Some cities have been hit much harder than others during the recession. Cities in California, Florida and Michigan, for instance, have been particularly hard hit, while others have seen their economy grow. In a recent Brookings Institution study, researchers gathered key economic statistics about the 100 largest US metro areas, including employment, home values and Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP). Among the surprising results - 38 metro areas recorded an increase in home values, even though th

Note: Changes in employment and GMP compare the peak period vs. Q1 2009, while unemployment rate and house price changes cover Q1 2008 to Q1 2009.Photo: Des Moines Guy