Want to kickstart your career in a new city? With great affordability, exciting nightlife, and ample job opportunities—here are the 14 best cities for young professionals in 2024!
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Atlanta, GA
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- Population: 497,642
- Home Price: $314,400 median purchase price; $1,227 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $64,179
- Median Age: 33.2
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
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Georgia is among the most affordable states, making Atlanta a great Southern city for singles and young professionals alike. Though the cost of living in Atlanta is higher than the U.S. average—this is balanced by the city’s median annual household income being over $10,000 higher than the state’s average—and groceries and utilities tend to be more affordable here, as well. Plus, due to the low unemployment rate and abundant jobs in Atlanta, ATL is known as the best city to start a career. Atlanta residents can find employment with manufacturing companies like InComm Payments and HD Supply. Or join other major industries like education, technology, and health IT. Outside the workplace, Georgia’s capital city has plenty of things to do for young adults! Cheer on one of the many Atlanta sports teams like the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Dream (WNBA), and Atlanta Hawks (NBA). Learn about Dr. King’s work and impact on society as you wander through exhibits in Freedom Hall at The King Center. For nightlife in Atlanta, catch a live concert at the Tabernacle, or choose from over 120 whiskeys at The Southern Gentleman.
Austin, TX
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- Population: 965,872
- Home Price: $358,600 median purchase price; $1,346 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $75,752
- Median Age: 33.7
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
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The city of Austin ranks among the best places to live in the South, making ATX a great city for young professionals to call home! Nicknamed Silicon Hills, this major tech hub is a great place for entrepreneurs to launch startups or work for major employers, including Oracle, IBM, or Silicon Labs. And despite the high cost of living, Austinites can take advantage of having no income tax. Austin has also increased its sustainable living efforts by implementing hydroelectric energy along Lake Travis and constructing a community solar project. Meanwhile, you can find some of the best nightlife in the U.S. in ATX, from the cocktail lounges and cowboy bars on 6th Street, to the music venues that make Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. Find more to do in Texas’ capital city at outdoor recreation spots like Barton Creek Greenbelt and Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. With fun events like the world-famous SXSW Conference and Austin City Limits (ACL)—as well as some of the nation’s best BBQ—Austin is one of the best cities for young people to live!
Boston, MA
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- Population: 689,326
- Home Price: $581,200 median purchase price; $1,685 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $76,298
- Median Age: 32.4
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
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Considering moving to Boston? The City on a Hill is one of the best East Coast cities to live. Home to established companies like General Electric, Gillette, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and more, Boston ranks amongst the best cities to start a career. Although the cost of living in Boston is relatively high, the city still offers safe, affordable neighborhoods with budget-friendly housing options. As the first city to build a subway system in the U.S., Boston is also known for easy commutes! Bostonians can utilize Boston’s public transit system, or take advantage of the city’s walkable design. In fact, many Boston residents live within a ten-minute walk of a public park! And hiking the Walking City Trail, which spans 27 miles connecting parks, gardens, and neighborhoods, is a great way to see the city. Living in Boston also gives you a wide variety of things to do when you’re done with work, like getting tickets to a Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Celtics (NBA), or Boston Bruins (NHL) game. And don’t miss out on the amazing food scene in Boston! Try out the famous Boston Baked Beans from Union Oyster House in honor of the city’s original nickname, Beantown.
Charlotte, NC
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- Population: 873,570
- Home Price: $235,000 median purchase; $1,185 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $65,359
- Median Age: 34.4
- Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
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Young adults looking to live on the East Coast should consider moving to Charlotte! Not only is the cost of living in Charlotte on par with the national average, but young professionals won’t have trouble finding great opportunities for employment in Charlotte, either. Known for being the second largest financial center in the country, Queen City is filled with highly-rated finance companies like Paymentus and Bank of America. Meanwhile, those interested in exploring other top industries will find companies like Albemarle Corporation, Honeywell, and more. But it’s not all about work in Charlotte! Sports fans can cheer on teams like the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), and Charlotte Knights (MiLB)—or head to the Charlotte Motor Speedway to watch thrilling NASCAR races. Learn about the history of Charlotte through rotating exhibits like Charlotte Gems and marvel at the American Freedom Bell at the Charlotte Museum of History. Or go for a walk around the lake, play basketball with friends, and enjoy a picnic on the green space at Freedom Park.
