It probably shouldn't come as much surprise… after all, a large percentage of businesses plan to increase hiring and we have quite a few industry giants with a huge presence here. Regardless, it's still nice to hear Seattle getting thrown into the strong recovery mix.

Kiplinger, a D.C. based publisher of economic and business forecasts, lists Seattle among its top cities to comeback in 2011, citing "clean technology, health care, hospitality and information technology" as leading factors contributing to a strong recovery. Boeing is also noted as a contributing factors as it adds to its work force (with more to come as a result of winning the "Tanker Bid").

Overall, Kiplinger's forecast for job growth in Seattle for 2011 came in at 2.1%.

Job growth is key to our local real estate recovery. Not only are there more people capable and willing to buy homes when there are more people with jobs, but a healther job market contributes to a healthier consumer confidence... thus, more people will feel comfortable enough with the economy to feel comfortable buying a home.

Kiplinger's page on Seattle can be found here, while a Yahoo! Finance article regarding the article as a whole can be found here.

- Robert E. Wasser - Bellevue and Seattle real estate news, blog, and market trends