One year can make a lot of difference. Around this same time last year, the energy and manufacturing sectors were booming, but this summer has witness a huge growth in a few other fields. Thanks to the recession, many states are relying on consistently solid job industries, such as health care and education, to bolster the economy.

So, where should you re-locate if you’re looking for work? In order to make the cut, cities need to have the ability to create new, well-paying positions, as well as be able to maintain stable employment. One important indicator of a city’s job prospects is its percentage of citizens who work in professional occupations like engineering, education, and architecture. That’s why so many jobs are located in college towns—universities, colleges, and schools provide LOTS of jobs!

How does your city measure up?

Here are some of the most financially secure cities in 2009:

No. 1: Huntsville, Alabama – this city plays an important role in protecting our country. In fact, it’s one of the largest cities for the nation’s missile-defense and aerospace industries. Engineers, scientists, and members of the military can proudly call Huntsville home.

No. 2: Albuquerque, New Mexico – high-tech jobs are very much in-demand in Albuquerque, especially in the renewable energy (or “green”) sector. The city is also home to a growing film industry. “No Country For Old Men” and “Terminator Salvation” were both filmed at Albuquerque Studios.

No. 3: Washington, DC – thanks to the government, the nation’s capitol is holds many job prospects. Outside of working for the feds, prospective employees can find jobs in law, defense, and aerospace. Since DC is home to many universities—including Georgetown, George Washington, and Howard University—education is also an important industry.

No. 4: Charlottesville, Virginia – the hometown of Thomas Jefferson also where the University of Virginia is located. Charlottesville is therefore THE place to be if you’re involved in academia and education.

No. 5: Athens, Georgia – the unemployment rate in Athens is one of the lowest in the state, thanks to the University of Georgia. In addition to the University, the city can also boast of several hospitals and other medical centers that provide many allied health care jobs.

No. 6: Olympia, Washington – the capitol of Washington is the home of a thriving arts and food community. Yes, despite the recession, Olympians and tourists are still eating out, listening to music, and strolling into galleries.

No. 7: Madison, Wisconsin – this Wisconsin city has as consistently excellent track-record of low unemployment. How? The University of Wisconsin and the state capitol are both located in Madison. Even if you don’t work in education or politics, many people flock to Madison to get involved in computer and biotech firms.

No. 8: Austin, Texas – while most cities were laying off workers, Austin added 3,300 more jobs to its thriving economy. Austin is a great place to be if you want to work in government, education, hospitality, or the technology industry.

No. 9: Flagstaff, Arizona – thanks to its proximity to the Grand Canyon and Native American ruins, the tourism and hospitality industries are thriving. Not only does Northern Arizona University provide jobs to the local economy, but it also adds arts and entertainment to its cultural scene.

No. 10: Raleigh, North Carolina – in addition to being the hub of three different universities, Raleigh can boast of Research Triangle Park, where employers can be found in a variety of industries that range from biotech to computers.

Did your city make the grade? Check out the full list here.