Five Best Cities for Job Hunting

Alabama has had its moments in the spotlight. Lynrd Skynrd paid homage to the state in its Southern rock classic and Forrest Gump lovingly called the state home. But perhaps one of Alabama's highest distinctions is playing host to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Located in the northern city of Huntsville, the science and exploration center is ground zero for Ares 1, NASA's attempt to carry missions to the moon, Mars and the solar system. Many contractors and subcontractors in the aerospace and engineering sectors, including Boeing (BA), Northrop Grumman (NOC) and Teledyne Brown Engineering, have opened branches here hoping to tap into employment opportunities, says DeVol. And more jobs are on the way: The Army Space Missile Defense Command recently completed its move from Arlington, Va., and the Missile Defense Agency is scheduled to move more than 2,200 employees to Huntsville in the next few years.

(Photograph by Bryce Edwards via Flickr)