Wilmington Named A Best Performing City

Most Wilmington residents can easily explain why they choose to call the Port City home: pristine beaches, the historic downtown and that distinctive Southern charm. Now, Wilmington is winning applause for its bottom line: an outstanding job market and economic growth.Wilmington jumped from 59th to No. 2 on the Milken Institute's 2007 Best Performing Cities Index, compiled by the independent economic think tank that ranks U.S. cities based on their ability to create and sustain jobs. Local experts are touting the growth as well. Dr. William Hall Jr., senior economist for UNCW's Center for Business and Economic Services, predicts the Cape Fear region will end the year with a growth rate of about 5 percent " more than double the forecasted growth rate for North Carolina and the nation. This above-average growth is expected to continue into 2008. Hall expects a flourishing job market, increased consumer spending and an upswing in the real estate market to drive Wilmington's economic growth in the coming year. There's no doubt Wilmington-area residents enjoy an unparalleled quality of life. The time has never been better to relocate to the up-and-coming Cape Fear region