Best places for job growth (Huntsville, Madison: 2015, houses, living)

[rae-zor]

We ranked 7th!

Where the jobs are - Madison County, AL (7) - Money Magazine

[ReggaeBusRider]

Nice article. I think the trend continues through Q2 2014. I am cautious after that for the Huntsville area. We are far too dependent on government spending and a HSV downturn is inevitable.

[Maya Blue]

It's great to be recognized, but I am always cautious about this area because of its dependence on gov't spending. It's too bad we didn't get the VW plant here, as that, along w/ Toyota, could have been a big catalyst to diversifying our economy. I do think it will become more diversified as companies start to realize the area houses so many highly skilled people. Just not as fast as we would like.

[ReggaeBusRider]

Very well said, Maya Blue. It is encouraging we are getting some economic diversification. Huntsville outlying industrial complexes are important for mitigating our risk to reduced gov spending.

[SarahBellum]

Originally Posted by Maya Blue

It's great to be recognized, but I am always cautious about this area because of its dependence on gov't spending. It's too bad we didn't get the VW plant here, as that, along w/ Toyota, could have been a big catalyst to diversifying our economy. I do think it will become more diversified as companies start to realize the area houses so many highly skilled people. Just not as fast as we would like.

Excellent points, Maya Blue. This is a prime area for other types of business and industry and is the biggest hope we have to maintain and grow.

[HSV2TN]

I have a lot of friends in the IT business needing work. I have heard for each 4 year degree position - there's anywhere from 1000-1500 applications for one job. That's just nuts.

[brianjb]

I always likened Huntsville's economy to Detroit. Huntsville is a lot smaller, I know, but both cities put their eggs in one basket so to speak.

Huntsville is so dependent on the gov't. One day it will dry up. Diversify!

Detroit was so dependent on the auto industry. Have you seen images from that city? It's like a warzone. Forget trying to sell your house there.

[FCEddie]

I've been in a constant job search since 2009. If I'm here in 2015 I would be surprised.

[CoreLysium]

Every time I see Huntsville show up on Best Whatever list, I tend to think "Is the rest of the country really that bad?"

We've been on the list of the best places for black professionals, best places to raise a family (overall and black,) best places to retire, etc. I mean, seriously, it's a pretty good town, but it sure can't be on the top 10 of all that.

And that said, I have seen some horrifically bogus top 10 lists. I recall one recently that said Detroit was a good place to do something. Maybe scrounge for supplies to try to survive living there, but that's about it.

[Maya Blue]

Originally Posted by CoreLysium

Every time I see Huntsville show up on Best Whatever list, I tend to think "Is the rest of the country really that bad?"

Sometimes it is hard to see the forest for the trees.