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No. 9

No. 9

Amarillo, Tex.

Companies planning to hire in next quarter: 21%
Best job prospects: Construction, Transportation & Utilities, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Financial Activities, Professional & Business Services, Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality, Other Services, Government
Population: 185,500
Average home price in January: $96,589
Unemployment rate: 4.5%

Amarillo, located in the Texas Panhandle, has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Texas. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is made up of 30,000 acres of campgrounds, picnic areas, horse trails, and wide-open spaces, is popular with hikers and local families.