According to Forbes Magazine financially St Louis ranked number 3 of the 40 largest metropolitan areas based on appreciation, rental levels and vacancy rates. Here are the top ten. 1. Houston 2. Austin, Texas 3. St. Louis 4. Philadelphia 5. San Antonio, Texas 6. Dallas 7. Charlotte, N.C. 8. San Francisco 9. Jacksonville, Fla. 10. Atlanta Forbes magazine Maurna Desmond article