By Althea Chang | MainStreet.com

Road trippers and vacationing locals alike can spend three free weekends at more than one hundred national parks throughout the summer thanks to a deal from the National Park Service.

Free Weekend Fun
The National Park Service will waive entrance fees, typically between $3 and $25, at 147 sites including the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana. (See here for a full list.) The free days include Father’s Day weekend from June 20 to 21, the weekend of July 18 to 19 and again from Aug. 15 to 16.

“During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families,” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said last week at a press conference at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. “I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation’s crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free-admission weekends.”

Park Goodies and Deals
Parks will also be offering free goodies and deals, like a free reusable shopping bag available at several parks, and free houseboat rides at Lake Mead in Nevada and Arizona and Lake Amistad in Texas.

Package deals and other promotions will also be available on fee-free weekends. (The Park Service has another handy list here.)

Example: Families going fishing at the Echo Bay Resort at Lake Mead can get a one-day fishing boat rental, a free bag of ice, free bait and a 20% discount on purchases at the Marina Store (except on alcohol and tobacco), an estimated $100 value, for $50.

For more on the attractions available at national parks, visit nps.gov.

By MainStreet.com Staff Writers

Getting older means dealing with a number of different issues you never had to before. One person that can help you handle those issues is an elder care attorney. Elder care attorneys specialize in issues that specifically pertain to seniors and their families. Whether or not you need the assistance of an elder care attorney depends on your and your loved ones’ needs and resources.

Elder care attorneys specialize in a number of different areas. Here are some of the things and elder care attorney can help you with:

1. Estate planning: Creating last wills and testaments as well as living trusts to plan the distribution of your estate after your death.

2. Oversight and administration of an estate: An attorney can serve as a personal representative or executor to manage how a will or trust is carried out.

3. Insurance claims and settlements: When disputes arise with insurance companies either for health insurance, long-term care insurance or life insurance, an elder care attorney can help advocate for you.

4. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits: If you or a loved one is denied these benefits, an elder care attorney can argue your case.

5. Drafting and reviewing certain legal documents: An elder care attorney can provide assistance with durable powers of attorney, advance directives and other legal documents.

6. Legal guardianship: An elder care attorney can help you designate who will make decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Your attorney can also help you create a living will to make sure your wishes in regards to life-saving medical treatments are known.

7. Elder abuse and neglect issues: If your loved one has been abused by an assisted living facility or home health care worker, an elder care attorney can pursue legal remedies.

8. Long-term care concerns: Elder care attorneys can provide valuable assistance in managing the long-term care needs of elderly clients with illnesses and/or disabilities. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative diseases, for example, can benefit from having an elder care attorney to help manage their finances and long-term care arrangements.

With more and more baby boomers entering retirement, the elder care legal specialty is growing. Finding an elder care attorney is not as difficult as it once was, but you still need to do your due diligence. Most elder care attorneys do not focus on all of the subjects that fall under the purview of elder law. It’s best to find an elder care attorney that is experienced and well versed in the specific area that pertains to your needs.

The best way to find a good elder care attorney is through a recommendation from a family member or friend. You can also search for members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Before hiring an elder law attorney, you might want to ask these questions:

By Molly Mann of Divine Caroline | MainStreet.com

I used to work full-time in public affairs. Chained to my desk for eight- to twelve-hour days, I often wondered whether I would ever get to enjoy the money I was making when I was spending all my time in the office.

When I really couldn’t take being hemmed into a cubicle next to other disgruntled employees any longer, I would take a break and search the net for some masochistic research about how much better workers in other countries have it than we do in the United States. I would rub salt in my wounds by reading about the Kapauku people of Papua New Guinea, who think it’s bad luck to work two days in a row, or the Kung Bushmen, who only work two and a half days a week and never for longer than six hours a day.

That, I thought, is life. Not a living, but a life. The United States lags far behind other countries, especially the European Union, in granting workers vacation time, flexible working hours, and parental leave. American employers don’t seem to have grasped quite yet what other nations have turned into law: that a happy, relaxed worker is a more productive one.

