Categories: Career Growth

The Best And Worst Cities To Start A Career

Graduating from college is an exciting time. The world is at your fingertips, and there is nothing you cannot conquer. So have you thought about which cities to start a career?

We did some research and broke down some of the best cities to start your career.

We also provide some of the worst cities for you to start a new chapter.

The cities that made the list are based off of a few factors:

  • Job growth
  • Unemployment Rate
  • Cost of Living
  • Quality of Living

So there may be more than one right or wrong answer…

But these are some of the best and worst cities to start a career.

The Best Cities To Start A Career

Seattle, Washington

Employment growth has increased by almost one percent in the rainy city these past few years. Seattle is one of the best places for health benefits. In fact, recent data shows that over eighty percent of employees in the town have private health insurance. Seattle is also on the cutting edge of technology, which makes it the perfect spot for those specializing in engineering and software.

Boise, Idaho

With employment growth at nearly five percent, it’s no wonder why Boise is one of the better places to start a career. The city is also environmentally savvy, which means that clean air is a priority.

Madison, Wisconsin

The city outshines many of its peers with its family friendliness. Job prospects are also high in Madison as employment has increased by just over three percent these past few months. The median annual household income in the vibrant city is just over $50,000, which means that you can live comfortably while working one job.

Houston, Texas

It seems that everyone is packing their bags and heading South to Houston, and for good reason. The city has experienced incredible job growth over the past few years. And the cost of living in Houston is still relatively low. You can start from the bottom and work your way up without living in poverty so long as you live in this town.

Denver, Colorado

Professional opportunities are grand in Denver and so is the quality of life. You can live, work, and play in the city as there are many attractions for the family to enjoy. Denver, much like Boise, is also an environmentally conscious city, which means that breathing in fresh air is the norm.

Washington, D.C.

Where else but in the nation’s capital can you land an incredible career right after college? Washington, D.C. is a vibrant city that gives recent graduates the opportunity to put their knowledge to good use. Internships at the White House are not out of reach when you live nearby. Other local businesses also accept individuals fresh out of undergraduate school.

Irvine, California

The thriving city in Orange County is growing by leaps and bounds. Irvine seems to be the hot spot for young adults because its housing market caters to communal style living. Finding a job in the city is easier than some surrounding neighborhoods since employment has grown by nearly two percent these past few months.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. The city is also one of the best places to raise a family. You can move to this Midwestern town, find the job of your dreams, and keep it.

Richmond, Virginia

The city is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Washington, D.C., but not as expensive as the capital city. Richmond’s workforce is inviting to new graduates because of the many entry-level opportunities.

Nashville, Tennessee

The city is not just for musicians. Nashville has a strong workforce with excellent forecasts for the future. You can let your hair down at night in the town while pursuing a respectable career during the day.

The Worst Cities To Start A Career

Los Angeles, California

Sunny days and the possibility of stardom brings a lot of competition. Los Angeles is the perfect place for networking. But it’s somewhat difficult to snag the perfect job that propels you into the successful career that you desire in the town. Thousands visit the City of Angels every year and thousands more choose to make the city their home. Among the masses are individuals with bachelors, masters, and even doctorate degrees. In Los Angeles, it’s all about who you know.

New York, New York

You can build a successful career in New York. But you might have to work a few odd-end jobs on the side while en route. The Big Apple has one of the highest cost of living rates in the nation. Renting out a basement could easily cost you $2,000 per month. Cutting coupons may be worth it when your career pays off, though, as those who make it in New York gain the respect of others worldwide.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Unless you are planning to launch a career in hospitality, you should steer clear of Vegas. The city experienced significant loss during the great recession of 2009, and many industries have not made a full recovery. In particular, the real estate market is still relatively slow. Sales agents and brokers should be wise before sinking their teeth into the Las Vegas housing market.

Tucson, Arizona

It’s over one hundred miles away from Phoenix and anything but a melting pot. It is relatively difficult to launch a successful career in the conservative city.

Little Rock, Arkansas

The Southern city is slowly entering the technology era, but most graduates steer clear of the town because of a lack of diversity. Little Rock is a great place for the simple life. The town is not ideal for new graduates hoping to dive into the city life.

Preston Guillot

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Preston Guillot

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