MERRIMACK – Merrimack may not be the best place to live in the country. But it’s back in the running, according to Money Magazine

One year after dropping from the national magazine’s list of best places to live, Merrimack has returned to the publication’s annual rankings, placing 87th on the list of America’s 100 best small towns.

The ranking, to be printed in next month’s issue, marks a drop from earlier years – Merrimack ranked 43rd in 2009 and 49th in 2005. But, the acknowledgment is a great credit to town residents, who work every day to improve the quality of life in Merrimack, according to Jackie Flood, a member of the Town Council.

“It’s like a nice bouquet of flowers up on the mantle. You don’t need them, but they’re nice to look at,” Flood said this morning as she reflected on the news.

“We all know what a great town this is, but it’s just nice to be recognized,” she said. “It’s a great thank you for everyone who works to make this town a wonderful place to live.”

Among the town’s many features, Money Magazine listed its close proximity to the state’s two largest cities, Manchester and Nashua, among its best attributes, as well as its continued economic development in the face of the nation-wide recession.

In the last year, Fidelity has transferred 1,000 jobs to the Merrimack plant, the article notes, and the Merrimack Premium Outlets mall, under construction off Exit 10 of the F.E. Everett Turnpike, is expected to another 1,000 retail jobs once it opens, likely next year.

“(Merrimack) attracts people with shopping along Route 3 and recreation on conservation land around a lake,” the magazine reads. “Despite the economic downturn, local business in the area is growing.”