The best markets for investment are blue chip getaways, job centers such as university communities, and gateway cities, according to the report. A walkability index was added this year, and cities that are less car-dependent ranked better than others.
Washington, D.C., once again came in first for investment potential, although some of those surveyed questioned what government cutbacks would do to the job market. Office vacancies are expected to level off, rents will rise in class A office space and home values will recover ahead of other cities, according to the report. A surprising addition to the list this year is second place Austin, which is boosted by its large university campus, government jobs and the technology industry, according to the report. San Francisco, New York City and Boston rounded out the top five.
--Karen DeMasters