and-coming” small towns in America by Reader’s Digest.

The magazine’s article is titled “25 Small Towns That Are About to Become More Popular.”

It was noted in the Reader’s Digest article that Marquette, home to Northern Michigan University and much, much more, was named the “Top Small Town for Adventure” in 2018 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, according to a Mining Journal story on the issue.

“Recent growth in private investment includes mixed-use developments, affordable housing and hotels,” the article reads. “With an average home price of $219,000, moderate winters and individuals wanting to get back to a simpler life, watch out for Marquette.”

Did they say moderate? Perhaps we’re getting into semantics on the winters as one person’s brutal is the next person’s perfect.

Seriously, though, a huge number of people not only make it through the winters up here, they, indeed, thrive with the many recreational opportunities available.

The magazine also mentioned Marquette’s award-winning craft breweries, an “exciting” local restaurant scene and a “thriving” arts scene, and pointed out it’s a great place to see the northern lights.

Let us take this opportunity to comfirm that the Marquette area is an outstanding place to live and learn — including winter.

And if truth be told, we can’t imagine living anywhere else!