Every year, a huge population of students finishes their college and gets ready to start an adult life. They go out in search of cheaper housing, job opportunities, and places to make their new life possible. If you are one of them, then Verified Movers has something for you! Today, we have created a list of the best cities for your college grads to move to. Taking many factors into consideration, we believe we were able to find a place for everyone. So strap up and dive into our article to find your new place for life!
The Factors We Considered for the Best Cities for Young College Grads
As you might imagine, there is a lot that can make a city good. And of course, just like there are many, many different people – so there are many different cities for them. What works for some just doesn’t for others. For example, you might be a fan of huge cities bursting with people. Then, you might look for something with a great nightlife and opportunities. Conversely, you might be ready to settle down somewhere more quiet – and you will look for a smaller suburban place.
Still, as a college grad, there are a couple of trends that might affect you. And so, by following these, we tried to figure out what the best cities for young college grads were based on the young-adult population. This way, there is a huge chance that one of these cities will fit you right – since it does so many other people! But of course, this is not the only thing we looked at.
The main factors in deciding the best cities for young college grads:
- the size of the young-adult population;
- the percent of this population with at least a bachelor’s degree;
- the employment of young adults;
- the median earnings of the young adult population;
- the cost of living compared to the national average.
As you can see, many of these share the traits with those where educated Millennials are moving to! They give you affordable living space, with a booming economic market that offers many job opportunities. Whether you want to start working in a company or start your own business, you are sure to find your place in one of these cities. So, without further ado, meet the best cities for young college grads!
Gainesville
Gainesville is the largest city in Alachua County, whose county seat is also. It is also the principal city of the Gainesville metropolitan statistical area as well as the largest city in the north-central part of the state of Florida. In 2024 the population of Gainesville is around 145,214 people.
However, the reason why Gainesville is one of the cities with the biggest young-adult population share (staggering 29.8%) is because of the University of Florida which you can find here. Many students of the University, after moving here with Florida movers, fall in love with Gainesville. This can be because there is just so much to do in the city, or because the relative cost of living is 4% less expensive than in the rest of the country.
Whatever the reason, people stay here after getting their bachelor’s degree. 28.3% of the young adults in Gainesville have at least this level of education! Adding the fact that the unemployment rate is 3.4% and the median earning of around $49,000, and you have one of the best cities for young college grads!
Lincoln
If Florida is not your cup of tea, then head to Nebraska! The state’s capital city, the city of Lincoln, is the county seat of Lancaster County. Sprawling over 96.194 square miles, it has a population of around 287,500, which makes it the second-largest in Nebraska state. However, to our country’s standards, it ranks only in the 70th place.
Still, the city is the center of economy and culture in the larger metro area called the Lincoln Metropolitan and Lincoln-Beatrice Combined Statistical Areas. The area is home to over 356,000 people but is still considered small when compared to other places around the country. What makes Lincoln significant, though, is again – the young-adult population. And just like in Gainesville, it is due to the University of Nebraska that you can find here! So make sure you call Nebraska movers to arrange your move after reading these fine fats about this fine city!
What else makes Lincoln one of the best cities for young college grads to move to:
- there is 24.6% of young-adults living here;
- out of them, 29.4% have at least a bachelor’s degree;
- the unemployment rate is 4.4%;
- the relative cost of living is 8.5% lower than the average;
- finally, a young-adult earns $28,000 on average.
San Jose
San Jose, California, or officially the City of San José, is the largest city in Northern California – both by the number of people living here (over one million) and the area. As a matter of fact, it is the third-most populous city in the state of California, right after Los Angeles and San Diego. San Jose also takes the 10th place when it comes to the population in the whole country. It is also the centre of Silicon Valley when it comes to economy, culture and politics, and so it is no wonder why it is one of the best cities for young college grads to move to.
However, the main concern you might have about calling your movers is that this is definitely not one of the most affordable cities to move to. San Jose is the county seat of Santa Clara County. This is the most affluent county in the state, as well as one of the most affluent counties in the whole country. The cost of living is a staggering 30.9% higher than the national average. The reason for this is the high earnings of the residents. A young-adult will, on average, earn $43,700, and the unemployment rate is 4.8%. What’s more, the city has one of the highest percentage of young adults with at least a bachelor’s degree – 46.6%! This is why 22.2% of the population of the city is young adults.
San Francisco Is Also One of the Best Cities for Young College Grads to Move to!
If you have probably not heard about the previous two entries, you must have heard about San Francisco, one of the best U.S cities for finance workers to live in! One of the biggest and most famous metro areas in Silicon Valley is a tech industry giant. Officially the City and County of San Francisco, you will find this financial, commercial and cultural beast in northern California. The residents often call it by other names though. These include SF, San Fran, Frisco or just “The City”. It is a bit smaller than San Jose and with around 883,000 people, it is the 15th most populous in the country.
The city is quite popular with young adults, though, which might prompt you to call your California movers. It is the most densely populated city in the country after New York City. 22% of this is young adults, who earn around $33,600 on average. This is to cover the cost of living which is high, yet not as high as San Jose. Here, you will pay 24% more than the average person in our country. 44.7% of people with at least a bachelor’s degree can afford this, though, since their unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Boston
One of the main traits of all the cities we have discussed in this article is that they are tied with colleges or universities. Boston, Massachusetts is a great example of this. Just the number of institutions of higher learning makes Boston the world leader in this field. The many colleges include law, medicine, engineering and business schools, so the staggering number of around 5,000 startups is not surprising. Instead, it makes Boston a perfect place for innovators and entrepreneurs!
