Houston's on the Move — Best Performing Cities 2007

According to the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank, the Houston region now ranks third in performance among the ten largest metropolitan economies. The Institute's annual report places Houston 32nd in overall economic performance among the 200 largest metropolitan areas — up 97 spots from the 2006 rankings.

The report's findings highlight Houston's job growth and economic sustainability.

The report credits Houston's leap in economic prosperity to accelerated job growth last year, when jobs increased by 4.1 percent. Houston's low cost of living, favorable business costs and a pro-business culture also aided its economic development, according to the report.

The Institute reported Houston is likely to mollify the impact of the housing retrenchment thanks in part to strong job growth and a modest increase in new home construction.

To read the full report, visit the Milken Institute Web page.