Viva Las Espuelas
08-19-2009, 12:21 PM
.........and the great state of Texas kickin' ass. :toast
By Jessica Dickler and Steve Hargreaves, CNN Money
Aug 18th, 2009
Especially in a tough economy, plentiful job opportunities are key to making a great place to live. These 25 counties have experienced the most job growth over the last eight years.
1. Pinal County, AZ
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Towns include: Gold Camp
Job growth (2000-2008): 95.9%
Don't be fooled by the ghost towns and Arizona (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Arizona;_ylt=AkxO1Gda0k_G_yBcFOy4nzHxkdEF) desert landscape, Pinal is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.
Historically known for its copper mining, Pinal is forging into new territory by courting retailers, small businesses and medical-research companies. A major shopping center, the Promenade at Casa Grande (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Arizona/Casa_Grande;_ylt=An7FVgxz7h3g7I0pPKmQD33xkdEF), has already opened, bringing with it Dillard's, Old Navy and a multiplex theater. A new hospital in Florence (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Arizona/Florence;_ylt=AnaM6yWKyej0jVwkwLVaDLbxkdEF) is projected to open in 2011 or 2012. But not to forget the area's roots, the Resolution Copper Company has also expressed interest in building a new mine there which could add "thousands of very high paying jobs" for engineers, miners and technicians, says Communications Director Heather Murphy.
2. Rockwall County, TX
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Towns include: Rockwall (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Rockwall;_ylt=AkW18FmdBvWLbII7ahXcDFPxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 84.9%
Spillover from the neighboring city of Dallas (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Dallas;_ylt=AphOK3mHkAl6IqDBZsqms9DxkdEF) has spurred the county's population growth, and more people are finding that Rockwall is not only a nice place to live, but a nice place to work too.
An influx of new shops and restaurants, in addition to large employers like L-3 Communications, has brought many more jobs to this former commuter county in rural Texas (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas;_ylt=AmZ0TIEJBVF4xdR1AT50tsrxkdEF). Meanwhile, manufacturing positions at several long standing aluminum plants remain the backbone of the community.
3. Kendall County, IL
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Towns include: Yorkville (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Illinois/Yorkville;_ylt=ArszyyVDE1seiHJGEF0JYgnxkdEF), Oswego (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Illinois/Oswego;_ylt=AoTG2hrkh7mY6cBecvuoimDxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 83.4%
Kendall County's population spike has brought more restaurants, retailers and big-box stores like Home Depot and Wal-Mart to the quiet Chicago (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Illinois/Chicago;_ylt=AvYAY868QJFVxZIzH58evRbxkdEF) suburb.
While many Kendall County residents still commute to the city for work, there are an increasing number of opportunities in the area for trade professionals, such as construction workers, truck drivers and heavy equipment operators.
One of the county's largest employers is equipment maker Caterpillar, but professional jobs in health care are also on the rise, thanks to the new Rush-Copley Healthcare Center in Yorkville (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Illinois/Yorkville/homes-for-sale;_ylt=AnXciUjnScLaP3WyqCMAkWnxkdEF).
4. Loudoun County, VA
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Towns include: Leesburg (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Virginia/Leesburg;_ylt=AmUXMey9g9TX.S40iyC3irnxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 76.9%
With seven charming historic towns, 25 wineries and a location just 25 miles from Washington, D.C. (http://realestate.yahoo.com/District_of_Columbia/Washington;_ylt=Ahj2Uyl.1iKrWinc7e3KhcbxkdEF), this affluent county has attracted the likes of President John F. Kennedy and Tom Cruise -- who was recently seen shopping for real estate.
But Loudoun is more than just a pretty place to live -- it also offers shorter commutes. Despite its proximity to D.C. (http://realestate.yahoo.com/District_Of_Columbia/Washington/homes-for-sale;_ylt=AsIz37j4EMANFGAZp7Xr3VXxkdEF), about half of its highly educated population work within the county lines. Dulles International Airport, and its surrounding infrastructure, has paved the way for other major employers, including Verizon Business, America Online and several defense contracting companies.
