The Best Metros for Job Growth
By anthony balderrama on Jun 3, 2010 in Featured, Job Search, Jobs
Where you live affects every aspect of your life. The cost of your rent or mortgage. Whether you drive everywhere, take a bus or walk. How much you pay for groceries. The availability of jobs. You could say that location really is everything.
Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its employment findings for metropolitan areas for April. Many metros have worse unemployment figures than they did a year ago, which is news we don’t like. However, some metros show a year-over-year increase, and that’s the kind of news worth celebrating. If for no other reason, the findings are worth noting because many Americans have been out of jobs for several months and doubt there is any way they will ever find a job.
Now, we’re not saying every job seeker needs to pack up and move to Manhattan, Kan. right now. Though, Kansas is a lovely state and I’m sure they’d like to have you. But, if your job search has left you feeling like no one is hiring for the job you want or are suited for, looking to a new location might be the way to go.
Relocating isn’t an option for everyone. It costs money, it’s inconvenient, it’s a risk. Last December we discussed the topic, weighing the pros and cons of moving to look for work. But for some people it’s the best option.
Whether you want to relocate or you just like to know what’s going on in the cities around you, here are the metros with “the largest over-the-year increases in employment” according to the BLS based on the number of jobs added.
1. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-Va.-Md.-W.Va.
2.Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Wash.
3.McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
4. Ocean City, N.J.
5.Elkhart-Goshen, Ind.
However, based on percentage increases, the top metros are:
1. Ocean City, N.J.
2.Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Wash.
3. Jacksonville, N.C.
4. Manhattan, Kan.
5. St. Joseph, Mo.-Kan.
You’ll notice that these metros aren’t the biggest, most recognizable names in the country, save for the Washington, D.C. area. Perhaps because people don’t think to look to smaller regions because they assume bigger cities offer more opportunities. Whatever the reason, the latest data shows that the metros to watch might not be the ones job seekers have been thinking about.
David Stillwagon | Jun 3, 2010
I can understand that the Washington area is a great place to look for jobs because of the federal government, but Ocean City? Don’t get me wrong its a nice place but I wonder what is driving their job growth?
mike | Jun 9, 2010
Tourism, and a resurge in growth.
mike | Jun 9, 2010
Tourist & hospitality industry, better beaches,tax incentives and proximity to larger metro areas. That’s what drives ocean city.
Suspicious | Jun 22, 2010
you’re right to be suspicious of ocean city
where m***a-types, strip-clubs and loan-sharks from Atlantic City proliferate
better off re-locating to DC ..at least their crimes are white-collar!
Anne | Jun 22, 2010
After DC at #1 there’s some winners on that list!
2. Kennewick-Richland-Pasco, WA – Nuclear waste cleanup driving growth. Historically highest cancer rate in nation.
3. McAllen TX area – Border Patrol staffing up for war with drug cartels
4. Ocean City, NJ – low paying tourism jobs in businesses that prefer immigrants they can short change on pay and work excessive hours.
5. Elkhart IN – Isn’t that where the President and every Republican running for president goes to show they care about unemployed people? Did 5 people get hired for something skewing the stats upward?
Ghafoor | Jun 22, 2010
As I think the best place for employment is going to Afghanistan & working for Afghan companies not the US military or Nato forces, only Afghan companies because they lack knowledge & that’s been the only obstacle for their growth, there are Hundreds of Local companies looking for professionals in different positions. They pay montly wage of from $6000 to $10,000 (depends on quality & job position) plus they pay a % of any business you bring to the company. So why not contact afghan companies instead.
sameerbaharak.com
Ted | Jun 22, 2010
ANN.
I love it Ann….the real facts get published…and while it sounds a little negative…you will never see the truth in the real media since all the ‘feel good about yourself’ and ‘good vibrations’ people on the planet wont create any new jobs…
Signed
MBA and BBA out of work for 4+ years now and counting…no govt help received here yet…In fact, the govt is stealing my remaining retirement money as they tax me a 10% penalty on my withdrawals to eat!….
I’m also over 50 and a white US citizen and dont speak spanish…a realllllly bad combination right now!
