Where do young professionals who make up a third of the working population go to start their careers? When it comes to finding a new hometown, the needs can widely vary for young professionals. Whether you are moving for a fresh start or career advancement, young professionals want to make sure they are getting the best quality of life.
Cities such as New York City seem to be losing its appeal. The June 2020 SmartAsset report shows that New York didn’t even make the top 25. In fact, young professionals seem to be migrating largely to Midwestern cities. Further, many of these cities are typically more affordable than traditional “hot spots” like New York City. With a recent ranking from SmartAsset, LTi came up with the 7 best cities to live in using different metrics, such as average weekly commute, ability to work from home, and housing affordability.
- Des Moines, IA
Recently, Des Moines has been ranked as one of the best cities to live in America and one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest. As a younger growing city, Des Moines’ has 16.16% of the population between ages 25 and 34. Des Moines also ranks the best for its low median rent at $837, making housing very affordable.
- Denver, CO
Denver has consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in due to its optimal weather for those who enjoy being outside. For example, temperatures in the winter average 31 degrees and low 70s in the summer. With a fairly young population, Denver boasts as ranking the highest percentage of young professionals between ages 25 and 34 at 23.34%. Denver also ranks high for a four-year change in median earnings with 17.52%.
- Lincoln, NE
Lincoln is emerging as one of America’s up-and-coming tech hotspots. Lincoln has become a haven for entrepreneurs seeking an affordable home. With the lowest unemployment rate at 5.0% and its median rent at $843, Lincoln is one of America’s best places to start a career. Lincoln also ranks 16th-highest for a four-year change in median earnings at nearly 20%.
- Austin TX
Austin makes it on the list as the top southern state to live in for young professionals. Austin was recently named the fastest growing large city in the U.S. based on affordability, job prospects, and quality of life. With a large younger population, Austin has nearly 23% of the population between the ages of 25 and 34. Austin also ranks high for a four-year change in median earnings with 23.01%.
- Minneapolis, MN
In addition, Minneapolis has fared well and comes in third overall on the list. The city has the 11th-highest percentage of its population between 25 and 34, at 21.97%. For a bigger city, Minneapolis has a low unemployment rate at 10.6%. The cost of living comes in at $21,603 and a median rent of $1,052.
- Kansas City, MO
Specifically, known for its great sports teams and culture, Kansas City is moving forward as a hotspot for young professionals with 17.53% of the population between ages 25 and 34. With lots to do in Kansas City between their two great sports team, famous barbeque, and weekend activities, young professionals can enjoy an affordable cost of living at $19,792.
- Omaha, NE
Finally, topping the list is Omaha. It is the largest city in the state of Nebraska and ranks as the nation’s 40th-largest city. Omaha has consistently gotten national praise for scoring high as one of the best cities to live in. One thing to consider is Omaha’s unemployment rate at 6.3%, making it one of the lowest on the list. With 15.47% of the population between 25 and 34 and the cost of living estimated at $20,421, Omaha scores extremely high for the best cities to live in.
