Moving After College? Cities to Consider

The unemployment rate is much lower for those with college degrees, 7.7% than for those with just a high school diploma (17.9%), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be difficult for a recent graduate to find work in their field of study. Even if you made good use of your college time and chose work-study, many cities, will offer greater opportunities to put that degree to work.

If you plan to stay near your university, checking out employment fairs can be helpful. However, if after four years you crave a change of scenery, do your homework before you start on a new journey. See if they have a market for your particular skills. For example, if you are a marine biologist, your chances of working in your field drop significantly in Kansas or Wyoming.

Mid-size cities often provide a balanced blend of job opportunities and a more manageable cost of living, making them ideal for recent graduates looking to start their careers.

Selecting the Best City to Live in After Graduation

When deciding where to reside after graduation, college grads should consider three essential aspects. First, assess the city’s job market and career options, ensuring they align with your field of study. Second, examine the cost of living, including housing, transportation, and daily expenses, to ensure financial sustainability. Third, consider the city’s quality of life, including the social scene, cultural amenities, recreational options, safety, healthcare, and educational institutions.

Seek out places with active professional networks and industry-related organizations for networking and career advancement. Finally, consider personal preferences such as climate, accessibility to family and friends, and overall atmosphere. A careful evaluation of these factors will help graduates find a city that matches their career aspirations, lifestyle, and overall well-being.

#10 – Honolulu, HI

While the idea of sand and surf appeals to just about everyone, this island paradise is home to more than just beaches and volcanoes. This city has a strong focus on government, trade, the transportation industry, leisure, and hospitality. Over the past several years, agricultural and aquaculture developments have been on the rise. The unemployment rate is the second lowest in the country.

Honolulu, Hawaii, is an excellent location for college graduates, offering a variety of advantages and unique opportunities that make it an appealing choice. One of the major benefits is the diversified employment market. While tourism and hospitality are important industries in Honolulu, there are also opportunities in renewable energy, marine sciences, and healthcare. For example, recent environmental science graduates can look into working with groups like Hawai’i Green Growth, which focuses on sustainability and clean energy programs. Nursing graduates will find jobs in the flourishing healthcare sector, with renowned medical centers such as The Queen’s Medical Center offering rewarding careers.

Furthermore, the military presence in Honolulu offers opportunities for graduates interested in defense and support professions, such as working for Pacific Command or military contractors. The variety of professional choices available ensures that college graduates can find rewarding employment that matches their interests and skill sets.

Additionally, Honolulu’s distinctive cultural and natural setting provides college graduates with significant experiences. Graduates can connect with customs, language, and practices while immersed in the rich Hawaiian culture, enhancing their cultural awareness. For example, they can take part in traditional festivities such as a luau or learn the art of hula dancing. Hiking to beautiful waterfalls, exploring volcanic landscapes at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, and snorkeling are just a few of the island’s many leisure activities.

The drawback to this paradise is that it has one of the highest costs of living in the country. The average salary is $52,399.

#9 – Denver, CO

Denver is one of the major energy research centers in the country, with an emphasis on aerospace, manufacturing, air transportation, and telecommunications. The downtown area, known as the “Wall Street of the Rockies,” is home to both national and international banks.

With the light rail running all over town, commuting via public transportation is easier than in many places. Denver, Colorado, emerges as an outstanding location for college graduates, with a wealth of benefits and opportunities that make it a desirable choice. Denver has a thriving job market, notably in fields such as technology, healthcare, finance, and renewable energy. The city has a thriving tech scene, with businesses such as Ibotta and Slack establishing a foothold.

Graduates with expertise in software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity will have plenty of opportunities in Denver’s tech sector. Denver has a thriving healthcare industry, with prominent facilities such as UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado offering possibilities for nursing, healthcare administration, and medical research graduates.

Denver also provides an excellent quality of life for young professionals. The city is known for its magnificent natural settings, with the Rocky Mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop. Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking are just a short distance away for outdoor enthusiasts. Denver’s extensive park system, which includes historic parks such as City Park and Washington Park, offers plenty of space for recreation, sports, and community events.

 #8 – Portland, OR

Currently, more than 1,200 tech companies operate within the Portland area. Intel is the largest employer in the region; Portland has also seen consistent growth in the education and healthcare fields.

