Are you looking to pack your bags and settle down somewhere else? To help your home search, check out Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine's 2008 rankings of best cities in the country to live, work and play.

The 2008 Best Cities report looked for areas that have strong economies, abundant jobs, a reasonable cost of living and a thriving entertainment and leisure scene.

Here are the top 5 cities selected:

No. 1 Houston

Houston has reclaimed its title as energy capital of the U.S. and added aerospace, technology and medical companies to the mix, generating more than 100,000 jobs in 2007. Not only does the Houston metro area lead the nation in job growth, but also its cost of living stands well below the national average. Housing prices run half those of other metro areas its size. The median home price in Houston is $150,000, according to S&P Case/Shiller Home Price Index.

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No. 2 Raleigh, NC

Raleigh remains a work in progress, but 2008 should be the turning point for this fast-growing southern city. The city's new convention center will open this year, as will an adjoining Marriott hotel and the city's tallest building, RBC Plaza. The Royal Bank of Canada's U.S. headquarters is the kind of real estate local officials are seeking. The city has plans for more mix of office, condos and retail space. The average home price in Raleigh is $236,000, according to S&P Case/Shiller Home Price Index.

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No. 3 Omaha, NE

Omaha today offers more than just sprawling farmland and roaming cows. This Midwest city continues to expand westward. Venture 10 miles southwest and you'll come to Millard, a suburb known for its top-rated, nationally recognized public-school system. It's a peaceful community with well-manicured lawns, sprawling subdivisions and shopping malls. Home prices are affordable, too. For example, a 3,000-square-foot, 4-bedroom home sells for about $350,000, while a 2,000-square-foot, 3-bedroom home goes for about $200,000.

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No. 4 Boise, Idaho

Boise is the perfect destination for the nature enthusiasts and outdoorsman. From its world-class ski resorts to its pristine biking trails and rivers, the city does not lack in leisure activities. For those in search of a small-but-happening feel, the burgeoning suburb of Eagle is the place to go. This former farm town is known for its rich soil, which is ideal for the cultivation of red-wine grapes. The median home price in Boise is $232,000, according to Housingtracker.net.

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No. 5 Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs is enjoying a resurgence of national recognition for its quality of life and abundant job opportunities. A strong military presence — with U.S. Army and Air Force operations, as well as the U.S. Air Force Academy — adds fuel to the economy, as does the aerospace and defense sector attracted by the military. Customer service and information technology are taking off, with companies such as FedEx, T. Rowe Price and Progressive Insurance all adding jobs. You can buy a 4-bedroom, turn-of-the-century home a couple of miles north of downtown for $235,000, or a 5-bedroom, contemporary house near the Broadmoor hotel and the country club for $450,000.

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Other U.S. cities that rounded the top 10 include: Austin, TX; Fayetteville, AR; Sacramento, CA; Des Moines; and Provo, UT.

Got hot local housing tips or a story you want to share? Contact Amy Le at openingdoorsblog@HomeFinder.com.