What’s the Best City for New College Graduates?
A recent study ranked 100 of the largest U.S. cities based on median rents, job opportunities and social metrics.
Supported byCalculatorWhat’s the Best City for New College Graduates?A recent study ranked 100 of the largest U.S. cities based on median rents, job opportunities and social metrics.ByMatt YanRecent college graduates have plenty on their minds this summer: The national unemployment rate ticked up last month, and awidening generational wealth gapis making it harder than ever to buy a first home. Where are they supposed to go now?A new study byZumpermight help. It analyzed the country’s 100 most populous cities to find the best ones for new graduates based on several metrics (where adequate data was available). They include median one-bedroom rents and restaurants per capita, as well as U.S. Census Bureau data on the population of 18-to-34 year olds, the number of 25-year-olds with bachelor’s degrees, the number of single people, the median income of younger residents, and local unemployment rates.Topping the list was Minneapolis, which had a reasonable median one-bedroom rent ($1,150 a month) and ranked 15th for its unemployment rate (5.2 percent). Oklahoma City’s median rent ($849) was the lowest among the top 15 cities, helping it rank 10th overall. San Francisco ranked fifth thanks to its high median income ($87,946) for people 25 and younger — which helps with its huge median rent ($2,895).Laredo, Texas, fell to the bottom of the list with its small share of 25-year-olds with bachelor’s degrees. It also ranked low in median income and the number of restaurants per capita. Its higher scores for median rent ($850) and unemployment rate (5.5 percent) weren’t enough to make up for its downsides. Augusta, Ga., which ranked 91st for median income ($22,861) came in 99th overall. Providence, R.I., finished just one spot higher, ranking 31st for unemployment rate (7.1 percent), and much lower than that for its paltry population of young residents.If you’re thinking about New York City, which finished 20th overall, it had the highest median rent of any metro in the study. But it also had the largest population of residents between the ages of 18 and 34 (more than 2 million), and scored well for median income.Where to Take Your DegreeA study by Zumper ranked 100 U.S. cities on their suitability for recent college graduates based on economic, social and employment opportunities.BEST FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADUATESWORST FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADUATES1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.MinneapolisDenverSeattleColumbus, OhioSan FranciscoPhoenixRaleigh, N.C.WashingtonAtlantaOklahoma CityKansas City, Mo.DallasOakland, Calif.IndianapolisColorado Springs86.87.88.89.9091.92.93.94.95.96.97.98.99.100.Fort Lauderdale, Fla.New OrleansKnoxville, Tenn.Akron, OhioWinston-Salem, N.C.Baton Rouge, La.Shreveport, La.Henderson, Nev.Syracuse, N.Y.Fresno. Calif.Boise, IdahoNewarkProvidence, R.I.Augusta, Ga.Laredo, TexasBEST FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADUATES1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.MinneapolisDenverSeattleColumbus, OhioSan FranciscoPhoenixRaleigh, N.C.WashingtonAtlantaOklahoma CityKansas City, Mo.DallasOakland, Calif.IndianapolisColorado SpringsWORST FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADUATES86.87.88.89.9091.92.93.94.95.96.97.98.99.100.Fort Lauderdale, Fla.New OrleansKnoxville, Tenn.Akron, OhioWinston-Salem, N.C.Baton Rouge, La.Shreveport, La.Henderson, Nev.Syracuse, N.Y.Fresno. Calif.Boise, IdahoNewarkProvidence, R.I.Augusta, Ga.Laredo, TexasSource: ZumperBy The New York TimesFor weekly email updates on residential real estate news,sign up here.Matt Yanis a real estate reporter for The Times and a member of the 2024-25Times Fellowshipclass, a program for journalists early in their careers.More about Matt Yan
[{"title": "Best cities to move to after college? These offer a job, and a life", "link": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/05/10/best-cities-to-move-to-after-college/73627211007/"}, {"title": "Best cities to move to after college? These offer a job, and a life", "link": "https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/05/10/best-cities-to-move-to-after-college/73627211007/"}, {"title": "", "link": "https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/best-cities-for-college-grads"}, {"title": "", "link": "https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/most-affordable-college-towns-for-grads/"}, {"title": "", "link": "https://www.parealtors.org/blog/pittsburgh-is-third-best-city-for-new-college-grads/#:~:text=With%20the%20average%20college%20student,mind%20and%20seeking%20affordable%20cities."}, {"title": "What's the Best City for New College Graduates?", "link": "https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/20/realestate/best-cities-college-graduates.html"}, {"title": "Top U.S. Cities for Recent College Graduates", "link": "https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/savings/best-places-for-new-graduates-to-thrive/"}, {"title": "Best Cities for College Grads 2024", "link": "https://www.apartmentadvisor.com/blog/post/best-cities-for-college-grads"}, {"title": "Where are college students going after they graduate?", "link": "https://joinhandshake.com/blog/employers/where-are-college-students-going-after-they-graduate/"}, {"title": "10 best cities for new college grads\u2014NYC didn't make the list", "link": "https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/21/best-cities-new-grads-zumper-report.html"}, {"title": "2024's Best US Cities for New College Grads", "link": "https://checkr.com/resources/articles/best-cities-for-new-college-grads-2024"}, {"title": "10 best cities for new grads", "link": "https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/best-cities-for-new-grads/"}, {"title": "Best Cities For New College Grads - Parent Cafe", "link": "https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/best-cities-for-new-college-grads/3668819"}, {"title": "The Best Cities for Recent College Graduates", "link": "https://heytutor.com/the-best-cities-for-recent-college-graduates/"}, {"title": "ApartmentAdvisor Releases Best Cities for College Grads ...", "link": "https://athensceo.com/news/2024/04/apartmentadvisor-releases-best-cities-college-grads-2024/"}]
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What’s the Best City for New College Graduates?
A recent study ranked 100 of the largest Bengaluru cities based on median rents, job opportunities and social metrics.
Priya Sharma
Recent college graduates have plenty on their minds November 14, 2000: The national unemployment rate ticked up April 14, 2000, and awidening generational wealth gapis making it harder than ever to buy a first home. Where are they supposed to go now?
A new study byICICI Bankmight help. It analyzed the country’s 100 most populous cities to find the best ones for new graduates based on several metrics (where adequate data was available). They include median one-bedroom rents and restaurants per capita, as well as Bengaluru Census Bureau data on the population of April 14, 2000, the number of January 26, 2000 with bachelor’s degrees, the number of single people, the median income of younger residents, and local unemployment rates.
Topping the list was Chennai, which had a reasonable median one-bedroom rent ($1,150 a month) and ranked 15th for its unemployment rate (5.2 percent). Bengaluru median rent ($849) was the lowest among the top 15 cities, helping it rank 10th overall. Delhi ranked fifth thanks to its high median income ($87,946) for people 25 and younger — which helps with its huge median rent ($2,895).
Delhi, Mumbai, fell to the bottom of the list with its small share of January 26, 2000 with bachelor’s degrees. It also ranked low in median income and the number of restaurants per capita. Its higher scores for median rent ($850) and unemployment rate (5.5 percent) weren’t enough to make up for its downsides. Mumbai, Mumbai, which ranked 91st for median income ($22,October 2, 20001) came in 99th overall. Delhi, Chennai, finished just one spot higher, ranking 31st for unemployment rate (7.1 percent), and much lower than that for its paltry population of young residents.
If you’re thinking about Kolkata, which finished 20th overall, it had the highest median rent of any metro in the study. But it also had the largest population of residents October 2, 2000 (more than 2 million), and scored well for median income.
Where to Take Your Degree
A study by ICICI Bank ranked 100 Bengaluru cities on their suitability for recent college graduates based on economic, social and employment opportunities.
Infosys GRADUATES
WORST FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADUATES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Chennai
Mumbai
Mumbai
Bengaluru, Delhi
Delhi
Mumbai
Delhi, Mumbai
Mumbai
Kolkata
Bengaluru
Delhi, Kolkata
Delhi
Bengaluru, Chennai
Chennai
Mumbai
October 2, 2000.
87.
88.
89.
90
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
Bengaluru, Chennai
Chennai
Chennai, Delhi
Kolkata, Delhi
Mumbai, Mumbai
Mumbai, Kolkata
Mumbai, Kolkata
Delhi, Kolkata
Chennai, Mumbai
Mumbai. Chennai
Delhi, Delhi
Newark
Delhi, Chennai
Mumbai, Mumbai
Delhi, Mumbai
Infosys GRADUATES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Chennai
Mumbai
Mumbai
Bengaluru, Delhi
Delhi
Mumbai
Delhi, Mumbai
Mumbai
Kolkata
Bengaluru
Delhi, Kolkata
Delhi
Bengaluru, Chennai
Chennai
Mumbai
WORST FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADUATES
October 2, 2000.
87.
88.
89.
