Employment Base of 150,000-450,000.
1 Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida
Hurricanes haven't dampened population growth in this Gulf Coast area--it's up 16 percent, to more than 500,000, since 2000. Among the key job generators: tourism, construction, and new service firms, many founded by refugees from cooler climes.
2 McAllen-Edinburg, Texas
Rising trade with Mexico, combined with population growth--up 15.6 percent between 2000 and 2004--have pushed employment up more than 19 percent since 2001. Services, wholesale and retail trade, and education have led the way.
3 Fayetteville, Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas doesn't get much ink, but jobs are up 14 percent since 2001, with growth in services, education, and transportation. Two key drivers: Wal-Mart's headquarters in nearby Bentonville and the University of Arkansas.
4 Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida
Population is expanding and the professional services sector is burgeoning--up nearly 30 percent since 2002. One key reason has been the migration of skilled workers and managers from elsewhere in the country.
5 Reno-Sparks, Nevada
The Reno area continues to suck up more of the Bay Area's companies and people. That's sparked new activity in services, manufacturing, and construction--where employment is up 45 percent since 2002.
6 Palm Bay-Melbourne, Florida
Palm Bay issued more than 3,200 single-family building permits in 2005. The influx of new residents has sparked booms in construction and in business and professional services. Thanks to NASA's Cape Canaveral, the area attracts aerospace and defense firms.
7 Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, Florida
A half-billion dollars in capital investments has flowed into Volusia County over the past three years. Manufacturers are adding jobs, particularly auto-parts makers, medical-device firms, and boat builders. Service jobs also are plentiful.
8 Lakeland, Florida
With 500 lakes, Lakeland bills itself as the water-skiing capital of the world. It's also a major hub for back-office operations of financial services and insurance firms like Geico and State Farm. Mid-career adults aged 35 to 54, attracted by low housing costs and good schools, have driven recent population growth--a positive sign for companies looking for skilled employees.
9 Provo-Orem, Utah
High-tech firms like Novell are finding a home in Provo, which is completing a $40 million fiber-optic network. Low crime and outdoor activities make it a magnet for young professionals. Brigham Young University adds academic heft, and for celebrity sightings, Sundance Film Festival is just up the road.
10 Bakersfield, California
The fourth-largest agricultural region in California, Bakersfield is home to plenty of food packagers and processors. But it also boasts two major defense research facilities, including Edwards Air Force Base, which has led to an emerging cluster of aerospace companies.
11 Boise, Idaho
Cheap labor, energy, and office space are key incentives, as is the state's pro-business climate. Computer makers, biotech firms, health care providers, and software developers are among the region's new employers.
12 Charleston, South Carolina
Defense contractors and tech start-ups that support local military-research centers are surging. The Port of Charleston remains a draw for manufacturers, especially auto-parts suppliers and chemical processors.
13 Tucson
Tucson boasts 300 sunny days a year, and the city's high-tech scene is also an attraction. Aerospace and IT firms are top employers, and several major medical facilities support cutting-edge research in the biosciences.
