3. Chicago
3. Chicago

As with other U.S. cities, Chicago earned top marks for flexibility of work schedules and ease of firing.

And similar to other top U.S. cities in the study, it boasts a strong entrepreneurial environment and is faring relatively well in the race to be ready for the digital age.

Chicago's strong public transportation system and easy airport access also make it convenient for travelers.

And with office rents recently averaging about $35 a square foot, according to a Jones Lang LaSalle survey, prime commercial space in Chicago is more affordable than similar locations in New York and other major urban centers.


Last updated June 02 2011: 8:08 AM ET
Join the Conversation

America's urban areas are home to a host of rising stars. Here's the top 100, as ranked by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. More

Americans launched businesses at the highest rate in 15 years in 2009 and 2010. Here are six states with the highest startup rates. More

Most Popular
 
 
 
 
 

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.