according to the Milken Institute report on “Best Performing Cities” in 2011 and the National Association of Home Builders/First American’s list of improving house markets.   In the smaller metros of Texas, Tyler was 20th  in the nation with 4 other smaller metros in the top 25.  The Home Builders Association showed 41 markets as IMPROVING and 8 are in Texas and TYLER is one of these.  While markets were added, 9 were dropped.  This shows improvement in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least 6 consecutive months.  While Texas’ growth rate & advancement isn’t all that wonderful, we have managed to stay flat with a few small positives, but everyone else has more negatives, according to Dr. Jim Gaines, Real Estate Center Research Economist.