Happy "second-tier" metro area? (unemployment rate, college, ranking)

[Flee to the Cleve]

In my neck of the woods, I would give Akron, OH a vote for this.

It has a population of 200,000 or so, and is short driving distance to Cleveland, where the major sports teams are.

Akron also is home to the Aeroes, AA team for the Indians, and Akronities support the team well.

[bgrn198]

Originally Posted by KerrTown

Contrary to the hype the media has put on Austin (or the hook, line, and sinker they took from the Chamber of Commerce), San Antonio has the aura of a big city (especially with the view from the hills in the North or West suburbs) up there with Houston and DFW. The view from those hills is like looking at the L.A. Basin from the Hollywood Hills; city in a valley surrounded by a big circle of hills.

This city is on a good foundation with a vibrant downtown, big employers (USAA and Valero), the second most important (and popular) University in the UT system in only 40 years since its establishment, good logical freeway network and the largest metro population in the region.

There's also Tesoro their a big employer based in SA too

http://www.tsocorp.com/TSOCORP/index.htm

[Wakyco]

Originally Posted by FLABoyJ

These are second tier cities. Why did you eliminate them?

OKC has the Ford Center and was anxious to get a professional team to fill it. Why?...Because they want to become known as a "World Class City". (In comes the Thunder)

Charlotte seems to really be trying to get to be world reknown as a center for the banking industry.

Those are/were "second-tier" cities that were/are not happy with being known as such. That's why I eliminated them

[bgrn198]

There's also cities like Tucson and Albuquerque

[BillyH]

Originally Posted by OmShahi

Columbus has an NHL team, but it's much like Austin. It's a big city that can retain a smaller city feel. And Nashville has an NFL team.

San Antonio is going for an NFL team, after LA they're next in line to get one. The city itself has been growing fast, but they haven't forgotten their big city small town feel yet. It's still got the San Antonio charisma flowing.

Yes and part of that charisma is knowing DFW and Houston are on another level and most residents couldn't careless. The city is growing but not to compete with the other two it has its own identity.

[Thomas R.]

Originally Posted by Wakyco

OKC has the Ford Center and was anxious to get a professional team to fill it. Why?...Because they want to become known as a "World Class City". (In comes the Thunder)

Charlotte seems to really be trying to get to be world reknown as a center for the banking industry.

Those are/were "second-tier" cities that were/are not happy with being known as such. That's why I eliminated them

So it's metros that are happy to be second-tier rather than second-tier metros that are happy?

One possibility then might be metros that are new or somewhat new to even second-tier status. (whatever that means) That might include, but not be limited to, the following

Anchorage, Alaska
Clarksville, Tennessee
Fayetteville-Rogers-Springdale, Arkansas
Huntsville, Alabama
Reno, Nevada
Salem, Oregon
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Springfield, Missouri

The following might be somewhat new to second-tier and are also listed as high in well-being.

Boise, Idaho
Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky
Naples-Marco Island, Florida
Provo-Orem, Utah

Among Large Cities, San Jose and D.C. Lead in Wellbeing

[DANNYY]

Originally Posted by BillyH

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Yes and part of that charisma is knowing DFW and Houston are on another level and most residents couldn't careless. The city is growing but not to compete with the other two it has its own identity.

Yeah San Antonio has nothing to prove to Houston or Dallas, it's in the same league with Fort Worth and Austin. Basically among the big 6 cities in Texas it's among the three tourist spots.

[Chriscross309]

Charleston, WV---metro of around 200g

home of friendly people that are laid back and enjoy the social side of life

It has everything, but lacks the spotlight on a national level.

Festivals and events keep people happy, and the scenery is great

[BergenCountyJohnny]

Austin, Columbus, Albuquerque (or Santa Fe), Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Portland (Oregon), Reno, St. Louis, Tuscon, possibly Cleveland and Kansas City

[Thomas R.]

In terms of happiness the newest well-being study by Gallup says Casper, Wyoming is the happiest metro in America.

One Million Surveys Reveal Portrait of Americans' Wellbeing

Ocean City, New Jersey is listed as lowest in depression and anger. Santa Fe and Boulder are possibly the healthiest. Ithaca, New York ended up top in overall well-being.