Fort Worth -- #5 in Nation.

You have seen the report.

Fort Worth ranks #5 in Hottest Jobs in America. Not to shabby. Yesterday, I read about the ranking in a report by Anthony Mariani on Fort Worth Weekly's Blotch Blog. Today, it was a featured video story on Yahoo.

As I mentioned in a post last week, our job growth is "fueled" by natural gas, but also by good weather, plenty of land, an available work force, great infrastructure, and uncluttered local government. As far as cities and counties go Fort Worth is easy to work with. The other top five cities are also in the south or west, all sunshine cities, and all supportive of entrepreneurial activity. They are Atlanta, Austin, Wichita, and number 1, Salt lake City. The migration south and west continues, and will continue because of the 50 million baby-boomers who want to retire in warmer climes, and because the younger, new home buyers can find affordable housing with land.

So, Texas gets two cities of the top five. California got zero. I'm surprised that Florida didn't get one, but I don't know if this is a subjective report or a report based on hiring data.

Just in case you did not see the ABC News report, you can watch it on Yahoo.

Photo by Darwin Bell / Flickr

You Know You're Not in Texas When:

You see a Lenten special for horse-race wagering,

As I did today in Philadelphia.
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The Best Pizza in Fort Worth

When you go to the same restaurant for 25 years it says something. That you like the food, obviously, and the service and general atmosphere, but also that you like what that place adds to your life. Years later, if your children continue the tradition, you know it must be alright. Last Saturday night, my 26 year old son told us that he was on his way to get pizza for himself and a few friends. I didn't have to ask where.

Charlies Pizza in east Fort Worth was as much a part of raising my family as little league or church. Saturday night was pizza night and pizza was always Charlies. One doesn't go to a restaurant for that long unless it is good -- and Charlies is good.

Owner Charlie Langdon started his Italian and Pizza restaurant over 30 years ago. He moved twice during that time, all within east Fort Worth, and we always moved with him.

Charlies is New York style thin crust pizza. I like it when it is slightly overcooked and very crispy.

One last thing, the dessert pies are made there in his kitchen by Lora. She came over to Charlies after Eden's closed. I think they are the best pies I have ever eaten. Our favorites: Coconut Icebox and Chocolate Dream.

Charlies Pizza
2220 Handley Drive
Fort Worth, Texas

April, 2011 Editor update: Charlies Pizza is closed. For more pizza in Fort Worth see the sidebar, "Restaurants, pizza." Or search for "pizza" is the search field area.