For the sixth year Forbes has evaluated 150 metro areas and 168 smaller places to find the best for business and careers.
The best metro areas to launch a business or a career often revolve around universities that offer a diverse, educated work force and, especially when they are far from big cities, relatively low costs. Such regions–Raleigh, Austin and Ann Arbor among them–are also attractive places to live, judging by the patterns of migration.
Top 10 Metropolitan Areas
1. Madison, WI
2. Raleigh-Durham, NC
3. Austin, TX
4. Washington, DC
5. Atlanta, GA
6. Provo, UT
7. Boise, ID
8. Huntsville, AL
9. Lexington, KY
10. Richmond, VA
NewMexiKen’s very own Albuquerque ranks 12th overall, and number one for the lowest cost of doing business.
The top small place is Sioux Falls, South Dakota.