So, you’ve finally graduated college and are starting your career. However, where you grew up isn’t always where you’ll end up. As a young professional, you’ll need to find a place to live where you can work and live that helps you grow your career. Here are the best places to live for young professionals.
- Chicago
Relocating to a new place can be difficult, but the vibrant city of Chicago can help you find a career you’ll love. Home to the Chicago Cubs, the Windy City is home to thousands of millennials because it offers job opportunities no matter what your degree is or where you came from. It also has a variety of restaurants, and the rent is no more than any other thriving city. It’s also one of the most diverse cities.
- Austin
Austin, Texas, is a great place for young professionals that don’t want to live in the cold midwest. Millennials love Austin because it has a bustling music scent and nightlife but is also home to many large companies and corporations.
Austin has a strong job market, with the main industries being healthcare and technology. It also has affordable housing, so your rent won’t break the bank.
- Miami
Miami is a busy city located in Florida and known for its diversity and beautiful beaches. There are many opportunities available for young professionals, and Florida is also one of the few states in the United States that does not collect income tax. Miami is one of the most expensive places to live on our list, so make sure you have enough savings before you move there in search of a job.
- Denver
Denver is a nexus for young professionals who want to live in a friendly community with beautiful mountain scenery. This bustling city is known for tech and healthcare companies, but the job market is strong and rapidly growing. The unemployment rate in Denver is low, and rent is incredibly affordable.
If you’re someone who enjoys nature, then Denver is a great place to settle down, known for its mountains and hiking trails.
- Des Moines
Des Moines is located in the midwest, making it one of the cheapest places to live on our list, but it is also quickly growing. It also has a great job market with professionals in finance, insurance, technology, and manufacturing.
Des Moines is known for its art, with thousands of pieces on display at the art center, but it also has a yearly music festival.
- Portland
Much like Denver, Portland has become more popular in recent years. With major tech companies and startups located there, more young professionals are leaving their home states and traveling to Oregon. There are many job opportunities available, and it allows you to live in an attractive city with an affordable cost of living.
Portland is an eccentric city with tons of events happening year-round.
- Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is another affordable city on our list, and it has the lowest unemployment rate with a variety of growing industries, making it ideal for young professionals who don’t want to live in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.
Salt Lake City is a place for those who love the outdoors with much to do outside, from nature hikes to hanging out at parks. You can also go skiing or visit one of the many attractions.
- Seattle
Seattle is a bustling city full of young professionals. The city is known for relatively low rent, and many companies are looking for new people to hire. Seattle is also known for coffee, a favorite thing among young professionals. The best news is you don’t need a car to live there. There are tons of transportation options, including walking around on foot.
- Minneapolis
Minneapolis is known as The Twin City and is one of the more expensive places to live in the midwest. However, residents typically make more than the national average salary, so you can likely afford to live there once you’ve secured a job. There are lots of activities available in Minneapolis, including nature walks and going to attractions like museums.
- Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a wonderful city for young professionals looking to start their careers. It’s a great community with affordable housing and is home to many industries, including healthcare. It’s also a great place to raise a family if you’re considering your long-term goals. Pittsburgh is home to a few major league sports teams and has a downtown you won’t forget, so you’ll never get bored.
- Richmond
Richmond, Virginia, has a relatively low cost of living but a strong job market. It attracts both younger and older professionals because it has tons of opportunities in government, healthcare, finances, and tourism.
- Knoxville
If you enjoyed your college town, then consider moving to Knoxville, Tennessee that offers the same type of energy you experienced on campus. It’s home to the University of Tennessee, so residents include college students and families alike. Knoxville has a relatively low cost of living and provides tons of things to do, such as eating at nice restaurants or having picnics at the park.
- Green Bay
Green Bay is located in Wisconsin and is considered a smaller metro area. It can be a great place for you to start your career while saving money since it has a low cost of living. Not only that, but you can also own a home in Green Bay for less, with medium home prices being lower in this city than any other on our list. One of the major industries in Green Bay is insurance.
- Boston
If you want to live on the east coast while focusing on your career, then check out Boston, MA. Boston has a rich history and offers leading healthcare. If you’ve ever been to Boston as a tourist, then you’ve likely been on one of the famous walking tours because it’s a great city for taking a walk. Boston is home to many companies, including industries such as legal and technology. It also has postgraduate opportunities at one of its educational facilities.
- Cincinnati
Located in Ohio, Cincinnati is another affordable city in the midwest for young professionals. One thing that stands out is the low cost of living that allows recent college grads to begin saving even if they’re renting an apartment in the city. In addition, rent is fairly low. Cincinnati is one of the cheapest places to live in the US, and many of the residents are young people, so you’ll have no problem making friends.
As a young professional focused on career development, you need to find the right city to live in based on your preferences. If you don’t want to live in a city that’s always awake, try looking in the midwest for a city that matches your personality.
Marné Amoguis
Marné Amoguis holds a B.A. in International Business from UC San Diego. She is a contributing writer at 365businesstips.com where she loves sharing her passion for digital marketing. Outside of writing, she loves traveling, playing music, and hiking.