Robert | Jun 22, 2010
many Americans have been out of jobs for several months? Try several YEARS! What is it with AOL articles concerning employment, unemployment, and this current administration? I have never seen the truth more bent on a regular basis…
Susan | Jun 22, 2010
I’ve been looking for a job in the DC metro area for over a year and a half with no luck. It doesn’t help that there are a ton of new jobs if there are also a plethora of people trying to get them. There are plenty of jobs to apply to, but good luck getting any response – especially with government jobs that end up being mysteriously cancelled once the posting closes.
R Martin | Jun 22, 2010
Anne, ditto and lol! Its so true what you’ve said. To anyone who might be thinkng about relocating to one of these job growth “gems” – think twice. I’ve been to South Texas (Mcallen)several times in the last 6 months and trust me, nothing special, dry, hot, you better be bilingual, and Border Patrol is crawling everywhere…
Amelia Austin | Jun 22, 2010
The only reason why the unemployment has dropped is due to the fact that an individuals unemployment has ran out. The Media takes the percentages and makes it look like the economy is getting better. YEA right, I have been unemployed for over a year now. I have put in over 300 applications. Does the government even care about the Aviation. It all started with the Banking Industry and the Aviation. It all trickled down. The only ones that are still not having to worry about money is the GOVERNMENT AND THE RICH… WE MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE ARE PAYING THE PRICE………..
William Hartman | Jun 22, 2010
This article illustrates how desperate the federal government is to put a positive spin on the labor market. Since when does a community of 15,738 permanent residents qualify as a metropolitan area?
Ocean City is a sweet little town. However, nothing about it is metropolitan. Job opportunities? Taffy pulling, clam frying. When I was a regular visitor, there were no bars due to its roots as a vacation spot for good Methodists. So forget bar-tending!
At least the South Texas cities qualify as an Metropolitan Statistical Area. But one very important fact is this: Its median household income is the lowest within the 50 states at $24,863. No wonder there is job growth. More illegal aliens per capita!!! Jobs: tomato picking and grapefruit pulling. Don’t think they want an Ivy League educated architect for that sort of work.
charles williams | Jun 22, 2010
I can agree with all comments i read today..I
ve experienced and observe a little of all those listed..As person that was blacklisted for six years out of well paying industry and was never made whole, i can assert with absolute truth the the bad can always get worst. The only thing you can depend on is yourself and you can’t effectively do that if you give up or almost give up…The best to all of you and dare to dream for yourselves.
Carol | Jun 22, 2010
I agree with all of these great comments. I’ve been off work for a year now also and have sent out hundreds of resume’s, had a few interviews…nothing. It’s especially hard since I am a 61 year old woman. Lots of experience and good skills but the competition is too much. Also, the positions I am qualified for are now paying $10.00/hour. 1/2 of what I was making last year! How are we supposed to survive on that?
Lala | Jun 22, 2010
Ocean City, N.J.? Huh? I live 30 mins from there. If you want a job on the boardwalk flipping burgers, or frying dough, fine, you can make $8 an hour and they’ll tell you to hit the bricks in August.
No. This entire county has been hit tremendously hard by the economy. Jobs? Everyone I know has either lost their job, is underemployed (think professionals working in Haunted Houses on the boardwalk. How’s that for scary?), or terrified they will be next. Look elsewhere.
Suzy | Jun 22, 2010
I feel you I been unemployed for one year and also have a bachelor degree, no one seems to be hiring, this really sucks.
Diesel | Jun 22, 2010
Jacksonville, NC – another small town, but a Big Military Base (government money during war time).
M. Gagne | Jun 22, 2010
I am sorry so many seem to be having a hard time finding work. Have you thought it might be your attitude. Such negativity. I have been laid off or fired seven times in the last five years. Got laid off end of Feburary. So relieved to be out of stressful job working way too many hours for crappy wages. Less than two weeks later, I got called for a contact position that I am still in. It will last for a few more months. Since I said that I would accept long term temp work, I get calls all the time and have people waiting for this assignment to end. Might not hurt that I have a BS, MBA and CPA also. Will soon be 60. But, with more than 30 years experience, statistically, I am over qualified. Making more doing contract work. Only difference is less benefits. Have any of you thought about it?