Time Off Is Time Well Spent
Why do the French live longer than Americans despite consuming plenty of fat and red wine? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Americans are workaholics, whereas the French get four to six weeks of vacation time every year, along with their fellow EU members. Australia also grants their employees an average of twenty days per year. In the United Arab Emirates, employees vacation for about thirty days a year, whereas most American workers have only fourteen days of paid leave.

Vacation time in these countries is applicable to all employees, regardless of their length of service; not so in the U.S. Eighty-two percent of American employers provide workers with at least two weeks of vacation after one year of service, according to the human resources firm Hewitt Associates. After five years, 75 percent of employers will grant three weeks, and only after fifteen years of service will 87 percent of employers provide four weeks of paid vacation time.

Europeans will laugh at Americans’ talk of budgeting sick days, too. They get paid time off if they’re sick, no matter how often that happens. When you think about it, it makes sense. You weren’t planning that flu, and your coworkers wouldn’t want you in the office anyway, so why should you be penalized for not working?

TGIF
EU law calls for a forty-eight hour maximum workweek, but individual countries typically opt for a thirty-five hour week, although their motive is to preserve jobs more than it is to give workers time off.

The French, for example, typically work a thirty-five-hour week with no paid overtime allowed. That amounts to an additional twenty-two days a year that Americans spend in their cubicles. That’s not to mention the myriad public holidays for which workers also get time off.

Australians, though they are not part of the EU, have it even better. Their workweeks are a little over thirty hours on average, though the national limit is thirty-seven.

The working day is different in some other countries, as well. In Spain, for example, workers start at 9 a.m. and then break around 2 p.m. for an extended lunch and lounging period that lasts until 4 p.m. They leave for the day at 6 p.m. This is common in Mediterranean countries, where the middle of the day is usually too hot to get any work done. Southern France, Greece and Italy have similar practices, although globalization is slowly forcing all major economies to conform to the 9 to 5 shift.

From Cubicle to Cradle and Back
Though all countries provide mothers with at least some protected job leave, the amount of time and the level of compensation varies, as does the amount of leave for the father of the child. France ranks highest in providing paid maternity leave, with 162 weeks. Germany and Spain follow close behind. Switzerland and the United States are the least generous, with fourteen and twelve weeks, respectively.

Some countries offer more than a year of job-protected leave for fathers on a “use it or lose it” basis. Spain tops the list at 160 weeks, along with France at 156 weeks. The United States offers twelve weeks, the same for mothers, which is better than Australia, Canada, Japan, and Switzerland—they offer no paternity leave at all.

Of course, time off isn’t really all that great if it’s not paid. Spain offers 312 weeks per couple of parental leave, but only pays for eighteen of them. By contrast, Finland offers only forty-eight weeks per couple, but pays for thirty-two of them.

Parents can also take leave on a part-time basis in some European countries. Greek parents can take their leave continuously or reduce their schedule by one hour per day for thirty months. Spanish workers are eligible for part-time schedules until their child’s eighth birthday. Norwegian moms and dads can take leave together if both work part-time.

Work Ethic or Burnout?
Although American workers don’t have as much legislated vacation time and flexibility as most European countries, we actually don’t come off too badly. The Japanese have a term, karoshi, to describe death from overwork. And were I in a developing country like Burma, I would be complaining about the fact that my fingers were bleeding from sewing clothes for twenty hours straight, not that my computer monitor hurts my eyes.

The truth of the matter is that even if we were allowed more time off, most of us wouldn’t take it. Even though 40 percent of American workers report their job to be extremely stressful, we only take about 71 percent of the vacation time we already have. Either we’re too busy at work to get away, we feel too much social pressure to stay in our offices, or perhaps we just don’t make enough money.