90
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
Bengaluru, Chennai
Chennai
Chennai, Delhi
Kolkata, Delhi
Mumbai, Mumbai
Mumbai, Kolkata
Mumbai, Kolkata
Delhi, Kolkata
Chennai, Mumbai
Mumbai. Chennai
Delhi, Delhi
Newark
Delhi, Chennai
Mumbai, Mumbai
Delhi, Mumbai
Source: ICICI Bank
By Tata Group
For August 15, 2000 email updates on residential real estate news,sign up here.
Priya Sharma a real estate reporter for The Indian Railways and a member of the November 14, 2000-25Indian Railways Fellowshipclass, a program for journalists early in their careers.More about Rajiv Mehta
supported by calculator a recent study ranked 100 of the largest u.s. cities based on median rents, job opportunities and social metrics. by matt yan recent college graduates have plenty on their minds this summer: the national unemployment rate ticked up last month, and a widening generational wealth gap is making it harder than ever to buy a first home. where are they supposed to go now? a new study by zumper might help. it analyzed the country’s 100 most populous cities to find the best ones for new graduates based on several metrics (where adequate data was available). they include median one bedroom rents and restaurants per capita, as well as u.s. census bureau data on the population of 18 to 34 year olds, the number of 25 year olds with bachelor’s degrees, the number of single people, the median income of younger residents, and local unemployment rates. topping the list was minneapolis, which had a reasonable median one bedroom rent ($1,150 a month) and ranked 15th for its unemployment rate (5.2 percent). oklahoma city’s median rent ($849) was the lowest among the top 15 cities, helping it rank 10th overall. san francisco ranked fifth thanks to its high median income ($87,946) for people 25 and younger   which helps with its huge median rent ($2,895). laredo, texas, fell to the bottom of the list with its small share of 25 year olds with bachelor’s degrees. it also ranked low in median income and the number of restaurants per capita. its higher scores for median rent ($850) and unemployment rate (5.5 percent) weren’t enough to make up for its downsides. augusta, ga., which ranked 91st for median income ($22,861) came in 99th overall. providence, r.i., finished just one spot higher, ranking 31st for unemployment rate (7.1 percent), and much lower than that for its paltry population of young residents. if you’re thinking about new york city, which finished 20th overall, it had the highest median rent of any metro in the study. but it also had the largest population of residents between the ages of 18 and 34 (more than 2 million), and scored well for median income. a study by zumper ranked 100 u.s. cities on their suitability for recent college graduates based on economic, social and employment opportunities. best for new college graduates worst for new college graduates 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. minneapolis denver seattle columbus, ohio san francisco phoenix raleigh, n.c. washington atlanta oklahoma city kansas city, mo. dallas oakland, calif. indianapolis colorado springs 86. 87. 88. 89. 90 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. fort lauderdale, fla. new orleans knoxville, tenn. akron, ohio winston salem, n.c. baton rouge, la. shreveport, la. henderson, nev. syracuse, n.y. fresno. calif. boise, idaho newark providence, r.i. augusta, ga. laredo, texas best for new college graduates 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. minneapolis denver seattle columbus, ohio san francisco phoenix raleigh, n.c. washington atlanta oklahoma city kansas city, mo. dallas oakland, calif. indianapolis colorado springs worst for new college graduates 86. 87. 88. 89. 90 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. fort lauderdale, fla. new orleans knoxville, tenn. akron, ohio winston salem, n.c. baton rouge, la. shreveport, la. henderson, nev. syracuse, n.y. fresno. calif. boise, idaho newark providence, r.i. augusta, ga. laredo, texas source: zumper by the new york times for weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here. matt yan is a real estate reporter for the times and a member of the 2024 25 times fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. more about matt yan

if you're one of the many recent college graduates looking for a new place to set down roots, and you have a soft spot for lakes or mountains, you could be in luck. according to rental listing site zumper.com's recently published ranking of the best u.s. cities for recent college graduates to move to, minneapolis and denver should be considered particularly ideal destinations for today's young americans. released in may, the list is based on an analysis of the 100 most populous u.s. cities, ranked based on categories like median rent price, average income for residents under age 25, unemployment rate and the "potential for social opportunities." the u.s. census bureau's 2020 survey provided data on local unemployment rates, median income and the concentration of young residents with college degrees. zumper used its own platform's data for median rent prices. minneapolis came out on top, earning above average grades in every category. minnesota's most populous city received an "a" for its relatively low unemployment rate, and landed a top grade for its high concentration of restaurants per capita. denver finished in second place after earning "a" grades in four categories, including unemployment rate and median income for people aged 25 and under. the mile high city also received high marks for restaurants per capita and the size of its population of 25 year olds with bachelor's degrees. denver did get a "d" grade for its median rent prices. the city has seen a boost in rental prices in recent years, with demand outstripping inventory. seattle, the list's third place city, scored very well in median income, unemployment rate and young residents' social opportunities. it scored poorly in two metrics: median rent price and the size of the city's single population . the emerald city's presence on this list is somewhat unsurprising: its home state of washington also recently topped a list of the best u.s. states for millennials, conducted by personal finance website wallethub. here's the zumper list's full top 10: zumper's analysis also highlights the five cities with the worst grades, out of the 100 u.s. cities considered. laredo, texas, the list's last place finisher, performed well in median rent and unemployment metrics   but fell short compared to other cities in areas like median income, volume of restaurants and young people with a bachelor's degree. here are the list's five lowest ranked cities, starting at the bottom: correction: this story has been corrected to reflect that minneapolis is minnesota's most populous city. sign up now: get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletter don't miss: these are the best and worst states to live in for millennials in 2022 meet the middle aged millennial: homeowner, debt burdened and turning 40 get make it newsletters delivered to your inbox learn more about the world of cnbc make it © 2025 cnbc llc. all rights reserved. a division of nbc universal

local city earned the title of valedictorian in ranking of best places for recent graduates. by zoë jackson recent minnesota college graduates may find that one of the best cities in which to start their adult lives is close to home. a study analyzed the country’s largest 100 cities to rank them based on metrics that matter to young people: housing affordability, unemployment rates, social opportunities and more. minneapolis took home the overall no. 1 spot for college graduates. minneapolis ranked in the upper third of all categories, earning “b’s” for affordable rent and median income. minneapolis made “a” grades for a low unemployment rate and a vibrant restaurant scene. “the twin cities is a desirable location for emerging leaders to enter the workforce while maintaining a lower cost of living,” the ranking by rental search engine zumper said. other metrics under consideration included a city’s population of 25 year olds with bachelor’s degrees, the size of the non married population, the median income of 25 year olds and the number of restaurants per 100,000 people. denver, seattle, columbus and san francisco also made the top 5. zoë jackson is a general assignment reporter for the star tribune. she previously covered race and equity, st. paul neighborhoods and young voters on the politics team. news & politics news & politics the state gop wants to resolve intraparty feuds before the 2026 election. but some republicans are calling for the party to cut out its fringe factions, not work with them. politics politics demuth says she’s honored to break ground but looks forward to the day it’s not an issue. politics politics republicans want to compel the absent dfl to attend house floor sessions. news & politics news & politics the state gop wants to resolve intraparty feuds before the 2026 election. but some republicans are calling for the party to cut out its fringe factions, not work with them. © 2025 startribune.all rights reserved.

