Home Prices Boom, In Select Cities

Despite the real estate slump, several cities are seeing double-digit gains in housing prices: Portland, Boise, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Houston, Austin, Charlotte and Raleigh aren't feeling the bubble blues—in part because they missed out on the bubble.

Other things these cities have in common: strong industries and high education levels. While analysts worry that the market could still go bust in these havens, locals are predicting steady growth. (More housing market stories.)