I said it before and I'm saying it again! Studies keep confirming that we live in an extraordinary city that is attracting companies and entrepreneurs. According to a new study, two of the top three hottest labor markets are here in the Southwest. 1. Cape Coral- Fort Myers, FL 2. Las Vegas, NV ** 3. Phoenix, AZ 4. Sarasota-Bradenton, FL 5. Orlando, FL 6. Riverside-San Bernadino, CA 7. Lakeland, FL 8. Boise, ID 9. Washinton D.C. 10. Miami-Ft Lauderdale, FL If raw numbers were the only indicator, Phoenix would be the nation's new employment leader. The metro area has added 271,900 jobs since 2001, the biggest gain in raw numbers for any metropolitan area. Phoenix's five-year growth rate of 17.1 percent ranks sixth among America's 100 largest markets. Phoenix has enjoyed consistent strong growth since 2002. Summary Jobs as of mid-2006: 1, 861, 200 Unemployment rate as of mid-2006: 3.9 percent Employment trend since mid-2001: Added 271,900 jobs Five-year growth rate: 17.1 percent Employment trend since mid-2005: Added 94,300 jobs One-year growth rate: 5.3 percent So, once again, I challenge the doubters. The employment factor is a strong economic indicator that foreshadows a healthy real estate market.

Source: The Business Journal of Phoenix - September 29, 2006 by G. Scott Thomas, The Business Journal