A view of the Milwaukee River from the Milwaukee Ale House in downtown Grafton in May. Credit: Gary Porter

Too often, residents take for granted local resources and amenities.

And others lack awareness of what their community has to offer.

Those thoughts crossed my mind recently when Outside magazine named Milwaukee a finalist in its "Best Town Ever" contest.

The annual contest features the magazine's picks for the most livable cities across the country.

This year, Outside teamed with American Rivers, a nonprofit environmental group, to identify the top 10 river towns in the U.S.

Milwaukee? River? Best?

Yes.

Have you canoed the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail? Fished for smallmouth bass or steelhead in the shadow of downtown? Hiked or biked the trails that follow the river's course?

The quality of these recreational experiences is underrated by most - including, at least initially, the staff at Outside.

When it compiled its initial list of about 75 best river towns, Milwaukee wasn't on it, said Ryan Krogh, research editor.

But the staff at American Rivers weighed in heavily on the Brew City's behalf.

Krogh said the magazine staff investigated the omission.

What they found should add wind to the sails of many in the community who have worked to improve the environmental, recreational and cultural amenities of the river.

It should also increase awareness of the quality of the river, both to local residents and the magazine's international readership.

"Great improvements in the river quality, great opportunities for fishing and boating," Krogh said. "And the Riverwalk project has added another positive aspect."

The magazine lists Milwaukee's relatively low cost of housing (median price of $107,000), short commute (average time 21.6 minutes) and wealth of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Here's what American Rivers had to say about Milwaukee: "Located at the confluence of the Kinnickinnic, Menomonee, and Milwaukee rivers, the city has over 410 miles of streams and 85 lakes - meaning endless boating and fishing opportunities. Also, the city is a national leader in using trees, green roofs, and other innovative ideas to reduce water pollution and improve clean water and river health."

The other finalists are: Hood River, Ore.; Nevada City, Calif.; Asheville, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Boise, Idaho; Missoula, Mont.; Durango, Colo.; Ithaca, N.Y.; and Richmond, Va.

The winning city will be selected by voting on the magazine's Facebook page.

Voters are entered in a drawing for a trip to the winning city.

The winning city will be featured on the cover of the October edition of Outside. Voting runs through July 10.

"Without a doubt, Milwaukee is our sleeper pick," Krogh said.

To the river's advocates, the selection will help validate efforts to restore the river.

Eddee Daniel, an author and artist who lives in Wauwatosa, has nurtured the phrase "Milwaukee's Urban Wilderness." It describes the river and surrounding greenery in the miles adjacent to downtown.

Such contests help sell magazines. But even if Milwaukee comes up short on votes in Outside's "Best Town Ever," it has made our town a winner.

More people, even some in the 414 area code, will be aware of the quality of life on and around the Milwaukee River.

Send email to psmith@journalsentinel.com