Scott | Jun 22, 2010
I think professional staffing folks will have to remember or to teach their 20-something HR grunts an extremely important lesson. Before calling a potential C-level candidate for an interview–be prepared to reply to that individual in a timely manner. Someday, the candidate could be your boss, my boss or a member of our board. Yes, the job market may be bleak, but it’s no time to ignore brand, our reputation in the community or the tenure of our own skin.
Joye | Jun 23, 2010
Regarding the Elkhart/Goshen job market…about a year ago, that was the worst county in the nation for high unemployment rate. Hardly an economic boon. Instead, according to the BLS, the unemployment rate dropped from 18.4% to 14.1%. If you consider a 14.1% unemployment rate a healthy and growing economy, then by all means, move to this area and look for work. Those who are trying to sell their houses in this area will thank you.
And to the person who says that the unemployment rate is skewed, because people have stopped looking for work, you may want to research how the unemployment rate is actually calculated. It is scientifically accurate and is not based upon who collects unemployment; rather who is looking for work.
http://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.htm
Lisa G.H. | Jun 23, 2010
M. Gagne – You are absolutely correct. I admire your spirit GREATLY!.
Your/Ones *attitude* greatly helps in finding work as well as alternative solutions. If one focuses solely on the full-time full benefits package in this day and age, you miss out on sharpening your communication skills.
Get off your degrees and get back into life.
Reading all of these misery loves company comments remind me why I rarely read on line comments. Ugh!
Good Luck everyone. Keep searching!
Dustin | Jun 23, 2010
Manhattan, Kansas is awesome, not only does it have Kansas State University, a college town feel, great food, it has great schools as well as Tuttle Creek Lake an excellent attraction. Go KSU basketball, top 5 next year!
Elisha | Jun 24, 2010
Hurry up and retire so I can get your crappy temp jobs. I’m a 20 something single mother with a mortgage make way for a new breed. How do you like my negativity now!
Dr Doug | Jun 24, 2010
Take me off your dist list now
I have been attacked by two software houses
while using your site.
William | Jun 24, 2010
Hi,out there.I’ve been out of work over one and half years. Lucky I foun some work for short term part time, doing Marketing Sign Waving it only paid $7.oo hr. And still to keep my unemployment funds. I had to claim my wages each week. Now when when I go to get a app to fill out for work, they tell me that, we are not hiaring due to the economy is bad now.And I heard today on the news that the Whit House but an stop on the The Unemployment Extendtins. Due they know what this will do to the people out there who been out of work for over two or three years, and the JOBS they had are not their no moor, the JOBS either closed or lost their company due to the ECONOMIC SYSTEM NOW THAT WE LIVE IN TO DAY.I beleive that the GOVNERMENT can give out money to the BIG COMPANYS that the GOVNERMENT CAN CREAT JOBS FOR THE UNITED STATES PEOPLE THAT OR OUT OF WORK AND OR ALL MOST HOME LESS!!!!.
P.B. | Jun 25, 2010
For the positive people out there, I do like the idea of contract work….definitely will consider it. For the negative ones, yes it’s highly unfair that the government can bail out big business and forget about the back bone of this country; the middle class. Because if there are no jobs for the middle class; that doesn’t leave a lot of people the government can tax. But for the realist, just hold on as the winds of change are blowing….you’ll see. Good luck to all of us.
Prilep | Jul 5, 2010
You be very best in the night .
Prilep | Jul 5, 2010
SUZUKI GSX-R 1300 Hayabusa 2007 White with Silver Signs .
Josh | Jul 5, 2010
So companies aren’t hiring; go to work for yourself. There are many opportunities as an independent contractor. If you want to have a future, then create one for yourself. Start a business. America is the best country in the world. Quit bitching because your handout ran out.
Dee | Jul 5, 2010
For all the people complaining, I agree with the comments about having a negative attitude. Though it is hard, I think it’s a must to keep positive.
Also, reading some of the comments and I won’t be specific, but seriously… spelling. I am not grammar police, but if you are going to post a comment that is long, attempt to spell and use the correct grammar. Makes me not surprised to hear of being unemployed.
