It is rather common for new grads to look for opportunities someplace else when they graduate. Young people have many dreams, plans for the future, and are not afraid to go after their goals. But this brings us to the following question: what are the best cities for college graduates? Where do most fresh grads go, and why do they choose this or that place?
Just like with any other relocation, who will choose which destination will probably depend on personal preferences and expectations. That is, to some extent. But there are still certain places that are more commonly chosen among this particular group of people. Let’s take a look at a list of cities that are particularly popular among them and find out what makes them so favorable.
Where Do Most Grads Live?
As a group of people with mostly similar interests, most US graduates tend to flock toward several major cities. There are certain factors that qualify a place as a good or bad choice for a young grad full of life and spirit. These, among others, include affordability, unemployment rate, median earnings, and entertainment. Now the question is: is there such a thing as the perfect combination, a place where all these factors are satisfactory? There might not be a perfect place, but let’s find out which cities are the best for young graduates.
Austin, Texas Is Among the Absolute Best Cities for New College Grads
There are several reasons why the capital of Texas often ranks high when it comes to desirable destinations for graduates. To start with, the unemployment rate is low and continues to drop (2.2%), which sounds promising for people looking to climb the career ladder.
Apart from employment opportunities, Austin is also quite convenient to get around with the average commute time lower than 25 minutes. Some of the major employers here include the following:
- Apple, Inc.
- Dell, Inc.
- Cirrus Logic
- Cisco Systems
- Texas State University
San Francisco, California Is Where Grads Look for Entertainment and Employment
When it comes to entertainment, the City by the Bay is probably one of the best choices with its sheer number of fun things to do for the young. But don’t jump to the conclusion that San Francisco is just all about entertainment. There are excellent job opportunities, too, especially in high-tech companies, with close to 400,000 available jobs in this sector. What can be an issue for those who haven’t found a stable job is the high cost of living.
Expect High Median Earnings in Chicago, Illinois
One of the major advantages of living in the Windy City that draws a high number of graduates is a rather high median salary. The latest estimates show that the median income per capita is over $36,000.
According to Data USA, Chicago employs as many as 1.37 million people, which sounds quite promising. Healthcare is among the largest industries, but there are also various job opportunities in manufacturing, insurance, financial trading, and IT. Some of the major employers include the following:
- S. Government (Chicago Federal Executive Board)
- Chicago Public Schools
- City of Chicago
- Advocate Health Care
Speaking of employment, let’s find out just how low the unemployment rate in Denver is.
Low Unemployment Rate Makes Denver, Colorado a Rather Desirable Destination
Did you know that Denver has an unemployment rate of only 2.3%? As such, it has become one of the most popular destinations among millennials. Many young people find excellent job opportunities in Denver’s major sectors, including management, business, IT-software, and financial services.
The average commute time of 26 minutes is another reason why many are drawn to the Mile High City. Most people use their own vehicle to get around, so keep that in mind in case you’re considering auto transport.
You Can Always Find Someone Your Age in New York City, New York
You normally expect to find NYC on the list of the most exciting places to explore and have fun. The Big Apple is, of course, much more than just plain fun. As a place that has everything you can think of, it is a rather desirable destination among graduates.
For those relocating from a small town, a new life in such a buzzing metropolis may seem like too much of a change. However, the good news is that you can never feel lonely in NYC. With 16% of residents aged between 20 and 29 and 21.5% of them holding a bachelor’s degree, you can always find someone with similar interests.
How to Choose Among the Best Cities for College Graduates?
You are about to make one of the most significant decisions in your life, so it’s crucial to think carefully. Set your priorities to be able to make the right choice eventually. Do you want a buzzing place that never sleeps like New York, or you want to focus just on finding a job? Or you’d like to enjoy the best of both worlds?
Summary
Are you ready for the big adventure? You might feel somewhat scared, but this will be an exciting period for you, too. Whichever of the cities on this list that you pick, you won’t regret it. Each of them is suitable for young graduates eager to work hard to pursue a career and enjoy life to the fullest at the same time.
If what scares you is the relocation process alone, remember that you can always turn to expert movers who offer moving services to handle your move for you. In addition to packing, a professional moving crew can also offer storage services. Let experts give you a hand and enjoy your relocation from start to finish.