And as far as the geopolitics go, Boston is the capital – as well as the most populous city – of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. However, it is not too big – it takes only 21st place in the whole country, with a population of around 695,000 people. However, it is the most populous in the New England area, and the seat of Suffolk County too. So, why should you call Massachusetts movers and start planning your Boston relocation? Well, the reasons are many!
Why should you consider moving to Boston as a young college grad?
- the young adult population of the city is 22.1%;
- they ear $36,000 on average;
- their unemployment rate is 5.4%,
- the population of young adults with a bachelor’s degree is 43.1%
- and the cost of living is only 11.8% more expensive than the national average – which is great for bigger cities!
Denver
If you are tired of the high housing costs you will find in California, then head east to Colorado! Here, you will find Denver, the capital, and the most populous city, of its state. In the South Platte River Valley, right on the edge of the High Plains and the Rocky Mountains, Denver is home to around 716,500 people, which makes it the 19th most populous in the country. The city isn’t losing steam, though. This number marks an increase of almost 20% when compared to the 2010 United States Census, and makes it one of the fastest-growing in the whole country. There are many pros and cons of moving to Denver, but more pros!
The reason for this is that it is one of the best cities for young college grads in the country. Colorado movers will take you to a place where the cost of living is low (just 6% higher than the average – but for a state capital, this is great!) while the median earnings for young adults are $35,000. There is 37.1% of young adults with a degree, and the total young adult population makes 22.4% of Denver. Their unemployment rate is only 4,2%, which means you will find a job – and be well paid – with ease!
Austin
The city of Austin, Texas, stands out as an excellent choice for young college graduates looking to jump-start their careers. It is one of the top cities people are moving to for jobs. The city thrives as a major hub for technology and music, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for newcomers. With a low unemployment rate of 3.50% and an average salary of $69,017 per year, Austin offers solid economic stability. Tech giants like Dell, Apple, and IBM offer vast opportunities, which is a big draw.
Compared to tech cities like San Francisco, Austin’s living costs are quite reasonable, only 1% above the national average, making it more accessible for those just starting their careers. The city doesn’t just work well on paper. Its dynamic nightlife and diverse outdoor activities ensure there’s always something to do. It is also one of the best places to buy a house in America. These professional opportunities and a lively cultural scene makes Austin a top city for graduates seeking both career growth and a quality lifestyle.
Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, famously known as the Music City, offers much more than just a lively scene for musicians. It has a robust job market in sectors like healthcare, education, and finance, providing ample opportunities for young professionals. With a cost of living 2% lower than the national average and an unemployment rate at an impressive 3.00%, Nashville makes financial management more manageable for newcomers. The average salary here is $67,024 per year, making it an attractive place for graduates looking to establish themselves financially.
Beyond economics, Nashville’s culture mixes music, arts, and a diverse culinary scene, promising a rich lifestyle full of exploration. Whether you’re attending a live concert, visiting an art exhibit, or tasting local delicacies, Nashville ensures there’s always something to discover. This city not only supports your career growth but also enriches your personal life, making it a top choice for those starting fresh after college.
Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina, is an excellent choice for young professionals, especially those focused on tech and research. Situated in the renowned Research Triangle, it offers abundant opportunities in biotech, IT, and clean energy. The city has an average salary of $70,813 annually, with living costs 4% below the national average. The unemployment rate here is only 3.70%, indicating a strong job market.
This city is also known for its top-tier educational institutions and a young, educated demographic. The city also features a variety of cultural attractions and green spaces, enhancing its livability. Whether you’re developing your career in a high-tech field or enjoying a weekend in the park, Raleigh provides a balanced environment ideal for recent graduates eager to start their careers in a dynamic and supportive community.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a great city for young professionals looking for a dynamic career and lifestyle. The job market here is growing, with strong sectors in retail, healthcare, and technology. Despite being 2.9% more expensive than the national average, the city’s housing and utilities costs are surprisingly low, making it more affordable overall. On the other hand, expenses like groceries and transportation are a bit higher. With an average salary of $67,052 per year and an unemployment rate of 3.70%, Minneapolis offers a solid economic foundation for newcomers.
The city is known for its welcoming community and high quality of life, too. It provides a lively arts scene and numerous lakes, with plenty of recreational activities all year round. Here, you can advance your career or enjoy a kayak trip on one of the local lakes, and that is the reason why Minneapolis provides a balanced and enjoyable setting for its residents.
Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia, stands out as one of the best cities for young college grads. This amazing city offers a diverse economy with thriving sectors in media, communications, and information technology. Finding a job in a new city will be easy here! Its competitive cost of living, only 2% above the national average, pairs well with an average salary of $71,620 per year, making it an economically viable option for newcomers. Atlanta’s job market is also robust, with an unemployment rate at 4.50%, reflecting its dynamic business environment.
In addition to career opportunities, Atlanta offers a lively lifestyle that appeals to young professionals. The city is celebrated for its expansive culinary scene, ranging from traditional Southern eateries to international cuisine, ensuring there’s always something new to taste. Moreover, Atlanta’s extensive park systems provide a green escape from urban life, offering numerous outdoor activities right in the heart of the city.
Choose the Right City for You!
Selecting the best cities for young college grads to move to involves considering job prospects, cost of living, and quality of life. Cities like Austin, Nashville, and Atlanta not only offer lucrative job opportunities in diverse industries but also maintain a balance with affordable living and amazing cultural scenes. These cities cater to the aspirations of new graduates, providing a supportive environment that fosters both professional and personal growth. Whether you’re drawn to the tech hubs of Austin, the musical roots of Nashville, or the dynamic economy of Atlanta, each city holds unique advantages that make them top choices for young professionals starting their journey in the real world. All you will need to do is simply contact us for a safe and easy relocation there! Good luck!