5. Douglas County, CO
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Towns include: Castle Rock (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Castle_Rock;_ylt=AnOBP1j8eMGZcaRHJRvAO.jxkdEF), Parker (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Parker;_ylt=Atub7QpI6Ie7xjHUb_CZIu_xkdEF), Stonegate, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Highlands_Ranch;_ylt=Akl4n0AwlkPm8.jT.PIC4nzxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 69.7%
Located midway between the state's two largest cities, Denver (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Denver;_ylt=AmudWS_vztZ44Tp2Cl1BRm3xkdEF) and Colorado Springs (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Colorado_Springs;_ylt=AuWfHsQsyWvDb1CQSiBj7RnxkdEF ), "Dougco" attracts a highly educated and skilled workforce because of its proximity to the state's major employment hubs. A well developed transportation system that includes an airport, light rail and newly expanded freeway system along with a favorable tax rate also make Dougco a good home for businesses.
The county's commitment to economic development is clearly paying off. In January, Charles Schwab announced the company would bring over 500 jobs to the area. New positions are primarily in the Information Technology sector with an average wage of $75,000 a year, according to Public Affairs Director Wendy Holmes.
6. Fort Bend County, TX
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Towns include: Stafford (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Stafford;_ylt=AuFCv9KPfyZx825_7lDAPVXxkdEF), Pecan Grove, Katy (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Katy;_ylt=ApoeWrzcew2OT33IjoUt5z7xkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 61.3%
Fort Bend County may be within the Houston (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Houston;_ylt=AtPmgSDf01RKrZtAqNZbDWfxkdEF) metropolitan area but don't call this a bedroom community.
With about 250,000 jobs in the county, many residents work within Fort Bend in traditional agricultural industries like cattle, cotton and sugar cane, and for the number of new companies to the area like Minute Maid.
The city's economic development corporation has been actively upgrading the area's infrastructure to attract more employers. The plan seems to be working; a new industrial distribution center houses a range of businesses from tech to oilfield services.
7. Henry County, GA
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Towns include: McDonough (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Georgia/Mcdonough;_ylt=ApGSbodyeVOSuwoqd3llAcDxkdEF), Stockbridge (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Georgia/Stockbridge;_ylt=ArO71vQU1uBH8dHI.czuVpnxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 60.5%
Opportunities in Henry County are revving up, and it's not just because The Atlanta Motor Speedway, located in Hampton (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Georgia/Hampton;_ylt=AsMqgevyabXwj4fbWJ.7HFDxkdEF), contributes half a billion dollars to the region each year.
The largely suburban community outside of Atlanta (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Georgia/Atlanta;_ylt=AugJv30kmUUIHuUtyJ1vKb_xkdEF) has benefited from its close proximity to the city and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The public school system is by far the county's largest employer, with 4,500 employees, followed by the local government.
8. Lake County, FL
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Towns include: Minneola (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Minneola;_ylt=AktTCoi0xyz6vvH2f1L5xd3xkdEF), Clermont (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Clermont;_ylt=ApGqkTQ9hYOaKl0PBRA1VCzxkdEF), Mount Dora (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Mt_Dora;_ylt=AvtHZSR_Ya.akjUIP1T2wezxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 60.2%
A popular retirement spot, this central Florida (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida;_ylt=AhUxB6PfCeoz0s0Vettm5nLxkdEF) county is emerging from Mickey's shadow as a place for young workers to find employment.
Formerly a major citrus producer, the health care industry in Lake County is now ripening. The county's three hospitals are all expanding and hiring. Aside from the school system and government, the Leesburg Regional Medical Center -- named Florida's "Hospital of Choice" -- is the county's largest employer.
9. Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK
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Towns include: Wasilla (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Alaska/Wasilla;_ylt=AkJ4G3OSDvcEznzDKsR7513xkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 58.5%
Is this a hot place for jobs? In the words of its most famous resident, you betcha! Employment in the borough (Alaska's (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Alaska;_ylt=AtOlHd2R0uKn_QqLm6mul77xkdEF) equivalent to a county) has grown an average of 5.5% each year for the past decade.
