List Of Best US Cities For College Graduates With Ranked City And Metro Factors

In the US, graduation season has begun, with a new batch of adults entering the world, here is a ranked list of places that college graduates may consider moving to, based on various features that define their relevance to new graduates.

The assessment criteria are further explained in more detail, reflecting light on multiple aspects.

Metro-level factors

A range of metro-level characteristics significantly impacts young adults, including housing affordability, rental availability, job market favourability for recent college graduates, job stability, and employment options, as reported by Hindustan Times. Rental affordability is gauged by the rent-to-income ratio for households aged 25 to 34, indicating the feasibility of housing expenses relative to income. The rental vacancy rate determines rental availability, directly influencing housing options.

City-level factors

The proportion of new college graduate-friendly occupations, which highlight accessible employment opportunities, determines the job market's favourability for recent college graduates. Furthermore, job stability is evaluated using the projected unemployment rate, providing insight into the reliability of employment prospects. Summaries of online job openings offer an overview of available roles in a metro area, highlighting employment opportunities for young individuals.

The percentage of recent college graduates in a city impacts quality of life, indicating a vibrant and innovative environment. Average commute time affects daily convenience and stress levels. Culture and liveliness are assessed by the number of lifestyle businesses such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, and theatres listed on platforms like Yelp, offering insights into entertainment and social activities, as reported by Hindustan Times.

List of Leading Rental Markets for Recent College Graduates

Here are the top 10 rental markets that are favourable for recent college graduates based on rent-to-income ratio, college grad-friendly occupations, average commute time, and Yelp culture and lifestyle businesses:

1. Austin, TX

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 21.4%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 29.6%
• Average Commute Time: 26 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 21.5

2. Bloomington, MN

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 19.9%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 26.7%
• Average Commute Time: 23 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 22.4

3. Pittsburgh, PA

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 21.7%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 24.9%
• Average Commute Time: 25 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 24.6

4. Raleigh, NC

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 21.4%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 28.8%
• Average Commute Time: 25 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 17.1

5. Overland Park, KS

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 20.7%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 24.5%
• Average Commute Time: 22 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 18.1

6. Richmond, VA

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 24.6%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 25.8%
• Average Commute Time: 24 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 24.4

7. Scottsdale, AZ

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 24.4%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 22.1%
• Average Commute Time: 23 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 25.2

8. Beaverton, OR

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 22.9%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 25.8%
• Average Commute Time: 26 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 39.5

9. St. Louis, MO

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 21.7%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 24.7%
• Average Commute Time: 25 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 19

10. Atlanta, GA

• Rent-to-Income Ratio: 26.7%
• College Grad Friendly Occupations: 24.8%
• Average Commute Time: 28 minutes
• Yelp Culture and Lifestyle Businesses: 27.5

These cities offer attractive rental markets with affordable rent-to-income ratios and a high concentration of occupations suitable for college graduates, along with convenient commute times and a vibrant local culture as evidenced by the number of Yelp-rated establishments.

In 2024, shorter commute times are being offered by top cities, with an average of 25 minutes compared to the national average of 30 minutes. This results in potential savings of 43 hours annually for commuters, as per media reports.

The pack is led by Overland Park, KS, with a mere 22-minute average commute, which is attributed to its strategic location near major highways and thoroughfares. Following closely are Bloomington, MN, and Scottsdale, AZ, with a 23-minute average commute, providing efficient transportation options for residents.