The competition among states is often more about competition among metro areas. Some industries thrive in urban centers. Tech, health care, mass media and other creative enterprises are among them. New Geography recently published a ranking of the "best cities for job growth." And again we see a different methodology – not policies, not perceptions, but performance this time.

The site provides rankings for large, medium and small cities. Among the venti-sized cities, Seattle  ranks No. 14. Topping the list is greater San Francisco (tech) followed by Nashville and Salt Lake City.