#28. Portland
Like nearby Seattle, Portland has become a major tech hub in the U.S., with Microsoft, Intel, eBay, and IBM all having offices in this oft-considered “weird” Oregon city. As a result, the tech startup scene is booming, though more so with platform plays, not consumer-facing brands, as one commentator pointed out.
Business Growth (2011-2015): 14%
Employment Growth (2011-2015): 5%