How do other countries manage such a permissive attitude toward working time? It’s simply due to a difference in priorities, specifically regarding the place of money in society. Americans work to accumulate wealth; the more money, we think, the happier we will be. The French, however, understand that happiness precedes income. To them, happiness comes from having time to spend with family and recharge, not from keeping up with the Joneses.

By Bobbi Dempsey | MainStreet.com

Looking for part-time work? You’re in luck. There are plenty of part-time opportunities out there, especially now, as employers turn to the much cheaper resource of part-time employees, who generally don’t receive a full benefits package and receive a lower hourly rate.

These jobs can be a good choice for students, retirees, parents with young kids or people who recently lost their full-time job or had their hours cut, as well as anyone looking for a second job. (If you lost your job, you can usually earn a certain amount per week without a reduction in unemployment compensation benefits, although this varies by state).

To attract the best candidates, many companies now offer at least some benefits for part-time employees. These can range from health insurance and paid time off to employee discounts or free merchandise.

Here are three companies with lots of part-time openings available right now:

1. Six Flags (Stock Quote: SIXF)

Type of work available: Six Flags, which operates 20 parks in the U.S., is hiring in food service, games, merchandise, rides, park service and entertainment, which includes dressing up as a character.

Hours per week: Employees are usually expected to work at least 30 hours per week. The shifts available are typically night shifts that begin at 2 or 3 p.m. and last until park closing, usually some time between 10:30 p.m. and midnight. Most departments request that employees be flexible regarding shifts. Also remember that most employees will have to work weekends.

Starting pay: $7.75 per hour after completing the training.

Benefits: Employees get free admission on their days off, and earn a “buddy pass” after working 150 hours. The pass permits each employee to bring a friend in the park for free with their admission. Employees also earn free tickets and discounts on tickets and merchandise. There are also special events for employees, and each department offers special events and incentives.

Requirements: Training is provided for most positions, including those in food service, rides, games, merchandise, entertainment and park services.

The inside scoop: “The ideal candidate is a friendly, outgoing individual ready to entertain our guests,” says company rep Stephanie Helander. “After successfully completing an online application, candidates are called for interviews based on positions available. Interviews are conducted at the park and are individual interviews.”

Apply: SixFlagsJobs.com. Character candidates must set up an audition by calling 847-249-2133, ext. 4606.

2. New Jersey Turnpike Authority

Type of work available: Toll collectors

Hours per week: Part-time workers are scheduled for eight hours each Saturday and Sunday. Shifts are 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights; 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings; or 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Most new collectors will be assigned a rotation of these until a steady shift becomes available.

Starting pay: $11.32 an hour

Benefits: None

Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and pass two pre-screening tests and a physical, including drug test. Must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check.

The inside scoop: Part-time workers must successfully complete a one-year probation period before being considered for any full-time positions.
Apply: Online application (pdf).

3. New York State Thruway

Type of work available: Toll collectors

Hours per week: Shifts run between three and eight hours, depending on your availability. Holiday work is a must and preference is given to those who are available on weekends.

Starting pay: Starting wage of $9.66 plus an additional $.40 per hour paid worked between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m., and an additional $.60 per hour between11 p.m. and 7 a.m. There are yearly raises, up to $11.21 an hour. Holidays are paid at time and a half, plus employees are provided with uniforms, paid training and free parking.

Benefits: Limited benefits for part-timers.

Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years of age, enjoy working with people and able to handle money in a fast paced environment.

The inside scoop: Lots of patience, and the ability to withstand occasional verbal attacks, is a necessity. “These positions require continuous contact with the traveling public,” a job posting warns. “Toll collectors serve as representatives of their agency and are required to act in a courteous manner while working in situations which are sometimes stressful due to inclement weather, traffic backups, etc.” First consideration will be given to successful candidates who are residents of the county and/or adjacent counties in which the vacancy occurs.

Apply: Online application (pdf).

By Althea Chang | MainStreet.com

If you’re a homeowner 62 years of age or older and you need to supplement your income, you may be able to tap into the value of your home using a reverse mortgage to get money now.

