In Texas, you can get ahead in the recession Houston, Dallas top rankings of cities where thriving is still possible

Look to Texas if you're willing to work hard to ride out the recession.

Today, being able to "get by" financially is enough for most people. But others are looking for more. They're looking for a big break.

Houston, recognized for its dynamic business environment, might be able to provide that. With high wages relative to cost of living and a fairly low unemployment rate of 6.3 percent, considering the financial turmoil over the last year, these factors make it the best city to get ahead. Other cities offering similar opportunities include Dallas, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and Boston.
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It's not surprising that two Lone Star state cities come out on top. Houston boasts 20 of the best big companies in the country and 19 of the best small companies, according to Forbes' lists, including Sysco, human resources firm Administaff, and Noble Energy. Exxon Mobil, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments — along with 15 other top companies — call Dallas home.

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