Where the jobs are

Especially now, plentiful job opportunities are key to making a great place to live. These 25 counties have experienced the most job growth over the last nine years.

5 of 25

5. Fort Bend County, TX

Towns include: Houston, Missouri City, Sugar Land
Job growth (2000-2009): 55.7%

A major Houston suburb, Fort Bend takes advantage of all things Houston.

Like Houston, Fort Bend County has experienced rapid population growth, meaning more kids requiring more schools. The county's public school districts combined account for over 14,000 jobs.

The county also benefits from Houston's oil industry. Engineering and energy firms like Fluor Corporation and Schlumberger Technology support the refineries. Fort Bend is also the home of micro-electronics giant Texas Instruments.

Healthcare is another up-and-coming sector. Memorial Hermann Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital opened new cancer treatment centers in the county in 2009. -- F.R.

NEXT: Webb County, TX

Last updated July 13 2010: 5:14 PM ET

Best Places to Live

Full list: Top 100

These terrific small cities -- even now -- boast plenty of jobs, great schools, safe streets, charm, and much more. More

Big-money cities

Palo Alto, Calif,, residents pull in more than $150,000 a year. Which other places have high incomes? More

Rich and single

We're not saying you're a gold digger. But you might check out these affluent cities where lots of singles live. More

Special Offer