Best for job growth

Towns include:  Citrus Ridge
Job growth (2000-2007): 39.35%

This central Florida county has finally emerged from Mickey's shadow. Lake County used to function mainly as a bedroom community for Orlando and an important orange producer. But in recent years, service sector industries have shown major development within its borders.

Health care has grown particularly quickly, with the county's three hospitals all expanding their facilities in the past three years. Lake County's population doubled from 1980 to 2000, and county planners expect it to double again by 2030. --B.B.

NEXT: Montgomery County, TX