Over the past decade, Northwest Arkansas has skyrocketed into national rankings for job growth, talent attraction and quality of life. Northwest Arkansas spans three counties with five central cities: Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Springdale. Three Fortune 500 companies — Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt — have made significant investments in infrastructure, economy and growth.

There’s no shortage of things to do, whether you choose to enjoy world-class art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, see a play at TheatreSquared, catch live music at The Momentary or explore the natural beauty. Surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” is an adventurer’s dream with 500-plus miles of mountain biking trails and paved paths, as well as accessible outdoor recreation for all. Best of all — it’s a place where everyone is welcome. If you take a closer look at Northwest Arkansas, you’ll quickly come to realize, “Life Works Here.”

Colorado Springs offers all the innovation and opportunity with appealing affordability. From building a business, spurring a startup, or changing up your career, Colorado Springs has the resources you need. Colorado Springs was named “Most Desirable City” four years in a row by U.S. News & World Report. Home to Pikes Peak Mountain and Garden of the Gods, it’s common to find residents camping, biking, hiking and tackling almost all outdoor activities year round. Rock climbing, whitewater rafting and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular with locals.

The greater Chattanooga region is made up of 16 counties across northeast Alabama, northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee. Charming main streets and town squares anchor the unique communities of greater Chattanooga, which are surrounded by rolling farmland, craggy mountains, mysterious caves and whitewater rivers that boast world-renowned outdoor recreation.

Chattanooga has been named by Lonely Planet as the “Best in the U.S.” and “10 U.S. Destinations You Need To See.” The New York Times named Chattanooga one of the “Top 45 Places to Go.” And it’s no wonder. Tucked between the mountains of southern Appalachia and the winding Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one of America’s most breathtaking cities.

Surrounded by seven wilderness areas and at the confluence of three rivers in the Northern Rockies, Missoula is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Missoula is known for its spectacular natural beauty, as well its trout fishing, hiking, kayaking, climbing and biking.

Missoula is also a regional destination with small-town values and urban amenities, perfect for shopping and dining with three distinct districts and an abundance of restaurants, cafes, coffee houses and breweries. Known for its eclectic culture, visitors will find this arts and culture hub filled with arts and entertainment including symphonies, theatres, film festivals, author’s readings, college sports, ballets, operas and roller derby.

Centrally located between Chicago and Detroit, Grand Rapids, Michigan combines big-city excitement with small-town charm. CNN named Grand Rapids one of the 10 Best American Towns to Visit in 2024, touting its “vibrant arts scene, thriving beer culture and family-friendly recreation.” A clean, safe, walkable downtown boasts 200+ restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and cultural sites just minutes from one of the nation’s largest urban parks, 30+ golf courses and hundreds of miles of hiking/biking trails.

Grand Rapids hosts the planet’s most attended public art event, ArtPrize, each fall, and World of Winter, America’s largest winter festival, from January through March. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s 100 most visited art museums, is 10 minutes from the city center. The city is consistently ranked one of the nation’s most livable, affordable and business-friendly destinations.