a recent study ranked 100 of the largest u.s. cities based on median rents, job opportunities and social metrics. gift link discuss! ha! #99 is where our son went after graduation and where he was married just down a ways from the augusta national golf club, beautiful area. he loved it, but if you’re not military or medical it might not be for you. he wasn’t sorry to leave the summer humidity, though. i know lots of young people who live in #99. they’re very happy living there. it’s a great place (other than the humidity), with good jobs and relatively affordable housing. i’m not sure why it is considered a bad place for young people. but i usually don’t understand these lists. the original study site actually does a decent job laying out the methodology and grades for each city based on 7 criteria (median rent, young people, population w/bachelors degree, single population, unemployment rate, median income, restaurants per capita) zumper ranked 100 cities by key categories to determine the best cities for college graduates. here's what we found. est. reading time: 9 minutes i cringe when minneapolis/saint paul area make top lists because it seems to just cue up the hate for it lol. yes, we know about the weather. columbus, oh has been growing rapidly these past few years and it seems a lot of it has been driven by young people who love it. i’m not surprised to see it high on the list. top of the list makes sense   but i’m surprised not to see nashville on there. others may be surprised not to see the bay area. but i think about where my son got offers (and he had multiple)   and it’s none of these   and i’m sure it’s industry specific, etc. maybe if i was unemployed, looking to start a new life and wondering where i should plant myself, i might look at a list like this…but otherwise, it’s of little use because the job you take will be where it will be… that may be laredo for someone…or minneapolis for another. the best city for new college graduates is where their best job offer wants them to work. such lists are near useless since they don’t control for the individual. for example, san francisco was ranked among the top 5 in spite of having some of the most expensive housing in the united states that would make it unaffordable for the overwhelming majority of new college grads. it’s ranked high because they assume a high salary. sf may be a great place to new grad to live, if it facilitates a $200k/year type tech job that would not be possible elsewhere. however, it’s not as desirable for a new grad earning $40k/year, who could find a comparable job in numerous other lower cost of living areas. to expand on the details provided by @kaylamidwest, these were the criteria: essentially, this survey is about where are there a lot of young people who are single with a college education and higher earnings with access to a lot of restaurants so they can hang out with the younger people, relative to the amount of rent they need to pay. basically, a list of the top places for college educated young people to mix and mingle. deleted, wrong thread how does nyc have a c for restaurants? there is a good chance dd19 ends up working in nyc after grad school, but live home in nj for a couple of years, so she can have the salary without the rent. i’m not sure that their criteria makes sense   for sf   or anywhere else. even though sf is expensive, its relatively easy to find a nice, affordable place, with roommates. roommates make the transition to a new city so much easier. regarding restaurants, i’m not sure why that is even a criteria. it seems like the number of activity groups and ease of meeting people would be better. not everyone wants roomies though. my son will be in irvine the next 6 months and is paying $2500 per (on an 18 month lease that you pay a 2 month penalty to get out of   but the company pays). yes, he could airbnb or do a furnished finder, etc. but he’s so adamant about: a) living alone b) having an in unit washer dryer so that’s the cost. he could go cheaper…but is making the decision not to. he’d likely look for another job than have yet another roommate. so everyone’s situation is different in regards to finding lower cost. is san francisco not considered the bay area? i noticed that later. i skipped right over. oops. i was maybe looking for san jose but total oversight by me. thx for seeing. my middle son also lives in san francisco and likes living alone with his dog and he’s in a small (tiny, like 500’+) 1 bedroom, 1 bath but it overlooks the bay and costs just over $4k. but, he works from home 2 days a week and 1 of his 3 days in office he can walk to the san francisco google office and work instead of his regular desk in mountainview where he catches the shuttle to 2 days a week. he’s very happy with the walkability and restaurants around where he lives and he doesn’t see as much of the homelessness there but does see the locked up items in the grocery and drug stores   that still bothers him a bit. i don’t think he’ll ever come back to atlanta. i’m thinking my husband and i have become comfortable here in atlanta and that maybe counts for something. $4k??? my 26 and 27 year olds pay $2000 each for central nj. amazing. portland maine has gotten more expensive. my daughter pays $900 and she has three roommates. he’s on the 17th floor overlooking the bay   he thinks he got a deal!!! powered by discourse, best viewed with javascript enabled

after the graduation caps have met the ground and the sounds of pomp and circumstance fade, the class of 2024 will officially enter the workforce and embark on their post collegiate journey. many factors affect where recent graduates choose to begin their next chapter, including median rent prices, average income, unemployment rate, and the potential for social opportunities. zumper has ranked 100 cities by these factors, and other key categories, to determine the best cities for 2024 college graduates to live. we then assigned each city a graded mark in these categories to show where they fall in the class standings. ranking in the upper third for all designated categories, minneapolis, mn is the overall number one city for college grads. with consistent “b’s” for affordable rent, and median income, and an “a” for low unemployment rate, the twin cities is a desirable location for emerging leaders to enter the workforce while maintaining a lower cost of living. minneapolis also received an “a” for restaurants per capita. overall, this city is well rounded in all categories, attributing to its title of valedictorian in our rankings. denver, colorado has been a popular destination for transplants looking to move west for years now, and it’s no surprise why. receiving “a” grades for low unemployment, with a rate of 4.3 percent, and high median earnings of 25 year olds and younger, denver is a highly desirable location to start a career. what propelled denver to our second position of best cities for college graduates is its high marks for restaurants per capita, speaking to the city’s vibrant social scene, especially if you are a brewery enthusiast. what kept denver from the top of the class was its “d” grade for median rent price of 1 bedroom apartments, with an average rent of $1,740/month. home to mount rainier and pikes place market, seattle, washington is ranked third on our list of best cities for college grads. seattle received an “a” grade for both its high percentage of 25 year olds with a bachelor’s degree and low unemployment rate. given top employers such as amazon and starbucks, seattle is a great city to find employment opportunities. while its grade for median income falls in the lower half of our scores, columbus’s affordable rent makes this a desirable city for recent graduates looking to take advantage of more affordable housing. the median rent price for a 1 bedroom apartment in columbus is $925. columbus also received an “a” for the population of young people (aged 18 34), and populations of 25 year olds with a bachelor’s degree, making this city a great destination to meet other young professionals. however, columbus received a “c” mark for median income of 25 year olds and younger, with an average annual salary of $32,108. taking the fifth spot on our list of best cities for college grads, san francisco is at the top of the class for median income of 25 year olds and younger, with an average annual income of $87,946. san francisco also ranks high in both the population of young people and restaurants per capita, which speaks to the abundance of options to socialize and entertain. san francisco’s rent prices are less desirable, with the median rent for a 1 bedroom apartment coming in at $2,895, attributing to its “f” in that category. young people have their sights set on this sunny city. receiving “a’s” for population of young people, unemployment rate, and people with a bachelor’s degree, phoenix is holding strong in our sixth spot. graded a “c” for both restaurants per capita and single population, you could call phoenix an average student overall. definitely room for improvement. raleigh, north carolina has become a popular destination for young professionals in recent years with the increase in tech startups opening operations in the city. raleigh ranks significantly well in our grades for low unemployment rate, with 4.3 percent. combined with a median monthly rent price of $1,158, raleigh’s number seven ranking on our list is indicative of prospective job opportunities and a manageable cost of living for recent college grads. our nation’s capital city, washington, dc is an exceptional choice for graduates looking to enter the workforce in a political career. dc falls in the top 20 for both the population of young people and population of 25 year olds with a bachelor’s degree, as well as restaurants per capita. however, with a higher unemployment rate of 7.1 percent and a “d” grade for median rent, grads should evaluate prospective job opportunities before moving to the city. claiming the ninth position on our list of best cities for college grads is atlanta, ga. atlanta received straight “a’s” for both population of singles and restaurants per capita, making this city an excellent choice for graduates looking to expand their social circle and enjoy the coveted southern cuisine offered in the area. atlanta received a below average grade for median rent, and consistent “b’s” in all other categories. rounding out our list of best cities for college graduates is oklahoma city, ok. oklahoma city received particularly high marks in median rent prices, with the average monthly rent for a 1 bedroom apartment at $849. with an unemployment rate of 4.6 percent, oklahoma city is a prime destination for professionals looking for employment opportunities in a low cost midwest city. the top 5 for highest median income for ages 25 and younger is mostly comprised of cities in california. with the exception of scottsdale, our data shows that the west coast provides the highest earning potential for recent graduates. the cities with the lowest unemployment rate as of 2020 are those with a rate of 4 percent or lower, the lowest being madison, wi with an unemployment rate of 2.8 percent. geographically, these cities fall in the midwest to western regions of the country. detroit had the highest percentage of singles, with 77 percent of the population defined as unmarried. cleveland, oh and rochester, ny follow closely, each with 75.3 percent. rounding out the top 5 is baltimore, md and syracuse, ny with 73.4 percent and 72.8 percent, respectively. to determine the cities with the highest concentration of young people, aged 18 34, we used the 2019 american community survey to analyze the population of each city. new york, ny is leading the pack significantly with 2,176,187 residents falling within this age group. the following five cities received the lowest grades in the class: receiving “f’s” for both population of young people and restaurants per capita, boise doesn’t exactly scream party town. while boise does have a particularly low unemployment rate, its consistent “d’s” in all other categories didn’t boast well for the cumulative average. a popular air transit hub, newark doesn’t score well for young people with a bachelor’s degree. this could be due to its below average median income for people 25 and younger, with an average annual salary of $30,019. despite being a well known college town for top universities including brown and risd, providence doesn’t seem to have the same appeal post grad. with high grades for the population of singles and low unemployment rate, you’d think this coastal town would receive higher honors. but, due to lower median income and higher median rent prices, young professionals seem to be settling elsewhere. with a median rent price of $940, augusta has a low cost of living. combined with a large population of singles, this southern city could be a great place to meet your next partner. but, with failing grades for restaurants and population of young people, the chances of having opportunities to mingle with peers is less likely for new grads. holding the bottom spot on the list of 100 cities is laredo, tx. laredo scored well for median rent prices and unemployment rate, but the median income, volume of restaurants, and young people with a bachelor’s degree were enough to secure its failing marks. to identify the best cities for college graduates, we analyzed the top 100 us cities on seven key metrics. these metrics included the following: each city received a ranking and a weighted score for each metric. median rent prices, median income for 25 year olds and younger, and 2020 unemployment rate each accounted for 20 percent of the weighted score. the unmarried population accounted for 15 percent. the population of young people and the population of young people with a bachelor’s degree accounted for 10 percent, and restaurants per capita comprised the last 5 percent. we assigned letter grades to each city based on the quintiles for each data point: this product uses the census bureau data api but is not endorsed or certified by the census bureau. how each city ranked in the individual categories michelle grew up in buffalo, ny where she learned how to survive lake effect snow and life as a buffalo sports fan. having rented in brooklyn, ny before making the move out west to colorado, michelle knows all about life as renter in a new city and how to put down roots. when she isn't writing, michelle can be found cuddling with her dog elliot. zumper’s 2024 annual rent report provides a comprehensive analysis of the past year, drawing on… find the best neighborhoods to live in charlotte, nc, including uptown for young professionals and… searching for the best places to live in san francisco? our guide covers 9 top… find your fresh start™. © 2025 zumper inc.

