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Bullish on jobs? These 10 cities are.

Our list of the 10 metro areas that saw the most job growth in 2011 might surprise you.

6. Peoria, Ill.: +4.8 percent

Jeff Haynes/Reuters/File
The city of Peoria, Illinois, is seen here from a roadway heading downtown in this 2009 file photo. Peoria's main employer, Caterpillar Inc., saw revenues jump 41 percent in 2011, offering a big boost to the metro area's economic outlook.

  • By Meredith Bennett-Smith Contributor

Located approximately halfway between Chicago and St. Louis, Peoria built a reputation for being the quintessential example of America’s heartland. It became a testing market for consumer-focused companies launching new products and is home to Caterpillar Inc., the world’s leading construction equipment company. Last year, Caterpillar enjoyed a record-breaking sales year, with revenues upwards of $60 billion – a 41 percent increase from 2010. Also in 2011, USA Today cited Peoria as one of the Top 5 metro areas in the Midwest for job opportunities. 

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