(BOONE) -- U.S. News and World Report has released a study that finds the Boone area is the number two place to retire in the United States. Daniel Meyer of the Boone Chamber of Commerce said it is not unusual for the High Country to receive a national honor.

"Boone has been ranked as one of the best small towns, it's been ranked as one of the best outdoor communities, it's been ranked earlier as one of the best places to retire.  I haven't seen us this close to the top-10, but that's great," said Meyer.

The magazine sited the town's many amenities, easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and affordability. One of the amenities that is a big plus is the Boone areas's free bus service known as Applecart. The areas is also anchored by Appalachian State University.

The number one city on U.S. News and World Report's best place to retire list is Flagstaff, Arizona.