If you're just graduating — or at any point in your career and wondering where the employment grass is greener -lists can come in handy. So for you list-lovers, here are two that can aid in your decision-making.

One is Kiplinger's Personal Finance list of the 10 Best Cities for 2009 that offers a peek at places with a robust job market. Kiplinger evaluated U.S. cities not just for their overall number of jobs; it also looked at places with a professional, high-quality workforce that will help generate new jobs and businesses when the recession ends.

You may be surprised to learn that No. 1 on the list is not a major metro area. It is Huntsville, Ala., population 378,057. The city is grounded in its missile-defense and aerospace industries and medical and life-sciences sectors, not to mention the U.S. Army, which employs more than 14,000 people. The magazine quotes Mayor Tommy Battle as saying, "We have more jobs than we can fill."

Kiplinger rates Albuquerque, N.M., in second place with an evolving solar-energy industry, growing film industry and a solid standing in research and development for national defense.

Next is Washington, D.C., where as you guessed, the economy is driven by government. Along with government jobs are those fueled by the government — jobs in law firms and defense companies, to name a few. High-tech is big there as well as higher education and, of course, the tourism industry that takes care of all the people who come to visit the monuments, museums and government buildings.

After that comes Charlottesville, Va., with the University of Virginia and private spinoff biotechnology firms. Then there's Athens, Ga., with the University of Georgia as its largest employer, a hub of regional medical services and a manufacturing base.

Next is Olympia, Wash., with an economy that state government and education keep vital, then Madison, Wis., with state government and higher education to keep it thriving, in addition to a large mix of tech and biotech firms and five business incubators.

No. 8 on the list is Austin, Texas, which added 3,330 jobs last year. Flagstaff, Ariz., fueled by government and tourism along with some manufacturing, was named No. 9, and Raleigh, N.C., with three universities and a strong biotech industry, is No. 10.

Kiplinger's list included cities' greater metro areas because the suburbs and surrounding communities contribute to job stability.

Some bright news for those of you who get paid to think: Kiplinger's research found that the impact of the economic downturn has been less severe for workers in the creative class. "One key indicator of such heartiness is the presence of people who work in professional occupations" such as scientists, engineers, architects, educators, writers, artists and entertainers, the article says.

If you're considering the federal government, this other list might be useful: Best Places to Work in the Federal Government.

Compiled by the Partnership for Public Service and American University's Institute for the Study of Public Policy Implementation, it gave top honors for government agencies with more than 2,000 employees to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Next was the Government Accountability Office and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The highest-ranking small agency was the Surface Transportation Board, then the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Congressional Budget Office.

A healthy job market and top-rated organization are important. But to make the wisest decision — especially if you're going to move — create your own livability profile. That includes other things that make for a good life: cost of living, healthcare needs, crime rate, education, social and cultural life, climate, physical environment and overall community.