Unlike a traditional mortgage, you won’t have to make monthly payments and your income doesn’t affect your eligibility, according to Peter Bell, president of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.

If you’re interested in getting a reverse mortgage, one of the major considerations is how much you can get. How much you get also varies on how you choose to receive your payouts. Here is what you need to know to get started.

How Much Can You Get?
The simplest way to figure this out is to use an online reverse mortgage calculator, where you plug in where you live, your age, your spouse’s age and the value of your home, says Bell.

How much you actually get is also determined by a variable: an interest rate that’s either calculated using the one-year treasury or the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The calculator on ReverseMortgage.org figures out interest rates for you and explains how it’s calculated. If your lender offers both an interest rate based on the treasury and one based on the LIBOR, you can discuss with your loan originator which one would be better for you. The LIBOR rate may be recommended, since a set margin means it carries less interest rate risk for brokers, but patriotic investors tend to choose the treasury-based rate, Bell says. Some lenders only offer one or the other. Both rates fluctuate.

About 90% of reverse mortgages, according to the AARP, are made through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and their Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program.

Late last year, FHA-backed reverse mortgage loans were limited to between $200,000 and $300,000, depending on where you live. This year the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act raised the limit to $625,500.

Some proprietary lenders, such as Bank of America (Stock Quote: BAC), MetLife (Stock Quote: MET), Senior Lending Network and other national and community banks may offer higher-amount reverse mortgages, but such loans will not be FHA-insured.

Payout Options That Pay More
How much you can get also varies on how you choose to receive your payouts. You may choose a lump sum payout to pay off a single debt such as a credit card balance. If you need help covering regular expenses, you can receive monthly reverse mortgage payments, known as the tenure option, for as long as you live in your home. A similar option is to receive monthly term payments, which only last for a set period of time. Lastly, you can opt for a line of credit if you want backup cash in case of unexpected expenses.

As a general rule, the older you are, the more money you can get. If you’re younger, your loan amount will have to stretch over a greater number of years.

With a line of credit, your unused available credit increases annually, meaning you can have more access to cash as years go by. If you opt for tenure payments, even if they’ve added up to more than the value of your home, you’ll continue to receive them regularly for as long as you live there.

So what does this all mean in real terms? Consider these two examples of hypothetical neighbors in Sacramento, Calif.

Reverse Mortgage Example No. 1:
If a 70-year-old man and wife, 62, have a $200,000 home, and need extra money each month to help cover regular expenses, monthly payouts are determined using the age of the younger spouse.

According to the reverse mortgage lenders association’s calculator, the couple can get a lump sum of about $80,363; a line of credit for about $80,363 that increases by 4.6% each year; or monthly payments of $509 for as long as either one lives in their home, based on interest rates calculated using the one-year U.S. treasury.

With an interest rate calculated using the LIBOR, electing a lump sum would pay $88,119; a line of credit equal that amount plus a 3.90% increase per year; or monthly payments of $535 per month.

So, the best option for the couple would be monthly payments from a reverse mortgage with an interest rate calculated using the LIBOR.

Reverse Mortgage Example No. 2:
A 75-year-old widow has a home worth $625,000. She wants to make minor home repairs and have backup funds in case of an emergency or unexpected medical bill.

She can get a lump sum of about $364,372; a line of credit for about $364,372 that increases by 4.6% each year; or monthly payments of $2,593, based on the one-year U.S. treasury, according to the calculator.

With a home equity conversion mortgage pegged against the LIBOR, electing a lump sum would get her $382,952; a line of credit for that amount plus a 3.90% increase per year; or $2,633 per month.

The best option in this case would be a line of credit.

Once you have an idea of how much you should be able to get, discuss your financial situation and your income needs with a reverse mortgage counselor and a loan officer. When deciding what payout option that works for you, remember that you’ll still have to pay your real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, home repairs and mortgage insurance, too.

