Residents show a high level of civic pride, have a strong interest in academics and the arts, and demonstrate solid support for the school system. The Town of Manlius made Money magazine's 2005 list of America's 100 Best Places to Live, based on communities with populations over 14,000 that have experienced population growth and real estate appreciation in the past five years, and have above average incomes. Both villages of Fayetteville and Manlius are rich in history, with their beginnings stretching back to the early 1800's. Manlius quickly became a prominent commercial center due to its location on the important east-west turnpike that today is Route 173. The rapid growth of Fayetteville is attributed to the commercial traffic of the Erie Canal. With only a few miles separating the two villages, the street between their flourishing business districts was lined with beautiful houses in the architectural styles of the prosperous early to mid-19th century. Today, residents take great pride in the historic character of the area and many of the original buildings are still in use. Both Manlius and Fayetteville have Historic Districts on the National Register.