Ocala, Florida

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 4%
Recent Job Growth: 3.4%
Median Income: $46,798
Population: 360,000
Population change since 2010: Up 38%

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $172,000
Vacancy Rate: 5.2%
Average Commute: 25 min
Average Temp: 43-91

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Ocala, a small agricultural and manufacturing center, is about halfway between Gainesville to the north and Orlando to the southeast. With its attractive tree-lined streets and Old South–style homes, it more resembles a typical Southern city than a Florida city or beach town. Ocala is the capital of Florida’s thoroughbred industry, and ranching and horse-breeding are popular

Highlights

    • Housing growth in and outside the city is largely driven by retirement and new families looking for somewhere that feels like home. Lots of families find this in Ocala because of the comfortable southern feel. The cost of living is 6% below the national average and interest rates are low.

    • Located in the heart of central Florida, there is easy access to attractions found all around the state. Ocala also houses many attractions of its own, including The Appleton Museum of Art, Fort King National Historic Park, and Silver Springs State Park.

    • Job growth increased by 3.4% in 2016, and continues to do so. There are many employment opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and sales. The presence of Lockheed Martin, provides many jobs in the manufacturing of advanced technology.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 3%
Recent Job Growth: 2.2%
Median Income: $58,529
Population: 1,396,400

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $158,000
Vacancy Rate: 7%
Average Commute: 23 min
Average Temp: 27-93

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Oklahoma City, the capital and largest city in the state, is a major center for the oil industry and related manufacturing. Downtown is now clean and modern with unusually attractive parks and a nicely restored “Bricktown” historic residential and entertainment district with a canal and promenade. A new art museum, library and performing arts center, and new sports facilities dot the area. The area also has a noted zoo and science museum and the Thunder NBA team.

Highlights

  • The Oklahoma City metro economy experienced a healthy year in 2019. Strong economic conditions at the national level helped to bring about a third consecutive year of positive job growth in the metro. Overall nonfarm annual job growth was 1.2% jobs in the Oklahoma City MSA. The largest percentage year-over-year job gains were found in the construction, wholesale trade,

  • Oklahoma City’s major industries include technology, and energy. With oil, natural gas, and petroleum as major contributors to the economy. The recent increase of younger residents is creating innovation and jobs, as well as a spectacular night life. The cost of living is 5% below the national average, and Oklahoma City came in at first on the list of “16 Best Cities for Starting a Business in 2017” by business inside

Kansas City, Missouri

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Recent Job Growth: 1.1%
Median Income: $65,664
Population: 2,143,700

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $216,000
Vacancy Rate: 5.74%
Average Commute: 23 min
Average Temp: 30-88

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Kansas City welcomes art enthusiasts and sports fans alike. It is full of local artists with work on display throughout the many art museums found downtown. It is also known for its successful sports teams. The world series win by the Royals in 2015 attracted lots of visitors. Known as the “City of Fountains” it is home to the most working fountains in the world. The beautiful sights and atmosphere land it a number 13 spot on the “America’s Best Downtowns” list

Highlights

  • Kansas City’s cost of living is 3% below the national average, and distribution is the biggest industry currently. Followed by education and government. Kansas City is home to 8 fortune 1,000 companies, the biggest being YRC Worldwide. Unemployment is 3.5%. It came in at 19 on the “Happiest Cities to Work in” list and also lands at 51 on Forbes’ “Best Places for Business and Careers” list.

  • The Kansas City area’s economy is large, influential, and important in its region. It is the third largest beef-producing city in the US (behind Chicago and Cincinnati), and is home to the second largest rail network. The area houses many factories, manufacturing plants, an official international trade zone, and more foreign trade zone space than anywhere else in the nation.

St. Louis, Missouri

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
Recent Job Growth: 0.4%
Median Income: $64,125
Population: 2,805,500

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $185,000
Vacancy Rate: 7%
Average Commute: 26 min
Average Temp: 21-89

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St. Louis lies beside the confluence of the Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers where the city’s most recognizable feature is perched. The Gateway Arch, the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. St. Louis is occupied by nearly 40 colleges, universities, and technical schools.The city has numerous museums and attractions within the city including the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum and the Zoo, popular professional sports teams – MLB Cardinals, NFL Rams, and NHL Blues – which are accessible and inexpensive by national standards. Violent crime rates have also dropped significantly.

