Is McCook a micropolis?

McCook may not officially be a "micropolis," but it's close enough to offer all of the advantages, challenges and opportunities.

Two years ago, the U.S. Census Bureau officially recognized certain places as "micropolitan" areas.

To qualify, a locale must have at least one town of 10,000 to 49,999 people -- and it can have several of these -- and proportionally few of its residents commuting outside the area. The government figured there were 567 such micropolises in the continental U.S. More than 28 million people, or one in 10 Americans, reside in them.

This month's Readers Digest lists the microtropolis as one of "14 Amazing Trends that Will Change Your Life."

The subject of the story is none other than Andy Griffith's hometown, Mount Airy, North Carolina, population 8,484.

Come to think of it, Mount Airy doesn't officially fit the Census Bureau definition, either. But reading about Mount Airy -- the model for Griffith's mythical but still living Mayberry TV town -- should ring some bells for residents of Southwest Nebraska.

The community isn't a suburb or satellite of a larger city, but serves as a hub for a larger, rural area. Most of the residents of the surrounding towns work or run their errands in Mount Airy.

"Where would you rather raise your family," a former Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce president told the magazine. "You can make gobs of money anywhere else, or have a quality of life here," the man, David Bradley, said.

The community turned to high-tech sock manufacturing after the old textile mills moved overseas, and is finding other ways to diversify in the face of a farm economy in the doldrums. Grapevines and bed-and-breakfasts are sprouting throughout the community.

Its downtown business area are sprucing up, offer free parking and cultural events, as well as free wireless Internet service throughout the downtown. And, the economic development, business and banking community is getting involved to make it all possible.

Naturally enough, many of Mount Airy's children have moved back for the quality of life and moderate weather after failing to find satisfaction in big cities. Many of them are bringing their jobs with them, thanks to new opportunities in telecommuting and computer work.

No, McCook is no Mayberry -- but today, neither is Mount Airy. But residents of Southwest Nebraska can find affirmation and inspiration in the example of another micropolis.