Introduction

10 Cities That Will Lead the Recovery

Some cities have managed to stay clear of the economic recession and are expected to lead the path toward a national recovery. BusinessWeek.com ranks America's best economies based on job growth, employment, economic growth and home prices.

Note: Employment was measured by the change from the peak quarter to the second quarter of 2009. Unemployment was ranked by measuring the percentage-point change from the first quarter of 2009 to the second quarter of 2009. The gross metropolitan product (similar to GDP), measures the final market value of goods and services within each metro area, and was used from the peak quarter to the second quarter of 2009. Home-price rankings analyze the second quarter of 2009 vs. the previous quarter.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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Introduction Some cities have managed to stay clear of the economic recession and are expected to lead the path toward a national recovery. BusinessWeek.com ranks America's best economies based on job growth, employment, economic growth and home prices.

Note: Employment was measured by the change from the peak quarter to the second quarter of 2009. Unemployment was ranked by measuring the percentage-point change from the first quarter of 2009 to the second quarter of 2009. The gross metropolitan product (similar to GDP), measures the final market value of goods and services within each metro area, and was used from the peak quarter to the second quarter of 2009. Home-price rankings analyze the second quarter of 2009 vs. the previous quarter.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)
10. El Paso, Tex... Job Growth Rank: 5

Gross Metro Product Rank: 13

Unemployment Change Rank: 24

Home Price Change Rank: 30

(AP Photo/Jack Kurtz)
9. Houston-Sugar... Job Growth Rank: 23

Gross Metro Product Rank: 14

Unemployment Change Rank: 29

Home price change Rank: 1

(AP Photo/Brett Coomer)
8. Omaha-Councti... Job Growth Rank: 15

Gross Metro Product Rank: 30

Unemployment Change Rank: 2

Home Price Change Rank: 16

(AP Photo/Nati Harnick)
7. Tulsa, Okla. Job Growth Rank: 8

Gross Metro Product Rank: 16

Unemployment Change Rank: 21

Home Price Change Rank: 17

(AP Photo)
6. Baton Rouge, ... Job Growth Rank: 4

Gross Metro Product Rank: 39

Unemployment Change Rank: 10

Home Price Change Rank: 8

(AP Photo/Bill Feig)
5. Dallas Job Growth Rank: 13

Gross Metro Product Rank: 11

Unemployment Change Rank: 32

Home Price Change Rank: 3

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
4. Little Rock-N... Job Growth Rank: 11

Gross Metro Product Rank: 24

Unemployment Change Rank: 7

Home Price Change Rank: 11

(AP Photo/Danny Johnston)
3. Oklahoma City Job Growth Rank: 7

Gross Metro Product Rank: 4

Unemployment Change Rank: 4

Home Price Change Rank: 23

(AP Photo/File)
2. Austin-Round ... Job Growth Rank: 2

Gross Metro Product Rank: 2

Unemployment Change Rank: 16

Home Price Change Rank: 18

(AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)
1. San Antonio Job Growth Rank: 3

Gross Metro Product Rank: 5

Unemployment Change Rank: 4

Home Price Change Rank: 10

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)