In challenging times finding cities with potential for growth tops the list for many. Where are those cities and how are they becoming prosperous?

According to Kiplinger;s Personal Finance, a Washington, D.C-based publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice, the top 10 innovative cities that have potential for growth over the next decade are spread out all over the country.

1. Austin, Texas.

2. Seattle, Washington

3. Washington, D.C.

4. Boulder, Colorado

5. Salt Lake City, Utah

6. Rochester, Minn.

7. Des Moines, Iowa

8. Burlington, Vermont

9. West Hartford, Connecticut

10. Topeka, Kansas

Kiplinger's worked with Kevin Stolarick, research director at the Martin Prosperity Institute, a think tank that studies economic prosperity. A formula and a methodology that included several economic indicators were used to select the top 10 cities that have current and likely future growth in high-quality jobs and income. Kiplinger's also visited the cities with potential growth interviewing business and community leaders, and residents.The number of "creative class" workers (those who are educators, writers, and scientists) in the area was considered as well as things like public transportation systems, and overall affordability.

When the above cities were notified of their new honorable titles some like Burlington, Vermont seized the opportunity to get the word out to the press. The Mayor's office released this statement about being named one of the 10 Best Cities for the Next Decade.

"It's no coincidence that economic vitality and livability go hand in hand," says Kiplinger's senior editor, Robert Frick. "Creativity in music, arts and culture, plus neighborhoods and recreational facilities that rank high for 'coolness,' attract like-minded professionals who go on to cultivate a region's business scene. All of these factors make our 2010 Best Cities more than just great places to live. They're also great places to start a business or find a job."

Cities with potential growth have a few key things in common. They have smart people and great ideas. However, a third key element is vital, and it's one we find that is becoming increasingly more popular. They collaborate. Business communities to governments to universities to residents–when they're in collaboration, "the economic vitality is impressive", reports Kiplinger's. As these cities soar in vitality they become more livable. The arts, culture, and music come alive, making the cities with potential growth more desirable.

So what specifically makes these cities with potential growth winners in Kiplinger's research? Let's explore the first five.

1. Austin, Texas has outstanding programs to help build a network for business brainpower and encourage entrepreneurship. Plus there are available venture-capital funds and about 20 business associations.

"Mix all these elements in what many call a classless society, where hippie communalism coexists with no-nonsense capitalism, and you've got a breeding ground for start-ups," reports Kiplinger's.

2. Seattle, Washington. They're not crying the blues over rain. Kiplinger's dubs this city, "Brain City". Why? A well-educated workforce and a world-class research university as well as über innovators Microsoft, Amazon and Boeing, are just a few reasons. The city is filled with "garage-tinkering" entrepreneurs who are ready and will to take risks to turn their ideas into successful products, services, and businesses.

3. Washington, D.C. Leave politics aside for a minute and just grasp that this city is "chock-full of job prospects, entertainment venues, and great neighborhoods, and it is booming," reports Kiplinger's.

4. Boulder, Colorado. Kiplinger's call this city an "intellectual hot spot". It's here that environmental and scientific ideas burst into brilliant businesses. The driving forces: 6,600 small businesses/corporations, the University of Colorado, and the federal research laboratories.

5. Salt Lake City, Utah. It's inexpensive to live and do business in this city. "Utah has relatively low wages, taxes and operating costs," reports Kiplinger's.

Finding a great home in an innovative city can be a winning combination that evokes your own creativity and prosperity formula.

To see all the rest of the cities and why they ranked in the top 10, visit Kiplinger.com.

Published: September 23, 2011

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Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist, an author, customer service trainer/speaker, and founder of Setting the Service Standard, a customer service training and consulting program offered by Live Fit Enterprises (LFE) based in San Diego, California. She is the publisher of Live Fit Magazine, an online publication that features information on real estate/finance, physical fitness, travel, and philanthropy. Her company, LFE, specializes in media services including marketing, PR, writing, commercials, corporate videos, customer service training, and keynotes & seminars. Visit her magazine website: www.LiveFitMagazine.com. Phoebe's articles, feature stories, and columns appear in various publications including The Coast News, Del Mar Village Voice, Rancho Santa Fe Review, and Today's Local News in San Diego, as well as numerous Internet sites. She holds a California real estate license. Phoebe worked for KGTV/10News in San Diego as a Newscaster, Reporter and Community Affairs Specialist for more than a decade. Phoebe's writing is also featured in Donald Trump's book: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying Foreclosures. She is the author of If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT! 14 Worriless Principles for Your Success. Contact Phoebe at (858) 259-3646 or . Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.