March 8th, 2010 10:25 AM

GREENVILLE — The Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Greenville metropolitan areas are expected to be among the nation's 'front-runners' in the housing recovery this year, according to a trade magazine report.

Builder magazine's online version ranked Charleston fifth, Myrtle Beach 15th and Greenville 19th in its listing of top 20 healthiest markets in the nation.

The rankings were based on building permits, resale values and job and income growth from 2009 data and 2010 projections.

Mark Nix, executive officer of the Home Builders of South Carolina, said getting people happy and thriving is tied to jobs, quality of life and affordable housing.

Charleston has done a good job at bringing jobs to the market, he said. Nix said Myrtle Beach, a 'mecca' for tourism, is continuing to attract many new residents. Greenville was cited for, among other things, affordable housing, strong population growth and its location on Interstate 85 between Atlanta and Charlotte.

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