Charleston and Charlotte lead employment surge as homebuyers flock to booming markets
The job market is heating up in unexpected places across America, and savvy homebuyers are taking notice. While national employment growth has cooled compared to previous years, five standout cities are bucking the trend and creating a perfect storm of opportunity for those looking to relocate.
The connection between jobs and housing has never been more critical. When employment flourishes, housing demand follows close behind, creating competitive markets that can benefit both buyers who move early and existing homeowners watching their property values climb.
The Southeast is having a moment, with North and South Carolina dominating the employment landscape in ways that are reshaping regional demographics. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals these states are attracting both businesses and workers at unprecedented rates.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina leads the pack with an impressive 3.5% employment growth, transforming from a seasonal tourist destination into a year-round economic powerhouse. The coastal city's appeal extends far beyond its pristine beaches, with hospitality, healthcare and professional services driving the surge.
2. Charleston, South Carolina follows closely at 3.1% overall job growth, but the historic city takes the top spot for high-income positions with 3.7% growth in well-paying roles. Technology companies and financial services firms have discovered Charleston's unique blend of Southern charm and business-friendly policies.
3. Charlotte, North Carolina maintains its status as the Southeast's banking hub while diversifying into technology and healthcare. With 2.5% overall employment growth and 3.2% high-income job expansion, the Queen City continues attracting major corporations and ambitious professionals.
4. Raleigh, North Carolina rounds out the Carolina dominance with 2.1% job growth overall and 2.4% in high-paying sectors. The Research Triangle's concentration of universities and tech companies creates a self-reinforcing cycle of innovation and opportunity.
5. Boise, Idaho breaks the Carolina streak, posting 2.7% employment growth that places it firmly in the top five. The Mountain West city has become a magnet for remote workers and companies seeking lower costs without sacrificing quality of life. However, Boise's high-income job growth of 2.1% trails its overall employment numbers, suggesting the city is adding jobs across various income levels.
These employment hotspots are creating ripple effects throughout their housing markets. Increased demand from incoming workers is driving home prices higher, but early movers can still find opportunities before markets become oversaturated.
The correlation between job quality and housing stability cannot be overstated. Cities adding high-income positions tend to support stronger property values and more stable neighborhoods. Charleston's dominance in well-paying jobs explains why the city commands premium home prices despite aggressive growth.
Not every city with job growth is created equal. Some traditional powerhouses are struggling to maintain momentum, particularly in sectors that traditionally support homeownership.
San Diego managed only 0.6% total employment growth while losing 1.7% of its high-income positions. Phoenix and Chicago face similar challenges, with modest overall growth masking declines in well-paying opportunities. These markets might offer more affordable entry points for buyers, but long-term appreciation could be limited.
For prospective homebuyers, these employment trends offer a roadmap for making informed decisions. Markets experiencing rapid job growth often see housing inventory tighten quickly, making early action crucial for securing desirable properties.
The current landscape favors buyers willing to consider emerging markets over established coastal cities. The Carolina cities offer compelling combinations of job growth, reasonable housing costs and quality of life that previously required choosing between career advancement and affordability.
However, buyers should also consider infrastructure development, school quality and long-term sustainability when evaluating these rapidly growing markets. Cities experiencing sudden population surges sometimes struggle with growing pains that can affect quality of life.
The employment data suggests 2025 could be a pivotal year for strategic relocation. As remote work continues reshaping where Americans choose to live, the cities successfully attracting both businesses and workers are positioning themselves for sustained growth that extends well beyond current trends.