There has been a decline in the natural resources, mining, and construction sectors, but Portland has maintained its employment growth rate overall in other fields. Graduates in industries such as graphic design, photography, and performing arts can find a welcoming and vibrant environment in which to demonstrate their abilities. Portland’s emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness attracts environmentally conscious students.

The city is a hotspot for green initiatives and sustainable practices, and it offers chances for graduates interested in environmental conservation, urban planning, and renewable energy. Organizations such as the Oregon Environmental Council and Ecotrust provide opportunities for graduates to make a significant influence in these disciplines.

Portland’s strong sense of community and progressive values contribute to a welcoming and open environment, with organizations such as the Portland Young Professionals offering networking opportunities and support to recent graduates. Furthermore, the city’s proximity to spectacular natural treasures such as the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood allows for weekend escapes and outdoor experiences within minutes.

#7 – Rochester, NY

Home to several Fortune 1000 companies, including Kodak and the largest wine manufacturer in the world, Constellation Brands; Rochester also boasts a low average commute time and a really low cost of living to income ratio.

It is a smaller city, which may or may not appeal to some people. Rochester, New York, is a wonderful location for recent college graduates, offering a variety of advantages and opportunities that make it an appealing choice. One of Rochester’s significant benefits is its strong presence in vital industries such as optics, imaging, and photonics. The city is home to prominent institutions such as the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the University of Rochester, which contribute to a thriving innovation and research ecosystem.

Initiatives like the Rochester Venture Challenge and the Luminate NY accelerator program, which provide resources and support for prospective entrepreneurs, demonstrate the city’s dedication to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Rochester provides a great quality of life for recent college graduates. The city is noted for its low cost of living compared to other large metropolitan areas, allowing graduates to stretch their budgets while living comfortably. The thriving arts and cultural scene in Rochester is evident in its various theaters, galleries, and music venues, providing graduates with abundant opportunities to immerse themselves in creative expression.

#6 – Seattle, WA

Many prominent corporations were founded here, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Nordstrom, to name a few. Once associated with grunge music, this city now embraces alternative energy development and software engineering.

This city has a high cost of living, but it counters that by providing opportunities in education and culture. One of Seattle’s primary benefits is its strong tech industry. The city is home to tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft, as well as many innovative startups. Graduates with expertise in computer science, engineering, and data analytics might find intriguing career opportunities in this fast-paced technology economy. The presence of venture capital firms and entrepreneurial support networks in Seattle fosters an environment favorable to innovation and growth.

Also, Seattle is a hub for industries such as healthcare, biotechnology, aerospace, and clean energy, offering graduates a wide range of work prospects. Companies including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Boeing, and T-Mobile have a strong presence in the city, contributing to its economic stability and prosperity.

#5 – Raleigh-Cary Metro Area, NC

Home to one of the largest high-tech R&D centers in the world, Raleigh-Cary expects significant job growth in technology, tourism, and academia. There are also several manufacturing firms and a relatively low cost of living. It ranked 38th on a list of 372 highest-growth cities.

The Raleigh-Cary Metro Area in North Carolina presents an attractive prospect for college graduates, with a multitude of advantages and opportunities. One prominent benefit of this region is its flourishing technology and research industry. Recognized as the “Research Triangle,” the area hosts prestigious universities such as North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Graduates specializing in computer science, biology, and engineering can pursue rewarding careers at renowned companies like IBM, Cisco Systems, and GlaxoSmithKline.

The existence of Research Triangle Park, one of the world’s largest research parks, strengthens the region’s innovative environment by recruiting entrepreneurs and encouraging collaboration. The Raleigh-Cary Metro Area, with a strong concentration on research and development, provides intriguing prospects for graduates wishing to contribute to technology and science-related disciplines.

Also, the Raleigh-Cary Metro Area has a high quality of life and a low cost of living. The area has a favorable climate with moderate winters and warm summers, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. The natural beauty of the area is enhanced by several parks, lakes, and green spaces that offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking.

#4 – Oklahoma City, OK

The unemployment rate for Oklahoma City has remained relatively low even through the recession. This capital city has shown growth in the fields of natural resources, mining, wholesale, government, and energy. The city also has a very low average commute time.

Energy, aerospace, healthcare, and technology are all major industries in the city. Graduates in fields such as engineering, computer science, and healthcare can find excellent work opportunities in the area, thanks to the presence of corporations such as Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, and Boeing. The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center are both located in Oklahoma City, providing opportunities for research and development in the healthcare sector.