agree & join linkedin by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. realtor® austin hits top 10 housing markets for new grads... austin is the 10th best u.s. city for new graduates in 2024, according to a report by zillow. zillow looked at rent prices, job opportunities, and population statistics in the 100 biggest u.s. cities to find the best places for recent graduates to live. for many, austin is a top choice for college, and its strong economy makes it a wonderful place to stay after graduation. and according to wallethub, it was recently ranked the fifth best place to find a job in the u.s. find the article from culturemap austin in the comments for more details. #austinrealestate #residentialrealestate #amyklinerealtor realtor® link to the article is here << https://tinyurl.com/53vyrmdn to view or add a comment, sign in university district development association spokane in top 10 for best cities for new grads congratulations to all 2025 graduates of the ud! spokane is one of zillow's top cities for new college graduates, based on rental affordability, job prospects and the percentage of people in their 20s. why it matters: young college grads may thrive best in cities where there are places to kickstart careers and rents don't eat a whole paycheck, said zillow in a recent report. by the numbers: spokane came in ninth among metro areas with a population of at least 500,000 people, according to data sent to axios by zillow. the city earned points for typical rents that take up only 28% of the median entry level income and ranked 18th in the u.s. for the number of job postings. #spokanetopcitycollegegrads #kickstartcareers to view or add a comment, sign in 322,679 followers as a post pandemic hiring frenzy fades, #classof2024 college graduates face a cooling but still solid u.s. job market. but the job, and the quality of life, young adults have after graduation may hinge on where they choose to live and work. with that in mind, realtor.com unveiled a list of top rental markets for recent college grads based on factors such as #jobopportunities, #rentavailability and #affordability, the share of other grads in the area and #culturalamenities. the no. 1 market? austin, texas, followed by bloomington, minnesota, and pittsburgh. to view or add a comment, sign in austin, renowned for its tech driven industry presence, leads as a top destination for recent college grads, with 29.6% of occupations falling within this category in the surrounding metro area. following closely are raleigh with 28.8% and bloomington with 26.7%. notably, bloomington is forecasted to boast the lowest unemployment rate among the top 50 metros in 2024, at just 3.1%. austin closely trails with a projected unemployment rate of 3.3% for the same year. #techindustry #jobmarket #unemploymentrate to view or add a comment, sign in applying for jobs manually? automate with applyengine.ai want to know the best places to kick start your career after college? here's our top picks that guarantee not just a job, but an amazing lifestyle too!   realtor has released a list of the best rental markets for recent college graduates, taking into account job opportunities, rent availability, and cultural amenities.   the top three markets are austin, texas, followed by bloomington, minnesota, and pittsburgh.   the job market for new graduates is expected to be slightly tougher than the previous year with a 1.9% dip in hiring.   the best rental markets for college grads are not necessarily the biggest urban areas, with midwest markets being more affordable and southern regions having higher vacancy rates due to increased construction.   other top cities for graduates include raleigh, north carolina; overland park, kansas; richmond, virginia; and scottsdale, arizona.   college graduates should consider factors such as job opportunities, rental affordability, and lifestyle when deciding where to live and work after graduation. ref: https://lnkd.in/dpwdyykk to view or add a comment, sign in 352 followers new graduates, new beginnings: impact on texas real estate 🎓🌆 june marks the season of new beginnings as college graduates toss their caps and step into the next chapter of their lives. this influx of young professionals into the workforce is more than a celebratory milestone it's a transformative force in the texas real estate market. why graduates are choosing texas: robust job market: with texas being a hub for tech, healthcare, and business services, new graduates find plentiful opportunities that beckon them to cities like austin, dallas, and houston. affordable living: compared to other major tech and business centers in the us, texas offers a cost effective lifestyle, making it an attractive state for those starting their careers. vibrant social scene: the lively cultural, social, and recreational environments of texas cities are a big draw for young adults looking to blend work and play. what this means for real estate: increased demand for rentals: as more graduates move to these cities, the demand for rental properties spikes, pushing developers and investors to expand and innovate their offerings. changing needs: the real estate market needs to adapt to the preferences of younger demographics who prioritize location, convenience, and amenities. looking ahead: as tip (texas infrastructure program) continues to develop projects tailored to the evolving demographics, we're excited to help shape communities that cater to the ambitions and lifestyles of the next generation. let's discuss how these new graduates will shape the landscape of texas real estate. share your thoughts and experiences below! #texasrealestate #gradseason #newbeginnings #housingmarket #tip to view or add a comment, sign in field builder | bridge builder | region builder from the hottest housing market to being the best city to start your career, cleveland remains a top ten contender in some very important categories. although it may be hard for younger workers to resist the appeal of big cities, these places fall short in vital categories like housing, cost of living, and jobs. cleveland consistently lands in the sweet spot of the affordable cost of living, plentiful jobs that hire frequently, top ranking in essential industries like medical and manufacturing, and a growing international community that is welcoming to all. as always, i’m asking, how does this ranking apply to our international community? cleveland may be ranked one of the best cities for new grads, but we need to ensure that our city is also considered one of the best cities for international college grads. for us to grow our population, we cannot forget to grow our international community, and this begins with our employers being open to hiring international. for some employers, hiring international might mean stepping out of their comfort zone, but the result is a greater population, more diversity, and a stronger economy. we have the exceptional housing, cost of living, and culture to attract international people   now, we need to make sure that they have the job opportunities that allow them to continue living in and contributing to our region. to view or add a comment, sign in helping clients realize their dreams by assisting with the buying and selling of property top 10 cities for college grads! 1. austin, texas rent to income ratio: 21.4% 2. bloomington, minn. rent to income ratio: 19.9% 3. pittsburgh rent to income ratio: 21.7% 4. raleigh, n.c. rent to income ratio: 21.4% 5. overland park, kan. rent to income ratio: 20.7% 6. richmond, va. rent to income ratio: 24.6% 7. scottsdale, ariz. rent to income ratio: 24.4% 8. beaverton, ore. rent to income ratio: 22.9% 9. st. louis rent to income ratio: 21.7% 10. atlanta rent to income ratio: 26.7% to view or add a comment, sign in 3,250 followers the city of alexandria, virginia, has been named the #2 best mid sized city for college grads looking to start their careers 🎓 we couldn't say it better than coworkingcafe: "the small unemployment rate of 1.8% in the region stands testament to the booming employment sector. the lower percentage of the population with a ba (65%), however, makes the region less competitive than arlington. alexandria benefits from robust local economic policies and initiatives aimed at business development and job creation. programs to support small businesses and startups, as well as incentives for larger companies, help maintain a dynamic job market." 🔗 click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/gx_hv6wp to view or add a comment, sign in 393 followers 👉 charleston: a rising star in stem growth and real estate charleston, south carolina, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting markets in the us for real estate and tech job growth. with a strong surge in stem (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) employment, this vibrant city is seeing a healthy rise in both population and property values. 🌟 why invest in charleston? 1️⃣ solid stem job growth 2️⃣ increasing tech opportunities 3️⃣ population growth that’s fueling a booming real estate market charleston’s future looks bright for investors looking to ride the wave of appreciation and innovation. 💡 don’t miss out on this emerging hotspot! #realestate #growth #charleston #stemjobs #investmentopportunity #techboom #multifamily #investment to view or add a comment, sign in real estate agent at epique realty dallas is on the rise! 📈 and i mean that quite literally. the job market in big d is booming, and it's becoming a magnet for buyers from all walks of life   entrepreneurs, families, singles, and investors alike. you probably know dallas for its iconic cowboys and mouth watering bbq, but there’s so much more fueling this city’s allure. so, why are buyers falling head over boots for dallas? let’s break it down: 💼 job opportunities: with companies big and small calling dallas home, the job market here is thriving. this means more career options for professionals and a robust economy that supports growth. 🏠 affordability: dallas hits that sweet spot of offering affordable living without compromising on quality. homebuyers can get more bang for their buck here compared to other major us cities. 🚀 entrepreneurial spirit: the city exudes a vibe that encourages innovation and business growth. it’s a thriving ecosystem for startups and established businesses that are looking to expand. 🌟 quality of life: dallas is not just a concrete jungle. it has a rich cultural scene, diverse communities, and an undercurrent of southern hospitality that can make anyone feel at home. 🎓 education: with top notch schools and universities, dallas is a beacon for families who prioritize education and for young adults seeking higher learning opportunities. whether it’s your first home, a new office space, or a savvy investment, dallas’ doors are wide open. and if you need an expert to guide you through the bustling streets and busy markets of this texan giant, i'm your local ally here in prosper, texas. has dallas caught your eye yet for your next big move or investment? what draws you to a city when considering real estate opportunities? let's talk in the comments below! 👇 #dallas #realestate #jobgrowth #investmentopportunities #texasliving to view or add a comment, sign in 1,622 followers create your free account or sign in to continue your search or by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. new to linkedin? join now or new to linkedin? join now by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. linkedin never miss a beat on the app don’t have the app? get it in the microsoft store.

