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While the bear market is over, the US economy is not in order. In fact, many business leaders continue to warn of an imminent recession. If that happens, could the city you live in help you weather the economic storm?
Financial website SmartAsset agrees. It surveyed 429 cities and analyzed data across four categories – employment, housing, welfare and economic stability – to identify where residents are doing best during a recession.
According to their findings, these are the cities in the country that have best weathered an economic downturn.
10. Layton, Utah
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Employment Rank: 11
Apartment rank: 124
welfare rank: 64
Rank of Economic Stability: 31
You can find Layton north of Salt Lake City in Utah. As the largest city in Davis County, it offers its approximately 84,000 residents numerous recreational opportunities. In addition, several industrial complexes and nearby Hill Air Force Base provide ample employment opportunities even in a recession.
9. Bellevue, Washington
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Employment Rank: 121
Apartment rank: 15
welfare rank: 50
Rank of Economic Stability: 3
Bellevue sits on the shores of Lake Washington, directly across from Seattle to the west and Lake Sammamish to the east. The city has experienced significant growth in recent years and housing affordability is a priority. Residents have access to numerous parks, hiking trails, community centers, and a water center.
8.Olathe, Kansas
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Employment Rank: 44
Apartment rank: 24
welfare rank: 47
Rank of Economic Stability: 37
Located in central Kansas City, this suburb of Greater Kansas City is the county seat of Johnson County. Olathe offers its residents an impressive range of leisure activities. These include several swimming pools, parks and hiking trails, as well as sports leagues for adults and children.
7.Sandy, Utah
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Employment Rank: 61
Apartment rank: 120
welfare rank: 28
Rank of Economic Stability: 1
Back in Utah, Sandy is another community that seems poised to help its residents weather a recession. Most impressively, this city ranks first in the SmartAsset ranking for economic stability. You’ll find Sandy in the greater Salt Lake City area, where residents can rent electric scooters, cheer on the local pro soccer team, or catch a movie at one of the many theaters.
6.Mountain View, California
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Employment Rank: 75
Apartment rank: 33
welfare rank: 9
Rank of Economic Stability: 24
Mountain View is part of Silicon Valley and the mountains in view are the Santa Cruz mountain range. In addition to being home to more than 83,000 people, the city at the southern end of San Francisco Bay is also home to major companies such as Intuit and Google, as well as parent company Alphabet.
5.San Mateo, California
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Employment Rank: 71
Apartment rank: 37
welfare rank: 12
Rank of Economic Stability: 18
If California is your go-to spot for weathering a recession, San Mateo, just south of San Francisco, is another Bay Area community to consider. The city is known for its charming downtown and upscale shopping center. Additionally, there are miles of hiking trails and plenty of open space for those who enjoy spending their time outdoors.
4. Kirkland, Washington
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Employment Rank: 70
Apartment rank: 19
welfare rank: 44
Rank of Economic Stability: 2
Costco buyers will be familiar with the Kirkland name as it adorns the Warehouse Club trademark. However, Kirkland is more than just home to this nationwide retailer. The Seattle suburb (just north of No. 9 Bellevue) is also a premier spot for hiking, shopping, and boating on Lake Washington.
3. Overland Park, Kansas
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Employment Rank: 39
Apartment rank: 23
welfare rank: 17
Rank of Economic Stability: 22
Back in the Midwest, Overland Park is another of the large communities that make up the greater Kansas City area. Even without the threat of a recession, this city can be an attractive place to put down roots. Livibility.com ranked it one of the top 100 places to live thanks to its safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and job and healthcare opportunities.
2. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
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Employment Rank: 22
Apartment rank: 6
welfare rank: 4
Rank of Economic Stability: 133
Highlands Ranch isn’t technically a city; It is a master planned community that was founded more than 40 years ago. Located just 12 minutes from Denver, the 103,000 residents live close to the amenities of the big city but live in a smaller location with plenty of outdoor recreation.
1.Castle Rock, Colorado
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Employment Rank: 10
Apartment rank: 7
welfare rank: 3
Rank of Economic Stability: 141
Backed by top 10 rankings in three out of four categories, Castle Rock SmartAssets is the number one choice for weathering a recession. The city between Denver and Colorado Springs lies in the shadow of the land formation of the same name. About 80,000 people currently live in Castle Rock, but the city expects that number to increase to between 130,000 and 150,000 residents in the coming years.
