ASHEVILLE, North Carolina
Population: 87,236
Unemployment: 5.0 percent
Median Home Price: $235,500
Just this year, Asheville found itself ranked as a best city in which to start a business and to work, as a friendliest city—to both pet and human—the coolest, coziest and best place for food and music. It’s been called the most romantic and the best for drinking (coincidence?). The city’s dining scene has been dubbed “Foodtopian” and, combined with the vibrant craft beer scene, it provides lots in the way of startups, jobs and the good life.