Say it with me, the next chapter of my life will be even better than the last one. Let me start by congratulating you on earning your degree! Congrats, and just know your hard work will pay off. As you begin planning for what’s next, use this article to help decide what city will have the privilege of being your new home. Maybe you’re thinking big like LA or NYC. Or you’re considering a trendy city like Chicago or Nashville. Whichever direction you take, do it with confidence and excitement! This article will share some highly underrated cities that recent college graduates should consider moving to. I’ll break down the pros and cons and provide some stats so you can really think this through. Alright, let’s jump into this list!
Bloomington, Minnesota
Starting off strong with this Midwest city, we have the highly underrated Bloomington, MN. In May, 2024 USA Today ranked Bloomington as a great city for college grads. I’m including Bloomington in this list of underrated cities mainly because Minnesota does not get the attention it deserves. If you can handle the cold then you can truly thrive in Bloomington because of its low cost of living and unemployment rates.
For example, here are some compelling stats about Bloomington, MN:
- 26.7% of jobs require no prior work experience
- 3.1% unemployment rate
- 19.9% rent to income ratio
As a result, Bloomington has a job market that recent grads can totally thrive in! A large share of the Bloomington job market does not require work experience. This means your degree on its own can make you a qualified candidate for open positions. Furthermore, some hiring managers will be impressed by Summer internships or on campus jobs worked during the school year. Either way, you and your newfound knowledge should consider moving to Bloomington.
Additional attractions in/near Bloomington, MN:
- Mall of America
- Vikings NFL & Timberwolves NBA
- Mississippi River Walk
San Antonio, Texas
Let’s take things down South with this next underrated city. Many celebrities and business headquarters are found in Texas cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Now it’s time to introduce ya’ll to the highly slept on- San Antonio. If you’re in need of some southern hospitality, excellent Mexican food, and low cost of living, this is the city for you!
Here’s proof that recent grads thrive in San Antonio:
- The cost of living is nearly 8% lower than the national average
- Financial services and energy companies have high hiring rates in San Antonio
- Median cost for a home is $113,100
In conclusion, San Antonio has a rising job market that recent grads can absolutely excel in! My only suggestion is making sure you own a car before moving to SA because it is not a walkable city. Otherwise, you’ll surely find cheap rent, fun activities, and a quality job in this city.
Additional attractions in San Antonio, TX:
- River Walk
- 6 Flags Amusement Park
- The Alamo
Raleigh, North Carolina
This city may be more popular than the others but I’d love to see more graduates move here after college. A study conducted by ADP Research Institute found that Raleigh is one of the top cities for grads aged 20 to 29 years old. This was concluded based on wages, hiring, and affordability. If you’re a fan of warm weather, beaches, and delicious barbecue please consider making the move to Raleigh after graduation!
3 reasons Raleigh, NC is a good city for grads:
- Glassdoor regularly ranks Raleigh as a top city for job opportunities
- 21 minutes is the average commute for employees living in Raleigh
- $30,306 annual income per capita
Ultimately, Raleigh is a thriving city where recent grads can go to jump start their career. With many companies headquartered in Raleigh, and being conveniently located near the research triangle you’re sure to secure a great role. Let’s not forget that post-grad life is about more than working. Raleigh provides a good time and good job opportunities making it a strong contender for someone looking to move after graduation.
Activities in/near Raleigh, NC:
- Pullen Park
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- Lenovo Center Arena
Hartford, Connecticut
Let’s not exclude the Northeast from this list of underrated cities for recent college graduates. It wouldn’t surprise me if some of you already plan to head to New York or Boston after walking the stage. If you haven’t locked in your new home yet, please consider Hartford, Connecticut as an option. The department of labor reported October 2024 as the lowest unemployment rate in Connecticut since 2001. Coming in at only 3% it’s undeniable that Hartford is hiring! If I was looking for a job I’d certainly be applying in Hartford and ready to move once the offer letter is signed.
Full transparency here, living in Connecticut is not cheap! I’ve included Hartford on this list because it is cheaper than other popular cities in the Northeast region, not because it is necessarily affordable. Living in Hartford can provide easy access to cities like New York and Philly without the high crime rate and overwhelming tourism.
Fun things to do in/near Hartford, CT:
- Bushnell Plaza Sculpture Garden
- The Mark Twain House
- Parkville Market
I hope this post opened your mind to some underrated cities to live in. For more content about post grad living arrangements, read this article about housing options for recent college graduates. Just remember, post-grad life is a big transition from college. The first place you live likely will not be your forever home, but it’s still important to put thought into where you want to live. Being around friends and family can help guide your decision. Also consider cost of living, attractions, weather, crime rate, and of course- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
