Amid continuing discussions about the rise in unemployment, major layoffs and an unsteady economy, BusinessWeek brings a bit of good news to the workforce in Virginia. Two of Virginia’s metro areas were voted by the publication as the one of the top 20 “Best Places to Start Over“. Criteria for the list was based on the percentage of companies planning to hire in the third quarter, according to a Manpower survey of 28,348 U.S. employers that was conducted Apr. 6-29.

“If you’ve been laid off or are just looking for a new place to start your career—or life—over, here are 20 places in the U.S. where companies are hiring and the quality of life is high,” the article says.

With Richmond coming in at #6 and Arlington/Alexandria at #10, Virginia ties Washington State with two mentions on the list. See what other recent workforce news Virginia has in common Washington State.