Forbes Magazine Says Triangle Is #2 Place For Business

The magazine factored in such issues as business and living costs, the education of the work force, job and income growth, crime rates and a culture-and-leisure index.

It said that Boise is the leader when it comes to keeping costs down and attracting smart people.

No. 2 on the list is the Raleigh-Durham area. The magazine noted that almost 40 percent of the population has a college education.

It said business costs are below the national average and the textile industry is re-energized.

Rounding out the top three again was Austin, Texas.

Madison, Wis., fell from No. 1 last year to No. 10.

The magazine said Madison dropped because of slower income growth and higher business costs.

Here's the top 10 list:

1. Boise, Idaho 2. Raleigh-Durham 3. Austin, Texas 4. Washington, D.C. 5. Albuquerque, N.M. 6. Huntsville, Ala. 7. Fayetteville, Ark. 8. Norfolk, Va. 9. Atlanta 10. Madison, Wis.