Coincidentally enough, the magazine closest in content to Fast Company is Business 2.0 (though not nearly as innovation-focused), and their cover story this month is The Next Boom Towns?.

It has the usual high-tech big cities at the top in terms of job and population growth and median salary increase:  Raleigh-Durham, NC; San Jose, CA; Washington, DC; Austin, TX, Atlanta, GA… but of course you already knew this

What’s not factored in is, are people actually happy?  Last week’s indication of

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It’s good to be back from my place-making tour of Italy’s finest cities, and it was great to stroll through some of the most inspiring piazzas, streets and third places in the world.

Here are some of the highlights:

- Venice (Venezia) is a must-see.  Not only is the entire historic city on an island (a medieval Manhattan if you will), but there are absolutely no cars.  There were dozens upon dozens of piazzas in Venice, and despite freezing temperatures, it still attracted musicians and

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Urban Warfare: DC’s Unfulfilled Potential: Leadership, Tax Issues Hamper Growth (Washington Post cover story)
By D’Vera Cohn, Nov. 10, 2003 (link expires Nov. 24)
Second of two articles:  While most cities have to scratch and scheme to attract out-of-town talent, the nation’s capital is among a handful of magnet cities that many young people feel they simply must experience…

A curious thing is happening in Washington D.C. - its leadership’s mindset doesn’t actively support attracting young

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CoolTowns have two unlikely sources of inspiration.  One is Italy, home of the Renaissance and whose language is based on poetry.  The other is the resort, where people escape to live in a place as close to utopia as they can find.  Think of road rage, full schedules and late-night worries, then wake up from your nightmare and think of…

Portofino, regarded as Italy’s most beautiful, picturesque and romantic town.  No cars, outdoor dining with artistic views, friendly residents and a

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Iowa City?!  Ever heard of it?  You should.  Not only did the acclaimed Milken Institute name it as the best small city in economic performance and job creation in the country in their annual report, but here are a few other accolades:

• One of the ten most enlightened towns in the U.S. - Utne Reader
• Listed in the book The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America
• Number-one place to live in the nation by Editor & Publisher magazine.

Diversity of economic base was listed as the most

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First of all, it’s important to realize that creativity produces jobs, attracts people and increases income.

The Creativity Index, pioneered by the Richard Florida Creativity Group, is measured via creative workforce (science, engineering, architecture, design, education, arts, music, entertainment), innovations (patents per capita), high-tech industry and diversity.

#1 on the Creative Index is the San Francisco Bay Area (Austin is #2).  It’s also #1 in diversity.

Since the SF Bay Area is

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Forbes ranks Austin as the Best Place for Business and Careers in their annual report.  What are the key ingredients for its success?

Entertainment:  As mentioned on this site previously, Austin is indeed the live music capital of the world.  The proof is in asking just about anyone who’s been to Austin - “It’s so cool.  There’s always something going on and the people are so nice.“

Affordability:  The second annual Affordability Index from techies.com Inc. (a treasure trove of workforce

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