By MainStreet.com Staff Writers

How much does your car cost you per year? Americans spend on average $8,003 per year to own and operate a vehicle, according to the most recent Consumer Expenditures, released in 2006 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That factors out to about $667 per month. Those costs include purchasing costs, gas costs, maintenance and other vehicle related expenses. If you’re looking for ways to shave down your monthly expenses, have you considered giving up your car?

If you commute to work everyday and there are no public transportation options, you may not be able to survive without your car. If you don’t have a long commute, however, you may find it’s easier to live without a car than you thought. These days, there are several alternatives to owning or leasing a car that allow you to maintain nearly the same level of convenience at substantial savings.

Car sharing was once a service that catered almost exclusively to college kids and twenty-somethings. Last year’s high gas prices and the general call to tighten belts throughout the country, however, have caused the car sharing industry to take off. Zipcar Inc., the world’s largest car sharing provider, has seen its membership grow by more than 50% in the last 12 months. Uncertainty throughout the economy has Americans looking to consume less and save more.

“Smart consumption is the new black. It seems to go with everything these days,” the CEO of Zipcar, Scott Griffith, told Reuters.

Zipcar works by parking cars strategically around city centers. It currently operates in 29 states and has cars in London, England and Canadian operations in Ontario and British Columbia. The fleet totals 5,500 vehicles, which service approximately 250,000 members throughout the network. Members pay an annual membership fee of $50 and a sign-up fee of $25 to gain access to the Zipcar network. They then reserve cars online and walk to the car’s location to pick it up. Swiping a membership card over the windshield unlocks the car. It costs about $10 an hour to use the car, and gas and insurance coverage is included in the fee.

Zipcars are perfect for running errands you can’t do with public transportation, such as trips to Costco (Stock Quote: COST) or visiting friends in the suburbs. Of course, for longer rental times, traditional car rental companies still offer good value for consumers. Those who choose to give up their car can still save money by only using daily car rentals when absolutely necessary. For example, if you want to take a weekend car trip.

The recent success of Zipcar has motivated some traditional vehicle rental companies including Hertz, Enterprise and U-Haul to delve into the car sharing market. Each of these companies is experimenting with car sharing models in limited markets. This is good news for consumers as competition will likely yield better prices.

In addition to car sharing and car renting, savings can be had by taking to two wheels instead of four. Biking to work has become increasingly popular and scooter sales soared in the high gas price environment of 2008. So, if you want to forego hundreds of dollars of month in car expenses, you don’t have to stay at home.

By Althea Chang | MainStreet.com

Just like trading stocks, any investor with an interest in world currencies can trade in foreign exchange. But how much about trading foreign currencies do you need to know?

The level of investor-related education you need before you begin depends on how you want to trade. Are you looking to buy and hold like Warren Buffet with his stock picks? Or do you want to make quick money day to day?

Your answer will determine what your trading style should be and how much work you’ll have to do.

Going In for the Long Haul
Just like traders who follow stocks and commodities, being a successful forex trader takes work, an understanding of world markets and government roles in markets that can impact the value of a country’s cash.

But because of our current economic environment, many retail investors have already been keeping up with the economies of other countries, says Betsy Waters, global director of dbFX, Deutsche Bank’s (Stock Quote: DB) foreign exchange trading Web site.

For trading information and tips, foreign exchange data and services company eSignal, a division of Interactive Data Corp. (Stock Quote: IDC) offers free forex trading strategies.

And for extra help, whether you’re a new forex trader or a pro, dbFX offers access to research from its analysts worldwide to clue you in on the development or potential downturns in world markets.

In the Short Term
If you’re eager to step up your game and you’re willing to do more research and speculation, day trading in foreign exchange is an option.

By analyzing technical data and fundamental analyses, you can identify trends in foreign currencies, and as with stocks, speculate on the future value of a country’s money by looking at stats and charts.