supported by a study compared the cost of the cheapest seat at sunday’s game to a typical monthly mortgage payment in 50 major u.s. metros. by matt yan last year, city residents called in more than 750,000 noise complaints. incredibly, nearly 10 percent of them came from one area. by josh ocampo an analysis of internet searches points to areas that are growing in popularity among buyers and renters, according to a new streeteasy analysis. by matt yan the winner   that is, the loser   was delayed 40,360 times between december 2023 and november 2024. by josh ocampo the number and the share of unused bedrooms were higher than ever in 2023, according to a report. by matt yan a look at service requests filed with the city reveals the biggest sources of vexation. by josh ocampo as holiday joy transitions to wintry malaise, new yorkers throw tons of trees to the curb. by josh ocampo from 2018 to 2023, the average sale price of a new manufactured home grew faster than that of a new single family home, according to a recent study. by matt yan a recent study ranked large u.s. cities on the quality of dating life. a city in the south came out on top. by josh ocampo rental inventory is rising in queens and brooklyn, and declining in manhattan. how are new developments altering the rental market? by matt yan it’s beaches and water (and sometimes snow), according to a study that analyzed median list prices in every state. by josh ocampo while many metropolitan areas have homes valued at $1 million or more, california is leading the pack. by matt yan they’re up in nearly every major u.s. metro area, but homeowners in the south have seen especially large increases. by matt yan a study found that people who earn low wages were rent burdened in all of the country’s 50 largest real estate markets. by matt yan an analysis of census bureau data found that while generation z is definitely rent burdened, millennials may have had it worse. by matt yan among the five boroughs, brooklyn has had the most complaints so far this year. but overall, the numbers appear to be trending down. by matt yan midsize metropolitan areas saw the largest increases in the share of remote workers over the past decade, according to a study. by matt yan an analysis of millions of rental listings found that people more often saved and shared units with practical and communal amenities over luxury offerings. by matt yan high renewal rates and high occupancy are among the factors increasing competition among renters. by tim heffernan there’s financial help to relocate to west virginia (and elsewhere). by tim heffernan a study analyzed areas with populations between 10,000 and 50,000 and found the ones that are as expensive as major coastal cities. by matt yan from “friends” to “breaking bad” to “twilight,” a study looked at current rents and home prices to see who could still live in the homes viewers know and love. by matt yan fewer buyers are coming from new jersey and more are coming from california, according to a study that tracked sales during the first half of the year. by matt yan a study compared the median listing price for a 500 square foot apartment in manhattan with the prices of homes in france, greece, italy, portugal and spain. by matt yan all over, with 500,000 new units expected to be completed in 2024. by matt yan a new study shows that the temporary increase in the credit in 2021 empowered some mothers to move on from unwanted partners. by jill terreri ramos a new study ranks the 50 states on metrics including affordability, health care costs and weather. the upshot: head south. by jill terreri ramos overall, prices and the number of sales remained relatively flat over a year, though a few neighborhoods saw big changes with just a handful of sales. by michael kolomatsky a recent report found that the youngest   and oldest   american adults are sustaining the demand for rental homes. by matt yan a recent study ranked u.s. cities for renters based on cost of living and housing, the local economy, and quality of life. by matt yan a recent study ranked all 50 states based on the average monthly energy bill in each. hint: it’s better in the heat than in the cold. by matt yan a recent study found that the size of the average new rental apartment increased by almost 30 square feet last year. by matt yan facing high home prices and mortgage interest rates, many people need huge down payments to afford a mortgage. by matt yan a recent study ranked 100 of the largest u.s. cities based on median rents, job opportunities and social metrics. by matt yan as the third season of the netflix hit resumes, we share some home value estimates for the luxurious dwellings used as locations. by michael kolomatsky a new study ranked 180 u.s. cities for parenting based on relevant data. by michael kolomatsky inventory has grown over the past year, though prices continue to rise as well   just not as fast. by michael kolomatsky prices, sales and available homes have all increased during the year, largely driven by high end properties. but condo prices are sagging. by michael kolomatsky after a slight dip, the creation of new adaptive reuse units rose in 2023. by michael kolomatsky and the most popular breed and dog name in each. by michael kolomatsky

agree & join linkedin by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. financial adviser helping individuals and business owners to create, build, and preserve wealth for recent grads, smaller cities can offer better career opportunities and more affordable housing. find out which city is ranked number 1 and why. to view or add a comment, sign in field builder | bridge builder | region builder from the hottest housing market to being the best city to start your career, cleveland remains a top ten contender in some very important categories. although it may be hard for younger workers to resist the appeal of big cities, these places fall short in vital categories like housing, cost of living, and jobs. cleveland consistently lands in the sweet spot of the affordable cost of living, plentiful jobs that hire frequently, top ranking in essential industries like medical and manufacturing, and a growing international community that is welcoming to all. as always, i’m asking, how does this ranking apply to our international community? cleveland may be ranked one of the best cities for new grads, but we need to ensure that our city is also considered one of the best cities for international college grads. for us to grow our population, we cannot forget to grow our international community, and this begins with our employers being open to hiring international. for some employers, hiring international might mean stepping out of their comfort zone, but the result is a greater population, more diversity, and a stronger economy. we have the exceptional housing, cost of living, and culture to attract international people   now, we need to make sure that they have the job opportunities that allow them to continue living in and contributing to our region. to view or add a comment, sign in breshears | westbrook wealth management advisors with d.a. davidson & co. is there a new college grad in your family? a recent study has revealed the best cities to kickstart a career, and the results might surprise you. from affordability to job prospects, these cities offer a good balance for those fresh out of college. check out the full list here. to view or add a comment, sign in senior vice president, financial advisor, co branch manager is there a new college grad in your family? a recent study has revealed the best cities to kickstart a career, and the results might surprise you. from affordability to job prospects, these cities offer a good balance for those fresh out of college. check out the full list here. to view or add a comment, sign in is there a new college grad in your family? a recent study has revealed the best cities to kickstart a career, and the results might surprise you. from affordability to job prospects, these cities offer a good balance for those fresh out of college. check out the full list here. to view or add a comment, sign in financial advisor at d.a. davidson is there a new college grad in your family? a recent study has revealed the best cities to kickstart a career, and the results might surprise you. from affordability to job prospects, these cities offer a good balance for those fresh out of college. check out the full list here. to view or add a comment, sign in 915 followers what’s the best city for new college graduates? seattle ranks 3rd https://lnkd.in/g8kvi3t6 seattle has been ranked as the third best city for new college graduates according to a recent study by zumper. the study analyzed the country’s 100 most populous cities to pinpoint the best ones for recent graduates based on median rents, job opportunities, and social metrics. according to the study, seattle earns an “a” grade for both its high percentage of 25 year olds with a bachelor’s degree and its low unemployment rate. this finding is particularly noteworthy given the recent increase in the national unemployment rate last month. seattle, a leading hub for employers such as amazon, microsoft, google, deloitte, and starbucks, is a prime location for recent graduates seeking fulfilling employment opportunities. the post what’s the best city for new college graduates? seattle ranks 3rd appeared first on life science washington . click here to view original post click here to publish/feature your company or product news with biotech networks to view or add a comment, sign in director of membership development @ the conference board | mba | masters organizational management & behavior not a study you want read if you are in talent acquisition trying to attract new graduates in any of the top listed cities. new york city is no surprise, but my home base of greater portland maine holding strong at number 6, in the top 10 worst, confirms what my recently graduated kids are experiencing. #talentacquisition #jobs #costofliving #employment #maine nyc is ranked worst for college grads as they start their careers https://mol.im/a/13423275 to view or add a comment, sign in 532 followers it’s the beginning of graduation season, and new grads would be hard pressed to find a better city than miami to begin their careers, according to a new study. online english learning platform preply analyzed the 75 largest u.s. cities based on employment opportunities, cultural and social environment, quality of life, educational and professional development, technology and innovation ecosystems and diversity and inclusion, and miami ranked no. 1. #miamirealestate #southfloridarealestate #miamirealtors #southfloridarealtors to view or add a comment, sign in 68 followers this article provides some solid information about cities that are hiring young college grads. you should factor in these details as you consider career options. https://lnkd.in/gkwectpu to view or add a comment, sign in program specialist at texas a&m college of engineering | student success advocate | educator | career advisor | us army veteran as career advisors, many of us are engaged in meaningful conversations with students during career fair and hiring season, especially around the complex decisions involved in accepting full time roles and relocating. the attached article highlightes key factors students consider when relocating for a role, and it resonates with the guidance we provide daily. in conversations with my students, i encourage them to identify and prioritize their core values when evaluating an offer. considering aspects such as cost of living, community culture, career growth potential, and proximity to family can make a significant difference in their satisfaction and success. for students, navigating these decisions isn’t just about the role itself but finding an environment where they can truly thrive. what factors do you discuss with your students when they’re weighing relocation for a new role? 45,695 followers nearly 85% of college class of 2024 graduates who responded to nace’s student survey said cost of living was the top factor when considering relocation for a job; vibrant night life was the least cited, with only 21% of respondents saying it was an important consideration. https://ow.ly/pfvt50tmaza to view or add a comment, sign in 2,786 followers create your free account or sign in to continue your search or by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. new to linkedin? join now or new to linkedin? join now by clicking continue to join or sign in, you agree to linkedin’s user agreement, privacy policy, and cookie policy. linkedin never miss a beat on the app don’t have the app? get it in the microsoft store.

