The city of Boston has histrorically had a reputation for its international ports and its textile manufacturing industry. Manufacturing in general has dropped in the US over the years, however while the textile manufacturing industry still remains very strong in Boston, other industries have become more dominant in the last 20 years, and Boston continues to be a viable economic center that is still experiencing growth.

Major Industries in Boston

The economy in Boston has seen a shift away from textile manufacturing and more towards technology manufacturing and service industry jobs. The major industries in Boston can be broken down into the urban industries and the suburban industries. In the city of Boston itself, the primary industries are finance and professional services. The city also contains much of Boston’s technology manufacturing as well.

The suburban areas of Boston rely primarily on technology manufacturing and national defense. The outlying areas of Boston are populated with a wide variety of skilled technical workers and military bases. Read the rest of this entry »

The city of Dallas has become renowned for its plentiful job opportunities, low tax rates and affordable housing. Young college graduates and established professionals alike find the idea of working in this bustling city an excellent choice.

Several major industries have helped make Dallas a powerful business city in the U.S. and in recent years, Houston and Dallas have attracted thousands of new residents. Some of the key industries in the city include information services, goods manufacturing, telecommunications, media, logistics and food manufacturing.

Over 80,000 companies have made their home in Dallas, and many Fortune 500 companies have also chosen to place their main headquarters in Dallas. High-tech start-ups are growing increasingly attracted to Dallas due to it’s favorable tax laws and low rental rates.

Major Industries & Key Economic Drivers in Dallas

Other industries that make up the economic base of Dallas include finance, aviation and international trade. In downtown Dallas, you can find the offices of several major finance firms. Dallas is an excellent place for young professionals to seek opportunities in investment banking or law, with several large law firms having offices located in the high-rise buildings in downtown Dallas. Over 342,000 Dallas residents are currently employed in the professional and business services field.

The state of Texas is home to fifty two Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, with Dallas itself boasting an impressive seven Fortune 500 company headquarters including AT&T, Energy Transfer Equity, HollyFrontier, Southwest Airlines and Texas Instruments. Read the rest of this entry »

Since the discovery of oil in Houston, Texas in 1901, the city has relied on energy revenue for its growth and survival. That means that Houston followed the trends of energy prices, which took nose dives in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 2000’s. But each time, Houston was able to bounce back and open up new areas of energy exploration and refining that have allowed the city to grow. As time has gone by, Houston has learned to diversify its economy and a new Houston is starting to emerge from under the shadow of the energy industry.

Overview of Business in Miami

In recent years, Miami has begun to attract major industries and corporations. The low tax rates of Florida make doing business attractive for corporations. In addition, the state also maintains numerous tax incentive programs that provide refunds for corporations that create jobs for residents. Logistically, businesses also find that opening an office in Miami makes sense. Because Miami is located on the coast, it is easy for corporations to engage in trade with foreign entities. The Port of Miami has enabled the cruise industry to thrive in the state.

Major Industries & Key Economic Drivers in Miami

In Miami, tourism makes up one of the most popular industries. Tourism is also a popular industry for greater Florida. Miami features prime beaches and real estate. In 2003, about nine million tourists spent over $10 billion on vacationing in Miami.

Another reason Miami continues to be a popular location for major corporations is due to its location as a port. The Port of Miami enables businesses to engage in international trade. Numerous port brokers and customs agents are located in the area to facilitate the process of international trade. There are also two free trade zones located in Miami, which are the Miami Free Zone and Homestead Free Zone. Over 252,000 employees currently work in the trade and transportation industries in Miami.

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Looking for a new job provides you with the opportunity for a fresh start in many ways. You can choose a job based upon a location in which you know you will be happy. You can also search for jobs based on salary, lifetime earning potential, benefits, prestige, work experience and office culture. However, you may want to make the location of your job one of the priorities in your job search. If you choose a location in which you can happily live, work and play, you will be less likely to suffer from job burnout or dissatisfaction in the long run. Whether you are looking for a change of scenery or want to live in an area with a thriving economy, here are ten U.S. cities that should be on your list.

1. Dallas, Texas

Kiplinger ranks Dallas, Texas, as a top place for new graduates to live and work. The median salary for college grads is about $42,900 a year, and the average apartment rent is $799 a month. About 6.3 million people live in Dallas, and the unemployment rate in the area is only 6.3 percent.

2. Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. is an excellent place for millenials to work, live and play. The city is thriving with job opportunities in the political and corporate worlds. The median salary for college graduates is about $46,100 a year. When you live in D.C., you won’t have to worry about saving funds for an entertainment budget. Many attractions, such as national museums and the National Zoo, are free of cost.

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is quickly turning into a popular city for workers due to its low cost of living, low rent costs, smoke-free regulations, gorgeous parks and beautiful lakes. Individuals can enjoy living in a metropolitan city and also have access to natural settings on the weekend.

4. Denver, Colorado

The downtown area of Denver is a major attraction for workers. The city-wide bike sharing program can help you cut costs on transportation. Denver also has plenty of restaurants, shops, casinos and nightlife attractions for your time off. You also won’t have a problem finding a great craft brew in the city, as Denver features many pubs and bars that have been instrumental in creating craft brews.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is known for being a center of business, finance, politics, shopping, theatre and great restaurants. The city is booming with job opportunities. With attractions like the Boston Marathon and major athletic events, you will always have something to do after work hours in Boston.

6. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is becoming an attractive spot for job seekers due to its high median income of $47,600 and low rent costs. Alaska also does not feature a state income or sales tax. After work, you may enjoy activities like fishing, snowboarding and touring glaciers in the region.

7. Houston, Texas

A promising job market is a major attraction for those seeking a new career in Houston. Home values are also expected to increase in the upcoming years, and individuals can find homes for sale at competitive prices in Houston.

8. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Home to the University of Michigan, individuals can enjoy living in a city that is thriving with culture and things to do. New grads and job seekers can find high-paying jobs in this college town. University of Michigan is the largest employer in Ann Arbor. Free educational and entertainment events are consistently offered throughout the town.

9. Miami, Florida

Surrounded by gorgeous beaches, Miami is a great city for work and play. The city boasts a thriving economy and is also surrounded by other job-producing cities, such as West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

10. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is an attractive city for jobseekers due to its plentiful opportunities in the tech and finance industries.

As you look for the perfect city for work and play, you should consider what matters most to you. These top cities can give you a starting point for finding a job in a location where you will feel happy and satisfied.

Sources:
1. http://www.kiplinger.com/article/real-estate/T006-C000-S002-best-cities-to-live-work-and-play.html
2. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/15/top-young-cities-millennials_n_5152929.html