Chicago, IL
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- Population: 2,699,347
- Home Price: $267,600 median purchase price; $1,154 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $62,097
- Median Age: 34.8
- Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
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If you want to live in a vibrant place filled with opportunity, set your sights on the city of Chicago! Jobs in Chi-town span across many industries—including manufacturing, innovation and technology, life sciences, and finance—and there are ample employment opportunities at companies like Accenture, ArcelorMittal, and Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). While Chicago’s cost of living is high, it’s much more affordable than other major cities, like NYC. And with plenty of great neighborhoods for singles and young professionals throughout the area, Chicago is a great place to settle down. Additionally, thanks to Lake Michigan’s influence, Chicago experiences all four seasons—and there’s fun to be had in all kinds of weather! Attend events all year round, from ice skating at Millennium Park to Chicago’s St Patrick’s Day Parade. Shop till you drop at The Magnificent Mile, which features more than 450 retailers. Enjoy a night out in Chicago at popular bars and speakeasies like The Drifter or The Violet Hour. Or see art from artists across the globe, go on a Galley Tour, and more at the renowned Art Institute of Chicago.
Columbus, OH
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- Population: 889,079
- Home Price: $160,000 median purchase price; $989 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $54,902
- Median Age: 32.4
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
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Don’t forget about Columbus when looking for a great place to live and work! Columbus’s cost of living is 11% less than the nation at large—and housing costs are 23% lower than the U.S. average—making this Midwest city an affordable locale for young professionals. Home to major employers like The Ohio State University and Safelite Solutions, the city of Columbus offers no shortage of excellent job opportunities. Living in Columbus also gives residents access to plenty of exciting things to do—whether you’re spending time exploring the outdoors at Glen Echo Park or shopping, dining, and browsing galleries at the Short North Arts District. Root for Columbus sports teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA D-I), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (MiLB) throughout the year. Or take advantage of fun Columbus events, like musical performances at the Buckeye Country Superfest, or the variety of LGBTQ+ activities at the Stonewall Columbus Pride festival.
Denver, CO
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- Population: 715,878
- Home Price: $427,600 median purchase price; $1,397 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $72,661
- Median Age: 34.6
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
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For several years now, Denver has been named among the best places to live for young adults! Colorado’s capital city offers a low unemployment rate and the presence of major companies in Denver like the University of Colorado Denver and Denver Health help make the Mile High City a great spot for job seekers. But job opportunities aren’t the only reasons why Denver is one of the best cities to live. Residents are also able to go skiing, mountain climbing, and hiking in a city with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation! Living in Denver also puts you in the heart of one of America’s best beer cities, so you can spend your weekends exploring breweries like Great Divide Brewing Company, checking out the beer trail, or attending the annual Great American Beer Festival. And of course, Denver’s nightlife is hot—from jamming out at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, to hanging at CoClubs in the South of Colfax Nightlife District, you can always find something to do!
Minneapolis, MN
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- Population: 424,536
- Home Price: $268,100 median purchase price; $1,078 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $66,068
- Median Age: 32.3
- Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
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With plenty of career opportunities, Minneapolis finds itself among the best cities for young professionals, and one of the best big cities in the U.S.! As the headquarters for major corporations like Target, U.S. Bank, and Ameriprise Financial, in addition to opportunities at publishing companies like Graywolf Press and Milkweed Editions, it can be easy to find a job in Minneapolis. Minnesota’s largest city is also one of the healthiest cities in the U.S., partly due to its abundance of parks and outdoor activities. And while it may be a thriving metropolis, Mill City still prioritizes reducing its environmental impact through the Minneapolis Climate Action Plan and Green Zones Initiative, which supports communities that have been disproportionately affected by pollution. Not to mention, living in Minneapolis gives you access to lots of live music venues along with incredible pro sports teams like the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), and Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA).
Nashville, TN
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- Population: 667,070
- Home Price: $264,600 median purchase price; $1,170 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $62,087
- Median Age: 34.2
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
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Thinking about moving to Nashville? With great neighborhoods for singles and young professionals and plenty of friendly Southern hospitality to make you feel at home, Music City is a fantastic place in the Southeast to settle down. A thriving job market and a cost of living that’s 6% lower than the national average are just some of the reasons for Nashville’s steady population growth. With major companies like Ardent Health Services and HCA Healthcare, the Nashville offers ample job opportunities to young professionals. You’ll also find an abundance of things to do outside in Nashville, like strolling around the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens or hiking at Radnor Lake State Park. Make sure to get in touch with Music City’s culture by attending concerts at two of the top-rated music venues in the world, Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry.