Carlton | Jul 5, 2010
If the spelling and sentence structure in your resume is as atrocious as it is in your post, then I can understand the reader filing it in the circular file. Learn to spell and compose a rational non-whiney post. Exhibit an optimistic attitude, get a clean shave, a fresh conservative haircut, shine your shoes, and wear clean clothing commensurate with the position that you’re applying for. Then just maybe your “luck” will take a turn for the better.
M.G. | Jul 5, 2010
My two cents.
I’ve been out of work 8 months and I live in NJ. If any real work in Ocean City I would have found them and applied. This artical is so wrong!
mike | Jul 5, 2010
your right, and you sound like i did. but now i don’t see things changing for the middle class ( middle victums ) nor the poor.
J | Jul 5, 2010
Hello from Manhattan, Kansas. The unemployment rate is pretty low and there are jobs available, but most are low paying service jobs. So if you want to work at McDonalds or Wal-Mart, come on over!
On the other extreme you have the cities largest employer, Kansas State, but unless you are an academic even it’s number of professional level jobs is limited.
As someone with a college degree who has returned to the area I can tell you that there is a shortage of good paying professional jobs. Before you start accusing me of being a snob, I am working one of those low paying service jobs while hoping something better comes along.
There are large number of K-State grads who would like to stay in the area but can’t because of the lack of professional level jobs. If you are interested in starting a company and need a bunch of young college grads you should look at Manhattan.
One of the bright spots on Manhattan’s job future is that it is becoming a hub for bio-research. A major lab is relocating in Manhattan and other labs and pharmaceutical companies are following.
Gigi from Elkhart | Jul 5, 2010
LOL! I got a good laugh at the “Elkhart-Goshen” being on that list. Sure the President has been here twice and everyone else likes to point to us with pity. Yes, business has picked up some (the RV business since there is STILL not much else, no matter the promises of diversification). When a city hits ROCK BOTTOM, there is nowhere else to go but up. It does not mean that it deserves to be on the “best metros for job growth”. With thousands of jobs lost in a single year, we get the good news this month that a new company will be hiring 30 people over the next three years. Is that growth to get excited over? I think not.
ron | Jul 5, 2010
what a crock of shit! i live in goshen/elkhart indiana and there are no jobs!!!! sunday paper has but half a page at most, online is nothing either. the unemployment website has a job posting website and its patheric too. this article is lies….bring the jobs please!!!!!! stop with the lies
ron | Jul 5, 2010
elkhart goshen indiana has no jobs the unemployment rate is still over 14%. myself and my fiancee among many others i know are still without work and not getting hired. unemployment ran out now so will have to get public aid. the job postings are so few its pathetic. most are scams and want money and hten you have truck driving jobs that want experienced people..or a few manager positions that want very exxperienced people. the market is flooded to the make with applicants and few jobs…this article is so wrong! one day jobs are abundant hten the next they say they were wrong..they don’t know. its very very bad and i fear for my family and i and everyone else out of work. Also it doesn’t help that there are so many illegals in goshen.elkhart – they have forged id’s and blend right in..last job i had intil they closed last year was full of them, they would screw up and get caught then fired..should have called ICE on tjhen and deport them…free up good middle class jobs..there are so many illegals i bet that 80% you see is one..come and kick them out WE NEED A ARIZONA LAW and find them illegal aliens and free up jobs for legal americans!!!
James | Jul 17, 2010
Oklahoma City is a nice, growing metro to live and work in. We continue to grow with new neighborhoods and shoping centers going up everyday. We have the NBA in our city now and are proud to welcome our great NBA team the OKC Thunder. We have a great interstate system that helps with rush hour traffic. Rush hour can get rough but w we have traffic problems in every growing metro. We are known for our shopping and resteraunts. We have Bricktown, a great place to spend Friday night. With lots of resteraunts and bars that line the canal. Bricktown is just east of Downtown and is rated as one of the best entertainment areas in the world. OKC always has concerts going on, die to us having one of the top rated arenas in the country. I would say that if you are looking for a nice, growing, safe place to lice with a great job market come to OKC We will not let you down. You will love it here. Only a three hour drive to Dallas and 1 1/2 hours from Tulsa.