Highlights

  • Major industries in St. Louis include Bio-science, health care, and education. St. Louis is the world headquarters of 19 Fortune 1000 companies, including Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Emerson Electric, May Department Stores, Graybor Electric, and Monsanto Company. Greater St. Louis ranks thirteenth in the United States as a headquarters location for Fortune 500 companies. The city boasts three of the nation’s 100 fastest-growing companies; Talx, Panera Bread, and Engineered Support Systems

  • St. Louis supports a strong manufacturing sector; the three major American automakers—General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford—operate assembly plants in the area. The cost of living is 6% below the national average.

Memphis, Tennessee

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 5.7%
Recent Job Growth: 1.23%
Median Income: $57,969
Population: 1,344,130

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $112,200
Vacancy Rate: 10.6%
Air Quality Index: 81.3
Average Temp: 38-85

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One of the most attractive features of life in Memphis is the area’s remarkably low cost of living. From the price of a steak to the cost energy for a home, daily life in Memphis simply takes a smaller bite out of one’s disposable income. Add to this the fact that Tennessee is one of the lowest-taxed states per capita in the nation.

With four major Interstate Highways passing through Memphis, the fourth-largest inland port in the U.S., the second-largest inter-modal exchange and the largest cargo and freight airport in the world, more major
metro areas can be reached overnight from Memphis than any other city in the U.S. These advantages have made Memphis an ideal location for manufacturing and distribution operations. They have resulted in much of Memphis’ business development, making it home to some of America’s top companies.

Highlights

  • Compared to the rest of the country, Memphis Area’s cost of living is 19.20% Lower than the U.S. average.
  • Forbes recognized Memphis as America’s second most Affordable city.
  • Memphis ranks as one of the least expensive urban areas on the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index.
  • Three Memphis Universities made Forbes’ 2016 list of top colleges in America. Rhodes College was included in the top 100, and Christian Brothers University and University of Memphis came in top 600.
  • Fortune500 company headquarters: FedEx, AutoZone, and Memphis Based companies A1 Diabetes & Medical Supplies, and Monogram Food Solutions LLC both made the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies List. A1 Diabetes was also ranked No. 4 on fastest growing private company in Tennessee.

Indianapolis, Indiana

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Recent Job Growth: 1%
Median Income: $61,748
Population: 2,048,700

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $193,000
Vacancy Rate: 7.94%
Average Commute: 25 min
Average Temp: 19-84

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Indianapolis has a diversified economy with major contributions from education, health care and finance. Tourism is also a vital part of the economy as the city plays host to numerous conventions and sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500. The cost of living is attractive for this type of city. The vastly renewed downtown core boasts attractive new buildings, pedestrian zones, and a state-of-the-art sports arena. Indianapolis also ranked #58 in Forbes “Best Places for Business and Careers

Highlights

  • Indianapolis was voted 19 in Biggest Cities, according to city-data. The major industries that flourish include the auto manufacturing and insurance due to the presence of Rolls Royce and Anthem. Both are headquartered in the area. Indiana leads the midwest with the lowest state unemployment rate. It also came in second for “25 Best Cities for Jobs in 2017” by Time
  • The sports industry is booming in Indianapolis. It attracts thousands of visitors each year. There is NFL, NBA, Indy500, and Grand Prix just to name a few. The Canal and White River Park are also popular spots for both residents and tourists. Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, White River Park is home to lots of beautiful gardens. There are also many museums ranging from the NCAA Hall of Champions, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and The Indiana Historical Society. Indianapolis has a little bit of something for everyone

Birmingham, Alabama

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
Recent Job Growth: 2%
Median Income: $53,682
Population: 1,151,800

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $219,000
Vacancy Rate: 7.09%
Average Commute: 26 min
Average Temp: 30-90

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Birmingham, Alabama, born from the iron and steel industry, is known for playing a crucial role in the civil rights movement. It made Forbes “Best Cities for Summer Travel” list and was called one of the most unexpectedly exciting places to see in the United States. Red Mountain Park is a very popular tourist attraction. A former mining site, and home to 15 miles of hiking trails, a 1,000 foot zip line, and an aerial adventure course. You can also tour the 32 miles of history found at Sloss Furnaces. A national historic landmark that hosts metal-arts workshops, concerts, and an annual festival.