You can get general exchange rate information and economic indicators for the U.S. and abroad from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. And eSignal offers free information on foreign exchange trading strategies that help you identify short-term and long-term trends and possible reversal of trends.

Get Comfortable
You can open a demo account with dbFX, in which you get a $50,000 in virtual money to trade in order to get comfortable with forex and build confidence in your skills. You can practice trading, do your research, read charts and practice using technical analyses. When you’re comfortable, you make the switch to real money.

Like trading individual stocks, it may take a lot of research and a lot of guts to actively invest in foreign exchange. If you’d like to get your feet wet in foreign exchange, but you’re not sure how to go about it on your own, you can open a managed account with dbFX. Instead of directing your own investments, an account manager will invest on your behalf and fully disclose to you their strategies.

By Althea Chang | MainStreet.com

If higher interest rates or lower income leave you struggling to make your monthly mortgage payments, you may be able to get a mortgage modification.

Do Your Research
First, use our mortgage modification calculator to see if you qualify.

Under the federal Making Home Affordable program guidelines, to qualify for a modification, you’ll have to have an unpaid mortgage balance of $729,750 or less for one unit properties, have a loan that was originated on or before Jan. 1, 2009, and have monthly mortgage payments that amount to more than 31% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Next, find out whether your loan servicer—the financial institution that collects your monthly mortgage payments—is participating in the Making Home Affordable program by calling the number on your mortgage statement or checking online. Keep in mind that your loan servicer may not actually be your lender.

Gather Your Files
Know your monthly gross income and make sure you can provide recent pay stubs, records of any other earnings and your most recent tax return. You’ll also need to provide account balances, minimum monthly payments due on all credit cards, student loans, car loans and other debts as well as information about your assets and your second mortgage, if you have one. And of course, you’ll have to explain why your mortgage is unaffordable, whether the rate on your adjustable-rate mortgage has gone up, you’ve lost your job, your income has been reduced or your expenses are higher for some other reason.

Make the Call
If your servicer is participating in the Making Home Affordable program, call them and ask to be considered for a Home Affordable Modification.

To go over your options based on your income and expenses, you may want to call contact a housing counselor approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 888-995-HOPE (4673) for free assistance before calling your service provider.

Loan servicers aren’t required to participate in the modification program, but the government is offering incentives to these companies and their investors, so most major servicers are expected participate. If yours isn’t, ask them or a housing counselor about other options that may be available.

Work Out a Plan
The program defines “affordable” as mortgage payments equaling 31% or less of your gross monthly income. Its aim is to make mortgage payments affordable for struggling homeowners after a review of all monthly debts.

If the sum of your debts, plus modified mortgage payments, equals or exceeds 55% of your gross monthly income, you can only get the modification on the condition that you participate in housing counseling with a HUD-approved counselor.

Depending on your how much you earn, the interest you pay on your mortgage may be reduced to as little as 2% to make your mortgage payments affordable. If this isn’t enough for you to reach an affordable payment amount, your loan servicer may try to extend your payment term to as many as 40 years. If that’s still not enough, you may be able to defer repayment on a portion of the amount you owe. Some of your debt may be also be forgiven.

Things to Remember
If you own and live in a property that has more than one unit, consult your loan servicer directly to find out whether you qualify for a mortgage modification.

Borrowers who do qualify will never be required to pay a modification fee or pay past due late fees. And if there are any costs associated with modification, including payment of back taxes, your servicer will let you decide whether to add the amount to what you owe or pay it in advance.

Beware of any agencies that charge an upfront fee for housing counseling or modification. Advice from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency is free.

By: Tania Khadder, Anna Hennings, Adam Starr, Alice Handley | WomenCo.

Now more than ever, it’s important to get the best bang for your buck. And there’s no question about it — when it comes to value, not every U.S. city is created equally.

Why chase a great salary if your rent swallows most of it, unemployment is skyrocketing and you spend two hours a day just to get to and from work?

So, which cities offer the most overall value in 2009?

