Anyone who's made a real estate investment in the last five years, whether in their residence or for as a professional real estate investor, has probably felt the sting of the real estate crash. But there is good cause to believe that the national real estate market is turning around, as more and more individual markets turn upward and start appreciating again. Here are the top ten appreciating real estate markets in the US, along with (more interestingly) the reasons why they're doing so well.

Real Estate Market 1: Boulder, CO

Benefiting from a wealthy population, a collection of stable and large employers (such as the University of Colorado), and a natural defense against overdevelopment (the steep mountain slopes surrounding it), Boulder has felt relatively little pain in the last few years. Whether it helps or hurts matters, Boulder also happens to be one of the Top 5 Drinking Cities in America as well.

Real Estate Market 2: Spartanburg, SC

Once again, college campuses come to the rescue: Spartanburg has the highest student population rate in South Carolina (per capita), and those campuses provide jobs while the students provide money from out of town. It's also the headquarters of Denny's, which doesn't hurt the job market either.

Real Estate Market 3: New Orleans, LA

Between the thriving energy industry, the deluge of federal dollars pouring in and earmarked for home rehabilitation, and the ever-resilient entertainment and tourism industries, N'awlins is doing better than most cities these days.

Real Estate Market 4: Binghamton, NY

Sometimes the easiest way to avoid falling down is to simply not climb too high, as Binghamton's economy and housing markets have stayed remarkably steady and stable over the last ten years. Commitment to its core industries and a lack of frenzied economic behavior have kept Binghamton immune to the rest of the nation's roller coaster ride.

Real Estate Market 5: Fayetteville, NC

Like Binghamton, Fayetteville remains a steady economy, benefiting from stable military jobs from Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, and a thriving arts community made up of museums, galleries, and theatres.

Real Estate Market 6: Pittsburgh, PA

If you're surprised to see Pittsburgh on this list, you're not alone, but the fact is that Pittsburgh has successfully managed to re-invent itself as hub for education and research, health, and biomedical development.

Real Estate Market 7: Little Rock, AR

Yet another example of a city whose real estate values didn't spike sky-high, Little Rock is the beneficiary of Arkansas' tax dollars, as the state government provides a host of stable jobs, and its wind energy sector continues to boom.

Real Estate Market 8: Gainesville, GA

Education once again helps provide stability, in the form of universities and medical research. Retail and tourism help balance the economy as well, with the gorgeous Lake Lanier just around the river bend.

Real Estate Market 9: Burlington, NC

Like Pittsburgh, Burlington has successfully discarded the baggage associated with its old manufacturing economic base (textiles, not steel, in this case), and pursued a more diverse economy in the form of medical companies like LabCorp and Honda's upcoming light commercial jet manufacturing plant.

Real Estate Market 10: Oklahoma City, OK

Aside from its strong energy sector (unfortunately the dated energy models of oil and natural gas), Oklahoma City also benefits (like Little Rock) from being a state capital and having the rest of the state pay for its employees.

While the country's economy and real estate markets awaken from their slump, it's an excellent time to make a real estate investment or two, while we rest at the bottom of the curve. As dreary as the economic news was last winter, it's proving to be an optimistic summer and fall of 2009, as we see increasing numbers of markets start to appreciate in value again.