While many residents commute to nearby Anchorage (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Alaska/Anchorage;_ylt=Ar5RBepqYqbJcE72UiKKq5zxkdEF) for work, locals are thriving from the tourism trade. With 2,000 miles of mountain biking and horseback riding trails and six rivers designated for rafting, canoeing and salmon fishing, Matanuska-Susitna offers plenty of reasons to keep visitors coming back.
But it's not all fun and game fishing. Development of a large prison, Olympic ski resort and $80 million of new road projects are all underway, bringing many more construction and service jobs to the area.
10. Union County, NC
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Towns include: Indian Trail (http://realestate.yahoo.com/North_Carolina/Indian_Trail;_ylt=AnBJhvcVXfQli5INgK_pUN3xkdEF), Stallings (http://realestate.yahoo.com/North_Carolina/Stallings;_ylt=AlOCYleK1PdUOX58.zRDGELxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 57.5%
For an area called Union, there is a division between the eastern and western parts of the county. Situated just 4 miles from the city limits of Charlotte (http://realestate.yahoo.com/North_Carolina/Charlotte;_ylt=Ai_SW5fgZVJlhkadubQZnXfxkdEF), the west side is densely populated with residential housing, chain restaurants and big-box stores, while the east is mostly rural with abundant available land.
But that's about to change. A 5,000-acre business industrial park in east Union is already in the works and grants are available for companies that commit to bring jobs to the county. While a large portion of residents still commute to Charlotte (http://realestate.yahoo.com/North_Carolina/Charlotte/homes-for-sale;_ylt=AqaDYqcl1gmFfiwn8XxFW9PxkdEF) for work, 83,000 are employed within Union, mostly in manufacturing. Top employers include Tyson Farms and metal manufacturer ATI Allvac.
11. Hamilton County, IN
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Towns include: Westfield (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Westfield;_ylt=AvtNn9AcmWVqu4RB8rvg0ZbxkdEF), Noblesville (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Noblesville;_ylt=AlOVGusD4XvAJYqiNjlzX7_xkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 56.8%
Luxury lakefront homes, art galleries, farmers markets and wineries help make Hamilton County the "Beverly Hills of Indiana."
Some residents commute to Indianapolis (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Indianapolis;_ylt=AmQHzgA0QXXvEubpuqfwLGLxkdEF) for work but more businesses have been moving to Hamilton (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Hamilton;_ylt=Agr19snHvRmCj3i8lfgHto_xkdEF) to tap into the highly educated labor pool there. Conseco Insurance, Sallie Mae and time-share giant RCI are among the county's largest employers with mostly executive and managerial positions.
12. St. Johns County, FL
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Towns include: Fruit Cove (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Jacksonville;_ylt=AmIVLFMDAbZBOL5bYUdY7mzxkdEF), St. Augustine (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/St_Augustine;_ylt=Atk_SxHJ6zu_aeKFrFOe.sfxkdEF), Ponte Vedra (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Ponte_Vedra;_ylt=Arz_Rw4FeRyVLqgqqoCx6brxkdEF), Palm Valley
Job growth (2000-2008): 56.0%
Just south of Jacksonville (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Jacksonville;_ylt=Am94xdM59ZyhqT4_oAunrdLxkdEF) with 40 miles of scenic beaches and the number one school district in the state, St. Johns County has seen a wave of young families coming to the area.
Now the county is working on incentives, like lower fees on new development, to attract businesses as well. County Commissioner Mark Miner hopes that will bring more manufacturers and other non-service oriented firms, going forward. Some of the largest existing employers located there include the Florida National Guard, defense contractor Northrop Grumman and Flagler hospital, all located in St. Augustine (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/St_Augustine/homes-for-sale;_ylt=AvtpzFmRSkUOCHzjmUHSSR_xkdEF).
13. Pasco County, FL
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Towns include: Wesley Chapel (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Wesley_Chapel;_ylt=AuDQLUvzh6u.RgBDdfcfr4vxkdEF), Land O' Lakes (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Land_O_Lakes;_ylt=Ar45grukJ8bkKRRIjUwsA8bxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 55.9%
This sleepy retirement community on the coast got a wake up call with an influx of young workers over the past decade.