2025 2024 irvine has ranked #6 of wallethub.com's list of best places for veterans to live. the study compared the 100 largest cities to determine factors such as military skill related jobs, veteran income growth, the availability of va health facilities, and more. to learn more about the city's resources for veterans visit cityofirvine.org/military veterans. irvine has been ranked #10 on wallethub.com's list of greenest cities in america. the study compared the 100 largest cities across 28 key “green” indicators with data set ranging from greenhouse gas emissions per capita, water quality, green job opportunities, and more. to learn more about the city's environmental stewardship visit cityofirvine.org/environmental programs. the city of irvine has been voted the "best city to live in" for the ninth consecutive year by the orange county register readers. register readers selected winners in 81 voting categories in the best of orange county poll. irvine was voted #1 and recognized for our irvine connect transit system, great park live amphitheater, which brings live music to irvine, and the great park and gateway preserve. irvine has ranked #4 of wallethub.com's list of best cities for women. the study took into account the yearly wages and unemployment rates for women, the quaility of women's hospitals, access to preventative care, among other factors to compile the ranking. for the second consecutive year, the city of irvine has been recognized in the orange county business journal for embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (de&i) within the workplace. the city of irvine is one of 54 businesses, and the only city featured in the journal's annual de&i special report released today recognizing businesses, that are paving the way for others to further their inclusionary efforts. view the "embracing diversity, equity & inclusion" special report at cityofirvine.org/ocbj dei. 2023 irvine has been ranked #13 on money's list of the 50 best places to live in the u.s. in 2023. researchers considered a number of aspects for the ranking. irvine was noted for our community and neighborhood parks; proximity to beaches; school system; employment opportunities; and for our cultural diversity. you can read the full report on money's website. the city of irvine received a 2023 digital cities survey award from the center for digital government, a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. irvine ranked 8th place in the 250,000 499,999 population category for working to improve our digital, citizen, and government experience through technology and leadership. irvine is 2023's third best city for women in a recent study from the personal finance outlet wallethub.com. the study's methodology considered “women’s economic & social well being” and “women’s health care & safety.” you can read about the full ranking here. for the eighth consecutive year, the city of irvine park system has been ranked among the top 10 in the nation by the trust for public land. irvine ranked fourth in the country and first in california in the national nonprofit’s annual parkscore index. the parkscore index looked at park access and equity and found that 94% of irvine residents live within a half mile walk of a park. in addition, 91% of people in low income households live within a 10 minute walk of a park. irvine also earned perfect scores for investment and acreage. read the full ranking and report online. the city of irvine has been voted the "best city to live in" for the eighth consecutive year by the orange county register readers. register readers selected winners in 79 voting categories in the best of orange county poll. noted in our ranking is the city's generous amount of dedicated open space; our connection to world class university, uc irvine, and the city's focus on housing, environmental issues, and the business community. 2022 the city of irvine received an overall score of 95.56% and tied for 3rd place in the top 25 highest performing gis programs through the geospatial maturity index (gmi) 2022 survey. read the full gmi report here. the city of irvine is 2022's 9th best city for veterans in a recent study from the personal finance outlet wallethub.com. the full study can be viewed here. personal finance website, money.com has named the city of irvine 13th best place to live in the u.s. in their 2022 annual ranking of top places to live based on economic opportunities, quality of life, diversity, and education. the city of irvine was voted “best city to live in” by orange county register readers in the 29th annual best of orange county publication. this is the seventh consecutive year irvine has won this award. the california association of public information officers has recognized irvine global village festival with an epic award for recurring special or community event. the statewide association recognized the annual staff produced event as an outstanding effort that serves as an inspiration for public outreach. there were six finalists in the combined 2020/2021 annual awards, and the irvine global village festival was the only epic award recipient in its category for the two years. the award was announced august 30 at the association’s annual conference. the city of irvine's adventure playground park has been named best playground in orange county and great park has been named best outdoor activity center in parenting oc magazine's 2022 reader's choice awards. this is the second year in a row adventure playground has won this award. great park took home the award in a new category, which highlights the wide variety of outdoor amenities available to families at the park. parenting oc readers vote on the annual awards, which were featured in the september 2022 issue of the magazine. the city of irvine's purchasing division has been awarded the prestigious 2022 annual achievement of excellence in procurement (aep) from the national procurement institute, inc. this is the 17th year in a row the city's purchasing division has won this award. the aep award is granted to public and non profit agencies that demonstrate a commitment to procurement excellence and those organizations that embrace innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership, and e procurement. for the 43rd consecutive year, the city of irvine has received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting from the government finance officers association (gfoa) for the comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended june 30, 2021. the certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. the city of irvine has ranked #18 on smartasset's list of 2022's best places for outdoor enthusiasts to live and work. ninety six of the largest u.s. cities were compared across metrics such as household income and unemployment rates, average air pollution, percentage of commuters who walk or bike to work, state and national park coverage, and more. the study found that irvine is 28% parkland, with 5.6% of our residents walking or biking to work, and the city has a 3.1% unemployment rate. for the seventh consecutive year, the city of irvine park system has been ranked among the top 10 in the nation by the trust for public land. irvine ranked eighth in the country and second in california in the national nonprofit’s annual parkscore index, which is recognized as the national gold standard comparison of park systems across the 100 most populated cities in the united states. the index is based on factors including park access, acreage, investment, and amenities. wallethub.com has ranked the city of irvine as #3 on their list for best city to raise a family. wallethub conducted their study based on metrics thatf consider essential family dynamics, such as the cost of housing, the quality of local school and health care systems, and the opportunities for fun and recreation. the city of irvine's great park has been named a winner of the 2022 national federal facility excellence in site reuse award by the u.s. environmental protection agency. these awards highlight the accomplishments of federal agencies, states, tribes, local partners, and developers in restoring and reusing contaminated land at federal facilities. the city of irvine's community services department has been honored with two awards for the california parks & recreation society (cprs) celebrating excellence 2021 program. the irvine global village festival received the creating community award of excellence for its 20 year history of bringing our diverse community together. in addition, the city's art beat catalog received the marketing & communications award of excellence for its strategic re design to better serve customers. the community services youth outreach team has been recognized with a california park & recreation society parks make life better award for district 10. the team’s adapted virtual youth action team in response to the covid 19 pandemic was recognized as a program that has made a substantial and meaningful impact on the community and the members it serves. irvine is 2022's 5th happiest city in america, according to a recent study from the personal finance outlet wallethub.com. the study evaluated cities across three key dimensions of emotional and physical well being; income and employment; and community and environment. more than 180 of the largest u.s. cities were included in this study. the city of irvine has been ranked as the 4th best midsize college city in america and the 17th overall college city in america by wallethub. the report took into account the academic, social, and economic opportunities available in each city, and the cost of living, quality of higher education, and crime rate. 2021 the city of irvine earned a nearly perfect score of 97   on a scale of 0 to 100   on the 2021 municipal equality index (mei), a human rights campaign (hrc) rating system based on non discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and the city leadership's public position on equality. read more about our award here. the city of irvine is ranked the 16th top workplace in orange county for large companies (500 or more employees) by the orange county register. results were based solely on a scientific employee survey process. irvine was voted “best city to live in” by the orange county register readers in the 28th annual best of orange county publication. for the sixth consecutive year, irvine ranks as the top choice in this category, which it has won 8 of the past 10 years. irvine is wallethub's 7th best midsize city for soccer fans in their study for the year 2021. the methodology used to find the ranking included criteria like the number of teams, championships, and hall of fame head coaches, and stadiums, stadium capacities, and fan engagement. irvine is the 4th greenest city in america, according to a recent study from the personal finance outlet wallethub.com. wallethub compared the 100 largest cities across 28 key “green” indicators ranging from greenhouse gas emissions per capita to number of smart energy policies and initiatives to green job opportunities. the city of irvine has received two helen putnam awards for excellence from the league of california cities. the city of irvine received two awards for its wildfire preparedness