Highlights

  • Birmingham ranks as one of the most important business and banking centers in the Southeastern US. It represents Alabama as the most cultural and entertainment rich city. Unemployment is 3.3% and job growth is 2%. The cost of living in Birmingham is 2% below the national average. Major industries include steel, financial services, and telecommunications.

  • The Birmingham region was ranked No. 3 for economic growth potential among mid-size U.S. cities in a recent report by Business Facilities, a national publication that focuses on economic development. This is the third positive economic development survey released this summer that ranks Birmingham in the top 10 nationally in several economic categories. The other two rankings were by Indeed.com and fDi Magazine

Atlanta, Georgia

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
Recent Job Growth: 2.3%
Median Income: $63,986
Population: 5,898,600

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $218,000
Vacancy Rate: 6.14%
Average Commute: 32 min
Average Temp: 30-88

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The Atlanta metro has the fifth largest population in the U.S. with 5.9 million residents. Although traditional Southern culture is part of Atlanta’s cultural fabric, it’s mostly the backdrop to one of the nation’s leading international cities. This unique cultural combination reveals itself at the High Museum of Art, the bohemian shops of Little Five Points, and the multi-cultural dining choices found along Buford Highway. Atlanta also hosts a variety of history museums and attractions, including the Atlanta History Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. The city is also home to a number of post-secondary educational institutions including Clark Atlanta University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University and others.

Highlights

  • Atlanta is considered to be a top business city and a primary transportation hub of the southeastern U.S. The city contains the world headquarters of corporations such as Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS, Delta Air Lines and Turner Broadcasting. It ranks #11 in Forbes’ “Best Places for Business and Careers.”

  • Atlanta is a particularly strong choice for families and career-minded middle class seeking good single-family housing in a lively big-city environment. Housing is one of Atlanta’s most attractive features. The area has some of the highest quality residential properties anywhere per dollar spent, particularly for a city of this size. There is plenty to do in Atlanta and surrounding areas, with an abundance of rich cultural amenities and nightlife; the list is too long to share here. Atlanta has some of the country’s best restaurants, and eateries in general are plentiful and reasonably priced, and professional sports are an obsession even if performance has been spotty.

Cleveland, Ohio

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 4.5%
Recent Job Growth: 1%
Median Income: $53,851
Population: 2,058,600

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $161,000
Vacancy Rate: 6%
Average Commute: 25 min
Average Temp: 30-88

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Once a manufacturing center, Cleveland has since transitioned to a more service-based economy. The city’s downtown area is home to University Circle, a concentration of cultural, educational, and medical institutions, including the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals, Severance Hall, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Western Reserve Historical Society. Cleveland is also home to the I. M. Pei-designed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located on the Lake Erie waterfront at North Coast Harbor. Neighboring attractions include the Great Lakes Science Center, the Steamship Mather Museum, and the USS Cod, a World War II submarine.

Highlights

  • Cleveland’s research base for the biotechnology and biomedical industry has tripled in recent years, from $50 million to $150 million. More than 100 biotechnology firms are located in northeast Ohio, along with more than 100 research laboratories. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has the nation’s largest hospital-based department of biomedical engineering.

