As the class of 2024 faces a challenging job market, deciding where to begin their careers is crucial. A recent study by Zumper analyzed 100 U.S. cities across seven key metrics to identify the most favorable destinations for new college graduates.
The metrics considered included median 1-bedroom rent, population of 18-34-year-olds, population of 25-year-olds with Bachelor’s degrees, median income of young adults, non-married population, restaurants per capita, and unemployment rate.
According to the Zumper study, San Francisco emerged as offering the highest earning potential for new graduates, while Laredo, Texas, ranked lowest overall due to factors like median income and educational attainment levels.
Interestingly, New York City, despite its allure, did not make the top 10 list, landing instead at the 26th spot primarily due to high median rent prices. However, it did excel in metrics such as the concentration of young people and the number of 25-year-olds with Bachelor’s degrees, underscoring its appeal to recent graduates.
Claiming the coveted top spot on Zumper’s list is Minneapolis, MN. The city was praised for its combination of low living costs and promising job market, receiving favorable ratings for affordable rent, median income, low unemployment, and abundance of dining options.
Minneapolis-St. Paul also boasts a higher median household income compared to major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as reported by The Atlantic. Additionally, the area ranks highly in college graduation rates, earnings, and poverty alleviation among young residents, according to Neighbor.com.
The top 10 cities for new college graduates, as per the Zumper study, are as follows:
- Minneapolis, MN
- Denver, CO
- Seattle, WA
- Columbus, OH
- San Francisco, CA
- Phoenix, AZ
- Raleigh, NC
- Washington, D.C.
- Atlanta, GA
- Oklahoma City, OK
Denver, ranking second, received accolades for its vibrant tech industry and significant presence of major companies like Google and Amazon. Despite challenges such as high rent costs, Denver’s appeal lies in its strong job market and cultural amenities.
For new graduates navigating their next steps, these cities offer diverse opportunities and supportive environments conducive to launching successful careers.
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