Last year's recession was nasty. It claimed thousands of jobs in major U.S. cities and forced many companies to close their doors forever.
And even though the economy is reportedly on the mend, the job market is still limping along; it's down 9%, compared to last year's rate of 10%. However, economic recovery has breathed new life into several smaller cities around the U.S., and some locales are experiencing job growth and a boost to their local economy.
CNNMoney.com compiled a list of the best places for businesses and careers, and many of the cities are in Middle America. CNN based the list on areas with reasonable business costs, strong economic outlooks and solid quality of life. This is great news to job seekers seeking a low cost of living and potential wage growth.
Here's CNN's list of the 10 best cities for businesses and careers:
- Des Moines, Iowa. Population is 563,000; Gross Metro Product is $24 billion; the median household income is $55,863.
- Provo, Utah. Population is 556,000; GMP is $11 billion; the median household income is $63,111.
- Raleigh, N.C. Population 1,126,000; GMP is $42 billion; the median household income is $54,076.
- Fort Collins, Colo. Population 298,000; GMP is $11 billion; the median household income is $57,550.
- Lincoln, Neb. Population 298,000; GMP is $11 billion; the median household income is $53,080.
- Denver. Population 2,552,000; GMP is $108 billion; the median household income is $61,160.
- Omaha, Neb. Population 850,000; GMP is $32 billion; the median household income is $55,597.
- Huntsville, Ala. Population 406,000; GMP is $17 billion; the median household income is $50,568.
- Lexington, Ky. Population 471,000; GMP is $18 billion; the median household income is $43,301.
- Austin, Texas. Population 1,705,000; GMP is $71 billion; the median household income is $53,652.
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