5. Raleigh, NC Metro: Up 2.9%
As the state capital, Raleigh has a strong public jobs sector that’s complemented by jobs at three world-class universities, two hospital systems, and companies like IBM and GlaxoSmithKline. From 2011 to 2012, Raleigh’s job growth climbed more than 2 percent, and the city ranked number 7 on Forbes 2012 list of best big cities for jobs. Raleigh boasts a young, educated population that grew almost 42 percent from 2000−2010, making it the fourth-fastest-growing metro in the nation, and its population is expected to rise another 36 percent by 2020, according to data analysis firm ProximityOne.
