Hard to down when you're already at the bottom...
Calling Houston "recession proof" is laughable. Remember the 80's? These cities aren't "recession proof". They just happen to be in a good economic cycle at this time. That can easily change.
San Jose as recession proof? Granted its lows are better than most cities highs, but the tech industry goes boom/bust every few years.
I say Wash, D.C. is recession proof....all government and government contractors, and the government doesn't really downsize in hard times.
I live in Little Rock and we are actually doing very good due to the fact that our major product is food.