25. Houston

Q1 2010 annualized job growth: 0.7%
Q3 2009 annualized job growth: -3.6%

First quarter of recovery: Q1 2010
Unemployment rate: 8.5%
Median household income: $52,632

Houston, the fourth largest city in America, also has one of the nation's strongest economies. It is famous for its energy sector, but its economy is diverse and includes the world's largest medical center and some of the largest corporations. Real estate prices in Houston—like much of Texas—never soared during the boom and have since remained relatively stable.

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