Best for job growth

Towns include:  Leesburg
Job growth (2000-2007): 58.94%

Located in Virginia's wine country, 25 miles from Washington, D.C., this affluent county's economic growth gives residents reason to toast. Private industry is buying in, while government-related development has exploded, driving growth in defense and biomedical industries.

The county's highly educated population helps. Loudoun's "Learning Corridor," located along Route 7, serves as home to nearly a dozen post-secondary academic institutions. Major employers include Loudoun County School District, America Online and county offices. --B.B.

NEXT: Washington County, UT