Source: Kiplinger
Best Cities 2010: 10 Great Places for Your Future
In our search for top destinations for your future, we focused on cities where governments, universities and business communities work together to supercharge the region’s economic engine. And it's no coincidence that economic vitality and livability go hand in hand.
Creativity in music, arts and culture, plus neighborhoods and recreational facilities that rank high for "coolness," attract like-minded professionals who go on to cultivate a region's business scene. All of which make our 2010 Best Cities not just great places to live but also great places to start a business or find a job.
Compiled by Amy Pollak
No. 1: Austin, Texas
City Population: 777,783
Metro Population: 1,705,075
Cost-of-Living Index: 91.7(100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $59,221
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 11.5%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 7.1% (May 2010)
Austin is arguably the country’s best crucible for small business. And don’t discount the fun factor: It's the self-proclaimed live-music capital of the world.
No. 2: Seattle, Washington
City Population: 582,490
Metro Population: 3,407,848
Cost-of-Living Index: 123.3 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $66,465
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 12.3%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 9% (May 2010)
Seattle crackles with creative energy. The city is revising its tax, zoning and permit policies to make them more business-friendly.
No. 3: Washington, D.C.
City Population: 591,833
Metro Population: 5,476,241
Cost-of-Living Index: 137.9 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $85,824
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 5.4%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 6.7% (May 2010)
Eleven of the 25 richest counties in the U.S. are located in the region, which also boats a low unemployment rate. The diverse area offers a smorgasbord of lifestyles from which to choose.
No. 4: Boulder, Colorado
City Population: 98,238
Metro Population: 303,482
Cost-of-Living Index: 125.3 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $66,463
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 17%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 6.4% (May 2010)
Boulder is a wealthy, intellectual hot spot where environmental and scientific ideas blossom into businesses. The city is a mecca for those seeking healthy, active lifestyles.
No. 5: Salt Lake City, Utah
City Population: 185,411
Metro Population: 1,130,293
Cost-of-Living Index: 100 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $60,012
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 11.8%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 7.1% (May 2010)
You can’t beat the cost of living and doing business in Salt Lake City. Plus, downtown offices are just 15 minutes away from several ski resorts.
No. 6: Rochester, Minnesota
City Population: 101,659
Metro Population: 185,618
Cost-of-Living Index: 98.8 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $63,842
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 9.6%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 6.8% (May 2010)
Rochester is built on the world-renowned Mayo Clinic’s rock-solid foundation, and, in return, the community serves as great hosts and hostesses to 2.7 million visitors each year (many of them Mayo patients).
No. 7: Des Moines, Iowa
City Population: 200,010
Metro Population: 562,906
Cost-of-Living Index: 92.1 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $57,854
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 9.9%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 7.1% (May 2010)
There’s more to Des Moines than agricultural jobs. The city also has a deep entrepreneurial streak, and its low costs and educated workforce make it fertile ground for business.
No. 8: Burlington, Vermont
City Population: 38,989
Metro Population: 208,055
Cost-of-Living Index: 119.9 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $40,539
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 16.8%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 6% (May 2010)
Environmentalism isn’t just ingrained in the city’s diverse economy; it’s the driver for much of its economic growth. The town is also a haven for writers and artists.
No. 9: West Hartford, Connecticut
City Population: 63,908
Metro Population: 1,195,998
Cost-of-Living Index: 119.6 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $67,171
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 10%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 8% (May 2010)
A regional destination for shopping and dining, West Hartford is also focused on retaining its small-town charm. Location-wise, the town couldn’t be better situated.
No. 10: Topeka, Kansas
City Population: 128,486
Metro Population: 230,842
Cost-of-Living Index: 89.1 (100 is national average)
Median Household Income: $49,348
Salary Growth (2005-2008): 11.7%
Jobless Rate (Nat. Avg.: 9.9%): 6.9% (May 2010)
In its reserved, midwestern way, Topeka has engineered a prosperity that most cities of similar size would envy. You'll find low unemployment and low housing costs.
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