Pittsburgh, PA
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- Population: 301,286
- Home Price: $134,800 median purchase price; $984 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $50,536
- Median Age: 33.4
- Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
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One of the best places for young professionals to live, Pittsburgh, PA is also more than welcoming to those seeking remote career opportunities! With major employers in Pittsburgh like PNC Financial Services, Highmark Health, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), it makes sense that Steel City is one of the best U.S. cities for jobs. The cost of living in Pittsburgh is well below the national average—as are its median home prices—which is a major draw for young professionals. Get to know the Pittsburgh community through annual events like the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Pittsburgh Irish Festival, and Picklesburgh. For more fun things to do in Pittsburgh, take a bike ride, play a game of tennis with friends, go birding at Clayton Hill, and more in massive Frick Park. Or see the largest collection of Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol’s art at The Andy Warhol Museum!
Portland, OR
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- Population: 650,380
- Home Price: $438,500 median purchase price; $1,325 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $73,159
- Median Age: 37.5
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
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In addition to its beautiful mountain views, Portland, OR is known to offer a wide range of job opportunities for young professionals, especially if you want to kickstart your career in the booming tech industry. Find tech jobs in The Silicon Forest with companies like Intel and Smarsh, or with any number of tech startups in the Portland area. Additionally, there are plenty of things to do in Portland! Explore breathtaking mountaintops, trails, and parks, such as Washington Park and Forest Park. And don’t forget to visit the International Rose Test Garden to find out where the city’s nickname—the City of Roses—came from! Looking for a place to wind down after a long day of work? Head to Distillery Row for a relaxing evening of spirits and craft cocktails from Aimsir Distilling Co. and New Deal Distillery. Or check out one of the 70+ breweries in PDX like Rogue Ales and Wayfinder Beer. Along with the great distilleries and breweries, the shopping scene in Portland is not to be missed—and with no state sales tax, you can shop ’til you drop in the Pearl District!
San Francisco, CA
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- Population: 874,784
- Home Price: $1,152,300 median purchase price; $2,010 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $119,136
- Median Age: 38.3
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
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Looking for a place to jump-start your career in technology, digital media, or business? Jobs in San Francisco for young professionals range from Fortune 500 companies like Salesforce and Visa to Wells Fargo, meaning job seekers have a variety of options to explore. Although SF’s cost of living is higher than national average, there are many safe and affordable neighborhoods that can help you maintain your budget. Amazing work opportunities and a variety of housing options aren’t the only things that make this Bay Area city a great place to live. With fascinating historical sites like Alcatraz Island, recognizable landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, and more—San Francisco is one of the best places to live on the West Coast. And with the abundance of activities in the city, it’s easy to find something to do after a long day of work. Immerse yourself in fun things to do in the San Francisco area, like hiking at Twin Peaks or Muir Woods, surfing at Ocean Beach, and strolling along the famous Lombard Street—“The Crookedest Street in the World.”
Seattle, WA
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- Population: 741,251
- Home Price: $713,600 median purchase price; $1,702 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $97,185
- Median Age: 35.2
- Unemployment Rate: 3%
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With a low unemployment rate and the presence of tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, Seattle is among the best cities for jobs. Along with easy access to plenty of outdoor activities—like kayaking at Discovery Park or hiking up scenic Mount Rainier—Emerald City’s passion for sustainability helps keep the city more eco-friendly, with initiatives to increase electric transportation and a Seattle Climate Action Plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Those living in Seattle can also peruse goods from over 500 vendors at the famous Pike Place Market, contribute to the Gum Wall, catch interesting movies and documentaries at the annual Seattle International Film Festival, and rock out to show-stopping musical performances at Showbox. Plus, you’ll never be without a cup of Seattle coffee—the birthplace of Starbucks is also one of the best cities for coffee lovers!
Washington, DC
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- Population: 701,974
- Home Price: $618,100 median purchase price; $1,607 median monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $90,842
- Median Age: 34.1
- Unemployment Rate: 5%
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Searching for a city with a booming job market? You’ll find plenty of career opportunities in the nation’s capitol—Washington, DC—especially if you’re practicing law or want to jump-start a career in government. One of the best places to live for young adults, those living in DC can find employment with major companies in the area like Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, The Carlyle Group, and Fannie Mae. The nation’s capitol is also perfect for history buffs, as it boasts an abundance of museums, memorials, and notable government buildings like The Capitol Building, The White House, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Wondering what the social scene and nightlife in DC looks like? Residents have a love for wine, so be sure to try out some of the best wineries around the DC area if you’re looking to wind down after a long day—such as Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery or Bluemont Vineyard.
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City statistics from AreaVibes