Retail and service jobs followed a boom in residential construction, and the area is trying to attract other businesses as well.
T. Rowe Price is reportedly eyeing Pasco with a project in mind that could bring 1,600 jobs, according to Mary Jane Stanley, president of the Pasco Economic Development Council. For now, the public school system, sheriff's department and local and state government are the county's largest employers.
14. Williamson County, TX
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Towns include: Brushy Creek, Round Rock (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Round_Rock;_ylt=ArEVAlc9VNtspZP8QVptTNfxkdEF), Georgetown (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Georgetown;_ylt=AshupWZKqzCHcK5UuE9b._7xkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 53.2%
Williamson County has seen its population more than double in the last 10 years, thanks to its location just north of Austin (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Austin;_ylt=AiBqMX5lCWaVzBSGa5gZw9zxkdEF). While a large percentage of residents commute into the city, major employers like Dell, Wal-Mart and Sears have come to the area bringing many new jobs along.
While farming remains the backbone of the fertile terrain, the health care industry is quickly sprouting roots. Three new hospitals opened in the last two years in Williamson County and a nursing school affiliated with Texas A&M is in the works.
The public school systems in the cities of Round Rock and Leander are also some of the county's largest employers.
15. Collin County, TX
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Towns include: Murphy (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Murphy;_ylt=AtcXP0eWRCEW_q39sRM7Y4HxkdEF), McKinney (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Mckinney;_ylt=Ap7eNnA_TjAKcgwUD4rFQsTxkdEF), Plano (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Plano;_ylt=AlNBgQLZilsePsX4ZOZ9eGXxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 52.7%
Like the rest of Texas, the state's wealthiest county was not immune to the crumbling housing market, with building permits down and foreclosures up. But despite the downturn, Collin County is shining brightly in the Lone Star State. Unemployment has remained relatively low, thanks to a swift transition from agriculture to high-tech industries.
Texas Instruments, Raytheon, Electronic Data Systems (EDS), which was acquired by Hewlett-Packard, and other software, Internet and telecom companies employ much of the well educated workforce in high-tech management positions.
By Jessica Dickler and Steve Hargreaves, CNN Money
Aug 18th, 2009
Especially in a tough economy, plentiful job opportunities are key to making a great place to live. These 25 counties have experienced the most job growth over the last eight years.
1. Pinal County, AZ
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/fi/24/21/08.jpg
Towns include: Gold Camp
Job growth (2000-2008): 95.9%
Don't be fooled by the ghost towns and Arizona (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Arizona;_ylt=AkxO1Gda0k_G_yBcFOy4nzHxkdEF) desert landscape, Pinal is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.
Historically known for its copper mining, Pinal is forging into new territory by courting retailers, small businesses and medical-research companies. A major shopping center, the Promenade at Casa Grande (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Arizona/Casa_Grande;_ylt=An7FVgxz7h3g7I0pPKmQD33xkdEF), has already opened, bringing with it Dillard's, Old Navy and a multiplex theater. A new hospital in Florence (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Arizona/Florence;_ylt=AnaM6yWKyej0jVwkwLVaDLbxkdEF) is projected to open in 2011 or 2012. But not to forget the area's roots, the Resolution Copper Company has also expressed interest in building a new mine there which could add "thousands of very high paying jobs" for engineers, miners and technicians, says Communications Director Heather Murphy.
2. Rockwall County, TX
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Towns include: Rockwall (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Rockwall;_ylt=AkW18FmdBvWLbII7ahXcDFPxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 84.9%
Spillover from the neighboring city of Dallas (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Dallas;_ylt=AphOK3mHkAl6IqDBZsqms9DxkdEF) has spurred the county's population growth, and more people are finding that Rockwall is not only a nice place to live, but a nice place to work too.
An influx of new shops and restaurants, in addition to large employers like L-3 Communications, has brought many more jobs to this former commuter county in rural Texas (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas;_ylt=AmZ0TIEJBVF4xdR1AT50tsrxkdEF). Meanwhile, manufacturing positions at several long standing aluminum plants remain the backbone of the community.
