FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas
Population: 78,960
Unemployment: 4.2 percent
Median home price: $183,750
Fayetteville offers low cost of living, a local economic engine in the University of Arkansas (which increased enrollment by 10,000) and close proximity to job creators such as Walmart, Proctor & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Rubbermaid. Add in lots of walking trails and progressive laws such as one allowing residents to grow and sell food out of their homes and it’s no wonder Forbes named this one of the best places for businesses or careers.