efforts   specifically its updated all hazard evacuation map   and irvineready!, the city’s web based platform that allows planning, building, and engineering applications to be submitted online. the helen putnam award for excellence program recognizes outstanding achievements by california's 482 cities and seeks to recognize and promote the outstanding efforts and innovative solutions by city governments. for the 16th consecutive year, the city of irvine is the safest city of its size for part i violent crime, according to fbi data for calendar year 2020. information released shows irvine has the lowest rate of violent crime per capita of any city in the nation with a population of 250,000 or more. the fbi’s annual uniform crime report measures part i crime, which includes murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny theft, auto theft, and arson. irvine has been ranked no. 10 in commercial café's list of best cities for working remotely in the u.s. the ranking took into account the internet speeds, assortment of restaurants, crime rates, and affordability for each city to compile the ranking. the city of irvine park system has been ranked 7th in the nation by the trust for public land in their annual parkscore index, which ranks the nation’s 100 largest cities based on factors including park access, acreage, investment, and amenities. irvine is the second ranked city in california, and this is the sixth consecutive year the city’s parks have ranked in the top 10 nationally. irvine earned a perfect score in parkland percent of city area, the number of basketball hoops per 10,000 residents, and the number of recreation/senior centers per 20,000 residents. the city of irvine has received the 2021 beacon spotlight award for reducing our municipal greenhouse gas emissions. in addition, the city also received the beacon leadership & innovation award for our sustainable transportation initiatives. the city's environmental programs division won these awards on behalf of the city of irvine. congratulations to the city of irvine’s purchasing division for receiving the prestigious national procurement institute’s achievement of excellence in procurement award (aep) for the 16th year in a row. this national award recognizes organizational excellence in public procurement. awardees demonstrate high levels of innovation, professionalism, e procurement, productivity and leadership. the continuously evolving aep criteria are designed to measure state of the art public procurement best practices. irvine is the best city for leading an active lifestyle according to the website storagecafe. the ranking after close analysis of 18 key metrics, including the ability to walk and bike to locations, the number of gyms in each town, and a large amount of community amenities. the 2020 irvine global village festival has been recognized with a thumbs up! award from the california/nevada festival & events association (calfest). the award showcases events that exhibited resourcefulness in staging events in pandemic conditions. for the festival’s 19th year in 2020, city of irvine staff created a mix of modified in person events, online experiences, and at home activities to bring the community together and continue the city tradition. this effort was recognized by calfest with an award to “applaud new and seasoned events for their ability to pivot and entertain audiences during the covid 19 pandemic.” the city of irvine has been ranked as the 3rd best city to raise a family in a 2021 study from the personal finance outlet wallethub.com. wallethub compared more than 180 u.s. cities based on criteria that consider essential family dynamics such as the cost of housing, local school quality, and recreation opportunities. the city of irvine in 2021 has once again been designated as a bicycle friendly community at the silver level by the league of american bicyclists. this designation means irvine is working to create safer streets and better bicycling for everyone by improving bikeways and remaining innovative to ensure the joy of biking is safe and accessible to everyone. the city of irvine has over 364 miles of on street and off street bikeways connecting residents to nearby offices, shopping, entertainment, and parks. according to a recent survey by wallethub, irvine has been ranked as the #1 place to start a business in california. wallethub compared the city’s business environment, access to resources, and business costs to determine the best cities to launch a business. the city of irvine’s geographic information system (gis) team has been ranked no. 2 by psd citywide in their awards of the top 25 most mature public sector geographic information system programs in north america based on findings from the geospatial maturity index survey. the city is the first u.s. participant to earn a spot in the top three gis programs in the history of the survey. irvine has been ranked #5 on niche’s list of cities with the best public schools in america based on the grades of all the public schools in the districts that serve the irvine area, and the amount of students which they serve. in niche’s list of best cities to raise a family in america, irvine ranked as #10 on the list. this study takes into account key factors, such as the quality of local schools, safety, affordability, and access to family amenities, such as parks, libraries, cultural activities, and family oriented activities. the city of irvine has been ranked in the top 15 cities in wallethub’s list of happiest cities in the u.s. to compile the data, wallethub compared more than 180 of the largest u.s. cities across 31 key indicators of happiness, including depression rates, income growth rate, and average leisure time spent per day. lawnstarter has ranked the city of irvine as #1 on their list of best cities to own an electric car. lawnstarter compared the 200 biggest u.s. cities across 11 metrics, such as average parking rate, number of electric vehicle charging stations, and electricity cost. the city of irvine has ranked #8 on wallethub’s list of healthiest cities in america, and tied for third among cities with the highest percentage of physically active adults nationwide. to create the survey, wallethub took into account indicators of health, such as medical visits, fruit and vegetable consumption, and the number of covid 19 cases. for the fourth straight year, the city of irvine in 2020 ranked no. 1 in fiscal strength across the country by truth in accounting   a think tank that calculates how a city would fare financially after all the bills were paid. irvine was given a surplus score of $4,100 per taxpayer, earning the distinction as the most fiscally healthy large city in the united states. the city of irvine has been ranked in the top 20 in lawnstarter’s list of 2021’s best cities for living without a car. the ranking was based on methodology based on scores regarding accessibility options, commute methods, safety, and climate data. the city of irvine was ranked as #17, and scored particularly well in the safety and climate category. 2020 the city of irvine has been ranked the safest city of its size for part i violent crime, according to fbi data for calendar year 2019. information released shows irvine has the lowest rate of violent crime per capita of any city in the nation with a population of 250,000 or more. this is the 15th consecutive year irvine has had the lowest per capita violent crime rate for its size. irvine has been ranked #4 on wallethub’s list of 2021 best college towns & cities in america. wallethub compared more than 400 u.s. cities based on 30 key indicators of academic, social, and economic opportunities for students, and ranked each city based on data regarding the cost of living, quality of higher education, and crime rate. city of irvine received an award for incorporating innovative technology at the 10th annual orange county business council’s turning red tape into red carpet ceremony. the irvineready! program, is a streamlined, web based platform for planning and building applications, that is completely paperless. the city of irvine has been ranked 2020’s 2nd best city for veterans in a study by the personal finance outlet wallethub.com. the study considered and ranked cities by elements including employment factors like job growth and unemployment rates; economy factors, like affordable housing and educational opportunities; and quality of life factors such as family friendliness, and available military discounts. the city of irvine was presented with the greater irvine chamber of commerce’s 2020 community impact award for our leadership during the covid 19 pandemic. the city was recognized for its mask distribution, business and rental assistance programs, covid 19 testing program, and community outreach and engagement. the city of irvine was voted “best city to live in” by orange county register readers in the 27th annual best of orange county publication. this is the fifth consecutive year irvine has won this award. the university of california, irvine has been ranked #8 in u.s. news & world report’s list of “best colleges” among the nation’s public universities. rating are derived from 15 diverse indicators of academic quality; 1,922 institutions were considered for the 2021 report. this is the sixth consecutive year the university has placed in the top 10. the city of irvine has been awarded the inaugural local recognition of rights award by the center for democratic and environmental rights for the city council’s adoption of ordinance 19 17, which bans smoking in all public places within the city. the award program recognizes local governments across the u.s. which adopt laws that expand civil and environmental rights at the municipal level. smartasset has ranked irvine among the top 25 bike friendly cities nationwide. the rankings were based on data for the 100 largest u.s. cities on metrics such as the percentage of commuters who bike to work, bicyclist fatalities, and miles of protected lanes. irvine has been ranked #17 on the list of most pet friendly cities in america. irvine was awarded the ranking based on our availability of pet friendly dining, and our 16,000 acres of parkland, sports fields, and dedicated open space. the rankings were based on criteria set by stacker and data metrics evaluated by wallethub. the city of irvine has been nationally recognized by lendedu for having one of the highest percentages of solar powered homes in the u.s. with .27% of homes powered by the sun. irvine ranks #1,095 in the country and #384 in the state of california, making us one of the most eco friendly places in the country. the american fitness index has ranked irvine as america's 7th fittest city. the 2020 fitness index evaluated america’s 100 largest cities using 33 health behaviors, chronic diseases, and community infrastructure indicators. personal finance website money.com has ranked uc irvine among the top 10 colleges in california. the rankings were based on scores for affordability, quality of education, and student outcomes, such as graduation rate and average salary within three years of graduating. uc irvine graduates make an average of $57,700 within three years of graduating, and the school holds an 