3. Kendall County, IL
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Towns include: Yorkville (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Illinois/Yorkville;_ylt=ArszyyVDE1seiHJGEF0JYgnxkdEF), Oswego (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Illinois/Oswego;_ylt=AoTG2hrkh7mY6cBecvuoimDxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 83.4%
Kendall County's population spike has brought more restaurants, retailers and big-box stores like Home Depot and Wal-Mart to the quiet Chicago (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Illinois/Chicago;_ylt=AvYAY868QJFVxZIzH58evRbxkdEF) suburb.
While many Kendall County residents still commute to the city for work, there are an increasing number of opportunities in the area for trade professionals, such as construction workers, truck drivers and heavy equipment operators.
One of the county's largest employers is equipment maker Caterpillar, but professional jobs in health care are also on the rise, thanks to the new Rush-Copley Healthcare Center in Yorkville (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Illinois/Yorkville/homes-for-sale;_ylt=AnXciUjnScLaP3WyqCMAkWnxkdEF).
4. Loudoun County, VA
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Towns include: Leesburg (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Virginia/Leesburg;_ylt=AmUXMey9g9TX.S40iyC3irnxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 76.9%
With seven charming historic towns, 25 wineries and a location just 25 miles from Washington, D.C. (http://realestate.yahoo.com/District_of_Columbia/Washington;_ylt=Ahj2Uyl.1iKrWinc7e3KhcbxkdEF), this affluent county has attracted the likes of President John F. Kennedy and Tom Cruise -- who was recently seen shopping for real estate.
But Loudoun is more than just a pretty place to live -- it also offers shorter commutes. Despite its proximity to D.C. (http://realestate.yahoo.com/District_Of_Columbia/Washington/homes-for-sale;_ylt=AsIz37j4EMANFGAZp7Xr3VXxkdEF), about half of its highly educated population work within the county lines. Dulles International Airport, and its surrounding infrastructure, has paved the way for other major employers, including Verizon Business, America Online and several defense contracting companies.
5. Douglas County, CO
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Towns include: Castle Rock (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Castle_Rock;_ylt=AnOBP1j8eMGZcaRHJRvAO.jxkdEF), Parker (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Parker;_ylt=Atub7QpI6Ie7xjHUb_CZIu_xkdEF), Stonegate, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Highlands_Ranch;_ylt=Akl4n0AwlkPm8.jT.PIC4nzxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 69.7%
Located midway between the state's two largest cities, Denver (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Denver;_ylt=AmudWS_vztZ44Tp2Cl1BRm3xkdEF) and Colorado Springs (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Colorado/Colorado_Springs;_ylt=AuWfHsQsyWvDb1CQSiBj7RnxkdEF ), "Dougco" attracts a highly educated and skilled workforce because of its proximity to the state's major employment hubs. A well developed transportation system that includes an airport, light rail and newly expanded freeway system along with a favorable tax rate also make Dougco a good home for businesses.
The county's commitment to economic development is clearly paying off. In January, Charles Schwab announced the company would bring over 500 jobs to the area. New positions are primarily in the Information Technology sector with an average wage of $75,000 a year, according to Public Affairs Director Wendy Holmes.
6. Fort Bend County, TX
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Towns include: Stafford (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Stafford;_ylt=AuFCv9KPfyZx825_7lDAPVXxkdEF), Pecan Grove, Katy (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Katy;_ylt=ApoeWrzcew2OT33IjoUt5z7xkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 61.3%
Fort Bend County may be within the Houston (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Houston;_ylt=AtPmgSDf01RKrZtAqNZbDWfxkdEF) metropolitan area but don't call this a bedroom community.
With about 250,000 jobs in the county, many residents work within Fort Bend in traditional agricultural industries like cattle, cotton and sugar cane, and for the number of new companies to the area like Minute Maid.
The city's economic development corporation has been actively upgrading the area's infrastructure to attract more employers. The plan seems to be working; a new industrial distribution center houses a range of businesses from tech to oilfield services.