WomenCo. has come up with the top 25 — and some may surprise you! After examining various city lists, weighing the rankings and taking note of our personal opinions, we’ve produced a list of cities that’s sure to offer something for everyone.

Our Criteria

We looked at cities’ growth rates, average salaries and costs of living.

We factored in average commute time — which, according to experts, has a colossal impact on your overall happiness.

We looked not only at unemployment figures, but also at the rate that unemployment has actually increased since February 2008.

Thinking of relocating for better job prospects? Need to compare two top contenders? Just curious to see where your city ranks? We’ve got you covered. Read on!

#25. San Diego, CA

Population: 1,266,731

Average Salary: $45,210

Cost of Living Rank (in a 1-100 list): 91

Average Commute Time: 23.4 minutes

Job Growth Rank (in a list of 372 Highest Growth Cities): 208

Unemployment Rate: 8.8

San Diego is a splashy surfers paradise in Southern California. If wealth were measured by sun and sand, San Diego would be the nation’s richest city. Unfortunately, the recession has burned San Diego with a 3.8% increase in unemployment. Still, the city enjoys a mean income of over $45,000 and a top-25 ranking amongst the nation’s best cities for job growth. So grab your board and your resume because San Diego remains a promising place to work and even better place to play.

#24. Philadelphia, PA

Population: 1,449,634

Average Salary: $44,460

Cost of Living Rank (in a 1-100 list): 59

Average Commute Time: 29.4 minutes

Job Growth Rank (in a list of 372 Highest Growth Cities): 176

Unemployment Rate: 8.0

The “City of Brotherly Love” — and the largest city on our list — has experienced a modest 3.1% uptick in unemployment, but has maintained an unemployment rate much lower than that of comparable cities. A mecca for tourists and American history buffs, Philadelphia also promotes itself as a center for biomedical and pharmaceutical companies. In recent years, education and health sectors have emerged as principal drivers of the local economy, helping the city stay in our top 25.

Bonus fun fact: The lemon meringue pie was invented in Philadelphia.

#23. Cincinnati, OH

Population: 332,458

Average Salary: $40,540

Cost of Living Rank (in a 1-100 list): 14


Average Commute Time: 21 minutes


Job Growth Rank (in a list of 372 Highest Growth Cities): 207

Unemployment Rate: 8.9

Procter & Gamble, Sunny Delight, and Chiquita Brands International are amongst the impressive list of 10 Fortune 100 companies based in the this all-American, river-front city. Its unemployment rate has not grown as much as other former industrial cities, gaining only 3.6 % since before the economy collapsed. With solid job growth potential, Cincinnati’s big Fortune 100 companies are slowly pulling the city back into a positive economic reality.

Bonus fun fact: Cincinnati was home to the first night baseball game.

Find out which cities are on the rest of the list here!

How will your geographical location play a role in your lifetime earning ability?

Richard Florida is a researcher and author of best-selling books such as “Rise of the Creative Class”, “Flight of the Creative Class” and most recently, “Who’s Your City?”.

You might be familiar with his concept that places that show the greatest economic and cultural growth share three social features: talent, tolerance, and technology. A familiar example is that cities that welcome maligned groups and encourage the arts tend to have the most expressive and robust economies. Reviewing articles about Florida’s latest book, “Who’s Your City”, it appears Florida goes a step further when it comes to finding the best geographic places to live and work.

I haven’t read the book yet but it appears that Florida maintains a specific prediction about the future. His prediction based on research? In order for individual cities (and the people in them) to compete in the coming years they’ll need to join forces, quite literally, with their economic neighbors. Regionalism will grow in importance. Large industrial cities and smaller ones will need to merge into regions that can compete globally. This, in turn, makes transportation such as fast rail or other public transportation between cities and towns even more critical.

Above is his map of the “spiky” world he describes. I look forward to reading more!

At 11am EST we’ll feature reporting from WomenCo.com about the top 25 American cities with the best forecasted economic growth. If you’re considering a move, check out this list.