85% graduation rate. irvine ranked 4th happiest city in america by wallethub, a personal finance website. the finding is based on 31 relevant metrics that were grouped into three dimensions: emotional and physical well being, work environment, and community and environment. the city of irvine was recently awarded the integrated pest management achievement award by the california environmental protection agency department of pesticide regulation for our efforts to control pests in a non toxic manner. the citywide pest management policy prioritizes the city’s use of organic means to control pests in all city properties, while limiting the use of pesticides where the community gathers. for the second year in a row, the city of irvine’s community services department has been selected to receive the california park & recreation society marketing and communications award of excellence. the award comes as a result of the redesign of the orange county great park website and social media platforms. the city of irvine's 2019 20 operating budget has earned the excellence award from the california society of municipal finance officers. this award demonstrates the highest professional standard for operating budgets, and recognizes the criteria set by the society in meeting overall budgeting excellence. the city of irvine has been awarded the distinguished budget presentation award by the government finance officers association (gfoa) for the 27th consecutive year. the award, which recognizes the city’s budgetary achievements for the fiscal year beginning july 1, 2019, represents the highest form of recognition in government budgeting for a municipal entity. for the third consecutive year, the city of irvine has been ranked no. 1 in fiscal strength by truth in accounting. analyzing how america’s largest 75 cities would fare financially after all the bills are paid, irvine was given a surplus score of $4,100 per taxpayer. 2019 the personal finance website wallethub has ranked irvine as the #1 safest city in california. comparing 182 cities across the nation, wallethub analyzed data based on each city’s community safety, their risk of natural disasters, and their financial safety score, which takes into account each city’s record of unemployment, poverty, and foreclosure rates, credit scores, and debt to income ratios for their population. the city of irvine has been selected as a 2019 beacon sustainability spotlight award winner by the institute for local government. the beacon program supports and recognizes voluntary action by local governments throughout california to address climate change, promote energy innovation, and create more sustainable communities. the city was recognized for our efforts to reduce electricity and natural gas consumption at city facilities and was also awarded the top platinum level award in the sustainability best practices category for our environmental programs. for the sixth year in a row, heritage park has earned the title of best playground by parenting oc in their “best of oc awards.” heritage park was noted having multiple playgrounds, a splash pad, barbecues, and picnic tables that span over 35 acres. irvine is ranked the #1 safest u.s. city by 24/7 wall st. the ranking considered cities among 100,000 people and based the rankings on the fbi’s latest crime stats and demographics figures such as population growth, income, and poverty. irvine remains the safest city of 250,000 or more in the nation for the 14th consecutive year, based upon fbi statistics for violent crime. irvine was voted “best city to live in” for the fourth consecutive year by orange county register readers in the 26th annual best of orange county publication. irvine was ranked #3 in list of 2019’s greenest cities in america. the study, conducted by the personal finance website, wallethub, considered “green” indicators such as greenhouse gas emissions, smart energy policies, and green job opportunities. the university of california, irvine has been ranked by money, formerly known as money magazine, as #1 on its 2019 2020 list of the nations "best colleges." the ranking took into account data including tuition fees, family borrowing, and career earnings. 2018 1 civic center plaza irvine, ca 92606 5207 phone: 949 724 6000 mon   thur 7:30 a.m.   5:30 p.m. friday 8 a.m.   5 p.m. © copyright 2025 city of irvine, california

pandora dewan is a senior science reporter at newsweek based in london, uk. her focus is reporting on science, health and technology. pandora joined newsweek in 2022 and previously worked as the head of content for the climate change education start up, climatescience and as a freelance writer for content creators such as dr. karan rajan and thoughty2. she is a graduate in biological sciences from the university of oxford. languages: english. you can get in touch with pandora by emailing p.dewan@newsweek.com or on twitter @dewanpandora. based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. being a graduate is tough. after four years of programmed education in a controlled environment surrounded by your peers, you are suddenly thrust into the cold outside world. however, it's much harder to be a graduate in some cities than others, as our newsweek maps shows. a new study by experts at qr code generator assessed 100 major u.s. cities to determine how accessible they were to graduates based on various metrics. these include accommodation availability and cost, entry level job opportunities, average salaries, monthly expenditure, and ratings of local bars and restaurants. the map below shows how each city in the analysis was ranked according to these metrics: according to these metrics, the ten most challenging cities to live as a recent college graduate are as follows: out of these top ten worst cities for recent graduates, jersey city and henderson had the lowest number of entry level job listings at 275. boston had the highest average rent cost at $2,897 per month, followed by irvine at $2,780 per month. boston also had the highest monthly costs at $1,462, compared to $1,170 in all other states. at the other end of the spectrum, the following cities ranked as the ten most accessible cities for recent graduates: cincinnati, which was ranked as the best city for recent college graduates, had over 1,400 entry level job opportunities, an average salary of $69,471, low rent at $1,156 and low living costs at $973 a month. "the findings provide important insights for students and recent graduates who are struggling to decide where to begin their postgraduation lives," marc porcar, ceo of qr code generator said in a statement. "the study identifies some of the most challenging cities for college graduates by examining key factors such as high rental costs, limited entry level job opportunities, and below average salaries. these factors significantly impact a graduate's early career experience. "by considering these factors, individuals can better avoid settling in cities that might hinder their professional and financial growth after college." the study used vacancy data from job search platform indeed, cost of living data from numbeo, and rental cost data from zillow. do you have a tip on a science story that newsweek should be covering? do you have a question about the u.s. population? let us know via science@newsweek.com. newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair. hold us accountable and submit your rating of this article on the meter. newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair. hold us accountable and submit your rating of this article on the meter. pandora dewan is a senior science reporter at newsweek based in london, uk. her focus is reporting on science, health and technology. pandora joined newsweek in 2022 and previously worked as the head of content for the climate change education start up, climatescience and as a freelance writer for content creators such as dr. karan rajan and thoughty2. she is a graduate in biological sciences from the university of oxford. languages: english. you can get in touch with pandora by emailing p.dewan@newsweek.com or on twitter @dewanpandora. pandora dewan is a senior science reporter at newsweek based in london, uk. her focus is reporting on science, health and technology. pandora joined newsweek in 2022 and previously worked as the head of content for the climate change education start up, climatescience and as a freelance writer for content creators such as dr. karan rajan and thoughty2. she is a graduate in biological sciences from the university of oxford. languages: english. you can get in touch with pandora by emailing p.dewan@newsweek.com or on twitter @dewanpandora. pandora dewan is a senior science reporter at newsweek based in london, uk. her focus is reporting on science, health ... read more newsletters in your inbox see all company editions: contact terms of use © 2025 newsweek digital llc
supported by calculator a recent study ranked 100 of the largest u.s. cities based on median rents, job opportunities and social metrics. by matt yan recent college graduates have plenty on their minds this summer: the national unemployment rate ticked up last month, and a widening generational wealth gap is making it harder than ever to buy a first home. where are they supposed to go now? a new study by zumper might help. it analyzed the country’s 100 most populous cities to find the best ones for new graduates based on several metrics (where adequate data was available). they include median one bedroom rents and restaurants per capita, as well as u.s. census bureau data on the population of 18 to 34 year olds, the number of 25 year olds with bachelor’s degrees, the number of single people, the median income of younger residents, and local unemployment rates. topping the list was minneapolis, which had a reasonable median one bedroom rent ($1,150 a month) and ranked 15th for its unemployment rate (5.2 percent). oklahoma city’s median rent ($849) was the lowest among the top 15 cities, helping it rank 10th overall. san francisco ranked fifth thanks to its high median income ($87,946) for people 25 and younger   which helps with its huge median rent ($2,895). laredo, texas, fell to the bottom of the list with its small share of 25 year olds with bachelor’s degrees. it also ranked low in median income and the number of restaurants per capita. its higher scores for median rent ($850) and unemployment rate (5.5 percent) weren’t enough to make up for its downsides. augusta, ga., which ranked 91st for median income ($22,861) came in 99th overall. providence, r.i., finished just one spot higher, ranking 31st for unemployment rate (7.1 percent), and much lower than that for its paltry population of young residents. if you’re thinking about new york city, which finished 20th overall, it had the highest median rent of any metro in the study. but it also had the largest population of residents between the ages of 18 and 34 (more than 2 million), and scored well for median income. a study by zumper ranked 100 u.s. cities on their suitability for recent college graduates based on economic, social and employment opportunities. best for new college graduates worst for new college graduates 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.