7. Henry County, GA
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Towns include: McDonough (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Georgia/Mcdonough;_ylt=ApGSbodyeVOSuwoqd3llAcDxkdEF), Stockbridge (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Georgia/Stockbridge;_ylt=ArO71vQU1uBH8dHI.czuVpnxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 60.5%
Opportunities in Henry County are revving up, and it's not just because The Atlanta Motor Speedway, located in Hampton (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Georgia/Hampton;_ylt=AsMqgevyabXwj4fbWJ.7HFDxkdEF), contributes half a billion dollars to the region each year.
The largely suburban community outside of Atlanta (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Georgia/Atlanta;_ylt=AugJv30kmUUIHuUtyJ1vKb_xkdEF) has benefited from its close proximity to the city and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The public school system is by far the county's largest employer, with 4,500 employees, followed by the local government.
8. Lake County, FL
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Towns include: Minneola (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Minneola;_ylt=AktTCoi0xyz6vvH2f1L5xd3xkdEF), Clermont (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Clermont;_ylt=ApGqkTQ9hYOaKl0PBRA1VCzxkdEF), Mount Dora (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Mt_Dora;_ylt=AvtHZSR_Ya.akjUIP1T2wezxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 60.2%
A popular retirement spot, this central Florida (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida;_ylt=AhUxB6PfCeoz0s0Vettm5nLxkdEF) county is emerging from Mickey's shadow as a place for young workers to find employment.
Formerly a major citrus producer, the health care industry in Lake County is now ripening. The county's three hospitals are all expanding and hiring. Aside from the school system and government, the Leesburg Regional Medical Center -- named Florida's "Hospital of Choice" -- is the county's largest employer.
9. Matanuska-Susitna Borough, AK
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Towns include: Wasilla (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Alaska/Wasilla;_ylt=AkJ4G3OSDvcEznzDKsR7513xkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 58.5%
Is this a hot place for jobs? In the words of its most famous resident, you betcha! Employment in the borough (Alaska's (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Alaska;_ylt=AtOlHd2R0uKn_QqLm6mul77xkdEF) equivalent to a county) has grown an average of 5.5% each year for the past decade.
While many residents commute to nearby Anchorage (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Alaska/Anchorage;_ylt=Ar5RBepqYqbJcE72UiKKq5zxkdEF) for work, locals are thriving from the tourism trade. With 2,000 miles of mountain biking and horseback riding trails and six rivers designated for rafting, canoeing and salmon fishing, Matanuska-Susitna offers plenty of reasons to keep visitors coming back.
But it's not all fun and game fishing. Development of a large prison, Olympic ski resort and $80 million of new road projects are all underway, bringing many more construction and service jobs to the area.
10. Union County, NC
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Towns include: Indian Trail (http://realestate.yahoo.com/North_Carolina/Indian_Trail;_ylt=AnBJhvcVXfQli5INgK_pUN3xkdEF), Stallings (http://realestate.yahoo.com/North_Carolina/Stallings;_ylt=AlOCYleK1PdUOX58.zRDGELxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 57.5%
For an area called Union, there is a division between the eastern and western parts of the county. Situated just 4 miles from the city limits of Charlotte (http://realestate.yahoo.com/North_Carolina/Charlotte;_ylt=Ai_SW5fgZVJlhkadubQZnXfxkdEF), the west side is densely populated with residential housing, chain restaurants and big-box stores, while the east is mostly rural with abundant available land.
But that's about to change. A 5,000-acre business industrial park in east Union is already in the works and grants are available for companies that commit to bring jobs to the county. While a large portion of residents still commute to Charlotte (http://realestate.yahoo.com/North_Carolina/Charlotte/homes-for-sale;_ylt=AqaDYqcl1gmFfiwn8XxFW9PxkdEF) for work, 83,000 are employed within Union, mostly in manufacturing. Top employers include Tyson Farms and metal manufacturer ATI Allvac.
11. Hamilton County, IN
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Towns include: Westfield (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Westfield;_ylt=AvtNn9AcmWVqu4RB8rvg0ZbxkdEF), Noblesville (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Noblesville;_ylt=AlOVGusD4XvAJYqiNjlzX7_xkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 56.8%
Luxury lakefront homes, art galleries, farmers markets and wineries help make Hamilton County the "Beverly Hills of Indiana."
