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Imagine you were offered a dream job that required you to relocate to your favorite city. Which city would it be? And why?

If you're like most Americans, you might select New York, San Diego, or San Francisco, according to a soon-to-be released survey of 2,500 employees and entrepreneurs across the nation by the Human Capital Institute, a Washington-based think tank and professional association largely made up of human resources professionals.

As the economy softens, this becomes more of a pressing issue because many Americans will find that they may be forced to relocate to find work. But even though some workers may not have the luxury of choice, some cities remain more desirable than others.

Favorite, Least Favorite? New York, New York
Interestingly, New York, which seems to evoke strong feelings in people, also topped the list of America's least favorite places to live and work. Survey-takers who like the Big Apple gave it high marks for entertainment options, professional and personal opportunities, and ease of transportation. Workers who don't like it overwhelmingly point to the high cost of living.

Detroit, which has seen its image only worsen with the collapsing auto industry, was the second-least appealing city, followed by Los Angeles (also No. 5 on the best cities list) and New Orleans.

"People have a love-hate relationship with New York," said Allan Schweyer, the industry group's executive director. "There are still people who think New York isn't part of the United States....There are people who might think that even if they were offered their dream job in New York, they don't want to go from a 3,000-square-foot house in the suburbs to a 1,200-square-foot apartment."

Leading Factors: Environment, Affordability
The survey is part of the professional organization's 2009 National Talent Markets report, which is meant to help cities determine how to improve and properly market themselves to attract talented out-of-town workers. The most important issue for workers in determining where to relocate is environment, including climate and park space, according to the survey.

Affordability, which was No. 4 in last year's list, is now the second-most important attribute workers consider before relocating, thanks to the economic downturn. Affordability might have something to do with the fact that Las Vegas, where home prices have fallen faster than in most cities, climbed to fourth place on this year's list of America's favorite cities.

Companies often have trouble recruiting out-of-state talent because people-especially older professionals-simply don't like to move. The slumping real estate market has made it even more difficult for many homeowners to move because they can't easily sell their homes. According to the survey, 65% of responders said they were satisfied with the city area where they live now and 67% said they are unlikely to move within the next five years. The most mobile workers are in their mid-20s to mid-30s, have a degree or an advanced degree, earn more than $100,000 a year, and work in science and technology, media and entertainment, or professional services, the report said.

Image Is Also a Part of It

Scott Simmons is vice-president and founding partner of Crist|Kolder Associates, an executive recruiting firm in Chicago, said it's easier to find workers willing to move to big cities such as New York, Chicago, or San Francisco than it is to convince people to move to a midsize city such as Erie, Pa., which is a one-hour 45-minute drive from either Pittsburgh or Cleveland. People on the coasts, especially in California, are reluctant to move, he said. And workers often would rather not move to cold rust-belt cities such as Cleveland, Detroit, and Buffalo, he said.

"Perception is a big deal when it comes to places," said Simmons, adding that it's important to have candidates visit the city before making a decision. "Everybody has preconceived notions.... Everybody thinks Chicago is Siberia when it comes to late fall and winter."

Detroit is a particular challenge, especially now that companies like General Motors (GM) are on the brink of bankruptcy. The city, which also suffers from crime and poverty, is still a one-industry town and could do more to diversify its economy, Simmons said.

Jane Howze, managing director of The Alexander Group, a national executive search firm headquartered in Houston, said workers who are flexible about relocating have a strong advantage in this economy.

"These are times where we're all asked to do more challenging things than we did a year ago," Howze said. "The winners are the ones that step up and do that.... Maybe you take that job and make it a better place than when you got there."

I am almost 100% positive that no job inticement could make me move - SPECIALLY to a crowded big city




The offered my husband a 3 Xs his paycheck increase to move to CT - I told him I would miss him

I'm not moving from here - probably ever

Bisbee or Sedona, AZ. But I doubt I'd find a job there that'd pay me what I make currently.

Charlotte, N.C. or Atlanta or even New York.

penedo, brazil. went there on my honeymoon and just fell in-love with the place! it's my dream location! so beautiful!!!

I love San Francisco

Judged on prior history, I'm unwilling to find a different job than the one I've had for 17 years no, no matter what the incentive, so I guess I'm at the mercy of where they want me to go. But, you know, they send me to Hawaii a lot, so it's not ALL bad, despite all the personal problems it's caused.

