Graduation day has passed and you are now facing the big question of where to live next. There are many things to consider before making a move, including job opportunities, rent prices, and lifestyle considerations.
To help, Redfin partnered with Glassdoor to rank the best U.S. cities for new graduates. We used data on early career salaries, housing affordability, and quality of life to create the Early Career Index, which highlights cities where young professionals can build both a career and a life they enjoy. Here’s how to think through your decisions.
TL;DR: Choose the right city after college
Prioritize jobs first: Look for cities with strong entry-level opportunities and salaries that align with your career goals. Check your home’s affordability: Aim to spend up to 30% of your income on rent or a mortgage, and consider the initial price of your home and the number of years you have to save for a down payment. Lifestyle factors: Choose a city that suits your hobbies, social life, and daily routine. Think long-term: Consider career growth, housing equity, and whether the city can support your goals over the next three to five years. Use our comparison matrix: Rank cities based on salaries, housing costs, commute, and lifestyle benefits to make an informed decision.
1. Evaluate the job opportunity first
When choosing a post-university city, your first city should support your career goals. A strong entry-level job scene not only provides immediate income but also lays the foundation for long-term career growth. Cities with a high demand for new graduates are likely to have higher starting salaries, more opportunities for advancement, and less competition to land your first role.
Examples from Redfin and Glassdoor Early Career Index:
Topping the list of major cities is Washington, DC. With initial career earnings of approximately $79,857 and a robust job market in technology, government, and consulting, recent graduates can find well-paying jobs while providing experience for long-term growth. Boston, Massachusetts is also a strong choice, with early career salaries near $80,000 and opportunities in technology, biotech, healthcare, and education. With a vibrant startup scene and prestigious universities, it’s easy to build connections early. Dallas, Texas and Austin, Texas are hubs for young professionals, offering stable entry-level salaries, a wealth of jobs in the technology, healthcare, and corporate sectors, as well as affordable housing and a vibrant social scene. Dallas brings established industries, while Austin shines with startups and creative opportunities. Omaha, Nebraska shows that mid-sized cities can shine, too. Healthcare and corporate opportunities (think Berkshire Hathaway and Union Pacific) allow new graduates to enjoy high starting salaries without having to contend with high housing costs. St. Louis, Missouri offers a mix of healthcare, finance, technology, and engineering roles, as well as affordable housing and a lower cost of living than coastal cities.
Tip: Use Glassdoor to research companies, salary ranges, and reviews to see if the city has the opportunities you want.
2. Consider housing costs and affordability.
Once you’ve evaluated job offers, the next step is to understand how far your salary extends in terms of housing. Rent and mortgage costs impact new graduates’ budgets, so it’s important to compare cities using realistic numbers like the price of your first home, the number of years you save for a down payment, and the percentage of your income that goes toward rent or mortgage.
A general rule of thumb is the 30% rule. Don’t spend more than 30% of your monthly income on rent or mortgage payments. By staying within this threshold, you can ensure that you can cover necessities like food, transportation, student loans, and savings while enjoying life outside of work.
Key takeaway: Be realistic about whether you can live comfortably in your target city, save for the future, and enjoy a good work-life balance. Housing affordability should always be considered alongside career possibilities. No salary is worth moving to a place you can’t actually afford to live in. Use Redfin tools to check home prices, get a mortgage quote, and compare renting versus buying.
3. Consider your lifestyle and personal priorities
It’s important to think about what kind of life you want to lead outside of work. Happiness in a new city is determined not only by salary and rent, but also by culture, social opportunities, and how well the city fits your personal interests.
Think about what is most important to you. Are you looking for live music and nightlife, beaches and outdoor adventures, or a walkable city close to coffee shops, parks, and cultural attractions?
Let’s look at some examples.
Austin, Texas: Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is home to music venues, festivals like SXSW, and outdoor leisure facilities like Barton Springs Pool. Miami, Florida: White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a vibrant nightlife combine with a variety of entry-level jobs in industries from tourism to healthcare. Santa Fe, New Mexico attracts graduates with an artistic and outdoor lifestyle who seek jobs in government, hospitality, and health care. New Orleans, Louisiana offers a vibrant, sociable urban experience with walkable neighborhoods, live jazz music, and affordable rents.