Some residents commute to Indianapolis (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Indianapolis;_ylt=AmQHzgA0QXXvEubpuqfwLGLxkdEF) for work but more businesses have been moving to Hamilton (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Indiana/Hamilton;_ylt=Agr19snHvRmCj3i8lfgHto_xkdEF) to tap into the highly educated labor pool there. Conseco Insurance, Sallie Mae and time-share giant RCI are among the county's largest employers with mostly executive and managerial positions.
12. St. Johns County, FL
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Towns include: Fruit Cove (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Jacksonville;_ylt=AmIVLFMDAbZBOL5bYUdY7mzxkdEF), St. Augustine (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/St_Augustine;_ylt=Atk_SxHJ6zu_aeKFrFOe.sfxkdEF), Ponte Vedra (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Ponte_Vedra;_ylt=Arz_Rw4FeRyVLqgqqoCx6brxkdEF), Palm Valley
Job growth (2000-2008): 56.0%
Just south of Jacksonville (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Jacksonville;_ylt=Am94xdM59ZyhqT4_oAunrdLxkdEF) with 40 miles of scenic beaches and the number one school district in the state, St. Johns County has seen a wave of young families coming to the area.
Now the county is working on incentives, like lower fees on new development, to attract businesses as well. County Commissioner Mark Miner hopes that will bring more manufacturers and other non-service oriented firms, going forward. Some of the largest existing employers located there include the Florida National Guard, defense contractor Northrop Grumman and Flagler hospital, all located in St. Augustine (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/St_Augustine/homes-for-sale;_ylt=AvtpzFmRSkUOCHzjmUHSSR_xkdEF).
13. Pasco County, FL
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Towns include: Wesley Chapel (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Wesley_Chapel;_ylt=AuDQLUvzh6u.RgBDdfcfr4vxkdEF), Land O' Lakes (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Florida/Land_O_Lakes;_ylt=Ar45grukJ8bkKRRIjUwsA8bxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 55.9%
This sleepy retirement community on the coast got a wake up call with an influx of young workers over the past decade.
Retail and service jobs followed a boom in residential construction, and the area is trying to attract other businesses as well.
T. Rowe Price is reportedly eyeing Pasco with a project in mind that could bring 1,600 jobs, according to Mary Jane Stanley, president of the Pasco Economic Development Council. For now, the public school system, sheriff's department and local and state government are the county's largest employers.
14. Williamson County, TX
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Towns include: Brushy Creek, Round Rock (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Round_Rock;_ylt=ArEVAlc9VNtspZP8QVptTNfxkdEF), Georgetown (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Georgetown;_ylt=AshupWZKqzCHcK5UuE9b._7xkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 53.2%
Williamson County has seen its population more than double in the last 10 years, thanks to its location just north of Austin (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Austin;_ylt=AiBqMX5lCWaVzBSGa5gZw9zxkdEF). While a large percentage of residents commute into the city, major employers like Dell, Wal-Mart and Sears have come to the area bringing many new jobs along.
While farming remains the backbone of the fertile terrain, the health care industry is quickly sprouting roots. Three new hospitals opened in the last two years in Williamson County and a nursing school affiliated with Texas A&M is in the works.
The public school systems in the cities of Round Rock and Leander are also some of the county's largest employers.
15. Collin County, TX
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Towns include: Murphy (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Murphy;_ylt=AtcXP0eWRCEW_q39sRM7Y4HxkdEF), McKinney (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Mckinney;_ylt=Ap7eNnA_TjAKcgwUD4rFQsTxkdEF), Plano (http://realestate.yahoo.com/Texas/Plano;_ylt=AlNBgQLZilsePsX4ZOZ9eGXxkdEF)
Job growth (2000-2008): 52.7%
Like the rest of Texas, the state's wealthiest county was not immune to the crumbling housing market, with building permits down and foreclosures up. But despite the downturn, Collin County is shining brightly in the Lone Star State. Unemployment has remained relatively low, thanks to a swift transition from agriculture to high-tech industries.
Texas Instruments, Raytheon, Electronic Data Systems (EDS), which was acquired by Hewlett-Packard, and other software, Internet and telecom companies employ much of the well educated workforce in high-tech management positions.