Leave Hawaii

If we're talking US cities, I'd move to San Francisco in a heartbeat with Seattle a close second. After that, it would depend on the job.
Worldwide, I'd be happy in Amsterdam, just about anywhere in the UK and I wouldn't say no to Florence or Rome.

I fear change...

I'm actually content with where I'm working @ right now, and its in Qatar





Although the living is abit pricey, its still WORLDS better than my life in New York City(which is where I'm from).

I still own my Harlem home and some properties in Minneapolis & Arizona,,,,,but I'm REALLY finding "peace in the middle east"

Nowhere.

You KNOW I read this article already NY is still a contender, but I'd have to think on it SO HARD

Vegas - The cheap homes and I can have both the bight lights and the "country" feel of being away from the lights, plus, close to L.A.

Dallas/Houston - Because I love those 2 cities. Cool people. And sistas that can cook!

Phoenix - Quiet and cheap homes compared to L.A., close to L.A.

CalhounSq said:

Harlepolis said:

Although I LOVE to visit, I could never live in NYC. What makes Qatar better?

MuthaFunka said:

Well, you know how we do.

I've always said Las Vegas is the only city other than Dallas I'd seriously consider living in.
[Edited 11/29/08 15:10pm]

SCNDLS said:

And ya'll "do it" so damn good.

SCNDLS said:

Well for a start, the racial climate is WAAAAAY calmer than the US. And speaking as a black woman, thats a BIG DEAL to me I'm not naive, there's still racism and MOSTLY, classism,,,,but ALL the isms in the world pale in comparision to the US of A

It was a refreshing new start and atmosphere for me and my kids,,,,I lived all my life in NYC and it really ate me up, and I didn't want my kids to grow up around the same surroundings as I did. No matter how much I try, they'll get stinged, but at LEAST I'll have a choice WHERE they live their childhood.

Its really safe,,,,,beyond exaggeration, and the people believe it or not are WAAAY more civilised than your typical American citizen, despite what the US media portray Arabs to be

And hell, I needed the change,,,,,I miss my Harlem, but I'm in no rush to come back. I still check on my folks & friends every now and then,,,,,but for the time being, I'll have to admit that I'm finally home

Harlepolis said:

That sounds wonderful. Glad you found a place that's good for your kids.

I had a chance to get an assignment in the UAE and was like I'm really lazy and I hate moving. I've only lived in 3 different apartments/houses in the last 14 years so stability is really important to me. BUT I love to travel and try to go somewhere every 3 months but there's no place like home.
[Edited 11/29/08 15:33pm]

JuliePurplehead said:

Me too!

MuthaFunka said:

My folks live there

Its beautiful,,,,I'm in the works to buy a land from there,,,,,NOT nessiceraly in Phoenix, but within the Arizona state.

I'm keeping my eyes @ Scottsdale

Harlepolis said:

I've heard great things about Phoenix. Never been but I'm going in February for the All-Star game. I'm staying in Scottsdale. What's the weather like in February?

SCNDLS said:

*GASPS*

Whaaaaat?


Why woman, WHY?

UAE is aaaaall the RAGE nowadays. Def the best place to start a career,,,,,and the men are

But like Qatar, the prices are just fuckin' ridiculous(ESP in Dubai which is a crying shame because its a HEARTBREAKER for a dame who craves shopping).

SCNDLS said:

Rainy.

And since you're staying in Scottsdale, you better load EXTRA pockets,,,,coz that city is a WHORE without a spending limit (at least, comparing to the rest of the cities of Arizona,,,,but you're from Dallas, so I guess by now every city except NY and LA is considered cheap in your standards assuming, that is).

Harlepolis said:

See, cost of living is ALWAYS gonna be my top priority when considering relocation. I can't live as well as I do here anywhere else PLUS we have all the shopping, great restaurants, no state tax, low unemployment (which doesn't really impact me cuz most of my jobs are remote anyway), great weather, low crime, friendly ass people, in the middle of the country so less than 4 hours from either coast. No muss, no fuss. I ain't going nowhere.

Harlepolis said:

Girl, you know they jack the prices up for EVERYTHING during these kinds of events anyway, so you gotta be prepared.

Harlepolis said:

Yeah, I lived in Ahwatukee for about 3 months, and I loved that whole area and the areas surrounding it - Gilbert & Glendale.

And yeah, Scotty's got some hella nice cribs as well.

SCNDLS said:

You ain't lying there