  • Consistent with a nationwide trend, the services industry—transportation, health, insurance, retailing, utilities, commercial banking, and finance—is emerging as a dominant sector. Cleveland serves as headquarters to 11 companies on the Fortune 500 list, both industrial and non-industrial which include National City Corp., Eaton Corp., Parker Hannifin Corp., Sherwin-Williams Co., KeyCorp, Nacco Industries, American Greetings Corp., Ferro Corp., Medical Mutual of Ohio, Applied Industries Technologies, and Lincoln Electric Holdings. Cleveland is also home to nearly 150 international companies from 25 different countries.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Recent Job Growth: 1.2%
Median Income: $68,268
Population: 568,300

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $182,000
Vacancy Rate: 4.16%
Average Commute: 23 min
Average Temp: 30-88

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Harrisburg’s economy has grown to become vastly diversified with a large representation of service-related industries, especially health care and a growing technological industry. Downtown Harrisburg has become a popular destination for live entertainment from jazz to contemporary music performing in its various night clubs. The great outdoors are easily accessible in Harrisburg. Bikers and runners take in the scenery of the Susquehanna River on the trails of Riverfront Park, which also hosts many of the metro area’s annual festivals and events. Residents also enjoy hiking the famous Appalachian Trail or camping and mountain biking in the many nearby state parks and forests

Highlights

  • The Harrisburg metropolitan area has more of a small-town atmosphere than many of the East Coast’s larger metro areas. And with one of the country’s most affordable housing markets and a cost of living 6% below the national average, Harrisburg provides an urban atmosphere with a manageable price tag. It also ranked 45 on US News’ “Best Places to Live” and 35 on their “Best Places to Retire” list.

  • Harrisburg is the metropolitan center for some 400 communities. Its economy and more than 6,900 businesses are diversified with a large representation of service-related industries (especially health) and growing technological industry to accompany the dominant government field inherent to being the state’s capital. National firms either headquartered in the region or with major operations there include Tyco Electronics Corp, IBM, Hershey Foods, Harsco Corp., and Rite Aid Corp.

Richmond, Virginia

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
Recent Job Growth: 1%
Median Income: $69,504
Population: 1,306,200

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $280,000
Vacancy Rate: 4.11%
Average Commute: 26 min
Average Temp: 30-88

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Richmond’s economy is primarily driven by law, finance, and government, with federal, state, and local governmental agencies, as well as notable legal and banking firms, located in the downtown area. The city is also home to the Great Turning Basin for boats, the world’s only triple crossing of rail lines, and the intersection of two major interstates. Furthermore, several major performing arts venues were constructed during the 1920s, including what are now the Landmark Theater and Byrd Theater. The present city of Richmond was founded in 1737.

Highlights

  • Richmond is a major financial center with banks like Capital One Financial and SunTrust Banks calling it home. Richmond is also the seat of Virginia’s state government. And, with a wide range of housing options, the Richmond metro area – which includes suburban areas in the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico – appeals to a varied demographic, from young families to retirees.

  • As the state capital, Richmond is filled with lawyers, lobbyists and legislators, as well as major financial institutions like sizable branches of Wells Fargo and Bank of America and several Fortune 500 companies, including insurance company Genworth Financial and used-car retailer CarMax. Primary employers in the metro area include federal, state and local government, law firms and businesses in the financial sector, including banks like Capital One and Bank of America. Health care and the tourism and hospitality industries also offer many opportunities

Fayetteville, North Carolina

DEMOGRAPHICS
Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
Recent Job Growth: 1%
Median Income: $45,025
Population: 387,100

AREA INFORMATION
Median Home Price: $143,000
Vacancy Rate: 9.27%
Average Commute: 23 min
Average Temp: 49-72

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Fayetteville is located one hour from Raleigh and home to Fort Bragg, one the most active military installations in the country. Rich in early U.S. history, this Top 10 City for Veterans has attractions such as Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and easy access to lakes, beaches and mountains. Fayetteville offers the comfortable feeling of a small as well as the entertainment and amenities of a bigger city.

Highlights

  • The economy of Fayetteville, NC employs 76.6k people. The largest industries in Fayetteville, NC are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade), and Educational Services, and the highest paying industries are Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Public Administration, and Utilities. Median household income in Fayetteville, NC is $45,025.

  • The cost of living in Fayetteville is 13% below the national average, and unemployment is 5.4% with a 1% in job growth. It also came in 25th on Forbes’ Cost of Doing Business list and 175th on Best Places for Business and Careers.