The city’s burgeoning technological sector is attracting startups and entrepreneurs, stimulating innovation, and offering opportunities in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Oklahoma City’s diverse industries and sustained economic growth make it an enticing destination for college graduates looking for career progress and stability.

Housing costs are reasonable, and the overall cost of living allows graduates to stretch their budgets while still living well. The city has a strong sense of community, with kind and welcoming individuals who enjoy living in a close-knit environment.

#3 – Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City has great expectations for job growth, both current and future, especially in the fields of recreation tourism and the information sector. Besides being the HQ for the Mormon Church, Salt Lake City is the nation’s largest banking center. It has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and minimal commute times.

Salt Lake City is well-known for its dominant position in industries such as technology, healthcare, banking, outdoor recreation, and education. Graduates with expertise in computer science, data analytics, and software engineering can find employment in the city’s expanding tech sector, led by organizations such as Qualtrics and Instructure. The healthcare industry is also thriving, with major medical institutes such as Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah Health offering nursing, research, and healthcare management positions.

The city provides a great quality of life as well as a distinct cultural experience. With world-class skiing and snowboarding resorts in winter and excellent hiking, biking, and climbing options in summer, the city’s outdoor recreation opportunities are unmatched. The city values health and wellness, evident in its many parks, bike lanes, and outdoor leisure facilities. Salt Lake City also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with theaters, galleries, and music venues showcasing both local and international talent.

#2 – San Antonio, TX

With just over 1.5 million people, this city has seen very little change in the unemployment rate. San Antonio, Texas, promotes itself as a great place for recent college graduates, offering many advantages and opportunities. One significant asset is the city’s robust and diverse economy. Major industries in San Antonio include healthcare, finance, technology, and military defense.

The healthcare sector, in particular, is growing thanks to renowned medical institutions like the University Health System and Methodist Healthcare System, which offer various professional prospects for graduates in nursing, medical research, and healthcare management.

The city also has a thriving technology sector that attracts corporations and startups in fields like cybersecurity and cloud computing. Graduates can find jobs at organizations like USAA and Rackspace Technology, contributing to San Antonio’s growing tech landscape.

Graduates interested in defense and support positions may explore opportunities with military bases such as Lackland Air Force Base and Fort Sam Houston, which have a substantial military presence. San Antonio is an appealing location for college graduates pursuing job advancement due to its diversified industries and continued economic expansion.

San Antonio has a great quality of life in addition to a robust job market. Also, San Antonio’s low cost of living in comparison to other major cities in Texas and the United States makes it an appealing destination for recent college graduates trying to establish themselves and live comfortably. Overall, San Antonio is a compelling choice for college graduates seeking a dynamic and happy post-graduation experience due to its combination of job prospects, cultural diversity, and quality of life.

#1 – Austin, TX

The two largest employers in Austin, the University of Texas and the state government, are adding a few thousand jobs. There has also been a recent boom in high-tech entrepreneurship.

Austin’s flourishing job market and dynamic economy offer many opportunities in various industries, making it an appealing destination for young professionals. The city has a thriving tech industry with many established companies and startups, making it a hub for innovation and professional growth. This diversity ensures that graduates from various backgrounds and fields of study can find rewarding job opportunities that match their interests and skills.

Additionally, Austin’s diverse economy includes sectors beyond technology, such as healthcare, banking, and creative industries. With a variety of live performances, festivals, and cultural events, the city boasts a thriving arts and music scene. Additionally, the city’s open and inclusive culture, along with its active social scene, makes it easy for young graduates to connect with like-minded communities and form new friendships.

Overall, Austin’s mix of job opportunities, vibrant culture, and high quality of life makes it an excellent choice for recent graduates starting their careers in an exciting and promising city.

Other cities to keep in mind:

San Diego, CA- Despite growth in unemployment, income is over $45,000.

Philadelphia, PA- A center for biomedical and pharmaceutical companies.

Cincinnati, OH- Home to ten Fortune 100 companies.

Hartford, CT- The world’s largest Insurance Company HQ.

St. Louis, MO- Home to some of the nation’s largest privately held corporations, this city also boasts a high quality of life.

Boston, MA- Boston has 21 four-year colleges, and a high average income.

Nashville, TN- A leader in insurance, health care, music and entertainment, publishing, and biotechnology.