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Top Twenty Cities for Jobs (and Quality of Life)
Did your city make Forbes' cut?
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Caroline Wilbert | DivineCaroline.com
May 07, 2008
Finding the next great job may mean making a move, especially as the economy cools. Forbes.com recently ranked the top cities for jobs in 2008. Its rankings were based on unemployment rates, job growth, income growth, median household income, and cost of living. I read the list with great interest—then started looking for other kinds of information on these cities. In addition to the cost of living, I wanted to know about the style of living. We all want to be in places that make us happy. Here’s the list:
1. Salt Lake City
This city was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and became the capital of the Mormon community. Want a big family? You will fit right in. The state boasts the highest fertility rate in the nation. From an employment standpoint, the city has an abundance of tech jobs, according to Forbes.com
2. Wichita
Known as the air capital of the world, Wichita is home to a handful of air manufacturing companies and McConnell Air Force Base. Random fact: Wichita was the site of the first Pizza Hut.
3. Austin
The state capital and home to the University of Texas, the city is known for its music scene. In the business world, it is known as a leader in the semiconductor industry.
4. Atlanta
Nicknamed “the city too busy too hate,” Atlanta was the capital of the civil rights movement and is still known as a mecca for well-educated, wealthy African Americans. Atlanta is home to many Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola.
5. Fort Worth
Often overshadowed by its cousin Dallas to the East, Fort Worth is known as “cowtown” and considered a gateway to the west. It is the home of American Airlines.
6. Indianapolis
Best known as the site of the Indianapolis 500, which is held every Memorial Day weekend, Indianapolis is home to corporations including pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and insurance firm WellPoint.
7. Houston
This is oil country, though other industries, including the chemical industry, are also important. And who could forget the famous line, “Houston, we have a problem”? Yes, NASA is still the city’s most famous employer. Houston boasts a low cost of living and plenty of sunshine.
Elon
8 months ago
2 comments
I must say Atlanta is a great place to live. The people are friendly, the culture is wonderful and diverse, and the jobs abundant. There is always something to do and it is very family oriented. Like many large American cities, the traffic can sometimes be a hassle but the radio stations are excellent and will help ease the commute. Originally from NY Atlanta is just like home to me. Atlanta; GREAT place to live!!
Kelly
8 months ago
6 comments
Indianapolis, also a great place to live. Grew up here and have seen it go through many face changes. It has a night life that is unbelievable and only seems to get better. I'm hoping to find a great job right here in my hometown.
AmberML
8 months ago
10 comments
ahhh...Denver...I think it should be #1 too. I miss it so much, and I live in Austin, the live music capital of the world!! Denver just feels like home!
enye
8 months ago
18 comments
I have to be bias and say Denver is the best! I live on the western slope of Colorado but if I were to move to acity Denver would be #1 on my list. Denver was rated #1 for the best city for singles as well for all you single ladies out there.
Daniela
8 months ago
1482 comments
Wow, Sarah, that description of HI sounds beautiful... :) - From another Cali girl
sarahcali
8 months ago
2 comments
With the right job, Honolulu is a great place to live. My brother and sister grew up on the North Shore of Oahu and it's just gorgeous. There's a lot of night life, but if you want slower paced you can always venture to a near outer island beach town (Haleiwa for instance). Plus, there's nothing quite like island life with it's laid back profile, views like no other and the smell of fresh hibiscus.
~ Sarah, California
ShaynaCariter
8 months ago
2 comments
I used to live in Emporia Kansas that is about maybe 150 to 200 miles from Witchia Kansas. I hated living there most of the people who live there was from Witchia. The towns are friendly some of the times but most are down right nasty. If you are military, spanish/mixed, or lighted skinned then Kansas is the place for you. If is hard to get a good paying job if you are not one of the following. But the cost of living is cheat.
CarolynHood7
8 months ago
22 comments
Greetings and good morning from the "True" rainy city of Seattle, WA. I was reared in Wisconsin as a child thoughout my young adulthood. and resided in Miami in my college years. In comparison to the cities/states I've resided, I find Seattle to be the no. 1 choice when I settled and began rearing my three children (now young adults).
Carolyn Hood, Seattle, WA - The Evergreen State
jo_islandgirl
8 months ago
140 comments
Omaha is a nice city to raise a family, there is no lengthy commute and people are friendly with a few exception. Good good paying jobs are scarced even with company like ConAgra, Mutual of Omaha around West..etc.... if you like to settle down maybe thats the place?
Janell
8 months ago
4 comments
Las Vegas should be on here too!
Despite the fact that people have no money, they stll find money to waste away in the casinos. There was just an article in the paper about how we're creating more jobs than losing them.
Leo51408
8 months ago
2 comments
About Houston...The traffic is hectic and when it rains, it POURS! The theater district is very active. This is home to HP and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We're talkin' a cultural mix of professionalism and cowboys. If you're a "good ol' boy," you'll love it here. Nearby towns provide recreation on the water.
jessiej1231
8 months ago
2 comments
I'm originally from Denver and now that I live in the DC area I realize what a great place it is to live! A more laid back pace of life and sense of being able to escape the city is priceless. Plus, it's relatively affordable there.
Tivinia
8 months ago
24 comments
I love Salt Lake City, and I definitely agree that it is great for big families. I have so much family living there, it is not even funny. Salt Lake is home. It also helps that I was born there, huh, but it really is a great place to live.