If you're looking to start your own small business, where you set up shop is vitally important. Cities across the country, big and small, are facing significant challenges — from population growth and an aging workforce to climate change and economic stagnation.
But there are areas that are emerging as small-business hot spots, offering entrepreneurs a vibrant, educated workforce, low cost of living, a business-friendly tax climate and a great quality of life. We've identified 20 of these metro areas and outline the reasons why small-business owners are finding them especially attractive.
Of course, small-business start-ups have always flocked to San Francisco and New York City, but these cities didn't make our cut. Not only are they among the most expensive U.S. cities in which to live but their states offer small-business owners 2 of the 3 worst business tax climates in the country, according to the Tax Foundation (New Jersey is the third state).