A list of best neighborhoods to consider in today’s real estate market. Whether you are looking for a place to live, an investment property or a place to retire, here are the top places for 2008.

Austin and Round Rock, Texas:
Austin, one of the hippest cities in the country, has one of the lowest unemployment rates along with high rates of job growth. Round Rock is a rapidly growing and diverse city with healthy job market and an economy based on high tech, medical, and retail. Both cities show very stable home prices despite the downturn nationwide.

Mission Viejo, California:
With total population of 93,102 and median age of 83 Mission Viejo has the lowest crime rate in the country. With no murders in 2007 and a low rate of violent crime, this is a good place to raise a family. The job market is stable in nearby Irvine and San Diego.

Palm Beach, Florida:
Although the local housing market was swayed by foreclosures in 2007, with a high number of retiring baby boomers Palm Beach is one of the top places to invest in.

Las Vegas, Nevada:
Even though Vegas is quiet often mentioned in a top of foreclosure lists - there is a reason to buy there - a booming job market. In 2007 Las Vegas had an incredible 12% increase in population. The prices are balancing-out due to a decreasing number of real estate investors.

Asheville, North Carolina:
This mountain town boasts the Biltmore Estate and a thriving arts and crafts community. It is the largest city in western North Carolina, and continues to grow. Asheville is named as one of “The 50 Most Alive Places To Be”. Home prices are up 35% in the past five years, compared with the national median growth of 27.8%.