Author: Logan safest community in U.S. to raise a family

9. Ithaca, N.Y. — Ithaca, the home of Cornell University, is in the central New York area where you'll find beautiful parks, cool streams and rivers, and friendly people, but you won't find high crime. Crime rates in Ithaca are less than half the national averages in all categories.

10. Appleton, Wis. — Appleton is near Lake Winnebago, the city of Oshkosh, and only a stone's throw away from Green Bay. Those who have visited Appleton speak of the beautiful foliage, abundant arts and culture, and plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation. But they usually don't speak of Appleton's crime, which, like the other nine communities on our list, is rarely seen.

Michael Call, of Civicus Consulting Group and author of "Best Places to Raise an LDS Family," has been studying and working with local governments and nonprofits for nearly 25 years. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Indiana Tech. Leave your own comments and ratings of communities at www.BestLDSPlaces.com