Economic Resilience Fuels Job Growth and Income Gains Across 15 U.S. Cities

What Real Estate Investors Need to Know About the Nation’s Most Promising Metros

As a real estate developer and investor, I closely track the economic trends driving demand, stability, and long-term value in American cities. A recent analysis from Checkr (via GlobeSt) highlights 15 metros where economic resilience is directly translating into job growth and rising incomes—two of the most reliable signals for sustained real estate strength.

These metros are leading the way in industries like tech, healthcare, and finance, and their success is reshaping the investment landscape for 2025 and beyond.

Raleigh Leads the Pack

At the top of the list is Raleigh, NC, a city that’s evolved from an academic hub into a national leader in biotech and technology. With rapid population growth, relatively affordable living costs, and a business-friendly climate, Raleigh is an ideal environment for real estate growth across multifamily, office, and life sciences sectors.

Mid-Sized Cities, Outsized Momentum

Austin, Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Portland, Maine round out the top five—showcasing a powerful trend: mid-sized cities with diversified economies and vibrant startup ecosystems are increasingly outpacing traditional gateways.

• Austin continues to draw major employers and talent despite tech sector volatility.

• Nashville leverages a unique combination of healthcare dominance and cultural capital.

• Salt Lake City is surging on the strength of its financial sector and deepening tech presence.

• Portland, Maine has embraced remote work and built a high-wage, low-unemployment economy in the process.

  
  

These markets are seeing strong in-migration, rising rents, and consistent investor attention.

Key Factors Behind Their Growth

These resilient cities share several common attributes that appeal to both residents and real estate investors:

• Low unemployment and high labor force participation

• Strong presence in high-growth industries (tech, finance, healthcare)

• Economic diversification that protects against cyclical shocks

• Robust university systems and ongoing population inflow

• Startup ecosystems driving innovation and attracting capital

  
  

These dynamics don’t just create strong economies—they shape demand for residential, commercial, and mixed-use development in a way that supports sustainable long-term investment.

Challenges in Less Diversified Markets

In contrast, markets in the Rust Belt and California’s Central Valley continue to face structural challenges, including high unemployment and limited economic diversity. As always, economic resilience remains a key filter when evaluating where capital should flow.

Final Thoughts from a Developer’s Lens

For investors and developers like myself, economic resilience is more than a headline—it's a leading indicator of where tomorrow’s growth will happen. The cities on this list are not only thriving today but are laying the foundation for scalable real estate opportunity in the years ahead.