The distinction includes Enid, Okla, Sitka, Alaska, and the South Bronx.

By DAVID DECAMP, The Times-Union

January 11, 2006

This bold, new city of the South -- where Florida begins -- has a new motto: up-and-comer.

Just like Sitka in Alaska, and Enid, Okla.

A segment on Good Morning America on ABC will feature New York real estate star Barbara Corcoran, who will stroke Jacksonville's collective ego by naming it one of the nation's top five up-and-coming areas for 2006.

The show airs 7 to 9 this morning on WJXX TV-25. In addition to Sitka and Enid, the other top cities are Oxford, Miss., and the South Bronx in New York City.

Corcoran and her production company do lists for TV of top places, such as sexiest suburbs and best retirement spots.

After studying about 3,700 suggestions, Jacksonville made the list because of housing prices, location and growth, according to a producer's e-mail Tuesday.

Jacksonville visitors bureau and Chamber of Commerce staffers provided data and video in support in December.

"We don't necessarily take the rankings seriously, but we love the attention," said Jerry Mallot, chamber executive vice president.

He should know. He's seen Enid and Sitka.

"I can tell you, we've got that beat," Mallot quipped.