Starting a career as a recent college graduate or young professional can be overwhelming when considering where to move. Factors such as job market saturation, housing affordability, and public transportation accessibility must be taken into consideration when making the important first step of selecting a postgraduate city. Contrary to popular belief, new research finds that cities like Atlanta and Orlando, Florida, are more cost-effective options for young professionals than popular postgraduate destinations such as New York City, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. To help young professionals find the best places to launch their careers, WalletHub recently released a report ranking 182 U.S. cities based on relative market strength and livability. The report evaluated 26 key metrics, including the availability of entry-level jobs, monthly average starting salary, unemployment rate, median annual income, housing affordability, and family-friendliness. When making a decision on where to relocate, significant availability of entry-level jobs is a major perk to look for, according to WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzalez. Other important factors include income potential, benefits packages, and entrepreneur friendliness. However, one should avoid a high cost of living, long commutes, or lack of housing affordability when starting their career. For millennials and Gen Z members entering the workforce, WalletHub has listed the 10 best places to start a career in 2023.
- 1. Atlanta, Georgia
- Professional opportunities rank: 2
- Quality of life rank: 7
2. Orlando, Florida
- Professional opportunities rank: 3
- Quality of life rank: 12
3. Salt Lake City
- Professional opportunities rank: 8
- Quality of life rank: 6
4. Columbia, South Carolina
- Professional opportunities rank: 5
- Quality of life rank: 24
5. Tampa, Florida
- Professional opportunities rank: 6
- Quality of life rank: 31
6. Charleston, South Carolina
- Professional opportunities rank: 10
- Quality of life rank: 18
7. Miami
- Professional opportunities rank: 1
- Quality of life rank: 101
8. Austin, Texas
- Professional opportunities rank: 26
- Quality of life rank: 2
9. Minneapolis
- Professional opportunities rank: 23
- Quality of life rank: 3
10. Pittsburgh
- Professional opportunities rank: 14
- Quality of life rank: 8