Fastest-Growing
Metros in America
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David Rogowski, AOL
20 Booming Economies
It's no secret that the Southeast and Western United States are booming. The costs of living and doing business there are often cheaper there than in big coastal cities. But where and how much those cities are thriving might surprise you.
See which cities, first large and then small, that Forbes says offer the promise of the best economic growth over the next five years.
· Article: Fastest-Growing Metros
Next: No. 1 Large MetroMore Hot Forbes Features:
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No. 1: Austin, Texas
Why It's Booming:
The self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World" is booming, thanks in large part to Austin's high-tech industry (key employers include Dell, IBM and Apple) and the University of Texas, which provides the area with a steady stream of engineering talent. Its' population is expected to grow nearly 15% by 2012.
· More on This Large Metro: Austin
Next: Cape Coral - Ft. MyersMore Hot Forbes Features:
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No. 2: Cape Coral -
Ft. Myers, Fla.
Why It's Booming:
According to the most recent U.S. Census information, Cape Coral was the fourth fastest growing U.S. city with a population of more than 100,000. By 2012, average personal income of its residents is expected to grow by 6.9% annually.
· More on This Large Metro: Cape Coral
Next: AtlantaMore Hot Forbes Features:
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No. 3: Atlanta, Ga.
Why It's Booming:
The Atlanta metro area is a job magnet that epitomizes the economic boom of the Southeast. Companies with headquarters there include Coca-Cola, CNN and UPS. It's also got the country's busiest airport for passenger traffic. Atlanta's population has doubled in the last 20 years; by 2012, it's expected to grow another 11%.
· More on This Large Metro: Atlanta
Next: SeattleMore Hot Forbes Features:
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No. 4: Seattle, Wash.
Why It's Booming:
Two words: Boeing and Microsoft. With employers like these in the metro area, it's difficult not to grow. The area also has the fifth largest concentration of biotech companies in the U.S.
· More on This Large Metro: Seattle
Next: San FranciscoMore Hot Forbes Features:
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Cassandra Shie, AOL
San Francisco, Calif.
Why It's Booming:
San Francisco's growth factors are obvious: It's the financial capital of the West, it's a major U.S. tourist destination, it has a thriving downtown area and its proximity to major universities ensures that it has a steady stream of sharp young minds.
· More on This Large Metro: San Fran
See All Fastest-Growing Metros
· Large Metros No. 6 - 10
· Small Metros No. 1 - 10
Next: Most Miserable CitiesMore Hot Forbes Features:
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Daniel Barry, Getty Images
More Forbes on AOL:
Most Miserable CitiesWhat makes a city miserable? How about high unemployment, high personal tax rates, long commute times, bad weather, crime and close proximity to a toxic "Superfund" site?
Forbes looked at the 150 largest U.S. metro areas and ranked the cities in these categories to come up with a "Misery Measure." Who tops the list?
Gallery: See Most Miserable Cities
Next: Top School Districts -
More Forbes on AOL:
America's Top School Districts
20 Best Places for Education
Let's agree with wise experts that the quality of education any child gets comes down to just three things: their own motivation, their parents' support and good teachers. Still, is there a way to compare America's metro areas for education strengths? Forbes thinks so.
See its ranking of the top 20 places to educate your child.
Gallery of Top School Districts
More Money & Lifestyle FeaturesAOL Money & Finance:
Recent Comments
FlueIntl 02:56:56 PM Feb 25 2008
Wish Richmond,Va can become as Booming As These Places One Day.And it might.
I propose a Pro Team.Especially a winning team!
SONICCHILL 09:10:11 PM Feb 24 2008
Jews were the first to have monotheism revealed to us --- our faith is an indictment to all that is false about religion and idolatry ---The only evil weâve done or do is in the media past and present ---those in that number consciously or unconsciously added to bigotry and our countryâs collective ignorance in the area of race in particular black/white relations -- I believe this was/is done because we all understand ( in our hearts of hearts) that Israel is as African as is Egypt. Hebrew is an African Language. Judaism in an African religion---but-- we donât wonât to be thought of as black.
SONICCHILL 09:08:42 PM Feb 24 2008
Jews were the first to have monotheism revealed to us --- our faith is an indictment to all that is false about religion and idolatry ---The only evil weâve done or do is in the media past and present ---those in that number consciously or unconsciously added to bigotry and our countryâs collective ignorance in the area of race in particular black/white relations -- I believe this was/is done because we all understand ( in our hearts of hearts) that Israel is as African as is Egypt. Hebrew is an African Language. Judaism in an African religion---but-- we donât wonât to be thought of as black.
ProvidenceHomes2 07:53:55 PM Feb 24 2008
We may be in bad shape but we are not finished. We need to (all of us) start taking the initiative and doing what "we" can to continuously try and make improvement in what ever work or station of life that we are at. When did we all become such hopeless complainers? We are a great people and have great resources. We MUST stop this insidious bitching and move forward by working with local government, schools and put the pressures on Hollywood to try and tone down our diet of foolishness and violence. If we could just encourage government and successful businessman to experiment with plans to make government more fiscally responsible and less encumbered operationally, I would think that may be a start. Oh and perhaps restore our faith in the merits of education and achievement. I think it is pretty obvious that our focus on our selves, possessions and irresponsible behavior in government is not working is it?...........the effort will take all of us, not just a few :)
NailbenderN 07:22:00 PM Feb 24 2008
Truth is we are in bad shape. There are not five hundred men in women in America with integrity that want to do what is right for America. The president no matter your choice isn't going to do crapola by his or her self. This is our choice, continued involvement in a never ending war, with increased debt. Or higher taxes with no help for working people. Change is what we need! We need to vote no contest! We want to fire everybody. Then start over. We need back ground checks on all new persons who apply with manditory drug screens. They have to be American and able to breathe. They have to only serve four years maxium. If we like them we will give them another chance. They get no long term retirement until they vote their own pay raise down continuely until the budget is met. Now talk about debt. No pay raise until the debt comes down! This will take five thousand years. You figure it out. If you are in debt on a credit card and make minimum payments for the rest of your life you will s
Danmttsb 03:04:53 PM Feb 24 2008
The presidential candidates of both major parties HAVE NO BUSINESS EXPERIENCE. They don't know how to make a buck, but one thing they all have in common they sure as hell will spend ours! Without consideration to what it costs US!
Max
Austin
Proceed Permit 02:47:51 PM Feb 24 2008
The coronation of Queen Hillary has been cancelled in favor of the coronation of King Obama.
Big ideas--------------no substance at all.
The democrats have condemned us to live with yet another Republican president.
SDebber54 02:08:10 PM Feb 24 2008
You are voting for Obama NIce .But what experience He is having ?. Nice words ,but govern a country is something else maestro. Most experienced man is out.Those big three right now no experience in business,That WE need?
Power is not everything .Are you remember Soviet Union ,big power but empty stomack. Shelfs full but where are money? Shoping in Peking. Casinos in MA ,but were are factories ? We mist a boat this time in big. I'm very concern.
Bel24dav 01:58:32 PM Feb 24 2008
Greg Dc412 -- You're an idiot, African-American living in the neighborhood don't lower your home value, people like you with lack of common sense makes everyone look bad....
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