Key takeaway: Lifestyle should complement your career and housing decisions. By choosing a city that fits your hobbies, social preferences, and daily routine, you can ensure that your post-university life is balanced and fulfilling.
4. Transportation and commuting evaluation
The way you travel can change your daily routine, especially when starting a new job. Long commutes and transportation costs can eat up your time and budget, but having a walkable city and reliable public transportation can make your post-university life much easier. Consider whether you need a car, how much time you can spend commuting, and which neighborhoods will make your daily life easier.
Best cities to move to:
Chicago, Illinois: A well-connected city with an extensive bus and train network. Many neighborhoods are walkable, making it easy to balance work and social life without the need for a car. Boston, Massachusetts: Compact, walkable, and has great public transportation options. Work, restaurants and cultural attractions are easily accessible on foot or by subway. Washington DC: Dense job market with great metro service. Many entry-level positions are located near public transportation, making commuting less stressful. Austin, Texas vs. Dallas, Texas: Large spreads often mean you need a car, so consider your budget for gas, insurance, and parking when considering your housing options.
Bottom line: Transportation shapes your lifestyle and your wallet. Choosing a city with transit options or planning around commuting by car can help you enjoy your new city while maintaining work-life balance.
5. Long-term growth and future plans
It’s easy to get caught up in your starting salary or current rent, but your long-term future is also important. Look for cities that offer opportunities to advance your career, build home equity, and enjoy a lifestyle that lasts for years. By choosing a city that supports both professional and economic growth, you can make your post-university transition smoother and more sustainable.
Some factors to keep in mind:
Advance your career: Look for cities with a high concentration of companies in your field. For example: Washington, DC is experiencing continued growth in government, consulting, and technology. Austin, Texas offers upward mobility in healthcare, technology, and education. Home Appraisal and Equity: Evaluate the feasibility of purchasing a home and how the local housing market will grow over time. Omaha, Nebraska and St. Louis, Missouri offer affordable starter homes and equity growth potential. Despite the high salaries, San Diego, California is a difficult location for first-time buyers to access. Lifestyle longevity: Make sure your city has the amenities and community that will keep you happy long-term. Boston, Massachusetts and Miami, Florida have vibrant cultural and social scenes. Dallas, Texas and Houston, Texas balance affordability and recreational opportunities.
Choosing a city with potential for long-term growth professionally, economically, and personally will help you build a solid foundation for your career and life after college.
Practical steps to narrow down your city list
Choosing the right city can be difficult because there are so many factors to consider, including work, housing, lifestyle, commuting, and long-term growth. Breaking down decision-making into clear steps helps new graduates make choices that balance both practicality and personal priorities.
1. Prioritize
Decide what’s most important to you: a well-paying job, affordable housing, a comfortable lifestyle, and a convenient commute.
Is affordability your first priority? Cities like Omaha, Nebraska, and St. Louis, Missouri could rise to the top. What is your priority for career advancement? Consider Washington, DC or Boston, Massachusetts.
2. Create a comparison matrix
List the top 5-10 cities with key metrics in a table and use them to perform side-by-side comparisons to find the city with the best balance of salary, housing, commute, and lifestyle.
example:
City Average Salary Entry Level Home Rent Income % Commuting LifestyleDC$79,857$320,00034%Good Subway Museum, Food SceneOmaha$59,123$195,00028%Short Music/Brewery SceneAustin$72,025$276,60035%Car RequiredLive Music, Lake
3. Visit or explore online
If possible, tour nearby neighborhoods or use online resources to get a feel for the area. Check local job boards, Reddit forums, and city guides for real-world perspective.
4. Consider long-term goals
Consider how each city supports career advancement, housing equity, and a lifestyle you can maintain for the next three to five years.
5. Make decisions with confidence
Balance your data with your personal preferences. Remember that no city is perfect, only the city that best fits your priorities at this time.
Breaking down your decision into these practical steps will make it easier to objectively evaluate your city while taking into account your lifestyle and future goals. With data from sources like Redfin and Glassdoor, you can not only follow trends but also make informed choices.
Final thoughts: How to choose the right city after college
Choosing the right city for you after college starts with a clear understanding of your career, housing, and lifestyle priorities. By evaluating job opportunities, affordability, commute, and long-term growth, new graduates can find a city that supports both their work and personal goals. With careful planning and a housing-first approach, you can confidently take the next step toward building a fulfilling post-college life.
