BusinessWeek seems to think Arlington and DC are the best places in the nation to ride out the recession.
Arlington
Arlington, located across the Potomac River from Washington, has a highly educated populace, many of whom work for the federal government or in lobbying and legal jobs. Only 7% of the residents are in the vulnerable financial, real estate, and insurance sectorâ??about half the percentage in financial centers such as Jersey City, N.J., (outside Manhattan) and Charlotte, N.C., home of Wachovia and Bank of America.
DC
Government is the dominant industry in the nation's capital, which fills up each day with lawyers, lobbyists, legislative aides, and journalists. D.C. could feel the impact of shrinking tax revenues in a weakened economy, but the damage likely won't be as severe as it might be in cities dependent on retail, banking, and other industries. The city could also benefit by being home to major educational institutions such as Georgetown University and American University. It's also a major tourist destination and might continue to draw foreign tourists attracted by the weak dollar.
Other cities noted include Durham, NC, Madison, Wis. and New Orleans.
Stats, pretty photos, more:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/10/1014_recession_cities/2.htm
