Especially now, plentiful job opportunities are key to making a great place to live. These 5 counties have experienced the most job growth over the last 10 years.
1. Rockwall County, TX
Towns include: Heath, Rockwall
Job growth (2000-2010): 97.9%
Rockwall County is rockin' and rollin' at the top of our list for job creation. It may be the Lone Star State's smallest county, but it's one of Texas's fastest growing, with a population that's almost doubled in the last decade.
The county borders Lake Ray Hubbard in the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Development there once centered on homes and recreation, but now Rockwall wants to be a place where its wealthy residents live, play -- and work.
Like many of the counties on our list, Rockwall is luring businesses and jobs from nearby big cities with generous incentives and a higher quality of life. The latest development is Harbor Heights, a seven-story 110,000 square foot office tower slated to open next year. Major corporations like L-3 Communications and Pilgrim's Pride make their home in the Rockwall Technology Park where more companies are expected to join their ranks.
2. Loudoun County, VA
Towns include: Leesburg
Job growth (2000-2010): 75.3%
With one of the nation's highest concentrations of high-tech firms, Loudoun County has been dubbed the "Silicon Valley of the East." Anchoring one end of the Dulles Technology Corridor, the area is home to marquee names like Verizon Business, AOL and Verisign.
The region was once little more than farmland and bedroom communities for D.C.-area professionals. Now it's home to more than 9,000 firms employing more than 130,000 people, and business continues to grow. Chalk that expansion up to a decades-long effort by local leaders to beef up infrastructure. Its proximity to the nation's capital, the Pentagon and Dulles International Airport doesn't hurt either.
You don't have to work in government or high tech to find new opportunities here. Mil-Tek, a company in the recycling industry, recently moved its headquarters to the area, and is expected to bring in 200 jobs. Moving company JK Moving Services is expanding to add 140 jobs.
3. Williamson County, TX
Towns include: Brushy Creek, Georgetown, Round Rock
Job growth (2000-2010): 68.1%
What's the key to jobs growth in Williamson County? It could be smart people. Round Rock, the area's commercial hub, boasts that 40% of its residents have a college degree, with 70% of them having some sort of post-secondary education.
Providing jobs for smart people in Round Rock since 1996 is Dell Computer, Williamson County's biggest employer. Dell has some 15,000 employees here, with plans to add more to staff its new customer solutions center.
Also hiring is Emerson Process Management. The company, which creates automation technology for heavy industry, is relocating 750 employees to town, with another 125 jobs expected in the next three years.
4. Douglas County, CO
Towns include: Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Parker, Stonegate
Job growth (2000-2010): 64.5%
Perched between Colorado's two largest cities, Denver and Colorado Springs, this county is all about big business. Six Fortune 500 companies are based here, including major employers like Liberty Media, the Dish Network and Sprint Nextel.
Attracted by a great tax rate, a highly educated workforce and some of the most beautiful country on any side of the Rockies, more companies are moving to Douglas County and bringing jobs. In June, thermoplastics maker Gordon Holdings said it plans to relocate here, adding 240 jobs. Meanwhile, insurer CNA opened its western service center here, bringing 300 new positions with it.
5. Hamilton County, IN
Towns include: Noblesville, Westfield
Job growth (2000-2010): 50.8%
One of the lowest unemployment rates in the state helps make Hamilton County the place for jobs in Indiana. Located just north of Indianapolis, it's also home of the city's wealthiest suburbs.
Indiana has embarked on Hamilton County's biggest road project ever: the upgrading of Route 31, a major artery out of neighboring Indianapolis. The project is intended to relieve congestion, cut travel time and speed commerce.
Marsh Supermarkets and Freedom Mortgage are headquartered in the county, while Schwab, U.S. Foodservice and Sallie Mae maintain a regional presence. Recently, Marsh said it is shifting around its offices and adding 130 jobs. A sublease to recruiter First Advantage will bring in 340 people.
